10-K 1 file001.txt ELAS 10K ================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 --------------------------- FORM 10-K (Mark One) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) [X] OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 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 0-25280 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New York 13-5570651 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 554-1234 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each exchange on Title of each class which registered -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- None None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock (Par Value $1.25 Per Share) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] Indicted by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X] No voting or non-voting common equity of the registrant is held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 27, 2003. As of March 27, 2003, 2,000,000 shares of the registrant's Common Stock were outstanding. REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT: Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with the Reduced Disclosure Format. ================================================================================ TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I Page ---- Item 1. Business........................................................................ 1-1 Overview........................................................................ 1-1 Recent Events................................................................... 1-1 Segment Information............................................................. 1-2 Discontinued Operations......................................................... 1-5 General Account Investment Portfolio............................................ 1-5 Employees and Financial Professionals........................................... 1-6 Competition..................................................................... 1-6 Regulation...................................................................... 1-7 Parent Company.................................................................. 1-9 Item 2. Properties...................................................................... 2-1 Item 3. Legal Proceedings............................................................... 3-1 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders*............................ 4-1 Part II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters........... 5-1 Item 6. Selected Financial Data*........................................................ 6-1 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("Management Narrative")................................ 7-1 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk...................... 7A-1 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..................................... FS-1 Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure.......................................................... 9-1 Part III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant*............................. 10-1 Item 11. Executive Compensation*......................................................... 11-1 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management*................. 12-1 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions*................................. 13-1 Item 14. Controls and Procedures......................................................... 14-1 Part IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K................. 15-1 Signatures ................................................................................ S-1 Certifications ................................................................................ C-1 Index to Exhibits................................................................................ E-1
*Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I to Form 10-K PART I, ITEM 1. BUSINESS (1) OVERVIEW Equitable Life, which was established in the State of New York in 1859, is among the largest life insurance companies in the United States, with approximately three million policy and contractholders as of December 31, 2002. Equitable Life, through its ownership of an approximate 42.8% economic interest in Alliance and its affiliation with THE HOLDING COMPANY, AXA Advisors, AXA Distributors and AXA Network, is part of a diversified financial services organization offering a broad spectrum of financial advisory, insurance and investment management services. The Company is one of the world's largest asset managers, with total assets under management of approximately $415.31 billion at December 31, 2002. Equitable Life's insurance business, conducted principally by Equitable Life and its subsidiaries, EOC and AXA Distributors, is reported in the Insurance segment. The investment management business conducted by Alliance Capital Management L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and its subsidiaries ("Alliance"), is reported in the Investment Services segment. Alliance is a leading global investment management firm. For additional information on Equitable Life's business segments, see "Results Of Continuing Operations By Segment" included in the management narrative ("Management Narrative") provided in lieu of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Since Equitable Life's demutualization in 1992, it has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. AXA, a French holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies, is the Holding Company's sole shareholder. AXA is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and files annual reports on Form 20-F. For additional information regarding AXA, see "Parent Company". RECENT EVENTS In 2001, AXA's management announced, in view of the decline in financial markets and challenging overall economic environment, the implementation of a global cost reduction program aimed at reducing administrative expenses by 10% groupwide. In the United States in 2001, 2002 and early 2003, AXA Financial reduced staff levels and other overhead costs and reorganized its field operations from 18 regions to six divisions. These measures are designed to reduce costs and achieve greater efficiencies. The Company's losses, incurred in 2001, for insurance claims arising in connection with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were approximately $14.2 million after reinsurance coverages, DAC amortization and taxes. These terrorist attacks and the responsive actions have significantly adversely affected general economic, market and political conditions. For additional information, see "General Account Investment Portfolio". In November 2000, AXA and AXA Merger Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA, commenced a joint exchange offer for all outstanding publicly held shares of common stock of the Holding Company. As a result, as of December 31, 2000, AXA and its subsidiaries owned approximately 92.4% of the issued and outstanding Holding Company shares. AXA and its subsidiaries acquired the remaining issued and outstanding Holding Company shares as of January 2, 2001, resulting in the Holding Company becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA. ---------- (1) As used in this Form 10-K, the term "Equitable Life" refers to The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, a New York stock life insurance corporation, "Holding Company" refers to AXA Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly known as The Equitable Companies Incorporated, "AXA Financial" refers to the Holding Company and its subsidiaries, and the "Company" refers to Equitable Life and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term "Insurance Group" refers collectively to Equitable Life and certain of its affiliates engaged in insurance-related businesses, including The Equitable of Colorado, Inc. ("EOC") and AXA Distributors, LLC and its subsidiaries, successor to Equitable Distributors, Inc. (collectively, "AXA Distributors"). The term "Financial Advisory/Insurance Group" refers collectively to Equitable Life, EOC, AXA Distributors, AXA Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("AXA Advisors"), and AXA Network, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and its subsidiaries (collectively "AXA Network"). The term "General Account" refers to the assets held in the respective general accounts of Equitable Life and EOC and all of the investment assets held in certain of Equitable Life's separate accounts on which the Insurance Group bears the investment risk. The term "Separate Accounts" refers to the Separate Account investment assets of Equitable Life excluding the assets held in those separate accounts on which the Insurance Group bears the investment risk. The term "General Account Investment Assets" refers to assets held in the General Account associated with the Insurance Group's continuing operations (which includes the Closed Block) and does not include assets held in the General Account associated primarily with the Insurance Group's discontinued Wind-Up Annuity line of business ("Discontinued Operations"). 1-1 On November 3, 2000, the Company and the Holding Company sold their 63.0% interest in Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. ("DLJ") to Credit Suisse Group ("CSG") for $2.29 billion in cash and $4.86 billion (or 25.2 million shares) in CSG common stock. By January 26, 2001, the Company had disposed of all of the CSG common stock acquired in the transaction. For additional information about the DLJ sale, see "Management Narrative -- General" and Notes 1 and 5 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In October 2000, Alliance acquired (the "Bernstein Acquisition") the business and assets and assumed the liabilities of SCB Inc., formerly known as Sanford C. Bernstein, Inc. ("Bernstein"), for an aggregate value of $3.50 billion ($1.48 billion in cash and 40.8 million newly issued units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests of Alliance ("Alliance Units")). In November 2002, pursuant to Bernstein and SCB Partners Inc.'s exercise of their rights to sell Alliance Units to AXA Financial or an entity designated by AXA Financial, an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of AXA Financial purchased 8.16 million Alliance Units at a purchase price of approximately $250 million. At December 31, 2002, AXA Financial's consolidated economic interest in Alliance is approximately 55.7% after giving effect to consummation of the Bernstein Acquisition and the November 2002 acquisition of Alliance Units, and also includes the 42.8% held by the Company. For additional information about the Bernstein Acquisition and the November 2002 acquisition, see "Management Narrative -- General" and Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. SEGMENT INFORMATION INSURANCE The Insurance Group offers a variety of traditional, variable and interest-sensitive life insurance products and variable and fixed-interest annuity products to individuals, small groups, small and medium-size businesses, state and local governments and not-for-profit organizations. It also administers traditional participating group annuity contracts with conversion features, generally for corporate qualified pension plans, and association plans which provide full service retirement programs for individuals affiliated with professional and trade associations. The Insurance segment, which includes Separate Accounts for individual and group insurance and annuity products, accounted for approximately $4.67 billion (or 63.6% of total revenues, after intersegment eliminations) for the year ended December 31, 2002. Insurance segment products are offered on a retail basis in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by AXA Advisors, a broker-dealer, and AXA Network, an insurance general agency, through a retail sales force of approximately 7,100 financial professionals. In addition, AXA Distributors, a broker-dealer subsidiary of Equitable Life, distributes Equitable Life products on a wholesale basis in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through major securities firms, other broker-dealers and banks. Association and corporate pension plans are marketed directly to clients by the Insurance Group. For additional information on this segment, see "Management Narrative - Results Of Continuing Operations By Segment- Insurance", Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as "Employees and Agents", "Competition" and "Regulation". PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. The Insurance Group offers a portfolio of insurance, annuity and investment products designed to meet a broad range of its customers' needs throughout their financial life cycles. The Insurance Group is among the country's leading issuers of variable life insurance and variable annuity products. In 2002, individual variable and interest-sensitive life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts accounted for 15.9% and 66.0%, respectively of total premiums and deposits of life insurance and annuity products. Variable life insurance products include Incentive Life(sm), Equitable Life's flagship life insurance product, as well as a second-to-die policy and a product for the corporate owned life insurance ("COLI") market. Equitable Life also offers traditional whole life insurance, universal life insurance and term life insurance policies. Variable annuity products include Equi-Vest(R) and Accumulator(sm), which are a series of individual variable deferred annuities, and the Momentum(sm) series of group annuities for the employer retirement plan market. Individual variable deferred annuities may be purchased on either a single or flexible premium basis; group annuities generally have recurring premium from the retirement plans they fund. Most individual variable annuity products offer one or more enhanced features, which may include an extra-credit to the initial account value, dollar cost averaging programs, enhanced death benefits and a guaranteed minimum income benefit. In addition, in April 2002, Equitable Life introduced a new Accumulator(sm) series of annuities that offer a menu of various contract features that may be selected by customers. 1-2 Equitable Life also offers individual single premium deferred annuities including Guaranteed Growth Annuity, introduced in September 2001, which credit an initial and subsequent annually declared interest rates, and payout annuity products, including traditional immediate annuities and variable immediate annuities, which provide lifetime periodic payments that fluctuate with the performance of underlying investment portfolios, and the Income Manager(sm), which provides guaranteed lifetime payments with cash values during an initial period. The continued growth of third-party assets under management remains a strategic objective of the Insurance Group, which seeks to increase the percentage of its income that is fee-based and derived from managing funds, including Separate Account assets, for its clients (who bear the investment risk and reward upon surrender). Over the past five years, Separate Account assets for individual variable life and variable annuities have increased by $7.86 billion to $32.36 billion at December 31, 2002 (although, these assets declined from $39.66 billion at December 2001), including approximately $29.42 billion invested through EQ Advisors Trust ("EQAT"), a mutual fund offering variable life and annuity contractholders investment portfolios advised by Alliance and by unaffiliated investment advisors. At December 31, 2002, EQAT had 34 investment portfolios. Alliance, including its Bernstein Investment Research and Management unit, provides the day-to-day advisory services to 11 investment portfolios and three allocated portions of multi-advised portfolios of EQAT, representing 70.6% of the assets in EQAT. The other 23 investment portfolios and allocated portions of multi-advised investment portfolios are advised by unaffiliated investment advisors. Equitable Life also issues certain variable annuity products that contain a guaranteed minimum income benefit ("GMIB") feature and/or a guaranteed minimum death benefit ("GMDB") feature. The GMIB feature, if elected by the policyholder after a stipulated waiting period from contract issuance, guarantees a minimum lifetime annuity based on predetermined annuity purchase rates that may be in excess of what the contract account value can purchase at then-current annuity purchase rates. The GMDB feature, if elected by the policyholder, guarantees a minimum death benefit which may be in excess of the contract account value. For additional information, see Notes 2, 9 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. During periods of sustained market downturns, such as the one we are currently experiencing, demand for variable products like the ones emphasized by Equitable Life typically declines relative to fixed products. In response to this market environment, Equitable Life is placing greater emphasis on the development and sale of fixed products. In January 2002, Equitable Life launched the AXA Premier Funds Trust, a family of multi-manager, sub-advised retail mutual funds which provide investors with diversified investment strategies based on their individual needs and risk tolerance. The AXA Premier Funds Trust features ten mutual funds, including eight equity funds, one bond fund and one money market fund. The equity and bond funds are also offered within the Equitable Life variable life and annuity product array through AXA Premier VIP Trust, a new trust established for this purpose. Eighteen money management firms serve as sub-advisers to the AXA Premier Funds Trust, including Alliance, its Bernstein Investment Research and Management unit, and AXA Rosenberg Investment Management LLC. At December 31, 2002, the AXA Premier Funds Trust had assets of $119 million and AXA Premier VIP Trust had assets of $875 million. Equitable Life's affiliates provide the day-to-day advisory services to 15 allocated portions, which represent approximately 19% of the combined assets, of the AXA Premier Funds Trust and AXA Premier VIP Trust. Equitable Life serves as the Investment Manager of EQAT, AXA Premier Funds Trust and AXA Premier VIP Trust. In addition to products issued by the Insurance Group, AXA Advisors and AXA Network provide their financial professionals with access to products and services from unaffiliated insurers and from other financial services firms, including life, health and long-term care insurance products, annuity products and mutual funds and other investment products and services. AXA Advisors also offers financial planning services, an asset management account and money management products. MARKETS. Targeted customers for the Company's products include affluent and emerging affluent individuals, such as professionals and owners of small businesses, as well as employees of public schools, universities, not-for-profit entities and certain other tax-exempt organizations, and existing customers. Variable and universal life insurance are targeted at the middle-to-upper income life markets. Life insurance products are also used in the estate planning, business continuation and executive benefit markets. Target markets for variable annuities include, in addition to the personal retirement savings market, the tax-exempt markets (particularly retirement plans for educational and not-for-profit organizations), corporate pension plans (particularly 401(k) defined contribution plans for small to mid-size groups) and the IRA retirement planning market. Mutual funds and other investment products are intended for new and existing financial planning, annuity and brokerage clients to add breadth and depth to the range of products the Insurance Group is able to provide. 1-3 DISTRIBUTION. Retail distribution of products and services is accomplished by approximately 7,100 financial professionals of AXA Advisors and/or AXA Network, approximately 3,000 of whom are fully credentialed to offer a broad array of insurance and investment products and who account for the substantial majority of our production. Field operations are organized into six divisions across the United States. The retail organization's business process and informational website, www.AXAonline.com, provides operational efficiencies for retail distribution, serving as the single point of entry for all web-based company resources. Wholesale distribution of products is undertaken through AXA Distributors, which at year end 2002 had 615 selling agreements, including arrangements with four major wirehouse firms, 90 banks or similar financial institutions, and 521 broker-dealers and financial planners. Three major securities firms were responsible for approximately 25.4%, 14.4% and 9.1%, respectively, of AXA Distributors' 2002 premiums and deposits. In 2002, AXA Distributors was responsible for approximately 34.32% of product sales. Equitable Life has entered into agreements pursuant to which it compensates AXA Advisors and AXA Network for distributing and servicing Equitable Life's products. The agreements provide that compensation will not exceed any limitations imposed by applicable law. Equitable Life agreements provide to each of AXA Advisors and AXA Network personnel, property, and services reasonably necessary for their operations. AXA Advisors and AXA Network pay Equitable Life their actual costs (direct and indirect) and expenses under the respective agreements. REINSURANCE. During the first quarter of 2003, the Insurance Group began to transition to excess of retention reinsurance on most new variable life, universal life and term life policies whereby mortality risk will be retained up to a maximum of $15 million on single-life policies and $20 million on second-to-die policies with the excess 100% reinsured. Previously the Insurance Group ceded 90% of mortality risk on substantially all new variable life, universal life and term life policies, with risk retained to a maximum of $5 million on single-life policies, and $15 million on second-to-die policies. For amounts applied for in excess of those limits, reinsurance is sought. A contingent liability exists with respect to reinsurance ceded should the reinsurers be unable to meet their obligations. Therefore, the Insurance Group carefully evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. The Insurance Group is not party to any risk reinsurance arrangement with any reinsurer pursuant to which the amount of reserves on reinsurance ceded to such reinsurer equals more than 3.8% of the total policy life reserves of the Insurance Group (including Separate Accounts). The Insurance Group also cedes a percentage of its exposure on variable annuity products which contain a GMIB and/or GMDB feature. Equitable Life reinsures, subject to certain maximum amounts or caps in any one period, approximately 72% of its net amount of risk resulting from the GMIB feature and approximately 16% of its net amount of risk to the GMDB obligation on annuity contracts in force as of December 31, 2002. For additional information, see Notes 2, 9 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Insurance Group acts as a retrocessionaire by assuming life reinsurance from reinsurers. Mortality risk through reinsurance assumed is managed under the same corporate retention amounts noted above, although lower internal retention limits currently apply to life reinsurance assumed. In July 2000, Equitable Life transferred, at no gain or loss, all the risk of its directly written disability income business for years 1993 and prior to Centre Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services ("Centre Life"). The transfer of risk to Centre Life was accomplished through an indemnity reinsurance contract. The cost of the arrangement will be amortized over the expected lives of the contracts reinsured and will not have a significant impact on the results of operations in any specific period. For additional information about this indemnity reinsurance contract and the Insurance Group's reinsurance agreements in general, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. INVESTMENT SERVICES GENERAL. The Investment Services segment is comprised of the operations of Alliance, which provides diversified investment management and related services to the Insurance Group and globally to a broad range of other clients, including (a) institutional investors, consisting of unaffiliated entities such as corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments, and AXA and its insurance company subsidiaries, by means of separate accounts, sub-advisory relationships resulting from the efforts of the institutional marketing department, structured products, group trusts, mutual funds and investment vehicles sold exclusively to institutional investors and high net worth individuals, (b) private clients, consisting of high net worth individuals, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations and other entities, by means of separate accounts, hedge funds, and 1-4 certain other vehicles, (c) individual investors by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by Alliance, its subsidiaries and affiliated joint venture companies including cash management products such as money market funds and deposit accounts and sub-advisory relationships in respect of mutual funds sponsored by third parties resulting from the efforts of Alliance's mutual fund marketing department and "managed account" products, and (d) institutional investors desiring institutional research services by means of in-depth research, portfolio strategy, trading and brokerage-related services. Alliance and its subsidiaries provide investment management, distribution and shareholder and administrative services to the mutual funds described in this paragraph. Alliance provides a broad offering of investment products, global in scope, with expertise in both growth and value oriented strategies, the two predominant equity investment styles, coupled with a fixed income capability in both taxable and tax exempt securities. The Investment Services segment in 2002 accounted for approximately $2.74 billion (or 37.4%) of total revenues, after intersegment eliminations. As of December 31, 2002, Alliance had approximately $386.58 billion in assets under management including approximately $210.99 billion from institutional investors, $39.69 billion for private clients and approximately $135.90 billion from retail mutual fund accounts. As of December 31, 2002, assets of AXA, the Holding Company and the Insurance Group, including investments in EQAT, represented approximately 14.6% of Alliance's total assets under management, and approximately 4.6% of Alliance's total revenues. INTEREST IN ALLIANCE. At December 31, 2002, the Holding Company, Equitable Life and certain subsidiaries had combined holdings equaling an approximate 55.7% economic interest in Alliance's operations, including the general partnership interest held indirectly by Equitable Life as the sole shareholder of the general partner of Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. ("Alliance Holding") and Alliance. Alliance Holding is subject to an annual 3.5% Federal tax on its proportionate share of the gross business income of Alliance. Alliance, as a private partnership, is not subject to this 3.5% tax. Alliance Holding and Alliance are generally not subject to state and local income taxes, with the exception of the New York City unincorporated business tax of 4.0%. For additional information about Alliance, including its results of operations, see "Regulation" and "Management Narrative - Results Of Continuing Operations By Segment - Investment Services" and Alliance's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT AND FEES The Company continues to pursue its strategy of increasing third-party assets under management. The Investment Services segment continues to add third-party assets under management, and to provide asset management services to the Insurance Group. Of the $415.31 billion of assets under management at December 31, 2002, $337.99 billion (or 81.4%) were managed for third parties, including $298.98 billion from unaffiliated third parties and $39.01 billion for the Separate Accounts, and $38.31 billion were managed principally for the General Account and invested assets of subsidiaries. Of the $1.85 billion of fees for assets under management for the year ended December 31, 2002, $1.81 billion were received from third parties, including $1.74 billion from unaffiliated third parties and $70.16 million in respect of Separate Accounts, and $36.17 million in respect of the General Account. For additional information on assets under management, see "Management Narrative - Results Of Continuing Operations By Segment - Assets Under Management". DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Discontinued Operations includes primarily Wind-Up Annuity products, the terms of which were fixed at issue, which were sold to corporate sponsors of terminating qualified defined benefit plans. At December 31, 2002, $909.5 million of contractholder liabilities were outstanding. For additional information about discontinued operations, see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. GENERAL ACCOUNT INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO GENERAL. The General Account consists of a diversified portfolio of investments. The General Account liabilities can be divided into two primary types, participating and non-participating. For participating products, the investment results of the underlying assets determine, to a large extent, the return to the policyholder, and the Insurance Group's profits are earned from investment management, mortality and other charges. For non-participating or interest-sensitive products, the Insurance Group's profits are earned from a positive spread between the investment return and the crediting or reserve interest rate. 1-5 The Insurance Group has developed an asset/liability management approach with separate investment objectives for specific classes of product liabilities, such as insurance, annuity and group pension. As part of this approach, the Insurance Group develops investment guidelines for each product line which form the basis for investment strategies to manage such product line's investment return and liquidity requirements, consistent with management's overall investment objectives for the General Account Investment Portfolio. Investments frequently meet the investment objectives of more than one class of product liabilities; each such class may be allocated a pro rata interest in such investments and the returns therefrom. The following table summarizes General Account Investment Assets by asset category at December 31, 2002. GENERAL ACCOUNT INVESTMENT ASSETS NET AMORTIZED COST (1) (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
AMOUNT % OF TOTAL ------------------ --------------- Fixed maturities (2)................... $ 25,501.1 71.5% Mortgages.............................. 3,770.5 10.6 Equity real estate..................... 708.1 2.0 Other equity investments............... 906.5 2.5 Policy loans........................... 4,034.7 11.3 Cash and short-term investments (3).... 745.4 2.1 ----------------- ---------------- Total.................................. $ 35,666.3 100.0% ================= ================
(1) Net Amortized Cost is the cost of the General Account Investment Assets (adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary, if any) less depreciation and amortization, where applicable, and less valuation allowances on mortgage and real estate portfolios. (2) Excludes net unrealized gains of $1.54 billion on fixed maturities classified as available for sale. Fixed maturities includes approximately $1.82 billion net amortized cost of below investment grade securities. (3) Comprised of "Cash and cash equivalents" and short-term investments included within the "Other invested assets" caption on the consolidated balance sheet. Certain investments contained in the General Account's investment portfolio include securities issued by companies in the above mentioned industries that could be adversely affected by future terrorist acts and any responsive actions. These industries could include commercial airlines, hotels and property and casualty insurers and reinsurers. As of December 31, 2002, directly held investments in fixed income or equities involving companies in the above-mentioned industries represented approximately 2.0% of the General Account investment portfolio. INVESTMENT SURVEILLANCE. As part of the Insurance Group's investment management process, management, with the assistance of its investment advisors, constantly monitors General Account investment performance. This internal review process culminates with a quarterly review of certain assets by the Insurance Group's Surveillance Committee which evaluates whether any investments are other than temporarily impaired, whether specific investments should be classified as problems, potential problems or restructures, and whether specific investments should be put on an interest non-accrual basis. EMPLOYEES AND FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS As of December 31, 2002, the Insurance Group had approximately 4,687 full-time employees and Alliance had approximately 4,118 full-time employees. In addition, the Financial Advisory/Insurance Group had a sales force of approximately 7,100 financial professionals, including approximately 446 field force managers. COMPETITION INSURANCE GROUP. There is strong competition among companies seeking clients for the types of products and services provided by the Insurance Group. Many other insurance companies offer one or more products similar to those offered by the Insurance Group and in some cases through similar marketing techniques. In addition, there is competition with banks, brokerage firms and other financial institutions for sales of insurance, annuity and other investment products and services and with mutual funds, investment advisers and other financial entities 1-6 for the investment of savings dollars. The principal competitive factors affecting the Insurance Group's business are price, financial and claims-paying ratings, size, strength, professionalism and objectivity of the sales force, range of product lines, product quality, reputation and customer service, visibility and brand recognition in the marketplace, quality of service and, with respect to variable insurance and annuity products, mutual funds and other investment products, investment management performance. FINANCIAL RATINGS. Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. As of March 27, 2003, the financial strength or claims-paying rating of Equitable Life was AA- from Standard & Poor's Corporation (4th highest of 20 ratings; with stable outlook), Aa3 from Moody's Investors Service (4th highest of 21 ratings), A+ from A.M. Best Company, Inc. (2nd highest of 15 ratings), and AA from Fitch Investors Service, L.P. (3rd highest of 24 ratings). As of March 27, 2003, AXA Financial's long-term debt rating was A from Standard & Poor's Corporation (6th highest of 20 ratings; with outlook), A3 from Moody's Investors Services (7th highest of 21 ratings; with stable outlook) and A+ from Fitch Investors Service, L.P. (5th highest of 24 ratings). INVESTMENT SERVICES. The financial services industry is highly competitive and new entrants continually are attracted to it. No single competitor, or any small group of competitors, is dominant in the industry. Alliance is subject to substantial competition in all aspects of its business. Pension fund, institutional and corporate assets are managed by investment management firms, broker-dealers, banks and insurance companies. Many of these financial institutions have substantially greater resources than Alliance. Alliance competes with other providers of institutional investment products and services primarily on the basis of the range of investment products offered, the investment performance of such products and the services provided to clients. Consultants also play a major role in the selection of managers for pension funds. Many of the firms competing with Alliance for institutional clients also offer mutual fund shares and cash management services to individual investors. Competitiveness in this area is chiefly a function of the range of mutual funds and cash management services offered, investment performance, quality in servicing customer accounts and the capacity to provide financial incentives to financial intermediaries through distribution assistance and administrative services payments funded by "Rule 12b-1" distribution plans and the investment adviser's own resources. AXA, AXA Financial, Equitable Life and certain of their direct and indirect subsidiaries provide financial products and services, some of which are competitive with those offered by Alliance. Alliance's partnership agreement specifically allows Equitable Life and its subsidiaries (other than the general partner of Alliance ) to compete with Alliance and to exploit opportunities that may be available to Alliance. In addition, Alliance provides investment management services to unaffiliated insurance companies. Management from time to time continues to explore selective acquisition opportunities in AXA Financial's financial advisory/insurance and investment management businesses. REGULATION STATE SUPERVISION. Members of the Insurance Group are licensed to transact insurance business in, and are subject to extensive regulation and supervision by, insurance regulators in all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and nine of Canada's twelve provinces and territories. Equitable Life is domiciled in New York and is primarily regulated by the Superintendent (the "Superintendent") of the New York Insurance Department (the "NYID"). EOC is domiciled in Colorado and is primarily regulated by the Commissioner of Insurance of the Colorado Division of Insurance. The extent of state regulation varies, but most jurisdictions have laws and regulations governing sales practices, standards of solvency, levels of reserves, risk-based capital, permitted types and concentrations of investments, and business conduct to be maintained by insurance companies as well as agent licensing, approval of policy forms and, for certain lines of insurance, approval or filing of rates. Additionally, the New York Insurance Law limits sales commissions and certain other marketing expenses that may be incurred by Equitable Life. Each of Equitable Life and EOC is required to file detailed annual financial statements, prepared on a statutory accounting basis, with supervisory agencies in each of the jurisdictions in which it does business. Such agencies may conduct regular or targeted examinations of Equitable Life's and EOC's operations and accounts, and make occasional requests for particular information from the Insurance Group. In January 1998 the Florida Attorney General and the Florida Department of Insurance issued subpoenas to Equitable Life, and in December 1999 the Florida Attorney General issued an additional subpoena to Equitable Life, in each case requesting, among other things, documents relating to various sales practices. Equitable Life has responded to the subpoenas. A number of states have enacted legislation requiring insurers who sold policies in Europe prior to and during the Second World War to file information concerning those policies with state authorities. Although Equitable 1-7 Life intends to comply with these laws with respect to its own activities, the ability of AXA and its European affiliates to comply may be impacted by various factors including the availability of relevant information after the passage of more than 50 years and privacy laws in effect in various European countries, which could result in state regulatory authorities seeking to take enforcement actions against AXA and its U.S. affiliates, including Equitable Life, even though Equitable Life does not control AXA. HOLDING COMPANY AND SHAREHOLDER DIVIDEND REGULATION. Several states, including New York, regulate transactions between an insurer and its affiliates under insurance holding company acts. These acts contain certain reporting requirements and restrictions on provision of services and on transactions, such as intercompany service agreements, asset transfers, loans and shareholder dividend payments by insurers. Depending on their size, such transactions and payments may be subject to prior notice to or approval by the NYID. Equitable Life has agreed with the NYID that similar approval requirements also apply to transactions between (i) material subsidiaries of Equitable Life and (ii) the Holding Company (and certain affiliates, including AXA). In 2002, Equitable Life paid an aggregate of $500.0 million in shareholder dividends, and expects to pay dividends in 2003. STATUTORY SURPLUS AND CAPITAL. Insurance regulators have the discretionary authority to limit or prohibit new issuances of business to policyholders within their jurisdiction when, in their judgment, such regulators determine that the issuing company is not maintaining adequate statutory surplus or capital. FEDERAL INITIATIVES. Although the Federal government generally does not directly regulate the insurance business, many Federal laws affect the business in a variety of ways. There are a number of existing, newly enacted or recently proposed Federal initiatives which may significantly affect the Insurance Group. In June 2001, tax legislation was enacted which, among other things, provides several years of lower rates for estate, gift and generation skipping taxes ("GST") as well as one year of estate and GST repeal (in 2010) before a return to 2001 law for the year 2011 and thereafter. Other provisions of the legislation increased amounts which may be contributed to tax qualified retirement plans and could have a positive impact on funding levels of tax qualified retirement products. Recently, legislation has been proposed regarding accelerating and making permanent the repeal of the estate and generation skipping taxes. If enacted, this legislation would have an adverse impact on sales of life insurance in connection with estate planning. Other provisions of the proposed legislation relate to the business use of life insurance, creation of new tax favored savings accounts, modifications to qualified plan rules, the tax-free treatment of certain corporate dividends whether paid or retained and adjustments to certain life insurance company tax rules. If enacted, these provisions could adversely affect the sale of life insurance to businesses, as well as the attractiveness of qualified plan arrangements, cash value life insurance and deferred annuities and could increase life insurance company taxes. Management cannot predict what other proposals may be made, what legislation, if any, may be introduced or enacted or what the effect of any such legislation might be. SECURITIES LAWS. Equitable Life, EOC and certain policies and contracts offered by the Insurance Group are subject to regulation under the Federal securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and under certain state securities laws. The SEC conducts regular examinations of the Insurance Group's operations, and makes occasional requests for particular information from the Insurance Group. Certain Separate Accounts of Equitable Life are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). Separate Account interests under certain annuity contracts and insurance policies issued by Equitable Life are also registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). EQAT, AXA Premier Funds Trust, and AXA Premier VIP Trust are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act and shares offered by these investment companies are also registered under the Securities Act. AXA Advisors, AXA Distributors, Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC and certain other subsidiaries of AXA Financial are registered as broker-dealers (collectively the "Broker-Dealers") under the Exchange Act. The Broker-Dealers are subject to extensive regulation by the SEC, and are members of, and subject to regulation by, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). Broker-dealers are subject to regulation by state securities administrators in those states in which they conduct business. The SEC, other governmental regulatory authorities, including state securities administrators, and the NASD may institute administrative or judicial proceedings which may result in censure, fine, the issuance of cease-and-desist orders, the suspension or expulsion of a broker-dealer or member, its officers or employees or other similar consequences. As broker-dealers registered with the SEC, the Broker-Dealers are subject to the capital requirements of the SEC and/or NASD. These capital requirements specify minimum levels of capital, computed in accordance with regulatory requirements ("net capital"), that the Broker-Dealers are required to maintain and also limit the amount of leverage that the Broker-Dealers are able to obtain in their businesses. 1-8 Equitable Life, AXA Advisors, Alliance and certain affiliates of Alliance also are registered as investment advisors under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Advisers Act"). Many of the investment companies managed by Alliance, including a variety of mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles, are registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act. All aspects of the investment advisory activities of Equitable Life, AXA Advisors and Alliance are subject to various Federal and state laws and regulations and to the laws in those foreign countries in which they conduct business. PRIVACY OF CUSTOMER INFORMATION. Federal and state law and regulation require financial institutions to protect the security and confidentiality of customer information and to notify customers about their policies and practices relating to their collection, disclosure and protection of customer information. Federal and state laws also regulate disclosures of customer information. Congress and state legislatures are expected to consider additional regulation relating to privacy and other aspects of customer information. PARENT COMPANY AXA, the sole shareholder of the Holding Company, is the holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies engaged in the financial protection and wealth management business. AXA is the largest French insurance group and one of the largest insurance groups in the world. AXA operates primarily in Western Europe, North America, Asia/Pacific region and, to a lesser extent, in other regions including the Middle East, Africa and South America. AXA has five operating business segments: life and savings, property and casualty, international insurance (including reinsurance), asset management, and other financial services. Neither AXA nor any affiliate of AXA has any obligation to provide additional capital or credit support to the Holding Company or any of its subsidiaries. VOTING TRUST. In connection with AXA's application to the Superintendent for approval of its acquisition of capital stock of the Holding Company, AXA and the initial Trustees of the Voting Trust entered into a Voting Trust Agreement dated as of May 12, 1992 (as amended by the First Amendment, dated January 22, 1997 and as amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Voting Agreement dated May 12, 2002, the "Voting Trust Agreement"). Pursuant to the Voting Trust Agreement, AXA and its affiliates ("AXA Parties") have deposited the shares of the Holding Company's Common Stock held by them in the Voting Trust. The purpose of the Voting Trust is to ensure for insurance regulatory purposes that certain indirect minority shareholders of AXA will not be able to exercise control over the Holding Company or Equitable Life. AXA and any other holder of voting trust certificates will remain the beneficial owner of the shares deposited by it, except that the Trustees will be entitled to exercise all voting rights attaching to the deposited shares so long as such shares remain subject to the Voting Trust. In voting the deposited shares, the Trustees must act to protect the legitimate economic interests of AXA and any other holders of voting trust certificates (but with a view to ensuring that certain indirect minority shareholders of AXA do not exercise control over the Holding Company or Equitable Life). All dividends and distributions (other than those which are paid in the form of shares required to be deposited in the Voting Trust) in respect of deposited shares will be paid directly to the holders of voting trust certificates. If a holder of voting trust certificates sells or transfers deposited shares to a person who is not an AXA Party and is not (and does not, in connection with such sale or transfer, become) a holder of voting trust certificates, the shares sold or transferred will be released from the Voting Trust. The initial term of the Voting Trust ended in 2002 and the term of the Voting Trust has been extended, with the prior approval of the Superintendent, until May 12, 2012. Future extensions of the term of the Voting Trust remain subject to the prior approval of the Superintendent. 1-9 PART I, ITEM 2 PROPERTIES INSURANCE Equitable Life leases on a long-term basis approximately 810,000 square feet of office space located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, which serves as the Holding Company's and Equitable Life's headquarters. Additionally, Equitable Life leases an aggregate of approximately 50,000 square feet of office space at two other locations in New York, NY. Equitable Life also has the following significant office space leases: 244,000 square feet in Secaucus, NJ, under a lease that expires in 2011 for its Annuity Operations; 185,000 square feet in Charlotte, NC, under a lease that expires in 2013 for use by its National Operations Center; 113,000 square feet in Alpharetta, GA, under a lease that expires in 2006 for its Distribution Organizations' training and support use; and 67,800 square feet in Leonia, NJ, under a lease that expires in 2009 for its Information Technology processing use. In addition, Equitable Life leases property both domestically and abroad, the majority of which houses sales and distribution operations. Management believes its facilities are adequate for its present needs in all material respects. For additional information, see Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Equitable Life subleases its office space at 1290 Avenue of the Americas to the New York City Industrial Development Agency (the "IDA"), and sub-subleases that space back from the IDA, in connection with the IDA's granting of sales tax benefits to Equitable Life. INVESTMENT SERVICES Alliance's principal executive offices at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY are occupied pursuant to a lease that extends until 2019. Alliance currently occupies approximately 568,500 square feet of space at this location. Alliance also occupies approximately 114,097 square feet of space at 135 West 50th Street, New York, NY, and approximately 75,630 square feet of space at 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, under leases expiring in 2016 and 2005, respectively. Alliance also occupies approximately 47,621 square feet of space at 925 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY, 4,341 square feet of space at One North Broadway, White Plains, NY, and 141,002 square feet of space at One North Lexington, White Plains, NY, under leases expiring in 2008. Alliance and its subsidiaries, Alliance Fund Distributors Inc. and Alliance Global Investor Services, Inc., occupy approximately 134,261 square feet of space in Secaucus, New Jersey, approximately 92,067 square feet of space in San Antonio, Texas, and approximately 60,653 square feet of space in Scranton, Pennsylvania, under leases expiring in 2016, 2009, and 2005, respectively. Alliance also leases space in 11 cities in the United States and its subsidiaries and affiliates lease space in London, England, Tokyo, Japan and 27 other cities outside the United States. 2-1 PART I, ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The matters set forth in Note 16 of Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2002 (Item 8 of this report) are incorporated herein by reference, with the following additional information. 3-1 In Malhotra, in March 2003, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York: (i) granted plaintiffs' motion, filed October 2001, seeking leave to reopen their original case for the purpose of filing an amended complaint and accepted plaintiffs' proposed amended complaint, (ii) appointed the named plaintiffs as lead plaintiffs and their counsel as lead counsel for the putative class, (iii) consolidated plaintiffs' original action with their second action, which was filed in October 2001, and (iv) ruled that the court would apply Equitable Life's motion to dismiss the amended complaint in the second action to the plaintiffs' amended complaint from the original action. The court subsequently dismissed plaintiffs' operative amended complaint without prejudice to their filing a second amended complaint within 30 days. In the Mississippi Actions, plaintiffs' motions to remand two lawsuits, one involving 79 plaintiffs and the other involving four plaintiffs, which lawsuits had been removed from state court to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, have been denied. In March 2003, the Supreme Court of Mississippi has affirmed the dismissal with prejudice of the Circuit Court of Sunflower County lawsuit. In January and February 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi granted Equitable Life's petitions to compel arbitration of the cross-claims asserted by two former agents in three of the Mississippi Actions and also granted Equitable Life's motion to enjoin prosecution of those cross-claims in state court. In Miller, in March 2003, the Federal District Court in the Southern District of Illinois denied in part, and granted in part, defendants' motion to dismiss. The court declined to dismiss plaintiffs' claims that certain advisory and distribution fees paid to Alliance and AFD, respectively, were excessive in violation of Section 36(b) of the ICA. The court dismissed plaintiffs' claims that certain distribution plans were adopted in violation of the ICA. In Benak, in February 2003, Alliance moved to dismiss the Consolidated Amended Complaint. That motion is pending. In Enron, in March 2003, Alliance's motion to dismiss was denied. In Jaffe, in March 2003, the court granted Alliance's motion to transfer the Jaffe Complaint to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. 3-1 PART I, ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I to Form 10-K. 4-1 PART II, ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS All of Equitable Life's common equity is owned by AXA Financial Services, LLC, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of AXA Financial, Inc. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA. Consequently, there is no established public market for Equitable Life's common equity. In 2002, Equitable Life paid shareholder dividends of $500.0 million. For information on Equitable Life's present and future ability to pay dividends, see Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8 of this report). 5-1 PART II, ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I to Form 10-K. 6-1 PART II, ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Management's discussion and analysis is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) of Form 10-K. The management narrative for the Company that follows should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated financial statements and information discussed under forward-looking statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. GENERAL Certain non-recurring events have impacted the Company's results of operations. In fourth quarter 2000 and January 2001, AXA and AXA Merger acquired the approximately 40% minority interest share of the Holding Company's Common Stock. As a result of this purchase, AXA Financial's management amended the terms of substantially all of the outstanding Holding Company stock options. Approximately $493.9 million of expenses, principally related to modifications to and accelerated vesting of Holding Company stock options that resulted from the AXA minority interest buyout, are included in pre-tax earnings from continuing operations for 2000. In January 2001, the Company became a wholly owned direct subsidiary of the Holding Company. On June 1, 2002, the Holding Company transferred ownership of the Company to AXA Financial Services, LLC, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of the Holding Company. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. In 2000, the Company recognized a $1.96 billion gain when it sold its interest in DLJ receiving cash and CSG stock. See Notes 1 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. In 2001 and 2000, respectively, $27.1 million of realized income and $43.2 million of realized and unrealized losses on the CSG shares were included in net investment income. The remaining CSG shares were sold in first quarter 2001. In 2000, Alliance purchased Bernstein. For further information on the Bernstein acquisition, see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Earnings from continuing operations before Federal income taxes and minority interest were $1.03 billion for 2002, a decrease of $264.3 million from the $1.29 billion reported in 2001. The decrease resulted from a $269.6 million decrease in the Insurance segment partially offset by a $5.3 million increase for the Investment Services segment. Total revenues decreased $320.7 million to $7.35 billion in 2002 from $7.67 billion in 2001 due to decreases in both the Insurance and Investment Services segments. The 2002 decrease principally resulted from lower policy fee and premium income and higher investment losses in the Insurance segment and lower investment advisory and services fees and lower distribution revenues in the Investment Services segment, partially offset by higher other income in the Insurance segment related to the fair value of derivative reinsurance contracts. Total benefits and other deductions were $6.32 billion in 2002, a $56.4 million decrease as compared to $6.37 billion 2001. The reduction in amortization expense due to the cessation of goodwill amortization upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002, as well as lower compensation and benefits in both segments and lower distribution plan payments and other operating costs and expenses in the Investment Services segment in 2002, was partially offset by higher policyholders' benefits related to the GMDB/GMIB features and by higher commission expense in the Insurance segment. Federal income tax expense totaled $50.9 million in 2002 as compared to the $316.2 million reported in 2001. The decrease resulted principally from a $144.3 million tax benefit in 2002 related to the favorable treatment of certain tax matters related to Separate Account investment activity during the 1997-2001 tax years and a settlement with the IRS with respect to such tax matters for the 1992-1996 tax years. Federal income tax expense also reflected the release of tax audit reserves of $34.2 million and $28.2 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively. In 2002 and 2001, the Company reported cumulative effects of accounting changes of $(33.1) million and $(3.5) million (net of Federal income tax benefits of $17.9 million and $1.9 million), respectively. The 2002 amount resulted from the Company's change in the method of accounting for liabilities associated with variable annuity contracts with GMDB/GMIB features while the 2001 change resulted from the adoption of SFAS No. 133. For further information, see "New Accounting Pronouncements" in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 7-1 Net earnings were $587.4 million for 2002 compared to $647.0 million for 2001 as the $18.7 million higher net earnings in the Investment Services segment were more than offset by the $78.3 million decrease in the Insurance segment in 2002. RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT INSURANCE. INSURANCE - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (IN MILLIONS)
2002 2001 ----------------- ------------------ Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income...................... $ 1,315.5 $ 1,342.3 Premiums.......................................................................... 945.2 1,019.9 Net investment income............................................................. 2,331.2 2,337.9 Investment losses, net............................................................ (279.0) (205.0) Commissions, fees and other income................................................ 360.5 268.2 ---------------- ------------------ Total revenues............................................................... 4,673.4 4,763.3 ---------------- ------------------ Policyholders' benefits........................................................... 2,034.0 1,886.9 Interest credited to policyholders' account balances.............................. 972.5 981.7 Compensation and benefits......................................................... 238.5 300.8 Commissions....................................................................... 788.8 742.1 Deferred policy acquisition costs, net............................................ (458.1) (458.5) Rent expense ..................................................................... 64.9 61.5 All other operating costs and expenses............................................ 594.9 541.3 ----------------- ---------------- Total benefits and other deductions.......................................... 4,235.5 4,055.8 ---------------- ------------------ Earnings from Continuing Operations before Federal Income Taxes................... $ 437.9 $ 707.5 ================ ==================
2002 COMPARED TO 2001 - In 2002, pre-tax earnings from continuing operations in the Insurance segment declined $269.6 million to $437.9 million as compared to $707.5 million in 2001, principally due to lower premium and policy fee income, higher investment losses, higher commission and all other operating costs and expenses and the reserve increase in policyholders' benefits related to variable annuity products with GMDB/GMIB features, partially offset by the increase in the fair value of derivative reinsurance contracts in other income and lower compensation. Segment revenues decreased $89.9 million over the prior year period as $101.5 million lower premiums and policy fee income and $74.0 million in higher investment losses, net were partially offset by a $92.3 million increase in commissions, fees and other income. Policy fee income was $26.8 million lower largely due to the effect of market depreciation on average Separate Account balances partially offset by higher product level mortality and surrender charges. Premiums decreased $74.7 million in 2002 reflecting lower premiums on traditional life products due to the Insurance segment's focus on sales of variable and interest-sensitive life and annuity products whose revenues are not reported as premiums and lower reinsurance assumed premiums related to Equitable Life's withdrawal from certain accident and health and aviation and space reinsurance pools. Net investment income decreased $6.7 million as higher earnings on fixed maturities, primarily attributed to a higher General Account asset base, were more than offset by lower yields and the absence of investment income on the remaining CSG shares sold in first quarter 2001. Investment losses, net were $74.0 million higher in 2002 as compared to 2001 principally as a result of net losses of $61.5 million as compared to net gains of $72.4 million on sales of fixed maturities and writedowns of $312.8 million on fixed maturities, up $25.3 million from 2001. These losses were partially offset by a $96.8 million gain on the sale of a single real estate property in second quarter 2002. The 2002 fixed maturity writedowns occurred primarily on 7-2 securities in the telecommunications, airline, utilities and energy sectors while the losses on fixed maturity sales included $97.2 million and $32.5 million of losses on telecommunications and utilities securities, respectively. In fourth quarter 2002, writedowns of $170.3 million were taken, principally on securities in the utilities, airline, energy and telecommunications industries, while losses on fixed maturities sales totaling $20.2 million were primarily due to losses on utilities and telecommunications securities. Commissions, fees and other income increased $92.3 million in 2002 as compared to 2001 principally due to the $120.0 million increase in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives. Total benefits and other deductions in 2002 increased $208.6 million from 2001 as higher policyholders' benefits, commissions and other operating costs and expenses were partially offset by lower compensation and benefits and interest credited. The $147.1 million increase in policyholders' benefits was principally due to the change in reserves related to the GMDB/GMIB features contained in certain variable annuity contracts, discussed in "Accounting Changes" in Note 2 and as well as in Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, higher GMDB claims, higher claims experience in reinsurance assumed product lines and increased accruals for litigation. These increases were partially offset by the absence of claims associated with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Interest credited to policyholders' account balances declined $9.2 million in 2002 as the impact of lower crediting rates was substantially offset by higher General Account balances. Compensation and benefits for the Insurance segment declined $62.3 million to $238.5 million in 2002 as compared to $300.8 million in 2001. The 2002 total included $10.2 million of credits resulting from changes in the SARs liability as compared to $63.2 million in 2001. The negative impact of lower SARs credits was more than offset by lower employee salary expenses due to reduced headcounts partially offset by higher pension plan costs, which included the impact of reducing the expected long-range return on assets for the qualified pension plan from 10.25% as of January 1, 2001 to 9.0% as of January 1, 2002. Compensation and benefits in 2001 included severance benefits for certain former senior officers and employees associated with cost reduction programs, as well as payments to certain former senior officers under continuity agreements related to AXA's minority interest buyout. Commissions increased $46.7 million in 2002 from $742.1 million in 2001 due to higher sales of annuity contracts. DAC amortization increased to $296.7 million in 2002, up $8.8 million from $287.9 million in 2001. DAC for universal life, investment-type and participating traditional life policies is amortized over the expected total life of the contract group as a constant percentage of estimated gross profits (for universal life and investment-type contracts) or margins (for participating traditional life policies). Estimates and assumptions underlying these DAC amortization rates are reassessed and updated at the end of each reporting period ("DAC unlocking"). The effect of DAC unlocking is reflected in earnings in the period such estimated gross profits are revised. A decrease in expected gross profits would accelerate DAC amortization. Conversely, an increase in expected gross profits would slow DAC amortization. Expected gross profits for variable and interest-sensitive life insurance and variable annuities arise principally from investment results, Separate Account fees, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges. A significant assumption in the development of expected gross profits and, therefore, the amortization of DAC on these products relates to projected future Separate Account performance. Expected future gross profit assumptions related to Separate Account performance are set by management using a long-term view of expected average market returns by applying a reversion to the mean approach. In applying this approach to develop estimates of future returns, it is assumed that the market will return to an average gross long-term return estimate, developed with reference to historical long-term equity market performance and subject to assessment of the reasonableness of resulting estimates of future return assumptions. For purposes of making this reasonableness assessment, management has set limitations as to maximum and minimum future rate of return assumptions, as well as a limitation on the duration of use of these maximum or minimum rates of return. Currently, the average gross long-term annual return estimate is 9.0% (7.2% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees), and the gross maximum and minimum annual rate of return limitations are 15.0% (13.2% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees) and 0% (-1.9% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees), respectively. The maximum duration over which these rate limitations may be applied is 5 years. This approach will continue to be applied in future periods. If actual market returns continue at levels that would result in assuming future market returns of 15.0% for more than 5 years in order to reach the average gross long-term return estimate, the application of the 5 year maximum duration limitation would result in an acceleration of DAC amortization. Conversely, actual market returns resulting in assumed future market returns of 0% for more than 5 years would result in a required deceleration of DAC amortization. As of 7-3 December 31, 2002, current projections of future average gross market returns are within the maximum and minimum limitations and assume a reversion to the mean of 9.0% after 2.5 years. In addition, projections of future mortality assumptions related to variable and interest-sensitive life products are based on a long-term average of actual experience. This assumption is updated quarterly to reflect recent experience as it emerges. Improvement of life mortality in future periods from that currently projected would result in future deceleration of DAC amortization. Conversely, deterioration of life mortality in future periods from that currently projected would result in future acceleration of DAC amortization. Generally, life mortality experience has improved in recent periods. DAC capitalization increased $8.4 million from $746.4 million in 2001 to $754.8 million in 2002 as higher commissions were partially offset by lower deferrable operating expenses. Other operating costs increased $53.6 million to $594.9 million from $541.3 million in 2001 primarily due to an increased accrual for litigation. Premiums and Deposits. First year premiums and deposits for life and annuity products in 2002 increased from prior year levels by $1.76 billion to $6.58 billion primarily due to $1.49 billion higher sales of individual annuities. The increase in variable annuity sales that began in the second quarter of 2002 was primarily due to higher deposits from annuities in the wholesale channel, and included $754.2 million in sales of a new single premium deferred annuity product in 2002 compared to $418.5 million in 2001, when first introduced, and $3.58 billion in sales of a new line of variable annuity products introduced in April 2002. Renewal premiums and deposits decreased by $205.0 million to $4.19 billion in 2002 from $4.39 billion in 2001. Surrenders and Withdrawals. Policy and contract surrenders and withdrawals increased $284.8 million to $5.15 billion during 2002 compared to 2001. The annuity surrender rates increased from 9.0% in 2001 to 10.1% in 2002. When a single large pension plan contract that surrendered in second quarter 2002, which totaled $123.8 million, is excluded, the 2002 surrender rate would decrease to 9.8%. The individual life surrender rate increased slightly to 4.0% from 3.8% in the prior year. The trends in surrenders and withdrawals continue to fall within the range of expected experience. 7-4 INVESTMENT SERVICES. The table that follows presents the operating results of the Investment Services segment, consisting principally of Alliance's operations. INVESTMENT SERVICES - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (IN MILLIONS)
2002 2001 --------------- ---------------- Revenues: Investment advisory and services fees (1)............................. $ 1,847.9 $ 2,023.8 Distribution revenues................................................. 467.5 544.6 Institutional research services....................................... 294.9 265.8 Shareholder servicing fees............................................ 101.6 96.3 Other revenues, net (1)............................................... 33.0 63.9 --------------- ---------------- Total revenues.................................................... 2,744.9 2,994.4 --------------- ---------------- Expenses: Alliance employee compensation and benefits........................... 907.1 930.7 Distribution plan payments............................................ 392.8 429.1 Amortization of deferred sales commissions............................ 229.0 230.8 All other promotion and servicing expenses............................ 193.3 233.6 Amortization of goodwill and intangibles.............................. 21.2 178.2 All other operating expenses.......................................... 410.8 406.6 --------------- ---------------- Total expenses.................................................... 2,154.2 2,409.0 --------------- ---------------- Earnings from Continuing Operations before Federal Income Taxes and Minority Interest........................... $ 590.7 $ 585.4 =============== ================
(1) Includes fees earned by Alliance totaling $36.2 million and $35.9 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively, for services provided to the Insurance Group. 2002 COMPARED TO 2001 - Investment Services' pre-tax results of operations for 2002 were $590.7 million, an increase of $5.3 million from the prior year. Revenues totaled $2.74 billion in 2002, a decrease of $249.5 million from 2001, principally due to $175.9 million lower investment advisory and services fees and $77.1 million lower distribution revenues, partially offset by a $29.1 million increase in institutional research services. Investment advisory and services fees include brokerage transaction charges for SCB LLC. The decrease in investment advisory and services fees primarily resulted from lower average assets under management ("AUM") primarily as a result of significant market depreciation related to on-going global equity market declines and net asset outflows of $4.3 million and a decrease in performance fees from $79.4 million in 2001 to $54.1 million in 2002. Lower performance fees in 2002 were principally related to lower investment returns, caused by adverse equity and fixed income markets, earned by certain hedge funds investing in value stocks and certain growth investment advisory contracts, partially offset by higher performance fees in certain value investment advisory contracts, while the 2001 performance fees were principally the result of certain hedge funds investing in value stocks during 2001. The decrease in distribution revenues was principally due to lower average mutual fund AUM attributed to market depreciation and net redemptions of back-end load mutual fund shares. Institutional research services revenues increased $29.1 million to $294.9 million in 2002 from $265.8 million for 2001 due to higher market share of NYSE volumes, expanded research and broader trading capabilities. The segment's total expenses were $2.15 billion in 2002, compared to $2.41 billion in 2001. Investment Services's total expenses decreased $254.8 million in 2002 primarily due to $157.0 million lower amortization of goodwill and intangibles, a $40.3 million decrease in all other promotion and servicing expenses and a decrease of $36.3 million in distribution plan payments. The $157.0 decrease in amortization of goodwill and intangibles was the result of the cessation of goodwill amortization upon adopting SFAS No. 142. The 2002 decrease in all other promotion and servicing expenses was due to decreases in travel, entertainment and printing costs. Lower distribution plan payments in 2002 were due to lower average mutual fund AUM. The $23.6 million decrease in Alliance employee compensation and benefits was due to lower base compensation, fringe benefits and other compensation due to reduced headcounts and expense control initiatives. Incentive and commission compensation was flat in 2002 due to lower operating earnings and higher deferred compensation primarily attributable to deferred compensation agreements entered into in connection with the 7-5 Bernstein acquisition and the realignment of certain sales management professionals to incentive-based from commission-based compensation. ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT A breakdown of AUM follows: ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (IN MILLIONS)
DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------- 2002 2001 ------------------ ------------------ Third party (1) (2)...................................................... $ 337,984 $ 394,648 Equitable Life General Account, the Holding Company and its other affiliates (3).......................................... 38,315 36,153 Separate Accounts........................................................ 39,012 46,947 ------------------ ------------------ Total Assets Under Management........................................ $ 415,311 $ 477,748 ================== ==================
(1) AUM previously reported has been restated to conform to 2002 presentation, which excludes assets managed by unconsolidated affiliates of Alliance. (2) Includes $7.83 billion and $5.31 billion of assets managed on behalf of AXA affiliates at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Also included in 2002 and 2001 are $8.7 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively, in assets related to an Australian joint venture between Alliance and an AXA affiliate. Third party AUM includes 100% of the estimated fair value of real estate owned by joint ventures in which third party clients own an interest. (3) Includes invested assets of the Company, the Holding Company and its other affiliates not managed by Alliance, principally cash and short-term investments and policy loans, totaling approximately $8.66 billion and $6.62 billion at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, as well as mortgages and equity real estate totaling $4.83 billion and $5.62 billion at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Third party AUM declined $56.66 billion to $337.98 billion in 2002 primarily due to decreases at Alliance. Equitable Life General Account, Holding Company and its other affiliates AUM increased $2.16 billion from the total reported in 2001 due to higher sales of General Account based products and products with General Account and dollar cost averaging options. The $7.94 billion decrease in Separate Accounts AUM in 2002 resulted from continued equity market depreciation that more than offset net new deposits. Alliance's AUM decreased $65.58 billion to $386.58 billion in 2002 from $452.16 billion in 2001; $61.3 billion of the decrease resulted from significant market depreciation due to global equity market declines and $4.3 billion to net asset outflows. OTHER DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Earnings from Discontinued Operations of $5.6 million in 2002 as compared to $43.9 million in 2001 reflect releases of the allowance for future losses due to favorable investment results projected for future years partially offset by unfavorable investment results actually realized during 2002. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES EQUITABLE LIFE The principal sources of Equitable Life's cash flows are premiums, deposits and charges on policies and contracts, investment income, repayments of principal and proceeds from sales of fixed maturities, sales of other General Account Investment Assets and dividends and distributions from subsidiaries. Equitable Life's liquidity requirements principally relate to the liabilities associated with its various life insurance, annuity and group pension products in its continuing operations; the liabilities of discontinued operations; shareholder dividends to the Holding Company; and operating expenses, including debt service. Equitable Life's liabilities include the payment of benefits under life insurance, annuity and group pension products, as well as cash 7-6 payments in connection with policy surrenders, withdrawals and loans. Management from time to time explores selective acquisition opportunities in insurance and investment management businesses. Sources of Liquidity. Equitable Life's primary source of short-term liquidity to support continuing and discontinued insurance operations is a pool of highly liquid, high quality short-term instruments structured to provide liquidity in excess of the expected cash requirements. At December 31, 2002, this asset pool included an aggregate of $767.4 million in highly liquid short-term investments, as compared to $485.2 million at December 31, 2001. In addition, a substantial portfolio of public bonds including U.S. Treasury and agency securities and other investment grade fixed maturities is available to meet Equitable Life's liquidity needs. In fourth quarter 2000, Equitable Life received cash proceeds of $1.05 billion from the sale of its shares in DLJ and a further $557.3 million from sales of a portion of the CSG shares through December 31, 2000. All remaining shares of CSG stock were sold during first quarter 2001. These proceeds funded the $1.5 billion shareholder dividend paid in April 2001. Other liquidity sources include dividends and distributions from Alliance. In 2002, Equitable Life received cash distributions from Alliance and Alliance Holding of $259.3 million as compared to $313.2 million in 2001. Management believes there is sufficient liquidity in the form of short-term assets and its bond portfolio together with cash flows from operations, scheduled maturities of fixed maturities and borrowings available under its commercial paper program and bank credit facilities to satisfy Equitable Life's liquidity needs. Liquidity Requirements. Equitable Life's liquidity needs are affected by fluctuations in mortality and other benefit payments and in the level of surrenders and withdrawals previously discussed in "Results of Continuing Operations by Segment - Insurance," as well as by dividends to its shareholder. In 2002 and 2001, respectively, Equitable Life paid shareholder dividends totaling $500.0 million and $1.70 billion. Management believes the Insurance Group has adequate internal sources of funds for its presently anticipated needs. ALLIANCE Alliance's principal sources of liquidity have been cash flows from operations and the issuance, both publicly and privately, of debt and Alliance Units. Alliance requires financial resources to fund commissions paid on certain back-end load mutual fund sales, to fund distributions to Unitholders, to fund capital expenditures and for general working capital purposes. In 2002 and 2001, respectively, subsidiaries of Alliance purchased Alliance Holding units totaling $73.1 million and $36.2 million for deferred and other compensation plans. Management believes Alliance's substantial equity base, its access to public and private debt and its cash flows from operations will provide the financial resources to meet its capital and general business requirements. For further information, see Alliance's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The Company is involved in a number of ventures and transactions with AXA and certain of its affiliates. At December 31, 2002, Equitable Life had a $400.0 million, 5.89% loan outstanding with AXA Insurance Holding Co., Ltd., a Japanese subsidiary of AXA. All payments, including interest, are guaranteed by AXA. Alliance provides investment management and related services to AXA, the Holding Company and Equitable Life and certain of their subsidiaries and affiliates. In 2001, Alliance entered into joint ventures with an Australian affiliate of AXA and recognized management fees of $14.1 million and $12.3 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Holding Company, Equitable Life and Alliance, along with other AXA affiliates, participate in certain cost sharing and servicing agreements which include technology and professional development arrangements. Payments by Equitable Life to AXA totaled approximately $16.3 million and $13.7 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively, while Alliance's share of such costs were approximately $1.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively. See Notes 19 and 22 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Alliance's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 for information on related party transactions. 7-7 A schedule of future payments under certain of the Company's consolidated contractual obligations follows: CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS - DECEMBER 31, 2002 (IN MILLIONS)
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD ---------------------------------------------------------- LESS THAN OVER TOTAL 1 YEAR 1 - 3 YEARS 4 - 5 YEARS 5 YEARS ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS: LONG-TERM DEBT.................. $ 1,254.8 $ 248.3 $ 400.0 $ 406.5 $ 200.0 OPERATING LEASES................ 1,417.2 128.0 249.1 191.7 848.4 ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- TOTAL CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS................. $ 2,672.0 $ 376.3 $ 649.1 $ 598.2 $ 1,048.4 =========== =========== ========== ============ =============
The Company also has contractual obligations to the policy and contractholders of its various life insurance and annuity products and/or their designated beneficiaries. These obligations include paying death claims and making annuity payments. The timing of such payments depends upon such factors as the mortality and persistency of its customer base. In addition, the Company has obligations under contingent commitments at December 31, 2002, including: Equitable Life and Alliance's respective revolving credit facilities and commercial paper programs; Alliance's $100.0 million ECN program; the Insurance Group's $57.3 million letters of credit; Alliance's $125.0 million guarantee on behalf of SCB LLC; and the Company's guarantees or commitments to provide equity financing to certain limited partnerships of $298.6 million. Information on these contingent commitments can be found in Notes 10, 15 and 22 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Further, the Company is exposed to potential risk related to its own ceded reinsurance agreements with other insurers and to insurance guaranty fund laws in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Under these laws, insurers doing business in these states can be assessed amounts up to prescribed limits to protect policyholders of companies that become impaired or insolvent. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, while traditional indicators continue to be used to monitor insurers' financial position, the ability of otherwise fiscally healthy insurers, or even the insurance industry, to absorb further catastrophic losses of such a nature cannot be predicted. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Company's management narrative is based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions (including normal, recurring accruals) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to investments, recognition of insurance income and related expenses, DAC, future policy benefits, recognition of Investment Services revenues and related expenses and pension cost. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of such factors form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Investments - The Company records an investment impairment charge when it believes an investment has experienced a decline in fair value that is other than temporary. Identifying those situations requires management's careful consideration of the facts and circumstances, including but not limited to the duration and extent to which the fair value has been depressed, the financial position, cash flows, and near-term earnings potential of the issuer, as well as the Company's ability and intent to retain the investment to allow sufficient time for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The basis for measuring fair value may require utilization of investment valuation methodologies, such as discounted cash flow analysis, if quoted market prices are not readily available. 7-8 Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses - Profits on non-participating traditional life policies and annuity contracts with life contingencies emerge from the matching of benefits and other expenses against the related premiums. Profits on participating traditional life, universal life and investment-type contracts emerge from the matching of benefits and other expenses against the related contract margins. This matching is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the deferral, and subsequent amortization, of policy acquisition costs. Secular trends and the Company's own mortality, morbidity, persistency and claims experience have a direct impact on the benefits and expenses reported in any given period. DAC - The level of operating expenses of the Insurance Group that can be deferred is another significant factor in that business' reported profitability in any given period. Additionally, for universal life and investment-type contracts and participating traditional life policies, DAC amortization may be affected by changes in estimated gross profits and margins principally related to investment results, Separate Account fees, mortality and expense margins, lapse rates and anticipated surrender charges. Should revisions to estimated gross profits or margins be required, the effect is reflected in earnings in the period such estimated gross profits are revised. Future Policy Benefits - Future policy benefit liabilities for traditional policies are based on actuarial assumptions as to such factors as mortality, persistency, interest and expenses and, in the case of participating policies, expected annual and terminal dividends. Determination of the GMDB/GMIB liabilities is based on models that involve numerous estimates and subjective judgments, including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, contract surrender rates, mortality experience and, for GMIB, GMIB election rates. Premium deficiency reserves are based upon estimates of future gross premiums, expected policy benefits and other expenses. The allowance for future losses for the discontinued Wind-Up Annuities is based upon numerous estimates and subjective judgments regarding the expected performance of the related invested assets, future asset reinvestment rates and future benefit payments. Recognition of Investment Services Revenues and Related Expenses - The Investment Services segment's revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management. The most significant factors that could affect segment results include, but are not limited to, the performance of the financial markets and the investment performance and composition of sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts. Performance fees are recorded as revenue at the end of the specified period and will generally be higher in favorable markets and lower in unfavorable markets, which may increase the volatility of the segment's revenues and earnings. Capitalized sales commissions paid to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of shares of open-end mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge are expected to be recovered from distribution plan payments received from those funds and from contingent deferred sales charges received from shareholders of those funds upon redemption of their shares. The recoverability of these commissions is estimated based on management's assessment of these future revenue flows. Pension Cost - Net periodic pension cost is the aggregation of the compensation cost of benefits promised, interest cost resulting from deferred payment of those benefits, and investment results of assets dedicated to fund those benefits. Each cost component is based on the Company's best estimate of long-term actuarial and investment return assumptions. Actual experience different from that assumed generally is recognized prospectively over future periods; however, significant variances could result in immediate recognition if they exceed certain prescribed thresholds or in conjunction with a reconsideration of the related assumptions. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The Company's management has made in this report, and from time to time may make in its public filings and press releases as well as in oral presentations and discussions, forward-looking statements concerning the Company's operations, economic performance and financial position. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, discussions concerning the Company's potential exposure to market risks, as well as statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions, as indicated by words such as "believes," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates," "expects," "projects," "should," "probably," "risk," "target," "goals," "objectives," or similar expressions. The Company claims the protection afforded by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and assumes no duty to update any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by forward-looking statements due to a number of important 7-9 factors including those discussed elsewhere in this report and in the Company's other public filings, press releases, oral presentations and discussions. The following discussion highlights some of the more important risk and other factors that could cause such differences and/or, if realized, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position and/or results of operations. Market Risk. The Company's businesses are subject to market risks arising from its insurance asset/liability management, investment management and trading activities. The primary market risk exposures result from interest rate fluctuations, equity price movements and changes in credit quality. The nature of each of these risks is discussed under the caption "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" contained herein and in Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Increased volatility of equity markets can impact profitability of the Insurance and Investment Services segments. For the Insurance Group, in addition to impacts on equity securities held in the General Account, significant changes in equity markets impact asset-based policy fees charged on variable life and annuity products. Moreover, for variable life and annuity products with GMDB/GMIB features, sustained periods with declines in the value of underlying Separate Account investments would increase the Insurance Group's net exposure to guaranteed benefits under those contracts (increasing claims and reserves, net of any reinsurance) at a time when fee income for these benefits is also reduced from prior period levels. Increased volatility of equity markets also will result in increased volatility of the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contracts. Equity market volatility also may impact DAC amortization on variable and universal life insurance contracts, variable annuities and participating traditional life contracts. To the extent that actual market trends, and reasonable expectations as to future performance drawn from those trends, lead to reductions in the investment return and/or other related estimates underlying the DAC amortization rates, DAC amortization could be accelerated. Volatile equity markets can also impact the level of contractholder surrender activity, which, in turn, can impact future profitability. Interest rate fluctuations, equity price movements and changes in credit quality may also affect invested assets held in the qualified pension plan which could impact future pension plan costs. The effects of significant equity market fluctuations on the Insurance Group's operating results can be complex and subject to a variety of estimates and assumptions, such as assumed rates of long-term equity market performance, making it difficult to reliably predict effects on operating earnings over a broad range of equity markets performance alternatives. Further, these effects may not always be proportional for market increases and market decreases. Margins on interest-sensitive annuities and universal life insurance can be affected by interest rate fluctuations. In a declining interest rate environment, credited rates can generally be adjusted more quickly than the related invested asset portfolio is affected by declining reinvestment rates, tending to result in higher net interest margins on interest-sensitive products in the short term. However, under scenarios in which interest rates fall and remain at significantly lower levels, minimum guarantees on interest-sensitive annuities and universal life insurance (generally 2.5% to 4.5%) could cause the spread between the yield on the portfolio and the interest rate credited to policyholders to deteriorate. For both interest-sensitive annuities and universal life insurance, a rapid and sustained rise in interest rates poses risks of deteriorating spreads and high surrenders. In this environment, there is pressure to increase credited rates on interest-sensitive products to match competitors' new money rates. However, such changes in credited rates generally occur more quickly than the earned rates on the related invested asset portfolios reflect changes in market yields. The greater and faster the rise in interest rates, the more the earned rates will tend to lag behind market rates. For the Investment Services segment, significant changes in equity markets can impact revenues and the recoverability of deferred costs. See "Other Risks of the Investment Services Segment" below. Other Risks of the Insurance Segment. The Insurance Group's future sales of life insurance and annuity products and financial planning services are dependent on numerous factors including: successful implementation of the Company's strategy; the intensity of competition from other insurance companies, banks and other financial institutions; conditions in the securities markets; the strength and professionalism of distribution channels; the continued development of additional channels; the financial and claims-paying ratings of Equitable Life; its reputation and visibility in the market place; its ability to develop, distribute and administer competitive products and services in a timely, cost-effective manner; its ability to obtain reinsurance for certain products, the offering of which products depends upon the ability to reinsure all or a substantial portion of the risks; its investment management performance; and unanticipated changes in industry trends. In addition, the nature and extent of competition and the markets for products sold by the Insurance Group may be materially affected by changes in laws and regulations, 7-10 including changes relating to savings, retirement funding and taxation. See "Business - Regulation" contained herein. The profitability of the Insurance Group depends on a number of factors including: levels of gross operating expenses and the amount which can be deferred as DAC and software capitalization; successful implementation of expense-reduction initiatives; secular trends; the Company's mortality, morbidity, persistency and claims experience; margins between investment results from General Account Investment Assets and interest credited on individual insurance and annuity products, which are subject to contractual minimum guarantees; the level of claims and reserves on contracts with GMDB/GMIB features and the impact of related reinsurance; the account balances against which policy fees are assessed on universal and variable life insurance and variable annuity products; the pattern of DAC amortization which is based on models involving numerous estimates and subjective judgments including those regarding investment, mortality and expense margins, expected market rates of return, lapse rates and anticipated surrender charges; the adequacy of reserves and the extent to which subsequent experience differs from management's estimates and assumptions, including future reinvestment rates, used in determining those reserves; and the effects of the September 11, 2001 and any future terrorist attacks and the results of war on terrorism. Recoverability of DAC is dependent on future contract cash flows (including premiums and deposits, contract charges, benefits, surrenders, withdrawals, and expenses), which can be affected by equity market and interest rate trends as well as changes in contract persistency levels. The performance of General Account Investment Assets depends, among other things, on levels of interest rates and the markets for equity securities and real estate, the need for asset valuation allowances and writedowns, and the performance of equity investments which have created, and in the future may create, significant volatility in investment income. Other Risks of the Investment Services Segment. Alliance's revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under its management and are, therefore, affected by the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts, additions and withdrawals of assets, purchases and redemptions of mutual funds and shifts of assets between accounts or products with different fee structures, as well as general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including tax rates. See "Results of Continuing Operations by Segment - Investment Services" contained herein. Payments by Alliance made to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of back-end load shares under Alliance's mutual fund distribution system are capitalized as deferred sales commissions and amortized over periods not exceeding five and one-half years, the periods of time during which deferred sales commissions are expected to be recovered from distribution fees received from those funds and from contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") received from shareholders of those funds upon redemption of their shares. CDSC reduces unamortized deferred sales commissions when received. The recorded amount of the deferred sales commission asset was $500.9 million at December 31, 2002. Alliance's management tests the deferred sales commission asset for recoverability quarterly, or more often when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of impairment of the asset. Alliance's management determines recoverability by estimating undiscounted future cash flows to be realized from this asset, as compared to its recorded amount, as well as the estimated remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset over which undiscounted future cash flows are expected to be received. Undiscounted future cash flows consist of ongoing distribution fees and CDSC. Distribution fees are calculated as a percentage of average assets under management related to back-end load shares. CDSC is based on lower of cost or current value, at the time of redemption, of back-end load shares redeemed and the point at which redeemed during the applicable minimum holding period under the mutual fund distribution system. Significant assumptions utilized to estimate average assets under management of back-end load shares include expected future market levels and redemption rates. Market assumptions are selected using a long-term view of expected average market returns based on historical returns of broad market indices. At December 31, 2002, Alliance's management used estimates of 10% and 7% for equity and fixed income annual market returns, respectively. An increase in the expected average market returns would increase the undiscounted future cash flows, while a reduction in the expected average market returns would decrease the undiscounted future cash flows. Future redemption rate assumptions were determined by reference to actual redemption experience over the last five years. Alliance's management determined that a range of assumed average annual redemption rates of 14% to 16%, calculated as a percentage of average assets under management, should be used at December 31, 2002. An increase in the assumed rate of redemptions would decrease the undiscounted future cash flows, while a decrease in the assumed rate of redemptions would increase the undiscounted future cash flows. These assumptions are updated periodically. 7-11 Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions. Alliance's management considers the results of these analyses performed at various dates. Alliance's management determined that the deferred sales commission asset was not impaired as December 31, 2002. If Alliance's management determines in the future that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using Alliance management's best estimate of discounted cash flows discounted to a present value amount. During 2002, equity markets declined by approximately 22% as measured by the change in the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index while fixed income markets increased by approximately 10% as measured by the change in the Lehman Brothers' Aggregate Bond Index. The redemption rate for domestic back-end load shares exceeded 20% in 2002. Continued declines in financial markets or continued higher redemption levels, or both, as compared to the assumptions used to estimate undiscounted future cash flows, could result in the impairment of the deferred sales commission asset. Due to the volatility of the capital markets and changes in redemption rates, Alliance's management is unable to predict whether or when a future impairment of the deferred sales commission asset will occur. Should an impairment occur, any loss would reduce materially the recorded amount of the asset with a corresponding charge to expense. Discontinued Operations. The determination of the allowance for future losses for the discontinued Wind-Up Annuities continues to involve numerous estimates and subjective judgments including those regarding expected performance of investment assets, asset reinvestment rates, ultimate mortality experience and other factors which affect investment and benefit projections. There can be no assurance the losses provided for will not differ from the losses ultimately realized. To the extent actual results or future projections of Discontinued Operations differ from management's current best estimates underlying the allowance, the difference would be reflected as earnings or loss from discontinued operations within the consolidated statements of earnings. In particular, to the extent income, sales proceeds and holding periods for equity real estate differ from management's previous assumptions, periodic adjustments to the allowance are likely to result. Technology and Information Systems. The Company's information systems are central to, among other things, designing and pricing products, marketing and selling products and services, processing policyholder and investor transactions, client recordkeeping, communicating with retail sales associates, employees and clients, and recording information for accounting and management information purposes in a secure and timely manner. These systems are maintained to provide customer privacy and are tested to ensure the viability of business resumption plans. Any significant difficulty associated with the operation of such systems, or any material delay or inability to develop needed system capabilities, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and, ultimately, its ability to achieve its strategic goals. Legal Environment. A number of lawsuits have been filed against life and health insurers involving insurers' sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise agents and other matters. Some of the lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments against other insurers, including material amounts of punitive damages, or in substantial settlements. In some states, juries have substantial discretion in awarding punitive damages. The Holding Company's insurance subsidiaries, including Equitable Life, like other life and health insurers, are involved in such litigation. While no such lawsuit has resulted in an award or settlement of any material amount against the Company to date, its results of operations and financial position could be affected by defense and settlement costs and any unexpected material adverse outcomes in such litigations as well as in other material litigations pending against the Holding Company and its subsidiaries. The frequency of large damage awards, including large punitive damage awards that bear little or no relation to actual economic damages incurred by plaintiffs in some jurisdictions, continues to create the potential for an unpredictable judgment in any given matter. In addition, examinations by Federal and state regulators could result in adverse publicity, sanctions and fines. For further information, see "Business - Regulation" and "Legal Proceedings" contained herein. Future Accounting Pronouncements. In the future, new accounting pronouncements, as well as new interpretations of accounting pronouncements, may have material effects on the Company's consolidated statements of earnings and shareholders' equity. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for pronouncements issued but not effective at December 31, 2002. 7-12 Regulation. The businesses conducted by the Holding Company's subsidiaries, including Equitable Life, are subject to extensive regulation and supervision by state insurance departments and Federal and state agencies regulating, among other things, insurance and annuities, securities transactions, investment companies, investment advisors and anti-money laundering compliance programs. Changes in the regulatory environment could have a material impact on operations and results. The activities of the Insurance Group are subject to the supervision of the insurance regulators of each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. See "Business - Regulation" contained herein. 7-13 PART II, ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company's businesses are subject to financial, market, political and economic risks, as well as to risks inherent in its business operations. The discussion that follows provides additional information on market risks arising from its insurance asset/liability management and asset management activities. Such risks are evaluated and managed by each business on a decentralized basis. Primary market risk exposure results from interest rate fluctuations, equity price movements and changes in credit quality. INVESTMENT SERVICES Alliance's investments are divided into two portfolios: trading and available for sale investments and other investments. Alliance's trading and available for sale portfolio primarily includes U.S. Treasury bills, equity and fixed income mutual funds and money market investments. The carrying value of money market investments approximates fair value. Although the available for sale assets are purchased for long-term investment, the portfolio strategy considers them available for sale due to changes in market interest rates, equity prices and other relevant factors. Other investments include Alliance's hedge fund investments. At December 31, 2002, Alliance's estimates of its interest rate, equity price, derivative and credit quality risks related to its investment portfolios were not material to the Company. At December 31, 2002, Alliance's fixed rate debt had an aggregate fair value of $422.3 million. The potential fair value would increase to $451.3 million in response to an immediate 100 basis point decrease in interest rates from those prevailing at the end of 2002. For further information on Alliance's market risk, see Alliance Holding's and Alliance's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. INSURANCE GROUP Insurance Group results significantly depend on profit margins between investment results from assets held in the General Account associated with the continuing operations ("General Account Investment Assets") and discontinued operations of the Insurance Group and interest credited on individual insurance and annuity products. Management believes its fixed rate liabilities should be supported by a portfolio principally composed of fixed rate investments that generate predictable, steady rates of return. Although these assets are purchased for long-term investment, the portfolio management strategy considers them available for sale in response to changes in market interest rates, changes in prepayment risk, changes in relative values of asset sectors and individual securities and loans, changes in credit quality outlook and other relevant factors. See the "Investments" section of Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the accounting policies for the investment portfolios. The objective of portfolio management is to maximize returns, taking into account interest rate and credit risks. Insurance asset/liability management includes strategies to minimize exposure to loss as interest rates and economic and market conditions change. As a result, the fixed maturity portfolio has modest exposure to call and prepayment risk and the vast majority of mortgage holdings are fixed rate mortgages that carry yield maintenance and prepayment provisions. Insurance Group assets with interest rate risk include fixed maturities and mortgage loans that make up 84.2% of the carrying value of General Account Investment Assets at December 31, 2002. As part of its asset/liability management, quantitative analyses are used to model the impact various changes in interest rates have on assets with interest rate risk. The table that follows shows the impact an immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates at December 31, 2002 and 2001 would have on the fair value of fixed maturities and mortgage loans: 7A-1 INTEREST RATE RISK EXPOSURE (IN MILLIONS)
DECEMBER 31, 2002 December 31, 2001 ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ BALANCE AFTER Balance After FAIR +100 BASE Fair +100 Basis VALUE POINT CHANGE Value Point Change ------------------- ------------------- ---------------- ------------------- Continuing Operations: Fixed maturities: Fixed rate........................ $ 25,485.2 $ 24,234.9 $ 22,932.6 $ 21,813.0 Floating rate..................... 1,206.6 1,206.6 738.4 738.4 Mortgage loans...................... 4,070.0 4,054.6 4,438.5 4,265.8 Discontinued Operations: Fixed maturities: Fixed rate........................ $ 722.7 $ 687.8 $ 559.6 $ 527.3 Mortgage loans...................... 94.7 92.8 171.6 167.8
A 100 basis point fluctuation in interest rates is a hypothetical rate scenario used to demonstrate potential risk; it does not represent management's view of future market changes. While these fair value measurements provide a representation of interest rate sensitivity of fixed maturities and mortgage loans, they are based on various portfolio exposures at a particular point in time and may not be representative of future market results. These exposures will change as a result of ongoing portfolio activities in response to management's assessment of changing market conditions and available investment opportunities. The investment portfolios also have direct holdings of public and private equity securities. In addition, the General Account is exposed to equity price risk from the excess of Separate Accounts assets over Separate Accounts liabilities. The following table shows the potential exposure from those equity security investments, measured in terms of fair value, to an immediate 10% drop in equity prices from those prevailing at December 31, 2002 and 2001: EQUITY PRICE RISK EXPOSURE (IN MILLIONS)
DECEMBER 31, 2002 December 31, 2001 ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ BALANCE AFTER Balance After FAIR -10% EQUITY Fair -10% Equity VALUE PRICE CHANGE Value Price Change ------------------ --------------------- -------------- --------------------- Insurance Group: Continuing operations.............. $ 37.3 $ 33.5 $ 61.4 $ 55.3 Discontinued Operations............ .9 .8 1.2 1.1 Excess of Separate Accounts assets over Separate Accounts liabilities...................... 128.3 115.5 71.7 64.5
7A-2 A 10% decrease in equity prices is a hypothetical scenario used to calibrate potential risk and does not represent management's view of future market changes. The fair value measurements shown are based on the equity securities portfolio exposures at a particular point in time and these exposures will change as a result of ongoing portfolio activities in response to management's assessment of changing market conditions and available investment opportunities. At years end 2002 and 2001, the aggregate carrying value of policyholders liabilities were $37,922.7 million and $35,414.7 million, respectively, including $14,542.6 million and $12,245.9 million of liabilities, respectively, related to the General Account's investment contracts. The aggregate fair value of those investment contracts at years end 2002 and 2001 were $15,092.0 million and $12,498.8 million, respectively. The impact of a relative 1% decrease in interest rates would be an increase in the fair value of those investment contracts to $15,751.6 million and $12,636.5 million, respectively. Those investment contracts represent only a portion of total policyholders liabilities. As such, meaningful assessment of net market risk exposure cannot be made by comparing the results of the invested assets sensitivity analyses presented herein to the potential exposure from the policyholders liabilities quantified in this paragraph. Asset/liability management is integrated into many aspects of the Insurance Group's operations, including investment decisions, product development and determination of crediting rates. As part of its risk management process, numerous economic scenarios are modeled, including cash flow testing required for insurance regulatory purposes, to determine if existing assets would be sufficient to meet projected liability cash flows. Key variables include policyholder behavior, such as persistency, under differing crediting rate strategies. On the basis of these more comprehensive analyses, management believes there is no material solvency risk to Equitable Life with respect to interest rate movements up or down of 100 basis points from year end 2002 levels or with respect to a 10% drop in equity prices from year end 2002 levels. As more fully described in Notes 2 and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, various traditional derivative financial instruments are used to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, including interest rate caps and floors to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive products, and interest rate futures to offset a decline in interest rates between receipt of funds and purchase of appropriate assets. To minimize credit risk exposure associated with its derivative, transactions, each counterparty's credit is appraised and approved and risk control limits and monitoring procedures are applied. Credit limits are established and monitored on the basis of potential exposures which take into consideration current market values and estimates of potential future movements in market values given potential fluctuations in market interest rates. While notional amount is the most commonly used measure of volume in the derivatives market, it is not used by the Insurance Group as a measure of risk because the notional amount greatly exceeds the possible credit and market loss that could arise from such transactions. Mark to market exposure is a point-in-time measure of the value of a derivative contract in the open market. A positive value indicates existence of credit risk for the Insurance Group because the counterparty would owe money to the Insurance Group if the contract were closed. Alternatively, a negative value indicates the Insurance Group would owe money to the counterparty if the contract were closed. If there is more than one derivative transaction outstanding with a counterparty, a master netting arrangement exists with the counterparty. In that case, the market risk represents the net of the positive and negative exposures with the single counterparty. In management's view, the net potential exposure is the better measure of credit risk. At years end 2002 and 2001, the net market value exposures of the Insurance Group's derivatives were $11.9 million and $6.9 million, respectively. There were no swaps outstanding at either year-end. The table that follows shows the interest rate sensitivity of those derivatives, measured in terms of fair value. These exposures will change as a result of ongoing portfolio and risk management activities. 7A-3 INSURANCE GROUP - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT FOR WEIGHTED AVERAGE TERM)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE BALANCE AFTER BALANCE AFTER NOTIONAL TERM -100 BASIS FAIR +100 BASIS AMOUNT (YEARS) POINT CHANGE VALUE POINT CHANGE --------------- -------------- ----------------- ---------------- ------------------- DECEMBER 31, 2002 Options: Caps................... $ 5,050.0 .89 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.5 Floors................. 4,000.0 3.81 10.0 8.7 0.7 Futures ................. 49.8 .22 3.2 3.2 3.2 -------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------ Total.................... $ 9,099.8 2.17 $ 13.2 $ 11.9 $ 4.4 ============== ============== =============== ================ ================== December 31, 2001 Options: Caps................... $ 6,675.0 1.65 $ 2.7 $ 7.0 $ 17.8 Floors................. 20.4 .24 (.1) (.1) (.1) -------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------------ Total.................... $ 6,695.4 1.65 $ 2.6 $ 6.9 $ 17.7 ============== ============== ============== ================ ==================
In addition to the traditional derivatives discussed above, the Insurance Group has purchased reinsurance contracts to mitigate the risk associated with the impact of potential market fluctuations on future policyholder elections of GMIB features contained in certain annuity contracts. These reinsurance contracts are considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133 and were reported at their fair values of $120.0 million at December 31, 2002. The potential fair value exposure to an immediate 10% drop in equity prices from those prevailing at December 31, 2002 would increase the balance of these reinsurance contracts to $177.0 million. At the end of 2002 and of 2001, the aggregate fair values of long-term debt issued by Equitable Life were $1.01 billion and $979.6 million, respectively. The table below shows the potential fair value exposure to an immediate 100 basis point decrease in interest rates from those prevailing at the end of 2002 and of 2001.
INTEREST RATE RISK EXPOSURE (IN MILLIONS) DECEMBER 31, 2002 December 31, 2001 -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- BALANCE AFTER Balance After FAIR -100 BASIS Fair -100 Basis VALUE POINT CHANGE Value Point Change ----------------- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- Continuing Operations: Fixed rate........................ $ 657.6 $ 690.0 $ 629.6 $ 663.4 Floating rate..................... 248.3 248.3 248.3 248.3 Discontinued Operations: Floating rate..................... $ 101.7 $ 101.7 $ 101.7 $ 101.7
7A-4 PART II, ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES Report of Independent Accountants......................................................................... F-1 Consolidated Financial Statements: Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2002 and 2001................................................. F-2 Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000....................... F-3 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity, Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000...................................................................... F-4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000..................... F-5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................................................. F-7 Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedules........................................ F-51 Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules: Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties, December 31, 2002..................................................................................... F-52 Schedule II - Balance Sheets (Parent Company), December 31, 2002 and 2001............................... F-53 Schedule II - Statements of Earnings (Parent Company), Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000...................................................................... F-54 Schedule II - Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company), Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000...................................................................... F-55 Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information, Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000...................................................................... F-56 Schedule IV - Reinsurance, Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000................................. F-59
FS-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of earnings, of shareholder's equity and comprehensive income and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and its subsidiaries ("Equitable Life") at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of Equitable Life's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, Equitable Life changed its method of accounting for variable annuity products that contain guaranteed minimum death benefit and guaranteed minimum income benefit features, and its method of accounting for intangible and long-lived assets in 2002. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP New York, New York February 4, 2003 F-1 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
DECEMBER 31 December 31, 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) ASSETS Investments: Fixed maturities available for sale, at estimated fair value.............. $ 26,278.9 $ 23,265.9 Mortgage loans on real estate............................................. 3,746.2 4,333.3 Equity real estate........................................................ 717.3 875.7 Policy loans.............................................................. 4,035.6 4,100.7 Other equity investments.................................................. 720.3 756.6 Other invested assets..................................................... 1,327.6 686.0 ----------------- ----------------- Total investments..................................................... 36,825.9 34,018.2 Cash and cash equivalents................................................... 269.6 680.0 Cash and securities segregated, at estimated fair value..................... 1,174.3 1,415.2 Broker-dealer related receivables........................................... 1,446.2 1,950.9 Deferred policy acquisition costs........................................... 5,801.0 5,513.7 Goodwill and other intangible assets, net................................... 3,503.8 3,370.2 Amounts due from reinsurers................................................. 2,351.7 2,237.0 Loans to affiliates, at estimated fair value................................ 413.0 400.0 Other assets................................................................ 4,028.7 3,754.1 Separate Accounts assets.................................................... 39,012.1 46,947.3 ----------------- ----------------- TOTAL ASSETS................................................................ $ 94,826.3 $ 100,286.6 ================= ================= LIABILITIES Policyholders' account balances............................................. $ 23,037.5 $ 20,939.1 Future policy benefits and other policyholders liabilities.................. 13,975.7 13,542.7 Broker-dealer related payables.............................................. 731.0 1,260.7 Customers related payables.................................................. 1,566.8 1,814.5 Amounts due to reinsurers................................................... 867.5 798.5 Short-term and long-term debt............................................... 1,274.7 1,475.5 Federal income taxes payable................................................ 2,231.0 1,885.0 Other liabilities........................................................... 1,787.1 1,702.0 Separate Accounts liabilities............................................... 38,883.8 46,875.5 Minority interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries.................... 1,777.8 1,776.0 Minority interest subject to redemption rights.............................. 515.4 651.4 ----------------- ----------------- Total liabilities..................................................... 86,648.3 92,720.9 ----------------- ----------------- Commitments and contingencies (Notes 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17) SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY Common stock, $1.25 par value, 2.0 million shares authorized, issued and outstanding.................................................... 2.5 2.5 Capital in excess of par value.............................................. 4,753.8 4,694.6 Retained earnings........................................................... 2,740.6 2,653.2 Accumulated other comprehensive income...................................... 681.1 215.4 ----------------- ----------------- Total shareholder's equity............................................ 8,178.0 7,565.7 ----------------- ----------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY.................................. $ 94,826.3 $ 100,286.6 ================= =================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-2 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) REVENUES Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income........................................... $ 1,315.5 $ 1,342.3 $ 1,413.3 Premiums...................................................... 945.2 1,019.9 1,175.0 Net investment income......................................... 2,377.2 2,404.3 2,751.9 Gain on sale of equity investee............................... - - 1,962.0 Investment losses, net........................................ (278.5) (207.3) (791.8) Commissions, fees and other income............................ 2,987.6 3,108.5 2,730.8 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Total revenues.......................................... 7,347.0 7,667.7 9,241.2 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS Policyholders' benefits....................................... 2,034.0 1,886.9 2,060.3 Interest credited to policyholders' account balances.......... 972.5 981.7 1,048.5 Compensation and benefits..................................... 1,155.3 1,220.8 809.0 Commissions................................................... 788.8 742.1 779.3 Distribution plan payments.................................... 392.8 429.1 421.3 Amortization of deferred sales commissions.................... 229.0 230.8 219.7 Interest expense.............................................. 95.7 102.6 116.3 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs............. 296.7 287.9 309.0 Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs........... (754.8) (746.4) (778.1) Rent expense.................................................. 167.0 156.2 120.1 Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets, net..... 21.2 178.2 65.0 Expenses related to AXA's minority interest acquisition....... - - 493.9 Other operating costs and expenses............................ 920.2 904.9 991.4 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Total benefits and other deductions..................... 6,318.4 6,374.8 6,655.7 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Earnings from continuing operations before Federal income taxes and minority interest.......................... 1,028.6 1,292.9 2,585.5 Federal income tax expense.................................... (50.9) (316.2) (958.3) Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries.. (362.8) (370.1) (330.3) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Earnings from continuing operations........................... 614.9 606.6 1,296.9 Earnings from discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes.............................................. 5.6 43.9 58.6 Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of Federal income taxes.............................................. (33.1) (3.5) - ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net Earnings.................................................. $ 587.4 $ 647.0 $ 1,355.5 ================= ================= =================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-3 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Common stock, at par value, beginning and end of year......... $ 2.5 $ 2.5 $ 2.5 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year............. 4,694.6 4,723.8 3,557.2 Increase (decrease) in additional paid in capital in excess of par value......................................... 59.2 (29.2) 1,166.6 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Capital in excess of par value, end of year................... 4,753.8 4,694.6 4,723.8 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Retained earnings, beginning of year.......................... 2,653.2 3,706.2 2,600.7 Net earnings.................................................. 587.4 647.0 1,355.5 Shareholder dividends paid.................................... (500.0) (1,700.0) (250.0) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Retained earnings, end of year................................ 2,740.6 2,653.2 3,706.2 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of year........................................... 215.4 12.8 (392.9) Other comprehensive income.................................... 465.7 202.6 405.7 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Accumulated other comprehensive income, end of year........... 681.1 215.4 12.8 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF YEAR....................... $ 8,178.0 $ 7,565.7 $ 8,445.3 ================= ================= ================= COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Net earnings.................................................. $ 587.4 $ 647.0 $ 1,355.5 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of reclassification adjustments................................................ 465.6 202.6 405.7 Minimum pension liability adjustment.......................... .1 - - ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Other comprehensive income.................................... 465.7 202.6 405.7 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- COMPREHENSIVE INCOME.......................................... $ 1,053.1 $ 849.6 $ 1,761.2 ================= ================= =================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-4 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Net earnings..................................................... $ 587.4 $ 647.0 $ 1,355.5 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........... 972.5 981.7 1,048.5 Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income............................................ (1,315.5) (1,342.3) (1,413.3) Net change in broker-dealer and customer related receivables/payables......................................... (237.3) 181.0 (422.9) Gain on sale of equity investee................................ - - (1,962.0) Investment losses, net......................................... 278.5 207.3 791.8 Expenses related to AXA's minority interest acquisition........ - - 493.9 Change in deferred policy acquisition costs.................... (458.1) (458.5) (469.1) Change in future policy benefits............................... 218.0 (15.1) (825.6) Change in property and equipment............................... (74.5) (228.5) (321.0) Change in Federal income tax payable........................... 93.3 (231.5) 2,100.2 Purchase of segregated cash and securities, net................ 240.8 (108.8) (610.4) Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries... 362.8 370.1 330.3 Change in fair value of guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance contract................................. (120.0) - - Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets, net...... 21.2 178.2 65.0 Other, net..................................................... 103.0 315.2 197.6 --------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash provided by operating activities........................ 672.1 495.8 358.5 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Maturities and repayments...................................... 2,996.0 2,454.6 2,525.3 Sales.......................................................... 8,037.5 9,285.2 8,069.2 Purchases...................................................... (12,720.8) (11,833.9) (9,660.0) (Increase) decrease in short-term investments.................. (568.9) 211.8 141.5 Sale of equity investee........................................ - - 1,580.6 Acquisition of subsidiary ..................................... (249.7) - (1,480.0) Loans to affiliates............................................ - (400.0) - Other, net..................................................... 137.6 (79.4) (162.1) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash (used) provided by investing activities................. (2,368.3) (361.7) 1,014.5 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash flows from financing activities: Policyholders' account balances: Deposits..................................................... 4,328.5 3,198.8 2,695.6 Withdrawals and transfers to Separate Accounts............... (2,022.9) (2,458.1) (3,941.8) Net (decrease) increase in short-term financings............... (201.2) (552.8) 225.2 Additions to long-term debt.................................... - 398.1 .3 Shareholder dividends paid..................................... (500.0) (1,700.0) (250.0) Proceeds from newly issued Alliance units...................... - - 1,600.0 Other, net..................................................... (318.6) (456.9) (281.3) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash provided (used) by financing activities................. 1,285.8 (1,570.9) 48.0 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Change in cash and cash equivalents.............................. (410.4) (1,436.8) 1,421.0 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................... 680.0 2,116.8 695.8 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........................... $ 269.6 $ 680.0 $ 2,116.8 ================= ================= =================
F-5 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000 CONTINUED
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Supplemental cash flow information Interest Paid............................................... $ 80.5 $ 82.1 $ 97.0 ================= ================= ================= Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid................................ $ (139.6) $ 524.2 $ 337.6 ================= ================= =================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-6 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1) ORGANIZATION The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable Life") is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, Inc. (the "Holding Company," and collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, "AXA Financial"). Equitable Life's insurance business is conducted principally by Equitable Life and its wholly owned life insurance subsidiary, Equitable of Colorado ("EOC"). Equitable Life's investment management business, which comprises the Investment Services segment, is principally conducted by Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), and, through November 3, 2000, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. ("DLJ"), an investment banking and brokerage affiliate which was sold. On September 20, 1999, as part of AXA Financial's "branding" strategic initiative, EQ Financial Consultants, Inc., a broker-dealer subsidiary of Equitable Life, was merged into a new company, AXA Advisors, LLC ("AXA Advisors"). Also, on September 21, 1999, AXA Advisors was transferred by Equitable Life to AXA Distribution Holding Corporation ("AXA Distribution"), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Holding Company, for $15.3 million. The excess of the sales price over AXA Advisors' book value has been recorded in Equitable Life's books as a capital contribution. In February 2000, Equitable Life transferred AXA Network, LLC ("AXA Network") to AXA Distribution for $8.7 million. The excess of sales price over AXA Network's book value has been recorded in Equitable Life's financial statements as a capital contribution. Equitable Life continues to develop and market the "Equitable" brand of life and annuity products, while AXA Distribution's subsidiaries provide financial planning services, distribute products and manage customer relationships. In October 2000, Alliance acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of SCB Inc., formerly known as of Sanford C. Bernstein Inc. ("Bernstein"), for an aggregate current value of approximately $3.50 billion: $1.48 billion in cash and 40.8 million newly issued units in Alliance ("Alliance Units"). The Holding Company provided Alliance with the cash portion of the consideration by purchasing approximately 32.6 million Alliance Units for $1.60 billion in June 2000. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method with the results of Bernstein included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in the recognition of goodwill and intangible assets of approximately $3.40 billion. In connection with the issuance of Alliance Units to former Bernstein shareholders, Equitable Life and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"), recorded a non-cash gain of $393.5 million (net of related Federal income tax of $211.9 million) which is reflected as an addition to capital in excess of par value. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company acquired 8.16 million Alliance Units at the aggregate market price of $249.7 million from SCB Inc. and SCB Partners, Inc. under a preexisting agreement (see Note 2). Upon completion of this transaction the Company's beneficial ownership in Alliance increased by approximately 3.2%. The Company's consolidated economic interest in Alliance was 42.8% at December 31, 2002, and together with the Holding Company's economic interest in Alliance exceeds 50%. AXA, a French holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies, has been the Holding Company's largest shareholder since 1992. In October 2000, the Board of Directors of the Holding Company, acting upon a unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, approved an agreement with AXA for the acquisition of the approximately 40% of outstanding Holding Company common stock ("Common Stock") it did not already own. Under terms of the agreement, the minority shareholders of the Holding Company received $35.75 in cash and 0.295 of an AXA American Depositary Receipt ("AXA ADR") (before giving effect to AXA's May 2001 four-for-one stock split and related change in ADRs' parity) for each Holding Company share. On January 2, 2001, AXA Merger Corp. ("AXA Merger"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA, was merged with and into the Holding Company, resulting in AXA Financial becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA. F-7 2) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation ----------------------------------------------------- The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions (including normal, recurring accruals) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent 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. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary in the opinion of management to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Equitable Life and its subsidiary engaged in insurance related businesses (collectively, the "Insurance Group"); other subsidiaries, principally Alliance; and those investment companies, partnerships and joint ventures in which Equitable Life or its subsidiaries has control and a majority economic interest. The Company's investment in DLJ, which was sold in November 2000, was reported on the equity basis of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions and balances except those with discontinued operations (see Note 8) have been eliminated in consolidation. The years "2002," "2001" and "2000" refer to the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Certain reclassifications have been made in the amounts presented for prior periods to conform those periods with the current presentation. Closed Block ------------ When it demutualized on July 22, 1992, Equitable Life established a Closed Block for the benefit of certain individual participating policies which were in force on that date. The assets allocated to the Closed Block, together with anticipated revenues from policies included in the Closed Block, were reasonably expected to be sufficient to support such business, including provision for the payment of claims, certain expenses and taxes, and for continuation of dividend scales payable in 1991, assuming the experience underlying such scales continues. Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the Closed Block policyholders and will not revert to the benefit of the Holding Company. No reallocation, transfer, borrowing or lending of assets can be made between the Closed Block and other portions of Equitable Life's General Account, any of its Separate Accounts or any affiliate of Equitable Life without the approval of the New York Superintendent of Insurance (the "Superintendent"). Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities held in the General Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets represents the expected future post-tax contribution from the Closed Block which would be recognized in income over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force. Discontinued Operations ----------------------- In 1991, management discontinued the business of certain pension operations ("Discontinued Operations"). Discontinued Operations at December 31, 2002 principally consists of the Group Non-Participating Wind-Up Annuities ("Wind-Up Annuities"), for which a premium deficiency reserve has been established. Management reviews the adequacy of the allowance for future losses each quarter and makes adjustments when necessary. Management believes the allowance for future losses at December 31, 2002 is adequate to provide for all future losses; however, the quarterly allowance review continues to involve numerous estimates and subjective judgments regarding the expected performance of invested assets ("Discontinued Operations Investment Assets") held by Discontinued Operations. There can be no assurance the losses provided for will not differ from the losses ultimately realized. To the extent actual results or future projections of the discontinued operations differ from management's current best estimates and assumptions underlying the allowance for future losses, the difference would be reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings in discontinued operations (see Note 8). F-8 Accounting Changes ------------------ On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations," SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets". SFAS No. 142 embraced an entirely new approach to accounting for goodwill by eliminating the long-standing requirement for systematic amortization and instead imposing periodic impairment testing to determine whether the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is ascribed supports its continued recognition. Concurrent with its adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company ceased to amortize goodwill. Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, was approximately $73.4 million and $27.1 million, net of minority interest of $104.7 million and $38.0 million, of which $7.6 million and $1.0 million, net of minority interest of $13.6 million and $1.4 million, related to other intangible assets. Net income, excluding goodwill amortization expense, for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, would have been $712.8 million and $1,381.6 million. The carrying amount of goodwill was $3,112.2 million and $2,974.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2002 and at December 31, 2001 and relates solely to the Investment Services segment. No losses resulted from completion in 2002 of transitional and annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Amounts presently estimated to be recorded in each of the succeeding five years ending December 31, 2007 for amortization of other intangible assets are not expected to vary significantly from the amount for the full year December 31, 2002 of $8.6 million, net of minority interest of $12.6 million. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets were $531.7 million and $140.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2002 and $514.6 million and $118.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2001. SFAS No. 144, retains many of the fundamental recognition and measurement provisions previously required by SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of," except for the removal of goodwill from its scope, inclusion of specific guidance on cash flow recoverability testing and the criteria that must be met to classify a long-lived asset as held-for-sale. SFAS No. 141 and No. 144 had no material impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Company upon their adoption on January 1, 2002. Effective January 1, 2002, the Company changed its method of accounting for liabilities associated with variable annuity contracts that contain guaranteed minimum death benefit ("GMDB") and guaranteed minimum income benefit ("GMIB") features, to establish reserves for the Company's estimated obligations associated with these features. The method was changed to achieve a better matching of revenues and expenses. The initial impact of adoption as of January 1, 2002 resulted in a charge of $33.1 million for the cumulative effect of this accounting change, net of Federal income taxes of $17.9 million, in the consolidated statements of earnings. Prior to the adoption of this accounting change, benefits under these features were expensed as incurred. The impact of this change was to reduce Earnings from continuing operations in 2002 by $113.0 million, net of Federal income taxes of $61.0 million. The pro-forma effects of retroactive application of this change on 2001 and 2000 results were not material. On January 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, as amended, that established new accounting and reporting standards for all derivative instruments, including certain derivatives embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. Free-standing derivative instruments maintained by the Company at January 1, 2001 included interest rate caps, floors and collars intended to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive individual annuity contracts and certain reinsurance contracts. Based upon guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the Derivatives Implementation Group ("DIG"), the caps, floors and collars could not be designated in a qualifying hedging relationship under SFAS No. 133 and, consequently, require mark-to-market accounting through earnings for changes in their fair values beginning January 1, 2001. In accordance with the transition provision of SFAS No. 133, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect-type charge to earnings of $3.5 million to recognize the difference between the carrying values and fair values of free-standing derivative instruments at January 1, 2001. With respect to adoption of the requirements on embedded derivatives, the Company elected a January 1, 1999 transition date, thereby effectively "grandfathering" existing accounting for derivatives embedded in hybrid instruments acquired, issued, or substantively modified before that date. As a consequence of this election, coupled with recent interpretive guidance from the FASB and the DIG with respect to issues specifically related to insurance contracts and features, adoption of the new requirements for embedded derivatives had no material impact on the Company's results of operations or its financial position. Upon its adoption of SFAS No. 133, the Company reclassified $256.7 million of held-to-maturity securities as available-for-sale. This reclassification resulted in an after-tax cumulative-effect-type adjustment of $8.9 million in other comprehensive income, representing the after-tax unrealized gain on these securities at January 1, 2001. F-9 The accounting for the GMIB reinsurance assets that are considered an SFAS No. 133 derivative is discussed in the Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits section of this Note. The Company adopted the AICPA's Statement of Position ("SOP") 00-3, which established new accounting and reporting standards for demutualizations, prospectively as of January 1, 2001 with no financial impact upon initial implementation. SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities," provides the accounting and reporting rules for sales, securitizations, servicing of receivables and other financial assets, for secured borrowings and collateral transactions and extinguishments of liabilities. SFAS No. 140 emphasizes the legal form of the transfer rather than the previous accounting that was based upon the risks and rewards of ownership. SFAS No. 140 was effective for transfers after March 31, 2001 and is principally applied prospectively. Since that March 2001 effective date, no significant transactions were impacted by SFAS No. 140. New Accounting Pronouncements ----------------------------- In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities". SFAS No. 146 established financial accounting and reporting standards for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)". SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized only when the liability is incurred and measured initially at fair value. However, the cost of termination benefits provided under the terms of an ongoing benefit arrangement, such as a standard severance offering based on years of service, continues to be covered by other accounting pronouncements and is unchanged by SFAS No. 146. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". FIN No. 45 addresses the disclosures made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about obligations under guarantees. FIN No. 45 also clarifies the requirements related to the recognition of a liability by a guarantor at the inception of a guarantee for the obligations that the guarantor has undertaken in issuing that guarantee. The fair value reporting provisions of FIN No. 45 are to be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002 (see Note 15). The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions are to be applied only on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," to address when it is appropriate to consolidate financial interests in any variable interest entity ("VIE"), a new term to define a business structure that either does not have equity investors with voting or other similar rights or has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources to support its activities. For entities with these characteristics, including many formerly known as special purpose entities, FIN 46 imposes a consolidation model that focuses on the relative exposures of the participants to the economic risks and rewards from the assets of the VIE rather than on ownership of its voting interests, if any, to determine whether a parent-subsidiary relationship exists. Under the VIE consolidation model, the party with a majority of the economic risks or rewards associated with a VIE's activities, including those conveyed by derivatives, credit enhancements, and other arrangements, is the "primary beneficiary" and, therefore, is required to consolidate the VIE. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46 phase-in beginning in the first quarter of 2003, with immediate application to all new VIEs created after January 31, 2003 and further application to existing VIEs starting in the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. However, specific disclosures are required in 2002 year-end financial statements issued subsequent to January 31, 2003 if it is "reasonably possible" that a company will have a significant, but not necessarily consolidated, variable interest in a VIE when the consolidation requirements become effective. At December 31, 2002, the Company identified significant variable interests totaling $123.7 million, representing its participation in seven collateralized debt obligation structures and four investment limited partnerships determined to be VIEs. These variable interests are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as fixed maturities or other equity investments and, accordingly, F-10 are subject to ongoing review for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary. These variable interests and approximately $24.5 million related funding commitments to the investment limited partnerships, as more fully described in Note 15, represent the Company's maximum exposure to loss from its involvement with these VIEs. The Company has no further economic interests in these VIEs in the form of related guarantees, derivatives or similar instruments and obligations. By no later than third quarter 2003, the Company is required by FIN 46 to consolidate those VIEs where it is determined to be the primary beneficiary, which includes consideration of the aggregate variable interests in these VIEs held by related parties. Management's preliminary assessment indicates consolidation is likely to be required for one collateralized debt obligation security and two investment limited partnerships, which comprise $93.5 million of the significant variable interests identified at December 31, 2002. Management believes no material impact on consolidated financial position or reported amounts of consolidated total liabilities would result from consolidation of these VIEs. Similarly, management believes there would be no material impact on consolidated results of operations as the Company's economic interests in these VIEs are accounted for primarily under the equity method. The FASB is in the process of considering the application of SFAS No. 133 in situations in which a financial instrument incorporates credit risk exposures that are unrelated or only partially related to the creditworthiness of the issuer of the instrument. The issue is whether an embedded derivative exists in such instruments, related to the transfer of credit risk that is unrelated to the creditworthiness of the issuer, which must be bifurcated and reported at fair value. This issue may have application to certain insurance and reinsurance contracts, such as modified coinsurance arrangements in which a total return on a specified group of assets is paid to the reinsurer, and group pension participating contracts which credit the contractholder a total return on a specified portfolio of assets. Based on management's understanding of the issues under discussion, this potential accounting change is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position upon adoption. Investments ----------- The carrying values of fixed maturities identified as available for sale are reported at estimated fair value. Changes in estimated fair value are reported in comprehensive income. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary. Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized discounts and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate or on its collateral value if the loan is collateral dependent. However, if foreclosure is or becomes probable, the collateral value measurement method is used. Impaired mortgage loans without provision for losses are loans where the fair value of the collateral or the net present value of the expected future cash flows related to the loan equals or exceeds the recorded investment. Interest income earned on loans where the collateral value is used to measure impairment is recorded on a cash basis. Interest income on loans where the present value method is used to measure impairment is accrued on the net carrying value amount of the loan at the interest rate used to discount the cash flows. Changes in the present value attributable to changes in the amount or timing of expected cash flows are reported as investment gains or losses. Real estate, including real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt, is stated at depreciated cost less valuation allowances. At the date of foreclosure (including in-substance foreclosure), real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt is valued at estimated fair value. Impaired real estate is written down to fair value with the impairment loss being included in investment gains (losses), net. Valuation allowances on real estate held for sale are computed using the lower of depreciated cost or current estimated fair value, net of disposition costs. Depreciation is discontinued on real estate held for sale. Depreciation of real estate held for production of income is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which generally range from 40 to 50 years. Valuation allowances are netted against the asset categories to which they apply. Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. F-11 Partnerships, investment companies and joint venture interests in which the Company has control and a majority economic interest (that is, greater than 50% of the economic return generated by the entity) are consolidated; those in which the Company does not have control and a majority economic interest are reported on the equity basis of accounting and are included either with equity real estate or other equity investments, as appropriate. Equity securities include common stock and non-redeemable preferred stock classified as either trading or available for sale securities, are carried at estimated fair value and are included in other equity investments. Short-term investments are stated at amortized cost which approximates fair value and are included with other invested assets. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. All securities owned as well as United States government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, futures and forwards transactions are recorded in the consolidated financial statements on a trade date basis. Net Investment Income, Investment Gains (Losses), Net and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment income and realized investment gains (losses), net (together "investment results") related to certain participating group annuity contracts which are passed through to the contractholders are offset in amounts reflected as interest credited to policyholders' account balances. Realized investment gains (losses) are determined by identification with the specific asset and are presented as a component of revenue. Changes in the valuation allowances are included in investment gains or losses. Realized and unrealized holding gains (losses) on trading securities are reflected in net investment income. Unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities available for sale held by the Company are accounted for as a separate component of accumulated comprehensive income, net of related deferred Federal income taxes, amounts attributable to Discontinued Operations, Closed Block policyholders dividend obligation, participating group annuity contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC") related to universal life and investment-type products and participating traditional life contracts. Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses ---------------------------------------------------- Premiums from universal life and investment-type contracts are reported as deposits to policyholders' account balances. Revenues from these contracts consist of amounts assessed during the period against policyholders' account balances for mortality charges, policy administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policyholders' account balances. Premiums from participating and non-participating traditional life and annuity policies with life contingencies generally are recognized as income when due. Benefits and expenses are matched with such income so as to result in the recognition of profits over the life of the contracts. This match is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy acquisition costs. For contracts with a single premium or a limited number of premium payments due over a significantly shorter period than the total period over which benefits are provided, premiums are recorded as income when due with any excess profit deferred and recognized in income in a constant relationship to insurance in-force or, for annuities, the amount of expected future benefit payments. Premiums from individual health contracts are recognized as income over the period to which the premiums relate in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. F-12 Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs --------------------------------- Acquisition costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance business, including commissions, underwriting, agency and policy issue expenses, are deferred. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period. For universal life products and investment-type products, DAC is amortized over the expected total life of the contract group as a constant percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from investment results, Separate Account fees, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges based on historical and anticipated future experience, updated at the end of each accounting period. The effect on the amortization of DAC of revisions to estimated gross profits is reflected in earnings in the period such estimated gross profits are revised. A decrease in expected gross profits would accelerate DAC amortization. Conversely, an increase in expected gross profits would slow DAC amortization. The effect on the DAC asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to accumulated comprehensive income in consolidated shareholders' equity as of the balance sheet date. A significant assumption in the amortization of DAC on variable and interest-sensitive life insurance and variable annuities relates to projected future Separate Account performance. Expected future gross profit assumptions related to Separate Account performance are set by management using a long-term view of expected average market returns by applying a reversion to the mean approach. In applying this approach to develop estimates of future returns, it is assumed that the market will return to an average gross long-term return estimate, developed with reference to historical long-term equity market performance and subject to assessment of the reasonableness of resulting estimates of future return assumptions. For purposes of making this reasonableness assessment, management has set limitations as to maximum and minimum future rate of return assumptions, as well as a limitation on the duration of use of these maximum or minimum rates of return. Currently, the average gross long-term annual return estimate is 9.0% (7.2% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees), and the gross maximum and minimum annual rate of return limitations are 15.0% (13.2% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees) and 0% (-1.9% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees), respectively. The maximum duration over which these rate limitations may be applied is 5 years. This approach will continue to be applied in future periods. If actual market returns continue at levels that would result in assuming future market returns of 15% for more than 5 years in order to reach the average gross long-term return estimate, the application of the 5 year maximum duration limitation would result in an acceleration of DAC amortization. Conversely, actual market returns resulting in assumed future market returns of 0% for more than 5 years would result in a required deceleration of DAC amortization. As of December 31, 2002, current projections of future average gross market returns are within the maximum and minimum limitations and assume a reversion to the mean of 9.0% after 2.5 years. In addition, projections of future mortality assumptions related to variable and interest-sensitive life products are based on a long-term average of actual experience. This assumption is updated quarterly to reflect recent experience as it emerges. Improvement of life mortality in future periods from that currently projected would result in future deceleration of DAC amortization. Conversely, deterioration of life mortality in future periods from that currently projected would result in future acceleration of DAC amortization. Generally, life mortality experience has improved in recent periods. Other significant assumptions underlying gross profit estimates relate to contract persistency and general account investment spread. For participating traditional life policies (substantially all of which are in the Closed Block), DAC is amortized over the expected total life of the contract group as a constant percentage based on the present value of the estimated gross margin amounts expected to be realized over the life of the contracts using the expected investment yield. At December 31, 2002, the average rate of assumed investment yields, excluding policy loans, was 7.9% grading to 7.3% over 8 years. Estimated gross margin includes anticipated premiums and investment results less claims and administrative expenses, changes in the net level premium reserve and expected annual policyholder dividends. The effect on the amortization of DAC of revisions to estimated gross margins is reflected in earnings in the period such estimated gross margins are revised. The effect on the DAC asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to accumulated comprehensive income in consolidated shareholders' equity as of the balance sheet date. F-13 For non-participating traditional life policies, DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums. Assumptions as to anticipated premiums are estimated at the date of policy issue and are consistently applied during the life of the contracts. Deviations from estimated experience are reflected in earnings in the period such deviations occur. For these contracts, the amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy. Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits ---------------------------------------------------------- Policyholders' account balances for universal life and investment-type contracts are equal to the policy account values. The policy account values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals. Equitable Life issues certain variable annuity products with a GMDB feature. Equitable Life also issues certain variable annuity products that contain a GMIB feature which, if elected by the policyholder after a stipulated waiting period from contract issuance, guarantees a minimum lifetime annuity based on predetermined annuity purchase rates that may be in excess of what the contract account value can purchase at then-current annuity purchase rates. This minimum lifetime annuity is based on predetermined annuity purchase rates applied to a guarantee minimum income benefit base. The risk associated with the GMDB and GMIB features is that a protracted under-performance of the financial markets could result in GMDB and GMIB benefits being higher than what accumulated policyholder account balances would support. Reserves for GMDB and GMIB obligations are calculated on the basis of actuarial assumptions related to projected benefits and related contract charges over the lives of the contracts using assumptions consistent with those used in estimating gross profits for purposes of amortizing DAC. The determination of this estimated liability is based on models which involve numerous estimates and subjective judgments, including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, contract surrender rates, mortality experience, and, for GMIB, GMIB election rates. Assumptions regarding Separate Account performance used for purposes of this calculation are set using a long-term view of expected average market returns by applying a reversion to the mean approach, consistent with that used for DAC amortization. There can be no assurance that ultimate actual experience will not differ from management's estimates. The GMIB reinsurance contracts are considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133 and, therefore, are required to be reported in the balance sheet at their fair value. GMIB fair values are reported in the consolidated balance sheets in Other assets. Changes in GMIB fair values are reflected in Commissions, fees and other income in the consolidated statements of earnings. Since there is no readily available market for GMIB reinsurance contracts, the determination of their fair values is based on models which involve numerous estimates and subjective judgments including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, GMIB election rates, contract surrender rates and mortality experience. There can be no assurance that ultimate actual experience will not differ from management's estimates. For reinsurance contracts other than those covering GMIB exposure, reinsurance recoverable balances are calculated using methodologies and assumptions that are consistent with those used to calculate the direct liabilities. For participating traditional life policies, future policy benefit liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the basis of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund interest rates. The liability for annual dividends represents the accrual of annual dividends earned. Terminal dividends are accrued in proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract. For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy benefit liabilities are estimated using a net level premium method on the basis of actuarial assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest established at policy issue. Assumptions established at policy issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Insurance Group's experience that, together with interest and expense assumptions, includes a margin for adverse deviation. When the liabilities for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums for a product are insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses for that product, DAC is written off and thereafter, if required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by a charge to earnings. Benefit liabilities for traditional annuities during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders' fund balances and, after annuitization, are equal to the present value of expected future payments. Interest rates used in establishing such liabilities range from 2.25% to 10.9% for life insurance liabilities and from 2.25% to 8.43% for annuity liabilities. F-14 Individual health benefit liabilities for active lives are estimated using the net level premium method and assumptions as to future morbidity, withdrawals and interest. Benefit liabilities for disabled lives are estimated using the present value of benefits method and experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest. While management believes its disability income ("DI") reserves have been calculated on a reasonable basis and are adequate, there can be no assurance reserves will be sufficient to provide for future liabilities. Claim reserves and associated liabilities net of reinsurance ceded for individual DI and major medical policies were $86.0 million and $104.2 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, $1,088.9 million and $1,101.8 million of DI reserves and associated liabilities were ceded through an indemnity reinsurance agreement principally with a single reinsurer (see Note 12). Incurred benefits (benefits paid plus changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major medical policies are summarized as follows:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Incurred benefits related to current year.......... $ 36.6 $ 44.0 $ 56.1 Incurred benefits related to prior years........... (6.3) (10.6) 15.0 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Incurred Benefits............................ $ 30.3 $ 33.4 $ 71.1 ================= ================ ================= Benefits paid related to current year.............. $ 11.5 $ 10.7 $ 14.8 Benefits paid related to prior years............... 37.2 38.8 106.0 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Benefits Paid................................ $ 48.7 $ 49.5 $ 120.8 ================= ================ =================
Policyholders' Dividends ------------------------ The amount of policyholders' dividends to be paid (including dividends on policies included in the Closed Block) is determined annually by Equitable Life's board of directors. The aggregate amount of policyholders' dividends is related to actual interest, mortality, morbidity and expense experience for the year and judgment as to the appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by Equitable Life. At December 31, 2002, participating policies, including those in the Closed Block, represent approximately 19.4% ($36.5 billion) of directly written life insurance in-force, net of amounts ceded. Separate Accounts ----------------- Generally, Separate Accounts established under New York State Insurance Law generally are not chargeable with liabilities that arise from any other business of the Insurance Group. Separate Accounts assets are subject to General Account claims only to the extent Separate Accounts assets exceed Separate Accounts liabilities. Assets and liabilities of the Separate Accounts represent the net deposits and accumulated net investment earnings less fees, held primarily for the benefit of contractholders, and for which the Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk. Separate Accounts' assets and liabilities are shown on separate lines in the consolidated balance sheets. The Insurance Group bears the investment risk on assets held in one Separate Account; therefore, such assets are carried on the same basis as similar assets held in the General Account portfolio. Assets held in the other Separate Accounts are carried at quoted market values or, where quoted values are not available, at estimated fair values as determined by the Insurance Group. The investment results of Separate Accounts on which the Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk are reflected directly in Separate Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues in the consolidated statements of earnings. For 2002, 2001 and 2000, investment results of such Separate Accounts were (losses) gains of $(4,740.7) million, $(2,214.4) million and $8,051.7 million, respectively. Deposits to Separate Accounts are reported as increases in Separate Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality, policy administration and surrender charges on all Separate Accounts are included in revenues. F-15 Recognition of Investment Management Revenues and Related Expenses ------------------------------------------------------------------ Commissions, fees and other income principally include investment management advisory and service fees. Investment management advisory and service fees are recorded as revenue as the related services are performed; they include brokerage transactions charges of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC ("SCB LLC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance, for substantially all private client transactions and certain institutional investment management client transactions. Certain investment advisory contracts provide for a performance fee, in addition to or in lieu of a base fee, that is calculated as a percentage of the related investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Performance fees are recorded as revenue at the end of the measurement period. Transaction charges earned and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis. Distribution revenues and shareholder servicing fees are accrued as earned. Institutional research services revenue consists of brokerage transaction charges and underwriting syndicate revenues related to services provided to institutional investors. Brokerage transaction charges earned and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis. Syndicate participation and underwriting revenues include gains, losses and fees, net of syndicate expenses, arising from securities offerings in which SCB LLC acts as an underwriter or agent. Syndicate participation and underwriting revenues are recorded on the offering date. Sales commissions paid to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of shares of open-end Alliance mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge are capitalized and amortized over periods not exceeding five and one-half years, the period of time during which deferred sales commissions are expected to be recovered from distribution plan payments received from those funds and from contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") received from shareholders of those funds upon the redemption of their shares. CDSC reduces unamortized deferred sales commissions when received. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, deferred sales commissions totaled $500.9 million and $648.2 million and are included within Other assets. Impairment of the deferred sales commission asset is evaluated quarterly, or when a significant decrease in the estimated fair value of the asset occurs, by comparing the undiscounted cash flows estimated by Alliance's management to be realized from this asset to its recorded amount. If the estimated undiscounted cash flows are less that the recorded amount and if Alliance's management estimates that the recorded amount is not fully recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the recorded amount and the estimated fair value of the asset. Cash flows consist of ongoing distribution fees and CDSC. Distribution fees are calculated as a percentage of average assets under management related to back-end load shares. CDSC is based on the values of back-end load shares redeemed and, generally, the length of time the shares have been held. Other Accounting Policies ------------------------- In accordance with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), securities with a fair value of $1.17 billion have been segregated in a special reserve bank custody account at December 31, 2002 for the exclusive benefit of securities broker-dealer or brokerage customers under Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Intangible assets include costs assigned to contracts of businesses acquired. These costs continue to be amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of twenty years. Capitalized internal-use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software. The Holding Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Company, file a consolidated Federal income tax return. Current Federal income taxes are charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted income tax rates and laws. F-16 Minority interest subject to redemption rights represents the remaining 32.6 million private Alliance Units issued to former Bernstein shareholders in connection with Alliance's acquisition of Bernstein. The Holding Company agreed to provide liquidity to these former Bernstein shareholders after a two-year lock-out period which ended October 2002. The Company acquired 8.16 million of the former Bernstein shareholders' Units in 2002. The outstanding 32.6 million Alliance Units may be sold to the Holding Company at the prevailing market price over the remaining seven years ending in 2009. Generally not more than 20% of the original Units issued to the former Bernstein shareholders may be put to the Holding Company in any one annual period. The Company accounts for its stock option plans in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. In accordance with the opinion, stock option awards result in compensation expense only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeds the option strike price at the grant date. See Note 21 for the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure". F-17 3) INVESTMENTS The following tables provide additional information relating to fixed maturities and equity securities:
GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) DECEMBER 31, 2002 ----------------- Fixed Maturities: Available for Sale: Corporate.......................... $ 20,084.0 $ 1,491.0 $ 269.0 $ 21,306.0 Mortgage-backed.................... 2,419.2 99.2 - 2,518.4 U.S. Treasury, government and agency securities................ 895.5 84.1 - 979.6 States and political subdivisions.. 197.6 17.9 - 215.5 Foreign governments................ 231.8 37.4 .8 268.4 Redeemable preferred stock......... 923.7 71.4 4.1 991.0 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Available for Sale............... $ 24,751.8 $ 1,801.0 $ 273.9 $ 26,278.9 ================= ================= ================ ================= Equity Securities: Available for sale................... $ 37.6 $ 2.0 $ 3.4 $ 36.2 Trading securities................... 3.3 .8 3.0 1.1 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Equity Securities................ $ 40.9 $ 2.8 $ 6.4 $ 37.3 ================= ================= ================ ================= December 31, 2001 ----------------- Fixed Maturities: Available for Sale: Corporate.......................... $ 18,582.9 $ 663.5 $ 291.7 $ 18,954.7 Mortgage-backed.................... 2,428.7 39.1 5.5 2,462.3 U.S. Treasury, government and agency securities................ 1,113.5 62.3 1.5 1,174.3 States and political subdivisions.. 138.9 6.8 1.3 144.4 Foreign governments................ 143.1 15.6 1.0 157.7 Redeemable preferred stock......... 379.6 16.5 23.6 372.5 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Available for Sale............... $ 22,786.7 $ 803.8 $ 324.6 $ 23,265.9 ================= ================= ================ ================= Equity Securities: Available for sale................... $ 54.9 $ 5.8 $ 1.6 $ 59.1 Trading securities................... 4.9 .9 3.4 2.4 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Equity Securities................ $ 59.8 $ 6.7 $ 5.0 $ 61.5 ================= ================= ================ =================
For publicly-traded fixed maturities and equity securities, estimated fair value is determined using quoted market prices. For fixed maturities without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company determines estimated fair values using a discounted cash flow approach, including provisions for credit risk, generally based on the assumption such securities will be held to maturity. Such estimated fair values do not necessarily represent the values for which these securities could have been sold at the dates of the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, securities without a readily ascertainable market value having an amortized cost of $4,899.8 million and $5,368.3 million, respectively, had estimated fair values of $5,137.2 million and $5,453.8 million, respectively. F-18 The contractual maturity of bonds at December 31, 2002 is shown below:
AVAILABLE FOR SALE ------------------------------------ AMORTIZED ESTIMATED COST FAIR VALUE ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Due in one year or less................................................ $ 612.4 $ 612.1 Due in years two through five.......................................... 5,239.9 5,527.7 Due in years six through ten........................................... 8,630.1 9,268.1 Due after ten years.................................................... 6,926.5 7,361.6 Mortgage-backed securities............................................. 2,419.2 2,518.4 ---------------- ----------------- Total.................................................................. $ 23,828.1 $ 25,287.9 ================ =================
Bonds not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above table in the year of final maturity. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The Insurance Group's fixed maturity investment portfolio includes corporate high yield securities consisting of public high yield bonds, redeemable preferred stocks and directly negotiated debt in leveraged buyout transactions. The Insurance Group seeks to minimize the higher than normal credit risks associated with such securities by monitoring concentrations in any single issuer or a particular industry group. Certain of these corporate high yield securities are classified as other than investment grade by the various rating agencies, i.e., a rating below Baa or National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5 (below investment grade) or 6 (in or near default). At December 31, 2002, approximately 6.9% of the $23,828.1 million aggregate amortized cost of bonds held by the Company was considered to be other than investment grade. At December 31, 2002, the carrying value of fixed maturities which are non-income producing for the twelve months preceding the consolidated balance sheet date was $132.4 million. The Insurance Group holds equity in limited partnership interests which primarily invest in securities considered to be other than investment grade. The carrying values at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were $674.8 million and $695.2 million, respectively. The payment terms of mortgage loans on real estate may from time to time be restructured or modified. The investment in restructured mortgage loans on real estate, based on amortized cost, amounted to $75.3 million and $31.5 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Gross interest income on these loans included in net investment income aggregated $5.3 million, $3.2 million and $9.7 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Gross interest income on restructured mortgage loans on real estate that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of such loans amounted to $6.8 million, $4.2 million and $11.0 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Impaired mortgage loans along with the related investment valuation allowances for losses follow:
DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------- 2002 2001 ------------------- ------------------- (IN MILLIONS) Impaired mortgage loans with investment valuation allowances....... $ 111.8 $ 114.2 Impaired mortgage loans without investment valuation allowances.... 20.4 30.7 ------------------- ------------------- Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans..................... 132.2 144.9 Investment valuation allowances.................................... (23.4) (19.3) ------------------- ------------------- Net Impaired Mortgage Loans........................................ $ 108.8 $ 125.6 =================== ===================
F-19 During 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, the Company's average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans was $138.1 million, $141.7 million and $169.8 million. Interest income recognized on these impaired mortgage loans totaled $10.0 million, $7.2 million and $12.4 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Mortgage loans on real estate are placed on nonaccrual status once management believes the collection of accrued interest is doubtful. Once mortgage loans on real estate are classified as nonaccrual loans, interest income is recognized under the cash basis of accounting and the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan on real estate has been restructured to where the collection of interest is considered likely. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, the carrying value of mortgage loans on real estate that had been classified as nonaccrual loans was $91.1 million and $95.8 million. The Insurance Group's investment in equity real estate is through direct ownership and through investments in real estate joint ventures. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the carrying value of equity real estate held for sale amounted to $107.7 million and $216.6 million, respectively. For 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, real estate of $5.6 million, $64.8 million and $21.6 million was acquired in satisfaction of debt. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company owned $268.8 million and $376.5 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt of which $2.7 million and $11.1 million, respectively, are held as real estate joint ventures. Accumulated depreciation on real estate was $163.6 million and $160.3 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Depreciation expense on real estate totaled $18.0 million, $16.1 million and $21.7 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Investment valuation allowances for mortgage loans and equity real estate and changes thereto follow:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Balances, beginning of year........................ $ 87.6 $ 126.2 $ 177.9 Additions charged to income........................ 32.5 40.0 68.2 Deductions for writedowns and asset dispositions............................... (65.1) (78.6) (119.9) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Balances, End of Year.............................. $ 55.0 $ 87.6 $ 126.2 ================= ================ ================= Balances, end of year comprise: Mortgage loans on real estate.................... $ 23.4 $ 19.3 $ 50.5 Equity real estate............................... 31.6 68.3 75.7 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total.............................................. $ 55.0 $ 87.6 $ 126.2 ================= ================ =================
F-20 4) EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS Included in equity real estate or other equity investments, as appropriate, is the Company's interest in real estate joint ventures, limited partnership interests and investment companies accounted for under the equity method with a total carrying value of $801.6 million and $883.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2002 and 2001. The Company's total equity in net (losses) earnings for these real estate joint ventures and limited partnership interests was $(14.9) million, $(111.1) million and $180.3 million, respectively, for 2002, 2001 and 2002. Summarized below is the combined financial information only for those real estate joint ventures and for those limited partnership interests accounted for under the equity method in which the Company has an investment of $10.0 million or greater and an equity interest of 10% or greater (7 and 10 individual ventures at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively) and the Company's carrying value and equity in net earnings for those real estate joint ventures and limited partnership interests:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------ 2002 2001 ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) BALANCE SHEETS Investments in real estate, at depreciated cost........................ $ 550.0 $ 570.5 Investments in securities, generally at estimated fair value........... 237.5 255.7 Cash and cash equivalents.............................................. 27.9 23.7 Other assets........................................................... 32.2 39.4 ---------------- ----------------- Total Assets........................................................... $ 847.6 $ 889.3 ================ ================= Borrowed funds - third party........................................... $ 264.7 $ 269.6 Other liabilities...................................................... 19.2 20.3 ---------------- ----------------- Total liabilities...................................................... 283.9 289.9 ---------------- ----------------- Partners' capital...................................................... 563.7 599.4 ---------------- ----------------- Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital................................ $ 847.6 $ 889.3 ================ ================= The Company's Carrying Value in These Entities Included Above.......... $ 172.3 $ 188.2 ================ ================= 2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS Revenues of real estate joint ventures............. $ 98.4 $ 95.6 $ 147.6 Net (losses) revenues of other limited partnership interests.............. (23.2) 29.8 16.5 Interest expense - third party..................... (19.8) (11.5) (17.0) Interest expense - the Company..................... - (.7) (2.0) Other expenses..................................... (59.3) (58.2) (88.0) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net (Losses) Earnings.............................. $ (3.9) $ 55.0 $ 57.1 ================= ================ ================= The Company's Equity in Net Earnings of These Entities Included Above.......................... $ 12.8 $ 13.2 $ 17.8 ================= ================ =================
F-21 5) NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES) The sources of net investment income follows:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Fixed maturities................................... $ 1,755.4 $ 1,662.4 $ 1,764.8 Mortgage loans on real estate...................... 314.8 361.6 387.1 Equity real estate................................. 153.7 166.2 207.2 Other equity investments........................... (45.4) (53.6) 135.3 Policy loans....................................... 269.4 268.2 258.3 Other investment income............................ 114.1 216.6 208.1 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Gross investment income.......................... 2,562.0 2,621.4 2,960.8 Investment expenses.............................. (184.8) (217.1) (208.9) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net Investment Income.............................. $ 2,377.2 $ 2,404.3 $ 2,751.9 ================= ================ =================
Investment (losses) gains including changes in the valuation allowances follow:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Fixed maturities................................... $ (374.3) $ (225.2) $ (795.0) Mortgage loans on real estate...................... 3.7 (11.4) (18.0) Equity real estate................................. 101.5 34.5 1.6 Other equity investments........................... 3.3 (13.0) (23.4) Issuance and sales of Alliance Units............... .5 (2.3) 3.9 Issuance and sales of DLJ common stock............. - - 38.8 Other.............................................. (13.2) 10.1 .3 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Investment Losses, Net........................... $ (278.5) $ (207.3) $ (791.8) ================= ================ =================
Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $312.8 million, $287.5 million and $635.5 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, including $499.2 million in fourth quarter 2000. Writedowns of mortgage loans on real estate and equity real estate amounted to $5.5 million and $5.8 million, respectively, for 2002. For 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, proceeds received on sales of fixed maturities classified as available for sale amounted to $7,176.3 million, $7,372.3 million and $7,685.5 million. Gross gains of $108.4 million, $156.2 million and $79.7 million and gross losses of $172.9 million, $115.9 million and $220.9 million, respectively, were realized on these sales. The change in unrealized investment gains (losses) related to fixed maturities classified as available for sale for 2002, 2001 and 2000 amounted to $1,047.8 million, $429.5 million and $954.5 million, respectively. In conjunction with the sale of DLJ in 2000, the Company received 11.4 million shares in Credit Suisse Group ("CSG") common stock, 2.8 million shares of which were immediately repurchased by CSG at closing. The CSG shares were designated as trading account securities. The $1.56 billion carrying value of CSG shares that were held by the Company at December 31, 2000 were sold in January 2001. Net investment income included realized gains of $27.1 million in 2001 and included unrealized holding losses of $43.3 million in 2000 on the CSG shares. In 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, net unrealized holding gains (losses) on trading account equity securities of $.5 million, $25.0 million, and $(42.2) million were included in net investment income in the consolidated statements of earnings. These trading securities had a carrying value of $1.1 million and $2.4 million and costs of $3.3 million and $4.9 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. F-22 For 2002, 2001 and 2000, investment results passed through to certain participating group annuity contracts as interest credited to policyholders' account balances amounted to $92.1 million, $96.7 million and $110.6 million, respectively. Net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated comprehensive income and the changes for the corresponding years, including Discontinued Operations on a line-by-line basis, follow:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Balance, beginning of year......................... $ 215.5 $ 12.9 $ (392.8) Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains.... 1,049.9 436.0 979.7 Changes in unrealized investment losses(gains) attributable to: Participating group annuity contracts, Closed Block policyholder dividend obligation and other......................... (157.3) (48.6) (18.3) DAC............................................ (174.1) (71.6) (262.1) Deferred Federal income taxes.................. (252.9) (113.2) (293.6) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Balance, End of Year............................... $ 681.1 $ 215.5 $ 12.9 ================= ================ ================= Balance, end of year comprises: Unrealized investment gains (losses) on: Fixed maturities............................... $ 1,572.0 $ 496.0 $ 65.9 Other equity investments....................... (1.5) 4.3 (2.3) Other.......................................... (22.2) (1.9) (1.2) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total........................................ 1,548.3 498.4 62.4 Amounts of unrealized investment (losses) gains attributable to: Participating group annuity contracts, Closed Block policyholder dividend obligation and other....................... (221.2) (63.9) (15.3) DAC.......................................... (274.0) (99.9) (28.3) Deferred Federal income taxes................ (372.0) (119.1) (5.9) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total.............................................. $ 681.1 $ 215.5 $ 12.9 ================= ================ =================
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) reflect changes in fair value of only those fixed maturities and equity securities classified as available for sale and do not reflect any changes in fair value of policyholders' account balances and future policy benefits. F-23 6) ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) represents cumulative gains and losses on items that are not reflected in earnings. The balances for the past three years follow:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Unrealized gains on investments.................... $ 681.1 $ 215.5 $ 12.9 Minimum pension liability.......................... - (.1) (.1) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income............................. $ 681.1 $ 215.4 $ 12.8 ================= ================ =================
The components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the past three years follow:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Net unrealized gains arising during the period..................................... $ 1,008.9 $ 525.2 $ 191.0 Losses (gains) reclassified into net earnings during the period.............................. 41.0 (89.2) 788.7 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net unrealized gains on investments................ 1,049.9 436.0 979.7 Adjustments for policyholders liabilities, DAC and deferred Federal income taxes.......... (584.3) (233.4) (574.0) ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- Change in unrealized gains, net of adjustments.................................... 465.6 202.6 405.7 Change in minimum pension liability................ .1 - - ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Other Comprehensive Income................... $ 465.7 $ 202.6 $ 405.7 ================= ================ =================
7) CLOSED BLOCK The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets (adjusted to exclude the impact of related amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income) represents the expected maximum future post-tax earnings from the Closed Block which would be recognized in income from continuing operations over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force. As of January 1, 2001, the Company has developed an actuarial calculation of the expected timing of the Closed Block earnings. If the actual cumulative earnings from the Closed Block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings, only the expected earnings will be recognized in net income. Actual cumulative earnings in excess of expected cumulative earnings at any point in time are recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation because they will ultimately be paid to Closed Block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend unless offset by future performance that is less favorable than originally expected. If a policyholder dividend obligation has been previously established and the actual Closed Block earnings in a subsequent period are less than the expected earnings for that period, the policyholder dividend obligation would be reduced (but not below zero). If, over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force, the actual cumulative earnings of the Closed Block are less than the expected cumulative earnings, only actual earnings would be recognized in income from continuing operations. If the Closed Block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside the Closed Block. Many expenses related to Closed Block operations, including amortization of DAC, are charged to operations outside of the Closed Block; accordingly, net revenues of the Closed Block do not represent the actual profitability of the Closed Block operations. Operating costs and expenses outside of the Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of the Closed Block. F-24 Summarized financial information for the Closed Block is as follows:
DECEMBER 31, December 31, 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) CLOSED BLOCK LIABILITIES: Future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and other.......................................................... $ 8,997.3 $ 9,002.8 Policyholder dividend obligation..................................... 213.3 47.1 Other liabilities.................................................... 97.6 53.6 ----------------- ----------------- Total Closed Block liabilities....................................... 9,308.2 9,103.5 ----------------- ----------------- ASSETS DESIGNATED TO THE CLOSED BLOCK: Fixed maturities, available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $4,794.0 and $4,600.4).......................... 5,098.4 4,705.7 Mortgage loans on real estate........................................ 1,456.0 1,514.4 Policy loans......................................................... 1,449.9 1,504.4 Cash and other invested assets....................................... 141.9 141.0 Other assets......................................................... 219.9 214.7 ----------------- ----------------- Total assets designated to the Closed Block.......................... 8,366.1 8,080.2 ----------------- ----------------- Excess of Closed Block liabilities over assets designated to the Closed Block................................................... 942.1 1,023.3 Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income: Net unrealized investment gains, net of deferred Federal income tax of $31.8 and $20.4 and policyholder dividend obligation...... 59.1 37.8 ----------------- ----------------- Maximum Future Earnings To Be Recognized From Closed Block Assets and Liabilities............................................. $ 1,001.2 $ 1,061.1 ================= =================
Closed Block revenues and expenses were as follows:
2002 2001 2000 ---------------- ---------------- -------------------- (IN MILLIONS) REVENUES: Premiums and other income............................ $ 543.8 $ 571.5 $ 594.7 Investment income (net of investment expenses of $5.4, $3.0, and $8.1).................. 582.4 583.5 578.7 Investment losses, net............................... (47.0) (42.3) (35.8) ---------------- ---------------- -------------------- Total revenues....................................... 1,079.2 1,112.7 1,137.6 ---------------- ---------------- -------------------- BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS: Policyholders' benefits and dividends................ 980.2 1,009.3 1,025.2 Other operating costs and expenses................... 4.4 4.7 5.2 ---------------- ---------------- -------------------- Total benefits and other deductions.................. 984.6 1,014.0 1,030.4 ---------------- ---------------- -------------------- Net revenues before Federal income taxes............. 94.6 98.7 107.2 Federal income taxes................................. (34.7) (36.2) (38.2) ---------------- ---------------- -------------------- Net Revenues......................................... $ 59.9 $ 62.5 $ 69.0 ================ ================ ====================
F-25 Reconciliation of the policyholder dividend obligation is as follows:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------ 2002 2001 ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Balance at beginning of year........................................... $ 47.1 $ - Unrealized investment gains (losses)................................... 166.2 47.1 ---------------- ----------------- Balance at end of year ................................................ $ 213.3 $ 47.1 ================ =================
Impaired mortgage loans along with the related investment valuation allowances follows:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------ 2002 2001 ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Impaired mortgage loans with investment valuation allowances........... $ 18.6 $ 26.7 Impaired mortgage loans without investment valuation allowances........ .9 6.5 ---------------- ----------------- Recorded investment in impaired mortgages.............................. 19.5 33.2 Investment valuation allowances........................................ (4.0) (5.8) ---------------- ----------------- Net Impaired Mortgage Loans............................................ $ 15.5 $ 27.4 ================ =================
During 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Closed Block's average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans was $26.0 million, $30.8 million and $31.0 million, respectively. Interest income recognized on these impaired mortgage loans totaled $2.1 million, $1.2 million and $2.0 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Valuation allowances amounted to $3.9 million and $5.7 million on mortgage loans on real estate and $.1 million and $9.8 million on equity real estate at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $40.0 million, $30.8 million and $27.7 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, including $23.3 million in fourth quarter 2001. F-26 8) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Summarized financial information for Discontinued Operations follows:
DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------- 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) BALANCE SHEETS Fixed maturities, available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $677.8 and $542.9)............................. $ 722.7 $ 559.6 Equity real estate.................................................. 203.7 252.0 Mortgage loans on real estate....................................... 87.5 160.3 Other equity investments............................................ 9.4 22.3 Other invested assets............................................... .2 .4 ----------------- ----------------- Total investments................................................. 1,023.5 994.6 Cash and cash equivalents........................................... 31.0 41.1 Other assets........................................................ 126.5 152.6 ----------------- ----------------- Total Assets........................................................ $ 1,181.0 $ 1,188.3 ================= ================= Policyholders liabilities........................................... $ 909.5 $ 932.9 Allowance for future losses......................................... 164.6 139.9 Other liabilities................................................... 106.9 115.5 ----------------- ----------------- Total Liabilities................................................... $ 1,181.0 $ 1,188.3 ================= ================= 2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS Investment income (net of investment expenses of $18.1, $25.3 and $37.0)............. $ 69.7 $ 91.6 $ 102.2 Investment gains (losses), net.................... 34.2 33.6 (6.6) Policy fees, premiums and other income............ .2 .2 .7 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total revenues.................................... 104.1 125.4 96.3 Benefits and other deductions..................... 98.7 100.7 106.9 Earnings credited (losses charged) to allowance for future losses............................... 5.4 24.7 (10.6) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Pre-tax loss from operations...................... - - - Pre-tax earnings from releasing the allowance for future losses............................... 8.7 46.1 90.2 Federal income tax expense........................ (3.1) (2.2) (31.6) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Earnings from Discontinued Operations............. $ 5.6 $ 43.9 $ 58.6 ================= ================ =================
The Company's quarterly process for evaluating the allowance for future losses applies the current period's results of discontinued operations against the allowance, re-estimates future losses and adjusts the allowance, if appropriate. Additionally, as part of the Company's annual planning process, investment and benefit cash flow projections are prepared. These updated assumptions and estimates resulted in a release of allowance in each of the three years presented. Valuation allowances of $4.9 million and $4.8 million on mortgage loans on real estate and $0 million and $5.0 million on equity real estate were held at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. During 2002, 2001 and 2000, discontinued operations' average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans was $25.3 million, $32.2 million and $11.3 million, respectively. Interest income recognized on these impaired mortgage loans totaled $2.5 million, $2.5 million and $.9 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. In 2001, Federal Income tax expense for discontinued operations reflected a $13.8 million reduction in taxes due to settlement of open tax years. F-27 9) VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS - GMDB AND GMIB Equitable Life issues certain variable annuity contracts with GMDB and GMIB features that guarantee either: a) Return of Premium: the benefit is the greater of current account value and premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals), b) Ratchet: the benefit is the greatest of current account value, premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals), and the highest account value on any anniversary up to contractually specified ages (adjusted for withdrawals), or c) Roll-Up: the benefit is the greater of current account value and premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals) accumulated at contractually specified interest rates up to specified ages, d) Combo: the benefit is the greater of the ratchet benefit or the roll-up benefit. The following table summarizes the GMDB and GMIB liabilities, before reinsurance ceded, reflected in the General Account in future policy benefits and other policyholders liabilities in 2002:
GMDB GMIB TOTAL ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Balance at January 1, 2002......................... $ 43.0 $ 15.0 $ 58.0 Paid guarantee benefits.......................... (65.0) - (65.0) Other changes in reserve......................... 150.4 102.5 252.9 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Balance at December 31, 2002....................... $ 128.4 $ 117.5 $ 245.9 ================= ================ =================
Related GMDB reinsurance ceded amounts were: GMDB -------------------- (IN MILLIONS) Balance at January 1, 2002......................... $ 7.0 Paid guarantee benefits ceded.................... (14.5) Other changes in reserve......................... 29.0 -------------------- Balance at December 31, 2002....................... $ 21.5 ==================== The GMIB reinsurance contracts are considered derivatives and are reported at fair value (see Note 12). F-28 At December 31, 2002 the Company had the following variable contracts with guarantees. Note that the Company's variable contracts with GMDB guarantees may also offer GMIB guarantees in each contract, therefore, the GMDB and GMIB amounts listed are not mutually exclusive:
RETURN OF PREMIUM RATCHET ROLL-UP COMBO TOTAL ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) GMDB: Account value (1)................ $ 21,052 $ 3,991 $ 6,030 $ 1,488 $ 32,561 Net amount at risk, gross........ $ 5,609 $ 1,724 $ 3,036 $ 44 $ 10,413 Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured.............. $ 5,602 $ 1,187 $ 1,897 $ 44 $ 8,730 Average attained age of contractholders................ 50.0 58.9 61.0 59.6 51.7 Percentage of contractholders over age 70.................... 7.0% 19.8% 24.3% 20.4% 9.5% Range of guaranteed minimum return rates.................. N/A N/A 3-6% 3-6% N/A GMIB: Account value (2)................ N/A N/A $ 4,782 $ 2,042 $ 6,824 Net amount at risk, gross........ N/A N/A $ 1,112 $ 10 $ 1,122 Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured.............. N/A N/A $ 308 $ 5 $ 313 Weighted average years remaining until annuitization ........... N/A N/A 5.0 10.2 5.0 Range of guaranteed minimum return rates.................. N/A N/A 3-6% 3-6% 3-6%
(1) Included General Account balances of $10,141 million, $96 million, $129 million and $257 million, respectively, for a total of $10,623 million. (2) Included General Account balances of $20 million and $356 million, respectively, for a total of $376 million. For contracts in the event of death, the net amount at risk is defined as the amount by which the GMDB benefits exceed related account values. For contracts at annuitization, the net amount at risk is defined as the amount by which the GMIB benefit bases exceed related account values, taking into account the relationship between current annuity purchase rates and the GMIB guaranteed annuity purchase rates. F-29 10) SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT Short-term and long-term debt consists of the following:
DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------- 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Short-term debt...................................................... $ 22.0 $ 223.1 ----------------- ----------------- Long-term debt: Equitable Life: Surplus notes, 6.95%, due 2005..................................... 399.8 399.7 Surplus notes, 7.70%, due 2015..................................... 199.7 199.7 Other.............................................................. - .2 ----------------- ----------------- Total Equitable Life........................................... 599.5 599.6 ----------------- ----------------- Alliance: Senior Notes, 5.625%, due 2006..................................... 398.4 398.0 Other.............................................................. 6.5 6.5 ----------------- ----------------- Total Alliance................................................. 404.9 404.5 ----------------- ----------------- Wholly Owned and Joint Venture Real Estate: Mortgage notes, 3.09% due through 2017............................. 248.3 248.3 ----------------- ----------------- Total long-term debt................................................. 1,252.7 1,252.4 ----------------- ----------------- Total Short-term and Long-term Debt.................................. $ 1,274.7 $ 1,475.5 ================= =================
Short-term Debt --------------- Equitable Life has a $350.0 million five year bank credit facility. The interest rates are based on external indices dependent on the type of borrowing ranging from 1.60% to 4.25%. There were no amounts outstanding under this credit facility at December 31, 2002. Equitable Life has a commercial paper program with an issue limit of $500.0 million. This program is available for general corporate purposes used to support Equitable Life's liquidity needs and is supported by Equitable Life's $350.0 million bank credit facility. At December 31, 2002, there were no amounts outstanding under this program. Since 1998, Alliance has had a $425.0 million commercial paper program. In September 2002, Alliance entered into an $800.0 million five-year revolving credit facility with a group of commercial banks and other lenders that replaced three previously existing credit facilities aggregating $875.0 million. Of the $800.0 million total, $425.0 million is intended to provided back-up liquidity for Alliance's commercial paper program, with the balance available for general purposes, including capital expenditures and funding the payments of sales commissions to financial intermediaries. The interest rate, at the option of Alliance, is a floating rate generally based upon a defined prime rate, a rate related to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or the Federal funds rate. The credit facility also provides for a facility fee payable on the total facility. In addition, a utilization rate fee is payable in the event the average aggregate daily outstanding balance exceeds $400.0 million for each calendar quarter. The revolving credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, require Alliance to meet certain financial ratios. Alliance was in compliance with the covenants at December 31, 2002. At December 31, 2002, Alliance had commercial paper outstanding totaling $22.0 million at an effective interest rate of 1.3%; there were no borrowings outstanding under Alliance's revolving credit facilities. Since December 1999, Alliance has maintained a $100.0 million extendible commercial notes ("ECN") program as a supplement to its $425.0 million commercial paper program. ECNs are short-term uncommitted debt instruments that do not require back-up liquidity support. At December 31, 2002, there were no borrowings outstanding under the ECN program. F-30 Long-term Debt -------------- Certain of the long-term debt agreements, principally mortgage notes, have restrictive covenants related to the total amount of debt, net tangible assets and other matters. At December 31, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, the Company has pledged real estate of $322.9 million and $314.5 million as collateral for certain long-term debt. At December 31, 2002, aggregate maturities of the long-term debt based on required principal payments at maturity was $248.3 million for 2003, $0.0 for 2004, $400.0 million for 2005, $406.5 million for 2006, $0.0 million for 2007 and $200.0 million thereafter. In August 2001, Alliance issued $400.0 million 5.625% notes in a public offering. Alliance may issue up to $600.0 million in senior debt securities. The Alliance notes mature in 2006 and are redeemable at any time. The proceeds from the Alliance notes were used to reduce commercial paper and credit facility borrowings and for other general partnership purposes. 11) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES A summary of the Federal income tax expense in the consolidated statements of earnings follows:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Federal income tax expense (benefit): Current.......................................... $ (400.0) $ (38.2) $ 820.6 Deferred......................................... 450.9 354.4 137.7 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total.............................................. $ 50.9 $ 316.2 $ 958.3 ================= ================ =================
The Federal income taxes attributable to consolidated operations are different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before Federal income taxes and minority interest by the expected Federal income tax rate of 35%. The sources of the difference and their tax effects follow:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Expected Federal income tax expense................ $ 360.0 $ 452.5 $ 904.9 Minority interest.................................. (128.3) (126.9) (117.9) Separate Account investment activity............... (159.3) - - Non deductible stock option compensation expense............................ - - 34.4 Subsidiary gains................................... - - 161.4 Adjustment of tax audit reserves................... (34.2) (28.2) 17.9 Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries.............. - - (48.7) Other.............................................. 12.7 18.8 6.3 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Federal Income Tax Expense......................... $ 50.9 $ 316.2 $ 958.3 ================= ================ =================
F-31 The components of the net deferred Federal income taxes are as follows:
DECEMBER 31, 2002 December 31, 2001 --------------------------------- --------------------------------- ASSETS LIABILITIES Assets Liabilities --------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- (IN MILLIONS) Compensation and related benefits...... $ - $ 221.2 $ - $ 92.0 Other.................................. - 7.7 - .1 DAC, reserves and reinsurance.......... - 1,273.1 - 1,020.1 Investments............................ - 579.9 - 333.3 --------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- Total.................................. $ - $ 2,081.9 $ - $ 1,445.5 =============== ================ =============== ===============
The deferred Federal income taxes impacting operations reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The sources of these temporary differences and their tax effects follow:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) DAC, reserves and reinsurance...................... $ 270.9 $ 291.7 $ 403.3 Investments........................................ (6.2) 42.1 (140.7) Compensation and related benefits.................. 178.7 15.7 (96.4) Other.............................................. 7.5 4.9 (28.5) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense................ $ 450.9 $ 354.4 $ 137.7 ================= ================ =================
In 2002, the Company recorded a $144.3 million benefit resulting from the favorable treatment of certain tax matters related to Separate Account investment activity arising during the 1997-2001 tax years and a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") with respect to such tax matters for the 1992-1996 tax years. The IRS commenced in January 2003 an examination of AXA Financial's consolidated Federal income tax returns for the years 1997 through 2001. Management believes this audit will have no material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations. 12) REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS The Insurance Group assumes and cedes reinsurance with other insurance companies. The Insurance Group evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. Ceded reinsurance does not relieve the originating insurer of liability. The effect of reinsurance (excluding group life and health) is summarized as follows:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Direct premiums.................................... $ 954.6 $ 990.0 $ 1,103.8 Reinsurance assumed................................ 181.4 203.0 194.2 Reinsurance ceded.................................. (190.8) (173.1) (123.0) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Premiums........................................... $ 945.2 $ 1,019.9 $ 1,175.0 ================= ================ ================= Universal Life and Investment-type Product Policy Fee Income Ceded.......................... $ 96.6 $ 86.9 $ 92.1 ================= ================ ================= Policyholders' Benefits Ceded...................... $ 346.3 $ 370.3 $ 239.2 ================= ================ ================= Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account Balances Ceded................................... $ 54.6 $ 50.4 $ 46.5 ================= ================ =================
F-32 Since 1997, the Company reinsures on a yearly renewal term basis 90% of the mortality risk on new issues of certain term, universal and variable life products. The Company's retention limit on joint survivorship policies is $15.0 million and $5.0 million on single life polices. Substantially all other in-force business above $5.0 million is reinsured. The Insurance Group also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard underwriting risks and in certain other cases. At December 31, 2002, Equitable Life had reinsured in the aggregate approximately 16.0% of its current exposure to the GMDB obligation on annuity contracts in-force and, subject to certain maximum amounts or caps in any one period, approximately 72.0% of its current liability exposure resulting from the GMIB feature. During July 2000, Equitable Life transferred, at no gain or loss, all the risk of its directly written DI business for years 1993 and prior through an indemnity reinsurance contract. The cost of the arrangement will be amortized over the expected lives of the contracts reinsured and will not have a significant impact on the results of operations in any specific period. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, reinsurance recoverables related to insurance contracts amounted to $2,351.7 million and $2,237.0 million, of which $1,049.2 million and $1,060.4 million relates to one specific reinsurer. Reinsurance payables related to insurance contracts amounting to $867.5 million and $798.5 million are included in Other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Based on management's estimates of future contract cash flows and experience, the estimated fair values of the GMIB reinsurance contracts, which are considered derivatives under SFAS No. 133, at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were $120.0 million and zero, respectively. The increase in estimated fair value of $120.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 was due primarily to significant equity market declines during 2002. The Insurance Group cedes 100% of its group life and health business to a third party insurer. Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $410.9 million and $444.2 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. In addition to the sale of insurance products, the Insurance Group acts as a professional retrocessionaire by assuming life and annuity reinsurance from professional reinsurers. The Insurance Group also assumes accident, health, aviation and space risks by participating in various reinsurance pools. Reinsurance assumed reserves at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were $570.7 million and $540.2 million, respectively. 13) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company sponsors qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans covering substantially all employees (including certain qualified part-time employees), managers and certain agents. The pension plans are non-contributory. Equitable Life's benefits are based on a cash balance formula or years of service and final average earnings, if greater, under certain grandfathering rules in the plans. Alliance's benefits are based on years of credited service, average final base salary and primary social security benefits. The Company made cash contributions in 2002 to the qualified plans totaling $348.1 million. Generally, the Company's funding policy is to make the minimum contribution required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). Components of net periodic pension credit follow:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ (IN MILLIONS) Service cost....................................... $ 32.1 $ 32.1 $ 29.5 Interest cost on projected benefit obligations..... 125.3 128.8 124.2 Expected return on assets.......................... (181.8) (218.7) (223.2) Net amortization and deferrals..................... 6.4 .1 (.6) ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ Net Periodic Pension Credit........................ $ (18.0) $ (57.7) $ (70.1) ================= ================ ==================
F-33 The projected benefit obligations under the pension plans were comprised of:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------ 2002 2001 ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Benefit obligations, beginning of year................................. $ 1,812.3 $ 1,712.6 Service cost........................................................... 27.1 27.1 Interest cost.......................................................... 125.3 128.8 Actuarial losses (gains)............................................... 42.5 64.4 Benefits paid.......................................................... (123.3) (120.6) ---------------- ----------------- Benefit Obligation, End of Year........................................ $ 1,883.9 $ 1,812.3 ================ =================
The funded status of the pension plans was as follows:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------------ 2002 2001 ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year........................... $ 1,845.3 $ 2,119.4 Actual return on plan assets........................................... (278.2) (148.0) Contributions.......................................................... 348.1 - Benefits paid and fees................................................. (129.8) (126.1) ---------------- ----------------- Plan assets at fair value, end of year................................. 1,785.4 1,845.3 Projected benefit obligations.......................................... 1,883.9 1,812.3 ---------------- ----------------- Excess of plan assets over projected benefit obligations............... (98.5) 33.0 Unrecognized prior service cost........................................ (40.0) (46.3) Unrecognized net loss (gain) from past experience different from that assumed.................................................... 1,033.9 550.1 Unrecognized net asset at transition................................... (1.5) (1.6) ---------------- ----------------- Prepaid Pension Cost, Net.............................................. $ 893.9 $ 535.2 ================ =================
The accrued liability for pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets was $19.1 million and $16.7 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $60.9 million and $24.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2002 and $49.7 million and $28.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2001. The pension plan assets include corporate and government debt securities, equity securities, equity real estate and shares of group trusts managed by Alliance. The discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation levels used in determining the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations were 6.75% and 7.26%, respectively, at December 31, 2002 and 7.25% and 7.19%, respectively, at December 31, 2001. As of January 1, 2002 and 2001, the expected long-term rate of return on assets for the retirement plan was 9.0% and 10.25%, respectively. Prior to 1987, the qualified plan funded participants' benefits through the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from Equitable Life. Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $26.0 million, $27.3 million and $28.7 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Alliance maintains several unfunded deferred compensation plans for the benefit of certain eligible employees and executives. The Capital Accumulation Plan was frozen on December 31, 1987 and no additional awards have been made. For the active plans, benefits vest over a period ranging from 3 to 8 years and are amortized as compensation and benefit expense. ACMC, Inc. ("ACMC"), a subsidiary of the Company, is obligated to make capital contributions to Alliance in amounts equal to benefits paid under the Capital Accumulation Plan and the contractual unfunded deferred compensation arrangements. In connection with the acquisition of Bernstein, Alliance agreed to invest $96.0 million per annum for three years to fund purchases of Alliance Holding units or an Alliance sponsored money market fund in each case for the benefit of certain individuals who were stockholders or principals of Bernstein or were hired to replace them. The Company has recorded compensation and benefit expenses in connection with the plans totaling $101.4 million, $58.1 million and $29.8 F-34 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively (including $63.7 million and $34.6 million for 2002 and 2001, respectively, relating to the Bernstein deferred compensation plan). 14) DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Insurance Group primarily uses derivatives for asset/liability risk management and for hedging individual securities. Derivatives mainly are utilized to reduce the Insurance Group's exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Various derivative financial instruments are used to achieve this objective, including interest rate caps and floors to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive individual annuity contracts, interest rate futures to protect against declines in interest rates between receipt of funds and purchase of appropriate assets, and interest rate swaps to modify the duration and cash flows of fixed maturity investments. In addition, the Company periodically enters into forward and futures contracts to hedge certain equity exposures. Also, the Company has purchased reinsurance contracts to mitigate the risks associated with the impact of potential market fluctuations on future policyholder elections of guaranteed minimum income benefit features contained in certain annuity contracts issued by the Company. As earlier described in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, as amended, on January 1, 2001. Consequently, all derivatives outstanding at December 31, 2002 are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. The outstanding notional amounts of derivative financial instruments purchased and sold were $9,050.0 million and zero, respectively, at December 31, 2002. These amounts principally consist of interest rate cap contracts of Equitable Life that have a total fair value at December 31, 2002 of $8.7 million. At December 31, 2002 and during the year then ended, there were no hybrid instruments that required bifurcation of an embedded derivative component under the provisions of SFAS No. 133. All gains and losses on derivative financial instruments utilized by the Company in 2002 and 2001 are reported in earnings for the current year as none of the derivatives were designated to qualifying hedging relationships under SFAS No. 133 either at initial adoption of the Statement or at inception of the contracts. For 2002 and 2001, respectively, investment results, principally in net investment income, included gross gains of $7.7 million and $27.5 million and gross losses of $7.7 million and $4.6 million that were recognized on derivative positions. Fair Value of Financial Instruments ----------------------------------- The Company defines fair value as the quoted market prices for those instruments that are actively traded in financial markets. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using present value or other valuation techniques. The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, including estimates of the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments are excluded, particularly insurance liabilities other than financial guarantees and investment contracts. Fair market value of off-balance-sheet financial instruments of the Insurance Group was not material at December 31, 2002 and 2001. F-35 Fair values for mortgage loans on real estate are estimated by discounting future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which loans with similar characteristics and credit quality would be made. Fair values for foreclosed mortgage loans and problem mortgage loans are limited to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral if lower. Fair values of policy loans are estimated by discounting the face value of the loans from the time of the next interest rate review to the present, at a rate equal to the excess of the current estimated market rates over the current interest rate charged on the loan. The estimated fair values for the Company's association plan contracts, supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies ("SCNILC") and annuities certain, which are included in policyholders' account balances, and guaranteed interest contracts are estimated using projected cash flows discounted at rates reflecting expected current offering rates. The fair values for variable deferred annuities and single premium deferred annuities, which are included in policyholders' account balances, are estimated as the discounted value of projected account values. Current account values are projected to the time of the next crediting rate review at the current crediting rates and are projected beyond that date at the greater of current estimated market rates offered on new policies or the guaranteed minimum crediting rate. Expected cash flows and projected account values are discounted back to the present at the current estimated market rates. Fair values for long-term debt are determined using published market values, where available, or contractual cash flows discounted at market interest rates. The estimated fair values for non-recourse mortgage debt are determined by discounting contractual cash flows at a rate which takes into account the level of current market interest rates and collateral risk. The estimated fair values for recourse mortgage debt are determined by discounting contractual cash flows at a rate based upon current interest rates of other companies with credit ratings similar to the Company. The Company's carrying value of short-term borrowings approximates their estimated fair value. The carrying value and estimated fair value for financial instruments not previously disclosed in Notes 3, 7, 8 and 10 are presented below:
DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2002 2001 --------------------------------- --------------------------------- CARRYING ESTIMATED Carrying Estimated VALUE FAIR VALUE Value Fair Value --------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- (IN MILLIONS) Consolidated: ------------- Mortgage loans on real estate.......... $ 3,746.2 $ 4,070.1 $ 4,333.3 $ 4,438.7 Other limited partnership interests.... 674.8 674.8 695.2 695.2 Policy loans........................... 4,035.6 4,728.2 4,100.7 4,476.4 Policyholders liabilities: Investment contracts................. 14,555.0 15,114.9 12,256.4 12,514.0 Long-term debt......................... 1,252.7 1,334.7 1,252.4 1,287.1 Closed Block: ------------- Mortgage loans on real estate.......... $ 1,456.0 $ 1,572.6 $ 1,514.4 $ 1,532.6 Other equity investments............... 16.4 16.4 24.4 24.4 Policy loans........................... 1,449.4 1,740.9 1,504.4 1,664.8 SCNILC liability....................... 16.5 16.6 18.2 18.1 Discontinued Operations: ------------------------ Mortgage loans on real estate.......... $ 87.5 $ 94.7 $ 160.3 $ 171.6 Other equity investments............... 9.4 9.4 22.3 22.3 Guaranteed interest contracts.......... 18.3 17.0 18.8 16.1 Long-term debt......................... 101.7 101.7 101.7 101.7
F-36 15) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES In addition to its debt and lease commitments discussed in Notes 10 and 17, from time to time, the Company has provided certain guarantees or commitments to affiliates, investors and others. At December 31, 2002, these arrangements included commitments by the Company to provide equity financing of $298.6 million to certain limited partnerships under certain conditions. Management believes the Company will not incur any material losses as a result of these commitments. Equitable Life is the obligor under certain structured settlement agreements which it had entered into with unaffiliated insurance companies and beneficiaries. To satisfy its obligations under these agreements, Equitable Life owns single premium annuities issued by previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries. Equitable Life has directed payment under these annuities to be made directly to the beneficiaries under the structured settlement agreements. A contingent liability exists with respect to these agreements should the previously wholly owned subsidiaries be unable to meet their obligations. Management believes the need for Equitable Life to satisfy those obligations is remote. The Company had $57.3 million of letters of credit related to reinsurance of which no amounts were outstanding at December 31, 2002. In February 2002, Alliance signed a $125.0 million agreement with a group of commercial banks and other lenders. Under the agreement, Alliance guaranteed various obligations of SCB LLC incurred in the ordinary course of its business in the event SCB LLC is unable to meet these obligations. At December 31, 2002, Alliance was not required to perform under the agreement and had no liability outstanding in connection with the agreement. 16) LITIGATION A number of lawsuits have been filed against life and health insurers in the jurisdictions in which Equitable Life and its subsidiaries do business involving insurers' sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, alleged failure to properly supervise agents, and other matters. Some of the lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments against other insurers, including material amounts of punitive damages, or in substantial settlements. In some states, juries have substantial discretion in awarding punitive damages. Equitable Life, Equitable Variable Life Insurance Company ("EVLICO," which was merged into Equitable Life effective January 1, 1997, but whose existence continues for certain limited purposes, including the defense of litigation) and EOC, like other life and health insurers, from time to time are involved in such litigations. Among litigations against Equitable Life, EVLICO and EOC of the type referred to in this paragraph are the litigations described in the following four paragraphs. In March 2000, an action entitled Brenda McEachern v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and Gary Raymond, Jr. was commenced against Equitable Life and one of its agents in Circuit Court, Mobile County, Alabama, and asserts claims under state law. The action was brought by an individual who alleges that she purchased a variable annuity from Equitable Life in 1997. The action purports to be on behalf of a class consisting of all persons who from January 1, 1989 (i) purchased a variable annuity from Equitable Life to fund a qualified retirement plan, (ii) were charged allegedly unnecessary fees for tax deferral for variable annuities held in qualified retirement accounts, or (iii) were sold a variable annuity while owning a qualified retirement plan from Equitable Life. The complaint alleges various improper sales practices, including misrepresentations in connection with the use of variable annuities in a qualified retirement plan or similar arrangement, charging inflated or hidden fees, and failure to disclose unnecessary tax deferral fees. Plaintiff seeks damages, including punitive damages, in an unspecified amount and attorneys' fees and expenses. In May 2000, Equitable Life removed the case to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama and filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, and plaintiff filed a motion to remand the case to state court. The court has permitted limited discovery on the issue of whether the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act applies. In November 2001, plaintiff filed a motion for leave to join additional plaintiffs. In February 2002, the court denied the plaintiff's motion to remand and granted defendants' motion to dismiss, but permitted plaintiff until April 1, 2002 to file an amended complaint in Federal Court. In March 2002, plaintiff filed a motion to alter or amend the court's judgment. In September 2002, plaintiff filed an amended complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. In the amended complaint, the original plaintiff added two new plaintiffs who are alleged to have purchased individual retirement annuities in 1998 and 1999. The amended complaint does not assert any claims against Equitable Life's agent, previously named as a defendant. Plaintiffs seek to represent a class of F-37 (i) all persons who purchased deferred variable annuities from Equitable Life in tax deferred qualified retirement plans, and (ii) all persons who were charged allegedly unnecessary mortality fees for tax deferral for variable annuities held in qualified retirement accounts. Plaintiffs assert causes of action for unjust enrichment, money had and received (a common-law cause of action similar to unjust enrichment), conversion, breach of contract, negligence, negligent and/or wanton training, negligent and/or wanton supervision, and breach of fiduciary duty. Plaintiffs seek damages, including punitive damages, in an unspecified amount and attorneys' fees and expenses. In December 2002, the court granted Equitable Life's motion to dismiss the complaint, ruling that the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act applied. The complaint has been dismissed without prejudice. In October 2000, an action entitled Sham Malhotra, et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, AXA Advisors, LLC and Equitable Distributors, Inc. was commenced in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau. The action was brought by two individuals who purchased Equitable Life deferred annuity products. The action purports to be on behalf of a class consisting of all persons who purchased an individual deferred annuity contract or who received a certificate to a group deferred annuity contract, sold by one of the defendants, which was used to fund a contributory retirement plan or arrangement qualified for favorable income tax treatment; excluded from the class are officers, directors and agents of the defendants. The complaint alleges that the defendants engaged in fraudulent and deceptive practices in connection with the marketing and sale of deferred annuity products to fund tax-qualified contributory retirement plans. The complaint asserts claims for: deceptive business acts and practices in violation of the New York General Business Law ("GBL"); use of misrepresentations and misleading statements in violation of the New York Insurance Law; false or misleading advertising in violation of the GBL; fraud, fraudulent concealment and deceit; negligent misrepresentation; negligence; unjust enrichment and imposition of a constructive trust; declaratory and injunctive relief; and reformation of the annuity contracts. The complaint seeks injunctive and declaratory relief, an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages, restitution for all members of the class, and an award of attorneys' fees, costs and expenses. In October 2000, the defendants removed the action to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and thereafter filed a motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to state court. In September 2001, the District Court issued a decision granting defendants' motion to dismiss and denying plaintiffs' motion to remand, and judgment was entered in favor of the defendants. In October 2001, plaintiffs filed a motion seeking leave to reopen the case for the purpose of filing an amended complaint. In addition, plaintiffs filed a new complaint in the District Court, alleging a similar class and similar facts. The new complaint asserts causes of action for violations of Federal securities laws in addition to the state law causes of action asserted in the previous complaint. In January 2002, plaintiffs amended their new complaint in response to defendants' motion to dismiss and, subsequently, in March 2002, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. Between June 2000 and January 2003, 29 lawsuits were filed in the state courts of Mississippi (the "Mississippi Actions") by more than 300 plaintiffs naming as defendants Equitable Life, EVLICO, EOC and AXA Advisors and various present and former individual sales agents. The actions arise from the purchase by each of the plaintiffs of various types of life insurance policies from Equitable Life, EVLICO and/or EOC. The policies at issue include term, variable and whole life policies purchased as early as 1954. The actions allege misrepresentations in connection with the sale of life insurance policies including that the defendants misrepresented the stated number of years that premiums would need to be paid. Plaintiffs assert claims for breach of contract, fraud, fraudulent inducement, misrepresentation, conspiracy, negligent supervision and other tort claims. Plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The parties are engaged in various stages of discovery in many of the pending actions. In March 2002, the Circuit Court of Sunflower County, in one of the lawsuits, granted Equitable Life's motion, joined by the agent defendant, to dismiss that action with prejudice; plaintiffs' appeal to the Supreme Court of Mississippi has been fully briefed. The lawsuit involving 79 plaintiffs has been removed from state court to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. Motions to remand are pending in several other cases. In six of the Mississippi Actions, between May 2002 and January 2003 three former sales agents and one retired sales agent of Equitable Life named as defendants have asserted cross-claims against Equitable Life seeking indemnification, as well as compensatory and punitive damages for, among other things, alleged injury to their reputations. Equitable Life filed motions to dismiss those cross-claims and in the Federal district courts in Mississippi, is seeking to compel arbitration of the cross-claims. In January 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi granted Equitable Life's petition to compel arbitration of the cross-claims asserted by a former agent in two of the Mississippi Actions and also granted Equitable Life's motion to enjoin prosecution of those cases in state court. F-38 In October 2000, an action entitled American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, as trustee f/b/o Emerald Investments LP and Emerald Investments LP v. AXA Client Solutions, LLC; The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States; and AXA Financial, Inc. was commenced in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The complaint alleges that the defendants (i) in connection with certain annuities issued by Equitable Life breached an agreement with the plaintiffs involving the execution of mutual fund transfers, and (ii) wrongfully withheld withdrawal charges in connection with the termination of such annuities. Plaintiffs seek substantial lost profits and injunctive relief, punitive damages and attorneys' fees. Plaintiffs also seek return of the withdrawal charges. In February 2001, the District Court granted in part and denied in part defendants' motion to dismiss the complaint. In March 2001, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The District Court granted defendants' motion to dismiss AXA Client Solutions and the Holding Company from the amended complaint, and dismissed the conversion claims in June 2001. The District Court denied defendants' motion to dismiss the remaining claims. Equitable Life has answered the amended complaint. While the monetary damages sought by plaintiffs, if awarded, could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company, management believes that the ultimate resolution of this litigation should not have a material adverse on the Company's consolidated financial position. After the District Court denied defendants' motion to assert certain defenses and counterclaims in American National Bank, Equitable Life commenced an action, in December 2001, entitled The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States v. American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, as trustee f/b/o Emerald Investments LP and Emerald Investments LP, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The complaint arises out of the same facts and circumstances as described in American National Bank. Equitable Life's complaint alleges common law fraud and equitable rescission in connection with certain annuities issued by Equitable Life. Equitable Life seeks unspecified money damages, rescission, punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In March 2002, defendants filed an answer to Equitable Life's complaint and asserted counterclaims. Defendants' counterclaims allege common law fraud, violations of the Federal and Illinois Securities Acts and violations of the Illinois and New York Consumer Fraud Acts. Defendants seek unspecified money damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In May 2002, the District Court granted in part and denied in part Equitable Life's motion to dismiss defendants' counterclaims, dismissing defendants' Illinois Securities Act and New York Consumer Fraud Act claims. Equitable Life has answered defendants' remaining counterclaims. In November 1997, an amended complaint was filed in Peter Fischel, et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States alleging, among other things, that Equitable Life violated ERISA by eliminating certain alternatives pursuant to which agents of Equitable Life could qualify for health care coverage. In March 1999, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California entered an order certifying a class consisting of "[a]ll current, former and retired Equitable agents, who while associated with Equitable satisfied [certain alternatives] to qualify for health coverage or contributions thereto under applicable plans." Plaintiffs allege various causes of action under ERISA, including claims for enforcement of alleged promises contained in plan documents and for enforcement of agent bulletins, breach of a unilateral contract, breach of fiduciary duty and promissory estoppel. In June 2000, plaintiffs appealed to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit contesting the District Court's award of legal fees to plaintiffs' counsel in connection with a previously settled count of the complaint unrelated to the health benefit claims. In that appeal, plaintiffs challenged the District Court's subject matter jurisdiction over the health benefit claims. In May 2001, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint which, among other things, alleges that Equitable Life failed to comply with plan amendment procedures and deletes the promissory estoppel claim. In September 2001, Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment on all of plaintiffs' claims, and plaintiffs filed a motion for partial summary judgment on all claims except their claim for breach of fiduciary duty. In May 2002, the District Court issued an order granting plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment, granting Equitable Life's motion for summary judgment on plaintiffs' claim for breach of fiduciary duty and otherwise denying Equitable Life's motion for summary judgment. The court ruled that Equitable Life is liable to plaintiffs on their contract claims for subsidized benefits under ERISA. The court has deferred addressing the relief to which plaintiffs are entitled in light of the May 2002 order. A decision was rendered in October 2002 on the appeal by plaintiffs concerning the award of legal fees to plaintiffs' counsel for the previously settled claim not involving health benefits. The Court of Appeals denied plaintiffs' challenge to the District Court's subject matter jurisdiction over the settled claim, affirmed the method that the District Court used to calculate the award of legal fees to plaintiffs' counsel and remanded for further consideration of the fee award. F-39 A putative class action entitled Stefanie Hirt, et al. v. The Equitable Retirement Plan for Employees, Managers and Agents, et al. was filed in the District Court for the Southern District of New York in August 2001 against The Equitable Retirement Plan for Employees, Managers and Agents (the "Retirement Plan") and The Officers Committee on Benefit Plans of Equitable Life, as Plan Administrator. The action was brought by five participants in the Retirement Plan and purports to be on behalf of "all Plan participants, whether active or retired, their beneficiaries and Estates, whose accrued benefits or pension benefits are based on the Plan's Cash Balance Formula." The complaint challenges the change, effective January 1, 1989, in the pension benefit formula from a final average pay formula to a cash balance formula. Plaintiffs allege that the change to the cash balance formula violates ERISA by reducing the rate of accruals based on age, failing to comply with ERISA's notice requirements and improperly applying the formula to retroactively reduce accrued benefits. The relief sought includes a declaration that the cash balance plan violates ERISA, an order enjoining the enforcement of the cash balance formula, reformation and damages. Defendants answered the complaint in October 2001. In April 2002, plaintiffs filed a motion seeking to certify a class of "all Plan participants, whether active or retired, their beneficiaries and Estates, whose accrued benefits or pension benefits are based on the Plan's Cash Balance Formula." Also in April 2002, plaintiffs agreed to dismiss with prejudice their claim that the change to the cash balance formula violates ERISA by improperly applying the formula to retroactively reduce accrued benefits. That claim has been dismissed. The parties have agreed on class certification and in October 2002, the court accepted the recommendation of a special master to certify a plaintiff class. F-40 Three previously disclosed lawsuits, Frank Franze Jr. and George Busher, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Equitable Variable Life Insurance Company, Raymond Patenaude v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, AXA Advisors, LLC and Equitable Distributors, Inc. and Siamac Sedighim v. Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc., et al. have been dismissed with prejudice. In addition, in three previously disclosed actions, R.S.M. Inc., et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al., In re AXA Financial, Inc. Shareholders Litigation and David Uhrik v. Credit Suisse First Boston (USA), Inc., et al., the parties have agreed to settle and the actions have been dismissed. Although the outcome of litigation generally cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company's management believes that, subject to the foregoing, (i) the settlement of the R.S.M., In re AXA Financial, Inc. Shareholders Litigation and the Uhrik litigations will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company and (ii) the ultimate resolution of the other litigations described above should not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company. The Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict whether or not any of such other litigations described above will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations in any particular period. In April 2001, an amended class action complaint entitled Miller, et al. v. Mitchell Hutchins Asset Management, Inc., et al. (Miller Complaint"), was filed in Federal District Court in the Southern District of Illinois against Alliance, Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance, and other defendants alleging violations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("ICA"), and breaches of common law fiduciary duty. The allegations in the Miller Complaint concern six mutual funds with which Alliance has investment advisory agreements, including Alliance Premier Growth Fund ("Premier Growth Fund"), Alliance Health Care Fund, Alliance Growth Fund, Alliance Quasar Fund, Alliance Fund and Alliance Disciplined Value Fund. The Miller Complaint alleges principally that (i) certain advisory agreements concerning these funds were negotiated, approved, and executed in violation of the ICA, in particular because certain directors of these funds should be deemed interested under the ICA; (ii) the distribution plans for these funds were negotiated, approved, and executed in violation of the ICA; and (iii) the advisory fees and distribution fees paid to Alliance and AFD, respectively, are excessive and, therefore, constitute a breach of fiduciary duty. Plaintiffs seek a recovery of certain fees paid by these funds to Alliance. In March 2002, the court issued an order granting defendants' joint motion to dismiss the Miller Complaint. The court allowed plaintiffs up to and including April 1, 2002 to file an amended complaint comporting with its order. In April 2002, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. The allegations and relief sought in the second amended complaint are virtually identical to the Miller Complaint. In May 2002, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. Alliance and AFD believe that plaintiffs' allegations are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, management of Alliance and AFD are unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on Alliance's results of operations or financial condition and the Company's management is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. In December 2001 a complaint entitled Benak v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. and Alliance Premier Growth Fund ("Benak Complaint") was filed in Federal District Court in the District of New Jersey against Alliance and Alliance Premier Growth Fund alleging violation of the ICA. The principal allegations of the Benak Complaint are that Alliance breached its duty of loyalty to Premier Growth Fund because one of the directors of the General Partner of Alliance served as a director of Enron Corp. ("Enron") when Premier Growth Fund purchased shares of Enron and as a consequence thereof, the investment advisory fees paid to Alliance by Premier Growth Fund should be returned as a means of recovering for Premier Growth Fund the losses plaintiff alleges were caused by the alleged breach of the duty of loyalty. Plaintiff seeks recovery of fees paid by Premier Growth Fund to Alliance. Subsequently, between December 2001 and July 2002, five complaints making substantially the same allegations and seeking substantially the same relief as the Benak Complaint were filed against Alliance Capital Management L.P. and Alliance Premier Growth Fund. All of those actions were consolidated in Federal District Court in the District of New Jersey. In January 2003, a consolidated amended complaint entitled Benak v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. was filed containing allegations similar to those in the individual complaints and alleging violation of the ICA. While the Consolidated Amended Complaint seeks relief similar to that requested in the individual actions, it does not name the Premier Growth Fund as a defendant. Alliance believes the plaintiffs' allegations in the Benak Consolidated Amended Complaint are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time Alliance's management is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of these actions may have on Alliance's results of operations or financial condition and the Company's management is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of these actions may have on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. In April 2002, a consolidated complaint entitled In re Enron Corporation Securities Litigation ("Enron Complaint") was filed in Federal District Court in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, against numerous defendants, including Alliance. The principal allegations of the Enron Complaint, as they pertain to Alliance, are that Alliance violated Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act") with respect to a registration statement filed by Enron and effective with the SEC on July 18, 2001, which was used to sell $1.9 billion Enron Corp. Zero Coupon Convertible Senior Notes due 2021. Plaintiffs allege that Frank Savage, who was at that time an employee of Alliance and who was and remains a director of the General Partner of Alliance, signed the registration statement at issue. Plaintiffs allege that the registration statement was materially misleading. Plaintiffs further allege that Alliance was a controlling person of Frank Savage. Plaintiffs therefore assert that Alliance is itself liable for the allegedly misleading registration statement. Plaintiffs seek recission or a recissionary measure of damages. The Enron Complaint specifically states that "[n]o allegations of fraud are made against or directed at" Alliance. In June 2002, Alliance moved to dismiss the complaint as the allegations therein pertain to it. That motion is pending. Alliance believes the allegations of the Enron Complaint as to it are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, management of Alliance is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on Alliance's results of operations or financial condition and the Company's management is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. In May, 2002, a complaint entitled The Florida State Board of Administration v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. (the "SBA Complaint") was filed in the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, in and for Leon County, Florida against Alliance. The SBA Complaint alleges breach of contract relating to the Investment Management Agreement between The Florida State Board of Administration ("SBA") and Alliance, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing contained in the Investment Management Agreement, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, gross negligence and violation of the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act, in connection with purchases and sales of Enron common stock for the SBA investment account. The SBA seeks more than $300 million in compensatory damages and an unspecified amount of punitive damages. In June 2002, Alliance moved to dismiss the SBA Complaint; in September 2002, the court denied Alliance's motion to dismiss the SBA Complaint in its entirety, and the case is currently in discovery. Alliance believes the SBA's allegations in the SBA Complaint are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, Alliance's management is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on Alliance's results of operations or financial condition and the Company's management is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. In September 2002, a complaint entitled Lawrence E. Jaffe Pension Plan, Lawrence E. Jaffe Trustee U/A 1198 v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., Alfred Harrison and Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc. ("Jaffe Complaint") was filed in Federal District Court in the Southern District of New York against Alliance, Alfred Harrison and Premier Growth Fund alleging violation of the ICA. The Jaffe Complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care and good faith to Premier Growth Fund by causing Premier Growth Fund to invest in the securities of F-41 Enron and that the agreements between Premier Growth Fund and Alliance violated the ICA because all of the directors of Premier Growth Fund should be deemed interested under the ICA. Plaintiff seeks damages equal to Premier Growth Fund's losses as a result of Premier Growth Fund's investment in shares of Enron and a recovery of all fees paid to Alliance beginning November 1, 2000. In November 2002, Alliance filed a motion to transfer the Jaffe Complaint to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey to be consolidated with the Benak v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. action already pending there. Alliance's time to move, answer or otherwise respond to the Jaffe Complaint is stayed pending a decision on the motion to transfer. Alliance and Alfred Harrison believe that plaintiff's allegations in the Jaffe Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, management of Alliance is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on its results of operations or financial condition and the Company's management is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. In December 2002, a complaint entitled Patrick J. Goggins et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P. et al. ("Goggins Complaint") was filed in Federal District Court in the Southern District of New York against Alliance, Premier Growth Fund and individual directors and certain officers of the Fund. The Goggins Complaint alleges that defendants violated the Securities Act of 1933 because Premier Growth Fund's registration statements and prospectuses allegedly were materially misleading, contained untrue statements of material fact and omitted material facts in describing the strategic objectives and investment strategies of Premier Growth Fund in relation to Premier Growth Fund's investments, including Premier Growth Fund's investments in Enron Corp. securities. Plaintiffs seek rescissory relief or an unspecified amount of compensatory damages. Alliance's time to move, answer or otherwise respond to the Goggins Complaint is currently stayed. Alliance, Premier Growth Fund and the other defendants believe the plaintiffs' allegations in the Goggins Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations. At the present time, management of Alliance is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on Alliance's results of operations or financial condition and the Company's management is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of this action may have on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. In addition to the matters previously reported and those described above, the Holding Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of the actions and proceedings have been brought on behalf of various alleged classes of claimants and certain of these claimants seek damages of unspecified amounts. While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position. However, it should be noted that the frequency of large damage awards, including large punitive damage awards that bear little or no relation to actual economic damages incurred by plaintiffs in some jurisdictions, continues to create the potential for an unpredictable judgment in any given matter. Accordingly, the Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict whether or not any given matter will have a material adverse effect the Company's consolidated results of operations in any particular period. 17) LEASES The Company has entered into operating leases for office space and certain other assets, principally information technology equipment and office furniture and equipment. Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases for 2003 and the four successive years are $123.6 million, $127.9 million, $117.5 million, $99.9 million, $91.8 million and $848.4 million thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these noncancelable operating leases for 2003 and the four successive years is $5.6 million, $5.6 million, $5.4 million, $2.2 million, $2.2 million and $18.1 million thereafter. At December 31, 2002, the minimum future rental income on noncancelable operating leases for wholly owned investments in real estate for 2003 and the four successive years is $81.7 million, $78.8 million, $75.9 million, $75.2 million, $67.6 million and $535.8 million thereafter. The Company has entered into capital leases for certain information technology equipment. Future minimum payments under noncancelable capital leases for 2003 and the two successive years are $4.4 million, $2.8 million, and $.9 million. F-42 18) INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION Equitable Life is restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends to the Holding Company. Under the New York Insurance Law, a domestic life insurer may, without prior approval of the Superintendent, pay a dividend to its shareholders not exceeding an amount calculated based on a statutory formula. This formula would permit Equitable Life to pay shareholder dividends not greater than $408.9 million during 2003. Payment of dividends exceeding this amount requires the insurer to file notice of its intent to declare such dividends with the Superintendent who then has 30 days to disapprove the distribution. For 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Insurance Group statutory net income totaled $451.6 million, $547.7 million and $1,068.6 million, respectively. Statutory surplus, capital stock and Asset Valuation Reserve ("AVR") totaled $4,281.0 million and $6,100.4 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. In 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, $500.0 million, $1.7 billion and $250.0 million in shareholder dividends were paid by Equitable Life. At December 31, 2002, the Insurance Group, in accordance with various government and state regulations, had $23.3 million of securities deposited with such government or state agencies. In 1998, the NAIC approved a codification of statutory accounting practices ("Codification"), which provides regulators and insurers with uniform statutory guidance, addresses areas where statutory accounting previously was silent and changes certain existing statutory positions. Equitable Life and Equitable of Colorado became subject to Codification rules for all state filings upon adoption of Codification by the respective states. On December 27, 2000, an emergency rule was issued by the New York Insurance Department (NYID), which adopted Codification in New York effective on January 1, 2001 except where the guidance conflicted with New York Law. Differences in the New York regulation adopted in 2000 from Codification were in accounting for deferred taxes and goodwill, which are required to be disclosed in the notes to the Annual Statement, as well as the Annual Audited Report. On September 24, 2002 the bill authorizing the admissibility of deferred taxes by New York insurers was signed into law and was effective as of January 1, 2002. The impact of adopting the accounting for deferred taxes at January 1,2002 was a $363.6 million decrease to surplus. The implementation of Codification in 2001 resulted in a $1,630.9 million increase to surplus and capital stock, principally due to the $1,660.8 million valuation adjustment related to Alliance. The application of the Codification rules as adopted by the State of Colorado had no significant effect on Equitable Life or EOC. At December 31, 2002 and for the year then ended, there were no differences in net income and capital and surplus resulting from practices prescribed and permitted by the State of New York and those prescribed in the January 1, 2001 NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures manual. Accounting practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for regulatory filings of stock life insurance companies differ in certain instances from GAAP. The differences between statutory surplus and capital stock determined in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles ("SAP") and total shareholders' equity under GAAP are primarily: (a) the inclusion in SAP of an AVR intended to stabilize surplus from fluctuations in the value of the investment portfolio; (b) future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances under SAP differ from GAAP due to differences between actuarial assumptions and reserving methodologies; (c) certain policy acquisition costs are expensed under SAP but deferred under GAAP and amortized over future periods to achieve a matching of revenues and expenses; (d) under SAP, Federal income taxes are provided on the basis of amounts currently payable with provisions made for deferred amounts that reverse within one year while under GAAP, deferred taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities where the probability of realization is reasonably assured (e) the valuation of assets under SAP and GAAP differ due to different investment valuation and depreciation methodologies, as well as the deferral of interest-related realized capital gains and losses on fixed income investments; (f) the valuation of the investment in Alliance and Alliance Holding under SAP reflects a portion of the market value appreciation rather than the equity in the underlying net assets as required under GAAP; (g) the provision for future losses of the discontinued Wind-Up Annuities business is only required under GAAP; (h) reporting the surplus notes as a component of surplus in SAP but as a liability in GAAP; (i) computer software development costs are capitalized under GAAP but expensed under SAP; and (j) certain assets, primarily pre-paid assets, are not admissible under SAP but are admissible under GAAP. F-43 The following reconciles the Insurance Group's statutory change in surplus and capital stock and statutory surplus and capital stock determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the NYID with net earnings and equity on a GAAP basis.
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) Net change in statutory surplus and capital stock.................................... $ (1,354.7) $ 104.1 $ 1,321.4 Change in AVR...................................... (464.7) (230.2) (665.5) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net change in statutory surplus, capital stock and AVR.......................................... (1,819.4) (126.1) 655.9 Adjustments: Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances............................... 255.2 270.8 254.5 DAC.............................................. 458.1 458.5 469.1 Deferred Federal income taxes.................... (634.6) (354.8) (127.3) Valuation of investments......................... (74.8) 67.9 (134.8) Valuation of investment subsidiary............... 1,399.4 (1,507.9) (29.2) Change in fair value of guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance contracts........... 120.0 - - Shareholder dividends paid...................... 500.0 1,700.0 250.0 Changes in non-admitted assets................... 384.2 138.3 73.8 Stock option expense related to AXA's minority interest acquisition........................... - - (493.9) Other, net....................................... (23.7) 5.4 383.1 GAAP adjustments for Discontinued Operations..................................... 23.0 (5.1) 54.3 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net Earnings of the Insurance Group................ $ 587.4 $ 647.0 $ 1,355.5 ================= ================ ================= DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ (IN MILLIONS) Statutory surplus and capital stock................ $ 4,091.3 $ 5,446.0 $ 5,341.9 AVR................................................ 189.7 654.4 884.6 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ Statutory surplus, capital stock and AVR........... 4,281.0 6,100.4 6,226.5 Adjustments: Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances............................... (1,237.6) (1,492.8) (1,763.6) DAC.............................................. 5,801.0 5,513.7 5,128.8 Deferred Federal income taxes.................... (1,835.8) (1,252.2) (640.7) Valuation of investments......................... 1,629.6 635.9 140.2 Valuation of investment subsidiary............... (1,191.4) (2,590.8) (1,082.9) Change in fair value of guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance contracts........... 120.0 - - Non-admitted assets.............................. 1,162.3 778.1 639.8 Issuance of surplus notes........................ (599.6) (539.4) (539.1) Other, net....................................... 157.2 536.6 500.6 GAAP adjustments for Discontinued Operations..................................... (108.7) (123.8) (164.3) ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ Equity of the Insurance Group...................... $ 8,178.0 $ 7,565.7 $ 8,445.3 ================= ================ ==================
F-44 19) BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company's operations consist of Insurance and Investment Services. The Company's management evaluates the performance of each of these segments independently and allocates resources based on current and future requirements of each segment. The Insurance segment offers a variety of traditional, variable and interest-sensitive life insurance products, disability income, annuity products, mutual fund and other investment products to individuals and small groups. It also administers traditional participating group annuity contracts with conversion features, generally for corporate qualified pension plans, and association plans which provide full service retirement programs for individuals affiliated with professional and trade associations. This segment includes Separate Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products. The Investment Services segment principally includes Alliance. Alliance provides diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients including: (a) institutional clients, including pension funds, endowments and domestic and foreign financial institutions, (b) private clients, including high net worth individuals, trusts and estates and charitable foundations, (c) individual investors, principally through a broad line of mutual funds, and (d) institutional investors by means of in-depth research, portfolio strategy and other services. This segment also includes institutional Separate Accounts that provide various investment options for large group pension clients, primarily defined benefit and contribution plans, through pooled or single group accounts. Intersegment investment advisory and other fees of approximately $102.2 million, $116.6 million and $153.2 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, are included in total revenues of the Investment Services segment. The following tables reconcile segment revenues and earnings from continuing operations before Federal income taxes to total revenues and earnings as reported on the consolidated statements of earnings and segment assets to total assets on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively.
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ (IN MILLIONS) SEGMENT REVENUES: Insurance............................................ $ 4,673.4 $ 4,763.3 $ 4,681.9 Investment Services.................................. 2,744.9 2,994.4 4,672.5 Consolidation/elimination............................ (71.3) (90.0) (113.2) ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ Total Revenues....................................... $ 7,347.0 $ 7,667.7 $ 9,241.2 ================= ================ ================== SEGMENT EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST: Insurance............................................ $ 437.9 $ 707.5 $ (192.5) Investment Services.................................. 590.7 585.4 2,778.0 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ Total Earnings from Continuing Operations before Federal Income Taxes and Minority Interest............................. $ 1,028.6 $ 1,292.9 $ 2,585.5 ================= ================ ================== 2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ (IN MILLIONS) ASSETS: Insurance............................................ $ 80,638.7 $ 84,572.2 $ 88,641.1 Investment Services.................................. 14,160.3 15,808.8 16,807.2 Consolidation/elimination............................ 27.3 (94.4) (57.1) ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ Total Assets......................................... $ 94,826.3 $ 100,286.6 $ 105,391.2 ================= ================ ==================
F-45 20) QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) The quarterly results of operations for 2002 and 2001 are summarized below:
THREE MONTHS ENDED ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ (IN MILLIONS) 2002 ---- Total Revenues................ $ 1,883.9 $ 2,072.1 $ 1,860.9 $ 1,530.1 ================= ================= ================== ================== Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations....... $ 162.6 $ 206.7 $ 266.9 $ (21.3) ================= ================= ================== ================== Net Earnings (Loss)........... $ 130.4 $ 205.3 $ 286.3 $ (34.6) ================= ================= ================== ================== 2001 ---- Total Revenues................ $ 2,023.1 $ 1,898.6 $ 1,804.8 $ 1,941.2 ================= ================= ================== ================== Earnings from Continuing Operations.................. $ 227.1 $ 120.3 $ 119.2 $ 140.0 ================= ================= ================== ================== Net Earnings.................. $ 233.6 $ 118.5 $ 118.7 $ 176.2 ================= ================= ================== ==================
The quarterly results of operations for the first three quarters of 2002 have been restated to reflect the accounting change adopted in the fourth quarter of 2002 as of January 1, 2002 for liabilities associated with variable annuity contracts that contain GMDB and GMIB features, as follows:
THREE MONTHS ENDED ------------------------------------------------------------ MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 ----------------- ---------------- ---------------------- (IN MILLIONS) Earnings from continuing operations, as previously reported.......................... $ 160.5 $ 286.6 $ 345.7 Adjustment to reflect adoption of accounting change as of January 1, 2002.................... 2.1 (79.9) (78.8) ----------------- ---------------- ---------------------- Earnings from Continuing Operations, as Restated......................... $ 162.6 $ 206.7 $ 266.9 ================= ================ ====================== Net earnings, as previously reported............... $ 161.5 $ 285.2 $ 365.1 Adjustment to reflect adoption of accounting change as of January 1, 2002.................... (31.1) (79.9) (78.8) ----------------- ---------------- ---------------------- Net Earnings, as Restated.......................... $ 130.4 $ 205.3 $ 286.3 ================= ================ ======================
F-46 21) ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Holding Company sponsors a stock incentive plan for employees of Equitable Life. Alliance sponsors its own stock option plans for certain employees. The Company has elected to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB No. 25. Stock-based employee compensation expense is not reflected in the statement of earnings as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income had compensation expense as related to options awarded under the Company's Stock Incentive Plans been determined based on SFAS No. 123's fair value based method, including the cost of the amendments and modifications made in connection with AXA's acquisition of the minority interest in the Holding Company:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------- (IN MILLIONS) Net income, as reported............................ $ 587.4 $ 647.0 $ 1,355.5 Add: Compensation charge resulting from AXA's acquisition of minority interest included in net earnings........................ - - 306.4 Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of Federal income tax benefit (36.0) (22.2) (34.6) ----------------- ---------------- ------------------- Pro Forma Net Earnings............................. $ 551.4 $ 624.8 $ 1,627.3 ================= ================ ===================
In conjunction with approval of the agreement for AXA's acquisition of the minority interest in the Holding Company's Common Stock, generally all outstanding options awarded under the 1997 and 1991 Stock Incentive Plans were amended to become immediately and fully exercisable pursuant to their terms upon expiration of the initial tender offer. In addition, the agreement provided that at the effective time of the merger, the terms of all outstanding options granted under those Plans would be further amended and converted into options of equivalent intrinsic value to acquire a number of AXA ordinary shares in the form of ADRs. Also pursuant to the agreement, holders of non-qualified options were provided with an alternative to elect cancellation of those options at the effective time of the merger in exchange for a cash payment from the Holding Company. For the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company recognized compensation expense of $493.9 million, representing the cost of these Plan amendments and modifications offset by an addition to capital in excess of par value. Beginning in 2001, under the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, the Holding Company can issue options to purchase AXA ADRs. The options, which include Incentive Stock Options and Nonstatutory Stock Options, are issued at the fair market value of the AXA ADRs on the date of grant. Generally, one-third of stock options granted vest and become exercisable on each of the first three anniversaries of the date such options were granted. Options are currently exercisable up to 10 years from the date of grant. Following completion of the merger of AXA Merger Corp. with and into the Holding Company, certain employees exchanged AXA ADR options for tandem Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs") and at-the-money AXA ADR options of equivalent intrinsic value. The maximum obligation for the SARs is $73.3 million, based upon the underlying price of AXA ADRs at January 2, 2001, the closing date of the aforementioned merger. The Company recorded a (reduction) increase in the SARs liability of $(10.2) million and $(63.2) million for 2002 and 2001, respectively, reflecting the variable accounting for the SARs, based on the change in the market value of AXA ADRs for the respective periods ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. F-47 The Black-Scholes option pricing model was used in determining the fair values of option awards used in the pro-forma disclosures above. The option pricing assumptions for 2002, 2001 and 2000 follow:
HOLDING COMPANY ALLIANCE ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- 2002 (1) 2001 (1) 2000 2002 2001 2000 ------------- ------------- ------------ -------------------- ---------- Dividend yield.... 2.54% 1.52% 0.32% 5.80% 5.80% 7.20% Expected volatility...... 46% 29% 28% 32% 33% 30% Risk-free interest rate............ 4.04% 4.98% 6.24% 4.2% 4.5% 5.90% Expected life in years........ 5 5 5 7.0 7.2 7.4 Weighted average fair value per option at grant-date...... $6.30 $9.42 $11.08 $5.89 $9.23 $8.32
(1) Beginning in 2001, the option pricing assumptions reflect options granted by the Holding Company representing rights to acquire AXA ADRs. A summary of the activity in the option shares of the Holding Company and Alliance's option plans follows, including information about options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2002. Outstanding options at January 2, 2001 to acquire AXA ADRs reflect the conversion of 11.5 million share options of the Holding Company that remained outstanding following the above-described cash settlement made pursuant to the agreement for AXA's acquisition of the minority interest in the Holding Company's Common Stock. All information presented below as related to options to acquire AXA ADRs gives appropriate effect to AXA's May 2001 four-for-one stock split and the related changes in ADR parity for each Holding Company share option:
HOLDING COMPANY ALLIANCE ------------------------------------ --------------------------------- COMMON STOCK WEIGHTED WEIGHTED AND AVERAGE AVERAGE AXA ADRS EXERCISE UNITS EXERCISE (IN MILLIONS) PRICE (IN MILLIONS) PRICE ------------------------------------ --------------- ----------------- Holding Company Option Shares: Balance at December 31, 1999..... 22.7 $24.60 12.5 $17.95 Granted........................ 6.5 $31.06 4.7 $50.93 Exercised...................... (4.5) $18.57 (1.7) $10.90 Forfeited...................... (1.2) $26.15 (.1) $26.62 ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- Balance at December 31, 2000..... 23.5 $27.20 15.4 $28.73 ========== ============ AXA ADR Option Shares: Balance at January 2, 2001 18.3 $21.65 Granted........................ 17.0 $31.55 2.5 $50.34 Exercised...................... (2.2) $11.57 (1.7) $13.45 Forfeited...................... (3.1) $32.02 (.3) $34.33 ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- Balance at December 31, 2001..... 30.0 $31.55 15.9 $33.58 Granted........................ 6.7 $17.24 2.4 $39.32 Exercised...................... (.2) $10.70 (1.4) $14.83 Forfeited...................... (1.2) $27.12 (.5) $42.99 ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- Balance at December 31, 2002 35.3 $25.14 16.4 $34.91 ========== ============ ========== =========
F-48 Information about options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2002 follows:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED WEIGHTED RANGE OF NUMBER REMAINING AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE EXERCISE OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE PRICES (IN MILLIONS) LIFE (YEARS) PRICE (IN MILLIONS) PRICE --------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- AXA ADRs ---------------------- $ 6.325 - $ 9.01 1.8 1.26 $6.76 1.8 $6.76 $10.195 - $14.73 3.3 6.41 $13.13 2.4 $13.28 $15.995 - $22.84 10.3 7.82 $18.47 4.7 $18.80 $26.095 - $33.025 14.9 5.60 $30.93 8.5 $31.76 $36.031 5.0 6.48 $36.03 5.0 $36.03 ----------------- ------------------ $ 6.325 - $36.031 35.3 6.22 $25.14 22.4 $26.00 ================= ================== Alliance ---------------------- $ 8.81 - $18.47 3.5 3.43 $13.21 3.5 $13.21 $ 22.50 - $30.25 3.8 6.34 $27.87 2.6 $27.60 $ 30.94 - $48.50 4.9 8.68 $41.01 1.0 $48.46 $ 50.15 - $50.56 2.3 8.92 $50.25 .5 $50.25 $ 51.10 - $58.50 1.9 7.95 $53.78 .7 $53.77 ----------------- ------------------ $ 8.81 - $58.50 16.4 6.98 $34.91 8.3 $27.72 ================= ==================
The Company's ownership interest in Alliance will continue to be reduced upon the exercise of unit options granted to certain Alliance employees. Options are exercisable over a period of up to ten years. In 1997, Alliance Holding established a long-term incentive compensation plan under which grants are made to key employees for terms established by Alliance Holding at the time of grant. These awards include options, restricted Alliance Holding units and phantom restricted Alliance Holding units, performance awards, other Alliance Holding unit based awards, or any combination thereof. At December 31, 2002, approximately 14.4 million Alliance Holding units of a maximum 40.0 million units were subject to options granted and 80,433 Alliance Holding units were subject to awards made under this plan. 22) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Beginning January 1, 2000, the Company reimburses the Holding Company for expenses relating to the Excess Retirement Plan, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and certain other employee benefit plans that provide participants with medical, life insurance, and deferred compensation benefits. Such reimbursement was based on the cost to the Holding Company of the benefits provided which totaled $39.7 million and $19.1 million, respectively, for 2002 and 2001. The Company paid $596.6 million and $590.5 million, respectively, of commissions and fees to AXA Distribution and its subsidiaries for sales of insurance products for 2002 and 2001. The Company charged AXA Distribution's subsidiaries $411.9 million and $522.6 million, respectively, for their applicable share of operating expenses for 2002 and 2001, pursuant to the Agreements for Services. In September 2001, Equitable Life loaned $400.0 million to AXA Insurance Holding Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of AXA. This investment has an interest rate of 5.89% and matures on June 15, 2007. All payments, including interest payable semi-annually, are guaranteed by AXA. Both Equitable Life and Alliance, along with other AXA affiliates, participate in certain intercompany cost sharing and service agreements which include technology and professional development arrangements. Payments by Equitable Life and Alliance to AXA under such agreements totaled approximately $17.9 million and $13.7 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Payments by AXA and AXA affiliates to Equitable Life under such agreements totaled $17.6 million and $9.9 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively. F-49 Commissions, fees and other income includes certain revenues for services provided to mutual funds managed by Alliance described below:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ (IN MILLIONS) Investment advisory and services fees.............. $ 950.1 $ 1,089.7 $ 1,021.8 Distribution revenues.............................. 467.5 544.6 621.6 Shareholder servicing fees......................... 89.7 87.2 85.6 Other revenues..................................... 10.2 11.0 11.6 Brokerage.......................................... 7.0 5.7 1.0
23) PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) Assuming the Bernstein acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2000, revenues for the Company would have been $8.79 billion for 2000 on a pro forma basis. The impact of the acquisition on net earnings on a pro-forma basis would not have been material. This pro forma financial information does not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have resulted had the Bernstein acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2000, nor is the pro forma financial information necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved for any future period. F-50 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES To the Board of Directors of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report dated February 4, 2003 appearing on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(A)2 of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. /s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP New York, New York February 4, 2003 F-51 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE I SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES DECEMBER 31, 2002
ESTIMATED CARRYING TYPE OF INVESTMENT COST (A) FAIR VALUE VALUE ------------------ ----------------- ---------------- --------------- (IN MILLIONS) Fixed maturities: U.S. government, agencies and authorities............... $ 895.5 $ 979.6 $ 979.6 State, municipalities and political subdivisions........ 197.6 215.5 215.5 Foreign governments..................................... 231.8 268.4 268.4 Public utilities........................................ 2,579.8 2,704.6 2,704.6 All other corporate bonds............................... 19,923.4 21,119.8 21,119.8 Redeemable preferred stocks............................. 923.7 991.0 991.0 ----------------- ---------------- --------------- Total fixed maturities.................................... 24,751.8 26,278.9 26,278.9 ----------------- ---------------- --------------- Equity securities: Common stocks: Industrial, miscellaneous and all other............... 52.9 45.5 45.5 Mortgage loans on real estate............................. 3,746.2 4,070.1 3,746.2 Real estate............................................... 334.0 XXX 334.0 Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt.............. 268.8 XXX 268.8 Real estate joint ventures................................ 114.5 XXX 114.5 Policy loans.............................................. 4,035.6 4,728.2 4,035.6 Other limited partnership interests....................... 674.8 674.8 674.8 Other invested assets..................................... 1,327.6 1,327.6 1,327.6 ----------------- ---------------- --------------- Total Investments......................................... $ 35,306.2 $ 37,125.1 $ 36,825.9 ================= ================ ===============
(A) Cost for fixed maturities represents original cost, reduced by repayments and writedowns and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discount; for equity securities, cost represents original cost reduced by writedowns; for other limited partnership interests, cost represents original cost adjusted for equity in earnings and distributions. F-52 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE II BALANCE SHEETS (PARENT COMPANY) DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- (IN MILLIONS) ASSETS Investment: Fixed maturities: Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $24,480.4 and $22,512.6, respectively)........................ $ 25,981.9 $ 22,984.8 Mortgage loans on real estate............................................. 3,746.2 4,332.3 Equity real estate........................................................ 717.3 875.5 Policy loans.............................................................. 3,805.8 3,877.1 Investments in and loans to affiliates.................................... 1,359.3 1,117.0 Other equity investments.................................................. 720.2 756.5 Other invested assets..................................................... 892.4 356.6 ----------------- ----------------- Total investments..................................................... 37,223.1 34,299.8 Cash and cash equivalents................................................... 15.3 309.0 Deferred policy acquisition costs........................................... 5,749.8 5,458.7 Amounts due from reinsurers................................................. 1,482.4 1,437.1 Other assets................................................................ 2,289.2 2,290.5 Loans to affiliates......................................................... 413.0 400.0 Prepaid pension asset....................................................... 865.1 502.1 Separate Accounts assets.................................................... 39,012.1 46,947.3 ----------------- ----------------- TOTAL ASSETS................................................................ $ 87,050.0 $ 91,644.5 ================= ================= LIABILITIES Policyholders' account balances............................................. $ 22,630.6 $ 20,541.1 Future policy benefits and other policyholders liabilities.................. 13,892.5 13,469.4 Short-term and long-term debt............................................... 847.8 847.9 Federal income taxes payable................................................ 1,698.8 1,355.2 Other liabilities........................................................... 918.5 989.7 Separate Accounts liabilities............................................... 38,883.8 46,875.5 ----------------- ----------------- Total liabilities..................................................... 78,872.0 84,078.8 ----------------- ----------------- SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY Common stock, $1.25 par value, 2.0 million shares authorized, issued and outstanding........................................................... 2.5 2.5 Capital in excess of par value.............................................. 4,753.8 4,694.6 Retained earnings........................................................... 2,740.6 2,653.2 Accumulated other comprehensive income...................................... 681.1 215.4 ----------------- ----------------- Total shareholder's equity............................................ 8,178.0 7,565.7 ----------------- ----------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY.................................. $ 87,050.0 $ 91,644.5 ================= =================
The financial information of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (Parent Company) should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. For information regarding capital in excess of par value refer to Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-53 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE II STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (PARENT COMPANY) YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, 2000
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- --------------- (IN MILLIONS) REVENUES Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income....................................................... $ 1,312.3 $ 1,337.4 $ 1,409.7 Premiums....................................................... 936.7 1,010.0 1,164.0 Net investment income.......................................... 2,321.7 2,301.9 2,681.8 Investment losses, net......................................... (264.1) (201.4) (834.3) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries ............................ 113.1 134.2 1,409.8 Commissions, fees and other income............................. 337.7 244.2 127.4 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Total revenues........................................... 4,757.4 4,826.3 5,958.4 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS Policyholders' benefits........................................ 2,025.7 1,878.9 2,054.5 Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........... 945.5 957.1 1,025.0 Compensation and benefits...................................... 235.8 287.5 413.7 Commissions.................................................... 835.5 824.9 782.8 Interest expense............................................... 72.5 71.6 89.6 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.............. 292.6 284.0 305.0 Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs............ (753.2) (743.4) (772.4) Rent expense................................................... 64.9 61.5 85.7 Expenses related to AXA's minority interest acquisition of the Holding Company....................................... - - 493.9 Amortization and depreciation.................................. 85.8 93.2 65.7 Premium taxes.................................................. 36.3 36.9 60.6 Taxes, licenses and fees....................................... 33.0 40.9 24.9 Other operating costs and expenses............................. 293.5 202.2 44.7 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Total benefits and other deductions...................... 4,167.9 3,995.3 4,673.7 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Earnings from continuing operations before Federal income taxes......................................... 589.5 831.0 1,284.7 Federal income tax benefit (expense)........................... 25.4 (224.4) 12.2 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Earnings from continuing operations............................ 614.9 606.6 1,296.9 Earnings from discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes......................................... 5.6 43.9 58.6 Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of Federal income taxes......................................... (33.1) (3.5) - ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Net Earnings................................................... $ 587.4 $ 647.0 $ 1,355.5 ================= ================= ================
F-54 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE II STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (PARENT COMPANY) YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- (IN MILLIONS) Net earnings.................................................... $ 587.4 $ 647.0 $ 1,355.5 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Interest credited to policyholders' account balances.......... 945.5 957.1 1,025.0 Universal life and investment-type policy fee income.......... (1,312.3) (1,337.4) (1,409.7) Investment losses net......................................... 264.1 201.4 834.3 Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries........................ (113.1) (134.2) (1,409.8) Dividends from subsidiaries................................... 213.6 1,289.4 1,717.3 Change in deferred policy acquisition costs................... (460.6) (459.4) (467.4) Change in future policy benefits and other policyholder funds....................................................... 216.1 (15.6) (846.6) Change in prepaid pension asset............................... (363.0) (56.7) (66.5) Change in fair value of guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance contract.............................. (120.0) - - Change in property and equipment.............................. (21.1) (120.9) (265.7) Change in Federal income tax payable.......................... 93.2 573.9 (70.4) Other, net.................................................... 279.7 328.9 (301.9) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash provided by operating activities....................... 209.5 1,873.5 94.1 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Maturities and repayments..................................... 2,973.1 2,429.1 2,492.6 Sales......................................................... 7,626.0 7,338.1 8,010.9 Purchases..................................................... (12,621.0) (11,776.0) (7,981.5) Increase in loans to discontinued operations.................. 38.0 14.8 - Change in short-term investments.............................. (570.9) 123.1 370.5 Change in policy loans........................................ 71.5 (52.2) (176.0) Loans to affiliates........................................... - (400.0) - Other, net.................................................... 32.2 (107.0) (26.4) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash (used) provided by investing activities................ (2,451.1) (2,430.1) 2,690.1 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash flows from financing activities: Policyholders' account balances: Deposits.................................................... 4,384.9 3,252.1 2,729.2 Withdrawals and transfers to Separate Accounts.............. (1,995.9) (2,445.4) (3,906.3) Net decrease in short-term financings......................... (.2) (.2) (167.6) Shareholder dividends paid.................................... (500.0) (1,700.0) (250.0) Other, net.................................................... 59.1 (29.3) 1.6 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash provided (used) by financing activities................ 1,947.9 (922.8) (1,593.1) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Change in cash and cash equivalents............................. (293.7) (1,479.4) 1,191.1 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year.................... 309.0 1,788.4 597.3 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year.......................... $ 15.3 $ 309.0 $ 1,788.4 ================= ================= ================= Supplemental cash flow information Interest Paid................................................. $ 43.6 $ 43.4 $ 97.0 ================= ================= ================= Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid.................................. $ (153.6) $ 517.0 $ 358.2 ================= ================= =================
F-55 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
FUTURE POLICY POLICY AMORTIZATION DEFERRED BENEFITS CHARGES (1) POLICYHOLDERS' OF DEFERRED (2) POLICY POLICYHOLDERS' AND OTHER AND NET BENEFITS AND POLICY OTHER ACQUISITION ACCOUNT POLICYHOLDERS' PREMIUM INVESTMENT INTEREST ACQUISITION OPERATING SEGMENT COSTS BALANCE FUNDS REVENUE INCOME CREDITED COST EXPENSE ------------- ------------ -------------- --------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) Insurance........... $ 5,801.0 $ 23,037.5 $ 13,975.7 $ 2,260.7 $ 2,331.2 $ 3,006.5 $ 296.7 $ 932.3 Investment Services.......... - - - - 18.0 - - 2,154.2 Consolidation/ elimination....... - - - - 28.0 - - (71.3) ---------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ------------ --------- ------- ----------- Total............... $ 5,801.0 $ 23,037.5 $ 13,975.7 $ 2,260.7 $ 2,377.2 $ 3,006.5 $ 296.7 $ 3,015.2 ========== ============= ============ ========== ============ ========= ======= ===========
(1) Net investment income is based upon specific identification of portfolios within segments. (2) Operating expenses are principally incurred directly by a segment. F-56 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
FUTURE POLICY POLICY AMORTIZATION DEFERRED BENEFITS CHARGES (1) POLICYHOLDERS' OF DEFERRED (2) POLICY POLICYHOLDERS' AND OTHER AND NET BENEFITS AND POLICY OTHER ACQUISITION ACCOUNT POLICYHOLDERS' PREMIUM INVESTMENT INTEREST ACQUISITION OPERATING SEGMENT COSTS BALANCE FUNDS REVENUE INCOME CREDITED COST EXPENSE ------------- ------------ -------------- --------------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) Insurance........ $ 5,513.7 $ 20,939.1 $ 13,539.4 $ 2,362.2 $ 2,337.9 $ 2,868.6 $ 287.9 $ 899.3 Investment Services....... - - - - 39.9 - - 2,409.0 Consolidation/ elimination.... - - - - 26.5 - - (90.0) ---------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ------------ --------- ------- ----------- Total............ $ 5,513.7 $ 20,939.1 $ 13,539.4 $ 2,362.2 $ 2,404.3 $ 2,868.6 $ 287.9 $ 3,218.3 ========== ============= ============ ========== ============ ========= ======= ===========
(1) Net investment income is based upon specific identification of portfolios within segments. (2) Operating expenses are principally incurred directly by a segment. F-57 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
POLICY AMORTIZATION CHARGES (1) POLICYHOLDERS' OF DEFERRED (2) AND NET BENEFITS AND POLICY OTHER PREMIUM INVESTMENT INTEREST ACQUISITION OPERATING SEGMENT REVENUE INCOME CREDITED COST EXPENSE ---------------------------- -------------- ------------- ----------------- -------------- ----------- (IN MILLIONS) Insurance.................... $ 2,588.3 $ 2,653.1 $ 3,108.8 $ 309.0 $ 1,456.6 Investment Services................... - 67.5 - - 1,894.4 Consolidation/ elimination................ - 31.3 - - (113.1) ------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ----------- Total........................ $ 2,588.3 $ 2,751.91 $ 3,108.8 $ 309.0 $ 3,237.9 ============= ============== ============= ========== ===========
(1) Net investment income is based upon specific identification of portfolios within segments. (2) Operating expenses are principally incurred directly by a segment. F-58 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE IV REINSURANCE (A) AT AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
ASSUMED PERCENTAGE CEDED TO FROM OF AMOUNT GROSS OTHER OTHER NET ASSUMED AMOUNT COMPANIES COMPANIES AMOUNT TO NET ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------- (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) 2002 ---- Life Insurance In-Force...... $ 264,456.6 $ 89,413.1 $ 42,228.6 $ 217,281.1 19.44% ================= ================ ================= =============== Premiums: Life insurance and annuities.................. $ 803.3 $ 86.8 $ 145.7 $ 862.2 16.90% Accident and health.......... 151.3 104.0 35.7 83.0 43.01% ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- Total Premiums............... $ 954.6 $ 190.8 $ 181.4 $ 945.2 19.19% ================= ================ ================= =============== 2001 ---- Life Insurance In-Force...... $ 263,375.6 $ 75,190.5 $ 42,640.4 $ 230,825.5 18.47% ================= ================ ================= =============== Premiums: Life insurance and annuities.................. $ 830.2 $ 63.6 $ 138.5 $ 905.1 15.30% Accident and health.......... 159.8 109.5 64.5 114.8 56.18% ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- Total Premiums............... $ 990.0 $ 173.1 $ 203.0 $ 1,019.9 19.90% ================= ================ ================= =============== 2000 ---- Life Insurance In-Force...... $ 260,762.0 $ 54,418.0 $ 42,588.0 $ 248,932.0 17.11% ================= ================ ================= =============== Premiums: Life insurance and annuities.................. $ 939.2 $ 52.6 $ 130.8 $ 1,017.4 12.86% Accident and health.......... 164.6 70.4 63.4 157.6 40.23% ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- Total Premiums............... $ 1,103.8 $ 123.0 $ 194.2 $ 1,175.0 16.53% ================= ================ ================= ===============
(A) Includes amounts related to the discontinued group life and health business. F-59 PART II, ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. 9-1 PART III, ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I to Form 10-K. 10-1 PART III, ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I to Form 10-K. 11-1 PART III, ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I to Form 10-K. 12-1 PART III, ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I to Form 10-K. 13-1 PART III, ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Office and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2002. Based on that evaluation, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to December 31, 2002. 14-1 PART IV, ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (A) The following documents are filed as part of this report: 1. Financial Statements The financial statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules on page FS-1. 2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules The consolidated financial statement schedules are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules on page FS-1. 3. Exhibits: The exhibits are listed in the Index to Exhibits which begins on page E-1. (B) Reports on Form 8-K 1. On August 14, 2002, Equitable Life furnished a current report on Form 8-K relating to the certifications made by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 2. On September 4, 2002, Equitable Life furnished a current report on Form 8-K relating to a discussion of DAC amortization by Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer, Stanley B. Tulin, to security analysts on September 3, 2002. 3. On November 13, 2002, Equitable Life furnished a current report on Form 8-K relating to the certifications made by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 906 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 15-1 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: March 20, 2003 THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES By: /s/Christopher M. Condron ----------------------------------------- Name: Christopher M. Condron Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Director Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. /s/Christopher M. Condron Chairman of the Board, President and Chief March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Christopher M. Condron Executive Officer, Director /s/Stanley B. Tulin Vice Chairman of the Board and March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Stanley B. Tulin Chief Financial Officer, Director /s/Alvin H. Fenichel Senior Vice President and Controller March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Alvin H. Fenichel Director March , 2003 ----------------------------- Henri de Castries Director March , 2003 ----------------------------- Bruce W. Calvert /s/Francoise Colloc'h Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Francoise Colloc'h /s/ Claus-Michael Dill ----------------------------- Director March 20, 2003 Claus-Michael Dill /s/Joseph L. Dionne Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Joseph L. Dionne /s/Denis Duverne Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Denis Duverne ----------------------------- Director March , 2003 Jean-Rene Fourtou /s/John C. Graves Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- John C. Graves /s/Donald J. Greene Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Donald J. Greene
S-1 /s/Nina Henderson Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Nina Henderson /s/James F. Higgins Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- James F. Higgins /s/W. Edwin Jarmain Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- W. Edwin Jarmain /s/Christina Johnson Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Christina Johnson /s/Scott D. Miller Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Scott D. Miller /s/Joseph H. Moglia Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Joseph H. Moglia /s/ Peter J. Tobin Director March 20, 2003 ----------------------------- Peter J. Tobin
S-2 CERTIFICATIONS I, Christopher M. Condron, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the "Registrant"); 2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; 4. The Registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the Registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of Registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal controls; and 6. The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Date: March 27, 2003 /s/ Christopher M. Condron -------------------------------- Christopher M. Condron Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer C-1 I, Stanley B. Tulin, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, certify that: 1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the "Registrant"); 2) Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; 3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; 4) The Registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the Registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5) The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of Registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal controls; and 6) The Registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Date: March 27, 2003 /s/ Stanley B. Tulin --------------------------------- Stanley B. Tulin Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer C-2 INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Tag Number Description Method of Filing Value ---------- ----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ---------- 2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Holding August 30, 2000 among CSG, AXA, Company's Current Report on Form 8-K Equitable Life, AXA Participations dated November 14, 2000 and incorporated Belgium and the Holding Company herein by reference 2.2 Letter Agreement dated as of October 6, Filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Holding 2000 to the Stock Purchase Agreement Company's Current Report on Form 8-K among CSG, AXA, Equitable Life, AXA dated November 14, 2000 and incorporated Participations Belgium and the Holding herein by reference Company 3.1 Restated Charter of Equitable Life, as Filed as Exhibit 3.1(a) to registrant's amended January 1, 1997 annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference 3.2 Restated By-laws of Equitable Life, as Filed as Exhibit 3.2(a) to registrant's amended November 21, 1996 annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference 10.1 Cooperation Agreement, dated as of July Filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Holding 18, 1991, as amended among Equitable Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement Life, the Holding Company and AXA (No. 33-48115), dated May 26, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference 10.2 Letter Agreement, dated May 12, 1992, Filed as Exhibit 10(e) to the Holding among the Holding Company, Equitable Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement Life and AXA (No. 33-48115), dated May 26, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference 10.3 Amended and Restated Reinsurance Filed as Exhibit 10(o) to the Holding Agreement, dated as of March 29, 1990, Company's Form S-1 Registration Statement between Equitable Life and First (No. 33-48115), dated May 26, 1992 and Equicor Life Insurance Company incorporated herein by reference 10.4 Fiscal Agency Agreement between Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to registrant's Equitable Life and The Chase Manhattan annual report on Form 10-K for the year Bank, N.A. ended December 31, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference 10.5(a) Lease, dated as of July 20, 1995, Filed as Exhibit 10.26(a) to the Holding between 1290 Associates, L.L.C. and Company's annual report on Form 10-K for Equitable Life the year ended December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference 10.5(b) First Amendment of Lease Agreement, Filed as Exhibit 10.26(b) to the Holding dated as of December 28, 1995, between Company's annual report on Form 10-K for 1290 Associates, L.L.C. and Equitable the year ended December 31, 1996 and Life incorporated herein by reference
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Tag Number Description Method of Filing Value ---------- ----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ---------- 10.5(c) Amended and Restated Company Lease Filed as Exhibit 10.26(c) to the Holding Agreement (Facility Realty), made as of Company's annual report on Form 10-K for May 1, 1996, by and between Equitable the year ended December 31, 1996 and Life and the IDA incorporated herein by reference 10.5(d) Amended and Restated Company Lease Filed as Exhibit 10.26(d) to the Holding Agreement (Project Property), made and Company's annual report on Form 10-K for entered into as of May 1, 1996, by and the year ended December 31, 1996 and between the IDA, Equitable Life and incorporated herein by reference EVLICO 10.6 Distribution and Servicing Agreement Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the registrant's between AXA Advisors (as successor to annual report on Form 10-K for the year Equico Securities, Inc.) and Equitable ended December 31, 1999 and incorporated Life dated as of May 1, 1994 herein by reference 10.7 Agreement for Cooperative and Joint Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant's Use of Personnel, Property and Services annual report on Form 10-K for the year between Equitable Life and AXA ended December 31, 1999 and incorporated Advisors dated as of September 21, 1999 herein by reference 10.8 General Agent Sales Agreement between Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the registrant's Equitable Life and AXA Network dated annual report on Form 10-K for the year as of January 1, 2000 ended December 31, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference 10.9 Agreement for Services by Equitable Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the registrant's Life to AXA Network dated as of annual report on Form 10-K for the year January 1, 2000 ended December 31, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference 18 Preferability letter from Filed herewith PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 21 Subsidiaries of the registrant Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I of Form 10-K 99.1 Section 906 Certification made by the Filed herewith registrant's Chief Executive Officer 99.2 Section 906 Certification made by the Filed herewith registrant's Chief Financial Officer
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