UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
| x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
OR
| ¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 333-69620
GE LIFE AND ANNUITY ASSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Virginia | 54-0283385 | |||
| (State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||
| 6610 West Broad Street Richmond, Virginia |
23230 | (804) 281-6000 | ||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | (Registrants telephone number, including area code) | ||
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: None.
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None.
Indicate by check mark 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 registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes ¨ No x
At February 28, 2005, 25,651 shares of voting common stock, which constitute all of the outstanding common equity, with a par value of $1,000.00 per share were outstanding.
Aggregate market value of the outstanding common equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant at February 28, 2005. None.
REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS I (1)(a) and (b) OF FORM 10-K AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM 10-K WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
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| Page | ||||
| PART I |
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| Item 1. |
3 | |||
| Item 2. |
4 | |||
| Item 3. |
4 | |||
| Item 4. |
6 | |||
| PART II |
||||
| Item 5. |
Market for the Registrants Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters |
6 | ||
| Item 6. |
6 | |||
| Item 7. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
6 | ||
| Item 7A. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk and Interest Rate Management | 16 | ||
| Item 8. |
17 | |||
| Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures |
55 | ||
| Item 9A. |
55 | |||
| 58 | ||||
| PART III |
||||
| Item 10. |
58 | |||
| Item 11. |
58 | |||
| Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters |
58 | ||
| Item 13. |
58 | |||
| Item 14. |
58 | |||
| PART IV |
||||
| Item 15. |
59 | |||
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PART I
GE Life and Annuity Assurance Company (the Company, we, us, or our unless context otherwise requires) is a stock life insurance company operating under a charter granted by the Commonwealth of Virginia on March 21, 1871 as The Life Insurance Company of Virginia. General Electric Capital Corporation (GE Capital) acquired us from Aon Corporation on April 1, 1996. GE Capital subsequently contributed us to its wholly owned subsidiary, GE Financial Assurance Holdings, Inc., (GEFAHI) and ultimately the majority of the outstanding common stock to General Electric Capital Assurance Company (GECA or GE Capital Assurance). As part of an internal reorganization of GE Financial Assurances insurance subsidiaries, the Harvest Life Insurance Company (Harvest) merged into us on January 1, 1999. At this time we were renamed GE Life and Annuity Assurance Company. Harvests former parent, Federal Home Life Insurance Company (Federal), received our common stock in exchange for its interest in Harvest.
On May 24, 2004, GEFAHI transferred substantially all of its assets to Genworth Financial, Inc. (Genworth), including all of the outstanding capital stock of GNA Corporation (GNA), our indirect parent and 800 shares of our common stock that GEFAHI had held directly. As a result, we became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Genworth. On May 25, 2004, Genworths Class A common stock began trading on The New York Stock Exchange. Approximately 30% of Genworths common stock is now owned by public shareholders. GEFAHI continues to own approximately 70% of Genworths common stock.
On May 31, 2004, (1) Genworth contributed to GNA and GNA in turn contributed to GECA 800 shares of our common stock and (2) Federal paid a dividend to GECA consisting of 2,378 shares of our common stock. As a result of the foregoing contribution and dividend, we became a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of GECA while remaining an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Genworth.
We principally offer annuity contracts, guaranteed investment contracts, funding agreements, Medicare supplement insurance and life insurance policies. We do business in all states, except New York, and in the District of Columbia. Our principal offices are located at 6610 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230.
We are one of a number of subsidiaries of Genworth, a company that, through its subsidiaries, provides consumers financial security solutions by selling a wide variety of insurance, investment and retirement products, primarily in North America. Our product offerings are divided along two segments of consumer needs: (1) Retirement Income and Investments and (2) Protection. We also have a Corporate and Other segment, which consists primarily of net realized investment gains (losses), interest and other financing expenses and unallocated corporate income, expenses and income taxes.
Our financial information, including the information contained in this report filed on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to the above mentioned reports, will be made available upon request. Alternatively, reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may be viewed or obtained at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., or at the SECs Internet site at www.sec.gov.
Strategy
We believe that changes in demographics such as the increased number of baby boomers entering middle and late middle age, longer life expectancies due to healthy lifestyles and medical advances and the reduction in government and employer-sponsored benefit programs have increased and will continue to increase, the demand for innovative products and services to solve financial needs and challenges. Our strategy is designed to take advantage of these trends by offering a broad array of insurance and investment products and services to meet key consumer financial needs at each stage of life.
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Operating Segments
During 2003, we redefined our operating segments. Management realigned the business on a product line and market basis to intensify its focus on return on equity, optimum deployment of capital and distribution effectiveness. As a result of this change, our operations are conducted under two reporting segments corresponding to customer needs: 1) Retirement Income and Investments and 2) Protection.
We also have a Corporate and Other segment, which consists primarily of net realized investment gains (losses), interest and other financing expenses and unallocated corporate income, expenses and income taxes.
Retirement Income and Investments Segment
We offer deferred annuities (variable and fixed) and variable life insurance to a broad range of individual consumers who want to accumulate tax-deferred assets for retirement, desire a tax-efficient source of income and seek to protect against outliving their assets. We also offer guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) and funding agreements as investment products to qualified institutional buyers.
Protection Segment
Our Protection segment includes universal life insurance, interest-sensitive whole life insurance and Medicare supplement insurance. Life insurance products provide protection against financial hardship after the death of an insured by providing cash payment to the beneficiaries of the policyholder. Medicare supplement insurance provides coverage for Medicare-qualified expenses that are not covered by Medicare because of applicable deductibles or maximum limits.
We conduct our business from various facilities, all of which are leased except for one building in Richmond, Virginia, which we own.
We face a significant risk of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating our businesses, including the risk of class action lawsuits. Our pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which we operate. In our insurance operations, we are or may become subject to class actions and individual suits alleging, among other things, issues relating to sales or underwriting practices, payment of contingent or other sales commissions, claims payments and procedures, product design, disclosure, administration, additional premium charges for premiums paid on a periodic basis, denial or delay of benefits and breaches of fiduciary or other duties to customers. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, which may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. We are also subject to various regulatory inquiries, such as information requests, subpoenas and books and record examinations, from state and federal regulators and other authorities. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation, regulatory action or investigation, we could suffer significant reputational harm, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Recently, the insurance industry has become the focus of increased scrutiny by regulatory and law enforcement authorities concerning certain practices within the insurance industry. This scrutiny includes the commencement of investigations and other proceedings by the New York State Attorney General and other governmental authorities relating to allegations of improper conduct in connection with the payment of, and the
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failure to disclose, contingent commissions by insurance companies to insurance brokers and agents, the solicitation and provision of fictitious or inflated quotes and the use of inducements to brokers or companies in the sale of insurance products. We have not received a subpoena or inquiry from the State of New York with respect to these matters. As part of industry-wide inquiries in this regard, we have received inquiries and informational requests from federal and state regulatory authorities. We are cooperating with these regulatory authorities in connection with their inquiries.
Recent industry-wide inquiries also include those regarding market timing and late trading in variable annuity contracts, variable annuity sales practices/exchanges and electronic communication document retention practices. In this regard, we responded in late 2003 to a New York State Attorney General subpoena regarding market timing and late trading in variable products and mutual funds. We have not received any further inquiries from the New York State Attorney General regarding this matter.
Although we do not believe that the current investigations and proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, we cannot assure you that this will be the case. In addition, it is possible that related investigations and proceedings may be commenced in the future, and we could become subject to further investigations and have lawsuits filed against us. In any event, increased regulatory scrutiny and any resulting investigations or proceedings could result in new legal precedents and industry-wide regulations or practices that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
In our investment-related operations, we are subject to, and may become subject to further litigation involving commercial disputes with counterparties or others and class action and other litigation alleging, among other things, that we made improper or inadequate disclosures in connection with the sale of assets and annuity and investment products or charged excessive or impermissible fees on these products, recommended unsuitable products to customers or breached fiduciary or other duties to customers. We are also subject to litigation arising out of our general business activities such as our contractual and employment relationships.
We were named as a defendant in a lawsuit, McBride v. Life Insurance Co. of Virginia dba GE Life and Annuity Assurance Co., related to the sale of universal life insurance policies. The complaint was filed on November 1, 2000, in Georgia state court, as a class action on behalf of all persons who purchased certain universal life insurance policies and alleges improper practices in connection with the sale and administration of universal life policies. The plaintiffs sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. On December 1, 2000, we removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. We have vigorously denied liability with respect to the plaintiffs allegations. Nevertheless, to avoid the risks and costs associated with protracted litigation and to resolve our differences with policyholders, we agreed in principle on October 8, 2003 to settle the case on a nationwide class basis. The settlement provides benefits to the class, and allows us to continue to serve our customers needs undistracted by disruptions caused by litigation. The court gave final approval to the settlement on August 12, 2004. In the third quarter of 2003, we accrued $50 million in reserves relating to this litigation, which represents our best estimate of bringing this matter to conclusion. The precise amount of payments in this matter cannot be estimated because they are dependent upon the number of individuals who ultimately will seek relief in the claim form process of the class settlement, the identity of such claimants and whether they are entitled to relief under the settlement terms and the nature of the relief to which they are entitled. That process is currently underway. In addition, approximately 650 class members elected to exclude themselves from the class action settlement. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we reached an agreement in principle to settle the threatened claims of policyholders who had excluded approximately 512 policies from the class action settlement. At that time, we accrued a reserve for the settlement in principle. We have also been named as a defendant in six lawsuits brought by 67 class members who elected to exclude themselves from the class action settlement. We cannot determine at this point whether or how many other class members who have excluded themselves from the class action will initiate individual actions against us, or the effect of such suits or claims, including the six pending lawsuits, on our financial condition, results of operations or business reputation.
5
In addition, we were named as a defendant in five lawsuits brought by individuals claiming that William Maynard, one of our former dedicated sales specialists, and Anthony Allen, one of our former independent producers, converted customer monies and engaged in various fraudulent acts. The five cases are, Monger v. Allen, Maynard, and GE Life and Annuity Assurance Company (GELAAC) (filed October 24, 2003), Warfel v. Allen, Maynard, adVenture Publishing, and GELAAC (filed February 6, 2004), Hanrick v. Allen, Maynard and GELAAC (filed March 10, 2004), Modlin v. Allen, et al. (filed June 17, 2004), and Clark v. Allen, 66 et al. (filed June 25, 2004). The Monger and Hanrick cases have been settled. The remaining three cases are in their preliminary stages and are pending in the state court of Cumberland County, North Carolina. The suits allege that GELAAC failed to properly supervise Allen and Maynard and that GELAAC is responsible for Allens and Maynards conduct. Specifically, Monger alleged conversion, negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, constructive fraud, unfair and deceptive trade practices, violations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and negligent supervision. Warfel alleged breach of contract, conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, constructive fraud, negligent misrepresentation, negligent supervision and unfair and deceptive trade practices. Hanrick alleged conversion, negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, constructive fraud, unfair and deceptive trade practices and negligent supervision. Modlin and Clark make similar allegations. The total amount allegedly invested by the plaintiffs in the three unresolved actions is approximately $883,000. The plaintiff in Warfel seeks damages of $1.4 million and the plaintiffs in Modlin and Clark seek unspecified compensatory damages. In addition, each plaintiff seeks treble damages, as well as punitive damages of an unspecified amount. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2004, we reached an agreement in principle to settle the threatened claims of a putative class of individuals who had dealings with Allen and Maynard. At that time we accrued a reserve for the settlement in principle. In October 2003, Allen and Maynard were arrested and charged with conversion in Cumberland County, North Carolina for allegedly failing to remit $30,000 in premiums that they received from a client to GELAAC. Allen has also been indicted in Cumberland County, North Carolina for converting the funds of numerous other individuals. We cannot determine the ultimate outcome of these suits or whether any related or similar suits or claims will be asserted against us in the future, or the effect of such suits or claims on our financial condition, results of operations or reputation.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Information omitted in accordance with General Instruction I (2)(c).
PART II
Item 5. Market For the Registrants Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters
At December 31, 2004, all of our common stock, our sole class of common equity on the date hereof, is owned by GE Capital Assurance. Accordingly, there is no public trading market for our common equity.
As previously discussed, our ability to pay dividends is restricted by state insurance law.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Information omitted in accordance with General Instruction I (2)(a).
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included herein.
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as expects,
6
intends, anticipates, plans, believes, seeks, estimates, will, or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially due to global political, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors, including the following:
Risks relating to our businesses, including interest rate fluctuations, downturns and volatility in equity markets, defaults in portfolio securities, downgrades in our financial strength and credit ratings, unexpected changes in mortality and morbidity rates, accelerated amortization of deferred acquisition costs and present value of future profits, impairment of the value of goodwill, insufficiency of reserves, legal constraints on dividend distributions by subsidiaries, illiquidity of investments, competition, inability to attract or retain independent sales intermediaries and dedicated sales specialists, defaults by counterparties, regulatory restrictions on our operations and changes in applicable laws and regulations, legal or regulatory actions or investigations, political or economic instability and the threat of terrorism, terrorist acts, unexpected changes in mortality, morbidity and unemployment rates, accelerated amortization of deferred acquisition costs and present value of future profits, goodwill impairments, medical advances such as genetic mapping research, unexpected changes in persistency rates, increases in statutory reserve requirements and changes in tax and securities laws.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Operating Results
Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003
Overview. Net income in 2004 was $199.4 million, a $179.7 million increase from 2003. The increase is primarily due to a tax benefit increase of $140.2 million resulting primarily from reinsurance transactions entered into in 2004, in which we ceded to Union Fidelity Life Insurance Company (UFLIC), an affiliate, substantially all of our in-force blocks of variable annuities and structured settlements. The reinsurance transactions with UFLIC were completed and accounted for at book value and will be reported on our tax returns at fair value as determined for tax purposes, giving rise to a net reduction in current and deferred income tax liabilities and resulting in a net tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2004. Also contributing to the increase was a $50.0 million litigation reserve in 2003 and an increase in investment income of $42.0 million in our corporate and other segment associated with an increase in invested assets not allocated to the operating segments. These amounts were partially offset by a goodwill impairment charge of $59.8 million in 2004 resulting from the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC.
Net investment income. Net investment income decreased $117.0 million, or 21.7%, to $421.0 million in 2004 from $538.0 million in 2003. The decrease was primarily a result of a $2,554.9 million, or 21.7%, decline in average invested assets. The decline in average invested assets was due primarily to the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC. Also contributing to the decrease in average invested assets was a decline in outstanding institutional stable value liabilities.
Net realized investment gains. Net realized investment gains (losses) consist of gross realized investment gains and gross realized investment (losses), including charges related to impairments. Net realized investment gains (losses) increased $1.8 million to $5.7 million in 2004 from $3.9 million in 2003. For 2004, gross realized gains and (losses) were $10.7 million and $(5.0) million, respectively. Realized losses for 2004 included $0.9 million of impairments that were primarily attributable to fixed-maturity and equity securities. For 2003, gross realized gains and (losses) were $80.2 million and $(76.3) million, respectively. Realized losses for 2003 included $26.4 million of impairments, primarily attributable to fixed-maturity and equity securities.
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Premiums. Premiums decreased $7.2 million, or 6.9% to $96.8 million in 2004 from $104.0 million in 2003. The decrease was primarily due to our Medicare supplement product. Medicare supplement premiums were down $8.3 million in 2004 driven by a reduction in due premiums offset by growth in new business and in-force premium rate actions.
Cost of Insurance. Cost of insurance decreased $10.9 million, or 7.1% to $142.2 million in 2004 from $153.1 million in 2003. The decrease was due primarily to a decline of universal life policies in-force.
Variable product fees. Variable product fees decreased $96.9 million to $9.4 million in 2004 from $106.3 million in 2003. The decrease in variable product fees was primarily due to the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC in which we ceded, effective January 1, 2004, the majority of our in-force variable annuities.
Other income. Other income decreased $10.7 million, or 30.1%, to $24.8 million in 2004 from $35.5 million in 2003. The decrease was due primarily to lower surrender fees attributable to the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC.
Interest credited. Interest credited represents interest credited on behalf of policyholder and contractholder general account balances. Interest credited decreased $119.4 million, or 29.1%, to $291.2 million for 2004 from $410.6 million for 2003. This decrease was primarily the result of an $84.5 million decrease attributable to the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC and a $33.2 million decrease attributable to institutional stable value products. This decrease was due to a combination of a decrease in liabilities and reduced crediting rates on book with the maturity of higher cost liabilities and the addition of new business with lower crediting rates.
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves. Benefits and other changes in policy reserves decreased $62.9 million, or 25.6%, to $182.8 million in 2004 from $245.7 million in 2003. The decrease was primarily a result of a $46.7 million decrease attributable to the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC and a $16.3 million reserve strengthening in 2003 related to whole life products.
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses, net of deferrals. Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, net of deferrals, decreased $85.8 million, or 57.6%, to $63.2 million in 2004 from $149.0 million in the prior year. This decrease was primarily the result of a $50.0 million reserve accrual in 2003 associated with a class action lawsuit settlement agreed to in principle and a $30.0 million decrease attributable to the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles decreased $11.6 million, or 9.8%, to $107.3 million in 2004 from $118.9 million in 2003. The decrease is primarily the result of a $74.0 million decrease attributable to the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC, which was partially offset by a $59.8 million goodwill impairment charge, also as a result of the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC.
Provision (benefit) for income taxes. Benefit for income taxes increased $140.2 million to a benefit of $(143.3) million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from a benefit of $(3.1) million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase in tax benefit was primarily attributable to the tax benefit associated with the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC. The reinsurance transactions with UFLIC were completed and accounted for at book value. These transactions will be reported on our tax returns at fair value as determined for tax purposes, giving rise to a net reduction in current and deferred income tax liabilities and resulting in a net tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2004. The tax benefit relates primarily to the reinsurance transaction with UFLIC.
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Capital Resources and Liquidity
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Total Investments. Total investments decreased $2,478.6 million, or 21.9%, to $8,850.6 million at December 31, 2004 from $11,329.2 million at December 31, 2003. The decrease was primarily a result of the transfer of invested assets associated with the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC and lower invested assets due to a decline in outstanding institutional stable value liabilities, which was partially offset by an increase in invested assets in our Corporate and Other segment. The change in investments due to the reinsurance transactions with UFLIC, institutional stable value liabilities and corporate segment was $(2,728.5) million, $(354.4) million and $635.5 million, respectively. The increase in investments in our corporate segment was due primarily to an increase in the securities lending program.
Investment securities comprise mainly investment grade debt securities. Fixed maturities and equity securities were $7,028.0 million, including gross unrealized gains and losses of $192.6 million and $(41.2) million, respectively at December 31, 2004 ($9,666.7 million, including gross unrealized gains and losses of $278.7 million and $(71.1) million, respectively, as of December 31, 2003). Market value for these purposes is defined by relevant accounting standards and should not be viewed as a forecast of future gains or losses.
Impairment of Investment Securities. We regularly review each investment security for impairment in accordance with our impairment policy, which includes both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Quantitative criteria include length of time and amount that each security position is in an unrealized loss position and for fixed maturity securities, whether the issuer is in compliance with terms and covenants of the security. Our qualitative criteria include the financial strength and specific prospects for the issuer as well as our intent to hold the security until recovery. Our impairment reviews involve our finance, risk and management teams as well as the portfolio management and research capabilities of GE Asset Management, Inc.(GEAM) as well as other third party asset managers, as appropriate. Our qualitative review attempts to identify those issuers with a greater than 50% chance of default in the coming twelve months. These securities are characterized as at-risk of impairment. As of December 31, 2004, securities at risk of impairment had aggregate unrealized losses of approximately $10.0 million.
For fixed maturity securities, we recognize an impairment charge to earnings in the period in which we determine that we do not expect to either collect principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the instruments or to recover based on underlying collateral values and considering events such as payment default, bankruptcy or disclosure of fraud. For equity securities, we recognize an impairment charge in the period in which we determine that the security will not recover to book within a reasonable period. We determine what constitutes a reasonable period on a security-by-security basis based upon consideration of all the evidence available to us, including the magnitude of an unrealized loss and its duration. In any event, this period does not exceed 18 months for common equity securities. We measure impairment charges based on the difference between the book value of the security and its fair value. Fair value is based on quoted market price, except for certain infrequently traded securities where we estimate values using internally developed pricing models. These models are based upon common valuation techniques and require us to make assumptions regarding credit quality, liquidity and other factors that affect estimated values.
During 2004, 2003 and 2002, we recognized impairment losses of $0.9 million, $26.4 million and $77.4 million, respectively. We generally intend to hold securities in unrealized loss positions until they recover. However, from time to time, we sell securities in the normal course of managing our portfolio to meet diversification, credit quality, yield and liquidity requirements.
9
The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of our investment securities, aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31,
| Less than 12 Months | |||||||||||||||
| 2004 |
Amortized cost or cost |
Fair value |
Unrealized losses |
% Below cost |
# of securities | ||||||||||
| Description of Securities |
|||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturities: |
|||||||||||||||
| U.S. government and agency |
$ | 7.2 | $ | 7.2 | $ | | | 4 | |||||||
| Non - U.S. government |
2.9 | 2.9 | | | 3 | ||||||||||
| U.S. corporate |
505.2 | 494.5 | (10.7 | ) | 2.1 | % | 104 | ||||||||
| Non-U.S. corporate |
131.2 | 129.0 | (2.2 | ) | 1.7 | % | 30 | ||||||||
| Asset Backed |
222.8 | 221.6 | (1.2 | ) | 0.5 | % | 38 | ||||||||
| Mortgage Backed |
477.2 | 470.9 | (6.3 | ) | 1.3 | % | 76 | ||||||||
| Total temporarily impaired securities |
$ | 1,346.5 | $ | 1,326.1 | $ | (20.4 | ) | 1.5 | % | 255 | |||||
| % Underwater Fixed maturities |
|||||||||||||||
| < 20% Underwater |
$ | 1,344.7 | $ | 1,324.8 | $ | (19.9 | ) | 1.5 | % | 253 | |||||
| 20-50% Underwater |
1.8 | 1.3 | (0.5 | ) | 27.8 | % | 2 | ||||||||
| > 50% Underwater |
| | | | | ||||||||||
| Total fixed maturities |
$ | 1,346.5 | $ | 1,326.1 | $ | (20.4 | ) | 1.5 | % | 255 | |||||
| Investment Grade |
$ | 1,220.4 | $ | 1,203.8 | $ | (16.6 | ) | 1.4 | % | 223 | |||||
| Below Investment Grade |
106.5 | 103.0 | (3.5 | ) | 3.3 | % | 26 | ||||||||
| Not rated |
19.6 | 19.3 | (0.3 | ) | 1.5 | % | 6 | ||||||||
| Total |
$ | 1,346.5 | $ | 1,326.1 | $ | (20.4 | ) | 1.5 | % | 255 | |||||
| 12 Months or More | |||||||||||||||
| 2004 |
Amortized cost or cost |
Fair value |
Unrealized losses |
% Below cost |
# of securities | ||||||||||
| Description of Securities |
|||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturities: |
|||||||||||||||
| U.S. corporate |
$ | 285.6 | $ | 267.0 | $ | (18.6 | ) | 6.5 | % | 29 | |||||
| State and municipal |
0.3 | 0.3 | | | 1 | ||||||||||
| Non-U.S. corporate |
18.0 | 17.3 | (0.7 | ) | 3.9 | % | 4 | ||||||||
| Asset Backed |
1.6 | 1.6 | | | 1 | ||||||||||
| Mortgage Backed |
57.6 | 56.1 | (1.5 | ) | 2.6 | % | 20 | ||||||||
| Total temporarily impaired securities |
$ | 363.1 | $ | 342.3 | $ | (20.8 | ) | 5.7 | % | 55 | |||||
| % Underwater Fixed maturities |
|||||||||||||||
| < 20% Underwater |
$ | 338.2 | $ | 323.5 | $ | (14.7 | ) | 4.3 | % | 51 | |||||
| 20-50% Underwater |
24.9 | 18.8 | (6.1 | ) | 24.5 | % | 4 | ||||||||
| > 50% Underwater |
| | | | | ||||||||||
| Total fixed maturities |
$ | 363.1 | $ | 342.3 | $ | (20.8 | ) | 5.7 | % | 55 | |||||
| Investment Grade |
$ | 220.0 | $ | 208.2 | $ | (11.8 | ) | 5.4 | % | 40 | |||||
| Below Investment Grade |
143.1 | 134.1 | (9.0 | ) | 6.3 | % | 15 | ||||||||
| Not rated equities |
| | | | | ||||||||||
| Total |
$ | 363.1 | $ | 342.3 | $ | (20.8 | ) | 5.7 | % | 55 | |||||