10-Q 1 a07-10639_110q.htm 10-Q

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2007

 

OR

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number: 333-111553
 

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nebraska

 

47-0221457

(State of Incorporation)

 

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

 

 

 

2940 South 84th Street

 

 

Lincoln, Nebraska

 

68506

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 800-525-9287

 

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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes x   No o

 

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

 

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

 

o

o

x

 

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

 

Yes o   No x

 

None of the common equity of the registrant is held by non-affiliates. Therefore, the aggregate market value of common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant is zero.

 

As of May 7, 2007, the Registrant had 25,000 common shares, $100 par value, outstanding, all of which are held by Allstate Life Insurance Company.

 


 
LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

March 31, 2007
 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 (unaudited)

1

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006

2

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 (unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)

4

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

10

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

14

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

15

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

15

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

15

 

 

 

 



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

3,584

 

$

3,389

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations before income tax expense

 

3,584

 

3,389

 

Income tax expense

 

1,252

 

1,183

 

Net income

 

$

2,332

 

$

2,206

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

1



 

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

(in thousands, except par value data)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $271,840 and $268,331)

 

$

272,504

 

$

268,058

 

Short-term

 

8,037

 

8,264

 

Total investments

 

280,541

 

276,322

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

11,187

 

23,352

 

Reinsurance recoverable from Allstate Life Insurance Company

 

19,141,366

 

19,131,870

 

Reinsurance recoverable from non-affiliates

 

1,246,048

 

1,203,864

 

Receivable from affiliates

 

 

24,990

 

Other assets

 

95,473

 

104,971

 

Separate Accounts

 

3,099,663

 

3,097,550

 

Total assets

 

$

23,874,278

 

$

23,862,919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Contractholder funds

 

$

18,195,417

 

$

18,195,622

 

Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits

 

2,169,171

 

2,126,455

 

Current income taxes payable

 

5,664

 

4,412

 

Unearned premiums

 

25,268

 

25,935

 

Deferred income taxes

 

463

 

135

 

Payable to affiliates, net

 

9,725

 

 

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

 

89,340

 

136,184

 

Separate Accounts

 

3,099,663

 

3,097,550

 

Total liabilities

 

23,594,711

 

23,586,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholder’s equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $100 par value, 30 thousand shares authorized, 25 thousand shares issued and outstanding

 

2,500

 

2,500

 

Additional capital paid-in

 

180,000

 

180,000

 

Retained income

 

96,636

 

94,304

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized net capital gains and losses

 

431

 

(178

)

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

 

431

 

(178

)

Total shareholder’s equity

 

279,567

 

276,626

 

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

 

$

23,874,278

 

$

23,862,919

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

2



 

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

2,332

 

$

2,206

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization and other non-cash items

 

68

 

122

 

Changes in:

 

 

 

 

 

Contract benefits and other insurance reserves, net of reinsurance recoverables

 

(9,169

)

(2,459

)

Income taxes payable

 

1,252

 

1,183

 

Receivable/payable to affiliates, net

 

34,715

 

(11,455

)

Other operating assets and liabilities

 

(38,013

)

13,106

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(8,815

)

2,703

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities

 

 

 

 

 

Investment collections

 

4,436

 

6,123

 

Investment purchases

 

(8,013

)

(6,157

)

Change in short-term investments

 

227

 

(3,544

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,350

)

(3,578

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash

 

(12,165

)

(875

)

Cash at beginning of period

 

23,352

 

8,349

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

11,187

 

$

7,474

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

3



 

LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1. General

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed financial statements include the accounts of Lincoln Benefit Life Company (the “Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”), which is wholly owned by Allstate Insurance Company (“AIC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation (the “Corporation”).

 

The condensed financial statements and notes as of March 31, 2007, and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, are unaudited. The condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. These condensed financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The results of operations for the interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

 

Adopted accounting standards

 

Statement of Position 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts (“SOP 05-1”)

 

In October 2005, the American Institute of Certified Pubic Accountants (“AICPA”) issued SOP 05-1. SOP 05-1 provides accounting guidance for deferred policy acquisition costs associated with internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those already described in SFAS No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments”. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occurs through the exchange of an existing contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement or rider to an existing contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within an existing contract. In February 2007, the AICPA issued Technical Practice Aids (“TPAs”) that provide interpretive guidance to be used in applying the SOP. The Company adopted the provisions of SOP 05-1 on January 1, 2007, for internal replacements occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The impact resulting from the adoption of SOP 05-1 was ceded to ALIC under the terms of the reinsurance agreements.

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (“FIN 48”)

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN 48 requires an entity to recognize the tax benefit of uncertain tax positions only when it is more likely than not, based on the position’s technical merits, that the position would be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authorities. The tax benefit is measured as the largest benefit that is more than fifty-percent likely of being realized upon final settlement with the respective taxing authorities. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, on January 1, 2007. No cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle or adjustment to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was recognized as a result of the adoption of FIN 48. Accordingly, the adoption of FIN 48 did not have an effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

 

The Company had no liability for net unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007, and does not believe that it is reasonably possible that this balance will significantly change within the next 12 months.

 

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its review of the Company’s federal income tax returns through the 2002 tax year and the statute of limitations has expired on those years. The IRS is currently examining the Company’s federal income tax returns for the 2003 and 2004 tax years.

 

4



 

Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”)

 

In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB 108 in order to eliminate the diversity of practice in the process by which misstatements are quantified for purposes of assessing materiality on the financial statements. SAB 108 is intended to eliminate the potential for the build up of improper amounts on the balance sheet due to the limitations of certain methods of materiality assessment utilized in current practice. SAB 108 establishes a single quantification framework wherein the significance measurement is based on the effects of the misstatements on each of the financial statements as well as the related financial statement disclosures. If a company’s existing methods for assessing the materiality of misstatements are not in compliance with the provisions of SAB 108, the initial application of the provisions may be adopted by restating prior period financial statements under certain circumstances or otherwise by recording the cumulative effect of initially applying the provisions of SAB 108 as adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2006 with an offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained income. The provisions of SAB 108 must be applied no later than the annual financial statements issued for the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The Company’s adoption of SAB 108 in the fourth quarter of 2006 did not have any effect on its results of operations or financial position.

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. FAS 115-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (“FSP FAS 115-1”)

 

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) FSP FAS 115-1 as of January 1, 2006. FSP FAS 115-1 nullifies the guidance in paragraphs 10-18 of EITF Issue 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” and references existing other-than-temporary impairment guidance. FSP FAS 115-1 clarifies that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when the impairment is deemed other-than-temporary, even if a decision to sell the security has not been made, and also provides guidance on the subsequent accounting for income recognition on an impaired debt security. The adoption of FSP FAS 115-1 was required on a prospective basis and did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“SFAS No. 154”)

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 154 on January 1, 2006. SFAS No. 154 replaces Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes”, and SFAS No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements”. SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements for changes in accounting principle, unless determination of either the period specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change is impracticable or otherwise promulgated. The Company had no accounting changes or error corrections affected by the new standard.

 

Pending accounting standards

 

SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”)

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 which redefines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies where other accounting pronouncements require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The effects of adoption will be determined by the types of instruments carried at fair value in the Company’s financial statements at the time of adoption as well as the methods utilized to determine their fair values prior to adoption. Based on the Company’s current use of fair value measurements, SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

 

5



 

SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”)

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 which provides reporting entities an option to report selected financial assets, including investment securities designated as available for sale, and liabilities, including most insurance contracts, at fair value. SFAS No. 159 establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The standard also requires additional information to aid financial statement users’ understanding of a reporting entity’s choice to use fair value on its earnings and also requires entities to display on the face of the balance sheet the fair value of those assets and liabilities for which the reporting entity has chosen to measure at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after
November 15, 2007.  Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the previous fiscal year provided the entity makes that choice in the first 120 days of that fiscal year and also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. Because application of the standard is optional, any impacts are limited to those financial assets and liabilities to which SFAS No. 159 would be applied, which have yet to be determined.

 

2. Reinsurance

 

The Company has reinsurance agreements under which it reinsures all of its business to ALIC or other non-affiliated reinsurers. Under the agreements, premiums, contract charges, interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and substantially all expenses are reinsured. The Company continues to have primary liability as the direct insurer for risks reinsured.

 

Investment income earned on the assets which support contractholder funds and the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits is not included in the condensed financial statements as those assets are owned and managed by ALIC or third party reinsurers under terms of the reinsurance agreements.

 

The effects of reinsurance on premiums and contract charges are as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums and contract charges

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

246,636

 

$

220,164

 

Assumed - non-affiliate

 

1,918

 

2,021

 

Ceded

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliate

 

(151,434

)

(124,880

)

Non-affiliate

 

(97,120

)

(97,305

)

Premiums and contract charges, net of reinsurance

 

$

 

$

 

 

The effects of reinsurance on interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and substantially all expenses are as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

455,603

 

$

480,157

 

Assumed - non-affiliate

 

2,724

 

2,050

 

Ceded

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliate

 

(349,426

)

(359,951

)

Non-affiliate

 

(108,901

)

(122,256

)

Interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses, net of reinsurance

 

$

 

$

 

 

6



3. Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities

 

Guarantees

 

In the normal course of business, the Company provides standard indemnifications to counterparties in contracts in connection with numerous transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures. The types of indemnifications typically provided include indemnifications for breaches of representations and warranties, taxes and certain other liabilities, such as third party lawsuits. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and were entered into in the normal course of business based on an assessment that the risk of loss would be remote. The terms of the indemnifications vary in duration and nature. In many cases, the maximum obligation is not explicitly stated and the contingencies triggering the obligation to indemnify have not occurred and are not expected to occur. Consequently, the maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnifications is not determinable. Historically, the Company has not made any material payments pursuant to these obligations.

 

The aggregate liability balance related to all guarantees was not material as of March 31, 2007.

 

Regulation

 

The Company is subject to changing social, economic and regulatory conditions. From time to time regulatory authorities or legislative bodies seek to impose additional regulations regarding agent and broker compensation and otherwise expand overall regulation of insurance products and the insurance industry. The ultimate changes and eventual effects of these initiatives on the Company’s business, if any, are uncertain.

 

Legal and regulatory proceedings and inquiries

 

Background

 

The Company and certain affiliates are involved in a number of lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings arising out of various aspects of its business. As background to the “Proceedings” sub-section below, please note the following:

 

                  These matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities, including but not limited to, the underlying facts of each matter; novel legal issues; variations between jurisdictions in which matters are being litigated, heard or investigated; differences in applicable laws and judicial interpretations; the length of time before many of these matters might be resolved by settlement, through litigation or otherwise and, in some cases, the timing of their resolutions relative to other similar matters involving other companies; the fact that some of the lawsuits are putative class actions in which a class has not been certified and in which the purported class may not be clearly defined; the fact that some of the lawsuits involve multi-state class actions in which the applicable law(s) for the claims at issue is in dispute and therefore unclear; and the current challenging legal environment faced by large corporations and insurance companies.

 

                  In the lawsuits, plaintiffs seek a variety of remedies including equitable relief in the form of injunctive and other remedies and monetary relief in the form of contractual and extra-contractual damages. In some cases, the monetary damages sought include punitive damages. Often specific information about the relief sought, such as the amount of damages, is not available because plaintiffs have not requested specific relief in their pleadings. In our experience, when specific monetary demands are made in pleadings, they bear little relation to the ultimate loss, if any, to the Company.

 

                  In connection with regulatory examinations and proceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties, restitution and changes in business practices. The Company may not be advised of the nature and extent of relief sought until the final stages of the examination or proceeding.

 

7



 

                  For the reasons specified above, it is often not possible to make meaningful estimates of the amount or range of loss that could result from the matters described below in the “Proceedings” subsection. The Company reviews these matters on an on-going basis and follows the provisions of SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” when making accrual and disclosure decisions. When assessing reasonably possible and probable outcomes, the Company bases its decisions on its assessment of the ultimate outcome following all appeals.

 

                  Due to the complexity and scope of the matters disclosed in the “Proceedings” subsection below and the many uncertainties that exist, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be reasonably predicted. In the event of an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these matters, the ultimate liability may be in excess of amounts currently reserved and may be material to the Company’s operating results or cash flows for a particular quarter or annual period. However, based on information currently known to it, management believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters described below as they are resolved over time is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company.

 

Proceedings

 

Legal proceedings involving Allstate agencies and AIC may impact the Company, even when the Company is not directly involved, because the Company sells its products through a variety of distribution channels including Allstate agencies. Consequently, information about the more significant of these proceedings is provided in the following paragraph.

 

AIC is defending certain matters relating to its agency program reorganization announced in 1999. These matters include a lawsuit filed in December 2001 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) alleging retaliation under federal civil rights laws (the “EEOC I” suit) and a class action filed in August 2001 by former employee agents alleging retaliation and age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), breach of contract and ERISA violations (the “Romero I” suit). In March 2004, in the consolidated EEOC I and Romero I litigation, the trial court issued a memorandum and order that, among other things, certified classes of agents, including a mandatory class of agents who had signed a release, for purposes of effecting the court’s declaratory judgment that the release is voidable at the option of the release signer. The court also ordered that an agent who voids the release must return to AIC “any and all benefits received by the [agent] in exchange for signing the release.”  The court also stated that, “on the undisputed facts of record, there is no basis for claims of age discrimination.”  The EEOC and plaintiffs have asked the court to clarify and/or reconsider its memorandum and order and on January 16, 2007, the judge denied their request. On March 21, 2007, the judge entered a memorandum and order tentatively indicating that he intends to dismiss most or all of the claims asserted in the consolidated EEOC I and Romero I litigation. The case otherwise remains pending. The EEOC also filed another lawsuit in October 2004 alleging age discrimination with respect to a policy limiting the rehire of agents affected by the agency program reorganization (the “EEOC II” suit). In EEOC II, in October 2006, the court granted partial summary judgment to the EEOC. Although the court did not determine that AIC was liable for age discrimination under the ADEA, it determined that the rehire policy resulted in a disparate impact, reserving for trial the determination on whether AIC had reasonable factors other than age to support the rehire policy. AIC’s petitions for interlocutory review of the trial court’s summary judgment order were granted. AIC’s interlocutory appeal is now pending in the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. AIC is also defending a certified class action filed by former employee agents who terminated their employment prior to the agency program reorganization. These plaintiffs have asserted breach of contract and ERISA claims. A putative nationwide class action has also been filed by former employee agents alleging various violations of ERISA, including a worker classification issue. These plaintiffs are challenging certain amendments to the Agents Pension Plan and are seeking to have exclusive agent independent contractors treated as employees for benefit purposes. This matter was dismissed with prejudice by the trial court, was the subject of further proceedings on appeal, and was reversed and remanded to the trial court in April 2005. On March 21, 2007, trial judge entered a memorandum and order tentatively indicating that he intends to dismiss most or all of the claims asserted in this case. In all of these various matters, plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages, and equitable relief. AIC has been vigorously defending these lawsuits and other matters related to its agency program reorganization. The outcome of these disputes is currently uncertain.

 

8



 

Other Matters

 

The Corporation and some of its subsidiaries, including the Company, have received interrogatories and demands for information from regulatory and enforcement authorities relating to various insurance products and practices. The Corporation and some of its subsidiaries, including the Company, have also received interrogatories and demands for information from authorities seeking information relevant to on-going investigations into the possible violation of antitrust or insurance laws by unnamed parties and, in particular, seeking information as to whether any person engaged in activities for the purpose of price fixing, market allocation, or bid rigging. The Company believes that these inquiries are similar to those made to many financial services companies as part of industry-wide investigations by various authorities into the practices, policies and procedures relating to insurance and financial services products. The Corporation and its subsidiaries have responded and will continue to respond to these inquiries.

 

Various other legal and regulatory actions are currently pending that involve the Company and specific aspects of its conduct of business. Like other members of the insurance industry, the Company is the target of a number of lawsuits and proceedings, some of which involve claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts. These actions are based on a variety of issues and target a range of the Company’s practices. The outcome of these disputes is currently unpredictable. However, based on information currently known to it and the existence of the reinsurance agreements with ALIC, management believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters described in this “Other Matters” subsection in excess of amounts currently reserved, as they are resolved over time is not likely to have a material effect on the operating results, cash flows or financial condition of the Company.

 

4.     Other Comprehensive Income

 

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) on a pretax and after-tax basis are as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After-

 

 

 

 

 

After-

 

 

 

Pretax

 

Tax

 

tax

 

Pretax

 

Tax

 

tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 

$

937

 

$

(328

)

$

609

 

$

(5,377

)

$

1,882

 

$

(3,495

)

Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

937

 

$

(328

)

609

 

$

(5,377

)

$

1,882

 

(3,495

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

2,332

 

 

 

 

 

2,206

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,941

 

 

 

 

 

$

(1,289

)

 

9



Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006

 

OVERVIEW

 

The following discussion highlights significant factors influencing the financial position and results of operations of Lincoln Benefit Life Company (referred to in this document as “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company”). It should be read in conjunction with the condensed financial statements and notes thereto found under Part I. Item 1. contained herein, and with the discussion, analysis, financial statements and notes thereto in Part I. Item 1. and Part II. Item 7. and Item 8. of the Lincoln Benefit Life Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2006. We operate as a single segment entity, based on the manner in which we use financial information to evaluate performance and to determine the allocation of resources.

 

OPERATIONS

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

3,584

 

$

3,389

 

Income tax expense

 

1,252

 

1,183

 

Net income

 

$

2,332

 

$

2,206

 

 

We have reinsurance agreements whereby all premiums, contract charges, interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and substantially all expenses are ceded to Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) and certain non-affiliated reinsurers, and reflected net of such reinsurance in the Condensed Statements of Operations. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 include net investment income and the related tax expense.

 

On June 1, 2006, ALIC, its subsidiary, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, and The Allstate Corporation completed the disposal of substantially all of their variable annuity business pursuant to a definitive agreement with Prudential Financial, Inc. and its subsidiary, The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“collectively Prudential”). The disposal was effected through a combination of coinsurance and modified coinsurance reinsurance agreements.  The Company is not a direct participant in these agreements and its reinsurance agreements with ALIC remain unchanged.

 

Net income increased $126 thousand to $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2007 from $2.2 million in the same period in the prior year due to higher net investment income, partially offset by higher income tax expense.

 

Net investment income increased 5.8% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 due mostly to higher average portfolio balances in the first quarter of 2007 compared to same period in the prior year.

 

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FINANCIAL POSITION

 

(in thousands)

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Fixed income securities (1)

 

$

272,504

 

$

268,058

 

Short-term

 

8,037

 

8,264

 

Total investments

 

$

280,541

 

$

276,322

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

11,187

 

$

23,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable from ALIC

 

19,141,366

 

19,131,870

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable from non-affiliates

 

1,246,048

 

1,203,864

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contractholder funds

 

18,195,417

 

18,195,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits

 

2,169,171

 

2,126,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Separate Accounts assets and liabilities

 

3,099,663

 

3,097,550

 

 


(1)          Fixed income securities are carried at fair value. Amortized cost basis for these securities was $271.8 million and $268.3 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

Total investments increased to $280.5 million in the first quarter of 2007 as a result of the investment of operating cash flows and net unrealized capital gains on fixed income securities at March 31, 2007 compared to net unrealized capital losses at December 31, 2006.

 

At March 31, 2007, all securities in the fixed income securities portfolio were rated investment grade, which is defined as a security having a rating from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) of 1 or 2; a rating of Aaa, Aa, A or Baa from Moody’s or a rating of AAA, AA, A or BBB from Standards and Poor’s (“S&P”), Fitch or Dominion or a rating of aaa, a or bbb from A.M. Best; or a comparable internal rating if an externally provided rating is not available.

 

The unrealized net capital gains on fixed income securities at March 31, 2007 were $664 thousand, compared to unrealized net capital losses of $273 thousand at December 31, 2006. The net unrealized gains were comprised of $4.5 million of unrealized gains and $3.8 million of unrealized losses at March 31, 2007. The net unrealized losses at December 31, 2006 were comprised of $4.6 million of unrealized losses and $4.3 million of unrealized gains.

 

Of the gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2007, $1.8 million or 46.3% were related to securities in our corporate fixed income securities portfolio and are believed to be primarily related to company specific issues or rising interest rates. These losses were primarily comprised of losses on securities in the capital goods, consumer goods and transportation sectors. Of the remaining $2.0 million of unrealized losses, $1.1 million or 54.4% were related to securities in our U.S. government and government agencies portfolio and are believed to be interest rate related.

 

Our portfolio monitoring process identifies and evaluates, on a case-by-case basis, fixed income securities whose carrying value may be other-than-temporarily impaired. The process includes a quarterly review of all securities using a screening process to identify those securities whose fair value compared to amortized cost is below established thresholds for certain time periods, or which are identified through other monitoring criteria such as ratings downgrades or payment defaults. The securities identified, in addition to other securities for which we may have a concern, are evaluated based on facts and circumstances for inclusion on our watch-list. As a result of approved programs involving the disposition of investments such as changes in duration and revisions to strategic asset allocations, and certain dispositions anticipated by portfolio managers, we also conduct a portfolio review to recognize impairment on securities in an unrealized loss position for which we do not have the intent and ability to hold until recovery. All securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2007 were included in our portfolio monitoring process wherein it was determined that the declines in value were not other-than-temporary.

 

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We also monitor the quality of our fixed income portfolio by categorizing certain investments as “problem”, “restructured” or “potential problem.”  Problem fixed income securities are securities in default with respect to principal or interest and/or securities issued by companies that have gone into bankruptcy subsequent to our acquisition of the security. Restructured fixed income securities have rates and terms that are not consistent with market rates or terms prevailing at the time of the restructuring. Potential problem fixed income securities are current with respect to contractual principal and/or interest, but because of other facts and circumstances, we have concerns regarding the borrower’s ability to pay future principal and interest, which causes us to believe these securities may be classified as problem or restructured in the future.

 

As of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we had no securities categorized as “problem”, “restructured” or “potential problem.”

 

Reinsurance recoverable, Contractholder funds and Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits

 

Contractholder funds increased slightly in the first quarter of 2007 as new and additional deposits on fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life products, and interest credited to contractholder funds were almost entirely offset by surrenders, withdrawals and benefit payments. The reserve for life-contingent contract benefits increased $42.7 million to $2.17 billion at March 31, 2007 resulting from sales of immediate annuities with life contingencies and other life-contingent products, partially offset by benefits paid and policy lapses. Reinsurance recoverable from ALIC and reinsurance recoverable from non-affiliates increased correspondingly by $9.5 million and $42.2 million, respectively.

 

We purchase reinsurance after evaluating the financial condition of the reinsurer, as well as the terms and price of coverage. We reinsure certain of our risks to non-affiliated reinsurers under yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. Yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements result in the passing of the agreed-upon portion of risk to the reinsurers in exchange for negotiated reinsurance premium payments.

 

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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

 

Capital Resources consist of shareholder’s equity. The following table summarizes our capital resources:

 

(in thousands)

 

March 31,
2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

Common stock, additional capital paid-in and retained income

 

$

279,136

 

$

276,804

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

431

 

(178

)

Total shareholder’s equity

 

$

279,567

 

$

276,626

 

 

Shareholder’s equity increased in the first quarter of 2007 due to net income and net unrealized capital gains on fixed income securities at March 31, 2007 compared to net unrealized losses at December 31, 2006.

 

Financial Ratings and Strength We share the insurance financial strength ratings of our parent, ALIC, as our business is reinsured to ALIC. ALIC’s ratings are influenced by many factors including operating and financial performance, asset quality, liquidity, asset/liability management, overall portfolio mix, financial leverage (i.e., debt), exposure to risks, the current level of operating leverage, AIC’s ratings and other factors. There have been no changes to ALIC’s insurance financial strength ratings since December 31, 2006.

 

As described in Note 1 to the Condensed Financial Statements, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No.48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), the Company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007, and does not believe that it is reasonable possible that this balance will significantly change within the next 12 months.

 

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Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with or submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act is made known to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Information required for this Part II, Item 1, is incorporated by reference to the discussion under the heading “Regulation” and under the heading “Legal and regulatory proceedings and inquires” in Note 3 of the Company’s Condensed Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1, of this Form 10-Q.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

This document contains “forward-looking statements” that anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. These statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

 

These forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “seeks,” “expects,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “believes,” “likely,” “targets” and other words with similar meanings. These statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, product development, regulatory approvals, market position, expenses, financial results, litigation and reserves. We believe that these statements are based on reasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. However, if the estimates, assumptions or plans underlying the forward-looking statements prove inaccurate or if other risks or uncertainties arise, actual results could differ materially from those communicated in these forward-looking statements. Risk factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to those discussed or identified in this document, in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and those incorporated by reference in Part I, Item 1A of Lincoln Benefit Life Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2006.

 

The change in our unrecognized tax benefit during the next 12 months is subject to uncertainty.

 

As required by Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which was adopted as of January 1, 2007, we have disclosed that the Company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007 and does not believe that it is reasonably possible that this balance will significantly change within the next 12 months. We believe that this estimate has been appropriately established based on available facts and information, however, actual results may differ from our estimate for reasons such as changes in our position on specific issues, developments with respect to the governments’ interpretations of income tax laws or changes in judgment resulting from new information obtained in audits or the appeals process.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a)  Exhibits

 

An Exhibit Index has been filed as part of this report on page E-1.

 

15



 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

 

 

Lincoln Benefit Life Company

 

 

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

May 7, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Samuel H. Pilch

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samuel H. Pilch

 

 

(Controller)

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

 

 

31.2

 

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

 

 

 

32

 

Section 1350 Certifications

 

E-1