kcl10k2009.htm

 
 

 

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, 2009 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 2-40764


KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Missouri
44-0308260
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

3520 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri
(Address of principal executive offices)
64111-2565
(Zip Code)

816-753-7000
Registrant's telephone number, including area code


Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:

 
Name of each exchange on
Title of each class
which registered
$1.25 par value common stock
NASDAQ Capital Market LLC


Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)

 
1

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes [  ]                                No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes  [  ]                                 No  [X]
 
 
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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on it corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the proceeding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  [  ]                                No  [  ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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. [   ]

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

Large accelerated filer  [  ]                                                Accelerated filer  [X]

Non-accelerated filer  [  ]                                                Smaller reporting company  [  ]

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

Yes  [  ]                                No  [X]

As of December 31, 2009, 11,565,091 shares of Kansas City Life Insurance Company's common stock par value $1.25 were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the common stock (based upon the average of bid and ask price according to Company records) on June 30, 2009 of Kansas City Life Insurance Company held by non-affiliates was approximately $98,854,311.

















 
2

 




KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4
   
Item 1.  Business……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
4
Item 1A. Risk Factors ……………………………………………………………………..…………………………..
6
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments……………………………………………………………..……….………….
13
Item 2.  Properties…………………………………………………………………………………..……….…………
13
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings…………………………………………………………………………..………………...
13
   
PART II……………………………………………………………………………………………….…….…………
15
   
Item 4.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
     Securities…………………………………………………………………………………………..…….………….
15
Item 5.  Selected Financial Data……………...…………………………………………………………….…...……..
19
20
Item 6A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk………………………………………..…….
69
Item 7.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data…………………………………………………..…………...
72
     Consolidated Balance Sheets……………………………………………………………………………..………...
72
     Consolidated Statements of Income…..…………………………………………………………………..………..
73
     Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity………………………………………………………..….……..
74
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows…………………………………………………………………...……….
75
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements…………………………………………………………….……..…...
77
126
     Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant……………...………………………….…..………
127
     Schedule III – Supplementary Insurance Information…………………………………………………….……..…
131
     Schedule IV – Reinsurance Information…………………………………………………………………….……...
133
     Schedule V – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts………………………………………………………….…..….
135
     Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm….……………………………………………………..
          136
         138
Item 8A.  Controls and Procedures…………………………………………………………………………………….
          138
Item 8B.  Other Information…………………………………………………………………………………...……….
138
   
PART III…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...
141
   
    The information required by Items 9 through 13 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
   
PART IV……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……...
141
   
Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules…………………………..………………………………….….…
141
   
Signatures…………………..……………………………………………………………………...………….…….…
143
   



PART I

Item 1.  BUSINESS

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (Kansas City Life) was incorporated under the assessment laws of Missouri in 1895 as the Bankers Life Association.  In 1900, its present corporate title was adopted and it was reorganized as a legal reserve company in 1903.  Kansas City Life, the parent company, and wholly owned subsidiaries Sunset Life Insurance Company of America (Sunset Life) and Old American Insurance Company (Old American) comprise the consolidated entity (the Company).  The Company also has several non-insurance subsidiaries that individually are not material.

Kansas City Life markets individual insurance products, including traditional, interest sensitive and variable products through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents and third-party marketing arrangements.  Traditional insurance products that Kansas City Life markets consist of term insurance, whole life insurance, matured endowments, life disability products and immediate annuities, including various supplementary contract payment options.  The interest sensitive products that are marketed are universal life, variable universal life, fixed deferred annuities and variable annuities.  Kansas City Life also markets group insurance products, which include life, dental, vision and disability products through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents, group brokers and third-party marketing arrangements.  The Company offers investment products and broker-dealer services through its subsidiary Sunset Financial Services, Inc. (SFS) for both proprietary and non-proprietary variable insurance products, mutual funds and other securities.  Kansas City Life operates in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

Sunset Life is a life insurance company that maintains its current block of business, but does not produce new sales.  Sunset Life is included in the Individual Insurance segment and its individual insurance products include traditional and interest sensitive products.  Sunset Life operates in 43 states and the District of Columbia.

Old American sells final expense life insurance products nationwide through a general agency system, with exclusive territories, using direct response marketing to supply agents with leads.  Old American’s administrative and accounting operations are part of the Company’s home office but it operates and maintains a separate and independent field force and is included as a separate segment.  Old American operates in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

The Company has three reportable business segments:  Individual Insurance, Group Insurance and Old American.  The Individual Insurance segment consists of individual insurance products for both Kansas City Life and Sunset Life.  The Individual Insurance segment generated approximately 54% of consolidated insurance revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Also during 2009, the Group Insurance segment and the Old American segment accounted for 20% and 26% of consolidated insurance revenues, respectively.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to state regulations in their states of domicile and in the states in which they do business.  Although the federal government generally does not regulate the business of insurance, federal initiatives often have an impact on the business in a variety of ways, including the taxation of insurance companies and the tax treatment of insurance products.  In addition, the Company is a stock life insurance company and is subject to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  SFS is a registered broker-dealer, which is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the SEC.

The Company and its subsidiaries had 447 full-time employees as of December 31, 2009.  The Company considers relations with its employees to be good.

The Company operates in the life insurance sector of the financial services industry in the United States.  This industry is highly competitive with respect to pricing, selection of products and quality of service.  No single competitor or any small group of competitors dominates any of the markets in which the Company operates.  General economic conditions may affect future results.

Access to Public Filings

Additional information about the Company beyond what is included in this Form 10-K is available at the Company’s website: www.kclife.com. You may also read and copy these materials at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, or obtain them by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0300.  The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, Proxy and other information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. You may also access the SEC website through a link on the Company’s website. We will provide a copy of any of our reports free of charge upon request.
 
 


None of the information on the Company’s website that is not otherwise expressly set forth or incorporated by reference in the Form 10-K is a part of this Form 10-K.


 

The operating results of life insurance companies have historically been subject to significant fluctuations. The factors which could affect the Company’s future results include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and the known trends and uncertainties which are discussed more fully below.

The Company operates in a mature, highly competitive industry, which could limit its ability to grow sales or maintain its position in the industry and negatively affect profitability.

Life insurance is a mature and highly competitive industry. In recent years, the industry has experienced little growth in life insurance sales, though the aging population has increased the demand for retirement savings products. The Company encounters significant competition in all lines of business from other insurance companies, many of which have greater financial resources, a greater market share, a broader range of products, lower product prices, better name recognition, greater actual or perceived financial strength, higher claims-paying ratings, the ability to assume a greater level of risk, lower operating or financing costs, or lower profitability expectations.

Changes in the business environment and competition could negatively affect the Company’s ability to maintain or increase its profitability.

In recent years, there has been substantial consolidation and convergence among companies in the financial services industry, resulting in increased competition from large, well-capitalized financial services firms. Furthermore, many of these larger competitors may have lower operating costs and an ability to absorb greater risk while maintaining their financial strength ratings, thereby allowing them to price their products more competitively. The Company expects consolidation to continue, thereby increasing competitive pressures.

Changes in demographics, particularly the aging of the population and the decline in the number of agents in the industry, affect the demand for life insurance products.  Also, as technology evolves, customers and agents may be able to compare products of any particular company with any other, which could lead to increased competition as well as changes in agent or customer behavior, including persistency that differs from past behavior.

The Company may be unable to attract agencies and sales representatives.

The Company sells insurance and annuity products through independent agents and agencies. These agencies and sales representatives are not captive and may sell products of the Company’s competitors. The Company’s ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to attract and retain agents and agencies to market its insurance products, its ability to develop competitive and profitable products, its ability to maintain low unit costs, and its maintenance of strong financial strength ratings.  Sales and the results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected if the Company is unsuccessful in attracting and retaining agencies and sales representatives.

The Company’s ability to maintain competitive unit costs is dependent upon the level of new sales.

The Company’s ability to maintain competitive unit costs is dependent upon a number of factors, such as the level of new sales, persistency (continuation or renewal) of existing business, and expense management. A decrease in sales or the amount of total existing business without a corresponding reduction in expenses may result in higher unit costs, which would affect the Company’s operating results.

The Company’s ability to grow depends in large part upon the continued availability of capital.

The Company deploys significant amounts of capital to support its sales and acquisition efforts.  Although the Company believes it has sufficient capital to fund its immediate growth and capital needs, the amount of capital available could vary in the future due to a variety of circumstances, some of which are neither predictable nor foreseeable, nor within the Company’s control. A lack of sufficient capital could impair the Company’s ability to grow.

Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect the Company’s ability to meet liquidity needs, as well access to capital and cost of capital.

The capital and credit markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent periods.  The volatility and disruption reached unprecedented levels and the markets exerted downward pressure on availability of liquidity and credit for certain issuers.  Although the Company has not issued new equity or debt securities in recent years, including 2009 and 2008, the


Company’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and statutory capital position could be materially adversely affected by future disruptions in the capital and credit markets.

The Company’s level of cash and investments, along with expected cash inflows from investments and operations, is believed to be adequate to meet anticipated short-term and long-term benefit and expense payment obligations.  However, withdrawal and surrender levels may differ from anticipated levels for a variety of reasons such as changes in economic conditions or changes in the Company’s claims-paying ability or financial strength ratings.  A downgrade in the Company’s financial strength or credit ratings may increase policy surrenders and withdrawals, reduce new sales and may result in terminated relationships with distributors such as agents, general agents and third-party administrators. A downgrade could also impact existing liabilities and increase the Company’s cost of capital.  Any of these occurrences could adversely affect the Company’s profitability and financial condition.  In the event that the Company’s current internal sources of liquidity do not satisfy the needs, additional financing may be required and, in such case, the Company may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.  The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the volume of trading activities, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, the Company’s credit ratings and credit capacity, as well as the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of long- or short-term financial prospects if the Company incurs large investment losses or if the level of business activity decreased due to a market downturn.  Similarly, access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against the Company.

Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets may also limit the Company’s access to external sources of liquidity, which could be required to operate its business.  Such market conditions could limit the Company’s ability to replace, in a timely manner, maturing liabilities; satisfy capital requirements; fund redemption requests on insurance or other financial products; generate fee income and market-related revenue; meet liquidity needs, and access the capital necessary to grow the business.  As such, the Company could be forced to delay raising capital, utilize available internal resources or bear an unattractive cost of capital, which could decrease the Company’s profitability and significantly reduce financial flexibility and liquidity.
 
 
The Company may be unable to complete additional acquisitions.

One of the Company’s growth strategies is to acquire other life insurance companies and/or blocks of business.  The Company’s previous acquisitions have increased earnings by allowing the Company to realize certain operating efficiencies or increase sales. There can be no assurance, however, that suitable acquisitions that present opportunities for continued growth and operating efficiencies will continue to be available to the Company.  Further, sufficient capital to fund acquisitions may not be available at the time opportunities become available.

The Company may not realize its anticipated financial results from its acquisitions.

The completion of an acquisition may be more costly or take longer than expected. There may be unforeseen liabilities that arise in connection with businesses that the Company acquires.  Additionally, in connection with its acquisitions, the Company assumes or otherwise becomes responsible for the obligations of policies and other liabilities of other insurers. Any regulatory, legal, financial, or other adverse development affecting the other insurer could also have an adverse effect on the Company.

The Company’s policy claims fluctuate from period to period, resulting in earnings volatility.

The Company’s financial results may fluctuate from period to period due to fluctuations in policy claims incurred by the Company.  However, the Company reinsures a significant amount of the mortality risk on fully underwritten and newly issued individual life insurance contracts.  The Company regularly reviews retention limits for continued appropriateness and they may be changed in the future. If the Company was to experience significant adverse mortality or morbidity experience, a significant portion of that expense would be reimbursed by reinsurers.

Significant adverse mortality experience may result in the loss of, or higher prices for, reinsurance.

Prolonged or severe adverse mortality or morbidity experience could result in increased reinsurance costs, and ultimately, reinsurers not being willing to offer coverage. If the Company was unable to maintain its current level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts that are considered sufficient, the Company would either have to be willing to accept an increase in net exposures or revise pricing to reflect higher reinsurance premiums. If this were to occur, the Company may be exposed to reduced profitability and cash flow strain or may not be able to price new business at competitive rates.



The Company’s results may be negatively affected should actual experience differ from management’s assumptions and estimates.

In the conduct of business, the Company makes certain assumptions regarding the mortality, persistency, expenses, interest rates, tax liability, business mix, or other factors appropriate to the type of business it expects to experience in future periods. These assumptions are also used to estimate the amounts of deferred policy acquisition costs, value of business acquired, policy reserves and accruals, future earnings, and various components of the Company’s balance sheet. These assumptions are used in the operations of the Company’s business in making decisions crucial to the success of the Company, including the pricing of products and expense structures relating to products. The Company’s actual experience and changes in estimates are reflected in the Company’s financial statements.  The Company’s actual experience may vary from period to period, and from established assumptions, potentially resulting in variability in the financial statements.

The Company’s reserves for future policy benefits may prove to be inadequate.

The Company establishes and carries, as a liability, reserves based on estimates of how much will be needed to pay for future benefits and claims.  The assumptions and estimates used in connection with establishing and carrying reserves are inherently uncertain.  If actual experience is significantly different from assumptions or estimates, reserves may prove to be inadequate in relation to estimated future benefits and claims. As a result, a charge to earnings would be incurred in the quarter in which the Company increases reserves.

The pattern of amortizing Deferred Acquisition Costs (DAC) and Value of Business Acquired (VOBA) may change, impacting both the level of the asset and the timing of the Company’s net income (loss).

Amortization of DAC and VOBA depend on the actual and expected profits generated by the lines of business that incurred the costs.  Expected profits are dependent on assumptions regarding a number of factors, including investment returns, benefit payments, expenses, mortality and policy lapse.  Due to the uncertainty associated with establishing these assumptions, the Company cannot determine the exact pattern of profit emergence.  As a result, amortization of DAC and VOBA will vary from period-to-period as actual profits replace expected profits and future expected profits are re-projected based on the current status of the lines of business.  To the extent that actual experience emerges less favorably than expected or expectations for future profits decrease, the DAC and VOBA assets may be reduced.  This would likely result in reduced profitability in the current period.

Assumptions and estimates involve judgment and are subject to changes and revision over time.

The calculations the Company uses to estimate various components of its financial statements are necessarily complex and involve analyzing and interpreting large quantities of data. The Company employs various techniques for such calculations and, from time to time, will develop and implement more sophisticated systems and procedures capable of facilitating the calculation of more precise estimates.  Accordingly, the Company’s results may be affected, positively or negatively, by actual results differing from assumptions, by changes in estimates, and by changes resulting from implementing new administrative systems and procedures that facilitate the calculation of more precise estimates.

The Company’s reinsurers could fail to meet assumed obligations or be subject to adverse developments that could affect the Company.

The Company follows the insurance practice of reinsuring a portion of the risks under the policies written by the Company (known as ceding).  The Company cedes material amounts of insurance to other insurance companies through reinsurance.  This reinsurance makes the assuming reinsurer liable to the Company for the reinsured portion of the risk. However, reinsurance does not discharge the Company from its primary obligation to pay policyholders for losses insured under the policies that are issued.   Therefore, the failure of one or more of the Company’s reinsurers could negatively impact the Company’s earnings and financial position.

The Company’s ability to compete is dependent on the availability of reinsurance, cost of reinsurance or other substitute capital market solutions.

Premium rates charged by the Company are based, in part, on the assumption that reinsurance will be available at a certain cost. Under certain reinsurance agreements, the reinsurer may increase the rate it charges the Company for the reinsurance. Therefore, if the cost of reinsurance were to increase or if reinsurance were to become unavailable or if alternatives to reinsurance were not available, the Company could be adversely affected.

Recently, access to reinsurance has become more costly for the Company, as well as the insurance industry in general. In recent years, the number of life reinsurers has decreased as the reinsurance industry has consolidated. The decreased number


of participants in the life reinsurance market results in increased concentration risk for insurers, including the Company. If the reinsurance market further contracts, the Company’s ability to continue to offer its products on terms favorable to the Company could be adversely impacted.

The use of reinsurance introduces variability in the Company’s financial statements.

The timing of premium payments to and receipt of expense allowances from reinsurers may differ from the Company’s receipt of customer premium payments and incurrence of expenses. Reinsurance may introduce variability in certain components of the Company’s financial statements.

The Company’s investments are subject to market and credit risks.

The Company’s invested assets, primarily including fixed income securities, are subject to customary risks of credit defaults and changes in fair values. The value of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan and real estate portfolios also depend on the financial condition of the tenants occupying the properties which the Company has financed. Factors that may affect the overall default rate on and fair value of the Company’s invested assets includes interest rate levels, financial market performance, and general economic conditions, as well as particular circumstances affecting the businesses of individual borrowers and tenants.

Interest rate fluctuations could negatively affect the Company’s spread income or otherwise impact its business.

Because the profitability of fixed annuity and interest-sensitive whole life, universal life and the fixed portion of variable universal life insurance business depends in part on interest rate spreads, interest rate fluctuations could negatively affect profitability. Changes in interest rates may reduce both the profitability and the return on invested capital.

Some of the Company’s products, principally fixed annuities and interest-sensitive whole life, universal life and the fixed portion of variable universal life insurance, have interest rate guarantees that expose the Company to the risk that changes in interest rates will reduce the spread, or the difference between the amounts the Company is required to credit to policyholders under contracts and the amounts earned by the Company on general account investments. Declines in spread or instances where the returns on the general account investments are not sufficient to support the interest rate guarantees on these products could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations.  In periods of increasing interest rates, the Company may not be able to replace the assets in the general account with higher yielding assets needed to fund the higher crediting rates that may be necessary to keep interest sensitive products competitive. The Company, therefore, may have to accept a lower spread and profitability or face a decline in sales and loss of existing contracts from non-renewed maturities or early withdrawals or surrenders. In periods of declining interest rates, the Company has to reinvest the cash received from interest or return of principal on investments in lower yielding instruments then available. Moreover, issuers of fixed-income securities and borrowers may prepay these obligations in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates the risk for the Company of having to reinvest at lower rates.

The Company is entitled to reset the interest rates it credits on fixed-rate annuities but only at limited, pre-established intervals.  Because many of the Company’s policies have guaranteed minimum interest or crediting rates, spreads could decrease and potentially become negative.  Increases in interest rates may cause increased surrenders and withdrawals of insurance products. In periods of increasing interest rates, policy loans and surrenders and withdrawals of life insurance policies and annuity contracts may increase as policyholders seek to buy products with higher returns. These outflows may require investment assets to be sold at a time when the prices of those assets are lower because of the increase in market interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses.

Changes in interest rates may also impact the business in other ways. Lower interest rates may result in lower sales of certain of the Company’s insurance products. Higher interest rates may create a less favorable environment for the origination of mortgage loans.  Higher interest rates may also result in lower sales of variable products.

While the Company develops and maintains asset/liability management programs and procedures designed to mitigate the effect on spread income in rising or falling interest rate environments, no assurance can be given that changes in interest rates will not affect such spreads.   Additionally, the Company’s asset/liability management programs incorporate assumptions about the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve) and relationships between risk-adjusted and risk-free interest rates, market liquidity, and policyholder behavior in periods of changing interest rates and other factors. The effectiveness of the Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures may be negatively affected whenever actual results differ from these assumptions.


The Company’s valuation of fixed maturity and equity securities may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions which are subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition.

Fixed maturity securities, equity securities, and short-term investments are reported at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet and represent the majority of total cash and invested assets.  FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The level in the fair value hierarchy is based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique.  The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  An asset or liability’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation.

During periods of market disruption, including periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain securities if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable.  There may be certain asset classes such as certain residential mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and asset-backed securities that were previously acquired and valued in active markets with significant observable data and that are required to be valued in illiquid  markets with little observable data.  In such cases, more securities may be classified in Level 3 and, therefore, require more subjectivity and management judgment.  As such, valuations may include inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater estimation as well as valuation methods which are more complex or require greater estimation, thereby resulting in values which may be less than the value at which the investments may or could be ultimately sold.  Further, rapidly changing credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported with the consolidated financial statements and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly.  Decreases in value could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

The determination of the amount of realized and unrealized impairments and allowances established on the Company’s investments is highly subjective and could materially impact results of operations or financial position.

The determination of the amount of impairments and allowances vary by investment type and is based upon the Company’s evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class.  Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.  There can be no assurance that the assumptions, methodologies and judgments employed in these evaluations and assessments will be deemed to be accurate or sufficient.  As a result, additional impairments may need to be realized or allowances provided for in the future.  Further, historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments or allowances.

Additionally, the Company considers a wide range of factors about security issuers and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for recovery.  Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer, its future earnings potential and the ability and timeliness of the security’s recovery in fair value.

The Company could be forced to sell investments at a loss to meet policyholder withdrawals.

Many of the products offered by the Company allow policyholders and contract holders to withdraw their funds under defined circumstances. The Company manages liabilities and configures the investment portfolio so as to provide and maintain sufficient liquidity to support anticipated withdrawal demands and contract benefits and maturities. While the Company owns a significant amount of liquid assets, a certain portion of investment assets are relatively illiquid. If the Company experiences unanticipated withdrawal or surrender activity, the Company could exhaust all other sources of liquidity and be forced to liquidate other assets, perhaps on unfavorable terms. If the Company is forced to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms, it could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

Equity market volatility could negatively impact the Company’s business.

The amount of policy fees received from variable products is affected by the performance of the equity markets, increasing or decreasing as markets rise or fall. Equity market volatility also affects the profitability of products accounted for under fair value measures, as increases and decreases in volatility can increase or decrease the fair value of liabilities.

The amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs relating to variable products incorporate various assumptions about the overall performance of equity markets. The rate of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs could change if equity market performance is significantly different than assumed.


Computer viruses or network security breaches could affect the data processing systems of the Company or its business partners and could damage business and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Computer viruses could affect the data processing systems of the Company or its business partners, destroying valuable data or making it difficult to conduct business. In addition, despite the Company’s implementation of network security measures, its servers could be subject to physical and electronic break-ins, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with its computer systems.  The Company retains confidential information in its computer systems, and relies on sophisticated computer technologies to maintain the security of those systems. Anyone who is able to circumvent the Company’s security measures and penetrate the Company’s computer systems could access, view, misappropriate, alter, or delete any information in the systems, including personally identifiable customer information and proprietary business information. In addition, an increasing number of states require that customers be notified if a security breach results in the disclosure of personally identifiable customer information. Any compromise of the security of the Company’s computer systems that results in inappropriate disclosure of personally identifiable customer information could damage the Company’s reputation in the marketplace, deter people from purchasing the Company’s products, subject the Company to significant civil and criminal liability and require the Company to incur significant technical, legal and other expenses.

Insurance companies are highly regulated and are subject to numerous legal restrictions and regulations.

The Company is subject to government regulation in each of the states in which business is conducted. Such regulation is vested in state agencies having broad administrative and, in some instances, discretionary power dealing in with many aspects of the Company’s business. This may include, among other things, premium rates and increases thereto, reserve requirements, marketing practices, advertising, privacy, policy forms, reinsurance reserve requirements, acquisitions, mergers, and capital adequacy. Government regulation of insurers is concerned primarily with the protection of policyholders and other customers rather than share owners.  Interpretations of regulations by regulators may change and statutes, regulations and interpretations may be applied with retroactive impact, particularly in areas such as accounting or reserve requirements.

The Company cannot predict whether or in what manner regulatory reforms will be enacted and, if so, whether the enacted reforms will positively or negatively affect the Company or whether any effects will be material.  Moreover, although with respect to some financial regulations and guidelines, states defer to the interpretation of the insurance department of the state of domicile, neither the action of the domiciliary state nor action of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is binding on a state. Accordingly, a state could choose to follow a different interpretation.

Other types of regulation that could affect the Company include insurance company investment laws and regulations, state statutory accounting practices, anti-trust laws, minimum solvency requirements, state securities laws, federal privacy laws, insurable interest laws, federal money laundering and anti-terrorism laws. Further, because the Company owns and operates real property, state, federal and local environmental laws could affect the Company. The Company cannot predict what form any future changes in these or other areas of regulation affecting the insurance industry might take or what effect, if any, such proposals might have on the Company if enacted into law.

Publicly held companies in general and the financial services industry, in particular, are sometimes the target of law enforcement investigations and the focus of increased regulatory scrutiny.

The financial services industry has become the focus of increased scrutiny by regulatory and law enforcement authorities relating to allegations of improper special payments, price-fixing, bid-rigging and other alleged misconduct, including payments made by insurers and other financial services providers to brokers and the practices surrounding the placement of insurance business and sales of other financial products.

New accounting rules or changes to existing accounting rules could negatively impact the Company.

Like all publicly traded companies, the Company is required to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). A number of organizations are instrumental in the development and interpretation of GAAP, such as the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

GAAP is subject to constant review by these organizations and others in an effort to address emerging accounting rules and issue interpretative accounting guidance on a continual basis. The Company can give no assurance that future changes to GAAP or the required adherence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) will not have a negative impact on the Company.


In addition, the Company is required to comply with statutory accounting principles (SAP). SAP and various components of SAP (such as statutory actuarial reserving methodology) are subject to constant review by the NAIC and its taskforces and committees as well as state insurance departments to address emerging issues and otherwise improve or alter financial reporting. Various proposals are typically pending before committees and taskforces of the NAIC, some of which, if enacted, may negatively affect the Company and some of which could positively impact the Company. The NAIC also typically works to reform state regulation in various areas, including reforms relating to life insurance reserves and the accounting for such reserves. The Company cannot predict whether or in what manner reforms will be enacted and, if so, whether the enacted reforms will positively or negatively affect the Company.  Although, states generally defer to the interpretation of the insurance department of the state of domicile with regards to regulations and guidelines, neither the action of the domiciliary state nor action of the NAIC is binding on a state. Accordingly, a state could choose to follow a different interpretation. The Company can give no assurance that future changes to SAP or components of SAP will not have a negative impact on the Company.

Changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law could adversely affect the Company and its ability to compete with non-insurance products or reduce the demand for certain insurance products.

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), income tax payable by policyholders on investment earnings is deferred during the accumulation period of certain life insurance and annuity products. This favorable tax treatment may give certain of the Company’s products a competitive advantage over other non-insurance products. To the extent that the Code is revised to reduce the tax-deferred status of life insurance and annuity products or to increase the tax-deferred status of competing products, all life insurance companies, including the Company, would be adversely affected with respect to their ability to sell such products. Further, depending upon grandfathering provisions, life insurance companies would be affected by the surrenders of existing annuity contracts and life insurance policies.  Changes in tax law, which have reduced the federal income tax rates on corporate dividends in certain circumstances, could make the tax advantages of investing in certain life insurance or annuity products less attractive. Additionally, changes in tax law based on proposals to establish new tax-advantaged retirement and life savings plans, if enacted, could reduce the tax advantage of investing in certain life insurance or annuity products.  The Company cannot predict what changes to tax law or interpretations of existing tax law may ultimately be enacted or whether such changes could adversely affect the Company.

A rating downgrade could adversely affect the Company’s ability to compete and increase the number or value of policies surrendered.

The Company’s financial strength rating, which is intended to measure its ability to meet policyholder obligations, is an important factor affecting public confidence in most of the Company’s products and, as a result, the Company’s competitiveness.  Rating organizations periodically review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including the Company, and downgrades of insurance companies have occurred with increasing frequency.

A downgrade in the Company’s rating could adversely affect the Company’s ability to sell its products, retain existing business, and compete for attractive acquisition opportunities. Rating organizations assign ratings based upon several factors. While most of the factors relate to the rated company, some of the factors relate to the views of the rating organization, general economic conditions and circumstances outside the rated company’s control. In addition, rating organizations use various models and formulas to assess the strength of a rated company, and from time to time rating organizations have, in their discretion, altered the models. Changes to the models could impact the rating organizations’ judgment of the rating to be assigned to the rated company. The Company cannot predict what actions rating organizations may take or what actions the Company may be required to take in response to the actions of the rating organizations, which could adversely affect the Company.

Financial services companies are frequently the targets of litigation, including class action litigation, which could result in substantial judgments.

A number of civil jury verdicts have been returned against insurers, broker-dealers, and other providers of financial services involving sales or claims practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise representatives, relationships with agents or other persons with whom the insurer does business, and other matters.  Often these lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments that are disproportionate to the actual damages, including material amounts of punitive non-economic compensatory damages. In some states, juries, judges, and arbitrators have substantial discretion in awarding punitive and non-economic compensatory damages, which creates the potential for unpredictable material adverse judgments or awards in any given lawsuit or arbitration. Arbitration awards are subject to very limited appellate review. In addition, in some class actions and other lawsuits, companies have made material settlement payments.

The Company, like other financial services companies, is involved in litigation and arbitration in the ordinary course of business. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of any litigation or arbitration, the results could have a negative


impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

The Company is exposed to the risks of climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, or other acts that could adversely affect the Company’s operations.

While the Company has implemented risk management and contingency plans and taken preventive measures and other precautions, no predictions of specific scenarios can be made nor can assurance be given that there are not scenarios that could have an adverse effect on the Company. Climate change, a natural disaster, a pandemic, or an outbreak of an easily communicable disease could adversely affect the mortality or morbidity experience of the Company or its reinsurers. A pandemic could also have an adverse effect on lapses and surrenders of existing policies, as well as sales of new policies. In addition, a pandemic could result in large areas being subject to quarantine, with the result that economic activity slows or ceases, adversely affecting the marketing or administration of the Company’s business.  These effects, in turn, could have an adverse financial effect on the Company. The possible macroeconomic effects of climate change, natural disasters or pandemics could also adversely affect the Company’s asset portfolio, as well as many other variables.

The Company is dependent on the performance of others.

The Company’s results may be affected by the performance of others because the Company has entered into various arrangements involving other parties. For example, most of the Company’s products are sold through independent distribution channels, and variable annuity deposits are invested in funds managed by third parties. Additionally, the Company’s operations are dependent on various technologies, some of which are provided by other parties.

As with all financial services companies, the Company’s ability to conduct business is dependent upon consumer confidence in the industry and its products. Actions of competitors and financial difficulties of other companies in the industry could undermine consumer confidence and adversely affect retention of existing business and future sales of the Company’s insurance and investment products.

Risk management policies and procedures may leave the Company exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could negatively affect business or result in losses.

The Company has devoted significant resources to develop risk management policies and procedures and will continue to do so in the future. However, the Company’s policies and procedures used to identify, monitor and manage risks may not be fully effective. Many of the methods of managing risk and exposures are based upon the use of observed historical market behavior or statistics based on historical models. As a result, these methods may not effectively identify or evaluate the magnitude of existing or future exposures, which could be significantly greater than the historical measures indicate.  An example of such risks include the risk of pandemics, which could cause a large number of deaths. Other risk management methods depend upon the evaluation of information regarding markets, clients, catastrophe occurrence or other matters that are publicly available or otherwise accessible to us, which may not always be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated. Management of operational, legal and regulatory risks requires, among other things, policies and procedures to record properly and verify a large number of transactions and events, and these policies and procedures may not be fully effective.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial, may adversely affect the business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

The Company’s home office is located at 3520 Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Company owns and wholly occupies two five-story buildings on an eight-acre site.

The Company owns various other properties held for investment.

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The life insurance industry, including the Company and its subsidiaries, has been subject to an increase in litigation in recent years.  Such litigation has been pursued on behalf of purported classes of insurance purchasers, often questioning the conduct of insurers in the marketing of their products.


In addition to the above, the Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in, or subject to, other claims or legal actions.  Some of these claims and legal actions are in jurisdictions where juries are given substantial latitude in assessing damages, including punitive damages.  Although no assurances can be given and no determinations can be made at this time, management believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these other claims and legal actions would not have a material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial position.




PART II

 
Item 4.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION


CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
3520 Broadway
Post Office Box 219139
Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9139
Telephone:  (816) 753-7000
Fax: (816) 753-4902
Internet: http://www.kclife.com
E-mail: kclife@kclife.com


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of stockholders will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Kansas City Life's corporate headquarters.


TRANSFER AGENT
William A. Schalekamp, Secretary
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Post Office Box 219139
Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9139


10-K REQUEST
Stockholders may request a free copy of Kansas City Life's Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, by writing to Secretary, Kansas City Life Insurance Company.


SECURITY HOLDERS
As of January 31, 2010, Kansas City Life had approximately 2,500 security holders, including individual participants in security position listings.



STOCK AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
Stock Quotation Symbol
NASDAQ—KCLI

The following table presents the high and low prices for the Company’s common stock for the periods indicated and the dividends declared per share during such periods.

 
         
Dividend
 
High
 
Low
 
Paid
           
2009:
         
First quarter
 $ 44.63
 
 $  15.20
 
 $      0.27
Second quarter
    40.22
 
     19.70
 
         0.27
Third quarter
    37.75
 
     25.39
 
         0.27
Fourth quarter
    33.31
 
     25.00
 
         0.27
     
 
 
 $      1.08
2008:
         
First quarter
 $ 49.15
 
 $  39.36
 
 $      0.27
Second quarter
    52.85
 
     41.51
 
         0.27
Third quarter
    57.93
 
     41.16
 
         0.27
Fourth quarter
    53.93
 
     33.06
 
         0.27
     
 
 
 $      1.08
           

A quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share was paid February 10, 2010.

NASDAQ market quotations are compiled according to Company records and may reflect inter-dealer prices, without markup, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.































ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

   
Total
     
Total Number of
 
Maximum Number
   
Number of
     
Shares Purchased
 
of Shares that May
   
Shares Purchased
 
Average
 
as a Part of
 
Yet be Purchased
   
Open Market/
 
Purchase Price
 
Publicly Announced
 
Under the
Period
 
Benefit Plans
 
Paid per Share
 
Plans or Programs
 
Plans or Programs
                 
1/01/09 - 1/31/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                         24,586
2
 $                     36.17
       
                 
2/1/09 - 2/28/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                         17,191
2
 $                     27.92
       
                 
3/1/09 - 3/31/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                       143,769
2
 $                     17.64
       
                 
4/1/09-4/30/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                         35,936
2
 $                     24.89
       
                 
5/1/09-5/31/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                       144,480
2
 $                     23.17
       
                 
6/1/09-6/30/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                         45,560
2
 $                     23.34
       
                 
7/1/09-7/31/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                       114,338
2
 $                     26.49
       
                 
8/1/09-8/31/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                              572
2
 $                     33.13
       
                 
9/1/09-9/30/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                                 -
2
         
                 
10/1/09 - 10/31/09
 
                                 -
1
 $                             -
 
                                   -
 
                    1,000,000
   
                                 -
2
 $                             -
       
                 
11/1/09 - 11/30/09
 
                         66,871
1
 $                     27.52
 
                           66,871
 
                       933,129
   
                              276
2
 $                     28.59
       
                 
12/1/09 - 12/31/09
 
                         17,302
1
 $                     27.82
 
                           17,302
 
                       915,827
     
2
 $                             -
       
    Total
 
                       610,881
     
                           84,173
   
                 
1On January 26, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock.  Under this program in 2009, the Company acquired 84,173 shares at an average price of $27.58.  Under a similar program, the Company purchased 181,661 shares in 2008 at an average price of $45.38; and 90,341 shares in 2007 at an average price of $45.59.  The 2009 repurchase program expired January 24, 2010.  On January 25, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock through January 24, 2011.

2Included in this column are the total shares purchased from benefit plans sponsored by the Company during the consecutive months of January through December of 2009.


The Company filed two Form S-8s, with the SEC on July 9, 2009.  The first Form S-8 was to register an additional 1,100,000 shares of the common shares and plan interests relating to the Thirty-First Amendment and Restatement of the Kansas City Life Insurance Company Savings and Profit Sharing Plan, as amended for which securities of the same class were registered on a registration statement on Form S-8 previously filed and effective on June 20, 2000.  The second Form S-8 was to register an additional 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock issued to the Kansas City Life Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), as amended and the Company’s Deferred Compensation Obligations issued in accordance with and pursuant to the Plan.  In conjunction with these filings, an additional 114,138 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued from treasury and became outstanding.

The Company filed two Form S-3s, with the SEC on July 27, 2009.  The first form S-3 was to register an additional 20,000 shares of common stock contributed to a grantor (rabbi) trust established in connection with the Company’s Pre-2005 Agent’s Deferred Compensation Plan and the Company’s deferred compensation obligations issued in accordance with and pursuant to the Pre-2005 Agent’s Deferred Compensation Plan.  The second Form S-3 was to register an additional 38,000 shares of common stock contributed to a grantor (rabbi) trust established in connection with the Company’s Agent’s Deferred Compensation Plan and the Company’s deferred compensation obligations issued in accordance with and pursuant to the Agent’s Deferred Compensation Plan.

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company discontinued purchase and sale transactions of the Company’s common stock with employee and agent benefit plans sponsored by the Company.  The Company’s benefit plans instead conduct such transactions in the open market.  Until the implementation of the Form S-8s and Form S-3s, as identified above, the Company had conducted these transactions as purchases and sales of treasury stock.  Accordingly, in 2009, the benefit plans purchased 312,236 shares of treasury stock and sold 526,432 shares of treasury stock for a net change in treasury stock of $2.1 million.



Item 5.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Amounts in thousands, except share data.


     
Year Ended December 31
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
Income Statement Data:
                 
Revenues:
                 
 
Insurance revenues
 $           241,664
 
 $           236,173
 
 $           231,894
 
 $           235,264
 
 $            238,503
 
Net investment income
              177,428
 
              177,419
 
              190,405
 
              196,280
 
               194,608
 
Realized investment gains (losses)
              (10,076)
 
              (52,271)
 
                  5,426
 
                  5,621
 
                   6,113
 
Other revenues
                10,579
 
                13,005
 
                11,499
 
                11,349
 
                 10,312
   
Total revenues
 $           419,595
 
 $           374,326
 
 $           439,224
 
 $           448,514
 
 $            449,536
                       
Net income (loss)
 $             10,732
 
 $           (17,050)
 
 $             35,661
 
 $             36,918
 
 $              36,184
                       
Per Common Share Data:
                 
 
Net income (loss), basic and diluted
 $                 0.93
 
 $               (1.47)
 
 $                 3.01
 
 $                 3.11
 
 $                  3.03
                       
 
Cash dividends to stockholders
 $                 1.08
 
 $                 1.08
 
 $                 3.08
 
 $                 1.08
 
 $                  1.08
                       
 
Stockholders' equity
 $               54.33
 
 $               46.11
 
 $               58.17
 
 $               57.72
 
 $                57.07
                       
                       
     
December 31
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
Balance Sheet Data:
                 
Assets
 $        4,176,185
 
 $        3,967,091
 
 $        4,352,108
 
 $        4,457,795
 
 $         4,555,379
Notes payable
                          -
 
                  2,900
 
                10,400
 
                14,700
 
                 27,282
Stockholders' equity
              628,363
 
              527,107
 
              684,401
 
              684,304
 
               680,219
Life insurance in force
 $      30,683,571
 
 $      30,300,286
 
 $      31,135,142
 
 $      31,261,016
 
 $       30,949,501


Item 6.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Amounts are stated in thousands, except share data, or as otherwise noted.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide in narrative form the perspective of the management of Kansas City Life Insurance Company (the Company) on its financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect its future results for the three years ended December 31, 2009.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this document.

Overview

Kansas City Life Insurance Company is a financial services company that is predominantly focused on sales and administration of life and annuity insurance products.  The consolidated entity (the Company) primarily consists of three life insurance companies.  Kansas City Life Insurance Company (Kansas City Life) is the parent company.  Sunset Life Insurance Company of America (Sunset Life) and Old American Insurance Company (Old American) are wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Kansas City Life markets individual insurance products, including traditional, interest sensitive and variable products through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents and third-party marketing arrangements.  Kansas City Life also markets group insurance products, which include life, dental, vision and disability products through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents, group brokers and third-party marketing arrangements.  Kansas City Life operates in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

Sunset Life is a life insurance company that maintains its current block of business, but does not produce new sales.  Sunset Life is included in the Individual Insurance segment and its individual insurance products include traditional and interest sensitive products.  Sunset Life operates in 43 states and the District of Columbia.

Old American sells final expense life insurance products nationwide through a general agency system, with exclusive territories, using direct response marketing to supply agents with leads.  Old American’s administrative and accounting operations are part of the Company’s home office but it operates and maintains a separate and independent field force.  Old American operates in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

The Company offers investment products and broker-dealer services through its subsidiary Sunset Financial Services, Inc. (SFS) for both proprietary and non-proprietary variable insurance products, mutual funds and other securities.

The Company operates in the life insurance sector of the financial services industry in the United States.  This industry is highly competitive with respect to pricing, selection of products and quality of service.  No single competitor or any small group of competitors dominates any of the markets in which the Company operates.  General economic conditions may affect future results.

The Company earns revenues primarily from premiums received from the sale of life, immediate annuity and accident and health policies, from earnings on its investment portfolio and from the sale of investment assets.  Revenues from the sale of traditional life insurance and immediate annuity products and accident and health products are reported as premium income for financial statement purposes.  Considerations for supplementary contracts with life contingencies are reported as part of other revenues.  However, deposits received from the sale of interest sensitive products, namely universal life insurance products, deferred annuities, and annuities and supplementary contracts without life contingencies are not reported as premium revenues, but are instead reported as additions to the policyholders’ account balances and are reflected as deposits in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Accordingly, revenues on these products are recognized over time in the form of contract charges assessed against policyholder account balances, charges assessed on the early surrender of policyholder account balances and other charges deducted from policyholders’ balances.

The Company’s profitability depends on many factors, which include but are not limited to:

·  
The sale of life, annuity, and accident and health products;
·  
The rate of mortality, lapse and surrenders of future policy benefits and policyholder account balances;
·  
The rate of morbidity, disability and incurrence of other policyholder benefits;
·  
Persistency of existing insurance policies;
·  
Interest rates credited to policyholders;


·  
The effectiveness of reinsurance programs;
·  
The amount of investment assets under management;
·  
Investment spreads earned on policyholder account balances;
·  
The ability to maximize investment returns and minimize risks such as interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk;
·  
Timely and cost-effective access to liquidity; and
·  
Management of distribution costs and operating expenses.

Strong sales competition, highly competitive products and a difficult economic environment present significant challenges to the Company from a new sales perspective.  The Company’s primary emphasis is on expanding sales of individual life insurance products.  The Company’s continued focus is on delivering competitive products for a reasonable cost, prompt customer service, excellent financial strength and effective sales and marketing support to the field force.

The Company generates cash largely through premiums collected through the sale of insurance products, and deposits through the sale of universal life-type and deposit-type products and through investment activity. The principal uses of cash are for the insurance operations, including the purchase of investments, payment of insurance benefits and other withdrawals from policyholder accounts, operating expenses, premium taxes, and costs related to acquiring new business.  In addition, cash is used to pay income taxes and stockholder dividends, as well as to fund potential acquisition opportunities.

Starting in 2007 and continuing into 2009, extreme fluctuations in market conditions significantly impacted the financial markets and the Company’s investments and revenues.  The interest rate and credit environments have presented a significant challenge to the markets as a whole and specifically to companies invested in fixed maturity and equity securities.  These conditions may persist into the future as the credit and equity markets continue to be challenged, particularly in the financial services sector.  The Company is broadly diversified and has high quality investments, as 94% of all fixed maturity securities were investment grade at December 31, 2009.  However, as a result of the consolidations occurring in the financial services sector, diversification in this sector will be a challenge until greater market stabilization occurs.  In addition, the entrance of the U.S. Government into private company arrangements and specific guarantees may add further complications to a variety of issues, which are yet to be fully determined.

Business Changes

In January of 2007, the Company completed the sale of its bank subsidiary, Generations Bank, for $10.1 million in cash after receiving regulatory approval.  The gain on the sale was $1.9 million and was included in realized investment gains.  The bank subsidiary and the results of operations were not material to the financial statements of the Company and are not disclosed separately.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This report reviews the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and historical information is presented and discussed.  Where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also identified and discussed.  Certain statements made in this report include “forward-looking statements” that fall within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements rather than historical facts and may contain words like “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “will,” “shall,” and other words, phrases or expressions with similar meaning.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause the Company’s future results to differ materially from expected results include, but are not limited to:

·  
Changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates;
·  
Increasing competition and changes in consumer behavior, which may affect the Company’s ability to sell its products and retain business;
·  
Customer and agent response to new products, distribution channels and marketing initiatives;
·  
Fluctuations in experience regarding current mortality, morbidity, persistency and interest rates relative to expected amounts used in pricing the Company’s products;
·  
Changes in assumptions related to deferred acquisition costs and the value of business acquired;
·  
Regulatory, accounting or tax changes that may affect the cost of, or the demand for, the Company’s products or services; and
·  
Unanticipated changes in industry trends and ratings assigned by nationally recognized rating organizations.


The Company cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct.  Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The accounting policies below have been identified as critical to the understanding of the results of operations and financial position.  The application of these critical accounting policies in preparing the financial statements requires management to use a variety of assumptions and estimates, in particular expectations of current and future mortality, morbidity, persistency, expenses, interest rates and equity market performance.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  The profitability of life insurance and annuity products is dependent on actual experience, and differences between actual experience and pricing assumptions may result in variability of net income (loss) in amounts which may be material.  On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates, assumptions and judgments based on historical experience and other information that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.  A detailed discussion of significant accounting policies is provided in Note 1 Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Valuation of Investments
The Company’s principal investments are in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans and real estate; all of which are exposed to three primary sources of investment risk: credit, interest rate and liquidity.  Credit risk is the risk that the value of the investment may decline due to deterioration in the financial strength of the issuer and that the timely or ultimate payment of principal or interest might not occur.  A default by an issuer usually involves some loss of principal to the investor.  Losses can be mitigated by timely sales of affected securities or by active involvement in a restructuring process.  However, there can be no assurance that the efforts of an investor will lead to favorable outcomes in a bankruptcy or restructuring.  Interest rate risk arises from the price sensitivity of investments to changes in interest rates.  Coupon and dividend income represent the greatest portion of an investment’s total return for most fixed income instruments in stable interest rate environments.  The changes in the fair market price of such investments are inversely related to changes in market interest rates.  As interest rates fall, the coupon and dividend streams of existing fixed-rate investments become more valuable and market values rise.  As interest rates rise, the opposite effect occurs.  In addition, the Company is exposed to liquidity risk.  Liquidity risk refers to the risk that investments cannot be converted into cash when needed or that the terms for conversion have a negative effect on the Company.  This risk increased in the recent economic downturn.

Fixed maturity securities, which are classified as available for sale, are carried at their fair value in the Company’s balance sheet, with unrealized gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The unrealized gains or losses are recorded net of the adjustment to policyholder account balances to reflect what would have been earned had those gains or losses been realized and the proceeds reinvested.  The Company’s fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities are derived from external pricing services, brokers, and internal matrices and calculations.  At December 31, 2009, approximately 92% of the carrying value of these investments was from external pricing services and 8% was derived from brokers and internal matrices or calculations.  The investment portfolio is monitored regularly to ensure that investments which may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion and properly valued.  Other-than-temporary impairments that are determined to be due to credit are charged against earnings as realized investment losses.  The valuation of the investment portfolio involves a variety of assumptions and estimates.

The Company monitors the various markets in which its investments are traded.  The Company utilizes a primary independent third-party pricing service to determine the majority of its fair values.  At December 31, 2009 the Company used a second independent third-party pricing service to validate the fair market values provided by the primary pricing service.  The Company also used the second pricing service to determine the fair value of certain securities for which the primary pricing service was unable to provide.  At December 31, 2009, 91% of the value of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities were from the primary third-party pricing service and 1% was from the second independent pricing service.  The Company reviews values received from independent pricing sources for validity.  In addition, the Company tests a limited number of securities from each independent pricing service each reporting period to further validate reliance on the fair values provided.  When fair values are not available from external service providers, where possible, the Company utilizes quotes from brokers.  When the Company cannot obtain reliable broker pricing, a fair value is determined based upon an assessment of several factors appropriate for the specific issue, including but not limited to: the issuer’s industry; liquidity; cash flows; marketability, ratings and the ability of the issuer to satisfy the obligation; government intervention or regulations; fair value of comparable securities in actively traded or quoted markets; or other factors.  The Company creates a matrix of factors from which to calculate an estimable value.  However, all factors may not be known or publicly available from which to determine a value and, as such, the fair value used by the Company may not be truly indicative of the actual value available in an active market or an actual exit price if the Company were to sell the security in the current market.


The Company has a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other-than-temporary.  This process involves monitoring market events that could impact issuers’ credit ratings, business climate, management changes, litigation and government actions, and other similar factors.  This process also involves monitoring late payments, downgrades by rating agencies, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts, asset quality and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.

At the end of each quarter, all securities are reviewed to determine whether impairments exist and whether other-than-temporary impairments should be recorded.  This quarterly process includes an assessment of the credit quality of each investment in the entire securities portfolio.  Additional reporting and review procedures are conducted for those securities where fair value is less than 90% of amortized cost.  The Company prepares a formal review document no less often than quarterly of all investments with greater than 20% declines in fair value for six months or more, investments that have previously been written down and that remain in an unrealized loss position greater than 20% of their value, and selected investments that have changed significantly from a previous period and that have a decline in fair value greater than 10% of amortized cost.

The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether the impairment of a security is other-than-temporary.  Relevant facts and circumstances considered include but are not limited to:
 
 
·  
The current fair value of the security as compared to amortized cost;
·  
The credit rating of the security;
·  
The extent and the length of time the fair value has been below amortized cost;
·  
The financial position of the issuer, including the current and future impact of any specific events, material declines in the issuer’s revenues, margins, cash positions, liquidity issues, asset quality, debt levels and income results;
·  
Significant management or organizational changes;
·  
Significant uncertainty regarding the issuer’s industry;
·  
Violation of financial covenants;
·  
Consideration of information or evidence that supports timely recovery;
·  
The Company’s intent and ability to hold an equity security until it recovers in value;
·  
Whether the Company intends to sell a debt security and whether it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of the amortized cost basis; and
·  
Other business factors related to the issuer’s industry.

To the extent the Company determines that a fixed maturity security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the portion of the impairment that is deemed to be due to credit is charged to the income statement and the amortized cost basis of the underlying investment is reduced.  The portion of the impairment that is deemed to be non-credit is charged to other comprehensive income (loss).  Equity securities that are determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to fair value and the impairment is charged to the income statement.

There are a number of significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments, determining if an impairment is other-than-temporary and determining the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment that is due to credit.  These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to:

·  
The risk that the Company’s assessment of an issuer’s ability to meet all of its contractual obligations will change based on changes in the credit characteristics of that issuer;
·  
The risk that the economic outlook will be worse than expected or have more of an impact on the issuer than anticipated;
·  
The risk that the performance of the underlying collateral for securities could deteriorate in the future and the Company’s credit enhancement levels and recovery values do not provide sufficient protection to the Company’s contractual principal and interest;
·  
The risk that fraudulent, inaccurate or misleading information could be provided to the Company’s credit, investment and accounting professionals who determine the fair value estimates and accounting treatment for securities;
·  
The risk that new information obtained by the Company or changes in other facts and circumstances may lead the Company to change its intent to sell the security before it recovers in value;
·  
The risk that facts and circumstances change such that it becomes more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the amortized cost basis; and
·  
The risk that the methodology or assumptions used to develop estimates of the portion of impairments due to credit prove, over time, to be inaccurate or insufficient.


Any of these situations could result in a charge to income in a future period.

The Company may selectively determine, as part of its individual investment assessment process in relation to specific investments that it intends to sell a fixed maturity security prior to its maturity.  If the Company makes this determination and the fair value is less than the cost basis, an analysis of the fair value of the investment is performed and the amortized cost of the investment is written down to the fair value and an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded on this particular position.  Subsequently, the Company seeks to obtain the best possible outcome available for this specific issue and records an investment gain or loss at the disposal date.

The evaluation of loan-backed and similar asset-backed securities, particularly including residential mortgage-backed securities, with significant indications of potential other-than-temporary impairment requires significant use of estimates and judgment.  Specifically, the Company performs discounted future cash flow calculations to assure the value of the investment is expected to be fully realized. Projections of expected future cash flows are based upon considerations of the performance of the actual underlying assets, including historical delinquencies, defaults, severity of losses incurred, and prepayments, along with the Company’s estimates of future results for these factors.  The Company’s estimates of future results are based upon actual historical performance of the underlying assets relative to historical, current and expected general economic conditions, specific conditions related to the underlying assets, industry data, and other factors that are believed to be relevant.

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired
Deferred acquisition costs (DAC), principally agent commissions and other selling, selection and issue costs, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new business, are capitalized as incurred.  These deferred costs are then amortized in proportion to future premium revenues or the expected future profits of the business, depending upon the type of product.

When a new block of business is acquired or when an insurance company is purchased, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to a separately identifiable intangible asset, called the value of business acquired (VOBA).  VOBA is established as the actuarially determined present value of future gross profits of the business acquired and is amortized in proportion to future premium revenues or the expected future profits, depending on the type of business acquired.

The Company considers the following assumptions to be of significance when evaluating the amortization of DAC and VOBA: expected mortality, interest spreads, surrender rates and expense margins.  Mortality relates to the occurrence of death.  Interest spreads are the difference between the investment returns earned and the crediting rates of interest applied to policyholder account balances.  Surrender rates relate to the relative volume of policy terminations.  Expense margins involve the expenses incurred for maintaining and servicing in-force policies.

At least annually, a review is performed of the models and the assumptions used to develop expected future profits, based upon management’s current view of future events.  DAC is reviewed on an ongoing basis to determine that the unamortized portion does not exceed the expected recoverable amounts.  Management’s view primarily reflects Company experience but can also reflect emerging trends within the industry.  Short-term deviations in experience affect the amortization of DAC and VOBA in the period, but do not necessarily indicate that a change to the long-term assumptions of future experience is warranted.  If it is determined that it is appropriate to change the long-term assumptions of future experience, then an unlocking adjustment is recognized for the block of business being evaluated.  Certain assumptions, such as interest spreads and surrender rates, may be interrelated.  As such, unlocking adjustments often reflect revisions to multiple assumptions.  The balances of DAC and VOBA are immediately impacted by any assumption changes, with the change reflected through the income statement as an unlocking adjustment in the amount of DAC or VOBA amortized.  These adjustments can be positive or negative.  The impact of unlocking adjustments from the changes in estimates for the periods reported are included in the Consolidated Results of Operations and Operating Results by Segment sections of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained within this document.

The following table reflects the estimated pre-tax impact to DAC and VOBA on universal life, variable universal life, and fixed and variable deferred annuity products that could occur in a twelve-month period for an unlocking adjustment due to reasonably likely changes in significant assumptions.  Changes in assumptions of the same magnitude in the opposite direction would have an impact of a similar magnitude but opposite direction of the examples provided.









Critical Accounting Estimate
Determination Methodology
Potential One-Time Effect on DAC, VOBA and Related Items
Mortality Experience
Based on Company mortality experience.  Industry experience and trends are also considered.
A 2.5% increase in expected mortality experience for all future years would result in a reduction in DAC and VOBA, and an increase in current period amortization expense of $4.4 million.
Surrender Rates
Based on Company surrender experience.  Industry experience and trends are also considered.
A 10% increase in expected surrender rates for all future years would result in a reduction in DAC and VOBA, and an increase in current period amortization expense of $2.1 million.
Interest Spreads
Based on expected future investment returns and expected future crediting rates applied to policyholder account balances; future crediting rates include constraints imposed by policy guarantees.
A 10 basis point reduction in future interest rate spreads would result in a reduction in DAC and VOBA, and an increase in current period amortization expense of $3.4 million.
Maintenance Expenses
Based on Company experience using an internal expense allocation methodology.
A 10% increase in future maintenance expenses would result in a reduction in DAC and VOBA, and an increase in current period amortization expense of $2.2 million.

 
Reinsurance
A variety of reinsurance vehicles are currently in use, including individual and bulk arrangements on both coinsurance and mortality/morbidity-only basis.  Reinsurance supports a multitude of corporate objectives, including managing statutory capital, reducing volatility and surplus strain and is an actively managed tool for the Company.  At the customer level, reinsurance increases the Company’s capacity, provides access to additional underwriting expertise, and generally makes it possible for the Company to offer products at competitive levels that could not otherwise be made available.

The Company remains contingently liable if the reinsurer should be unable to meet obligations assumed under the reinsurance contract. The Company monitors the relative financial strength and viability of its reinsurance partners.

Reinsurance receivables include amounts related to paid benefits and estimated amounts related to unpaid policy and contract claims, future policy benefits and policyholder account balances.

Future Policy Benefits
The Company establishes liabilities for amounts payable under insurance policies, including traditional life insurance, annuities and accident and health insurance.  Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time.  Liabilities for future policy benefits of traditional life insurance have been computed by a net level premium method based upon estimates at the time of issue for investment yields, mortality and withdrawals.  These estimates include provisions for experience less favorable than initially expected.  Mortality assumptions are based on Company experience expressed as a percentage of standard mortality tables.  The 2001 VBT and the 1975-1980 Select and Ultimate Basic Table serve as the basis for most mortality assumptions.

Liabilities for future policy benefits of immediate annuities and supplementary contracts with life contingencies are computed by calculating an actuarial present value of future policy benefits, based upon estimates for investment yields and mortality at the time of issue.

Liabilities for future policy benefits of immediate annuities and supplementary contracts with life contingencies are also computed by a net level premium method, based upon estimates at the time of issue for investment yields and mortality.
 
 
Liabilities for future policy benefits of accident and health insurance represent estimates of payments to be made on reported insurance claims, as well as claims incurred but not yet reported.  These liabilities are estimated using actuarial analyses and case basis evaluations that are based upon past claims experience, claim trends and industry experience.


Policyholder Account Balances
Policyholder account balances include universal life insurance, fixed deferred annuity contracts and investment-type contracts.  Liabilities for these policyholder account balances are included without reduction for potential surrender charges and deferred front-end contract charges.  The account balances for universal life contracts are equal to cumulative premiums, less contract charges and withdrawals, plus interest credited.  The account balances for fixed deferred annuities and investment-type contracts are equal to the cumulative deposits, less any applicable contract charges and withdrawals, plus interest credited.  Front-end contract charges are deferred and amortized over the term of the policies.  Policyholder benefits incurred in excess of related policyholder account balances are charged to policyholder benefits expense.  Interest on policyholder account balances is credited as earned.

On an ongoing basis, the Company performs testing and analysis on its blocks of business to ensure that both the assumptions made when the Company purchases a block of business or when the Company sells new policies remain viable.  The Company also periodically performs sensitivity testing on these blocks of business to ensure it maintains the capacity to meet an increase in demand in policyholder benefits, namely increased surrenders, policy loans or other policyholder elective withdrawals, especially when financial markets become volatile.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
The measurement of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and costs depends on a variety of assumptions.  Assumptions are made regarding the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, employee turnover, expected compensation increases, health care claim costs, heath care cost trends, retirement rates and mortality.  The discount rate and the expected return on plan assets have the most significant impact on the level of cost.  See Note 8 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

In addition, the Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, on the balance sheet.  Changes in the funded status that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are recognized within other comprehensive income (loss) net of income taxes.

Recognition of Revenues
Premiums for traditional life insurance products are reported as revenue when due.  Premiums on accident and health, disability and dental insurance are reported as earned ratably over the contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.  A reserve is provided for the portion of premiums written which relate to unexpired terms of coverage.

Deposits related to universal life, fixed deferred annuity contracts and investment-type products are credited to policyholder account balances.  Revenues from such contracts consist of amounts assessed against policyholder account balances for mortality, policy administration and surrender charges, and are recognized in the period in which the benefits and services are provided.  The cash flows from deposits are credited to policyholder account balances.  Deposits are not recorded as revenue.  Deposits are shown as a Financing Activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The Company measures its sales or new business production with two components: new premiums recorded and new deposits received.  Premiums and deposits are subdivided into two categories: new and renewal.  New premiums and deposits are measures of sales or new business production.  Renewal premiums and deposits occur as continuing business from existing customers.

Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recorded on the differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the amounts at which they are reported in the consolidated financial statements.  Recorded amounts are adjusted to reflect changes in income tax rates and other tax law provisions as they become enacted.  Deferred income tax assets are subject to ongoing evaluation of whether such assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets generally depends on the reversal of deferred tax liabilities and the generation of future taxable income and realized gains during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible.  Deferred income taxes include future deductible differences relating to unrealized losses on investment securities.  The Company evaluates the character and timing of unrealized gains and losses to determine whether sufficient future taxable amounts are sufficient to offset future deductible amounts.  A valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets may be required if future taxable income of the correct character is not expected.



Consolidated Results of Operations
Summary of Results
The Company earned net income of $10.7 million in 2009 compared to a net loss of $17.1 million in 2008 and net income of $35.7 million in 2007.  Net income per share was $0.93 in 2009 versus a net loss of $1.47 per share in 2008 and net income of $3.01 per share in 2007.   The increase in 2009 net income was largely attributed to a reduction in realized investment losses and higher insurance revenues, which were partially offset by an increase in operating expenses.  The decline in net income in 2008 largely resulted from increased realized investment losses, reduced net investment income, and increases in policyholder benefits and operating expenses.  These were partially offset by an increase in insurance revenues and a decrease in interest credited to policyholder account balances.

Sales
The Company measures sales in terms of new premiums and deposits.  Premiums are included in insurance revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income, while deposits are shown as a Financing Activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The Company’s marketing plan is to focus its primary growth strategies on individual life insurance business in both the Individual Insurance and Old American segments.  This growth strategy includes new premiums for individual life products and new deposits for universal life and variable universal life products.  The Company’s growth strategy encourages a product mix that includes both life and annuity products.  The marketing plan includes strategies to grow the business through the Company’s existing sales force and with the addition of new general agents and agents.  The Company believes that increasing both the number and productivity of general agents and agents is essential to this strategy.  Accordingly, the Company has been successful in recruiting new general agents and agents nationwide and has placed an emphasis on training and direct support within the field.  The Company also utilizes third-party marketing arrangements to enhance its sales objectives. In addition, the Company’s marketing and product strategy allows the Company the flexibility to identify niches in the existing market environment and to react quickly to be able to take advantage of short-term opportunities when they occur.

The following table reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business over the three years ended December 31.  New premiums are also detailed by product.
 
     
2009
 
% Change
 
2008
 
% Change
 
2007
New premiums:
                 
 
Individual life insurance
 $        14,182
 
              10
 
 $        12,926
 
                5
 
 $        12,356
 
Immediate annuities
           22,113
 
              75
 
           12,612
 
              55
 
             8,142
 
Group life insurance
             1,599
 
            (23)
 
             2,084
 
              37
 
             1,516
 
Group accident and health insurance
           10,648
 
              (2)
 
           10,889
 
                9
 
             9,997
   
Total new premiums
           48,542
 
              26
 
           38,511
 
              20
 
           32,011
Renewal premiums
         142,257
 
                -
 
         142,271
 
              (1)
 
         143,449
 
Total premiums
 $      190,799
 
                6
 
 $      180,782
 
                3
 
 $      175,460
                       
Consolidated total premiums increased $10.0 million or 6% in 2009 compared to 2008, as total new premiums increased $10.0 million or 26% and total renewal premiums were flat.  The increase in new premiums was driven by a $9.5 million or 75% increase in immediate annuity premiums.  This improvement reflects a continuing demand for guaranteed benefit and retirement income products by consumers and an increase in sales from a third-party arrangement.  In addition, new individual life insurance premiums increased $1.3 million or 10%.  This increase largely resulted from a 20% increase in new premiums in the Old American segment.  The increase in new premiums from the Old American segment reflects a combination of expanded distribution and improved agency productivity.  New group life insurance premiums decreased $0.5 million or 23% and new group accident and health premiums decreased $0.2 million or 2%.  While total renewal premiums were flat compared to 2008, a $1.4 million increase in renewal dental premiums was offset by a $1.2 million decrease in renewal individual life premiums and a $0.3 million decrease in renewal individual accident and health premiums.

Consolidated total premiums increased $5.3 million or 3% in 2008 versus 2007, as total new premiums increased $6.5 million or 20% and total renewal premiums decreased $1.2 million or 1%.  The largest contributor to the increase in new premiums was a $4.5 million or 55% increase in immediate annuity premiums.  This increase largely reflects changes in consumer preferences.  New group life insurance premiums increased $0.6 million or 37% and new group accident and health premiums increased $0.9 million or 9%, reflecting an increase in dental premiums.  The improvements in both new group life and new group accident and health premiums reflect an increase in the number of sales representatives and the realignment of sales territories.  In addition, enhanced product features within the dental product line contributed to the increase in new group accident and health premiums.  The Company exited the stop loss market during 2006 but continued to process


existing business until the stop loss contracts expired in 2007.  Excluding this product line from 2007, the result would be a 4% increase in total premiums, a 26% increase in total new premiums and a 27% increase in new group accident and health premiums in 2008.  New individual life premiums increased $0.6 million or 5%, which includes an 11% increase in new premiums in the Old American segment.  The increase in new premiums at the Old American segment reflects a combination of enhancements to products, compensation and distribution expansion.  The slight decline in total renewal premiums was largely the result of a 1% decline in total individual life renewal premiums.

The following table reconciles deposits with the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and provides detail by new and renewal deposits over the three years ended December 31.  New deposits are also detailed by product.
 
     
2009
 
% Change
 
2008
 
% Change
 
2007
New deposits:
                 
 
Universal life insurance
 $         9,873
 
            (10)
 
 $       10,913
 
                -
 
 $       10,869
 
Variable universal life insurance
            1,031
 
            (47)
 
            1,942
 
            (22)
 
            2,480
 
Fixed deferred annuities
          76,612
 
            152
 
          30,413
 
              15
 
          26,348
 
Variable annuities
          16,078
 
            (37)
 
          25,496
 
            (13)
 
          29,426
   
Total new deposits
        103,594
 
              51
 
          68,764
 
              (1)
 
          69,123
Renewal deposits
        136,048
 
                3
 
        131,701
 
              (4)
 
        136,644
Total deposits
 $     239,642
 
              20
 
 $     200,465
 
              (3)
 
 $     205,767
                       
Total new deposits increased $34.8 million or 51%, following a $0.4 million or 1% decrease in 2008.  The increase in 2009 was due to a $46.2 million or 152% increase in new fixed deferred annuity deposits.  This increase can be attributed to consumer preferences for fixed-rate products resulting from the volatility of the equity markets.  This volatility, along with the general effects of the recessionary environment, is also reflected in the reduction in sales of new universal life deposits, new variable universal life deposits and new variable annuities, which declined 10%, 47% and 37%, respectively.  The slight decline in 2008 was largely due to a $3.9 million or 13% decline in new variable annuity deposits and a $0.5 million or 22% decline in new variable universal life deposits.  These declines reflect the difficult economic environment, increased competition, and the continued impact of alternative products in the marketplace.  Mostly offsetting these declines, new fixed deferred annuity deposits increased $4.1 million or 15%.  This increase was largely due to an increase in sales that can be partially attributed to changes in consumer preferences resulting from the volatility in the equity markets.

Renewal deposits increased $4.3 million or 3% in 2009 versus a $4.9 million or 4% decline in 2008.  The increase in 2009 resulted from higher fixed deferred annuity deposits, which increased $9.3 million or 54% compared to one year ago.  This increase was partially offset by declines in the following products: $2.9 million or 3% in universal life deposits, $1.2 million or 8% in variable universal life deposits and $0.8 million or 8% in variable annuity deposits.  The decline in 2008 was largely due to a $4.5 million or 30% decline in variable annuity deposits and a $2.1 million or 2% decline in universal life deposits.  These declines were partially offset by a $2.3 million or 16% increase in fixed deferred annuity deposits.

Insurance Revenues
Insurance revenues consist of premiums and contract charges less reinsurance ceded.  Insurance revenues increased $5.5 million or 2% to $241.7 million in 2009, compared to a $4.3 million or 2% increase in 2008.  The improvement in 2009 resulted from a $10.0 million or 6% increase in premiums.  Total annuity premiums increased $9.5 million or 75% and total accident and health premiums increased $1.0 million or 2%.  The improvement in premiums was partially offset by a $3.3 million or 3% decrease in contract charges and a $1.2 million or 2% increase in reinsurance ceded.  The increase in insurance revenues in 2008 was largely due to a $5.3 million or 3% increase in premiums and a $1.4 million or 2% decrease in reinsurance ceded.  These were partially offset by a $2.4 million or 2% decrease in contract charges.  Total annuity premiums increased $4.5 million or 55% and accident and health premiums increased $0.8 million or 2% in 2008 compared to a year earlier.

Insurance revenues are affected by the level of new sales, the type of products sold, the persistency of policies, general economic conditions, and competitive forces.  The Company strives to provide a portfolio of products with safety and competitive return objectives.  The Company offers a broad range of products, including variable insurance products, which allow policyholders to participate in both the equity and fixed income markets.  Interest sensitive and traditional insurance products combine safety of principal with competitive interest returns.

Contract charges consist of cost of insurance, expense loads, amortization of unearned revenues and surrender charges.  Certain contract charges for universal life insurance are not recognized in income immediately but are deferred as unearned revenues and are amortized into income in a manner similar to the amortization of DAC.  These contract charges, which are recorded as unearned revenues, are recognized into income in proportion to the expected future gross profits of the business.


In the same manner as DAC, profit expectations are based upon assumptions of future interest spreads, mortality margins, expense margins and policy and premium persistency experience.  At least annually, a review is performed of the assumptions related to profit expectations.  If it is determined the assumptions should be revised, the impact is recorded as a change in the revenue reported in the current period as an unlocking adjustment.

Contract charges declined 3% in 2009 and 2% in 2008.  The decline in 2009 can largely be attributed to three factors: lower account balances on variable contracts, lower surrender charges due to a decline in policy surrenders on certain products, and the runoff of closed blocks.  The Company has purchased blocks of policies and companies with the intent of servicing these blocks to achieve profit streams but without the expectation to generate new business within these blocks of policies.  Total contract charges on these closed blocks equaled 37% of total consolidated contract charges during 2009, compared to 38% in 2008.  Total contract charges on closed blocks declined 4% in 2009 compared to 2008, and total contract charges on open blocks of business declined 2% in 2009 compared to 2008.  In 2008, policy charges declined due to lower policyholder account balances and increased sales of certain products where the contract charges are not recognized into income immediately.  Instead, such charges are deferred as unearned revenues and amortized into income similar to the amortization of deferred acquisition costs (DAC).  Another contributing factor in the decrease in 2008 was the unlocking of DAC assumptions in the second quarter of 2008, which further reduced current period recognition of these revenues.  The resulting increase in unearned revenues will be recognized into income in proportion to the expected future gross profits of the business.  Partially offsetting these, surrender charges increased, largely due to higher surrenders on variable products.

The Company uses reinsurance as a means to mitigate its risks and to reduce the earnings volatility from claims.  Reinsurance ceded premiums increased $1.2 million to $54.9 million in 2009 from $53.6 million in 2008.  In 2007, reinsurance ceded was $55.0 million.  The increase in 2009 was largely in the Group Insurance segment, reflecting an increase in sales from a third-party arrangement that is 100% reinsured.

Investment Revenues
Net investment income was flat in 2009, following a 7% decline in 2008.  Net investment income was $177.4 million in both 2009 and 2008, compared with $190.4 million in 2007.  Net investment income results in 2009 were impacted by a decline in the Company’s invested asset base and a slight improvement in yields from the portfolio.  Net investment income results in 2008 were impacted by declines in both the invested asset base and yields earned on the portfolio.  In addition, expenses associated with investment income declined in both 2009 and 2008, favorably impacting results.

Gross investment income is largely composed of interest, dividends and other earnings on fixed maturity securities, equity securities, short-term investments, mortgage loans, real estate and policy loans.  Gross investment income was flat compared with 2008, as a decline in investment assets was mostly offset by an increase in investment yields.  The decline in investment assets largely reflects declines in book value due to sales, maturities and calls.  The increase in investment yields was largely due to a higher return on an alternative investment fund compared to last year.  In 2009, this investment added gross investment income of $2.2 million.  However, as a result of the significant decline in the economic environment experienced in 2008, this investment resulted in a decline in gross investment income of $4.0 million in the prior year.  Gross investment income declined $13.7 million or 7% in 2008 compared with 2007.  This decrease primarily resulted from a $7.2 million decline in gross investment income on reduced investment assets and a $6.5 million decline from lower investment yields.  The decline in investment assets includes declines in book value due to sales, maturities and calls along with a decline in fair values.  The decline from lower yields was largely due to a reduction in income from the alternative investment fund mentioned above.  In 2007, this investment added gross investment income of $2.7 million.

Investments in mortgage loans totaled $457.6 million at December 31, 2009, an increase of $12.2 million from December 31, 2008.   Mortgage loans are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accrual of discount, less a reserve for probable losses.  A loan is considered impaired if it is probable that contractual amounts due will not be collected.  Loans in foreclosure and loans considered to be impaired are placed on a non-accrual status.  The mortgage loan reserve was $3.4 million at December 31, 2009, unchanged from December 31, 2008.  The reserve for mortgage loans is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb estimated credit losses.  Management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the reserve is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, historical and industry data, current economic conditions and other relevant factors.  No mortgage loans were restructured or delinquent for more than 90 days or foreclosed upon and transferred to real estate investments during the last three years.  The Company does not hold mortgage loans of any borrower that exceed 5% of stockholders’ equity.  Mortgage loans comprised 14% of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2009, down slightly from 15% at the end of 2008.  Almost all of the mortgages were commercial loans on industrial warehouses and office properties at both December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Investment income from mortgage loans decreased $0.4 million or 1% in 2009 and $1.6 million or 5% in 2008 compared to the same periods one year earlier.  The decline in 2009 was largely due to lower prepayment penalties and assumption fees, as well as lower rates earned on new loans.  The decline in 2008 was due to reduced mortgage loan balances, as a result of fewer new mortgage loans, lower rates earned on new loans and lower fee income earned.


Real estate investments were $114.1 million at December 31, 2009 and $99.6 million at December 31, 2008.  Real estate investments consist principally of industrial warehouses, office buildings and investments in multi-family and single-family residential properties, including affordable housing properties.  The primary monetary benefit received from investments in affordable housing properties is in the form of tax credits, which primarily serve to reduce current and future tax expense rather than increase investment revenues.  The Company also invests in unimproved land for future development.  Properties have been acquired through individual purchases, build-to-suit and speculative development.  The Company generally maintains its ownership interest in these properties on a direct and joint venture basis with the long-term intention of earning positive cash flow and income by leasing the properties, along with the expectation of realizing capital appreciation upon sale.  The Company periodically sells certain real estate assets when management believes that the market and timing are perceived to be advantageous.  Real estate investments comprised 3% of the investment portfolio at both December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Investment income on real estate increased 9% in 2009, following a 4% decrease in 2008.  The increase in 2009 primarily resulted from an increase in occupancy in certain real estate properties.  While higher rental income resulted in 2008 from an increase in occupancy in certain real estate properties, investment income on real estate joint ventures declined.

Short-term investments totaled $138.7 million at December 31, 2009, up $103.6 million from December 31, 2008.  Short-term invested assets consist primarily of money-market funds.  The large increase in short-term investments in 2009 reflects sales and maturities of long-term investments which had not been reinvested at year-end.  Income from short-term investments declined $0.7 million or 73% in 2009 and declined $2.7 million or 72% in 2008.  The decline experienced in 2009 was primarily the result of a decline in yields.  The decline in 2008 was largely due to lower short-term invested assets and a decline in short-term yields.

The Company offers policy loans as a benefit to its policyholders.  These loans are secured by the cash value of the policy.  Policy loans totaled $85.6 million at December 31, 2009, down $2.7 million from December 31, 2008.  Investment income from policy loans declined 5% in 2009 and was flat in 2008.  The decline in 2009 was largely due to the reduced balances of policy loans outstanding.  In 2008, the decline in the balance of policy loans was offset by an increase in yields.

Net investment income is stated net of investment expenses, and investment expenses decreased $0.4 million or 3% versus one year earlier.  Interest expense on short-term notes payable decreased in 2009 compared to last year.  The Company has an investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank from which it is able to borrow money at favorable interest rates.  The Company periodically borrows and subsequently reinvests these proceeds.  The Company had increased its borrowings during the first quarter of 2008 and subsequently reduced these borrowings.  The Company had no notes payable outstanding at December 31, 2009.  Partially offsetting this decline was an increase in real estate expenses in 2009 compared to 2008.  Investment expenses decreased $0.7 million or 6% in 2008 compared to 2007.  This was primarily due to a decrease in real estate investment expenses and interest expense.  The largest factor contributing to the decrease was reduced tenant improvement costs on buildings held for investment.  The decrease in interest expense related to borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

The following table provides asset class detail of the investment portfolio.  Fixed maturity and equity securities represented 76% of the entire investment portfolio at December 31, 2009, down from 78% at December 31, 2008.
 
   
2009
 
2008
       
%
     
%
   
Amount
 
        of Total
 
Amount
 
         of Total
Fixed maturity securities
 $    2,469,272
 
75%
 
 $    2,350,834
 
77%
Equity securities
            36,876
 
1%
 
            36,576
 
1%
Mortgage loans
          457,582
 
14%
 
          445,389
 
15%
Real estate
          114,076
 
3%
 
            99,576
 
3%
Policy loans
            85,585
 
3%
 
            88,304
 
3%
Short-term
          138,704
 
4%
 
            35,138
 
1%
 
Total
 $    3,302,095
 
100%
 
 $    3,055,817
 
100%
                 

 
 

The Company realized investment gains and losses from several sources, including write-downs of investments and sales of investment securities and real estate.  Many securities purchased by the Company contain call provisions, which allow the


issuer to redeem the securities at a particular price.  Depending upon the terms of the call provision and price at which the security was purchased, a gain or loss may be realized.

The following table provides detail concerning realized investment gains and losses over the three years ended December 31.

        
       
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Gross gains resulting from:
         
 
Sales of investment securities
 $      9,494
 
 $              -
 
 $         431
 
Investment securities called, put and other
            942
 
         2,673
 
         1,623
 
Sales of real estate
            661
 
         5,154
 
         7,118
 
Other investment gains
            124
 
            280
 
         1,905
     
Total gross gains
       11,221
 
         8,107
 
       11,077
Gross losses resulting from:
         
 
Sales of investment securities
                 -
 
       (1,115)
 
          (633)
 
Investment securities called, put and other
          (386)
 
                 -
 
          (939)
 
Other investment losses
            (15)
 
                 -
 
                 -
     
Total gross losses
          (401)
 
       (1,115)
 
       (1,572)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
            159
 
         3,430
 
            (43)
Net realized investment gains, exluding
         
   
impairment losses
       10,979
 
       10,422
 
         9,462
                 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
         
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on
         
   
fixed maturity and equity securities
     (35,011)
 
     (62,693)
 
       (4,036)
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on
         
   
real estate
       (2,114)
 
               -
 
               -
   
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
     (37,125)
 
     (62,693)
 
       (4,036)
 
Portion of loss recognized in other
         
   
comprehensive income (loss)
       16,070
 
                 -
 
                 -
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
     (21,055)
 
     (62,693)
 
       (4,036)
Realized investment losses
 $  (10,076)
 
 $  (52,271)
 
 $      5,426
                 

The Company recorded net realized investment losses of $10.1 million in 2009 and $52.3 million in 2008 and net realized investment gains of $5.4 million in 2007.  During 2009, investment losses of $21.1 million were due to write-downs of investment securities and investments in affordable housing funds that were considered other-than-temporarily impaired, including $8.7 million from the fourth quarter, $2.3 million from the third quarter, $4.0 million from the second quarter, and $6.1 million from the first quarter.  These were partially offset by $9.5 million in gains on the sale of investment securities, $0.9 million of investment gains realized on securities called and put, and $0.7 million of investment gains on the sale of real estate.  During 2008, investment losses of $62.7 million were due to write-downs of investment securities, including $20.0 million from the fourth quarter, $32.5 million from the third quarter and $10.2 million from the second quarter.  These losses were partially offset by $5.2 million of investment gains realized on the sale of real estate and $2.7 million of investment gains realized on securities called, put and other.  During both 2009 and 2008, the financial markets were significantly affected by economic pressures and the residential mortgage crisis.  These pressures have resulted in large price dislocations that have affected many securities and companies, particularly in the financial sector.

In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company experienced $1.9 million of net impairment losses on the Company’s real estate joint ventures, specifically attributable to investments in affordable housing funds.  The Company is a limited partner in several joint ventures whose underlying investments are in affordable housing properties.  These properties generate federal and/or state tax credits and have a residual value in the properties that requires the funds to operate as a real estate joint venture investment.  In one property fund, an impairment of $1.6 million resulted from the transfer of the residual interest in certain properties in exchange for contingent future benefits.  An additional impairment of $0.3 million was recorded due to the foreclosure of certain properties in a second property fund.  The Company also wrote down two affordable housing investments by $0.3 million, when it determined that there were no remaining future benefits expected from these investments.


The Company reviews and analyzes its securities on an ongoing basis to determine whether impairments exist that are other-than-temporary. Based upon these analyses, specific securities’ credit impairments may be written down through earnings as a realized investment loss if the security’s fair value is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired.  Non-credit impairments are charged to other comprehensive income (loss).

Following is information regarding the other-than-temporarily impaired write-downs of investment securities by sector for 2009.  The other-than-temporarily impaired write-downs of securities during the fourth quarter included: $5.7 million from the financial sector; $0.1 million from the asset-backed securities sector; $0.6 million from the industrial sector; and $0.1 million from the residential mortgage-backed securities sector.  The other-than-temporarily impaired write-downs for the third quarter included: $1.8 million from the financial sector; $0.3 million from the residential mortgage-backed securities sector; and $0.2 million from the communications sector.  The other-than-temporarily impaired write-downs of investment securities by sector for the second quarter of 2009 included the following: $2.7 million from the financial sector; $0.1 million from the residential mortgage-backed securities sector; $0.2 million from the asset-backed securities sector; and $1.0 million from the communications sector.  The other-than-temporarily impaired write-downs of investment securities by sector for the first quarter of 2009 included: $1.5 million from the financial sector; $0.7 million from the residential mortgage-backed securities sector; $2.7 million from the industrial sector; and $1.2 million from the consumer, non-cyclical sector.  

Other-than-temporarily impaired write-downs of investment securities by sector for 2008 included: $27.1 million from the financial sector; $13.2 million from asset-backed securities; $6.8 million from the government sector; $4.2 million from the consumer, cyclical sector; $4.2 million from the mortgage securities sector; $3.3 million from the communications sector; $2.1 million from the industrial sector; and $1.8 million from the consumer, non-cyclical sector.  This same information for 2007 was: $3.3 million from the consumer, cyclical sector and $0.7 million from the communications sector.

The Company’s analysis of fixed maturity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that eight fixed-maturity issuers (nine securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $6.5 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $6.7 million, and $0.2 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2009:

·  
Five securities were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.2 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  Two of these securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
 
·  
One security was from a company that provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide and was written down $0.5 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company accepted an offer from this company to exchange this security for a security with a longer-dated maturity with an enhanced second lien priority in the capital structure.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  This security was sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
·  
One security was from a trucking company that was written down $0.6 million.  As the trucking industry is highly correlated with the general economy, this company had experienced a reduction in shipping volume as a result of the recession.  This company renegotiated its credit facilities in the first quarter of 2009, but new covenants placed significant requirements on the issuer.  These restrictions, combined with the need to retire longer-term debt, placed additional stress on cash resources and led to indications of continued weakening performance that the Company believed to be other-than-temporary.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  This security was sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
·  
Two securities, one issuer a parent organization of the other, were from financial guarantee insurance companies that provide credit enhancement for bond issuers as well as investment management services and were written down by a total of $5.2 million.  These issuers had also experienced declines in value related to the mortgage credit crisis, including significant and continuing reductions in capital and liquidity positions.  These securities were sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 resulted in the determination that five fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $2.3 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $2.5 million, and $0.2 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the third quarter of 2009:


·  
Four securities (from two issuers) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.3 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  Three of these securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
·  
One security from a print media company that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 and is currently under reorganization was written down $0.2 million.  The print media industry is highly cyclical and has experienced weakened consumer demand and competition from electronic media.  This security had been previously written down and continues to be challenged in its market and industry.  This security was exchanged for a replacement security during the third quarter of 2009.
·  
One security from a global commercial finance company that provides financial products and advisory services to a range of industry sectors was written down $0.3 million.  This company has been affected by the credit crisis, causing reduced access to liquidity and higher borrowing costs.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  The Company determined that a credit-related impairment had occurred, and this security was sold during the third quarter of 2009.
·  
One security was from a financial institution that had been impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis and had been supported through Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) funds.  This company has experienced large losses in its real estate loan portfolios and has had an increase in non-performing loans over the past year.  This security was written down by a total of $1.5 million before it was sold during the third quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 resulted in the determination that six fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $4.0 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $4.4 million, and $0.4 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the second quarter of 2009:

·  
Three securities (from two issuers) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  These securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
·  
One security was a collateralized debt obligation (CDO) that was written down $0.2 million.  This security had been impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the subprime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling had caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.  This security had been written down in previous periods.
·  
One security from a print media company that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 and was under reorganization was written down $1.0 million.  The print media industry is highly cyclical and has experienced weakened consumer demand and competition from electronic media.  This security had been previously written down.
·  
One security from a global commercial finance company that provides financial products and advisory services to a range of industry sectors was written down $0.5 million.  This company had been affected by the credit crisis, forcing reduced access to liquidity and higher borrowing costs.  The Company determined that a credit-related impairment had occurred.
 
·  
One security was from a company that provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide and was written down $2.2 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company accepted an offer from this company to exchange this security for a security with a longer-dated maturity with an enhanced second lien priority in the capital structure.  This security had been written down in a previous period.
 
The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that six fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $6.1 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $21.4 million, and $15.3 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the first quarter of 2009:

·  
One security was from a mortgage and financial guaranty insurer that was written down $1.6 million.  Mortgage insurers have suffered from the deterioration in the U.S. housing market and mortgage credit market.  Rising mortgage delinquencies and defaults have resulted in rating downgrades for these insurers.  Recent rating


  
downgrades, combined with the issuer’s need to raise additional capital to meet future payments contributed to the other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was from a trucking company that was written down $1.6 million.  As the trucking industry is highly correlated with the general economy, this company had experienced a reduction in shipping volume as a result of the recession.  This company renegotiated its credit facilities in the first quarter of 2009, but new covenants placed significant requirements on the issuer.  These restrictions, combined with the need to retire longer-term debt, placed additional stress on cash resources and led to indications of continued weakening performance that the Company believed to be other-than-temporary.
·  
One security was from a company that develops, manufactures and markets imaging products that was written down $1.2 million.   This company’s past emphasis was in traditional film, which has been largely surpassed by digital photography.  The decline in the economy had negatively affected sales, as the consumer photography industry is a discretionary item.  The company’s declining revenues and liquidity position led to the other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
Two securities (from one issuer) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.6 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was a residential mortgage-backed security that was written down $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the security and created an other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was written down $1.0 million as the Company accepted a tender offer on the Company’s holdings from an issuer during the second quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 resulted in the determination that 16 securities (14 issuers) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $20.0 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2008:

·  
Two of the securities were preferred stocks of government-sponsored agencies that were written down by a total of $0.4 million.  These entities buy and hold mortgages and issue and sell guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities to facilitate housing ownership.  They are now operated in conservatorship by the U.S. government and their existing common and preferred stock securities are severely diluted.  Dividend payments were suspended, driving the fair value of these securities down.
·  
Two securities were written down by $3.1 million, primarily as a result of declines in price and rating agency downgrades on debt issues from issuers that completed leveraged buyout transactions during 2008.  One of these securities was subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.
·  
Three securities were CDOs that were written down by a total of $5.3 million.  These securities were impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the sub-prime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.
·  
Two securities were written down by $1.9 million due to a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary.  One of these securities was subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.
·  
One security was from an originator of residential prime, Alt-A and subprime mortgages that was written down $4.2 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets resulted in a reduction in value for this security.
·  
One security was from an issuer that designs, manufactures and services cars and trucks and provides vehicle-related financing, leasing and insurance was written down $1.2 million, largely resulting from the decline in the U.S. automotive industry.
·  
One security that is a financial services company involved in automotive and real estate financing and mortgage lending was written down by $0.6 million and subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.
·  
Four securities (two issuers) were perpetual preferred securities that were written down $3.3 million.  These securities had been negatively impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis and have received TARP (Troubled Assets Relief Program) funds.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 resulted in the determination that ten fixed-maturity issuers (twelve specific securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $32.5 million in the third quarter.


Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the third quarter of 2008:

·  
Two of the securities were preferred stocks of government-sponsored agencies that were written down by a total of $6.5 million.  These entities buy and hold mortgages and issue and sell guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities to facilitate housing ownership.  They are now operated in conservatorship by the U.S. government and their existing common and preferred stock securities are severely diluted.  Dividend payments were suspended, driving the fair value of these securities down.
·  
Two securities from the same issuer were from an investment banking firm that filed for bankruptcy during the third quarter of 2008 and were written down by a total of $9.2 million.  This firm was part of the financial industry that was hit hard by the mortgage credit crisis.  After a severe decline in equity valuations, the inability to obtain short-term funding and the failure to find an acquirer forced this firm to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
·  
Two securities were CDOs that were written down by a total of $5.1 million.  These securities were impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the sub-prime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling have caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.
·  
Two securities, one issuer a parent organization of the other, were from financial guarantee insurance companies that provide credit enhancement for bond issuers as well as investment management services and were written down by a total of $4.9 million.  These issuers had also experienced declines in value related to the mortgage credit crisis and had been downgraded to a negative outlook.
·  
One security was from a supplier of auto parts for light trucks and sport-utility vehicles.  The deteriorating truck and sport-utility vehicle markets of the auto industry, combined with the sharp decline in value and recent ratings declines, resulted in a $2.1 million write-down.
·  
One security was written down $1.1 million as continued price deterioration occurred on this security that was previously written down.  This issuer is primarily in the radio and advertising business.
·  
One security provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide.  This security had a rating decline to below investment grade status combined with continued price deterioration and was written down $2.8 million.
·  
One security was from a bank holding company that had recently filed for bankruptcy.  This holding company was the parent of a large nationwide bank that was recently taken over by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was appointed as its receiver.  As a result of the bankruptcy filing, this security was written down $0.8 million.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 resulted in the determination that seven fixed-maturity securities had other-than-temporary impairments.  These securities were written down by a combined $10.2 million in the second quarter.  The total fair value of the affected securities after the write-downs was $16.8 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the second quarter of 2008:

·  
Three of the securities were written down by a total of $3.3 million, primarily as a result of declines in price and rating agency downgrades on debt issues from issuers that had recently completed leveraged buyout (LBO) transactions.  These LBO transactions greatly increased the debt level of each issuer.  One of these securities had been written down previously, and the other two securities were below cost by 20% or more for at least six consecutive months.
·  
Two securities were CDOs and were written down by $2.8 million, primarily due to price declines that had persisted for periods longer than the Company considered temporary.  Both securities were below cost by 20% or more for at least six consecutive months.
·  
One security was written down by $3.3 million due to a combination of a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary, rating agency downgrades and a debt restructuring during the quarter.
·  
One security was written down by $0.8 million due to a combination of a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary and a further deterioration in fair value during the second quarter of 2008.

No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first quarter of 2008.

The Company’s analysis of fixed maturity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 resulted in the determination that two securities had other-than-temporary declines which were written down by $4.0 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2007:


·  
One security was below cost by 20% or more for more than six consecutive months and was the subject of a recent leveraged buyout that was finalized during the fourth quarter of 2007, which greatly increased the debt level of the company.  Accordingly, the Company wrote down this security $3.3 million at year-end 2007.
·  
One security filed for Chapter 11 protection and indicated that it would not be able to fully meet all of the obligations of its borrowings.  The Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment on this security at year-end 2006 of $1.1 million.  As a result of this new action, the Company recognized an additional $0.7 million impairment in 2007.  At December 31, 2006, this security was below cost by 20% or more for more than twelve consecutive months.  It was in a highly competitive and cyclical industry that was experiencing weakened demand and overcapacity.  Capital expenditures for equipment upgrades were exceeding cash generation.

No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first, second and third quarters of 2007.

Investment Accounting Policy and Analysis of Investments
The Company seeks to protect policyholders’ benefits by optimizing risk and return on an ongoing basis through managing asset and liability cash flows, monitoring credit risk, avoiding high levels of investments that may be redeemed by the issuer, maintaining sufficiently liquid investments and avoiding undue asset concentrations through diversification, among other things.  The Company has three primary sources of investment risk:

·  
Credit risk, relating to the uncertainty associated with the continued ability of a given obligor to make timely payments of principal and interest;
·  
Interest rate risk, relating to the market price and/or cash flow associated with changes in market yield and curves; and
·  
Liquidity risk, relating to the risk that investments cannot be converted into cash when needed or that the terms for conversion have a negative effect on the Company.

The Company’s ability to manage these risks is essential to the success of the organization.  In particular, the Company devotes considerable resources to the credit analysis of each new investment and the ongoing credit positions.  The majority of the Company’s investments are exposed to varying degrees of credit risk.  Credit risk is the risk that the value of the investment may decline due to deterioration in the financial strength of the issuer and that the timely or ultimate payment of principal or interest might not occur.  A default by an issuer usually involves some loss of principal to the investor.  Losses can be mitigated by timely sales of affected securities or by active involvement in a restructuring process.  However, there can be no assurance that the efforts of an investor will lead to favorable outcomes in a bankruptcy or restructuring. Credit risk is managed primarily through industry, issuer, structure and asset diversification.

The following table provides information regarding fixed maturity securities by asset class as of December 31, 2009.
 
               
Fair Value
     
Fair Value
   
               
of Securities
     
of Securities
   
       
Total
     
with Gross
 
Gross
 
with Gross
 
Gross
       
Fair
 
%
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
       
Value
 
of Total
 
Gains
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
                     
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $           121,937
 
5%
 
 $          88,281
 
 $         4,674
 
 $            33,656
 
 $            1,021
 
Federal agencies 1
                28,321
 
1%
 
             28,321
 
               681
 
                        -
 
                       -
 
Federal agency issued
                     
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
              172,515
 
7%
 
           164,961
 
            7,220
 
                 7,554
 
                    55
     
Subtotal
              322,773
 
13%
 
           281,563
 
          12,575
 
               41,210
 
               1,076
 
Corporate obligations:
                     
   
Industrial
              415,946
 
17%
 
           335,829
 
          17,773
 
               80,117
 
               2,602
   
Energy
              200,340
 
8%
 
           176,126
 
          10,703
 
               24,214
 
               1,199
   
Technology
                40,864
 
2%
 
             29,483
 
            1,919
 
               11,381
 
                  413
   
Communications
                86,264
 
4%
 
             63,114
 
            3,492
 
               23,150
 
               1,374
   
Financial
              364,608
 
15%
 
           202,958
 
            9,247
 
             161,650
 
             15,818
   
Consumer
              307,506
 
12%
 
           251,586
 
          15,210
 
               55,920
 
               2,436
   
Public utilities
              287,687
 
12%
 
           233,663
 
          16,012
 
               54,024
 
               2,121
     
Subtotal
           1,703,215
 
70%
 
        1,292,759
 
          74,356
 
             410,456
 
             25,963
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
                     
   
mortgage-backed securities
              200,002
 
8%
 
             22,870
 
               387
 
             177,132
 
             42,930
 
Other
              229,681
 
9%
 
             54,519
 
            4,349
 
             175,162
 
             21,677
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
                13,601
 
           -
 
               5,098
 
                 98
 
                 8,503
 
               1,363
Total
 
 $        2,469,272
 
100%
 
 $     1,656,809
 
 $       91,765
 
 $          812,463
 
 $          93,009
                             
1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

The following table provides information regarding fixed maturity securities by asset class as of December 31, 2008.
               
Fair Value
     
Fair Value
   
               
of Securities
     
of Securities
   
       
Total
     
with Gross
 
Gross
 
with Gross
 
Gross
       
Fair
 
%
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
       
Value
 
of Total
 
Gains
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
                     
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $             87,056
 
4%
 
 $          80,252
 
 $         3,518
 
 $              6,804
 
 $               399
 
Federal agencies 1
                76,209
 
3%
 
             76,209
 
            4,074
 
                        -
 
                       -
 
Federal agency issued
                     
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
              200,485
 
8%
 
           146,148
 
            3,407
 
               54,337
 
                  635
     
Subtotal
              363,750
 
15%
 
           302,609
 
          10,999
 
               61,141
 
               1,034
 
Corporate obligations:
                     
   
Industrial
              368,713
 
16%
 
           142,876
 
            6,501
 
             225,837
 
             27,368
   
Energy
              189,740
 
8%
 
             68,412
 
            4,261
 
             121,328
 
             15,693
   
Technology
                35,317
 
2%
 
             22,514
 
            1,109
 
               12,803
 
               3,056
   
Communications
                66,057
 
3%
 
             20,498
 
               699
 
               45,559
 
               7,677
   
Financial
              345,564
 
15%
 
             79,198
 
            3,430
 
             266,366
 
             45,793
   
Consumer
              279,875
 
12%
 
             93,269
 
            4,900
 
             186,606
 
             27,458
   
Public utilities
              255,624
 
11%
 
           116,550
 
            6,013
 
             139,074
 
             10,918
     
Subtotal
           1,540,890
 
67%
 
           543,317
 
          26,913
 
             997,573
 
           137,963
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
                     
   
mortgage-backed securities
              219,700
 
9%
 
             15,219
 
                 90
 
             204,481
 
             52,795
 
Other
              204,500
 
9%
 
             20,665
 
               545
 
             183,835
 
             37,217
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
                21,994
 
           -
 
               8,270
 
                 52
 
               13,724
 
               2,430
Total
 
 $        2,350,834
 
100%
 
 $        890,080
 
 $       38,599
 
 $       1,460,754
 
 $        231,439
                             

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

At December 31, 2009, the Company’s unrealized losses on fixed maturities had decreased to $93.0 million and were offset by $91.8 million in gross unrealized gains.  At December 31, 2008, the Company had $231.4 million in gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities which were partially offset by $38.6 million in gross unrealized gains.  At December 31 2009, 67% of the fixed maturities portfolio had unrealized gains, a significant improvement from 38% at December 31, 2008.  At December 31, 2009, 28% of the total gross unrealized losses were in the category of corporate obligations.  The financial sector was the single largest contributor to this category, primarily due to the direct and indirect impact of the troubled residential real estate and mortgage markets.  In addition, corporate private-labeled residential mortgage-backed securities, also related to the residential real estate and mortgage industries, accounted for 46% of the total gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2009.  The category of corporate obligations was the area with the greatest decrease in unrealized losses for the two comparative year-end dates, as this figure decreased from $138.0 million to $26.0 million.

The following table identifies fixed maturity securities available for sale by rating.

    
 
December 31, 2009
 
December 31, 2008
 
 Fair
 
%
 
Fair
 
%
Equivalent S&P Rating
 Value
 
of Total
 
Value
 
of Total
AAA
 $      601,262
 
24%
 
 $      751,995
 
32%
AA
         150,543
 
6%
 
         194,879
 
8%
A
         696,861
 
29%
 
         658,328
 
29%
BBB
         866,902
 
35%
 
         640,582
 
27%
    Total investment grade
      2,315,568
 
94%
 
      2,245,784
 
96%
BB
           78,996
 
3%
 
           74,961
 
3%
B and below
           74,708
 
3%
 
           30,089
 
1%
    Total below investment grade
         153,704
 
6%
 
         105,050
 
4%
 
 $   2,469,272
 
100%
 
 $   2,350,834
 
100%
               

Reflecting the high quality of securities maintained by the Company, 94% and 96% of all fixed maturity securities were investment grade as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  Changes in the mix of investment grade


securities for the comparative year-end dates include a decline of 8% in AAA-rated securities and an 8% increase in BBB-rated securities.

The Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities that were rated below investment grade at year-end 2009 were 4% of the total, compared to 2% at year-end 2008.  The Company’s below investment grade fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2009 included 99% corporate obligations and 1% collateralized debt obligations.  Comparatively, the Company’s below investment grade fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2008 included 98% corporate obligations and 2% collateralized debt obligations.

Analysis of Unrealized Losses on Securities
The Company reviews all security investments, particularly those having unrealized losses.  Further, the Company specifically assesses all investments with greater than 10% declines in fair value and, in general, monitors all security investments as to ongoing risk.  These risks are fundamentally evaluated through both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the issuer.  The Company also prepares a formal review document no less often than quarterly of all investments with greater than 20% declines in fair value for six months or more, investments that have previously been written down and that remain in an unrealized loss position, and selected investments that have changed significantly from a previous period and that have a decline in fair value greater than 10% of amortized cost.

The Company has a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other-than-temporary.  This process involves monitoring market events and other items that could impact issuers such as:

·  
Intent and ability to make all principal and interest payments when due;
·  
Near-term business prospects;
·  
Cash flow and liquidity;
·  
Credit ratings;
·  
Business climate;
·  
Management changes;
·  
Litigation and government actions; and
·  
Other similar factors.

This process also involves monitoring several factors including late payments, downgrades by rating agencies, asset quality, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.

All securities are reviewed to determine whether impairments should be recorded.  This process includes an assessment of the credit quality of each investment in the entire securities portfolio.  Additional reporting and review procedures are conducted for those securities where fair value is less than 90% of amortized cost.  Further, detailed analysis is performed for each issue or issues having experienced a formal restructuring or where the security has experienced material deterioration in fair value or where the fair value is less than 80% of amortized cost for six months or more.

The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether the impairment of a security is other-than-temporary.  Relevant facts and circumstances considered include but are not limited to:

·  
The current fair value of the security as compared to amortized cost;
·  
The credit rating of the security;
·  
The extent and the length of time the fair value has been below amortized cost;
·  
The financial position of the issuer, including the current and future impact of any specific events, material declines in the issuer’s revenues, margins, cash positions, liquidity issues, asset quality, debt levels and income results;
·  
Significant management or organizational changes;
·  
Significant uncertainty regarding the issuer’s industry;
·  
Violation of financial covenants;
·  
Consideration of information or evidence that supports timely recovery;
·  
The Company’s intent and ability to hold an equity security until it recovers in value;
·  
Whether the Company intends to sell a debt security and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of the amortized cost basis; and
·  
Other business factors related to the issuer’s industry.

To the extent the Company determines that a fixed maturity security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the portion of the impairment that is deemed to be due to credit is charged to the income statement and the cost basis of the underlying investment is reduced.  The portion of the impairment that is deemed to be non-credit is charged to other


 comprehensive income (loss).  Equity securities that are determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to fair value and the impairment is charged to the income statement.

There are a number of significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments, determining if an impairment is other-than-temporary and determining the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment that is due to credit.  These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to:

·  
The risk that the Company’s assessment of an issuer’s ability to meet all of its contractual obligations will change based on changes in the credit characteristics of that issuer;
·  
The risk that the economic outlook will be worse than expected or have more of an impact on the issuer than anticipated;
·  
The risk that the performance of the underlying collateral for securities could deteriorate in the future and the Company’s credit enhancement levels and recovery values do not provide sufficient protection to the Company’s contractual principal and interest;
·  
The risk that fraudulent, inaccurate or misleading information could be provided to the Company’s credit, investment and accounting professionals who determine the fair value estimates and accounting treatment for securities;
·  
The risk that new information obtained by the Company or changes in other facts and circumstances may lead the Company to change its intent to sell the security before it recovers in value;
·  
The risk that the facts and circumstances change such that it becomes more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the amortized cost basis; and
·  
The risk that the methodology or assumptions used to develop estimates of the portion of impairments due to credit prove, over time, to be inaccurate or insufficient.

Any of these situations could result in a charge to income in a future period.

The Company may selectively determine, as part of its individual investment assessment process in relation to specific investments that it no longer intends to hold a specific issue to its maturity.  If the Company makes this determination and the fair value is less than the cost basis, an analysis of the fair value of the investment is performed and the investment is written down to the fair value and an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded on this particular position.  Subsequently, the Company seeks to obtain the best possible outcome available for this specific issue and records an investment gain or loss at the disposal date.

The evaluation of loan-backed and similar asset-backed securities, particularly including residential mortgage-backed securities, with significant indications of potential other-than-temporary impairment requires significant use of estimates and judgment.  Specifically, the Company performs discounted future cash flow calculations to assure the value of the investment is expected to be fully realized. Projections of expected future cash flows are based upon considerations of the performance of the actual underlying assets, including historical delinquencies, defaults, severity of losses incurred, and prepayments, along with the Company’s estimates of future results for these factors.  The Company’s estimates of future results are based upon actual historical performance of the underlying assets relative to historical, current and expected general economic conditions, specific conditions related to the underlying assets, industry data, and other factors that are believed to be relevant.


Concerns arose during the second half of 2007 regarding subprime mortgage loan defaults.  These difficulties deepened and expanded through 2009.  Market dislocations have exacerbated credit issues as some historically liquid markets, such as asset-backed commercial paper, auction-rate securities and bank financing have contracted.  Demand for securitized investments has also fallen significantly.  The Company closely monitors its investments in securities classified as subprime.  Subprime securities include all bonds or portions of bonds where the underlying collateral is made up of home equity loans or first mortgage loans to borrowers whose credit scores at the time of origination were lower than the level recognized in the market as prime.  The Company’s classification of subprime does not include Alt-A or jumbo loans, unless the collateral otherwise meets the preceding definition.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had investments with subprime residential mortgage exposure of $20.9 million and a related $8.0 million unrealized loss.  This exposure amounted to less than 1% of the Company’s invested assets.  These investments are included in the Company’s normal process for evaluation of other-than-temporarily impaired securities.

The Company has a significant level of non-U.S. Agency structured securities.  Structured securities include asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed securities, along with collateralized debt obligations, collateralized mortgage obligations and other collateralized obligations.  The Company monitors these securities through a combination of an analysis of vintage, credit ratings and other means.

Identified below are tables that divide these investment types among vintage and credit ratings as of December 31, 2009.

     
Fair
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
%
     
Value
 
Cost
 
Losses
 
of Total
Residential & Non-agency MBS 1
             
Investment Grade:
             
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
 $       78,263
 
 $       80,303
 
 $           (2,040)
 
4%
 
2004
          67,494
 
          80,074
 
            (12,580)
 
22%
 
2005
          30,729
 
          42,761
 
            (12,032)
 
21%
 
2006
            3,706
 
            4,318
 
                 (612)
 
1%
 
2007
                  -
 
                  -
 
                     -
 
             -
   
Total investment grade
        180,192
 
        207,456
 
            (27,264)
 
48%
                   
Below Investment Grade:
             
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
                  -
 
                  -
 
                     -
 
             -
 
2004
                  -
 
                  -
 
                     -
 
             -
 
2005
          30,897
 
          50,565
 
            (19,668)
 
34%
 
2006
            2,669
 
            5,715
 
              (3,046)
 
5%
 
2007
            3,944
 
            5,859
 
              (1,915)
 
3%
   
Total below investment grade
          37,510
 
          62,139
 
            (24,629)
 
42%
                   
Other Structured Securities:
             
Investment grade
        106,822
 
        110,327
 
              (3,505)
 
6%
Below investment grade
          42,659
 
          44,965
 
              (2,306)
 
4%
 
Total other
        149,481
 
        155,292
 
              (5,811)
 
10%
Total structured securities
 $     367,183
 
 $     424,887
 
 $         (57,704)
 
100%
                   
1 This chart accounts for all vintages owned by the Company.












Identified below are tables that divide these investment types among vintage and credit ratings as of December 31, 2008.

     
Fair
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
%
     
Value
 
Cost
 
Losses
 
of Total
Residential & Non-agency MBS 1
             
Investment Grade:
             
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
 $          105,722
 
 $          113,645
 
 $            (7,923)
 
9%
 
2004
               63,843
 
               81,142
 
             (17,299)
 
21%
 
2005
               61,672
 
               94,517
 
             (32,845)
 
39%
 
2006
                 7,740
 
               12,890
 
               (5,150)
 
6%
 
2007
                 2,005
 
                 2,005
 
                       -
 
             -
   
Total investment grade
             240,982
 
             304,199
 
             (63,217)
 
75%
                   
Below Investment Grade:
             
 
Vintage 2003 and earlier
                       -
 
                       -
 
                       -
 
             -
 
2004
                       -
 
                       -
 
                       -
 
             -
 
2005
                       -
 
                       -
 
                       -
 
             -
 
2006
                       -
 
                       -
 
                       -
 
             -
 
2007
                       -
 
                       -
 
                       -
 
             -
   
Total below investment grade
                       -
 
                       -
 
                       -
 
             -
                   
Other Structured Securities:
             
Investment grade
             135,625
 
             156,232
 
             (20,607)
 
24%
Below investment grade
                 3,270
 
                 4,031
 
                  (761)
 
1%
 
Total other
             138,895
 
             160,263
 
             (21,368)
 
25%
Total structured securities
 $          379,877
 
 $          464,462
 
 $          (84,585)
 
100%
                   

1 This chart accounts for all vintages owned by the Company.










The following table provides information regarding investment securities with unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments available for sale, as of December 31, 2009.

       
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
       
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
Bonds:
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
                     
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $   30,616
 
 $        913
 
 $     3,040
 
 $        108
 
 $         33,656
 
 $     1,021
 
Federal agency issued
                     
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
        1,363
 
               4
 
        6,191
 
             51
 
              7,554
 
             55
     
Subtotal
      31,979
 
           917
 
        9,231
 
           159
 
            41,210
 
        1,076
 
Corporate obligations:
                     
   
Industrial
      55,724
 
           562
 
      24,393
 
        2,040
 
            80,117
 
        2,602
   
Energy
      12,392
 
           167
 
      11,822
 
        1,032
 
            24,214
 
        1,199
   
Technology
        4,012
 
             76
 
        7,369
 
           337
 
            11,381
 
           413
   
Communications
        2,353
 
             44
 
      20,797
 
        1,330
 
            23,150
 
        1,374
   
Financial
      35,437
 
           568
 
    126,213
 
      15,250
 
          161,650
 
      15,818
   
Consumer
      21,753
 
           898
 
      34,167
 
        1,538
 
            55,920
 
        2,436
   
Public utilities
      34,108
 
           731
 
      19,916
 
        1,390
 
            54,024
 
        2,121
 
Total corporate obligations
    165,779
 
        3,046
 
    244,677
 
      22,917
 
          410,456
 
      25,963
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
                     
   
mortgage-backed securities
      18,319
 
        2,266
 
    158,813
 
      40,664
 
          177,132
 
      42,930
 
Other
      25,747
 
           940
 
    149,415
 
      20,737
 
          175,162
 
      21,677
Redeemable preferred stocks
           831
 
               2
 
        7,672
 
        1,361
 
              8,503
 
        1,363
Fixed maturity securities
    242,655
 
        7,171
 
    569,808
 
      85,838
 
          812,463
 
      93,009
Equity securities
                -
 
                -
 
        1,986
 
           186
 
              1,986
 
           186
     
Total
 $ 242,655
 
 $     7,171
 
 $ 571,794
 
 $   86,024
 
 $       814,449
 
 $   93,195
                             

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.









The following table provides information regarding investment securities with unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments available for sale, as of December 31, 2008.

       
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
       
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
Bonds:
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
                     
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $     1,591
 
 $        260
 
 $     5,213
 
 $        139
 
 $           6,804
 
 $        399
 
Federal agency issued
                     
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
      28,933
 
           419
 
      25,404
 
           216
 
            54,337
 
           635
     
Subtotal
      30,524
 
           679
 
      30,617
 
           355
 
            61,141
 
        1,034
 
Corporate obligations:
                     
   
Industrial
    152,873
 
      11,301
 
      72,964
 
      16,067
 
          225,837
 
      27,368
   
Energy
    104,230
 
      12,571
 
      17,098
 
        3,122
 
          121,328
 
      15,693
   
Technology
        5,828
 
        1,352
 
        6,975
 
        1,704
 
            12,803
 
        3,056
   
Communications
      27,885
 
        3,584
 
      17,674
 
        4,093
 
            45,559
 
        7,677
   
Financial
    171,513
 
      18,408
 
      94,853
 
      27,385
 
          266,366
 
      45,793
   
Consumer
    124,295
 
      14,605
 
      62,311
 
      12,853
 
          186,606
 
      27,458
   
Public utilities
    124,053
 
        8,339
 
      15,021
 
        2,579
 
          139,074
 
      10,918
 
Total corporate obligations
    710,677
 
      70,160
 
    286,896
 
      67,803
 
          997,573
 
    137,963
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
                     
   
mortgage-backed securities
    114,480
 
      15,261
 
      90,001
 
      37,534
 
          204,481
 
      52,795
 
Other
    125,491
 
      16,342
 
      58,344
 
      20,875
 
          183,835
 
      37,217
Redeemable preferred stocks
        9,786
 
        1,237
 
        3,938
 
        1,193
 
            13,724
 
        2,430
Fixed maturity securities
    990,958
 
    103,679
 
    469,796
 
    127,760
 
       1,460,754
 
    231,439
Equity securities
                -
 
                -
 
        1,755
 
           417
 
              1,755
 
           417
     
Total
 $ 990,958
 
 $ 103,679
 
 $ 471,551
 
 $ 128,177
 
 $    1,462,509
 
 $ 231,856
                             

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

At December 31, 2009, gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments attributable to securities having gross unrealized losses of 12 months or longer decreased from $128.2 million at December 31, 2008 to $86.0 million at December 31, 2009.  The largest component of this decrease was from the corporate obligations category, which decreased $44.9 million during 2009.  Further, $7.2 million or 8% of the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments was attributable to securities having gross unrealized losses of less than 12 months.  This compares to $103.7 million or 45% at December 31, 2008.  The corporate obligations category of securities accounted for the largest portion of the decrease that occurred during 2009.  In addition, all of the Company’s equity securities at both December 31, 2009 and 2008 were in the financial sector.


In addition, the Company also considers as part of its monitoring and evaluation process the length of time a security is below cost.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had unrealized losses on its investment portfolio for fixed maturities and equity securities as follows:

·  
84 security issues representing 36% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 93% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for less than one year;
·  
96 security issues representing 41% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 80% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for one year or more and less than three years; and
·  
52 security issues representing 23% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 81% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for three years or more.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had unrealized losses on its investment portfolio for fixed maturities and equity securities as follows:

·  
293 security issues representing 61% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 94% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for less than one year;
·  
65 security issues representing 13% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 88% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for one year or more and less than three years; and
·  
125 security issues representing 26% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 92% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for three years or more.

The total number of fixed maturities and equity securities with unrealized losses decreased from 483 at December 31, 2008 to 232 at December 31, 2009.  These results were primarily due to three factors.  First, the Company has and continues to purchase high quality investments.  Second, the economic downturn has improved since last year-end, but continues to affect securities that the Company owns.  Third, the Company has written down or sold certain securities that had previously been in an unrealized loss position.

The following tables summarize the Company’s investments in securities available for sale with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
       
December 31, 2009
               
Gross
       
Amortized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
Securities owned without realized impairment:
Cost
 
Value
 
Losses
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
 $          633,514
 
 $          608,280
 
 $         25,234
Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
109,379
 
94,348
 
15,031
 
Subtotal
742,893
 
702,628
 
40,265
Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
         
 
Investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
13,125
 
9,821
 
3,304
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
25,413
 
19,627
 
5,786
   
Twelve months or greater
               34,906
 
               22,225
 
12,681
     
Total investment grade
73,444
 
51,673
 
21,771
 
Below investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
                       -
 
                      -
 
                    -
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
4,654
 
2,954
 
1,700
   
Twelve months or greater
               15,139
 
               11,139
 
4,000
     
Total below investment grade
19,793
 
14,093
 
5,700
 
Unrealized losses greater than 20%
93,237
 
65,766
 
27,471
Subtotal
 $          836,130
 
 $          768,394
 
 $         67,736
                 
Securities owned with realized impairment:
         
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
 $              4,850
 
 $              4,634
 
 $              216
Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
10,594
 
8,720
 
1,874
 
Subtotal
15,444
 
13,354
 
2,090
Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
         
 
Investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
                       -
 
                      -
 
                    -
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                       -
 
                      -
 
                    -
   
Twelve months or greater
               17,937
 
               12,298
 
              5,639
     
Total investment grade
               17,937
 
               12,298
 
              5,639
 
Below investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
514
 
362
 
152
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                 5,859
 
                 3,944
 
              1,915
   
Twelve months or greater
               31,760
 
               16,097
 
            15,663
     
Total below investment grade
38,133
 
20,403
 
17,730
 
Unrealized losses greater than 20%
56,070
 
32,701
 
23,369
Subtotal
 $            71,514
 
 $            46,055
 
 $         25,459
Total unrealized losses
 $          907,644
 
 $          814,449
 
 $         93,195
                 

44

 

 
 
       
December 31, 2008
               
Gross
       
Amortized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
Securities owned without realized impairment:
Cost
 
Value
 
Losses
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
 $          891,477
 
 $          847,458
 
 $         44,019
Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
             397,403
 
             339,664
 
            57,739
 
Subtotal
          1,288,880
 
          1,187,122
 
          101,758
Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
         
 
Investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
             296,683
 
             207,314
 
            89,369
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
               46,194
 
               28,918
 
            17,276
   
Twelve months or greater
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
     
Total investment grade
             342,877
 
             236,232
 
          106,645
 
Below investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
               45,346
 
               27,269
 
            18,077
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                 4,547
 
                 2,098
 
              2,449
   
Twelve months or greater
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
     
Total below investment grade
               49,893
 
               29,367
 
            20,526
 
Unrealized losses greater than 20%
             392,770
 
             265,599
 
          127,171
Subtotal
 $       1,681,650
 
 $       1,452,721
 
 $       228,929
                 
Securities owned with realized impairment:
         
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
 $                      -
 
 $                     -
 
 $                   -
Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
                 5,676
 
                 4,725
 
                 951
 
Subtotal
                 5,676
 
                 4,725
 
                 951
Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
         
 
Investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
                 6,476
 
                 4,635
 
              1,841
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
   
Twelve months or greater
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
     
Total investment grade
                 6,476
 
                 4,635
 
              1,841
 
Below investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
                    563
 
                    428
 
                 135
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
   
Twelve months or greater
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
     
Total below investment grade
                    563
 
                    428
 
                 135
 
Unrealized losses greater than 20%
                 7,039
 
                 5,063
 
              1,976
Subtotal
 $            12,715
 
 $              9,788
 
 $           2,927
Total unrealized losses
 $       1,694,365
 
 $       1,462,509
 
 $       231,856
                 

Total unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in securities available for sale at December 31, 2009 were $93.2 million.  The Company segments these unrealized losses into those on which other-than-temporary impairments have been recorded and those that have not been previously written down.

Following is a discussion regarding those securities with unrealized losses on which other-than-temporary impairments have not been recorded.  Total securities owned without other-than-temporary impairment equaled 73% of total unrealized losses.  These securities are further segmented into three primary categories.  The first category includes total unrealized losses of 10% or less of amortized cost, which totaled $25.2 million or 37% of the total unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities without other-than-temporary impairments.  The second category reflects total unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%.  This category totaled $15.0 million or 22% of the total unrealized losses without other-than-temporary impairments.  The third category includes total unrealized losses greater than 20%.  This category totaled $27.5 million or 41% of the total securities without other-than-temporary impairments.

All securities with unrealized losses greater than 20% are also monitored based upon whether the securities are investment grade or below investment grade.  Securities in the investment grade category had $21.8 million in unrealized losses, while securities rated below investment grade had $5.7 million in unrealized losses at December 31, 2009.

In addition, securities having unrealized losses greater than 20% are further evaluated based upon the length of time that they have been above the 20% unrealized loss threshold.  Securities in this classification are divided into three different categories,


including less than six months, six months or more and less than twelve months, and twelve months or greater.  The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $3.3 million and $5.8 million for less than six months and six or more and less than twelve-month periods, respectively, at December 31, 2009.  The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for twelve months or greater that totaled $12.7 million.  The Company had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for six months or more and less than twelve months that totaled $1.7 million at December 31, 2009.  Below investment grade securities with unrealized losses greater than 20% for twelve months or greater totaled $4.0 million.

Following is a discussion regarding those securities with unrealized losses on which other-than-temporary impairments have been recorded as of December 31, 2009.  Total unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10% were $1.9 million or 7% of the total unrealized losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments.  Total unrealized losses greater than 20% were $23.4 million or 92% of the total securities with other-than-temporary impairments.

The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $5.6 million for twelve months or greater of the year at December 31, 2009.  The Company had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $17.7 million.  The Company had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for twelve months or greater that totaled $15.7 million at December 31, 2009.

Total unrealized losses on securities available for sale at December 31, 2008 were $231.9 million.  Following is a discussion regarding those securities with unrealized losses on which other-than-temporary impairments have not been recorded.  The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $89.4 million for less than six months at December 31, 2008.  This represented 70% of total unrealized losses greater than 20% for this category.  Investment grade securities with unrealized losses for six months or more and less than twelve-months totaled $17.3 million.  The Company also had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $18.1 million for less than six months and $2.4 million for six months or more and less than twelve-month periods.  The Company had no below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for twelve months or greater at December 31, 2008.

Following is a discussion regarding those securities with unrealized losses on which other-than-temporary impairments had been recorded as of December 31, 2008.  The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $1.8 million for less than six months at December 31, 2008.  The Company also had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $0.1 million for less than six months.  The Company had no securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for six months or greater at December 31, 2008.

The following table provides information on fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses by rating as of December 31, 2009.

      
         
 Gross
   
 
 Fair
 
 %
 
 Unrealized
 
 %
Equivalent S&P Rating
 Value
 
 of Total
 
 Losses
 
 of Total
AAA
 $      273,810
 
34%
 
 $        24,801
 
27%
AA
           38,618
 
5%
 
             3,023
 
3%
A
         148,706
 
18%
 
           11,041
 
12%
BBB
         235,671
 
29%
 
           24,047
 
26%
    Total investment grade
 $      696,805
 
86%
 
 $        62,912
 
68%
BB
           49,136
 
6%
 
             4,032
 
4%
B and below
           66,522
 
8%
 
           26,065
 
28%
    Total below investment grade
         115,658
 
14%
 
           30,097
 
32%
 
 $      812,463
 
100%
 
 $        93,009
 
100%
               











The following table provides information on fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses by rating as of December 31, 2008.
         
 Gross
   
 
 Fair
 
 %
 
 Unrealized
 
 %
Equivalent S&P Rating
 Value
 
 of Total
 
 Losses
 
 of Total
AAA
 $      400,841
 
27%
 
 $        65,896
 
28%
AA
           81,619
 
6%
 
           12,330
 
5%
A
         386,835
 
26%
 
           42,547
 
18%
BBB
         499,864
 
34%
 
           84,521
 
37%
    Total investment grade
 $   1,369,159
 
93%
 
 $      205,294
 
88%
BB
           67,694
 
5%
 
           17,742
 
8%
B and below
           23,901
 
2%
 
             8,403
 
4%
    Total below investment grade
           91,595
 
7%
 
           26,145
 
12%
 
 $   1,460,754
 
100%
 
 $      231,439
 
100%
               

 

 
As of December 31, 2009, 86% of the fair value of fixed maturity securities with gross unrealized losses was investment grade compared to 93% at December 31, 2008.  In addition, 68% of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses were from investment grade securities as of December 31, 2009, compared to 88% at December 31, 2008.  These declines are the result of a 44% decline in total fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position along with an increase in below investment grade fixed maturity investments during 2009.

The following tables provide the distribution of maturities for fixed maturity investment securities available for sale with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.  Expected maturities may differ from these contractual maturities since borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

     
December 31, 2009
         
Gross
Fixed maturity security securities
Fair
 
Unrealized
available for sale:
Value
 
Losses
 
Due in one year or less
 $       10,483
 
 $               26
 
Due after one year through five years
          65,359
 
             4,842
 
Due after five years through ten years
        220,600
 
           12,402
 
Due after ten years
        295,339
 
           30,521
   
Total
        591,781
 
           47,791
Residential mortgage and asset-backed securities
        212,179
 
           43,855
Redeemable preferred stocks
            8,503
 
             1,363
   
Total
 $     812,463
 
 $        93,009
           

     
December 31, 2008
   
         
Gross
Fixed maturity security securities
Fair
 
Unrealized
available for sale:
Value
 
Losses
 
Due in one year or less
 $       46,704
 
 $          1,188
 
Due after one year through five years
        324,178
 
           42,218
 
Due after five years through ten years
        472,169
 
           73,157
 
Due after ten years
        343,121
 
           59,002
   
Total
     1,186,172
 
         175,565
Residential mortgage and asset-backed securities
        260,858
 
           53,444
Redeemable preferred stocks
          13,724
 
             2,430
   
Total
 $  1,460,754
 
 $      231,439
           

Following is a discussion of securities whose fair value had been less than 80% of amortized cost for at least six months at December 31, 2009. The Company has evaluated 13 fixed maturity securities in this category, and prepared detailed analyses


on these positions.  The Company has considered a wide variety of factors to determine that these positions were not other-than-temporarily impaired.

·  
Four securities are subprime or Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities.  Residential mortgage-backed securities have suffered indiscriminate price depreciation in the current market, regardless of individual performance or vintage.  However, all of these securities continue to perform within their contractual obligations.
·  
One security is a senior tranche of an asset-backed security structure backed primarily by subprime mortgages on residential properties.  This security has also been affected by the price depreciation in the current market but continues to perform within its contractual obligations.
·  
One security is a senior tranche of a residential mortgage-backed security backed by Alt-A non-conforming mortgages on residential properties.  The issuer was closed by the Office of Thrift Supervision in July of 2009, but it continues to service prior securitized loans as a subsidiary of a bank that acquired it in March of 2009.  This security continues to perform within its contractual obligations.
·  
Three securities from three issuers are from financial institutions that have been impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis.  The government has supported these institutions through TARP funds.  All of these securities continue to perform within their contractual obligations.
·  
One security is from a financial institution that has been impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis but has not received TARP assistance.  This security continues to perform within its contractual obligations.
·  
One security is from an international banking institution that has been negatively impacted by the effects of both the global credit deterioration and the U.S. housing and mortgage credit crisis.  This institution is being supported by the UK Government’s Asset Protection Scheme.  This security continues to perform within its contractual obligations.
·  
One security is a CDO that has been impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the sub-prime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling have caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.  This security continues to perform within its contractual obligations.
·  
One security is from a specialty retailer of items for the home, such as appliances and electronics.  This security is backed by a revolving pool of secured customer installment loans and private label credit card receivables originated and serviced by the sponsor company.  This company has been negatively impacted by the general rise in consumer defaults and delinquency rates and a recent ratings downgrade.  However, this security continues to perform within its contractual obligations.

The Company has written down certain investments in previous periods.  Securities written down and still owned at December 31, 2009 had a fair value of $40.7 million with a net unrealized loss of $17.2 million, including the impact of the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.  Comparatively, securities written down and still owned at December 31, 2008 had a carrying value of $29.2 million and a net unrealized loss of $2.2 million.

The Company evaluated the current status of all previously written-down investments to determine whether the Company continues to believe that these investments were still credit-impaired to the extent previously recorded.  The Company’s evaluation process is similar to its impairment evaluation process.  However, if evidence exists that the Company believes that it will receive all or a materially greater portion of its contractual maturities from securities previously written down, the accretion of income is adjusted.  Accordingly, the Company changed its evaluation of two investments during 2009.  The Company believes that it will receive all contractual maturities due on these investments.  During the second quarter, the Company changed its evaluation of one security that matures in less than one year and is from an issuer that designs, manufactures and services cars and trucks and provides vehicle-related financing, leasing and insurance.  In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company changed the evaluation of one investment that matures in nine years and is from an issuer that operates a television network, several cable channels, radio and television stations and outdoor advertising.

The Company does not have a material amount of direct or indirect guarantees for the securities in its investment portfolio.  The Company did not have any direct exposure to financial guarantors at December 31, 2009.  The Company’s indirect exposure to financial guarantors totaled $47.2 million, which was less than 2% of the Company’s investment assets at December 31, 2009.  Total unrealized losses on these investments totaled $5.8 million at December 31, 2009.

Other Revenues
Other revenues consist primarily of supplementary contract considerations, policyholder dividends left with the Company to accumulate, income received on the sale of low income housing tax credits (LIHTC) by a subsidiary of the Company and fees charged on products and sales from the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiary.  Other revenues decreased $2.4 million or 19% in 2009 versus 2008.  This decrease was largely due to a reduction in income from reduced volumes of sales of LIHTC investments and broker-dealer transactions.  Also, revenue from supplementary contract considerations increased, but was offset by a reduction in dividends left to accumulate.  Other revenues increased $1.5 million or 13% in 2008 compared to 2007.  This increase was largely due to additional sales of LIHTC credits.


Policyholder Benefits
Policyholder benefits consist of death benefits (mortality), immediate annuity benefits, accident and health benefits, surrenders and the associated increase or decrease in reserves for future policy benefits.  The largest component of policyholder benefits was death benefits for the periods presented.  Death benefits reflect mortality results.  Mortality will fluctuate from period-to-period but has remained within pricing expectations for the periods presented.

Policyholder benefits increased $0.2 million or less than 1% in 2009 compared to 2008.  Benefit and contract reserves increased due to higher annuity sales, as reserves are established virtually on a one-for-one basis with premiums.  Partially offsetting this was a decrease in benefit and contract reserves for the GMWB.  This rider is considered to be a financial derivative and is accounted for at fair value.  The Company determines the fair value of the GMWB rider using a risk-neutral valuation method.  This method is a probability measure that results when the current value of all financial assets is assumed to equal the expected value of the future payoff of the asset discounted at the risk-free rate.  The value of the riders will fluctuate depending on market conditions.  These annuity riders had a decrease in value of $2.4 million during 2009, largely due to favorable returns in the capital markets, decreases in market volatility, increases in risk-free (swap) rates and changes in the reference spread used for issuer discount.  In addition, the Company has a guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) on certain products.  The benefit reserve for GMDB declined from $0.5 million at December 31, 2008 to $0.3 million at December 31, 2009.  The increase in benefit and contract reserves was mostly offset by decreases in death benefits and other benefits.  The decline in death benefits reflects favorable mortality and the decline in other benefits largely reflects lower accumulated dividends and interest thereon.  Policyholder benefits increased $12.3 million or 7% in 2008 compared to 2007.  The increase in 2008 was due to several factors.  Death benefits increased $4.4 million or 4% compared to the prior year, reflecting adverse mortality.  Higher dental benefits reflected the increase in new dental business during 2008 over the prior year.  Benefit and contract reserves increased due to higher annuity sales.

Policyholder benefits for the group accident and health product line increased $0.2 million or 1% in 2009 and $3.0 million or 13% in 2008.  These increases were largely the result of increases in group dental benefits, which increased $0.2 million or 1% and $3.5 million or 17% in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances
Interest is credited to policyholder account balances according to terms of the policies or contracts.  Interest is credited to policyholder account balances for universal life, fixed deferred annuities and other investment-type products.  There are minimum levels of interest crediting assumed in certain policies or contracts, as well as allowances for adjustments to be made to reflect current market conditions in certain policies or contracts.  Accordingly, the Company reviews and adjusts crediting rates as necessary and appropriate.  Interest credited to policyholder account balances decreased $0.2 million or less than 1% in 2009 and $4.3 million or 5% in 2008.  Amounts credited are a function of account balances and current period crediting rates.  As account balances fluctuate, so will the amount of interest credited to policyholder account balances.  Total policyholder account balances increased $18.2 million or 1% during 2009, following a $56.8 million or 3% decline during 2008.  The average interest rate credited to policyholder account balances was 4.26% in 2009, 4.28% in 2008 and 4.30% in 2007.

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs (DAC) and Value of Business Acquired (VOBA)
Interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity products amortize DAC in proportion to expected future gross profits.  Profit expectations are based upon assumptions of future interest spreads, mortality margins, expense margins and policy and premium persistency experience.  At least annually, a review is performed of the assumptions related to profit expectations.  If it is determined the assumptions should be revised, the impact of the changes is recorded as a change in DAC amortization in the current period due to an unlocking adjustment.  A similar analysis is performed on VOBA at least annually and, if necessary, adjustments are made in the current period VOBA amortization.

The amortization of DAC was $35.1 million in 2009, compared with $35.0 million in 2008 and $31.1 million in 2007.  While total DAC amortization did not fluctuate significantly between 2009 and 2008, two components of the balances did change considerably.  While no unlocking adjustment was made during 2009, DAC amortization was reduced by $3.0 million due to unlocking during the second quarter of 2008.  This was mostly offset by a decline in amortization resulting from lower actual gross profits on the variable universal life and annuity products during 2009.  The increase in 2008 was due to several factors.  First, DAC amortization increased on variable products due to increased surrenders and a decline in the market value of the account balances.  Second, Old American increased commission schedules in 2007.  Accordingly, as policies terminated in 2008, an increase in DAC amortization resulted from the increased commission costs that had been deferred.  In addition, DAC amortization was reduced $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2008 due to unlocking, primarily related to interest margins and mortality experience on selected products.  The unlocking adjustment for 2007 totaled $3.4 million, and was primarily related to adjustments for interest spreads.  Partially offsetting these, the amortization of DAC decreased in 2008 compared to 2007 due to a large number of policy surrenders that occurred in 2007, resulting in additional DAC amortization in 2007.


VOBA is amortized in concert with each purchased block of business.  Generally, as policies run off, the amortization will decline over time.  The amortization of VOBA was $4.5 million in 2009, $7.1 million in 2008 and $9.2 million in 2007.  The decrease in 2009 was largely due to two factors.  First, the Company refined its method for calculating VOBA from a premium-based method to a volume-based method for certain traditional life products during the second quarter of 2009.  Since the establishment of the VOBA, the measure of premium in force has fluctuated from period to period.  This has resulted in a corresponding volatile amortization of the VOBA unrelated to the actual run off of the in force policies.    Second, the unlocking adjustment on interest-sensitive products in the second quarter of 2009 decreased VOBA amortization by $0.2 million, whereas the unlocking adjustment in the second quarter of 2008 increased VOBA amortization by $0.2 million.  The unlocking adjustment in 2009 was related to improvements in the ultimate earned rates for certain products.  The unlocking adjustment in 2008 was related to a change in the policy surrender assumptions.  The unlocking adjustment totaled $1.1 million in 2007 and was primarily related to a reduction in the mortality assumptions.

Reinsurance
The Company reinsures certain risks with unaffiliated insurance companies under traditional indemnity reinsurance arrangements.  These arrangements include yearly renewable term agreements and coinsurance agreements.  The Company enters into these agreements to assist in diversifying risks and to limit the maximum loss from risks on certain policies.  The ceded reinsurance agreements do not relieve the Company of its obligations to its policyholders.  As such, the Company monitors the ongoing ability of the reinsurers to perform under the terms of the reinsurance agreements.

Premiums are reported on a gross basis, with separate reporting for premiums ceded under reinsurance agreements.  Policyholder benefits and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded and equaled $67.9 million, $68.1 million and $61.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Future policy benefits and other related assets and liabilities are not reduced for reinsurance in the balance sheet.  A reinsurance receivable is established for such balance sheet items.  Reinsurance related to policy and claim reserves ceded of $166.5 million and $154.1 million were included in the reinsurance receivables as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Ceded benefits recoverable from reinsurers were $13.9 million and $14.4 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The Company’s overall reinsurance strategy has not changed during the periods addressed in this report.  However, in 2008 the Company implemented changes to its reinsurance on  new products by reducing the amount of coverage that is reinsured.  These changes have been made primarily due to the increased cost of reinsurance currently available in the market.

Operating Expenses
Operating expenses consist of commissions net of the capitalization of commissions, expenses from the Company’s operations, and other expenses.  Capitalized commissions consist primarily of commissions and non-recurring expenses related to the sale of business.  In total, operating expenses increased $5.0 million or 5% in 2009 and $4.5 million or 5% in 2008 compared to one year earlier.  The largest factors in the 2009 increase were a $4.2 million increase in pension expense and $3.1 million in separation costs associated with a reduction in staffing.  Also contributing to the increase were legal and incentive compensation expenses.  Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in salaries, travel expenses and outside labor and services.  The primary factors contributing to the increase in 2008 were increased employee and agent medical plan and benefit costs, largely resulting from a reduction of accruals in the prior year, expense associated with affordable housing tax credits, travel expenses, premium taxes and consulting services.

Income Taxes
The Company recorded income tax expense of $5.7 million or 35% of income before tax in 2009, compared to an income tax benefit of $9.2 million or 35% of income before tax in 2008.  The increase in tax expense in 2009 versus 2008 was impacted by higher income before tax, a decrease in low income housing tax credit benefits, and a decrease in the provision to tax return adjustments.  In 2007, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $17.3 million or 33% of income before tax.    The decrease in tax expense in 2008 versus 2007 was due to lower income before tax and a decrease in the provision to tax return adjustments, offset by a decrease in low income housing tax credits earned.  Income taxes will fluctuate depending upon items such as net income, realized investment gains and losses, and affordable housing tax credits.

An adjustment was reflected in the fourth quarter of 2007 that related to deferred tax expense attributable to years 2004 and prior through 2006.  The unrecorded deferred tax expense (benefit) in 2004 and prior, 2005 and 2006 was $1.1 million, ($0.3) million and ($0.3) million, respectively.

The Company’s investments in affordable housing increased tax expense in 2009 and 2008 due to the  amortization of the  affordable housing investments exceeding the tax credits earned and the recapture of tax credits previously recognized.  The effect of the investments in affordable housing on the effective tax rate was a tax expense of $1.0 million or 6% in 2009,


resulting from $0.7 million in current-year amortization of investments exceeding the tax credits earned and $0.3 million of recaptured tax credits previously recognized.  In 2008, amortization offset tax credits earned resulting in tax expense of $0.1 million or less than 1%.  The income tax rate in 2007 was reduced by tax credits generated from the Company’s investments in affordable housing.  The effect of the affordable housing credits on the effective tax rate was a tax benefit of $2.0 million or 4% in 2007.

The Company establishes contingent tax assets or liabilities, when appropriate, to provide for potential challenges by taxing jurisdictions.  In 2009, the Company’s income tax expense was reduced $0.1 million, due to a net decrease in contingent tax liabilities relating to the 2006 through 2009 tax years.  The Company’s income tax expense was increased $0.1 million in 2008 and reduced $0.1 million in 2007 due to the net change in contingent tax liabilities.

Operating Results by Segment

The Company has three reportable business segments, which are defined based on the nature of the products and services offered:  Individual Insurance, Group Insurance and Old American.  The Individual Insurance segment consists of individual insurance products for both Kansas City Life and Sunset Life.  The Individual Insurance segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents and third-party marketing arrangements.  The Group Insurance segment consists of sales of group life, group disability, dental and vision products.  This segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents, group brokers and third-party marketing arrangements.  Old American consists of individual insurance products designed primarily as final expense products.  These products are marketed through a nationwide general agency sales force with exclusive territories, using direct response marketing to supply agents with leads.  For more information, refer to Note 10 – Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


 Individual Insurance
The following table presents financial data for the Individual Insurance business segment for the years ended December 31.

   
     
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Insurance revenues:
         
 
Premiums
 $      68,992
 
 $      60,160
 
 $      55,412
 
Contract charges
       105,716
 
       109,007
 
       111,422
 
Reinsurance ceded
       (42,621)
 
       (42,687)
 
       (42,644)
     
Total insurance revenues
       132,087
 
       126,480
 
       124,190
Investment revenues:
         
 
Net investment income
       164,133
 
       164,243
 
       176,666
 
Realized investment gains, excluding
         
   
impairment losses
         10,561
 
         10,107
 
           9,445
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
         
   
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
       (32,731)
 
       (60,094)
 
         (3,625)
   
Portion of impairment losses recognized in
         
     
other comprehensive income (loss)
         13,949
 
                   -
 
                   -
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
       (18,782)
 
       (60,094)
 
         (3,625)
     
Total investment revenues
       155,912
 
       114,256
 
       182,486
Other revenues
         10,323
 
         12,734
 
         11,214
     
Total revenues
       298,322
 
       253,470
 
       317,890
                 
Policyholder benefits
       102,480
 
       101,275
 
         93,200
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
         86,713
 
         86,899
 
         91,215
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
         
 
and value of business acquired
         25,961
 
         28,875
 
         27,568
Operating expenses
         65,969
 
         61,070
 
         55,283
     
Total benefits and expenses
       281,123
 
       278,119
 
       267,266
                 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
         17,199
 
       (24,649)
 
         50,624
                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
           5,981
 
         (8,724)
 
         15,822
                 
Net income (loss)
 $      11,218
 
 $    (15,925)
 
 $      34,802
                 

The net income for this segment in 2009 was $11.3 million, compared to a $15.9 million net loss in 2008 and $34.8 million of net income in 2007.  The two largest factors in the increase in income in 2009 versus 2008 were a $41.8 million reduction in realized investment losses and a $2.9 million reduction in amortization of DAC and VOBA.  Partially offsetting these improvements, operating expenses increased $4.9 million and contract charges declined $3.3 million.  Although premiums increased significantly in 2009, the growth was primarily in immediate annuities.  These new premiums are largely offset by increased reserves in policyholder benefits, having little impact on net income in the current period.  The largest contributor to the loss for 2008 was $50.0 million in net realized investment losses.  Also contributing to the loss in 2008 was a $12.4 million decrease in net investment income, an $8.1 million increase in policyholder benefits and a $5.7 million increase in operating expenses.  Partially offsetting these changes, premiums increased $4.8 million, other revenues increased $1.5 million and interest credited to policyholder account balances decreased $4.3 million in 2008.

This segment’s direct insurance revenues (total insurance revenues excluding reinsurance ceded) are primarily derived from premiums on traditional insurance products and contract charges.  Traditional insurance products principally include whole life, term life and immediate annuities.  Contract charges are collected from interest sensitive insurance products, including universal life, fixed deferred annuities and variable life and annuities.  In 2009, this segment received 39% of its direct insurance revenues from premiums on traditional products, compared to 36% in 2008 and 33% in 2007.

Total insurance revenues increased 4% in 2009 and 2% in 2008.  The increase in 2009 was due to a 15% increase in premiums, as immediate annuity sales increased 75% compared to 2008.  This was partially offset by a 3% decline in contract charges, resulting from lower account balances on variable contracts, lower surrender charges due to a decline in policy surrenders on certain products, and the runoff of closed blocks.  The increase in 2008 reflected a 9% increase in premiums.  The premium growth reflected a 55% increase in immediate annuity sales, reflecting changes in consumer


preferences.

This segment’s products are primarily marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents.  The Individual Insurance segment is central to the Company’s overall performance and produced 55% of consolidated insurance revenues in 2009, up from 54% in 2008.

The following table reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business over the three years ended December 31.  New premiums are also detailed by product.

   
     
2009
 
% Change
 
2008
 
% Change
 
2007
New premiums:
                 
 
Individual life insurance
 $        5,423
 
              (4)
 
 $        5,632
 
              (2)
 
 $        5,773
 
Immediate annuities
         22,113
 
              75
 
         12,612
 
              55
 
           8,142
   
Total new premiums
         27,536
 
              51
 
         18,244
 
              31
 
         13,915
Renewal premiums
         41,456
 
              (1)
 
         41,916
 
                1
 
         41,497
Total premiums
 $      68,992
 
              15
 
 $      60,160
 
                9
 
 $      55,412
                       

Total premiums for this segment increased $8.8 million or 15% in 2009 compared to a $4.7 million or 9% increase in 2008.  Total new premiums increased $9.3 million or 51%, as new immediate annuity premiums increased $9.5 million or 75%.  The increase in immediate annuity sales represents continuing demand for guaranteed benefit and retirement income products by consumers and an increase in sales from a third-party arrangement.  Total new premiums increased $4.3 million or 31% in 2008 versus 2007, reflecting a $4.5 million or 55% increase in new immediate annuity premiums.  Total renewal premiums decreased $0.5 million or 1% in 2009, largely due to a $0.3 million or 1% decline in renewal individual life premiums.  Total renewal premiums increased $0.4 million or 1% in 2008 compared to 2007, reflecting a $0.6 million or 2% increase in individual life insurance premiums.

The following table reconciles deposits with the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and provides detail by new and renewal deposits over the three years ended December 31.  New deposits are also detailed by product.

  
     
2009
 
% Change
 
2008
 
% Change
 
2007
New deposits:
                 
 
Universal life insurance
 $       9,873
 
            (10)
 
 $     10,913
 
                -
 
 $     10,869
 
Variable universal life insurance
          1,031
 
            (47)
 
          1,942
 
            (22)
 
          2,480
 
Fixed deferred annuities
        76,612
 
            152
 
        30,413
 
              15
 
        26,348
 
Variable annuities
        16,078
 
            (37)
 
        25,496
 
            (13)
 
        29,426
   
Total new deposits
      103,594
 
              51
 
        68,764
 
              (1)
 
        69,123
Renewal deposits
      136,048
 
                3
 
      131,701
 
              (4)
 
      136,644
Total deposits
 $   239,642
 
              20
 
 $   200,465
 
              (3)
 
 $   205,767
                       

Total new deposits increased $34.8 million or 51% in 2009 compared to a 1% decrease in 2008.  The increase in 2009 was due to a $46.2 million or 152% increase in new fixed deferred annuity deposits.  This improvement was partially offset by declines in the following products: $1.0 million or 10% in new universal life deposits, $0.9 million or 47% in new variable universal life deposits and $9.4 million or 37% in new variable annuity deposits.  New fixed deferred annuity deposits increased $4.1 million or 15% in 2008, while new variable annuity deposits decreased 13%, new universal life deposits were flat, and new variable universal life deposits decreased 22%.  Total renewal deposits increased 3% in 2009, as a 54% increase in fixed deferred annuity deposits was partially offset by a 3% decrease in universal life deposits, an 8% decrease in variable universal life deposits and an 8% decrease in variable annuity deposits.  Total renewal deposits decreased 4% in 2008, reflecting a 30% decline in variable annuity deposits, a 5% decline in variable universal life deposits and a 2% decrease in universal life deposits.  These reductions were partially offset by a 16% increase in fixed deferred annuity deposits.  The increases in sales of fixed deferred annuities can be attributed to consumer preferences for fixed-rate products resulting from the volatility in the equity markets.  This volatility and the difficult economic environment are attributable to the declines in variable annuities, variable universal life and universal life.

Contract charges declined $3.3 million in 2009 and $2.4 million in 2008.  The decline in 2009 can largely be attributed to three factors: lower account balances on variable contracts, lower surrender charges due to a decline in policy surrenders on certain products, and the runoff of closed blocks.  While total contract charges did not fluctuate significantly in 2008, three of the components had fluctuations.  Amortization of deferred revenue declined compared to a year earlier, as the Company experienced increased sales of certain products where expense loads are deferred and amortized into earnings in future


periods.  Changes in unlocking in the second quarter of 2008 also contributed to the decrease in year-to-date deferred revenue.  Reserve loads decreased, also resulting from increased sales of products where expense loads are deferred.  Partially offsetting these changes, surrender charges increased from increased surrenders on variable products.

Net investment income was flat in 2009 following a 7% decrease in 2008.  Investment income is primarily driven by changes in interest rates, asset levels and investment expenses.  The results for 2009 reflected a decline in investment assets that was mostly offset by an increase in investment yields.  The decline in investment assets largely reflects lower book value due to sales, maturities and calls.  The increase in investment yields was largely due to a higher return on alternative investment fund compared to last year.  In 2009, this investment added gross investment income of $2.1 million.  However, as a result of the significant decline in the economic environment experienced last year, this investment resulted in a decline in gross investment income of $3.7 million in 2008.  The decline in 2008 was primarily due to reduced investment assets and lower yields from the investment portfolio.  The decline from lower yields was largely due to a reduction in income from an alternative investment fund, as mentioned above.  In 2007, this investment added gross investment income of $2.5 million.
 
 
In the fourth quarter, the Company experienced $1.9 million of net impairment losses on the Company’s real estate joint ventures, specifically attributable to investments in affordable housing funds.  The Company is a limited partner in several joint ventures whose underlying investments are in affordable housing properties.  These properties generate federal and/or state tax credits and have a residual value in the properties that requires the funds to operate as a real estate joint venture investment.  In one property fund, an impairment of $1.6 million resulted from the transfer of the residual interest in certain properties in exchange for contingent future benefits.  An additional impairment of $0.3 million was recorded due to the foreclosure of certain properties in a second property fund.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that eight fixed-maturity issuers (nine securities) had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Individual Insurance segment and were written down by a combined $5.4 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2009:

·  
Five securities were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.2 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  Two of these securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
 
·  
One security was from a company that provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide and was written down $0.4 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company accepted an offer from this company to exchange this security for a security with a longer-dated maturity with an enhanced second lien priority in the capital structure.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  This security was sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
·  
One security was from a trucking company that was written down $0.6 million.  As the trucking industry is highly correlated with the general economy, this company had experienced a reduction in shipping volume as a result of the recession.  This company renegotiated its credit facilities in the first quarter of 2009, but new covenants placed significant requirements on the issuer.  These restrictions, combined with the need to retire longer-term debt, placed additional stress on cash resources and led to indications of continued weakening performance that the Company believed to be other-than-temporary.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  This security was sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.
·  
Two securities, one issuer a parent organization of the other, were from financial guarantee insurance companies that provide credit enhancement for bond issuers as well as investment management services and were written down by a total of $4.2 million.  These issuers had also experienced declines in value related to the mortgage credit crisis, including significant and continuing reductions in capital and liquidity positions.  These securities were sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 resulted in the determination that five fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Individual Insurance segment and were written down by a combined $1.9 million.







Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the third quarter of 2009:

·  
Four securities (from two issuers) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.3 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  These securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
·  
One security from a print media company that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 and is currently under reorganization was written down $0.2 million.  The print media industry is highly cyclical and has experienced weakened consumer demand and competition from electronic media.  This security had been previously written down and continues to be challenged in its market and industry.  This security was exchanged for a replacement security during the third quarter of 2009.
·  
One security from a global commercial finance company that provides financial products and advisory services to a range of industry sectors was written down $0.3 million.  This company has been affected by the credit crisis, causing reduced access to liquidity and higher borrowing costs.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  The Company determined that a credit-related impairment had occurred, and this security was sold during the third quarter of 2009.
·  
One security was from a financial institution that had been impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis and had been supported through TARP funds.  This company has experienced large losses in its real estate loan portfolios and has had an increase in non-performing loans over the past year.  This security was written down by a total of $1.1 million before it was sold during the third quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 resulted in the determination that six fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Individual Insurance segment and were written down by a combined $3.6 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the second quarter of 2009:

·  
Three securities (from two issuers) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  These securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
·  
One security was a CDO that was written down $0.2 million.  This security has been impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the subprime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling had caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.  This security had been written down in previous periods.
·  
One security from a print media company that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 and was under reorganization was written down $1.0 million.  The print media industry is highly cyclical and has experienced weakened consumer demand and competition from electronic media.  This security had been previously written down.
·  
One security from a global commercial finance company that provides financial products and advisory services to a range of industry sectors was written down $0.5 million.  This company had been affected by the credit crisis, forcing reduced access to liquidity and higher borrowing costs.  The Company determined that a credit-related impairment had occurred.
 
·  
One security was from a company that provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide and was written down $1.8 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company accepted an offer from this company to exchange this security for a security with a longer-dated maturity with an enhanced second lien priority in the capital structure.  This security had been written down in a previous period.
 
The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that six fixed-maturity issuers (seven specific securities) had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Individual Insurance segment.  These securities were written down by a combined $6.0 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $19.2 million, and $13.2 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). 

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the first quarter of 2009:

·  
One security was from a mortgage and financial guaranty insurer that was written down $1.6 million.  Mortgage insurers have suffered from the deterioration in the U.S. housing market and mortgage credit market.  Rising


  
mortgage delinquencies and defaults have resulted in rating downgrades for these insurers.  Recent rating downgrades, combined with the issuer’s need to raise additional capital to meet future payments contributed to the other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was from a trucking company that was written down $1.6 million.  As the trucking industry is highly correlated with the general economy, this company has experienced a reduction in shipping volume as a result of the recession.  This company renegotiated its credit facilities in the first quarter of 2009, but new covenants placed significant requirements on the issuer.  These restrictions, combined with the need to retire longer-term debt, placed additional stress on cash resources and led to indications of continued weakening performance that the Company believed to be other-than-temporary.
·  
One security was from a company that develops, manufactures and markets imaging products that was written down $1.2 million.   This company’s past emphasis was in traditional film, which has been largely surpassed by digital photography.  The decline in the economy has negatively affected sales, as the consumer photography industry is a discretionary item.  The company’s declining revenues and liquidity position led to the other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
Two securities (from one issuer) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.5 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was a residential mortgage-backed security that was written down $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the security and created an other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was written down $1.0 million as the Company accepted a tender offer on the Company’s holdings from an issuer during the second quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 resulted in the determination that 16 securities (14 issuers) had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Individual Insurance segment.  These securities were written down by a combined $19.5 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2008:

·  
Two of the securities were preferred stocks of government-sponsored agencies that were written down by a total of $0.4 million.  These entities buy and hold mortgages and issue and sell guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities to facilitate housing ownership.  They are now operated in conservatorship by the U.S. government and their existing common and preferred stock securities are severely diluted.  Dividend payments were suspended, driving the fair value of these securities down.
·  
Two securities were written down by $2.8 million, primarily as a result of declines in price and rating agency downgrades on debt issues from issuers that completed leveraged buyout transactions during 2008.  One of these securities was subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.
·  
Three securities were CDOs that were written down by a total of $5.1 million.  These securities were impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the sub-prime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.
·  
Two securities were written down by $1.9 million due to a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary.  One of these securities was subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.
·  
One security was from an originator of residential prime, Alt-A and subprime mortgages that was written down $4.2 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets resulted in a reduction in value for this security.
·  
One security is from an issuer that designs, manufactures and services cars and trucks and provides vehicle-related financing, leasing and insurance was written down $1.2 million, largely resulting from the decline in the U.S. automotive industry.
·  
One security that is a financial services company involved in automotive and real estate financing and mortgage lending was written down by $0.6 million and subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.
·  
Four securities (two issuers) were perpetual preferred securities that were written down $3.3 million.  These securities had been negatively impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis and have received TARP funds.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 resulted in the determination that ten fixed-maturity issuers (twelve specific securities) had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Individual Insurance segment.  These securities were written down by a combined $30.9 million in the third quarter.


Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the third quarter of 2008.

·  
Two of the securities were preferred stocks of government-sponsored agencies that were written down by a total of $6.5 million.  These entities buy and hold mortgages and issue and sell guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities to facilitate housing ownership.  They are now operated in conservatorship by the U.S. government and their existing common and preferred stock securities are severely diluted.  Dividend payments were suspended, driving the fair value of these securities down.
·  
Two securities from the same issuer were from an investment banking firm that filed for bankruptcy during the third quarter of 2008 and were written down by a total of $9.2 million.  This firm was part of the financial industry that was hit hard by the mortgage credit crisis.  After a severe decline in equity valuations, the inability to obtain short-term funding and the failure to find an acquirer forced this firm to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
·  
Two securities were CDOs that were written down by a total of $5.1 million.  These securities were impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the sub-prime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling have caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.
·  
Two securities, one issuer a parent organization of the other, are financial guarantee insurance companies that provide credit enhancement for bond issuers as well as investment management services and were written down by a total of $3.9 million.  These issuers had also experienced declines in value related to the mortgage credit crisis and had been downgraded to a negative outlook.
·  
One security was from a supplier of auto parts for light trucks and sport-utility vehicles.  The deteriorating truck and sport-utility vehicle markets of the auto industry, combined with the sharp decline in value and recent ratings declines, resulted in a $2.1 million write-down.
·  
One security was written down $1.1 million as continued price deterioration occurred on this security that was previously written down.  The issuer is primarily in the radio and advertising business.
·  
One security provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide.  This security had a rating decline to below investment grade status combined with continued price deterioration and was written down $2.3 million.
·  
One security was from a bank holding company that recently filed for bankruptcy.  This holding company was the parent of a large nationwide bank that was recently taken over by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC was appointed as its receiver.  As a result of the bankruptcy filing, this security was written down $0.8 million.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 resulted in the determination that seven fixed-maturity securities had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Individual Segment.  These securities were written down by a combined $9.7 million in the second quarter.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the second quarter of 2008:

·  
Three of the securities were written down by a total of $3.0 million, primarily as a result of declines in price and rating agency downgrades on debt issues from issuers that had recently completed LBO transactions.  These LBO transactions greatly increased the debt level of each issuer.  One of these securities had been written down previously, and the other two securities were below cost by 20% or more for at least six consecutive months.
·  
Two securities were CDOs and were written down by $2.6 million, primarily due to price declines that had persisted for periods longer than the Company considered temporary.  Both securities were below cost by 20% or more for at least six consecutive months.
·  
One security was written down by $3.3 million due to a combination of a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary, rating agency downgrades and a debt restructuring during the quarter.
·  
One security was written down by $0.8 million due to a combination of a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary and a further deterioration in fair value during the second quarter of 2008.

No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first quarter of 2008.

The Company’s analysis of fixed maturity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 resulted in the determination that two securities had other-than-temporary declines which were written down by $3.5 million.






Following is a description of securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2007:

·  
One security was below cost by 20% or more for more than six consecutive months and was the subject of a recent leveraged buyout that was finalized during the fourth quarter of 2007, which greatly increased the debt level of the company.  Accordingly, the Company wrote down this security $2.8 million at year-end 2007.
·  
One security filed for Chapter 11 protection and indicated that it would not be able to fully meet all of the obligations of its borrowings.  The Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment on this security at year-end 2006 of $1.1 million.  As a result of this new action, the Company recognized an additional $0.7 million impairment in 2007.  At December 31, 2006, this security was below cost by 20% or more for more than twelve consecutive months.  It was in a highly competitive and cyclical industry that was experiencing weakened demand and overcapacity.  Capital expenditures for equipment upgrades were exceeding cash generation.

The Company had no securities that it identified as other-than-temporarily impaired during the first, second and third quarters of 2007 for this segment.

Other revenues decreased $2.4 million or 19% in 2009, largely due to a reduction in income from reduced volumes of sales of LIHTC investments and broker-dealer transactions.  Other revenues increased $1.5 million or 14% in 2008 versus 2007.  This increase was largely due to additional sales of LIHTC credits.

Policyholder benefits increased $1.2 million or 1% compared to an $8.1 million or 9% increase in 2008.  The largest factor in the increase in 2009 was higher benefit and contract reserves.  This increase can largely be attributed to higher annuity sales, as reserves are established virtually on a one-for-one basis with premiums.  Partially offsetting this was a decrease in benefit and contract reserves for the GMWB.  This rider is considered to be a financial derivative and is accounted for at fair value.  The Company determines the fair value of the GMWB rider using a risk-neutral valuation method.  This method is a probability measure that results when the current value of all financial assets is assumed to equal the expected value of the future payoff of the asset discounted at the risk-free rate.  The value of the riders will fluctuate depending on market conditions.  These annuity riders had a decrease in value of $2.4 million during 2009, largely due to favorable returns in the capital markets, decreases in market volatility, increases in risk-free (swap) rates and changes in the reference spread used for issuer discount.  In addition, the Company has a guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMWB) on certain products.  The benefit reserve for GMDB declined from $0.5 million at December 31, 2008 to $0.3 million at December 31, 2009.  Partially offsetting the increase in benefit and contract reserves, death benefits and other benefits declined.  The decline in death benefits reflects favorable mortality and the decline in other benefits was largely due to lower accumulated dividends and interest thereon.  The increase in policyholder benefits in 2008 was primarily due to two factors.  First, death benefits increased $2.8 million or 5% compared to a year ago, reflecting adverse mortality.  Second, benefit and contract reserves increased, largely due to two items.  The first item was higher annuity sales.  The second item was an increase in value of the GMWB rider of $0.8 million during 2008, largely due to changes in the equity and credit markets, along with changes in interest rates and volatility.

Interest is credited to policyholder account balances according to terms of the policy.  There are minimum rates of crediting prescribed in certain policies, as well as adjustments that can be made to the initial crediting rate. Accordingly, the Company reviews and, as necessary, adjusts crediting rates on policies.  Interest credited to policyholder account balances decreased $0.2 million or less than 1% in 2009 and $4.3 million or 5% in 2008 compared with the prior year periods.  The consistent results in 2009 are largely the result of two factors.  First, while policyholder account balances declined in early 2009, the balances have steadily increased during the year.  Second, crediting rates have increased on certain products, such as deferred annuities, but have decreased on others.  The decline in 2008 was primarily due to a combination of lower policyholder account balances and reduced crediting rates.

The amortization of DAC and VOBA decreased 10% in 2009 compared to 2008, following a 5% increase in 2008 compared to 2007.  The amortization of DAC decreased 1% in 2009.  This decline was largely due to a reduction in amortization resulting from lower actual gross profits on the variable universal life and annuity products during 2009.  Mostly offsetting this was the difference in unlocking in 2009 compared to 2008.  While no unlocking adjustment was made during 2009, DAC amortization was reduced by $3.0 million due to unlocking during the second quarter of 2008.  DAC amortization increased 17% in 2008, primarily related to negative market performance on variable products.  As previously mentioned, DAC amortization was reduced $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2008 due to unlocking, primarily related to interest margins and mortality experience on selected products.  In the second quarter of 2007, unlocking totaled $3.4 million and was primarily related to unlocking adjustments for interest spreads.  Partially offsetting these changes, the amortization of DAC decreased in 2008 compared to 2007 due to several large policy surrenders that occurred in 2007, resulting in additional DAC amortization in 2007.

VOBA is amortized in concert with each purchased block of business.  Accordingly, as policies run off, the amortization will decline over time.  VOBA amortization decreased 58% in 2009 compared to 2008 and 32% in 2008 compared with 2007.


The decline in 2009 was largely due to two factors.  First, the Company refined its method for calculating VOBA from a premium-based method to a volume-based method for certain traditional life products during the second quarter of 2009.  Since the establishment of the VOBA, the measure of premium in force has fluctuated from period to period.  This has resulted in a corresponding volatile amortization of the VOBA unrelated to the actual run off of the in force policies.  Second, the unlocking adjustment on interest-sensitive products in the second quarter of 2009 decreased VOBA amortization by $0.2 million, whereas the unlocking adjustment in the second quarter of 2008 increased VOBA amortization by $0.2 million.  The decline in 2008 was largely attributed to a decrease in the unlocking adjustment from $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2007 to $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2008.  The unlocking adjustment in the second quarter of 2007 was related to the assumptions for mortality margins.  The unlocking adjustment in the second quarter of 2008 was primarily related to a change in the policy surrender assumptions.

Operating expenses consist of commissions net of the capitalization of commissions, expenses from the Company’s operations, and other expenses.  Capitalized commissions consist primarily of commissions and non-recurring expenses related to the sale of business.  In total, operating expenses increased 8% in 2009 and 10% in 2008.  The largest factors in the increase in 2009 were a $4.2 million increase in pension expense and $3.1 million in separation costs associated with a reduction in staffing.  Also contributing to the increase were legal and incentive compensation expenses.  Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in salaries, travel expenses and outside labor and services.  The primary factors contributing to the increase in 2008 were employee and agent medical plan and benefit costs largely resulting from a reduction of accruals in the prior year, expense associated with LIHTC credits, travel expenses, premium taxes and consulting services.


Group Insurance
The following table presents financial data for the Group Insurance business segment for the years ended December 31.

  
   
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Insurance revenues:
         
 
Premiums
 $      57,011
 
 $      56,208
 
 $      54,062
 
Reinsurance ceded
         (9,149)
 
         (7,445)
 
         (8,286)
   
Total insurance revenues
         47,862
 
         48,763
 
         45,776
Investment revenues:
         
 
Net investment income
              554
 
              525
 
              426
Other revenues
              255
 
              268
 
              278
   
Total revenues
         48,671
 
         49,556
 
         46,480
               
Policyholder benefits
         33,799
 
         32,956
 
         30,061
Operating expenses
         18,449
 
         18,950
 
         19,309
   
Total benefits and expenses
         52,248
 
         51,906
 
         49,370
               
Loss before income tax benefit
         (3,577)
 
         (2,350)
 
         (2,890)
               
Income tax benefit
         (1,252)
 
            (845)
 
            (867)
               
Net loss
 $      (2,325)
 
 $      (1,505)
 
 $      (2,023)
               

The Company offers several insurance products in the Group Insurance segment: dental, group life, vision, and short- and long-term disability.  The Group Insurance segment markets its group products primarily to small and mid-size organizations.  Products are sold through group representatives targeting a nationwide network of independent general agents and group brokers, along with the Company’s career general agents.  This sales network is this segment’s core distribution system.  Additionally, the Company enters into selective third-party marketing arrangements to market group products.  This segment generated 20% of the Company’s consolidated insurance revenues in 2009, a decrease from 21% in 2008.

The group market is highly competitive.  Accordingly, group policies are periodically reviewed to ensure they conform to target claims, expenses and profit objectives.  Group products are generally contracted for on a yearly renewal basis.  Renewal terms that meet target pricing objectives are communicated to the group policyholder for renewal consideration.

The Group Insurance segment experienced net losses in each of the three years presented.  The net loss in the Group Insurance segment increased $0.8 million in 2009.  This increase was largely the result of a decrease in insurance revenues and an increase in policyholder benefits.  These were partially offset by a decrease in operating expenses and an increase in income tax benefit.  The net loss for this segment decreased $0.5 million in 2008.  This decrease was largely the result of an increase in insurance revenues and a decrease in operating expenses.  These were partially offset by an increase in policyholder benefits.

The following table reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business over the three years ended December 31.  New premiums are also detailed by product.

  
     
2009
 
% Change
 
2008
 
% Change
 
2007
New premiums:
                 
 
Group life insurance
 $        1,599
 
            (23)
 
 $        2,084
 
              37
 
 $        1,517
 
Group dental insurance
           7,266
 
            (19)
 
           8,968
 
              32
 
           6,785
 
Group disability insurance
           3,201
 
              93
 
           1,657
 
                8
 
           1,530
 
Group stop loss insurance
                   -
 
                -
 
                   -
 
          (100)
 
           1,423
 
Other group insurance
              181
 
            (31)
 
              264
 
                2
 
              258
   
Total new premiums
         12,247
 
              (6)
 
         12,973
 
              13
 
         11,513
Renewal premiums
         44,764
 
                4
 
         43,235
 
                2
 
         42,549
Total premiums
 $      57,011
 
                1
 
 $      56,208
 
                4
 
 $      54,062
                       

Total group premiums increased $0.8 million or 1% in 2009, following a $2.1 million or 4% increase in 2008.  New premiums decreased 6% in 2009, largely the result of a $1.7 million or 19% decrease in new group dental premiums and a


$0.5 million or 23% decrease in new group life premiums.  These declines occurred in comparison with 2008, which experienced higher premiums.  The 2009 declines in new dental and life premiums were partially offset by a $1.5 million or 93% increase in new group disability premiums. The increase was due to an arrangement with an independent marketing organization specializing in voluntary group products. The growth in premiums in 2008 was the result of a $2.2 million or 32% increase in new group dental premiums and a $0.6 million or 37% increase in new group life premiums.  This segment exited the stop loss market, but continued to process existing business until the stop loss contracts expired in 2007.

Primarily due to the improved sales in 2008 and 2007 from the group dental product, renewal premiums increased $1.5 million or 4% in 2009.  Renewal premiums increased $0.7 million or 2% in 2008.

The Company has used reinsurance in several of its group product lines to help mitigate risk.  Reinsurance on premiums increased $1.7 million or 23% in 2009, following a $0.8 million or 10% decrease in 2008. The 2009 increase was primarily due to group short- and long-term disability business.  Disability premiums sold through an arrangement with an independent marketing organization were 100% reinsured.  The 2008 decrease was largely due to the termination of the stop loss business.  A major portion of the stop loss premiums was reinsured in order to manage the potential risks associated with this product line.  Excluding stop loss from the ongoing product lines, reinsurance ceded was flat in 2008.

Policyholder benefits consist of death benefits (mortality), accident and health benefits and the associated increase or decrease in reserves for future policy benefits.  Policyholder benefits increased $0.8 million or 3% in 2009, largely due to an increase in group life claims compared to 2008.  Policyholder benefits increased $2.9 million or 10% in 2008, as a result of an increase in dental benefits.  Increased benefits in the dental product line in 2008 reflected, in part, the increase in new dental business in 2008.  It is typical for new dental business to report an increase in benefits in the first policy year.  As the business ages, the benefit ratio falls more in line with renewal expectations.  Management monitors this ratio on an ongoing basis and adjusts future renewal premiums, as necessary, in order to achieve profitability expectations on individual groups.

Operating expenses consist of commissions, fees to third-party marketing and administrative organizations, and expenses from the Company’s operations.  Operating expenses in this segment decreased 3% in 2009 and 2% in 2008.  The reduction in 2009 was largely due to a reduction in group administration fees for the disability products.  The reduction in 2008 was largely due to a $0.4 million release in legal contingency reserves as a result of a settlement of pending litigation.

Improvement efforts for this segment continue to be focused in three primary areas.  First, emphasis is being placed on the growth of the in-force business.  Increased productivity from existing group representatives and the continued planned expansion of the group distribution system are priorities for growth.  This segment is also seeking additional third-party arrangements to advance its sales objectives.  Second, improvement in administrative efficiency is targeted through the increased use of technology, which should ultimately reduce expenses.  Finally, this segment added a new voluntary disability product to the portfolio in 2008 and a new voluntary life product in 2009.  Voluntary products are sponsored by employers, but are elected by the employee and are entirely paid by the employee.  This coverage is portable, as the employees can continue this coverage if they change employers.  Voluntary products tend to be more profitable, and are expected to become a larger share of the group marketplace.




Old American
The following table presents financial data for the Old American business segment for the years ended December 31.

  
     
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Insurance revenues:
         
 
Premiums
 $   65,342
 
 $   65,001
 
 $   66,537
 
Reinsurance ceded
       (3,081)
 
       (3,484)
 
       (4,058)
     
Total insurance revenues
      62,261
 
      61,517
 
      62,479
Investment revenues:
         
 
Net investment income
      12,741
 
      12,651
 
      13,313
 
Realized investment gains, excluding
         
   
impairment losses
           418
 
           315
 
             17
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
         
   
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
       (4,394)
 
       (2,599)
 
          (411)
   
Portion of impairment losses recognized in
         
     
other comprehensive income (loss)
        2,121
 
                -
 
                -
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
       (2,273)
 
       (2,599)
 
          (411)
     
Total investment revenues
      10,886
 
      10,367
 
      12,919
Other revenues
               1
 
               3
 
               7
     
Total revenues
      73,148
 
      71,887
 
      75,405
                 
Policyholder benefits
      42,692
 
      44,518
 
      43,197
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
         
 
and value of business acquired
      13,693
 
      13,209
 
      12,765
Operating expenses
      13,933
 
      13,375
 
      14,266
     
Total benefits and expenses
      70,318
 
      71,102
 
      70,228
                 
Income before income tax expense
        2,830
 
           785
 
        5,177
                 
Income tax expense
           991
 
           405
 
        2,295
                 
Net income
 $     1,839
 
 $        380
 
 $     2,882
                 

The Old American segment sells final expense insurance products nationwide through its general agency system with exclusive territories.  This segment provides agents with sales leads using direct response marketing.  This segment produced 26% of consolidated insurance revenues in 2009 and 2008.

Net income for this segment increased $1.5 million or 384% in 2009 to $1.8 million, following a $2.5 million or 87% decline in net income in 2008.  The largest factor in the increase in 2009 was a decline in policyholder benefits.  Additional positive factors were an increase in insurance revenues and a reduction in realized investment losses.  Partially offsetting these was an increase in operating expenses.  The decline in net income for 2008 was primarily due to increased realized investment losses, increased policyholder benefits, a decline in insurance revenues and a decline in net investment income.  These changes were partially offset by a decline in operating expenses.

The following table reconciles premiums included in insurance revenues and provides detail by new and renewal business over the three years ended December 31.
 
 
  
 
2009
 
% Change
 
2008
 
% Change
 
2007
                   
New premiums
 $        8,759
 
              20
 
 $        7,294
 
              11
 
 $        6,583
Renewal premiums
         56,583
 
              (2)
 
         57,707
 
              (4)
 
         59,954
Total premiums
 $      65,342
 
                1
 
 $      65,001
 
              (2)
 
 $      66,537
                   

Total new premiums increased 20% in 2009 and 11% in 2008.  Total renewal premiums decreased 2% in 2009 and 4% in 2008.  The increase in new premiums reflects a combination of expanded distribution efforts and improved agency productivity.  Old American continues to focus on the recruitment and development of new agencies and agents, along with


improved production from existing agencies and agents.

Net investment income increased 1% in 2009, following a 5% decline in 2008.  The increase in 2009 reflected a decrease in investment assets that was offset by higher yields earned on the investment portfolio.  The increase in yields was largely due to an increase in income from an alternative investment fund.  In 2009, this investment added gross investment income of $0.1 million.  However, as a result of the significant decline in the economic environment experienced last year, this investment resulted in a decline in gross investment income of $0.2 million in 2008.  The decrease in net investment income in 2008 primarily reflects reduced investment assets and a reduction in yields from the investment portfolio.  The decline from lower yields was largely due to a reduction in income from an alternative investment fund as mentioned above.  In 2007, this investment added gross investment income of $0.2 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company experienced write-downs on two of the Company’s real estate joint ventures within the Old American segment.  These investments were written down by $0.3 million when the Company determined that there were no remaining future benefits expected from these investments.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that three fixed-maturity securities (from two issuers) had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Old American segment and were written down by a combined $1.1 million.  These three securities were sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2009:
 
·  
One security was from a company that provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide and was written down $0.1 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company accepted an offer from this company to exchange this security for a security with a longer-dated maturity with an enhanced second lien priority in the capital structure.  This security had been written down in a previous period.
 
·  
Two securities, one issuer a parent organization of the other, were from financial guarantee insurance companies that provide credit enhancement for bond issuers as well as investment management services and were written down by a total of $1.0 million.  These issuers had also experienced declines in value related to the mortgage credit crisis, including significant and continuing reductions in capital and liquidity positions.  These securities were sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 resulted in the determination that two fixed-maturity securities had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Old American segment and were written down by a combined $0.4 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the third quarter of 2009:

·  
One security was a residential mortgage-backed security that was written down by less than $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the security and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  This security had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
·  
One security was from a financial institution that had been impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis and had been supported through TARP funds.  This company has experienced large losses in its real estate loan portfolios and has had an increase in non-performing loans over the past year.  This security was written down by a total of $0.4 million before it was sold during the third quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 resulted in the determination that two fixed-maturity securities had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Old American segment and were written down by a combined $0.4 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the second quarter of 2009:
 
 
·  
One security was a residential mortgage-backed security that was written down by less than $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  This security had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
 
·  
One security was from a company that provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide and was written down $0.4 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company accepted an
 


 
  
offer from this company to exchange this security for a security with a longer-dated maturity with an enhanced second lien priority in the capital structure.  This security had been written down in a previous period.
 
The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that one fixed-maturity security had an other-than-temporary impairment affecting the Old American segment.  This investment was written down by $0.1 million in the first quarter.

Following is a description of the security that was written down during the first quarter of 2009:

·  
One security was a residential mortgage-backed security that was written down by a total of $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 resulted in the determination that two securities had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Old American segment.  These securities were written down by a combined $0.5 million in the fourth quarter.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2008:

·  
One security was written down by $0.3 million, primarily as a result of a decline in price on a debt security from an issuer that completed a LBO transaction during 2008.  This security had also been written down during the second quarter of 2008.
·  
A collateralized debt obligation (CDO) security was written down by $0.2 million, primarily due to a price decline that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary and the deteriorating performance of the collateral.  This security had also been written down during the second quarter of 2008.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 resulted in the determination that an investment in two issuers of fixed-maturity securities had other-than-temporary impairment affecting the Old American segment.  These investments were written down by $1.5 million in the third quarter.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the third quarter of 2008:

·  
Two securities, one issuer a parent organization of the other, are financial guarantee insurance companies that provide credit enhancement for bond issuers as well as investment management services and were written down by a total of $1.0 million.  These issuers had also experienced declines in value related to the mortgage credit crisis and had recently been downgraded to a negative outlook.
·  
One security provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide.  This security had a rating decline to below investment grade status combined with continued price deterioration and was written down $0.5 million.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 resulted in the determination that three fixed-maturity securities had other-than-temporary impairments affecting the Old American segment.  These securities were written down by a combined $0.5 million in the second quarter.

Following is a description of the security that was written down during the second quarter of 2008:

·  
One security was written down by $0.2 million, primarily as a result of a decline in price on a debt security from an issuer that recently completed a LBO transaction.  This security had been written down previously.
·  
A CDO security was written down by $0.2 million, primarily due to a price decline that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary.  The security was below cost by 20% or more for at least six consecutive months.
·  
One security was written down by $0.1 million due to a combination of a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary and a further deterioration in fair value during the second quarter of 2008.

No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first quarter of 2008.

The Company’s analysis of fixed maturity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 resulted in the determination that one security had an other-than-temporary decline which was written down by $0.4 million.  This security was below cost


by 20% or more for more than six consecutive months and was the subject of a recent leveraged buyout.  The transaction was finalized during the fourth quarter of 2007, which greatly increased the debt level of the company.

No other-than-temporarily impairments were identified for this segment in the first, second and third quarters of 2007.

Policyholder benefits consist of death benefits (mortality), accident and health benefits, surrenders, and the associated increase or decrease in reserves for future policy benefits.  Policyholder benefits decreased 4% in 2009, following a 3% increase in 2008.  The decline in 2009 was largely due to lower death benefits, which decreased $2.9 million or 7% for the year.  Partially offsetting this was an increase in benefit and contract reserves, resulting from less reserves released due to death.  The increase in 2008 was largely due to higher death benefits and surrenders, but these changes were partially offset by reserve release.  The increase in death benefits reflected adverse mortality experienced during 2008.  While mortality results were different for 2009 and 2008, both years were within the range of anticipated mortality.

The policyholder benefit ratio (policyholder benefits divided by total revenues, excluding realized investment gains and losses) was lower in 2009 compared to 2008 but was consistent with 2007. Higher revenues, primarily from an increase in new premiums and lower death benefits, contributed to the decrease in the policyholder benefits ratio in 2009.  Lower revenues, primarily from reduced renewal premiums and increased policyholder benefits, contributed to the increase in the policyholder benefits ratio in 2008.

   
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
           
Total revenue
 $  73,148
 
 $  71,887
 
 $  75,405
Less: Realized investment losses
      (1,855)
 
      (2,284)
 
         (394)
Revenue excluding realized investment losses
     75,003
 
     74,171
 
     75,799
Policyholder benefits
 $  42,692
 
 $  44,518
 
 $  43,197
           
Policyholder benefit ratio
57%
 
60%
 
57%

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired increased $0.5 million or 4% in 2009, and increased $0.4 million or 3% in 2008 compared to 2007.  The increase in both years was primarily due to higher DAC amortization from an increase in sales at an increased commission rate.  Beginning in mid 2007, Old American increased the initial commissions paid on the sale of certain new individual life policies.  This change increased capitalization and the DAC asset, but also resulted in a higher amount of amortization.

Operating expenses consist of commissions net of the capitalization of commissions, expenses from the Company’s operations, and other expenses.  Capitalized commissions consist primarily of commissions and non-recurring expenses related to the sale of business.  Operating expenses increased 4% in 2009 compared to a 6% decrease in 2008.  The increase in 2009 was largely due to higher employee benefits due to an increase in pension expense.  The decrease in 2008 was primarily due to decreases in salaries, lead production expenses and taxes.

An adjustment was reflected in 2007 that related to deferred tax expense attributable to years 2003 and prior through 2006.  The unrecorded deferred tax expense in 2003 and prior, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was $0.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.1 million and none, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity
The Company meets liquidity requirements primarily through positive cash flows from operations. Management believes that the Company has sufficient sources of liquidity to satisfy operational requirements and to finance expansion plans and strategic initiatives.  Primary sources of cash flow are premiums, other insurance considerations and deposits, receipts for policyholder accounts, investment sales and maturities, investment income and access to credit from other financial institutions.  In addition, the Company has credit facilities that are available for additional working capital needs or investment opportunities.  The principal uses of cash are for the insurance operations, including the purchase of investments, payment of insurance benefits, operating expenses, dividends, income taxes, withdrawals from policyholder accounts and costs related to acquiring new business.  There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels or that the ability to borrow under the current credit facilities will be maintained.

The current economic climate has tightened the financial and liquidity conditions of policyholders.  The changing economic environment and the recent credit crisis may produce the need for individual policyholder liquidity in future periods and


could result in increased surrenders and policy loans on existing policies.  The Company performs cash flow testing and adds various levels of stress testing to potential surrender and policy loan levels in order to assess current and near-term cash and liquidity needs.  In the event of increased surrenders and other cash needs, the Company has several sources of cash flow, as mentioned above, to meet these needs.

Cash provided from operating activities in each of the three years ended 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $28.7 million, $12.3 million, and $32.9 million, respectively.  Cash provided from operating activities increased $16.3 million in 2009 compared with a decrease in cash provided from operating activities of $20.6 million in 2008.  Contributing to the increase in 2009 compared to 2008 were a $7.2 million increase in premium receipts, a $3.1 million decrease in cash benefit payments and a $3.5 million decrease in Federal income tax payments.  Offsetting these items were a $3.9 million decrease in net investment income, a $4.2 million increase in commissions paid and a $5.8 million increase in operating expenses paid. Cash is also affected by fluctuations in the Company’s receivables and payables. Contributing to the increase in cash, receivables increased $1.7 million, accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $3.5 million, income taxes receivable increased $4.9 million and suspense items on ongoing operations increased $1.6 million.  The decrease in 2008 compared with 2007 was largely the result of a $15.3 million decline in net investment income and a $4.4 million increase in cash benefit payments.  These were partially offset by a $6.5 million increase in premium receipts.  Income taxes payable decreased $33.1 million during 2008, largely due to the net loss incurred.  Suspense items on ongoing operations also decreased $1.3 million.  These decreases were partially offset by a $3.7 million increase in accrued investment income, a $1.9 million increase in reinsurance receivables established at the time claims are paid, and a $23.1 million increase in accrued employee and agent benefits. Accrued employee and agent benefits were higher because of the lower return on plan assets in the cash balance pension plan due to market conditions.

Net cash used by investing activities was $69.4 million in 2009, and net cash provided by investing activities was $48.9 million and $84.1 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company’s new investments in fixed maturity and equity securities were $326.5 million in 2009, compared to $259.4 million during 2008 and $328.3 million during 2007.  New investments in mortgage loans were $59.7 million in 2009, $49.3 million in 2008, and $54.8 million in 2007.  In 2009, $103.6 million was used in the purchase of other investment assets, which consisted of the net purchases of short-term investments. The large increase in short-term investments in 2009 reflects sales of long-term investments which had not been reinvested at year-end. Sales of fixed maturity securities increased $101.3 million in 2009 compared to 2008 from $33.5 million to $134.8 million. During 2009, the Company decreased its net purchases of real estate investments to $21.3 million, down from $30.1 million in 2008, but up from $4.5 million in 2007.  Approximately 15% of the securities portfolio was sold, called or matured in 2009, compared with 12% in 2008 and 14% in 2007.  The Company had $47.5 million in mortgage loan maturities and principal pay downs in 2009, compared with $54.0 million in 2008 and $58.4 million in 2007.  During 2009, the Company had sales of real estate investments of $4.1 million, compared with $30.6 million in 2008 and $22.5 million in 2007.  During these three years, the Company sold several real estate properties which resulted in realized gains.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $36.0 million in 2009, and net cash used in financing activities was $63.7 million in 2008 and $108.8 million in 2007.  The net repayments of notes payable were $2.9 million in 2009, $7.5 million in 2008 and $4.3 million in 2007.  Deposits on policyholder account balances equaled $239.6 million in 2009, $200.5 million in 2008 and $205.8 million in 2007.  Withdrawals on policyholder account balances were $203.0 million in 2009, $240.5 million in 2008 and $294.8 million in 2007.  Deposits net of withdrawals on policyholder account balances were $36.6 million in 2009.  This resulted in a $76.7 million increase in 2009 versus 2008.  The decrease in withdrawals can be attributed to the volatility in the equity markets and is consistent with falling interest rates.  The net disposition of treasury stock totaled $0.3 million in 2009 compared to $16.8 million acquired in 2008 and $4.5 million acquired in 2007.  The net disposition of treasury stock in 2009 reflects net sales from employee benefit plans of $2.6 and $2.3 million of open market purchases under the stock repurchase program. The net acquisition of treasury stock in 2008 reflects purchases from employee benefit plans of $8.5 million and $8.3 million of open market purchases.  Finally, the Company’s stockholder dividends were $12.5 million in both 2009 and 2008 and were $36.4 million in 2007.  During 2007, the Company paid a special, one-time dividend of $2.00 per share in addition to its quarterly dividends.

The above information excludes net proceeds from variable insurance products.  These proceeds are segregated into separate accounts and are not held in the Company’s general investments because the policyholders, rather than the Company, assume the underlying investment risks.

Separate Accounts
At December 31, 2009, the Company had $312.8 million in separate account assets.  This was an increase of $54.3 million from $258.6 million at December 31, 2008.  An improvement in investment performance increased separate accounts by $70.1 million in 2009 versus a decrease of $135.3 million in 2008.    Also contributing to the increase in assets, policyholder withdrawals declined from $61.3 million in 2008 to $38.6 million in 2009.  Deposits in separate accounts decreased in 2009 to $35.2 million versus $49.0 million in 2008.  In addition, contract charges were $12.4 million and $14.2 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.


Debt and Short-Term Borrowing
The Company and certain subsidiaries have access to borrowing capacity through their membership affiliation with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB).  At December 31, 2009, there were no outstanding balances with the FHLB, down from $2.9 million at December 31, 2008.  The decrease was due to net pay downs of $2.9 million in borrowings from FHLB in the first quarter of the year.  At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance in notes payable was from the FHLB, had maturities of less than one year and was secured by financial assets.

The Company has access to unsecured revolving lines of credit of $60.0 million with two major commercial banks with no balances outstanding.  These lines of credit will expire in June of 2010.  The Company anticipates renewing these lines of credit as they come due.

Capital Resources
The Company considers existing capital resources to be more than adequate to support the current level of business activities.

The following table shows the capital adequacy of the Company at December 31.

  
   
2009
 
2008
Total assets less separate accounts
 $    3,869,418
 
 $    3,708,526
Total stockholders' equity
          628,363
 
          527,107
Ratio of stockholders' equity
     
 
to assets less separate accounts
16%
 
14%

The ratio of equity to assets less separate accounts increased by 2% in 2009.  Stockholders’ equity increased $101.3 million from year-end 2008.  The increase was largely due to increases in unrealized investment gains and positive net income.  Stockholders’ equity per share, or book value, equaled $54.33 for year-end 2009, an 18% increase for the year.

Unrealized gains on available for sale securities, which are included as a component of stockholders’ equity (net of securities gains and losses, related taxes, policyholder account balances and deferred acquisition costs), totaled $0.8 million at December 31, 2009.  This represents an improvement of $83.1 million from the $82.3 million unrealized investment loss position at December 31, 2008.
 
 
The Company’s statutory equity exceeds the minimum capital deemed necessary to support its insurance business, as determined by the risk-based capital calculations and guidelines established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.  The Company believes these statutory limitations impose no practical restrictions on its dividend payment plans.

The Company has defined contribution plans for employees and agents.  Prior to the third quarter of 2009, the Company made contributions to these plans through Company stock.  These transactions were accounted for as purchases and sales of treasury stock.  During the third quarter of 2009, the Company discontinued purchase and sale transactions of the Company’s common stock with employee and agent benefit plans sponsored by the Company.  The Company’s benefit plans instead conduct such transactions in the open market.  Accordingly, the benefit plans purchased 312,648 shares of treasury stock for $9.6 million (2008 – 375,763 for $17.7 million) and sold 526,708 shares of treasury stock for $12.2 million (2008 – 222,687 for $9.2 million).

The stock repurchase program was extended by the Board of Directors through January 2011 to permit the purchase of up to one million of the Company’s shares on the open market, which would represent approximately 9% of the shares currently outstanding.  During 2009, the Company purchased 84,173 of its shares under the stock repurchase program for $2.3 million (2008 – 181,661 for $8.2 million).

On January 25, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share that was paid February 10, 2010 to stockholders of record as of February 4, 2010.  On January 26, 2009, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share, totaling $3.1 million, which was paid on February 10, 2009 to shareholders of record as of February 5, 2009.

Current legislative activities are not expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing operations of the Company.






Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes (in millions) the Company’s contractual obligations by due date and expiration date as of December 31, 2009.  Contractual obligations of the Company are those obligations fixed by agreement as to dollar amount and date of payment.

    
       
Less than
         
After
   
Total
 
1 year
 
1-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
Borrowings (1)
 $              -
 
 $             -
 
 $          -
 
 $          -
 
 $             -
Operating lease obligations (2)
             2.5
 
             0.8
 
          1.3
 
          0.3
 
            0.1
Purchase obligations (3)
             1.1
 
             1.1
 
             -
 
             -
 
                -
Mortgage loan commitments
                 
 
and other investments (4)
           31.2
 
           15.2
 
        16.0
 
             -
 
                -
Annuity certain contracts (5)
           59.4
 
           13.0
 
        20.9
 
        13.7
 
          11.8
Insurance liabilities (6)
      2,915.7
 
         268.5
 
      522.5
 
      500.6
 
     1,624.1
Tax contingencies (7)
                -
 
               -
 
             -
 
             -
 
                -
                     
Total contractual obligations
 $   3,009.9
 
 $      298.6
 
 $   560.7
 
 $   514.6
 
 $  1,636.0
                     

          (1)
The Company had no outstanding borrowings. Borrowings include short-term debt as described in the previous section – Debt and Short-Term Borrowing.

(2)  
The Company leases its mainframe computer and certain related support equipment.  The Company is also a lessee of an office building with a 20-year lease that began in 1989 with two five-year renewal options.  In 1998, the Company assigned the interest in the lease to a third-party for the remainder of the lease period.  The Company’s lease on the office building expired at December 31, 2009.

(3)  
Purchase obligations include contracts where the Company has a non-cancelable commitment to purchase goods and services.

         (4)
The Company’s mortgage loan commitments provide funding to originate commercial mortgage loans.  Mortgage loan commitments generally do not extend beyond 90 days.  Other investments are primarily commitments to fund affordable housing project obligations and to fund a construction loan.

(5)  
Annuity certain contracts are those insurance liabilities (included in future policy benefits and policyholder account balances on the balance sheet) which do not have life contingencies and have scheduled payments.  Annuity certain contracts without life contingencies consist of single premium immediate annuities, supplementary contracts and structured settlements.

(6)  
Insurance liabilities consist primarily of future policy benefits and policyholder account balances for which the timing of cash flows is uncertain and which have life contingencies.  The schedule of payments for these liabilities can vary significantly because of the uncertainty of the timing of cash flows, which depend upon insurable events or policyholder surrenders.

(7)  
The contractual obligations reported above exclude the Company’s liability of $6.6 million for unrecognized tax benefits.  The Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount and period of related future payments for such liability.


 
Item 6A:  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company holds a diversified portfolio of investments that includes cash, bonds, preferred stocks, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgages and real estate.  Each of these investments is subject, in varying degree, to market risks that can affect their return and their fair value.  A majority of these assets are debt instruments of corporations or U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) and are considered fixed income investments.  Thus, the primary market risks affecting the Company’s portfolio are interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Company’s investment portfolio moved from a net unrealized loss position in 2008 to a net unrealized gain in 2009.  The change was primarily attributable to improved pricing of financial assets during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.  The change affected the broad financial markets and resulted in price improvement in virtually every sector.  At year-end, the fair value of the securities portfolio exceeded its book value by $0.2 million.

Interest rate risk arises from the price sensitivity of investments to changes in interest rates.  Coupon and dividend income represent the greatest portion of an investment’s total return for most fixed income instruments in stable interest rate environments.  The changes in the fair market price of such investments are inversely related to changes in market interest rates.  As interest rates fall, the coupon and dividend streams of existing fixed-rate investments become more valuable and market values rise.  As interest rates rise, the opposite effect occurs.

Due to the complex nature of interest rate movements and their uneven effects on the value of fixed income investments, the Company uses sophisticated computer programs to help consider potential changes in the value of the portfolio.  Assuming that changes occur equally over the entire term structure of interest rates or yield curve, it is estimated that a 100 basis point increase in rates would translate to a $123.9 million loss of fair value for the $2.5 billion securities portfolio.  Conversely, a 100 basis point rate decrease would translate to a $129.0 million increase in fair value.

Market changes rarely follow a linear pattern in one direction for any length of time.  Within any diversified portfolio, an investor will likely find embedded options, both puts and calls, that change the structure of the cash flow stream.  Residential mortgage-backed securities are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes.  As long-term interest rates fall, homeowners become more likely to refinance their mortgage or move up to a larger home, causing a prepayment of the outstanding mortgage principal, which must then be reinvested at a lower rate.  Should interest rates rise suddenly, prepayments expected by investors may decrease, extending the duration of a mortgage pool.  This represents a further interest rate risk to investors.

As interest rates rise, policyholders may become more likely to surrender policies or to borrow against cash values, often to meet sudden needs in an inflationary environment or to invest in higher yielding opportunities elsewhere.  This risk of disintermediation may force the Company to liquidate parts of its portfolio at a time when the fair value of fixed income investments is falling.  If interest rates fall, the Company may also be forced to invest new cash receipts at levels below the minimum guaranteed rates payable to policyholders, eroding profit margins.  The Company can usually adapt to small sudden changes in interest rates or even large changes that occur over longer periods of time.  However, cash flow may increase or decrease over the course of the business cycle.  Therefore, the Company takes steps to ensure that adequate liquidity is available to meet obligations in a timely manner.  To this end, the Company utilizes an asset/liability management program, and the Company maintains lines of credit with commercial banks and other short-term borrowing arrangements with financial institutions.

The Company’s investments are also exposed to varying degrees of credit risk.  Credit risk is the risk that the value of the investment may decline due to deterioration in the financial strength of the issuer and that the timely or ultimate payment of principal or interest might not occur.  A default by an issuer usually involves some loss of principal to the investor.  Losses can be mitigated by timely sales of affected securities or by active involvement in a restructuring process.  However, there can be no assurance that the efforts of an investor will lead to favorable outcomes in a bankruptcy or restructuring.  Information about the write-down of investment securities is provided in the table of Realized Investment Gains and Losses, under the section Consolidated Results of Operations in Item 6.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The Company mitigates credit risk by diversifying the investment portfolio across a broad range of issuers, investment sectors and security types, and by limiting the amount invested in any particular entity.  With the exception of certain GSEs, there is no exposure to any single corporate issuer greater than one percent of assets on a book value basis.  The Company also invests in securities collateralized by physical assets.  These securities can improve the likelihood of payment according to contractual terms and increase recovery amounts in the case of bankruptcy or restructuring.


The Company currently holds $137.0 million of foreign bonds.  The foreign securities do not expose the Company directly to foreign currency risk, as the securities are denominated in U.S. dollars.  As a result, the foreign currency risk lies with the issuer of the securities and may expose the issuer to fluctuations in the foreign currency market.

As market interest rates fluctuate, so will the value of the Company's investment portfolio and its stockholders' equity.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had an unrealized investment gain of $0.8 million (net of related taxes, and amounts allocable to policyholder account balances and deferred acquisition costs), compared to an $82.3 million loss at year-end 2008.  This change from a net unrealized loss position to a net unrealized gain position was primarily the result of overall improvement in the market value of investment securities.

Asset/Liability Management
Kansas City Life’s asset/liability management programs and procedures involve the monitoring of asset and liability durations for various product lines, cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios to evaluate the potential sensitivity of assets and liabilities to interest rate movements, and the continuous rebalancing of assets and liabilities with respect to yield, risk, and cash flow characteristics.

Kansas City Life believes its asset/liability management programs and procedures, along with certain product features, provide protection for the Company against the effects of changes in interest rates under various scenarios.

Cash flows and effective durations of the asset and liability portfolios are measured at points in time and are affected by changes in the level and term structure of interest rates, as well as changes in policyholder behavior.  Further, durations are managed on an individual product level, and an aggregate portfolio basis.  As a result, differences typically exist between the duration, cash flows and yields of assets versus liabilities on an individual portfolio and aggregate basis.  The Company’s asset/liability management programs and procedures enable management to monitor the changes, which have both positive and negative correlations among certain portfolios, and to make adjustments to asset mix, liability crediting rates and product terms so as to manage risk and profitability over time.

The Company was not required to invest at levels below minimum guaranteed rates payable to policyholders in 2009 or 2008.  The Company aggregates similar policyholder liabilities into portfolios and then matches specific investments with these liability portfolios.  In 2009 and 2008, all of the Company’s portfolios had investment yields that exceeded the crediting rates on the matched liabilities.  The Company monitors this risk on an ongoing basis.  Should investment rates available in the marketplace fall below the Company’s minimum guaranteed rates, the Company would assess the facts and conditions available at that time and develop an appropriate plan to suit that environment.

The Company performs cash flow scenario testing through models of its in-force business.  These models reflect specific product characteristics and include assumptions based on current and anticipated experience regarding the relationships between short-term and long-term interest rates (i.e., the slope of the yield curve), credit spreads, market liquidity and other factors, including policyholder behavior in certain market conditions.  In addition, these models include asset cash flow projections, reflecting interest payments, sinking fund payments, principal payments, bond calls and mortgage prepayments.

The Company has a risk that the asset or liability portfolio performance may differ from forecasted results as a result of unforeseen economic circumstances, estimates or assumptions that prove incorrect, unanticipated policyholder behavior or other factors.  The result of such deviation of actual versus expected performance could include excess or insufficient liquidity in future periods.  Excess liquidity, in turn, could result in reduced profitability on one or more product lines.  Insufficient liquidity could result in the need to generate liquidity through borrowing, asset sales or other means.  The Company believes that adherence to its asset/liability management programs will provide sufficient liquidity to enable it to fulfill its obligation to pay benefits under its various insurance and deposit contracts.  On a historical basis, the Company has not needed to liquidate assets to ensure sufficient cash flows.  The Company maintains borrowing lines on a secured and unsecured basis to provide additional liquidity, if needed.

The Company markets certain variable products.  The policyholder assumes essentially all the investment earnings risk for the portion of the account balance invested in the separate accounts.  However, the Company assesses certain charges based on the policy account values and changes to the account values can affect the Company's earnings.  The portion of the policyholder's account balance invested in the fixed general account, if any, is affected by many factors, including the absolute level of interest rates, relative performance of the fixed income and equity markets, spreads between interest yields on investments and rates credited to the policyholder's accounts, and changes in consumer preferences.





Expected Cash Flows
The table below details (in millions) the nature of expected cash flows from the securities portfolio, including the cash flows from residential mortgage-backed securities pools, corporate bonds and commercial mortgages. Calls and prepayments represent the principal amount expected to return to the Company.  Total principal equals invested cash scheduled to return in each year, including maturities, calls, sinking funds and prepayments.

                       
There-
 
Total
Fair
   
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
after
 
Principal
Value
                               
Corporate bonds currently callable
 $        19
 
 $         2
 
 $         2
 
 -
 
 -
 
 $       47
 
 $         70
 $      71
 
Average interest rate
7.10%
 
6.10%
 
6.88%
 
- %
 
- %
 
6.02%
 
6.34%
 
                               
Residential mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
52
 
47
 
42
 
41
 
36
 
267
 
485
       437
 
Average interest rate
4.12%
 
5.67%
 
5.63%
 
5.60%
 
5.58%
 
5.57%
 
5.43%
 
                               
All other securities
129
 
134
 
142
 
157
 
178
 
1,186
 
1,926
    1,995
 
Average interest rate
6.30%
 
7.38%
 
6.20%
 
5.74%
 
5.67%
 
5.68%
 
5.88%
 
                               
Investment securities
200
 
183
 
186
 
198
 
214
 
1,500
 
2,481
    2,503
 
Average interest rate
5.81%
 
6.93%
 
6.08%
 
5.71%
 
5.65%
 
5.67%
 
5.81%
 
                               
Mortgages
34
 
47
 
34
 
43
 
46
 
257
 
461
       459
 
Average interest rate
7.16%
 
6.29%
 
6.23%
 
6.23%
 
6.46%
 
6.50%
 
6.48%
 
                               
Total
 $      234
 
 $     230
 
 $     220
 
 $     241
 
 $     260
 
 $  1,757
 
 $    2,942
 $ 2,962
 
Average interest rate
6.01%
 
6.80%
 
6.10%
 
5.80%
 
5.80%
 
5.79%
 
5.91%
 








Item 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Amounts in thousands, except share data, or as otherwise noted

   
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
     
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     
               
         
December 31
         
2009
 
2008
ASSETS
       
Investments:
     
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value
     
     
(amortized cost:  2009 - $2,470,516; 2008 - $2,543,674)
 $  2,469,272
 
 $  2,350,834
 
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value
     
     
(cost: 2009 - $35,405; 2008 - $35,850)
          36,876
 
          36,576
 
Mortgage loans
        457,582
 
        445,389
 
Real estate
        114,076
 
          99,576
 
Policy loans
          85,585
 
          88,304
 
Short-term investments
        138,704
 
          35,138
   
Total investments
     3,302,095
 
     3,055,817
               
Cash
     
            4,981
 
            9,720
Accrued investment income
          32,989
 
          33,689
Deferred acquisition costs
        209,495
 
        263,756
Value of business acquired
          66,114
 
          82,855
Reinsurance receivables
        179,365
 
        168,390
Property and equipment
          24,393
 
          25,922
Income taxes
            8,784
 
          39,628
Other assets
          35,145
 
          28,749
Separate account assets
        312,824
 
        258,565
   
Total assets
 $  4,176,185
 
 $  3,967,091
               
LIABILITIES
     
Future policy benefits
 $     866,889
 
 $     853,456
Policyholder account balances
     2,048,828
 
     2,030,656
Policy and contract claims
          33,484
 
          34,913
Other policyholder funds
        137,847
 
        125,826
Notes payable
                    -
 
            2,900
Income taxes
          21,851
 
                    -
Other liabilities
        126,099
 
        133,668
Separate account liabilities
        312,824
 
        258,565
   
Total liabilities
     3,547,822
 
     3,439,984
               
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
     
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share
     
 
Authorized 36,000,000 shares,
     
   
issued 18,496,680 shares
          23,121
 
          23,121
Additional paid in capital
          41,068
 
          36,281
Retained earnings
        757,225
 
        750,600
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
        (36,477)
 
       (130,799)
Treasury stock, at cost (2009 - 6,931,589 shares;
     
 
2008 - 7,061,476 shares)
      (156,574)
 
       (152,096)
   
Total stockholders' equity
        628,363
 
        527,107
               
   
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 $  4,176,185
 
 $  3,967,091
               
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.




  
                                             KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
         
       
                 
       
Year Ended December 31
       
2009
 
2008
 
2007
REVENUES
         
Insurance revenues:
         
 
Premiums
 $      190,799
 
 $      180,782
 
 $      175,460
 
Contract charges
         105,716
 
         109,007
 
         111,422
 
Reinsurance ceded
         (54,851)
 
         (53,616)
 
         (54,988)
     
Total insurance revenues
         241,664
 
         236,173
 
         231,894
Investment revenues:
         
 
Net investment income
         177,428
 
         177,419
 
         190,405
 
Realized investment gains, excluding
         
   
impairment losses
           10,979
 
           10,422
 
             9,462
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
         
   
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
         (37,125)
 
         (62,693)
 
           (4,036)
   
Portion of impairment losses recognized in
         
     
other comprehensive income (loss)
           16,070
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
         (21,055)
 
         (62,693)
 
           (4,036)
     
Total investment revenues
         167,352
 
         125,148
 
         195,831
Other revenues
           10,579
 
           13,005
 
           11,499
     
Total revenues
         419,595
 
         374,326
 
         439,224
                 
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
         
Policyholder benefits
         178,971
 
         178,749
 
         166,458
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
           86,713
 
           86,899
 
           91,215
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
         
 
and value of business acquired
           39,654
 
           42,084
 
           40,333
Operating expenses
           97,805
 
           92,808
 
           88,307
     
Total benefits and expenses
         403,143
 
         400,540
 
         386,313
                 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
           16,452
 
         (26,214)
 
           52,911
                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
             5,720
 
           (9,164)
 
           17,250
                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 $        10,732
 
 $      (17,050)
 
 $        35,661
                 
                 
Comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
         
 
Change in net unrealized gains and (losses) on
         
   
securities available for sale
 $        89,709
 
 $      (89,921)
 
 $          6,396
 
Change in benefit plan obligations
           11,212
 
         (21,067)
 
           (1,089)
   
Other comprehensive income (loss)
         100,921
 
       (110,988)
 
             5,307
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 $      111,653
 
 $    (128,038)
 
 $        40,968
                 
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
         
 
Net income (loss)
 $            0.93
 
 $          (1.47)
 
 $            3.01
                 


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



  
                                                                                  KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
       
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
           
COMMON STOCK, beginning and end of year
 $      23,121
 
 $      23,121
 
 $      23,121
           
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL
         
Beginning of year
         36,281
 
         30,244
 
         25,852
Excess of proceeds over cost of treasury stock sold
           4,787
 
           6,037
 
           4,392
           
    End of year
         41,068
 
         36,281
 
         30,244
           
RETAINED EARNINGS
         
Beginning of year
       750,600
 
       780,133
 
       780,892
Cummulative effect of change in accounting
         
    principle (See Note 14)
           8,399
 
                -
 
                -
Net income (loss)
         10,732
 
       (17,050)
 
         35,661
Stockholder dividends of $1.08 per share
         
    (2008 - $1.08; 2007 - $3.08)
       (12,506)
 
       (12,483)
 
       (36,420)
           
    End of year
       757,225
 
       750,600
 
       780,133
           
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE
         
LOSS
         
Beginning of year
     (130,799)
 
       (19,811)
 
       (25,118)
Cummulative effect of change in accounting
         
    principle (See Note 14)
         (6,599)
 
                -
 
                -
Other comprehensive income (loss)
       100,921
 
     (110,988)
 
           5,307
           
    End of year
       (36,477)
 
     (130,799)
 
       (19,811)
           
TREASURY STOCK, at cost
         
Beginning of year
     (152,096)
 
     (129,286)
 
     (120,443)
Cost of 396,821 shares acquired
         
    (2008 - 557,424 shares; 2007 - 230,581 shares)
       (11,957)
 
       (25,972)
 
       (10,799)
Cost of 526,708 shares sold
         
    (2008 - 222,687 shares; 2007 -140,121 shares)
           7,479
 
           3,162
 
           1,956
           
    End of year
     (156,574)
 
     (152,096)
 
     (129,286)
           
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 $    628,363
 
 $    527,107
 
 $    684,401
           






See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
 
                   
         
Year Ended December 31
         
2009
 
2008
 
2007
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
         
Net income (loss)
 $      10,732
 
 $    (17,050)
 
 $      35,661
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
         
 
net cash provided by operating activities:
         
   
Amortization of investment premium
           3,838
 
           5,114
 
           6,279
   
Depreciation
           2,919
 
           3,008
 
           3,323
   
Acquisition costs capitalized
       (33,557)
 
       (27,804)
 
       (28,643)
   
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
         35,575
 
         34,990
 
         31,073
   
Amortization of value of business acquired
           4,664
 
           7,094
 
           9,260
   
Realized investment (gains) losses
         10,076
 
         52,271
 
         (4,060)
   
Changes in assets and liabilities:
         
     
Reinsurance recoverable
       (10,975)
 
         (6,050)
 
         (4,109)
     
Future policy benefits
         13,433
 
           1,633
 
(2,258)
     
Policyholder account balances
       (22,122)
 
       (17,378)
 
(20,923)
     
Income taxes payable and deferred
           7,944
 
       (31,509)
 
           1,577
   
Other, net
           6,150
 
           8,018
 
           5,717
   
Net cash provided
         28,677
 
         12,337
 
         32,897
                   
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
         
Purchases of investments:
         
 
Fixed maturity securities
     (322,508)
 
     (251,136)
 
     (313,080)
 
Equity securities
         (4,025)
 
         (8,300)
 
       (15,249)
 
Mortgage loans
       (59,650)
 
       (49,273)
 
       (54,816)
 
Real estate
       (21,338)
 
       (30,138)
 
         (4,507)
 
Other investment assets
     (103,566)
 
                  -
 
                  -
Sales of investments:
         
 
Fixed maturity securities
       134,810
 
         33,499
 
       168,259
 
Equity securities
           4,781
 
           8,811
 
           4,583
 
Real estate
           4,063
 
         30,613
 
         22,457
 
Other investment assets
           2,719
 
           5,883
 
           7,930
Maturities and principal paydowns of investments:
       
 
Fixed maturity securities
       247,925
 
       254,950
 
       198,224
 
Equity securities
           -
 
                  -
 
           2,806
 
Mortgage loans
         47,458
 
         54,031
 
         58,405
Net dispositions (acquisitions) of property and equipment
              (68)
 
                  3
 
            (969)
Proceeds from sale of non insurance affiliate
                  -
 
                  -
 
         10,104
   
Net cash provided (used)
       (69,399)
 
         48,943
 
         84,147
                   







See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-(Continued)
                   
         
Year Ended December 31
         
2009
 
2008
 
2007
                   
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
         
Proceeds from borrowings
 $        1,500
 
 $    100,962
 
 $    122,830
Repayment of borrowings
         (4,400)
 
     (108,462)
 
     (127,130)
Deposits on policyholder account balances
       239,642
 
       200,465
 
       205,767
Withdrawals from policyholder account balances
     (203,006)
 
     (240,508)
 
     (294,799)
Net transfers from separate accounts
           8,566
 
           8,556
 
         11,706
Change in other deposits
           5,878
 
           4,525
 
         13,703
Cash dividends to stockholders
       (12,506)
 
       (12,483)
 
       (36,420)
Net disposition (acquisition) of treasury stock
              309
 
       (16,773)
 
         (4,451)
   
Net cash provided (used)
         35,983
 
       (63,718)
 
     (108,794)
                   
Increase (decrease) in cash
         (4,739)
 
         (2,438)
 
           8,250
Cash at beginning of year
           9,720
 
         12,158
 
           3,908
       
 
         
   
Cash at end of year
 $        4,981
 
 $        9,720
 
 $      12,158
                   


 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


76

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business
Kansas City Life Insurance Company is a Missouri domiciled stock life insurance company which, with its subsidiaries, is licensed to sell insurance products in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The Company offers a diversified portfolio of individual insurance, annuity and group products through three life insurance companies.  The consolidated entity (the Company) primarily consists of three life insurance companies.  Kansas City Life Insurance Company (Kansas City Life) is the parent company.  Sunset Life Insurance Company of America (Sunset Life) and Old American Insurance Company (Old American) are wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and include the accounts of Kansas City Life and its subsidiaries, principally Sunset Life and Old American. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to the prior period results to conform with the current period’s presentation.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period.  These estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from these estimates.  Included among the material (or potentially material) reported amounts and disclosures that require extensive use of estimates are the fair value of certain invested assets, deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, future policy benefits, policy and contract claim liabilities, pension and other postretirement benefits and the valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets.

Business Changes
On January 8, 2007, the Company completed the sale of Generations Bank, its bank subsidiary, after receiving regulatory approval from the Office of Thrift Supervision.  The gain on the sale was $1.9 million and is included in realized investment gains.  The bank subsidiary and the results of operations were not material to the financial statements of the Company and are not disclosed separately.

Significant Accounting Policies
Presented below is a summary of significant accounting policies used by the Company.

Investments
Investment income is recognized when earned.   Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of specific security identification recorded on the trade date. Securities available for sale are stated at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred acquisition costs (DAC), value of business acquired (VOBA), policyholder account balances and deferred income taxes, are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity.  Unrealized losses represent the difference between amortized cost and fair value on the valuation date.  The adjustments to DAC and VOBA represent changes in the amortization of DAC and VOBA that would have been required as a charge or credit to income had such unrealized amounts been realized.  The adjustment to policyholder account balances represents the increase from using a discount rate that would have been required if such unrealized gains or losses had been realized and the proceeds reinvested at current market interest rates, which were lower than the then-current effective portfolio rate.

The Company’s fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities are derived from external pricing sources, brokers, and internal matrices and calculations.  At December 31, 2009, approximately 92% of the carrying value of these investments was from external pricing services and 8% was derived from brokers, internal matrices and calculations.  The investment portfolio is monitored regularly to ensure that investments which may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely fashion and properly valued.  Other-than-temporary impairments that are determined to be due to credit are charged against earnings as realized investment losses.  Premiums and discounts on fixed maturity securities are amortized over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method.  See Note 3 – Investments for further details.

Investment income on residential mortgage-backed securities is initially based upon yield, cash flow, and prepayment assumptions at the date of purchase.  Subsequent revisions in those assumptions are recorded using the retrospective method, except for adjustable rate residential mortgage-backed securities where the prospective method is used.  Under the

77

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


 retrospective method the amortized cost of the security is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the revised assumptions been in place at the time of purchase.  Under the prospective method, future cash flows are estimated and interest income is recognized going forward using the new effective yield to maturity.  The adjustments to amortized cost under both methods are recorded as a charge or credit to net investment income.  The Company bases its historical results from individual securities and internal assessments of likely future results for these securities.   These results are based upon validations and comparisons to similar securities provided by third parties such as rating agency analysis.

Mortgage loans are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accrual of discount, less a valuation reserve for probable losses. A loan is considered impaired if it is probable that contractual amounts due will not be collected. The valuation reserve is determined based upon historical impairment experience and insurance industry studies.  Loans in foreclosure and loans considered to be impaired are placed on a non-accrual status.

Real estate consists of directly owned investments and real estate joint ventures.  Real estate that is directly owned is carried at depreciated cost.  Real estate joint ventures consist primarily of office buildings, industrial warehouses, unimproved land for future development and low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) investments.  Real estate joint ventures are consolidated when required or are valued at cost, adjusted for the Company’s equity in earnings.

Policy loans are carried at cost, less principal payments received.  Short-term investments are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accrual of discount.

Valuation of Investments
The Company’s principal investments are in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans and real estate; all of which are exposed to three primary sources of investment risk: credit, interest rate and liquidity.  The fixed maturity securities, which are all classified as available for sale, are carried at their fair value in the Company’s balance sheet, with unrealized gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The unrealized gains or losses are recorded net of the adjustment to policyholder account balances to reflect what would have been earned had those gains or losses been realized and the proceeds reinvested.

The Company has a policy and process in place to identify securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other-than-temporary.  This process involves monitoring market events that could impact issuers’ credit ratings, business climate, management changes, litigation and government actions, and other similar factors.  This process also involves monitoring late payments, downgrades by rating agencies, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts, asset quality and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.

The Company monitors the various markets in which its investments are traded.  The Company utilizes a primary independent third-party pricing service to determine the majority of its fair values.  At December 31, 2009, the Company used a second third-party pricing service to validate the fair market values provided by the primary pricing service.  The Company also used the second pricing service to determine the fair value of certain securities for which the primary pricing service was unable to provide.  The Company reviews values received from independent pricing sources for validity.  In addition, the Company tests a limited number of securities from each independent pricing service each reporting period to further validate reliance on the fair values provided.  When fair values are not available from external service providers, where possible, the Company utilizes quotes from brokers.  When the Company cannot obtain reliable broker pricing, a fair value is determined based upon an assessment of several factors appropriate for the specific issue, including but not limited to: the issuer’s industry; liquidity; cash flows; marketability, ratings and the ability of the issuer to satisfy the obligation; government intervention or regulations; fair value of comparable securities in actively traded or quoted markets; or other factors.  The Company creates a matrix of factors from which to calculate an estimable value.  However, all factors may not be known or publicly available from which to determine a value and, as such, the fair value used by the Company may not be truly indicative of the actual value available in an active market or an actual exit price if the Company were to sell the security in the current market.

At the end of each quarter, all securities are reviewed to determine whether impairments exist and whether other-than-temporary impairments should be recorded.  This quarterly process includes an assessment of the credit quality of each investment in the entire securities portfolio.  Additional reporting and review procedures are conducted for those securities where fair value is less than 90% of amortized cost.  The Company prepares a formal review document no less often than quarterly of all investments with greater than 20% declines in fair value for six months or more, investments that have previously been written down and that remain in an unrealized loss position greater than 20% of their value, and selected investments that have changed significantly from a previous period and that have a decline in fair value greater than 10% of amortized cost.

78

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The Company considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether the impairment of a security is other-than-temporary.  Relevant facts and circumstances considered include but are not limited to:

·  
The current fair value of the security as compared to amortized cost;
·  
The credit rating of the security;
·  
The extent and the length of time the fair value has been below amortized cost;
·  
The financial position of the issuer, including the current and future impact of any specific events, material declines in the issuer’s revenues, margins, cash positions, liquidity issues, asset quality, debt levels and income results;
·  
Significant management or organizational changes;
·  
Significant uncertainty regarding the issuer’s industry;
·  
Violation of financial covenants;
·  
Consideration of information or evidence that supports timely recovery;
·  
The Company’s intent and ability to hold an equity security until it recovers in value;
·  
Whether the Company intends to sell a debt security and whether it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of the amortized cost basis; and
·  
Other business factors related to the issuer’s industry.

To the extent the Company determines that a fixed maturity security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the portion of the impairment that is deemed to be due to credit is charged to the income statement and the cost basis of the underlying investment is reduced.  The portion of the impairment that is deemed to be non-credit is charged to other comprehensive income (loss).  Equity securities that were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to fair value and the impairment is charged to the income statement.

There are a number of significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the process of monitoring impairments, determining if an impairment is other-than-temporary and determining the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment that is due to credit.  These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to:

·  
The risk that the Company’s assessment of an issuer’s ability to meet all of its contractual obligations will change based on changes in the credit characteristics of that issuer;
·  
The risk that the economic outlook will be worse than expected or have more of an impact on the issuer than anticipated;
·  
The risk that the performance of the underlying collateral for securities could deteriorate in the future and the Company’s credit enhancement levels and recovery values do not provide sufficient protection to the Company’s contractual principal and interest;
·  
The risk that fraudulent, inaccurate or misleading information could be provided to the Company’s credit, investment and accounting professionals who determine the fair value estimates and accounting treatment for securities;
·  
The risk that new information obtained by the Company or changes in other facts and circumstances may lead the Company to change its intent to sell the security before it recovers in value;
·  
The risk that facts and circumstances change such that it becomes more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the amortized cost basis; and
·  
The risk that the methodology or assumptions used to develop estimates of the portion of impairments due to credit prove, over time, to be inaccurate or insufficient.

Any of these situations could result in a charge to income in a future period.

The evaluation of loan-backed and similar asset-backed securities, particularly including residential mortgage-backed securities, with significant indications of potential other-than-temporary impairment requires significant use of estimates and judgment.  Specifically, the Company performs discounted future cash flow calculations to assure the value of the investment is expected to be fully realized. Projections of expected future cash flows are based upon considerations of the performance of the actual underlying assets, including historical delinquencies, defaults, severity of losses incurred, and prepayments, along with the Company’s estimates of future results for these factors.  The Company’s estimates of future results are based upon actual historical performance of the underlying assets relative to historical, current and expected general economic conditions, specific conditions related to the underlying assets, industry data, and other factors that are believed to be relevant.

79

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The Company may selectively determine, as part of its individual investment assessment process in relation to specific investments that it no longer intends to hold a specific issue to its maturity.  If the Company makes this determination and the fair value is less than the cost basis, an analysis of the fair value of the investment is performed and the investment is written down to the fair value and an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded on this particular position.  Subsequently, the Company seeks to obtain the best possible outcome available for this specific issue and records an investment gain or loss at the disposal date.

Deferred Acquisition Costs
Deferred acquisition costs (DAC), principally agent commissions and other selling, selection and issue costs, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new business, are capitalized as incurred.  These deferred costs are then amortized in proportion to future premium revenues or the expected future profits of the business, depending upon the type of product.  Profit expectations are based upon assumptions of future interest spreads, mortality margins, expense margins and policy and premium persistency experience.  These assumptions involve judgment and are compared to actual experience on an ongoing basis.  If it is determined that the assumptions related to the profit expectations for interest sensitive and variable insurance products should be revised, the impact of the change is reported in the current period’s income as an unlocking adjustment.  There was no DAC unlocking adjustment for the year ended 2009 (2008 – $3.0 million; 2007 – $3.4 million).  Prior year adjustments reduced the amortization of DAC.

DAC is reviewed on an ongoing basis to determine that the unamortized portion does not exceed the expected recoverable amounts.  If it is determined from emerging experience that the premium margins or gross profits are insufficient to amortize deferred acquisition costs, then the asset will be adjusted downward with the adjustment recorded as an expense in the current period.  No impairment adjustments have been recorded in the years presented. The DAC asset is adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities available for sale, as described in the Investments section of Note 1.  The change in DAC from unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities was $(52.1) million for year ended 2009 (2008 - $51.2 million; 2007 – $(0.7) million).

The following table provides information about DAC at December 31.

 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Balance at beginning of year
 $    263,756
 
 $    217,512
 
 $    220,595
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (See Note 14)
            (450)
 
                  -
 
                  -
Capitalization of commissions, sales and issue expenses
         33,557
 
         27,804
 
         28,643
Gross amortization
       (46,677)
 
       (46,412)
 
       (43,341)
Accrual of interest
         11,552
 
         11,422
 
         12,268
Amortization due to realized investment (gains) losses
            (177)
 
           2,243
 
                33
Change in DAC due to unrealized investment (gains) losses
       (52,066)
 
         51,187
 
            (686)
Balance at end of year
 $    209,495
 
 $    263,756
 
 $    217,512
           

Value of Business Acquired
When a new block of business is acquired or when an insurance company is purchased, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to a separately identifiable intangible asset, called the value of business acquired (VOBA).  VOBA is established as the actuarially determined present value of future gross profits of the business acquired and is amortized in proportion to future premium revenues or the expected future profits, depending on the type of business acquired.  Amortization of VOBA occurs with interest over the anticipated lives of the underlying business to which it relates, initially 15 to 30 years.  Similar to DAC, the assumptions regarding future experience can affect the carrying value of VOBA, including interest spreads, mortality, expense margins and policy and premium persistency experience.  Significant changes in these assumptions can impact the carrying balance of VOBA and produce changes that are reflected in the current period’s income as an unlocking adjustment.  A VOBA unlocking adjustment was made in the second quarter of 2009, which decreased the amortization of VOBA in the amount of $0.2 million for interest margins (2008 - increase of $0.2 million; 2007 - decrease of $1.1 million).

VOBA is reviewed on an ongoing basis to determine that the unamortized portion does not exceed the expected recoverable amounts.  If it is determined from emerging experience that the premium margins or gross profits are insufficient to support the value of VOBA, then the asset will be adjusted downward with the adjustment recorded as an expense in the current period.  No impairment adjustments have been recorded in the years presented. The VOBA asset is adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities available for sale, as described in the Investments section of Note 1.  The change in VOBA asset from unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities in 2009 was $(12.4) million (2008 - $15.2 million; 2007 - $0.1 million).

80

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table provides information about VOBA at December 31.

  
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Balance at beginning of year
 $     82,855
 
 $     73,517
 
 $     82,769
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (See Note 14)
           (135)
 
                 -
 
                 -
Gross amortization
        (8,644)
 
      (11,704)
 
      (14,545)
Accrual of interest
          4,115
 
          4,610
 
          5,285
Amortization due to realized investment (gains) losses
             336
 
          1,187
 
             (76)
Change in VOBA due to unrealized investment (gains) losses
      (12,413)
 
        15,245
 
               84
Balance at end of year
 $     66,114
 
 $     82,855
 
 $     73,517
           

The accrual of interest for Old American VOBA was calculated at a 13.0% interest rate for the life block and a 7.0% rate for the accident and health block.  In 2009, interest was accrued on the GuideOne acquisition VOBA at the rates of 4.55% on the interest sensitive life block, 4.12% on the deferred annuity block and 5.25% on the traditional life block.  The VOBA on a separate acquired block of business used a 7.0% interest rate on the traditional life portion and a 5.4% interest rate on the interest sensitive portion.  The interest rates used in the calculation of VOBA are based on rates appropriate at the time of acquisition. The expected amortization of VOBA each year over the next five years, 2010 through 2014, is $7,236, $6,638, $4,537, $4,308, and $3,905, respectively. 

Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, the Company cedes risks to other insurers, primarily to protect the Company against adverse fluctuations in mortality experience and for capital management.  Business is reinsured primarily through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements.  Under yearly renewable term insurance, the Company pays annual premiums and the reinsurer reimburses claims paid related to this coverage.  Under coinsurance, the reinsurer receives a proportionate share of the premiums less applicable commissions and is liable for a corresponding share of policy benefits.  The Company remains contingently liable if the reinsurer should be unable to meet obligations assumed under the reinsurance contract.  The Company also assumes risks ceded by other companies.

Reinsurance receivables include amounts related to paid benefits and estimated amounts related to unpaid policy and contract claims, future policy benefits and policyholder account balances.

Separate Accounts
Separate account assets and liabilities arise from the sale of variable universal life insurance and variable annuity products.  The separate account represents funds segregated for the benefit of certain policyholders who bear the investment risk.  The assets are legally segregated and are not subject to claims which may arise from any other business of the Company.  The separate account assets and liabilities, which are equal, are recorded at fair value based upon net asset value (NAV).  Policyholder account deposits and withdrawals, investment income and realized investment gains and losses are excluded from the amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Revenues to the Company from separate accounts consist principally of contract charges, which include maintenance charges, administrative fees and mortality and risk charges.

The following table provides a reconciliation of activity within separate account liabilities at December 31.
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Balance at beginning of year
 $   258,565
 
 $   420,393
 
 $   400,749
Deposits on variable policyholder contracts
        35,180
 
        48,994
 
        57,767
Transfers to general account
        (7,271)
 
      (11,486)
 
        (2,476)
Investment performance
        70,096
 
    (135,280)
 
        33,826
Policyholder benefits
      (31,347)
 
      (49,863)
 
      (54,663)
Contract charges
      (12,399)
 
      (14,193)
 
      (14,810)
Balance at end of year
 $   312,824
 
 $   258,565
 
 $   420,393
           
 
The Company introduced a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB) rider in 2007 that can be added to new or existing variable annuity contracts.  The rider provides an enhanced withdrawal benefit that guarantees a stream of income payments to an owner or annuitant, regardless of the contract account value.  The current value of variable annuity separate accounts with the GMWB rider was $57.9 million (2008 - $31.1 million) and the guarantee liability was $(1.6) million at

81

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


December 31, 2009 (2008 - $0.8 million).  The value of the GMWB rider is recorded at fair value.  The change in this value is included in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The total separate account assets were $312.8 million as of December 31, 2009.  Variable universal life and variable annuity assets comprised 29% and 71% of this amount, respectively.  Guarantees are offered under variable universal life and variable annuity contracts: a guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) rider is available on certain variable universal life contracts, and GMDB are provided on all variable annuities.  The GMDB rider for variable universal life and variable annuity contracts guarantees the death benefit for specified periods of time, regardless of investment performance, provided cumulative premium requirements are met.

As of December 31, 2009, separate account balances for variable annuity contracts were $221.7 million.   The total reserve held for variable annuity GMDB was $0.3 million.  Additional information related to the GMDB and related separate account balances and net amount at risk (the amount by which the GMDB exceeds the account balance) as of December 31, 2009 is provided below:

   
Separate
 
Net
   
Account
 
Amount
   
Balance
 
at Risk
         
Return of net deposits
 $      193,870
 
 $      8,932
Return of the greater of the highest anniversary
     
 
contract value or net deposits
             4,580
 
            485
Return of the greater of every fifth year highest
     
 
anniversary contract value or net deposits
             6,078
 
            593
Return of the greater of net deposits accumulated annually
     
 
at 5% or the highest anniversary contract value
           17,195
 
         2,995
Total
 $      221,723
 
 $    13,005
         

The following table presents the GMDB for the variable annuity incurred and paid death benefits for the three years ended December 31.

 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Variable annuity incurred death benefits
 $      5,778
 
 $      4,426
 
 $      3,267
Variable annuity paid death benefits
 $      5,899
 
 $      4,528
 
 $      2,775

The following table presents the aggregate fair value of assets by major investment asset category supporting the variable annuity separate accounts with guaranteed benefits at December 31.

   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Money market
 $        8,358
 
 $      10,256
 
 $        9,463
Fixed income
         18,066
 
         13,827
 
         18,781
Balanced
         51,935
 
         45,089
 
         85,424
International equity
         23,540
 
         17,258
 
         29,733
Intermediate equity
         63,083
 
         50,389
 
         72,910
Aggressive equity
         56,741
 
         45,495
 
         78,861
 
Total
 $    221,723
 
 $    182,314
 
 $    295,172
             
Future Policy Benefits
The Company establishes liabilities for amounts payable under insurance policies, including traditional life insurance, annuities and accident and health insurance.  Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time.  Liabilities for future policy benefits of traditional life insurance have been computed by a net level premium method based upon estimates at the time of issue for investment yields, mortality and withdrawals.  These estimates include provisions for experience less favorable than initially expected.  Mortality assumptions are based on Company experience expressed as a percentage of standard mortality tables.  The 2001 VBT and the 1975-1980 Select and Ultimate Basic Table serve as the bases for most mortality assumptions.

82

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


Liabilities for future policy benefits of immediate annuities and supplementary contracts with life contingencies are computed by calculating an actuarial present value of future policy benefits, based upon estimates for investment yields and mortality at the time of issue.
 
 
Liabilities for future policy benefits of accident and health insurance represent estimates of payments to be made on reported insurance claims, as well as claims incurred but not yet reported.  These liabilities are estimated using actuarial analyses and case basis evaluations that are based upon past claims experience, claim trends and industry experience.

The following table provides detail about future policy benefits at December 31.

  
     
2009
 
2008
Life insurance
 $     617,247
 
 $     620,136
Immediate annuities and supplementary
     
 
contracts with life contingencies
        201,554
 
        192,212
   
Total
        818,801
 
        812,348
Accident and health insurance
          48,088
 
          41,108
           
   
Total future policy benefits
 $     866,889
 
 $     853,456
           

Policyholder Account Balances
Policyholder account balances include universal life insurance, fixed deferred annuity contracts and investment-type contracts.  Liabilities for these policyholder account balances are included without reduction for potential surrender charges and deferred front-end contract charges.  The account balances for universal life contracts are equal to cumulative premiums, less contract charges and withdrawals, plus interest credited.  The account balances for fixed deferred annuities and investment-type contracts are equal to the cumulative deposits, less any applicable contract charges and withdrawals, plus interest credited.  Front-end contract charges are deferred and amortized over the term of the policies.  Policyholder benefits incurred in excess of related policyholder account balances are charged to policyholder benefits expense.  Interest on policyholder account balances is credited as earned.

Crediting rates for universal life insurance and fixed deferred annuity products ranged from 3.00% to 5.50% in 2009 (2008 – 3.00% to 5.50%; 2007 – 3.00% to 5.50%).

The following table provides detail about policyholder account balances at December 31.

  
   
2009
 
2008
Universal life insurance
 $     989,929
 
 $  1,013,172
Fixed deferred annuities
        999,500
 
        956,216
Other
          59,399
 
          61,268
 
Policyholder account balances
 $  2,048,828
 
 $  2,030,656
         

Recognition of Revenues
Premiums for traditional life insurance products are reported as revenue when due.  Premiums on accident and health insurance are reported as earned ratably over the contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.  A reserve is provided for the portion of premiums written which relate to unexpired terms of coverage.

Deposits related to universal life, fixed deferred annuity contracts and investment-type products are credited to policyholder account balances.  Revenues from such contracts consist of amounts assessed against policyholder account balances for mortality, policy administration and surrender charges, and are recognized in the period in which the benefits and services are provided.  The cash flows from deposits are credited to policyholder account balances.  Deposits are not recorded as revenue.  Deposits are shown as a Financing Activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The Company measures its sales or new business production with two components: new premiums recorded and new deposits received.  Premiums and deposits are subdivided into two categories: new and renewal.  New premiums and deposits are measures of sales or new business production.  Renewal premiums and deposits occur as continuing business from existing customers.

83

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


Contract Charges
Contract charges consist of cost of insurance, expense loads, the amortization of unearned revenues and surrender charges.  Cost of insurance relates to charges for mortality.  These charges are applied to the excess of the mortality benefit over the account value for universal life policies.  Expense loads are amounts that are assessed against the policyholder balance as consideration for origination of the contract.  Certain contract charges for universal life insurance are not recognized in income immediately but are deferred as unearned revenues and are amortized into income in a manner similar to the amortization of DAC.  These contract charges, which are recorded as unearned revenues, are recognized into income in proportion to the expected future gross profits of the business.  Profit expectations are based upon assumptions of future interest spreads, mortality margins, expense margins and policy and premium persistency experience.  Surrender charges are fees imposed on policyholders upon cancellation of a policy.

Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recorded on the differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the amounts at which they are reported in the consolidated financial statements.  Recorded amounts are adjusted to reflect changes in income tax rates and other tax law provisions as they become enacted.

Deferred income tax assets are subject to ongoing evaluation of whether such assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets generally depends on the reversal of deferred tax liabilities and the generation of future taxable income and realized gains during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible.  Deferred income taxes include future deductible differences relating to unrealized losses on investment securities.  The Company evaluates the character and timing of unrealized gains and losses to determine whether sufficient future taxable amounts are sufficient to offset future deductible amounts.  A valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets may be required if future taxable income of the correct character is not expected.

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return that includes both life insurance companies and non-life insurance companies.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss).  Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the change in unrealized investment gains or losses on securities available for sale (net of reclassification adjustments for realized investment gains or losses) net of adjustments to DAC, VOBA, taxes and policyholder account balances.  Other comprehensive income (loss) also includes deferred income taxes on these items.  In addition, the Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, on the balance sheet.  Changes in the funded status that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are recognized within other comprehensive income (loss) net of income taxes.

Income (Loss) Per Share
Due to the Company's capital structure and the absence of other potentially dilutive securities, there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per common share for any of the years reported. The average number of shares outstanding during 2009 was 11,550,016 shares (2008 – 11,568,635 shares; 2007 – 11,836,213 shares). The number of shares outstanding at year-end 2009 was 11,565,091 (2008 – 11,435,204).

Participating Policies
The Company has some insurance contracts where the policyholder is entitled to share in the earnings through dividends that reflect the difference between the premium charged and the actual experience.  Participating business at year-end 2009 approximated 4% of statutory premiums and 5% of the life insurance in force. The amount of dividends to be paid is determined annually by the Board of Directors. Provision has been made in the liability for future policy benefits to allocate amounts to participating policyholders on the basis of dividend scales contemplated at the time the policies were issued.  Additional provisions have been made for policyholder dividends in excess of the original scale, which have been declared by the Board of Directors.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2005, guidance was issued for accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance contracts.  Internal replacement is defined as a modification in product benefits, features, rights, or coverage that occurs by exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract.  This guidance became effective for internal replacements occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2006.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2007 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

84

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


In June 2006, the FASB issued guidance regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.  This guidance addresses whether tax positions taken or to be taken on tax returns should be reflected in the financial statements before they are resolved with the appropriate taxing authority.  This guidance was adopted on January 1, 2007, with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued new guidance to provide a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and required additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  The FASB emphasized that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and it established a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being the quoted price in active markets.  This guidance became effective for years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The Company adopted it on January 1, 2008 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued new guidance to permit an entity to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value.  Under this guidance, entities that elect the fair value option report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with a few exceptions, as long as it is applied to the instrument in its entirety.  Once adopted, the fair value option election is irrevocable, unless a new election date occurs.  This guidance became effective for years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The Company adopted it on January 1, 2008 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.  The Company elected to not measure financial assets and liabilities at fair value other than those already prescribed, such as securities available for sale, securities identified in trading portfolios and certain derivatives and hedging activity that the Company participates in.

In March 2008, the FASB issued new guidance to require companies with derivative instruments to disclose information about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  This guidance became effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company adopted it on January 1, 2009 with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In October 2008, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the application of fair value accounting in a market that is not active and to provide an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active.  The Company adopted this guidance upon issuance, with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued new guidance regarding employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets. It requires entities to provide disclosures about employer’s defined benefit plans and other post retirement plans that would help users of the financial statements understand how investment allocation decisions are made, the major categories of plan assets, the inputs and the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on changes in plan assets for the period, and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. This guidance became effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2009 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify fair valuation in inactive markets and includes all assets and liabilities subject to fair valuation measurements.  Enhanced disclosures related to the fair value of assets and liabilities became required.  This guidance became effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company elected early adoption effective for the period ended March 31, 2009 with retroactive application effective January 1, 2009 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance regarding other-than-temporary impairment of debt securities and changes in the recognition and presentation of debt securities determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired.  The guidance requires an enterprise to bifurcate any other-than-temporary impairment between credit and non-credit impairments and then establish accounting treatment for each aspect, in current and subsequent periods.  Retroactive application became required to other-than-temporary impairments recorded in prior periods by making a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the period of adoption.  This guidance became effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company elected early adoption effective for the period ended March 31, 2009 with retroactive application effective January 1, 2009.  For additional information pertaining to this guidance, please see Note 14 – Accumulated Effect of Change in Accounting Principle.

85

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance to expand the fair value disclosures required for financial instruments for interim periods.  The guidance also requires entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments in financial statements on an interim and annual basis and to highlight any changes from prior periods.  This guidance became effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company elected early adoption effective for the period ended March 31, 2009 with retroactive application effective January 1, 2009 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB issued new guidance that established general accounting standards and disclosure for events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued.  This guidance became effective for interim and annual accounting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company adopted it upon issuance, with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance to improve the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports related to a transfer of financial assets.  It addresses the effects of a transfer on financial position, financial performance, cash flows and a transferor’s continuing involvement in transferred financial assets.  In addition, this guidance also eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity.  This guidance became effective for interim and annual accounting periods beginning after November 15, 2009.  The Company adopted it on January 1, 2010 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities (VIEs).  This guidance changes the approach to determining a VIE’s primary beneficiary and requires companies to continuously reassess whether investments in VIEs must be consolidated.  This guidance became effective for interim and annual accounting periods beginning after November 15, 2009.  The Company adopted it on January 1, 2010 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance to establish the FASB ASC as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP.  This guidance replaced previous guidance related to the same issue and became effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The Company adopted it upon issuance, with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

All other new accounting standards and updates of existing standards issued during 2009 did not relate to accounting policies and procedures pertinent to the Company at this time.

2. FAIR VALUES

Fair Values Hierarchy
In accordance with FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” the Company groups its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the inputs and assumptions used to determine the fair value.  These levels are as follows:

Level 1 – Valuations are based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.  Level 1 assets include U.S. Treasury Notes and Bonds, other U.S. Government securities and certain common and preferred stocks that are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets.

Level 2 – Valuations are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.  Valuations are obtained from third-party pricing services or inputs that are observable or derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 – Valuations are generated from techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market.  These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include the use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, spread-based  models, and similar techniques, using the best information available in the circumstances.

Determination of Fair Value
The Company bases fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset (exit price) or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  It is the Company’s policy to maximize the use

86

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements.  The Company utilizes a primary independent third-party pricing service to determine the majority of its fair values.  At December 31, 2009, the Company used a second independent third-party pricing service to validate the fair market values provided by the primary pricing service.  The Company also used the second pricing service to determine the fair value of certain securities for which the primary pricing service was unable to provide.

The Company reviews prices received from service providers for unusual fluctuations but generally accepts the price identified from the pricing services. In the event a price is not available from the third-party pricing services, the Company pursues external pricing from brokers.  Generally, the Company pursues and utilizes only one broker quote per security.  In doing so, the Company solicits only brokers which have previously demonstrated knowledge and experience of the subject security.  If a broker price is not available, the Company determines a carrying value through various valuation techniques that include using option pricing models, discounted cash flows, spread-based models or similar techniques depending upon the specific security to be priced.  These techniques are primarily applied to private placement securities.  The Company utilizes available market information, wherever possible, to identify inputs into the fair value determination, primarily including prices and spreads on comparable securities.

The Company performs an analysis on the prices received from third-party security pricing services and independent brokers to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value.  The Company corroborates and validates the pricing sources through a variety of procedures that include but are not limited to comparison to additional independent third-party pricing services or brokers, where possible, a review of third-party pricing service methodologies, back testing and comparison of prices to actual trades for specific securities where observable data exists.  In addition, the Company analyzes the third-party pricing services’ methodologies and related inputs and also evaluates the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy.

The Company owned six issues of similar securities for which values were not provided from either of the Company’s pricing services as of December 31, 2009.  The Company received quoted prices from brokers for two of these securities and a documented market transaction price for a third.  The Company utilized the mid-point of these prices to determine the fair value of the remaining three similar securities.

Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where there exists limited or no observable market data are calculated using the Company’s own estimates, based on current interest rates, credit spreads, liquidity premium or discount, the economic and competitive environment, unique characteristics of the asset or liability and other pertinent factors.  Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.  Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique. Further, changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.

The Company’s own estimates of fair value are derived in a number of ways including, but not limited to: 1) pricing provided by brokers, where the price indicates reliability as to value; 2) fair values of comparable securities, incorporating a spread adjustment for maturity differences, collateralization, credit quality, liquidity and other items, if applicable; 3) discounted cash flow models and margin spreads; 4) bond yield curves; 5) observable market prices and exchange transaction information not provided by external pricing services; 6) statement values provided to the Company by fund managers; and 7) option pricing models.

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and for estimating fair value for financial instruments not recorded at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 825, “Financial Instruments.”

Assets
Securities Available for Sale
Fixed maturities and equity securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are determined as described in the preceding paragraphs.

Short-Term Financial Assets
Short-term financial assets include cash and other short-term investments and are carried at historical cost.  The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of the fair value because of the relatively short time between the purchase of the instrument and its expected repayment or maturity.


87

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


Loans
The Company does not record loans at fair value.  As such, valuation techniques discussed herein for loans are primarily for estimating fair value.

Fair values of mortgage loans on real estate properties are calculated by discounting contractual cash flows, using discount rates based on current industry pricing or the Company’s estimate of an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate for loans of similar size, type, remaining maturity and repricing characteristics.

The Company also has loans made to policyholders.  These loans cannot exceed the cash surrender value of the policy.  Fair value is calculated by discounting contractual cash flows, using discount rates based on the Company’s estimate of appropriate risk-adjusted discount rates for these loans.

Liabilities
Investment-Type Liabilities Included in Policyholder Account Balances and Other Policyholder Funds
Fair values for liabilities under investment-type insurance contracts are based upon account value.  The fair values of investment-type insurance contracts included with policyholder account balances for fixed deferred annuities and other policyholder funds for supplementary contracts without life contingencies are estimated to be their cash surrender values.  The fair values of deposits with no stated maturity are equal to the amount payable on demand at the measurement date.

Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits (GMWB)
The Company introduced a GMWB rider in 2007 that can be added to new or existing variable annuity contracts.  The rider provides an enhanced withdrawal benefit that guarantees a stream of income payments to an owner or annuitant, regardless of the contract account value.  The value of variable annuity separate accounts with the GMWB rider was $57.9 million (2008 - $31.1 million) and the guarantee liability was $(1.6) million at December 31, 2009 (2008 - $0.8 million).  The value of the GMWB rider is recorded at fair value, and the change in this value is included in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The value of variable annuity separate accounts with the GMWB rider is recorded in separate account liabilities and the value of the rider is included in other policyholder funds in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Fair value for GMWB rider contracts results in a Level 3 valuation, as it is based on models which utilize significant unobservable inputs.  These models require actuarial and financial market assumptions, which reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the contract, including adjustments for risk and issuer non-performance.

Notes Payable
The Company had no short term borrowings at December 31, 2009.  All of the amounts included within Notes Payable were in short-term borrowings at December 31, 2008.  The carrying amount of these borrowings was a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the relatively short time between the origination of the borrowings and their expected repayment and maturities.  Please see Note 5 - Notes Payable for an explanation of the terms of the debt outstanding.






















88

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


Categories Reported at Fair Value
The following tables present categories reported at fair value on a recurring basis.

   
December 31, 2009
Assets:
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Bonds:
             
 
    U.S. Treasury securities and
             
 
        obligations of U.S. Government
 $         9,939
 
 $       97,723
 
 $       14,275
 
 $     121,937
 
    Federal agencies 1
                    -
 
          28,321
 
                    -
 
          28,321
 
    Federal agency issued
             
 
       residential mortgage-backed securities 1
                    -
 
        172,515
 
                    -
 
        172,515
 
            Subtotal
            9,939
 
        298,559
 
          14,275
 
        322,773
 
Corporate obligations:
             
 
        Industrial
                    -
 
        412,292
 
            3,654
 
        415,946
 
        Energy
                    -
 
        200,340
 
                    -
 
        200,340
 
        Technology
                    -
 
          40,864
 
                    -
 
          40,864
 
        Communications
                    -
 
          86,264
 
                    -
 
          86,264
 
        Financial
                    -
 
        361,768
 
            2,840
 
        364,608
 
        Consumer
                    -
 
        284,910
 
          22,596
 
        307,506
 
    Public utilities
                    -
 
        287,687
 
                    -
 
        287,687
 
            Subtotal
                    -
 
     1,674,125
 
          29,090
 
     1,703,215
 
    Corporate private-labeled residential
             
 
        mortgage-backed securities
                    -
 
        200,002
 
                    -
 
        200,002
 
    Other
                    -
 
        220,572
 
            9,109
 
        229,681
 
    Redeemable preferred stocks
          13,601
 
                    -
 
                    -
 
          13,601
 
Subtotal
          23,540
 
     2,393,258
 
          52,474
 
     2,469,272
 
    Equity securities
            3,400
 
          27,427
 
            6,049
 
          36,876
 
Total
 $       26,940
 
 $  2,420,685
 
 $       58,523
 
 $  2,506,148
                 
   
1%
 
97%
 
2%
   
                 
Liabilities:
             
Other policyholder funds
             
 
Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits
 $               -
 
 $               -
 
 $       (1,642)
 
 $       (1,642)
 
Total
 $               -
 
 $               -
 
 $       (1,642)
 
 $       (1,642)
                 

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

89

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


   
December 31, 2008
Assets:
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Bonds:
             
 
    U.S. Treasury securities and
             
 
        obligations of U.S. Government
 $       10,943
 
 $       70,068
 
 $         6,045
 
 $       87,056
 
    Federal agencies 1
                    -
 
          76,209
 
                    -
 
          76,209
 
    Federal agency issued
             
 
       residential mortgage-backed securities 1
                    -
 
        200,127
 
               358
 
        200,485
 
            Subtotal
          10,943
 
        346,404
 
            6,403
 
        363,750
 
Corporate obligations:
             
 
        Industrial
                    -
 
        336,562
 
          32,151
 
        368,713
 
        Energy
                    -
 
        189,740
 
                    -
 
        189,740
 
        Technology
                    -
 
          35,317
 
                    -
 
          35,317
 
        Communications
                    -
 
          64,514
 
            1,543
 
          66,057
 
        Financial
                    -
 
        337,441
 
            8,123
 
        345,564
 
        Consumer
                    -
 
        252,066
 
          27,809
 
        279,875
 
    Public utilities
                    -
 
        254,200
 
            1,424
 
        255,624
 
            Subtotal
                    -
 
     1,469,840
 
          71,050
 
     1,540,890
 
    Corporate private-labeled residential
             
 
        mortgage-backed securities
                    -
 
        219,700
 
                    -
 
        219,700
 
    Other
                    -
 
        192,454
 
          12,046
 
        204,500
 
    Redeemable preferred stocks
          12,042
 
            9,952
 
                    -
 
          21,994
 
Subtotal
          22,985
 
     2,238,350
 
          89,499
 
     2,350,834
 
    Equity securities
            5,395
 
          26,040
 
            5,141
 
          36,576
 
Total
 $       28,380
 
 $  2,264,390
 
 $       94,640
 
 $  2,387,410
                 
   
1%
 
95%
 
4%
   
                 
Liabilities:
             
Other policyholder funds
             
 
Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits
 $               -
 
 $               -
 
 $            755
 
 $            755
 
Total
 $               -
 
 $               -
 
 $            755
 
 $            755
                 

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

The following table presents the fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities available for sale by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level as of December 31, 2009.

     
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Fixed maturities available for sale:
             
 
Priced from external pricing services
 $        23,540
 
 $   2,277,303
 
 $                  -
 
 $   2,300,843
 
Priced from independent broker quotations
                     -
 
         111,587
 
                     -
 
         111,587
 
Priced from internal matrices and calculations
                     -
 
             4,368
 
           52,474
 
           56,842
   
Subtotal
           23,540
 
      2,393,258
 
           52,474
 
      2,469,272
Equity securities available for sale:
             
 
Priced from external pricing services
             3,400
 
             2,407
 
                     -
 
             5,807
 
Priced from independent broker quotations
                     -
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
Priced from internal matrices and calculations
                     -
 
           25,020
 
             6,049
 
           31,069
   
Subtotal
             3,400
 
           27,427
 
             6,049
 
           36,876
 
Total
 $        26,940
 
 $   2,420,685
 
 $        58,523
 
 $   2,506,148
 
Percent of total
1%
 
97%
 
2%
 
100%
                   


90

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31 are summarized below:

                 
2009
           
                         
Ending
   
     
Beginning
     
Included in
         
Balance
   
     
Balance as
 
Included
 
Other
 
Purchases
 
Net
 
as of
 
Net Unrealized
     
of December 31,
 
in
 
Comprehensive
 
and
 
Transfers
 
December 31,
 
Gains (Losses) at
     
2008
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Dispositions
 
in (out)
 
2009
 
December 31, 2009
Assets:
                         
Fixed maturities available
                         
 
for sale
 $            89,499
 
 $  (1,172)
 
 $               3,100
 
 $      (1,985)
 
 $    (36,968)
 
 $       52,474
 
 $                    2,533
Equity securities available
                         
 
for sale
                 5,141
 
              -
 
                     229
 
            (129)
 
              808
 
            6,049
 
                          228
Total
 
 $            94,640
 
 $  (1,172)
 
 $               3,329
 
 $      (2,114)
 
 $    (36,160)
 
 $       58,523
 
 $                    2,761
                               
Liabilities:
       
 
               
Other policyholder funds-
                         
 
guaranteed minimum
                         
   
withdrawal benefits
 $                 755
 
 $  (2,452)
 
 $                       -
 
 $            55
 
 $                -
 
 $        (1,642)
 
 $                           -
                               
                 
2008
           
                         
Ending
   
     
Beginning
     
Included in
         
Balance
   
     
Balance as
 
Included
 
Other
 
Purchases
 
Net
 
as of
 
Net Unrealized
     
of December 31,
 
in
 
Comprehensive
 
and
 
Transfers
 
December 31,
 
Gains (Losses) at
     
2007
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Dispositions
 
in (out)
 
2008
 
December 31, 2008
Assets:
                         
Fixed maturities available
                         
 
for sale
 $          127,576
 
 $       392
 
 $             (8,682)
 
 $    (29,442)
 
 $         (345)
 
 $       89,499
 
 $                  (7,892)
Equity securities available
                         
 
for sale
                 1,148
 
              -
 
                          -
 
            (304)
 
           4,297
 
            5,141
 
                              -
Total
 
 $          128,724
 
 $       392
 
 $             (8,682)
 
 $    (29,746)
 
 $        3,952
 
 $       94,640
 
 $                  (7,892)
                               
Liabilities:
                         
Other policyholder funds-
                         
 
guaranteed minimum
                         
   
withdrawal benefits
 $                   58
 
 $     (122)
 
 $                       -
 
 $          819
 
 $                -
 
 $            755
 
 $                           -
                               

The roll forward of Level 3 assets begins with the prior period balance and adjusts the balance for the gains or losses (realized and unrealized) that occurred during the current period.  Any new purchases that are identified as Level 3 securities are then added and any sales of securities which were previously identified as Level 3 are subtracted.  Next, any securities which were previously identified as Level 1 or Level 2 securities and which are currently identified as Level 3 are added.   Securities which were previously identified as Level 3 and which are now designated as Level 1 or as Level 2 are subtracted.  Finally, securities which were previously identified as Level 3 and which are now designated as Level 1 or as Level 2 are subtracted.  The ending balance represents the current fair value of securities which are designated as Level 3.

The roll forward of Level 3 liabilities begins with the prior period balance and adjusts for the realized gains or losses that occurred during the current period.  These realized gains or losses are reflected as policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Issuances, or new sales, are then added and settlements are subtracted.  The ending balance represents the current fair value of liabilities which are designated as Level 3.  The guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits balance totaled $0.8 million at December 31, 2008.  This balance decreased in value by $2.4 million during 2009, largely due to favorable returns in the capital markets.

The Company had $4.1 million transfers into Level 3 and $40.2 million transfers out of Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The Company did not exclude any realized or unrealized gain or losses on items transferred into Level 3.  Transfers into Level 3 occur when the Company, it its opinion, cannot obtain a fair value that it believes is a Level 1 or Level 2 fair value.



91

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table provides amortized cost and fair value of securities by asset class at December 31, 2009.

           
Gross
   
       
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
Bonds:
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
             
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $           118,284
 
 $       4,674
 
 $            1,021
 
 $     121,937
 
Federal agencies 1
                27,640
 
             681
 
                       -
 
          28,321
 
Federal agency issued
             
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
              165,350
 
          7,220
 
                    55
 
        172,515
     
Subtotal
              311,274
 
        12,575
 
               1,076
 
        322,773
 
Corporate obligations:
             
   
Industrial
              400,775
 
        17,773
 
               2,602
 
        415,946
   
Energy
              190,836
 
        10,703
 
               1,199
 
        200,340
   
Technology
                39,358
 
          1,919
 
                  413
 
          40,864
   
Communications
                84,146
 
          3,492
 
               1,374
 
          86,264
   
Financial
              371,179
 
          9,247
 
             15,818
 
        364,608
   
Consumer
              294,732
 
        15,210
 
               2,436
 
        307,506
 
Public utilities
              273,796
 
        16,012
 
               2,121
 
        287,687
 
Total corporate obligations
           1,654,822
 
        74,356
 
             25,963
 
     1,703,215
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
             
   
mortgage-backed securities
              242,545
 
             387
 
             42,930
 
        200,002
 
Other
              247,009
 
          4,349
 
             21,677
 
        229,681
Redeemable preferred stocks
                14,866
 
               98
 
               1,363
 
          13,601
Fixed maturity securities
           2,470,516
 
        91,765
 
             93,009
 
     2,469,272
Equity securities
                35,405
 
          1,657
 
                  186
 
          36,876
Total
 
 $        2,505,921
 
 $     93,422
 
 $          93,195
 
 $  2,506,148
                     

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.



























92

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table provides amortized cost and fair value for securities by asset class at December 31, 2008.

           
Gross
   
       
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
Bonds:
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
             
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $             83,937
 
 $       3,518
 
 $               399
 
 $       87,056
 
Federal agencies 1
                72,135
 
          4,074
 
                       -
 
          76,209
 
Federal agency issued
             
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
              197,713
 
          3,407
 
                  635
 
        200,485
     
Subtotal
              353,785
 
        10,999
 
               1,034
 
        363,750
 
Corporate obligations:
             
   
Industrial
              389,580
 
          6,501
 
             27,368
 
        368,713
   
Energy
              201,172
 
          4,261
 
             15,693
 
        189,740
   
Technology
                37,264
 
          1,109
 
               3,056
 
          35,317
   
Communications
                73,035
 
             699
 
               7,677
 
          66,057
   
Financial
              387,927
 
          3,430
 
             45,793
 
        345,564
   
Consumer
              302,433
 
          4,900
 
             27,458
 
        279,875
 
Public utilities
              260,529
 
          6,013
 
             10,918
 
        255,624
 
Total corporate obligations
           1,651,940
 
        26,913
 
           137,963
 
     1,540,890
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
             
   
mortgage-backed securities
              272,405
 
               90
 
             52,795
 
        219,700
 
Other
              241,172
 
             545
 
             37,217
 
        204,500
Redeemable preferred stocks
                24,372
 
               52
 
               2,430
 
          21,994
Fixed maturity securities
           2,543,674
 
        38,599
 
           231,439
 
     2,350,834
Equity securities
                35,850
 
          1,143
 
                  417
 
          36,576
Total
 
 $        2,579,524
 
 $     39,742
 
 $        231,856
 
 $  2,387,410
                     
1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

The table below is a summary of fair value estimates as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 for financial instruments.  The Company has not included assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments in this disclosure.  The total of the fair value calculations presented do not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.

     
     
December 31, 2009
 
December 31, 2008
     
Carrying
 
 Fair
 
Carrying
 
 Fair
     
Value
 
 Value
 
Value
 
 Value
Investments:
             
 
Fixed maturities available for sale
 $   2,469,272
 
 $   2,469,272
 
 $   2,350,834
 
 $   2,350,834
 
Equity securities available for sale
           36,876
 
           36,876
 
           36,576
 
           36,576
 
Mortgage loans
         457,582
 
         456,819
 
         445,389
 
         449,228
 
Policy loans
           85,585
 
           85,585
 
           88,304
 
           88,304
 
Cash and short-term investments
         143,685
 
         143,685
 
           44,858
 
           44,858
                   
Liabilities:
             
 
Individual and group annuities
         999,500
 
         977,573
 
         956,216
 
         938,023
 
Notes payable
                     -
 
                     -
 
             2,900
 
             2,900
 
Supplementary contracts without
             
   
life contingencies
           59,399
 
           57,023
 
           61,268
 
           54,327





93

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


3. INVESTMENTS

Investment Revenues
The following table provides investment revenues by major category for the years ended December 31.

  
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Net investment income:
         
 
Fixed maturity securities
 $  143,514
 
 $  147,600
 
 $  150,594
 
Equity securities
         2,822
 
       (2,599)
 
         3,516
 
Mortgage loans
       29,361
 
       29,735
 
       31,292
 
Real estate
         5,673
 
         5,678
 
         5,909
 
Policy loans
         5,897
 
         6,210
 
         6,230
 
Short-term investments
            272
 
         1,043
 
         3,716
 
Other
            436
 
            673
 
            775
   
     187,975
 
     188,340
 
     202,032
Less investment expenses
     (10,547)
 
     (10,921)
 
     (11,627)
   
 $  177,428
 
 $  177,419
 
 $  190,405
             
The following table provides realized investment gains (losses) and net impairment losses by major category for the years ended December 31.  Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of specific security identification.

 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Realized investment gains (losses):
         
 
Fixed maturity securities
 $    (9,685)
 
 $  (50,682)
 
 $    (3,294)
 
Equity securities
            903
 
     (10,173)
 
         1,645
 
Real estate
       (1,453)
 
         5,154
 
         7,118
   
     (10,235)
 
     (55,701)
 
         5,469
 
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
            159
 
         3,430
 
            (43)
   
 $  (10,076)
 
 $  (52,271)
 
 $      5,426
             

Unrealized Gains and Losses
The following table provides the net unrealized gains (losses) reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Company’s investments in securities available for sale, at December 31.

  
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
               
Net unrealized gains (losses)
 $           227
 
 $    (192,114)
 
 $    13,208
 
Amounts resulting from:
         
   
DAC and VOBA
           1,055
 
           65,534
 
          (898)
   
Policyholder account balances
                  -
 
                    -
 
          (548)
Deferred income taxes
            (449)
 
           44,303
 
       (4,117)
   
 
         
     
 $           833
 
 $      (82,277)
 
 $      7,645
               
The following table provides the change in the net unrealized gains (losses) reported in other comprehensive income.

     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Change in net unrealized
         
 
gains (losses) during the year:
         
   
Fixed maturity securities
 $      82,208
 
 $      (89,106)
 
 $      6,958
   
Equity securities
              902
 
              (815)
 
          (562)
               
     
 $      83,110
 
 $      (89,921)
 
 $      6,396
               

94

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)



The following table provides a rollforward of credit losses recognized in earnings for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Credit losses on securities held at beginning of year in other
 
 
comprehensive income (loss)
 $           5,713
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-
 
 
temporary impairment
              6,500
Additions for increases in the credit loss for which an other-than-
 
 
temporary impairment previously recognized when there was no
 
 
intent to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis
                 844
Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized)
             (4,469)
Reductions for securities previously recognized in other
 
 
comprehensive income (loss) because of intent to sell
 
 
the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis
                      -
Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
 
 
that are recognized over the remaining life of the security
                (409)
Credit losses on securities held at the end of year in other
 
 
comprehensive income (loss)
 $           8,179
     
During 2009, net impairment losses of $18.9 million were due to other-than-temporarily impaired write-downs of investments securities, compared to $62.7 million in 2008.  In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company experienced $1.9 million of net impairment losses on of the Company’s real estate joint ventures, specifically attributable to two investments in affordable housing funds.  The Company is a limited partner in several joint ventures whose underlying investments are in affordable housing properties.  These properties generate federal and/or state tax credits and have a residual value in the properties that requires the funds to operate as a real estate joint venture investment.  In one property fund, an impairment of $1.6 million resulted from the transfer of the residual interest in certain properties in exchange for contingent future benefits.  An additional impairment of $0.3 million was recorded due to the foreclosure of certain properties in a second property fund.  The Company also wrote down two affordable housing investments by $0.3 million when it determined that there were no remaining future benefits expected from these investments.

The Company’s analysis of fixed maturity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that eight fixed-maturity issuers (nine securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $6.5 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $6.7 million, and $0.2 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2009:

·  
Five securities were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.2 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  Two of these securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
 
·  
One security was from a company that provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide and was written down $0.5 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company accepted an offer from this company to exchange this security for a security with a longer-dated maturity with an enhanced second lien priority in the capital structure.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  This security was sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
·  
One security was from a trucking company that was written down $0.6 million.  As the trucking industry is highly correlated with the general economy, this company had experienced a reduction in shipping volume as a result of the recession.  This company renegotiated its credit facilities in the first quarter of 2009, but new covenants placed significant requirements on the issuer.  These restrictions, combined with the need to retire longer-term debt, placed additional stress on cash resources and led to indications of continued weakening performance that the Company believed to be other-than-temporary.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  This security was sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.
·  
Two securities, one issuer a parent organization of the other, were from financial guarantee insurance companies that provide credit enhancement for bond issuers as well as investment management services and were written down by a total of $5.2 million.  These issuers had also experienced declines in value related to the mortgage credit crisis,

95

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


  
 including significant and continuing reductions in capital and liquidity positions.  These securities were sold during the fourth quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 resulted in the determination that five fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $2.3 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $2.5 million, and $0.2 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the third quarter of 2009:

·  
Four securities (from two issuers) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.3 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  Three of these securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
·  
One security from a print media company that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 and is currently under reorganization was written down $0.2 million.  The print media industry is highly cyclical and has experienced weakened consumer demand and competition from electronic media.  This security had been previously written down and continues to be challenged in its market and industry.  This security was exchanged for a replacement security during the third quarter of 2009.
·  
One security from a global commercial finance company that provides financial products and advisory services to a range of industry sectors was written down $0.3 million.  This company has been affected by the credit crisis, causing reduced access to liquidity and higher borrowing costs.  This security had been written down in a previous period.  The Company determined that a credit-related impairment had occurred, and this security was sold during the third quarter of 2009.
·  
One security was from a financial institution that had been impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis and had been supported through Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) funds.  This company has experienced large losses in its real estate loan portfolios and has had an increase in non-performing loans over the past year.  This security was written down by a total of $1.5 million before it was sold during the third quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 resulted in the determination that six fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $4.0 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $4.4 million, and $0.4 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the second quarter of 2009:

·  
Three securities (from two issuers) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.  These securities had been previously written down due to reduced projected cash flows from the underlying securitizations.
·  
One security was a collateralized debt obligation (CDO) that was written down $0.2 million.  This security had been impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the subprime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling had caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.  This security had been written down in previous periods.
·  
One security from a print media company that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 and was under reorganization was written down $1.0 million.  The print media industry is highly cyclical and has experienced weakened consumer demand and competition from electronic media.  This security had been previously written down.
·  
One security from a global commercial finance company that provides financial products and advisory services to a range of industry sectors was written down $0.5 million.  This company had been affected by the credit crisis, forcing reduced access to liquidity and higher borrowing costs.  The Company determined that a credit-related impairment had occurred.
 
·  
One security was from a company that provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide and was written down $2.2 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company accepted an offer from this company to exchange this security for a security with a longer-dated maturity with an enhanced second lien priority in the capital structure.  This security had been written down in a previous period.
 

96

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


 
The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 resulted in the determination that six fixed-maturity issuers (seven securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $6.1 million due to credit impairments.  The aggregate impairment for these securities was $21.4 million, and $15.3 million of this amount was determined to be non-credit and was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
 
Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the first quarter of 2009:

·  
One security was from a mortgage and financial guaranty insurer that was written down $1.6 million.  Mortgage insurers have suffered from the deterioration in the U.S. housing market and mortgage credit market.  Rising mortgage delinquencies and defaults have resulted in rating downgrades for these insurers.  Recent rating downgrades, combined with the issuer’s need to raise additional capital to meet future payments contributed to the other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was from a trucking company that was written down $1.6 million.  As the trucking industry is highly correlated with the general economy, this company had experienced a reduction in shipping volume as a result of the recession.  This company renegotiated its credit facilities in the first quarter of 2009, but new covenants placed significant requirements on the issuer.  These restrictions, combined with the need to retire longer-term debt, placed additional stress on cash resources and led to indications of continued weakening performance that the Company believed to be other-than-temporary.
·  
One security was from a company that develops, manufactures and markets imaging products that was written down $1.2 million.   This company’s past emphasis was in traditional film, which has been largely surpassed by digital photography.  The decline in the economy had negatively affected sales, as the consumer photography industry is a discretionary item.  The company’s declining revenues and liquidity position led to the other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
Two securities (from one issuer) were residential mortgage-backed securities that were written down by a total of $0.6 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the securities and created an other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was a residential mortgage-backed security that was written down $0.1 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets and the specific performance of the underlying collateral caused the Company’s cash flow projections to be less than the amortized cost of the security and created an other-than-temporary impairment.
·  
One security was written down $1.0 million as the Company accepted a tender offer on the Company’s holdings from an issuer during the second quarter of 2009.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 resulted in the determination that 16 securities (14 issuers) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $20.0 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2008:

·  
Two of the securities were preferred stocks of government-sponsored agencies that were written down by a total of $0.4 million.  These entities buy and hold mortgages and issue and sell guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities to facilitate housing ownership.  They are now operated in conservatorship by the U.S. government and their existing common and preferred stock securities are severely diluted.  Dividend payments were suspended, driving the fair value of these securities down.
·  
Two securities were written down by $3.1 million, primarily as a result of declines in price and rating agency downgrades on debt issues from issuers that completed leveraged buyout transactions during 2008.  One of these securities was subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.
·  
Three securities were CDOs that were written down by a total of $5.3 million.  These securities were impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the sub-prime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.
·  
Two securities were written down by $1.9 million due to a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary.  One of these securities was subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.

97

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


·  
One security was from an originator of residential prime, Alt-A and subprime mortgages that was written down $4.2 million.  The significant decline in the subprime and non-conforming mortgage markets resulted in a reduction in value for this security.
·  
One security was from an issuer that designs, manufactures and services cars and trucks and provides vehicle-related financing, leasing and insurance was written down $1.2 million, largely resulting from the decline in the U.S. automotive industry.
·  
One security that is a financial services company involved in automotive and real estate financing and mortgage lending was written down by $0.6 million and subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2008.
·  
Four securities (two issuers) were perpetual preferred securities that were written down $3.3 million.  These securities had been negatively impacted by the housing and mortgage credit crisis and have received TARP (Troubled Assets Relief Program) funds.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 resulted in the determination that ten fixed-maturity issuers (twelve specific securities) had other-than-temporary impairments and were written down by a combined $32.5 million in the third quarter.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the third quarter of 2008:

·  
Two of the securities were preferred stocks of government-sponsored agencies that were written down by a total of $6.5 million.  These entities buy and hold mortgages and issue and sell guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities to facilitate housing ownership.  They are now operated in conservatorship by the U.S. government and their existing common and preferred stock securities are severely diluted.  Dividend payments were suspended, driving the fair value of these securities down.
·  
Two securities from the same issuer were from an investment banking firm that filed for bankruptcy during the third quarter of 2008 and were written down by a total of $9.2 million.  This firm was part of the financial industry that was hit hard by the mortgage credit crisis.  After a severe decline in equity valuations, the inability to obtain short-term funding and the failure to find an acquirer forced this firm to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
·  
Two securities were CDOs that were written down by a total of $5.1 million.  These securities were impacted by the rapid rise in delinquencies and foreclosures in the sub-prime and Alt-A mortgage markets, along with a decline in the fair value of securities issued by financial institutions.  Ongoing CDO liquidations and investor selling have caused extreme declines in market valuations, regardless of individual security performance.
·  
Two securities, one issuer a parent organization of the other, were from financial guarantee insurance companies that provide credit enhancement for bond issuers as well as investment management services and were written down by a total of $4.9 million.  These issuers had also experienced declines in value related to the mortgage credit crisis and had been downgraded to a negative outlook.
·  
One security was from a supplier of auto parts for light trucks and sport-utility vehicles.  The deteriorating truck and sport-utility vehicle markets of the auto industry, combined with the sharp decline in value and recent ratings declines, resulted in a $2.1 million write-down.
·  
One security was written down $1.1 million as continued price deterioration occurred on this security that was previously written down.  This issuer is primarily in the radio and advertising business.
·  
One security provides custom-tailored financing to private and corporate owners of real estate nationwide.  This security had a rating decline to below investment grade status combined with continued price deterioration and was written down $2.8 million.
·  
One security was from a bank holding company that had recently filed for bankruptcy.  This holding company was the parent of a large nationwide bank that was recently taken over by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was appointed as its receiver.  As a result of the bankruptcy filing, this security was written down $0.8 million.

The Company’s analysis of securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 resulted in the determination that seven fixed-maturity securities had other-than-temporary impairments.  These securities were written down by a combined $10.2 million in the second quarter.
 
 
Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the second quarter of 2008:

·  
Three of the securities were written down by a total of $3.3 million, primarily as a result of declines in price and rating agency downgrades on debt issues from issuers that had recently completed leveraged buyout (LBO) transactions.  These LBO transactions greatly increased the debt level of each issuer.  One of these securities had

98

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


  
been written down previously, and the other two securities were below cost by 20% or more for at least six consecutive months.
·  
Two securities were CDOs and were written down by $2.8 million, primarily due to price declines that had persisted for periods longer than the Company considered temporary.  Both securities were below cost by 20% or more for at least six consecutive months.
·  
One security was written down by $3.3 million due to a combination of a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary, rating agency downgrades and a debt restructuring during the quarter.
·  
One security was written down by $0.8 million due to a combination of a decline in price that had persisted for a period longer than the Company considered temporary and a further deterioration in fair value during the second quarter of 2008.

No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first quarter of 2008.

The Company’s analysis of fixed maturity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 resulted in the determination that two securities had other-than-temporary declines which were written down by $4.0 million.

Following is a description of the securities that were written down during the fourth quarter of 2007:

·  
One security was below cost by 20% or more for more than six consecutive months and was the subject of a recent leveraged buyout that was finalized during the fourth quarter of 2007, which greatly increased the debt level of the company.  Accordingly, the Company wrote down this security $3.3 million at year-end 2007.
·  
One security filed for Chapter 11 protection and indicated that it would not be able to fully meet all of the obligations of its borrowings.  The Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment on this security at year-end 2006 of $1.1 million.  As a result of this new action, the Company recognized an additional $0.7 million impairment in 2007.  At December 31, 2006, this security was below cost by 20% or more for more than twelve consecutive months.  It was in a highly competitive and cyclical industry that was experiencing weakened demand and overcapacity.  Capital expenditures for equipment upgrades were exceeding cash generation.

No other-than-temporary impairments were identified during the first, second and third quarters of 2007.





























99

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table provides information regarding investment securities with unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity security investments for sale, as of December 31, 2009.
 
       
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
       
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
Bonds:
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
                     
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $   30,616
 
 $        913
 
 $     3,040
 
 $        108
 
 $         33,656
 
 $     1,021
 
Federal agency issued
                     
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
        1,363
 
               4
 
        6,191
 
             51
 
              7,554
 
             55
     
Subtotal
      31,979
 
           917
 
        9,231
 
           159
 
            41,210
 
        1,076
 
Corporate obligations:
                     
   
Industrial
      55,724
 
           562
 
      24,393
 
        2,040
 
            80,117
 
        2,602
   
Energy
      12,392
 
           167
 
      11,822
 
        1,032
 
            24,214
 
        1,199
   
Technology
        4,012
 
             76
 
        7,369
 
           337
 
            11,381
 
           413
   
Communications
        2,353
 
             44
 
      20,797
 
        1,330
 
            23,150
 
        1,374
   
Financial
      35,437
 
           568
 
    126,213
 
      15,250
 
          161,650
 
      15,818
   
Consumer
      21,753
 
           898
 
      34,167
 
        1,538
 
            55,920
 
        2,436
   
Public utilities
      34,108
 
           731
 
      19,916
 
        1,390
 
            54,024
 
        2,121
 
Total corporate obligations
    165,779
 
        3,046
 
    244,677
 
      22,917
 
          410,456
 
      25,963
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
                     
   
mortgage-backed securities
      18,319
 
        2,266
 
    158,813
 
      40,664
 
          177,132
 
      42,930
 
Other
      25,747
 
           940
 
    149,415
 
      20,737
 
          175,162
 
      21,677
Redeemable preferred stocks
           831
 
               2
 
        7,672
 
        1,361
 
              8,503
 
        1,363
Fixed maturity securities
    242,655
 
        7,171
 
    569,808
 
      85,838
 
          812,463
 
      93,009
Equity securities
                -
 
                -
 
        1,986
 
           186
 
              1,986
 
           186
     
Total
 $ 242,655
 
 $     7,171
 
 $ 571,794
 
 $   86,024
 
 $       814,449
 
 $   93,195
                             

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.



























100

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table provides information regarding unrealized losses on investments available for sale, as of December 31, 2008.

       
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
       
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
Bonds:
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
                     
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $     1,591
 
 $        260
 
 $     5,213
 
 $        139
 
 $           6,804
 
 $        399
 
Federal agency issued
                     
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
      28,933
 
           419
 
      25,404
 
           216
 
            54,337
 
           635
     
Subtotal
      30,524
 
           679
 
      30,617
 
           355
 
            61,141
 
        1,034
 
Corporate obligations:
                     
   
Industrial
    152,873
 
      11,301
 
      72,964
 
      16,067
 
          225,837
 
      27,368
   
Energy
    104,230
 
      12,571
 
      17,098
 
        3,122
 
          121,328
 
      15,693
   
Technology
        5,828
 
        1,352
 
        6,975
 
        1,704
 
            12,803
 
        3,056
   
Communications
      27,885
 
        3,584
 
      17,674
 
        4,093
 
            45,559
 
        7,677
   
Financial
    171,513
 
      18,408
 
      94,853
 
      27,385
 
          266,366
 
      45,793
   
Consumer
    124,295
 
      14,605
 
      62,311
 
      12,853
 
          186,606
 
      27,458
   
Public utilities
    124,053
 
        8,339
 
      15,021
 
        2,579
 
          139,074
 
      10,918
 
Total corporate obligations
    710,677
 
      70,160
 
    286,896
 
      67,803
 
          997,573
 
    137,963
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
                     
   
mortgage-backed securities
    114,480
 
      15,261
 
      90,001
 
      37,534
 
          204,481
 
      52,795
 
Other
    125,491
 
      16,342
 
      58,344
 
      20,875
 
          183,835
 
      37,217
Redeemable preferred stocks
        9,786
 
        1,237
 
        3,938
 
        1,193
 
            13,724
 
        2,430
Fixed maturity securities
    990,958
 
    103,679
 
    469,796
 
    127,760
 
       1,460,754
 
    231,439
Equity securities
                -
 
                -
 
        1,755
 
           417
 
              1,755
 
           417
     
Total
 $ 990,958
 
 $ 103,679
 
 $ 471,551
 
 $ 128,177
 
 $    1,462,509
 
 $ 231,856
                             

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

 As of December 31, 2009, the Company had gross unrealized losses of $93.2 million on investment securities, including fixed maturity and equity securities that had a fair value of $814.4 million. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had gross unrealized losses of $231.9 million on investment securities, including fixed maturity and equity securities that had a fair value of $1.5 billion.  The decrease in unrealized losses was primarily attributable to improved pricing of financial assets during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.  These changes affected the broad financial markets and resulted in price improvements in virtually every sector.  At December 31, 2009, approximately 8% of the gross unrealized losses were attributable to securities having gross unrealized losses of less than 12 months.  This compares to approximately 45% at December 31, 2008.  At December 31, 2009, unrealized losses on investments available for sale were primarily due to $42.9 million in unrealized losses on corporate private-labeled residential mortgage-backed securities.  In addition, unrealized losses on corporate securities totaled $26.0 million.  Based, in part, by the Company’s assessment of expected credit losses of the securities given the performance of the underlying collateral compared to the credit enhancement, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2009.

In addition, the Company also considers as part of its monitoring and evaluation process the length of time a security is below cost.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had unrealized losses on its investment portfolio for fixed maturities and equity securities as follows:

·  
84 security issues representing 36% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 93% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for less than one year;
·  
96 security issues representing 41% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 80% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for one year or more and less than three years; and
·  
52 security issues representing 23% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 81% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for three years or more.


101

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


At December 31, 2008, the Company had unrealized losses on its investment portfolio for fixed maturities and equity securities as follows:

·  
293 security issues representing 61% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 94% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for less than one year;
·  
65 security issues representing 13% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 88% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for one year or more and less than three years; and
·  
125 security issues representing 26% of the issues with unrealized losses, including 92% being rated as investment grade, were below cost for three years or more.

The following tables summarize the Company’s investments in securities available for sale with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
       
December 31, 2009
               
Gross
       
Amortized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
Securities owned without realized impairment:
Cost
 
Value
 
Losses
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
 $          633,514
 
 $          608,280
 
 $         25,234
Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
109,379
 
94,348
 
15,031
 
Subtotal
742,893
 
702,628
 
40,265
Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
         
 
Investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
13,125
 
9,821
 
3,304
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
25,413
 
19,627
 
5,786
   
Twelve months or greater
               34,906
 
               22,225
 
12,681
     
Total investment grade
73,444
 
51,673
 
21,771
 
Below investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
                       -
 
                      -
 
                    -
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
4,654
 
2,954
 
1,700
   
Twelve months or greater
               15,139
 
               11,139
 
4,000
     
Total below investment grade
19,793
 
14,093
 
5,700
 
Unrealized losses greater than 20%
93,237
 
65,766
 
27,471
Subtotal
 $          836,130
 
 $          768,394
 
 $         67,736
                 
Securities owned with realized impairment:
         
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
 $              4,850
 
 $              4,634
 
 $              216
Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
10,594
 
8,720
 
1,874
 
Subtotal
15,444
 
13,354
 
2,090
Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
         
 
Investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
                       -
 
                      -
 
                    -
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                       -
 
                      -
 
                    -
   
Twelve months or greater
               17,937
 
               12,298
 
              5,639
     
Total investment grade
               17,937
 
               12,298
 
              5,639
 
Below investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
514
 
362
 
152
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                 5,859
 
                 3,944
 
              1,915
   
Twelve months or greater
               31,760
 
               16,097
 
            15,663
     
Total below investment grade
38,133
 
20,403
 
17,730
 
Unrealized losses greater than 20%
56,070
 
32,701
 
23,369
Subtotal
 $            71,514
 
 $            46,055
 
 $         25,459
Total unrealized losses
 $          907,644
 
 $          814,449
 
 $         93,195
                 

102

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


       
December 31, 2008
               
Gross
       
Amortized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
Securities owned without realized impairment:
Cost
 
Value
 
Losses
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
 $          891,477
 
 $          847,458
 
 $         44,019
Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
             397,403
 
             339,664
 
            57,739
 
Subtotal
          1,288,880
 
          1,187,122
 
          101,758
Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
         
 
Investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
             296,683
 
             207,314
 
            89,369
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
               46,194
 
               28,918
 
            17,276
   
Twelve months or greater
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
     
Total investment grade
             342,877
 
             236,232
 
          106,645
 
Below investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
               45,346
 
               27,269
 
            18,077
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                 4,547
 
                 2,098
 
              2,449
   
Twelve months or greater
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
     
Total below investment grade
               49,893
 
               29,367
 
            20,526
 
Unrealized losses greater than 20%
             392,770
 
             265,599
 
          127,171
Subtotal
 $       1,681,650
 
 $       1,452,721
 
 $       228,929
                 
Securities owned with realized impairment:
         
Unrealized losses of 10% or less
 $                      -
 
 $                     -
 
 $                   -
Unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%
                 5,676
 
                 4,725
 
                 951
 
Subtotal
                 5,676
 
                 4,725
 
                 951
Unrealized losses greater than 20%:
         
 
Investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
                 6,476
 
                 4,635
 
              1,841
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
   
Twelve months or greater
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
     
Total investment grade
                 6,476
 
                 4,635
 
              1,841
 
Below investment grade
         
   
Less than six months
                    563
 
                    428
 
                 135
   
Six months or more and less than twelve months
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
   
Twelve months or greater
                         -
 
                        -
 
                      -
     
Total below investment grade
                    563
 
                    428
 
                 135
 
Unrealized losses greater than 20%
                 7,039
 
                 5,063
 
              1,976
Subtotal
 $            12,715
 
 $              9,788
 
 $           2,927
Total unrealized losses
 $       1,694,365
 
 $       1,462,509
 
 $       231,856
                 

Total unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in securities available for sale at December 31, 2009 were $93.2 million.  The Company segments these unrealized losses into those on which other-than-temporary impairments have been recorded and those that have not been previously written down.

Following is a discussion regarding those securities with unrealized losses on which other-than-temporary impairments have not been recorded.  Total securities owned without other-than-temporary impairment equaled 73% of total unrealized losses.  These securities are further segmented into three primary categories.  The first category includes total unrealized losses of 10% or less of amortized cost, which totaled $25.2 million or 37% of the total unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities without other-than-temporary impairments.  The second category reflects total unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10%.  This category totaled $15.0 million or 22% of the total unrealized losses without other-than-temporary impairments.  The third category includes total unrealized losses greater than 20%.  This category totaled $27.5 million or 41% of the total securities without other-than-temporary impairments.

All securities with unrealized losses greater than 20% are also monitored based upon whether the securities are investment grade or below investment grade.  Securities in the investment grade category had $21.8 million in unrealized losses, while securities rated below investment grade had $5.7 million in unrealized losses at December 31, 2009.

103

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


In addition, securities having unrealized losses greater than 20% are further evaluated based upon the length of time that they have been above the 20% unrealized loss threshold.  Securities in this classification are divided into three different categories, including less than six months, six months or more and less than twelve months, and twelve months or greater.  The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $3.3 million and $5.8 million for less than six months and six or more and less than twelve-month periods, respectively, at December 31, 2009.  The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for twelve months or greater that totaled $12.7 million.  The Company had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for six months or more and less than twelve months that totaled $1.7 million at December 31, 2009.  Below investment grade securities with unrealized losses greater than 20% for twelve months or greater totaled $4.0 million.

Following is a discussion regarding those securities with unrealized losses on which other-than-temporary impairments have been recorded as of December 31, 2009.  Total unrealized losses of 20% or less and greater than 10% were $1.9 million or 7% of the total unrealized losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments.  Total unrealized losses greater than 20% were $23.4 million or 92% of the total securities with other-than-temporary impairments.

The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $5.6 million for twelve months or greater at December 31, 2009.  The Company had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $17.7 million.  The Company had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for twelve months or greater that totaled $15.7 million at December 31, 2009.

Total unrealized losses on securities available for sale at December 31, 2008 were $231.9 million.  Following is a discussion regarding those securities with unrealized losses on which other-than-temporary impairments have not been recorded.  The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $89.4 million for less than six months at December 31, 2008.  This represented 70% of total unrealized losses greater than 20% for this category.  Investment grade securities with unrealized losses for six months or more and less than twelve-months totaled $17.3 million.   The Company also had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $18.1 million for less than six months and $2.4 million for six months or more and less than twelve-month periods.  The Company had no below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for twelve months or greater at December 31, 2008.

Following is a discussion regarding those securities with unrealized losses on which other-than-temporary impairments had been recorded as of December 31, 2008.  The Company had investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $1.8 million for less than six months at December 31, 2008.  The Company also had below investment grade securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% that totaled $0.1 million for less than six months.  The Company had no securities with unrealized losses of greater than 20% for six months or greater at December 31, 2008.
























104

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table provides information regarding fixed maturity securities by asset class at December 31, 2009.

               
Fair Value
     
Fair Value
   
               
of Securities
     
of Securities
   
       
Total
     
with Gross
 
Gross
 
with Gross
 
Gross
       
Fair
 
%
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
       
Value
 
of Total
 
Gains
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
                     
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $           121,937
 
5%
 
 $          88,281
 
 $         4,674
 
 $            33,656
 
 $            1,021
 
Federal agencies 1
                28,321
 
1%
 
             28,321
 
               681
 
                        -
 
                       -
 
Federal agency issued
                     
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
              172,515
 
7%
 
           164,961
 
            7,220
 
                 7,554
 
                    55
     
Subtotal
              322,773
 
13%
 
           281,563
 
          12,575
 
               41,210
 
               1,076
 
Corporate obligations:
                     
   
Industrial
              415,946
 
17%
 
           335,829
 
          17,773
 
               80,117
 
               2,602
   
Energy
              200,340
 
8%
 
           176,126
 
          10,703
 
               24,214
 
               1,199
   
Technology
                40,864
 
2%
 
             29,483
 
            1,919
 
               11,381
 
                  413
   
Communications
                86,264
 
4%
 
             63,114
 
            3,492
 
               23,150
 
               1,374
   
Financial
              364,608
 
15%
 
           202,958
 
            9,247
 
             161,650
 
             15,818
   
Consumer
              307,506
 
12%
 
           251,586
 
          15,210
 
               55,920
 
               2,436
   
Public utilities
              287,687
 
12%
 
           233,663
 
          16,012
 
               54,024
 
               2,121
     
Subtotal
           1,703,215
 
70%
 
        1,292,759
 
          74,356
 
             410,456
 
             25,963
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
                     
   
mortgage-backed securities
              200,002
 
8%
 
             22,870
 
               387
 
             177,132
 
             42,930
 
Other
              229,681
 
9%
 
             54,519
 
            4,349
 
             175,162
 
             21,677
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
                13,601
 
           -
 
               5,098
 
                 98
 
                 8,503
 
               1,363
Total
 
 $        2,469,272
 
100%
 
 $     1,656,809
 
 $       91,765
 
 $          812,463
 
 $          93,009
                             

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

The following table provides information regarding fixed maturity securities by asset class at December 31, 2008.
 
               
Fair Value
     
Fair Value
   
               
of Securities
     
of Securities
   
       
Total
     
with Gross
 
Gross
 
with Gross
 
Gross
       
Fair
 
%
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
       
Value
 
of Total
 
Gains
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and
                     
   
obligations of U.S. Government
 $             87,056
 
4%
 
 $          80,252
 
 $         3,518
 
 $              6,804
 
 $               399
 
Federal agencies 1
                76,209
 
3%
 
             76,209
 
            4,074
 
                        -
 
                       -
 
Federal agency issued
                     
   
residential mortgage-backed securities 1
              200,485
 
8%
 
           146,148
 
            3,407
 
               54,337
 
                  635
     
Subtotal
              363,750
 
15%
 
           302,609
 
          10,999
 
               61,141
 
               1,034
 
Corporate obligations:
                     
   
Industrial
              368,713
 
16%
 
           142,876
 
            6,501
 
             225,837
 
             27,368
   
Energy
              189,740
 
8%
 
             68,412
 
            4,261
 
             121,328
 
             15,693
   
Technology
                35,317
 
2%
 
             22,514
 
            1,109
 
               12,803
 
               3,056
   
Communications
                66,057
 
3%
 
             20,498
 
               699
 
               45,559
 
               7,677
   
Financial
              345,564
 
15%
 
             79,198
 
            3,430
 
             266,366
 
             45,793
   
Consumer
              279,875
 
12%
 
             93,269
 
            4,900
 
             186,606
 
             27,458
   
Public utilities
              255,624
 
11%
 
           116,550
 
            6,013
 
             139,074
 
             10,918
     
Subtotal
           1,540,890
 
67%
 
           543,317
 
          26,913
 
             997,573
 
           137,963
 
Corporate private-labeled residential
                     
   
mortgage-backed securities
              219,700
 
9%
 
             15,219
 
                 90
 
             204,481
 
             52,795
 
Other
              204,500
 
9%
 
             20,665
 
               545
 
             183,835
 
             37,217
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
                21,994
 
           -
 
               8,270
 
                 52
 
               13,724
 
               2,430
Total
 
 $        2,350,834
 
100%
 
 $        890,080
 
 $       38,599
 
 $       1,460,754
 
 $        231,439
                             

1 Federal agency securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

105

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The Company held one non-income producing security with a carrying value of $2.7 million at December 31, 2009 (2008 – one security with a carrying value of $1.5 million).  This security was previously written down due to other-than-temporary impairment and placed on non-accrual status.

The table below provides sales of investment securities available for sale, excluding maturities and calls, for the years ended December 31, 2009.

 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
           
Proceeds
 $ 114,886
 
 $   15,407
 
 $ 181,208
Gross realized gains
        9,494
 
                -
 
           431
Gross realized losses
                -
 
        1,115
 
           633

The Company did not hold securities of any corporation and its affiliates that exceeded 10% of stockholders' equity at December 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008.

No derivative financial instruments were held during the three years ended December 31, 2009.

The Company is exposed to risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company will default or that interest rates or credit spreads will change and cause a decrease in the value of its investments. With residential mortgage-backed securities, the Company is also exposed to prepayment and extension risks. As interest rates change, the rate at which these securities pay down principal may change.  These risks are mitigated by investing in high-grade securities and managing the maturities and cash flows of investments and liabilities.

Subprime securities include all bonds or portion of bonds where the underlying collateral is made up of home equity loans or first mortgage loans to borrowers whose credit scores at the time of origination were lower than the level recognized in the market at prime.  The Company’s classification of subprime does not include Alt-A or jumbo loans, unless the collateral otherwise meets the preceding definition.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had investments with subprime residential mortgage exposure of $20.9 million and a related $8.0 million unrealized loss.  This exposure amounted to less than 1% of the Company’s invested assets.

Contractual Maturities
The following table provides the distribution of maturities for fixed maturity investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 2009.  Expected maturities may differ from these contractual maturities since borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

 
 
Amortized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Value
       
Due in one year or less
 $       88,137
 
 $       89,563
Due after one year through five years
        524,283
 
        544,819
Due after five years through ten years
        816,117
 
        842,457
Due after ten years
        521,780
 
        505,466
Residential mortgage-backed securities
        505,333
 
        473,366
Redeemable preferred stocks
          14,866
 
          13,601
       
 
 $  2,470,516
 
 $  2,469,272
       

Mortgage Loans
Investments in mortgage loans totaled $457.6 million at December 31, 2009 ($445.4 million – December 31, 2008).  The Company’s mortgage loans are mostly secured by commercial real estate and are carried net of a reserve of $3.4 million (2008 – $3.4 million).  The valuation reserve for mortgage loans is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to absorb estimated credit losses.  Management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the reserve is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, historical and industry data, current economic conditions and other relevant factors.  No mortgage loans were foreclosed upon and transferred to real estate investments during the past three years.  Also, there were no delinquent mortgage loans at December 31, 2009 and there were no delinquent mortgage loans at December 31, 2008.  The Company does not hold mortgage loans of any borrower that exceeds 5% of stockholders’ equity.

106

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table provides geographic and property type diversification of the mortgage portfolio at December 31.

 
   
2009
2008
   
Carrying
Carrying
   
Amount
Amount
Geographic region:
   
 
East north central
 $        19,783
 $    18,236
 
Mountain
           51,965
       63,257
 
Pacific
         101,648
     101,276
 
West south central
         106,625
     100,491
 
West north central
         113,997
     112,775
 
Other
           66,974
       52,764
 
Valuation reserve
           (3,410)
        (3,410)
   
 $      457,582
 $  445,389
Property type:
   
 
Industrial
 $      248,397
 $  249,792
 
Retail
                     -
                 -
 
Office
         208,290
     197,214
 
Other
             4,305
         1,793
 
Valuation reserve
           (3,410)
        (3,410)
   
 $      457,582
 $  445,389
       

The Company had commitments to originate mortgage loans of $7.7 million at December 31, 2009.  These commitments expire in 2010.

In December 2009, a construction-to-permanent loan in the amount of $16.0 million was executed. The Company anticipates that disbursement of loan proceeds will start in July 2010 with completion of the construction and stabilization phase by September 2011.

Real Estate
Investments in real estate totaled $114.1 million at December 31, 2009 ($99.6 million at December 31, 2008).  The table below provides information concerning the Company's real estate investments by major category as of December 31.

   
2009
 
2008
Land
 $    17,370
 
 $    18,382
Buildings
       63,704
 
       54,804
 
Less accumulated depreciation
     (21,809)
 
     (21,537)
Real estate, commercial
       59,265
 
       51,649
Real estate, joint ventures
       54,811
 
       47,927
   
 $  114,076
 
 $    99,576
         

Investment real estate is depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 10 to 60 years.

The Company had non-income producing real estate of $28.1 million consisting of vacant properties and properties under development at December 31, 2009 (2008 - $29.2 million).

The Company had no commitments to buy or sell real estate investments at December 31, 2009.  The Company had commitments to fund affordable housing project obligations of $7.4 million at December 31, 2009.







107

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


4. UNPAID ACCIDENT and HEALTH CLAIMS LIABILITY

The liability for unpaid accident and health claims is included with policy and contract claims on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Claim adjustment expenditures are expensed as incurred and were not material in any year presented. Activity in the liability follows.

 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
             
Gross liability at beginning of year
 $   7,006
 
 $   7,089
 
 $     7,391
Less reinsurance recoverable
    (3,495)
 
    (3,826)
 
       (3,829)
Net liability at beginning of year
      3,511
 
      3,263
 
        3,562
             
Incurred benefits related to:
         
 
Current year
    27,602
 
    26,411
 
      23,852
 
Prior years 1
       (448)
 
         271
 
           180
             
Total incurred benefits
    27,154
 
    26,682
 
      24,032
             
Paid benefits related to:
         
 
Current year
    23,764
 
    23,178
 
      20,824
 
Prior years
      3,008
 
      3,256
 
        3,507
             
Total paid benefits
    26,772
 
    26,434
 
      24,331
             
Net liability at end of year
      3,893
 
      3,511
 
        3,263
Reinsurance recoverable
      4,774
 
      3,495
 
        3,826
             
Gross liability at end of year
 $   8,667
 
 $   7,006
 
 $     7,089
             

1 The incurred benefits related to prior years’ unpaid accident and health claims reflect the change in these liabilities.

5. NOTES PAYABLE

The Company borrows money to enhance liquidity and investment strategies, depending upon timing and specific circumstances.  The following table provides information for notes payable as of December 31.

   
2009
 
2008
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) loans with various maturities and
     
 
a weighted average interest rate, no borrowings at December 31, 2009,
     
 
(0.95% at December 31, 2008), secured by mortgage-backed securities
     
 
totaling $64.0 million ($102.2 million at December 31, 2008)
 $         -
 
 $   2,900
   
 $         -
 
 $   2,900
         

As a member of the FHLB with a capital investment of $5.0 million, the Company has the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis from the FHLB.  The Company received annual dividends on the capital investment in the FHLB equal to $0.1 million (2008 - $0.3 million; 2007 - $0.3 million).

The Company has unsecured revolving lines of credit of $60.0 million with two major commercial banks with no balances outstanding and which are at variable interest rates.  These lines of credit will expire in June of 2010.  The Company anticipates renewing these lines of credit as they come due.

Interest paid on all borrowings was less than $.01 million in 2009 (2008 – $1.1 million; 2007 – $1.6 million).  The interest expense on all borrowings was less than $.01 million in 2009 (2008 – $1.1 million; 2007 – $1.6 million).

There were no outstanding notes payable as of December 31, 2009.


108

6. STATUTORY INFORMATION and STOCKHOLDER DIVIDENDS RESTRICTION

The table below provides Kansas City Life’s net gain from operations, net income (loss), unassigned surplus (retained earnings) and capital and surplus (stockholders' equity), on the statutory basis used to report to regulatory authorities for the years ended December 31.
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
           
Net gain from operations
 $   24,979
 
 $   27,301
 
 $   50,141
           
Net income (loss)
      19,455
 
     (20,114)
 
      47,718
           
Unassigned surplus
    415,575
 
    398,941
 
    433,253
           
Capital and surplus
    336,615
 
    306,247
 
    357,332

Stockholder dividends may not exceed statutory unassigned surplus. Additionally, under Missouri law, the Company must have the prior approval of the Missouri Director of Insurance in order to pay dividends in any consecutive twelve-month period exceeding the greater of statutory net gain from operations for the preceding year or 10% of statutory stockholders' equity at the end of the preceding year.  The maximum stockholder dividends payable in 2010 without prior approval is $31.3 million, 10% of 2009 surplus.  The Company believes these statutory limitations impose no practical restrictions on its dividend payment plans.

The Company is required to deposit a defined amount of assets with state regulatory authorities. Such assets had an aggregate carrying value of $11.6 million at December 31, 2009 (2008 – $12.1 million; 2007 – $12.7 million).

7. INCOME TAXES    

The following tables provide information about income taxes and a reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31.
 
 
     
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
             
Current income tax expense (benefit)
 $           476
 
 $       (1,386)
 
 $      20,875
 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
           5,244
 
          (7,778)
 
         (3,625)
 
Total income tax expense (benefit)
 $        5,720
 
 $       (9,164)
 
 $      17,250
 
             
             
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
             
Federal income tax rate
                35
 %
                35
 %
                35
 %
Tax credits net of equity adjustment
                  6
 
                   -
 
                (4)
 
Permanent differences
                 (3)
 
                  1
 
                   -
 
Prior year taxes
                 (3)
 
                 (1)
 
                  2
 
Effective income tax rate
                35
 %
                35
 %
                33
 %
             












109

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


Presented below are tax effects of temporary differences that result in significant deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31.

      
     
2009
 
2008
Deferred tax assets:
     
 
Future policy benefits
 $    41,248
 
 $    39,198
 
Basis differences between tax and
     
   
GAAP accounting for investments
                -
 
         5,041
 
Unrealized investment losses
                -
 
       67,240
 
Employee retirement benefits
       26,154
 
       30,878
 
Tax carryovers
            938
 
              66
Gross and net deferred tax assets
       68,340
 
     142,423
           
Deferred tax liabilities:
     
 
Basis differences between tax and
     
   
GAAP accounting for investments
         7,782
 
                -
 
Unrealized investment gains
              79
 
                -
 
Capitalization of deferred acquisition
     
   
costs, net of amortization
       37,902
 
       56,902
 
Value of business acquired
       23,140
 
       28,999
 
Property and equipment, net
         7,290
 
         8,072
 
Other
       13,998
 
         9,747
Gross deferred tax liabilities
       90,191
 
     103,720
 
Net deferred tax (asset)/liability
       21,851
 
     (38,703)
 
Current tax (receivable)/liability
       (8,784)
 
          (925)
Income taxes (receivable)/payable
 $    13,067
 
 $  (39,628)
           

A valuation allowance must be established for any portion of the deferred tax asset which is believed not to be realizable. Based predominately upon review of the Company’s anticipated future earnings, reversal of future taxable differences, the available capital loss carryback period, tax planning strategies that are prudent and feasible, and our ability and intent to hold securities until their recovery, in management's opinion, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of its deferred tax asset.

Federal income taxes paid during 2009 were $6.5 million (2008 – $9.9 million; 2007 – $14.6 million).

The Company and its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2006.  The Company is not currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

  
 
2009
 
2008
       
 Beginning of year
 $      6,268
 
 $      5,432
       
 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
            720
 
            553
 Additions for tax positions of prior years
              56
 
            567
 Reductions for tax positions of prior years
          (294)
 
           (165)
 Reductions for statute of limitations lapse
          (114)
 
           (119)
       
 End of year
 $      6,636
 
 $      6,268
       

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, that would impact the effective tax rate was $0.6 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

110

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit).  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, the Company recognized expense (benefit) of approximately ($0.2) million, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million in interest and penalties, respectively.  The Company had approximately $0.7 million and $0.9 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The income tax expense is recorded in various places in the Company's financial statements, as detailed below, for the years ended December 31.

    
       
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Income tax expense (benefit)
 $        5,720
 
 $      (9,164)
 
 $      17,250
Stockholders' equity:
         
 
Related to:
         
   
Unrealized gains (losses), net
         49,274
 
       (48,419)
 
           3,444
   
Change in benefit
         
     
plan obligations
           6,037
 
       (11,343)
 
            (587)
Total income tax expense (benefit)
         
 
included in financial statements
 $      61,031
 
 $    (68,926)
 
 $      20,107
                 

8. PENSIONS and OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company has pension and other postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all its employees for which the measurement date is December 31.

The Kansas City Life Pension Plan was amended and restated effective January 1, 1998 as the Kansas City Life Cash Balance Pension Plan.  Plan benefits are based on a cash balance account consisting of credits to the account based upon an employee’s years of service, compensation and interest credits on account balances calculated using the greater of the average 30-year Treasury bond rate for November of each year or 5.5%.  The benefits expected to be paid in each year from 2010 through 2014 are $8.7 million, $10.2 million, $10.3 million, $10.1 million, and $11.6 million, respectively. The aggregate benefits expected to be paid in the five years from 2015 through 2019 are $58.1 million. The expected benefits to be paid are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at December 31, 2009 and include estimated future employee service. The 2010 contribution for the plan has not been determined.  The asset allocation of the fair value of pension plan assets at December 31 was:

   
Plan Assets
 
Target
   
2009
 
2008
 
Allocation
                 
Debt securities
 
39%
 
33%
 
26%
-
32%
Equity securities
 
60%
 
61%
 
56%
-
76%
Cash equivalents
 
1%
 
6%
 
0%
-
2%
 
Certain of the Company’s pension plan assets consist of investments in separate accounts.  Net asset value (NAV) of the separate accounts is calculated in a manner consistent with U.S. GAAP for investments companies and is determinative of their fair value.  Several of the separate accounts invest in publicly quoted mutual funds or actively managed stocks.  The fair value of the underlying mutual funds or stock is used to determine the NAV of the separate account, which is not publicly quoted.  Some of the separate accounts also invest in fixed income securities.  The fair value of the underlying securities is based on quoted prices of similar assets and used to determine the NAV of the separate account.  Sale of plan assets may be at values less than NAV and certain redemption restrictions may apply.

Plan fiduciaries set investment policies and strategies and oversee its investment allocation, which includes selecting investment managers, commissioning periodic asset-liability studies and setting long-term strategic targets. Long-term strategic investment objectives include preserving the funded status of the plan and balancing risk and return. Target allocation ranges are guidelines, not limitations, and occasionally plan fiduciaries will approve allocations above or below a target range. The Plan does not expect to return any plan assets to the Company during 2010.

The current assumption for the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 8.0%.  This assumption is determined by analyzing: 1) historical average returns, 2) historical data on the volatility of returns, 3) current yields available in the

111

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


marketplace, 4) actual returns on plan assets, and 5) current and anticipated future allocation among asset classes.  The asset classes used for this analysis are domestic and international equities, investment grade corporate bonds, alternative assets, and cash.  The overall rate is derived as a weighted average of the estimated long-term returns on the asset classes represented in the investment portfolio of the plan.

The assumed discount rates used to determine the benefit obligation for pension benefits and postretirement benefits are 5.62% and 6.01%, respectively.  The discount rates were determined by reference to the Citigroup Pension Liability Yield Curve on December 31, 2009.  Specifically, the spot rate curve represents the rates on zero coupon securities of the quality and type included in the pension index at various maturities.  By discounting benefit cash flows at these rates, a notional amount equal to the market value of a cash flow defeasing portfolio of bonds was determined.  The discount rate for benefits was calculated as a single rate giving the same discounted value as the notional amount.

The postretirement medical plans for the eligible employees, agents, and their dependents are contributory with contributions adjusted annually. The benefits expected to be paid in each year from 2010 through 2014 are $1.2 million each year. The aggregate benefits expected to be paid in the five years from 2015 through 2019 are $7.4 million. The expected benefits to be paid are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at December 31, 2009. The 2010 contribution for the plan is estimated to be $1.2 million.  The Company pays these medical costs as they become due and the plan incorporates cost-sharing features.

The postretirement life insurance plan is non-contributory with level annual payments over the participants' expected service periods. The plan covers only those employees with at least one year of service as of December 31, 1997. The benefits in this plan are frozen, using the employees' years of service and compensation as of December 31, 1997.

Non-contributory defined contribution retirement plans for eligible general agents and sales agents provide supplemental payments based upon earned agency first year individual life and annuity commissions. Contributions to these plans in 2009 were $0.1 million (2008 - $0.1 million; 2007 - $0.1 million). Non-contributory deferred compensation plans for eligible agents based upon earned first year commissions are also offered. Contributions to these plans were $0.3 million (2008 – $0.4 million; 2007 – $0.4 million).

Savings plans for eligible employees and agents match employee and agent contributions up to 6% of salary and 2.5% of agents’ prior year paid commissions, respectively. Contributions to the plan in 2009 were $1.3 million (2008 – $1.8 million; 2007 – $1.2 million). The Company may contribute an additional profit sharing amount up to 4% of salary for eligible employees, depending upon corporate profits. The Company made no profit sharing contribution in 2009 or in the prior two years.

A non-contributory trusteed employee stock ownership plan covers substantially all salaried employees. No contributions have been made to this plan since 1992.

The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined pension and postretirement plans, measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, on the balance sheet.  Changes in the funded status that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are recognized within other comprehensive income (loss) net of taxes.

On January 1, 2009, the agents are covered under a fully insured third-party provider health plan. This plan includes Medicare prescription drug coverage.

112

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


 
     
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
     
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
                   
Change in projected benefit obligation:
             
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 $   137,492
 
 $  142,375
 
 $    29,738
 
 $    27,724
 
Service cost
          2,059
 
         2,405
 
            730
 
            821
 
Interest cost
          7,922
 
         7,662
 
         1,590
 
         1,599
 
Plan amendments
                  -
 
              15
 
                 -
 
         1,588
 
Actuarial (gain) loss
          2,044
 
       (5,145)
 
       (3,309)
 
       (1,183)
 
Benefits paid
       (12,831)
 
       (9,820)
 
          (736)
 
          (811)
   
Benefit obligation at end of year
 $   136,686
 
 $  137,492
 
 $    28,013
 
 $    29,738
                   
Change in plan assets:
             
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
 $     94,832
 
 $  127,395
 
 $         836
 
 $         921
 
Return on plan assets
        19,865
 
     (28,824)
 
              38
 
              47
 
Company contributions
          6,080
 
         6,081
 
                 -
 
                 -
 
Benefits paid
       (12,831)
 
       (9,820)
 
          (256)
 
          (132)
   
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 $   107,946
 
 $    94,832
 
 $         618
 
 $         836
                   
Current and noncurrent liabilities recognized
             
 
 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
             
 
Current liabilities
 $            75
 
 $            -
 
 $      1,197
 
 $      1,030
 
Noncurrent liabilities
        28,665
 
       42,660
 
       26,198
 
       27,872
   
Funded status at end of year
 $     28,740
 
 $    42,660
 
 $    27,395
 
 $    28,902
                   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other
             
 
comprehensive loss:
             
 
Net loss
 $     57,614
 
 $    72,640
 
 $      1,390
 
 $      4,708
 
Prior service cost
(602)
 
(1,308)
 
(1,001)
 
(1,390)
   
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
 $     57,012
 
 $    71,332
 
 $         389
 
 $      3,318
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
             

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations
Pension
 
Other
    recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
        Unrecognized actuarial loss
 $  (10,432)
 
 $   33,665
 
 $   (3,307)
 
 $   (1,179)
        Unrecognized prior service cost
              -
 
             15
 
              -
 
        1,588
        Amortization of net gain
       (4,594)
 
       (2,375)
 
           (11)
 
         (172)
        Amortization of prior service cost
            706
 
           646
 
           389
 
           222
        Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
 $  (14,320)
 
 $   31,951
 
 $   (2,929)
 
 $        459
               

 

113

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

 
 
     
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
     
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
Plans with underfunded accumulated
             
   
benefit obligation:
             
 
Projected benefit obligation
 $ 136,686
 
 $ 137,492
 
 n/a
 
 n/a
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
    132,070
 
    131,595
 
 n/a
 
 n/a
 
Fair value of plan assets
    107,946
 
      94,832
 
 n/a
 
 n/a
                   
Weighted average assumptions used
             
   
to determine benefit obligations
             
   
at December 31:
             
 
Discount rate
6.00%
 
6.00%
 
6.01%
 
5.75%
 
Expected return on plan assets
8.00%
 
8.00%
 
5.50%
 
5.50%
 
Rate of compensation increase
3.38%
 
3.75%
 
           -
 
           -
                   
Weighted average assumptions used
             
   
to determine net periodic benefit
             
   
cost for years ended December 31:
             
 
Discount rate
6.00%
 
5.50%
 
5.75%
 
5.75%
 
Expected return on plan assets
8.00%
 
8.00%
 
5.50%
 
5.50%
 
Rate of compensation increase
3.38%
 
3.75%
 
           -
 
           -

The following table presents the fair value of each major category of pension plan and other postretirement assets as of December 31:

 
Pension Plan
 
Other Benefits
Assets, at fair value:
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
   Cash and cash equivqalents
 $                     89
 
 $                  120
 
             618
 
             836
   Common stocks
                   4,614
 
                  3,469
 
                  -
 
                  -
   Investment funds
             
        Stock and bond funds
                 65,355
 
                50,096
 
                  -
 
                  -
        Money market funds
                        76
 
                  5,005
 
                  -
 
                  -
        Hedge funds
                 16,346
 
                14,507
 
                  -
 
                  -
   Debt securities
             
        United States Government fixed
             
maturity securities
                      765
 
                  3,864
 
                  -
 
                  -
        Industrial fixed maturity securities
                 18,488
 
                16,016
 
                  -
 
                  -
        Public utility fixed maturity securities
                   1,856
 
                  1,282
 
                  -
 
                  -
   Mineral rights
                        71
 
                     168
 
                  -
 
                  -
   Real estate
                        19
 
                       19
 
                  -
 
                  -
   Other
                      267
 
                     286
 
                  -
 
                  -
        Fair value of assets at end of year
 $            107,946
 
 $             94,832
 
 $          618
 
 $          836
               

114

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table discloses the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the pension plan and other postretirement assets fall.

 

Assets, at fair value as of December 31, 2009
Pension Plan
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   Common stocks
 $    4,614
 
 $              -
 
 $           -
 
 $       4,614
   Investment funds
             
        Stock and bond funds
              -
 
        65,355
 
              -
 
        65,355
        Money market funds
            76
 
                 -
 
              -
 
               76
        Hedge funds
              -
 
        16,346
 
              -
 
        16,346
   Debt securities
             
        United States Government fixed maturity securities
              -
 
             765
 
              -
 
             765
        Industrial fixed maturity securities
              -
 
        18,378
 
          110
 
        18,488
        Public utility fixed maturity securities
              -
 
          1,856
 
              -
 
          1,856
   Other assets
          356
 
                 -
 
            90
 
             446
        Total
 $    5,046
 
 $   102,700
 
 $       200
 
 $   107,946
               
 
Other Benefits
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   Cash and cash equivqalents
          618
 
                 -
 
              -
 
             618
        Total
 $       618
 
 $              -
 
 $           -
 
 $          618
               

 

Assets, at fair value as of December 31, 2008
Pension Plan
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   Common stocks
 $    3,469
 
 $              -
 
 $         -
 
 $       3,469
   Investment funds
             
        Stock and bond funds
              -
 
        50,096
 
              -
 
        50,096
        Money market funds
       5,005
 
                 -
 
              -
 
          5,005
        Hedge funds
              -
 
        14,507
 
              -
 
        14,507
   Debt securities
             
        United States Government fixed maturity securities
              -
 
          3,864
 
              -
 
          3,864
        Industrial fixed maturity securities
              -
 
        14,990
 
       1,026
 
        16,016
        Public utility fixed maturity securities
              -
 
          1,282
 
              -
 
          1,282
   Other assets
          406
 
                 -
 
          187
 
             593
        Total
 $    8,880
 
 $     84,739
 
 $    1,213
 
 $     94,832
               
 
Other Benefits
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   Cash and cash equivqalents
          836
 
                 -
 
              -
 
             836
        Total
 $       836
 
 $              -
 
 $           -
 
 $          836
 
 
             

115

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

The following table discloses the changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31:
 
 
Pension Plan
 
Other Benefits
Plan assets:
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
       Balance, beginning of period
 $    1,213
 
 $       268
 
 $            -
 
 $            -
   Gains or losses (realized and unrealized)
           (92)
 
         (253)
 
               -
 
               -
   Transfers in - level 3
               -
 
       1,198
 
               -
 
               -
   Transfers out - level 3
         (921)
 
               -
 
               -
 
               -
       Balance, end of period
 $       200
 
 $    1,213
 
 $            -
 
 $            -
               

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31.
 
   
     
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Service cost
 $     2,059
 
 $     2,405
 
 $     2,310
 
 $      731
 
 $      821
 
 $      789
Interest cost
        7,922
 
        7,662
 
        7,448
 
      1,590
 
      1,599
 
      1,423
Expected return on plan assets
       (7,389)
 
       (9,986)
 
       (9,456)
 
         (41)
 
         (51)
 
         (53)
Amortization of:
                     
   
Unrecognized actuarial loss
        4,594
 
        2,375
 
        2,303
 
           11
 
         172
 
         176
   
Unrecognized prior service cost
          (706)
 
          (646)
 
          (647)
 
       (389)
 
       (222)
 
       (378)
 
Net periodic benefit cost
        6,480
 
        1,810
 
        1,958
 
      1,902
 
      2,319
 
      1,957
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
     (14,320)
 
      31,951
 
          (528)
 
    (2,929)
 
         459
 
      2,204
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and
                     
   
other comprehensive income (loss)
 $    (7,840)
 
 $   33,761
 
 $     1,430
 
 $ (1,027)
 
 $   2,778
 
 $   4,161
                           

The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next year is $3.5 million and ($0.6 million), respectively.

The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the other postretirement plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next year is $0 and ($0.2 million), respectively.

The assumed growth rate of health care costs has a significant effect on the benefit amounts reported, as the table below demonstrates.
 
 
One Percentage Point
 
Change in the Growth Rate
 
Increase
 
Decrease
       
Service and interest cost components
 $        465
 
 $         (383)
Postretirement benefit obligation
        4,670
 
         (3,828)

For measurement purposes a 10.5% annual increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed to decrease gradually to 6.0% in 2018 and thereafter.

9. SHARE-BASED PAYMENT

The Company has a long-term incentive plan for senior management that awards participants for the increase in the share price of the Company’s common stock through units (phantom shares) assigned by the Board of Directors.  The awards are calculated over three-year intervals on a calendar year basis.  At the conclusion of each three-year interval, participants will receive awards based on the increase in the share price during a defined measurement period, times the number of units.  The increase in the share price will be determined based on the change in the share price from the beginning to the end of the three-year interval.  Dividends are accrued and paid at the end of each three-year interval to the extent that they exceed negative stock price appreciation.  Plan payments are contingent on the continued employment of the participant unless termination is due to a qualifying event such as death, disability or retirement.
The following table provides information about the outstanding three-year intervals as of December 31, 2009.

 
 Defined
       
 Measurement
 
 Number
 
 Grant
 Period
 
 of Units
 
 Price
 2007-2009
 
   179,488
 
 $ 52.10
 2008-2010
 
   178,133
 
 $ 44.33
 2009-2011
 
   170,419
 
 $ 44.93
 2010-2012
 
   223,969
 
 $ 30.04

No payments were made during 2009 for the three-year interval ended December 31, 2008.  During 2008, the plan made a payment of $0.1 million to plan participants for the three-year interval ended December 31, 2007.  During 2007, the plan made a payment of $1.0 million to plan participants for the three-year interval ended December 31, 2006.  The change in accrual for share-based compensation that reduced operating expense during 2009 was $0.1 million, net of tax.  The cost of

116

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


compensation charged as an operating expense during 2008 was $0.1 million, net of tax.  The cost of compensation that reduced operating expense during 2007 was $0.4 million, net of tax.

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has three reportable business segments, which are defined based on the nature of the products and services offered:  Individual Insurance, Group Insurance and Old American.  The Individual Insurance segment consists of individual insurance products for both Kansas City Life and Sunset Life.  The Individual Insurance segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents and third-party marketing arrangements.  The Group Insurance segment consists of sales of group life, dental, vision and disability products.  This segment is marketed through a nationwide sales force of independent general agents, group brokers and third-party marketing arrangements.  Old American consists of individual insurance products designed primarily as final expense products.  These products are marketed through a nationwide general agency sales force with exclusive territories, using direct response marketing to supply agents with leads.

Insurance revenues, as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income, consist of premiums and contract charges, less reinsurance ceded.  Insurance revenues are defined as “customer revenues” for segment reporting purposes.  Other revenues consist primarily of supplementary contact considerations, policyholder dividends left with the Company to accumulate, income received on the sale of low income housing tax credits by a subsidiary of the Company and fees charged on products and sales from the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiary.  Customer revenues are added to other revenues, net investment income and realized investment gains (losses) to reconcile to the Company’s total revenues.  Benefits and expenses are specifically and directly identified and recorded by segment.  Certain expenses may also be allocated as necessary.

Separate investment portfolios are maintained for each of the three life insurance companies.  However, investment assets and income are allocated to the Group Insurance segment based upon its cash flows and future policy benefit liabilities.  Home office functions are fully integrated for all segments in order to maximize economies of scale.  Therefore, operating expenses are allocated to the segments based upon internal cost studies, which are consistent with industry cost methodologies.

Inter-segment revenues are not material. The Company operates solely in the United States and no individual customer accounts for 10% or more of the Company's revenue.













117

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


     
Individual
Group
 
Old
      
Intercompany
     
Insurance
Insurance
American
Eliminations 1
 
Total
2009:
                 
Insurance revenues (customer revenues)
 $         132,087
 
 $         47,862
 
 $         62,261
 
 $            (546)
 
 $        241,664
Net investment income
            164,133
 
                 554
 
            12,741
 
                     -
 
           177,428
Realized investment losses
              (8,221)
 
                     -
 
            (1,855)
 
                     -
 
            (10,076)
Other revenues
              10,323
 
                 255
 
                     1
 
                     -
 
             10,579
   
Total revenues
            298,322
 
            48,671
 
            73,148
 
               (546)
 
           419,595
                       
Policyholder benefits
            102,480
 
            33,799
 
            42,692
 
                     -
 
           178,971
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
              86,713
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
             86,713
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
           
 
and value of business acquired
              25,961
 
                     -
 
            13,693
 
                     -
 
             39,654
Operating expenses
              65,969
 
            18,449
 
            13,933
 
               (546)
 
             97,805
   
Total benefits and expenses
            281,123
 
            52,248
 
            70,318
 
               (546)
 
           403,143
                       
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
              17,199
 
            (3,577)
 
              2,830
 
                     -
 
             16,452
Income tax expense (benefit)
                5,981
 
            (1,252)
 
                 991
 
                     -
 
               5,720
Segment net income (loss)
 $           11,218
 
 $         (2,325)
 
 $           1,839
 
 $                -
 
 $          10,732
                       
Segment assets
 $      3,808,909
 
 $           9,949
 
 $       357,327
 
 $                  -
 
 $     4,176,185
Interest expense
 $                    -
 
 $                  -
 
 $                  4
 
 $                  -
 
 $                   4

2008:
                 
Insurance revenues (customer revenues)
 $         126,480
 
 $         48,763
 
 $         61,517
 
 $            (587)
 
 $        236,173
Net investment income
            164,243
 
                 525
 
            12,651
 
                     -
 
           177,419
Realized investment losses
            (49,987)
 
                     -
 
            (2,284)
 
                     -
 
            (52,271)
Other revenues
              12,734
 
                 268
 
                     3
 
                     -
 
             13,005
   
Total revenues
            253,470
 
            49,556
 
            71,887
 
               (587)
 
           374,326
                       
Policyholder benefits
            101,275
 
            32,956
 
            44,518
 
                     -
 
           178,749
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
              86,899
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
             86,899
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
           
 
and value of business acquired
              28,875
 
                     -
 
            13,209
 
                     -
 
             42,084
Operating expenses
              61,070
 
            18,950
 
            13,375
 
               (587)
 
             92,808
   
Total benefits and expenses
            278,119
 
            51,906
 
            71,102
 
               (587)
 
           400,540
                       
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
            (24,649)
 
            (2,350)
 
                 785
 
                     -
 
            (26,214)
Income tax expense (benefit)
              (8,724)
 
               (845)
 
                 405
 
                     -
 
              (9,164)
Segment net income (loss)
 $         (15,925)
 
 $         (1,505)
 
 $              380
 
 $                -
 
 $         (17,050)
                       
Segment assets
 $      3,618,510
 
 $           8,780
 
 $       339,801
 
 $                  -
 
 $     3,967,091
Interest expense
 $                928
 
 $                  -
 
 $              118
 
 $                  -
 
 $            1,046

1 Elimination entries to remove intercompany transactions for life and accident and health insurance were as follows:  insurance revenues from the Group Insurance segment and operating expenses from the Individual Insurance segment to arrive at Consolidated Statements of Income.

118

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


     
Individual
Group
 
Old
 
Intercompany
2007:
Insurance
Insurance
American
Eliminations 1
 
Total
Insurance revenues (customer revenues)
 $         124,190
 
 $         45,776
 
 $         62,479
 
 $            (551)
 
 $        231,894
Net investment income
            176,666
 
                 426
 
            13,313
 
                     -
 
           190,405
Realized investment gains (losses)
                5,820
 
                     -
 
               (394)
 
                     -
 
               5,426
Other revenues
              11,214
 
                 278
 
                     7
 
                   -
 
             11,499
   
Total revenues
            317,890
 
            46,480
 
            75,405
 
               (551)
 
           439,224
                       
Policyholder benefits
              93,200
 
            30,061
 
            43,197
 
                     -
 
           166,458
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
              91,215
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
                     -
 
             91,215
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
           
 
and value of business acquired
              27,568
 
                     -
 
            12,765
 
                     -
 
             40,333
Operating expenses
              55,283
 
            19,309
 
            14,266
 
               (551)
 
             88,307
   
Total benefits and expenses
            267,266
 
            49,370
 
            70,228
 
               (551)
 
           386,313
                       
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
              50,624
 
            (2,890)
 
              5,177
 
                     -
 
             52,911
Income tax expense (benefit)
              15,822
 
               (867)
 
              2,295
 
                     -
 
             17,250
Segment net income (loss)
 $           34,802
 
 $         (2,023)
 
 $           2,882
 
 $                -
 
 $          35,661
                       
Segment assets
 $      3,977,585
 
 $           8,410
 
 $       366,113
 
 $                  -
 
 $     4,352,108
Interest expense
 $             1,364
 
 $                  -
 
 $              264
 
 $                  -
 
 $            1,628

1 Elimination entries to remove intercompany transactions for life and accident and health insurance were as follows:  insurance revenues from the Group Insurance segment and operating expenses from the Individual Insurance segment to arrive at Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following table provides information about the Company’s customer revenues for the years ended December 31.

  
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Customer revenues by line of business:
           
Traditional individual insurance products, net
 
 $            88,086
 
 $             78,403
 
 $            74,696
Interest sensitive products
 
               89,439
 
                89,828
 
               93,993
Variable life insurance and annuities
 
               16,277
 
                19,179
 
               17,429
Group life and disability products, net
 
               47,862
 
                48,763
 
               45,776
Insurance revenues
 
 $          241,664
 
 $           236,173
 
 $          231,894
             

11. PROPERTY and EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The home office is depreciated over 25 to 50 years and furniture and equipment is depreciated over 3 to 10 years.  The table below provides information as of December 31.

 
2009
 
2008
Land
 $           766
 
 $           766
Home office complex
         20,365
 
         20,257
Furniture and equipment
         44,803
 
         44,440
 
         65,934
 
         65,463
       
Accumulated depreciation
       (41,541)
 
       (39,541)
       
 
 $      24,393
 
 $      25,922
       







119

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


12. REINSURANCE

The table below provides information about reinsurance for the years ended December 31.
 
 
   
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
               
Life insurance in force (in millions) :
         
 
Direct
 $      29,201
 
 $      28,691
 
 $      29,406
 
Ceded
       (14,190)
 
       (14,492)
 
       (14,315)
 
Assumed
           1,482
 
           1,609
 
           1,729
   
Net
 $      16,493
 
 $      15,808
 
 $      16,820
               
Premiums:
         
Life insurance:
         
 
Direct
 $    139,422
 
 $    130,008
 
 $    125,602
 
Ceded
       (45,506)
 
       (46,205)
 
       (46,287)
 
Assumed
           3,379
 
           3,773
 
           3,681
   
Net
 $      97,295
 
 $      87,576
 
 $      82,996
               
 Accident and health:
         
 
Direct
 $      47,998
 
 $      47,001
 
 $      46,177
 
Ceded
         (9,345)
 
         (7,411)
 
         (8,701)
 
Assumed
                  -
 
                  -
 
                  -
   
Net
 $      38,653
 
 $      39,590
 
 $      37,476
               

Old American has a coinsurance agreement that reinsures certain whole life policies issued by Old American prior to December 1, 1986.  These policies had a face value of $40.9 million as of December 31, 2009.  The reserve for future policy benefits ceded under this agreement was $21.9 million (2008 – $24.0 million).

Kansas City Life acquired a block of traditional life and universal life products in 1997.  As of December 31, 2009, the block had $1.5 billion of life insurance in force (2008 – $1.6 billion).  The block generated life insurance premiums of $3.2 million (2008 - $3.4 million) and had reinsurance ceded of $1.0 million (2008 – $1.0 million).

Sunset Life entered into a yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement January 1, 2002, whereby it ceded 80% of its retained mortality risk on traditional and universal life policies.  As of December 31, 2009, the insurance in force ceded approximated $1.7 billion (2008 – $1.8 billion) and premiums totaled $8.9 million.

Reinsurance receivables were $179.3 million at year end 2009, consisting of reserves ceded of $165.7 million and claims ceded of $13.6 million.

The maximum retention on any one life is $350 for ordinary life plans and $100 for group coverage. A contingent liability exists with respect to reinsurance, which may become a liability of the Company in the unlikely event that the reinsurers should be unable to meet obligations assumed under reinsurance contracts.  The solvency of reinsurers is reviewed annually.












120

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


The following table reflects the Company’s material reinsurance partners along with their Standard and Poor’s credit rating and the amounts ceded to each reinsurer at December 31, 2009.

             
Life
   
     
Ceded Life
 
Percent of
 
Reinsurance
 
Percent of
 
Rating
 
In-Force
 
In-Force
 
Recoverable
 
Recoverable
     
(In-Millions)
     
(in-Thousands)
 
TransAmerica Life Insurance Company (Aegon USA)
A-
 
 $          4,856
 
34%
 
 $        30,407
 
23%
RGA Reinsurance Company
AA-
 
             2,807
 
20%
 
           16,222
 
12%
Security Life of Denver
A+
 
             2,799
 
20%
 
           32,868
 
25%
Swiss Re Life & Health America
A+
 
             1,043
 
7%
 
             6,990
 
5%
Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
AA-
 
                651
 
5%
 
             7,042
 
5%
Hannover Life Reassurance of America
AA-
 
                598
 
4%
 
             3,942
 
3%
Employers Reassurance Corporation
AA+
 
                  41
 
                 -
 
           22,520
 
17%
Other (16 companies)
   
             1,321
 
9%
 
           10,454
 
8%
Total
   
 $        14,116
 
100%
 
 $      130,445
 
100%
                   

The Company’s reinsurance recoverable totaled $179.4 million at December 31, 2009, comprised of $130.4 million in life insurance and $49.0 million in accident and health business.  The Company had one reinsurance partner whose credit rating was below investment grade at December 31, 2009.  Total in-force business identified with this reinsurer was $490.2 million and total GAAP reserves ceded to this reinsurer were $3.0 million at December 31, 2009.  Should this reinsurer become insolvent, the Company may recapture the business ceded to this reinsurer, resulting in an increase in GAAP reserves of $3.0 million.

13. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss).  Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the unrealized investment gains or losses on securities available for sale (net of adjustments for realized investment gains or losses) net of adjustments to DAC, VOBA and policyholder account balances.  In addition, other comprehensive income (loss) includes the change in the benefit plan obligations liability.  Other comprehensive income (loss) also includes deferred income taxes on these items.

The tables below provide information about comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31.

     
     
Unrealized
 
Pension
   
     
Gain (Loss)
and Other
   
     
on Securities
Benefits
 
Total
2009:
         
Total unrealized gains arising during the year
 $      197,065
 
 $                  -
 
 $      197,065
Less:
         
 
Realized investment gains (losses),excluding
       
   
impairment losses
           10,159
 
                     -
 
           10,159
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
         
   
recognized in earnings
         (35,011)
 
                     -
 
         (35,011)
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
         
   
recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
           16,070
 
                     -
 
           16,070
Net unrealized gains (losses) excluding impairment losses
         205,847
 
                     -
 
         205,847
Change in benefit plan obligations
                     -
 
           17,249
 
           17,249
Effect on DAC and VOBA
         (67,833)
 
                     -
 
         (67,833)
Policyholder account balances
                     -
 
                     -
 
                     -
Deferred income taxes
         (48,305)
 
           (6,037)
 
         (54,342)
Other comprehensive income
 $        89,709
 
 $        11,212
 
         100,921
   
Net  income
       
           10,732
   
Comprehensive income
       
 $      111,653
               

121

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)



 
     
Unrealized
 
Pension
   
     
Gain (Loss)
and Other
   
     
on Securities
Benefits
 
Total
2008:
         
Total unrealized losses arising during the year
 $    (266,176)
 
 $                  -
 
 $    (266,176)
Less:  Realized losses included in net loss
         (60,856)
 
                     -
 
         (60,856)
Net unrealized loss
       (205,320)
 
                     -
 
       (205,320)
Change in benefit plan obligations
                     -
 
         (32,410)
 
         (32,410)
Effect on DAC
           51,187
 
                     -
 
           51,187
Effect on VOBA
           15,245
 
                     -
 
           15,245
Policyholder account balances
                548
 
                     -
 
                548
Deferred income taxes
           48,419
 
           11,343
 
           59,762
Other comprehensive loss
 $      (89,921)
 
 $      (21,067)
 
       (110,988)
 
Net loss
       
         (17,050)
 
Comprehensive loss
       
 $    (128,038)
               

   
     
Unrealized
 
Pension
   
     
Gain (Loss)
and Other
   
     
on Securities
Benefits
 
Total
2007:
         
Total unrealized gains arising during the year
 $          8,907
 
 $                  -
 
 $          8,907
Less:  Realized losses included in net income
           (1,650)
 
                     -
 
           (1,650)
Net unrealized gain
           10,557
 
                     -
 
           10,557
Additional minimum pension liability
                     -
 
           (1,676)
 
           (1,676)
Effect on DAC
              (687)
 
                     -
 
              (687)
Effect on VOBA
                  85
 
                     -
 
                  85
Policyholder account balances
              (115)
 
                     -
 
              (115)
Deferred income taxes
           (3,444)
 
                587
 
           (2,857)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 $          6,396
 
 $        (1,089)
 
             5,307
 
Net income
       
           35,661
 
Comprehensive income
       
 $        40,968
               
The following table provides accumulated balances related to each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

   
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
                   
   
Gain (Loss) on
Gain (Loss) on
Minimum
 
DAC/
 
Policyholder
     
   
Non-Impaired
Impaired
 
Pension
 
VOBA
 
Account
       
   
Securities
 
Securities
 
Liability
 
Impact
 
Balances
 
Tax Effect
 
Total
2009:
                         
Beginning of year
 $    (189,916)
 
 $        (2,197)
 
 $      (74,650)
 
 $    65,534
 
 $               -
 
 $    70,430
 
 $   (130,799)
 
Cumulative effect of change in
                         
 
    accounting principle
                     -
 
         (13,507)
 
                     -
 
         3,355
 
                  -
 
         3,553
 
          (6,599)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
         212,711
 
           (6,862)
 
           17,248
 
     (67,834)
 
                  -
 
     (54,342)
 
       100,921
End of year
 $        22,795
 
 $      (22,566)
 
 $      (57,402)
 
 $      1,055
 
 $               -
 
 $    19,641
 
 $     (36,477)
                             
2008:
                         
Beginning of year
 $          6,068
 
 $          7,139
 
 $      (42,240)
 
 $       (898)
 
 $         (548)
 
 $    10,668
 
 $     (19,811)
 
Other comprehensive loss
       (195,984)
 
           (9,336)
 
         (32,410)
 
       66,432
 
              548
 
       59,762
 
      (110,988)
End of year
 $    (189,916)
 
 $        (2,197)
 
 $      (74,650)
 
 $    65,534
 
 $             -
 
 $    70,430
 
 $   (130,799)
                             



122

KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


14.  ACCUMULATED EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

Effective for the period ended March 31, 2009, the Company adopted FASB ASC 320.  Pursuant to this guidance, the Company reviewed all previously-recorded other-than-temporary impairments of securities and developed an estimate of the portion of such impairments using a methodology consistent with that applied to the current period other-than-temporary bifurcation of credit and non-credit as of January 1, 2009.  As a result, the Company determined that $13.5 million in previously recorded other-than-temporary impairments had been due to non-credit impairments.

The process used by the Company in estimating the portion of previously recorded other-than-temporary impairments due to credit is consistent with the methodology employed for those securities determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009.  Specifically, if the security is unsecured, secured by an asset or includes a guaranty of payment by a third-party, the estimate of the portion of impairment due to credit was based upon a comparison of ratings and maturity horizon for the security relative to historical default probabilities from one or more nationally recognized rating organizations.  When appropriate for any given security, sector or period in the business cycle, the historical default probability was adjusted to reflect periods or situations of distress by adding to the default probability increments of standard deviations from mean historical results. The credit impairment analysis was supplemented by estimates of potential recovery values for the specific security, including the potential impact of the value of any secured assets, in the event of default.  This information is used to determine the Company’s best estimate, derived from probability-weighted cash flows.

Estimates of impairment due to credit involving collateralized securities were based upon review of projected cash flows relative to amortized cost at the time the security was determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired.  The credit component of the impairment for these securities was determined to be the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the projected cash flows.

In addition, as an insurance enterprise, the Company must also consider the impact of DAC and VOBA on any realized and unrealized loss and the appropriate tax effect.  The establishment of non-credit impairments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with the guidance from retained earnings also requires a netting of applicable DAC and VOBA and income taxes.  The methodology by which DAC and VOBA are calculated and applied to realized gains and losses is different than the methodology employed to calculate DAC and VOBA charges on unrealized gains and losses and results in differences among the transfer between retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In the implementation of this guidance, the Company recorded an opening balance adjustment that increased retained earnings in the amount of $8.4 million and increased accumulated other comprehensive loss in the amount of $6.6 million.  The adjustment to retained earnings consisted of an increase of $8.8 million related to non-credit impairments taken in prior periods, net of tax.  This adjustment also included a $0.4 million decrease due to offsetting adjustments to DAC and VOBA, net of tax.  The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of a decrease of $8.8 million related to non-credit impairments taken in prior periods, net of tax.  This adjustment also included a $2.2 million increase due to offsetting adjustments to DAC and VOBA, net of tax.








123


15. QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

The unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized in the table below.

  
   
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
2009:
             
Total revenues
 $  101,635
 
 $  101,750
 
 $  112,052
 
 $  104,158
                 
Net income (loss)
       (4,548)
 
         8,044
 
         5,181
 
         2,055
                 
Per common share,
             
 
basic and diluted
         (0.40)
 
           0.70
 
           0.45
 
           0.18
                 
2008:
             
Total revenues
 $  108,319
 
 $    98,289
 
 $    78,092
 
 $    89,626
                 
Net income (loss)
         3,602
 
         1,677
 
     (15,178)
 
       (7,151)
                 
Per common share,
             
 
basic and diluted
           0.31
 
           0.14
 
         (1.30)
 
         (0.62)

16. COMMITMENTS

In the normal course of business, the Company has open purchase and sale commitments.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had purchase commitments to fund mortgage loans and other investments of $15.2 million. At December 31, 2009, the Company also had a commitment to fund a construction-to-permanent loan that is subject to the borrower’s performance.

Subsequent to December 31, 2009, the Company entered into commitments to fund additional mortgage loans and other investments of $3.1 million.  Additionally the Company also had a commitment to fund another construction-to-permanent loan that is subject to the borrower’s performance.

17. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The life insurance industry, including the Company, has been subject to an increase in litigation in recent years.  Such litigation has been pursued on behalf of purported classes of policyholders and other claims and legal actions in jurisdictions where juries often award punitive damages, which are grossly disproportionate to actual damages.

Although no assurances can be given and no determinations can be made at this time, management believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these claims and actions, would not have a material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial position.

18.  GUARANTEES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS

The Company is subject to various indemnification obligations issued in conjunction with certain transactions, primarily assumption reinsurance agreements, stock purchase agreements, mortgage servicing agreements, tax credit assigment agreements, construction and lease guarantees and borrowing agreements whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined.  Generally, a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated.  Therefore, the overall maximum amount of the obligation under the indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated.  The Company is unable to estimate with certainty the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to these indemnifications.  The Company believes that the likelihood is remote that material payments would be required under such indemnifications and therefore such indemnifications would not result in a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations.


124





19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 25, 2010, the Kansas City Life Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $ 0.27 per share, paid on February 10, 2010 to stockholders of record on February 4, 2010.

 



  
                 
Schedule I
                   
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN
       
INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
       
DECEMBER 31, 2009
       
                   
                 
Amount at
                 
Which Shown
             
 
 
in Consolidated
Type of Investment
 
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale:
           
 
Bonds:
           
   
United States government and government
           
     
agencies and authorities
 
 $        48,486
 
 $      49,409
 
 $            49,409
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
         505,333
 
       473,366
 
             473,366
   
Public utilities
 
         273,796
 
       287,687
 
             287,687
   
Corporate
 
      1,381,026
 
    1,415,528
 
          1,415,528
   
All other bonds
 
         247,009
 
       229,681
 
             229,681
 
Redeemable preferred stocks
 
           14,866
 
         13,601
 
               13,601
   
Total
 
      2,470,516
 
 $ 2,469,272
 
          2,469,272
                   
Equity securities, available for sale:
           
 
Common stocks
 
           30,451
 
         31,295
 
               31,295
 
Perpetual preferred stocks
 
             4,954
 
           5,581
 
                 5,581
   
Total
 
           35,405
 
 $      36,876
 
               36,876
                   
Mortgage loans
 
         457,582
     
             457,582
Real estate
 
         114,076
     
             114,076
Policy loans
 
           85,585
     
               85,585
Short-term investments
 
         138,704
     
             138,704
   
Total investments
 
 $   3,301,868
     
 $       3,302,095
                   





















See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


   
           
Schedule II
             
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
     
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEETS
     
             
       
December 31
       
2009
 
2008
ASSETS
     
Investments:
     
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value
 $  1,965,759
 
 $  1,861,373
 
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value
     
   
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries
        163,629
 
        157,831
   
Other
          30,481
 
          37,542
 
Mortgage loans
        400,320
 
        381,969
 
Real estate
        110,044
 
          95,008
 
Policy loans
          66,017
 
          68,070
 
Short-term investments
        117,968
 
          24,860
     
Total investments
     2,854,218
 
     2,626,653
             
Cash
 
            3,025
 
            3,838
Accrued investment income
          26,297
 
          26,674
Deferred acquisition costs
        105,957
 
        150,652
Value of business acquired
          61,037
 
          75,187
Reinsurance receivables
        104,813
 
          99,170
Property and equipment
          24,383
 
          25,671
Income taxes
            7,196
 
          48,925
Other assets
          26,845
 
          19,053
Separate account assets
        312,824
 
        258,565
     
Total assets
 $  3,526,595
 
 $  3,334,388
             
LIABILITIES
     
Future policy benefits
 $     576,395
 
 $     570,748
Policyholder account balances
     1,751,663
 
     1,725,779
Policy and contract claims
          23,584
 
          24,147
Other policyholder funds
        118,344
 
        108,515
Income taxes
            2,685
 
                    -
Other liabilities
        112,737
 
        119,527
Separate account liabilities
        312,824
 
        258,565
     
Total liabilities
     2,898,232
 
     2,807,281
             
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
     
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share
     
 
Authorized 36,000,000 shares,
     
   
issued 18,496,680 shares
          23,121
 
          23,121
Additional paid in capital
          41,068
 
          36,281
Retained earnings
        757,225
 
        750,600
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
        (36,477)
 
       (130,799)
Treasury stock, at cost (2009 - 6,931,589 shares;
     
 
2008 - 7,061,476 shares)
      (156,574)
 
       (152,096)
     
Total stockholders' equity
        628,363
 
        527,107
             
     
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 $  3,526,595
 
 $  3,334,388
             

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


     
               
Schedule II
               
(continued)
                 
                                                                                    KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
         
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
   
                                                                                    STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         
                 
       
Year Ended December 31
 
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
REVENUES
         
Insurance revenues:
         
 
Premiums
 $     121,604
 
 $     111,451
 
 $    104,381
 
Contract charges
          88,812
 
          90,944
 
         91,154
 
Reinsurance ceded
        (38,752)
 
        (36,663)
 
       (37,114)
   
Total insurance revenues
        171,664
 
        165,732
 
       158,421
Investment revenues:
         
 
Net investment income
        142,570
 
        142,020
 
       151,587
 
Realized investment gains, excluding
         
   
impairment losses
            9,540
 
            9,794
 
           9,278
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings:
         
   
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
        (28,802)
 
        (57,071)
 
         (3,625)
   
Portion of impairment losses recognized in
         
     
other comprehensive income (loss)
          12,337
 
                    -
 
                   -
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
        (16,465)
 
        (57,071)
 
         (3,625)
     
Total investment revenues
        135,645
 
          94,743
 
       157,240
Other revenues
            4,732
 
            5,495
 
           5,631
     
Total revenues
        312,041
 
        265,970
 
       321,292
                 
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
         
Policyholder benefits
        131,460
 
        129,514
 
       119,848
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
          74,136
 
          73,742
 
         76,941
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
         
 
and value of business acquired
          21,650
 
          24,635
 
         21,545
Operating expenses
          76,467
 
          71,429
 
         66,824
     
Total benefits and expenses
        303,713
 
        299,320
 
       285,158
                 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) and
         
 
equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
            8,328
 
        (33,350)
 
         36,134
                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
            3,603
 
        (10,662)
 
         11,571
                 
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed net
         
 
income of subsidiaries
            4,725
 
        (22,688)
 
         24,563
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
            6,007
 
            5,638
 
         11,098
                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 $       10,732
 
 $     (17,050)
 
 $      35,661
                 
Comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
         
 
Change in net unrealized gains and (losses) on
         
   
securities available for sale
 $       71,240
 
 $     (69,328)
 
 $        4,347
 
Change in benefit plan obligations
          11,212
 
        (21,067)
 
         (1,089)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
          18,469
 
        (20,593)
 
           2,049
     
Other comprehensive income (loss)
        100,921
 
      (110,988)
 
           5,307
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 $     111,653
 
 $   (128,038)
 
 $      40,968
                 


See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


   
               
Schedule II
               
(continued)
                 
                                                                                   KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
       
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF REGISTRANT
                                                                           STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
       
                 
       
Year Ended December 31
       
2009
 
2008
 
2007
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
         
Net income (loss)
 $       10,732
 
 $     (17,050)
 
 $     35,661
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
           (6,007)
 
          (5,638)
 
       (11,098)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
       
 
net cash provided by operating activities:
         
   
Amortization of investment premium
3,348
 
           4,026
 
          5,070
   
Depreciation
2,919
 
           3,008
 
          3,288
   
Acquisition costs capitalized
(18,267)
 
        (16,021)
 
       (17,027)
   
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
20,124
 
         20,064
 
        14,829
   
Amortization of value of business acquired
2,073
 
           4,570
 
          6,717
   
Realized investment (gains) losses
6,925
 
         47,277
 
         (4,287)
   
Changes in assets and liabilities:
         
     
Future policy benefits
5,646
 
           5,548
 
         (1,603)
     
Policyholder account balances
(16,266)
 
        (10,721)
 
       (14,870)
     
Income taxes payable and deferred
8,698
 
        (29,309)
 
             631
   
Other, net
(1,534)
 
              340
 
         (5,012)
   
Net cash provided
          18,391
 
           6,094
 
        12,299
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
         
Purchases of investments:
         
 
Fixed maturity securities
(256,429)
 
      (202,499)
 
     (264,728)
 
Equity securities
(3,214)
 
          (6,097)
 
       (13,807)
 
Mortgage loans
(55,920)
 
        (47,121)
 
       (50,229)
 
Real estate
(21,338)
 
        (30,138)
 
         (4,507)
 
Other investment assets
(93,108)
 
          (6,086)
 
                  -
Sale of investments:
         
 
Fixed maturity securities
108,721
 
         26,245
 
      134,649
 
Equity securities
4,652
 
           7,102
 
          3,369
 
Real estate
3,752
 
         30,496
 
        22,445
 
Other investment assets
8,553
 
           4,144
 
        25,084
Maturities and principal paydowns of investments:
       
 
Fixed maturity securities
196,859
 
       208,824
 
      153,063
 
Equity securities
                    -
 
                   -
 
          2,806
 
Mortgage loans
37,569
 
         44,974
 
        49,673
Net acquisitions of property and equipment
              (309)
 
             (242)
 
         (1,184)
Proceeds from sale of non insurance affiliate
                    -
 
                   -
 
        10,104
   
Net cash provided (used)
         (70,212)
 
         29,602
 
        66,738
                 








See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

               
Schedule II
               
(continued)
                 
                                                                                               KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
       
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF REGISTRANT
                                              STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
   
                 
       
Year Ended December 31
       
2009
 
2008
 
2007
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
         
Proceeds from borrowings
 $                 -
 
 $      77,500
 
 $     87,105
Repayment of borrowings
                    -
 
        (84,700)
 
       (91,405)
Deposits on policyholder account balances
        216,567
 
       179,988
 
      183,642
Withdrawals from policyholder account balances
       (178,645)
 
      (208,454)
 
     (249,543)
Net transfers from separate accounts
            8,566
 
           8,556
 
        11,706
Change in other deposits
            4,572
 
           1,269
 
          9,257
Cash dividends to stockholders
         (12,506)
 
        (12,483)
 
       (36,420)
Dividends from subsidiaries
          12,145
 
         15,165
 
        15,910
Net disposition (acquisition) of treasury stock
               309
 
        (16,773)
 
         (4,451)
   
Net cash provided (used)
          51,008
 
        (39,932)
 
       (74,199)
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash
              (813)
 
          (4,234)
 
          4,838
Cash at beginning of year
            3,838
 
           8,072
 
          3,234
     
 
         
   
Cash at end of year
 $         3,025
 
 $        3,838
 
 $       8,072
                 

 
 





























See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

                 
Schedule III
                   
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
       
                   
         
Future policy
       
         
             benefits, policy-
   
         
holder account
       
     
Deferred
 
balances, and
     
Other
     
acquisition
 
policy and
 
Unearned
 
policyholder
Segment
 
costs
 
contract claims
 
premiums
 
funds
December 31, 2009:
               
Individual
 
 $               130,641
 
 $           2,669,521
 
 $           392
 
 $         132,599
Group
 
                             -
 
                   31,027
 
              650
 
                        -
Old American
 
                    78,854
 
                 248,653
 
              184
 
                4,022
 
Total
 
 $               209,495
 
 $           2,949,201
 
 $        1,226
 
 $         136,621
                   
December 31, 2008:
               
Individual
 
 $               188,817
 
 $           2,648,287
 
 $           376
 
 $         120,730
Group
 
                             -
 
                   30,139
 
              423
 
                        -
Old American
 
                    74,939
 
                 240,599
 
              198
 
                4,099
 
Total
 
 $               263,756
 
 $           2,919,025
 
 $           997
 
 $         124,829
                   

   
 
































See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.




                     
Schedule III
                     
(continued)
                       
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
           
                       
             
 Policyholder
       
             
 benefits and
 
Amortization of
   
             
 interest
 
deferred policy
   
             
credited to
 
acquisitions costs
   
     
Premium
 
Net investment
 
policyholder
 
and value of
 
Operating
Segment
 
revenue2
 
income3
 
account balances
 
business acquired
 
expenses4
Year Ended December 31, 2009:
                   
Individual
 
 $       26,371
 
 $          164,133
 
 $               189,193
 
 $                  25,961
 
 $              65,969
Group
 
          47,862
 
                    554
 
                    33,799
 
                               -
 
                 18,449
Old American
 
          62,261
 
               12,741
 
                    42,692
 
                     13,693
 
                 13,933
Intercompany eliminations1
 
              (546)
 
                         -
 
                             -
 
                               -
 
                     (546)
 
Total
 
 $     135,948
 
 $          177,428
 
 $               265,684
 
 $                  39,654
 
 $              97,805
                       
Year Ended December 31, 2008:
                   
Individual
 
 $       17,473
 
 $          164,243
 
 $               188,174
 
 $                  28,875
 
 $              61,070
Group
 
          48,763
 
                    525
 
                    32,956
 
                               -
 
                 18,950
Old American
 
          61,517
 
               12,651
 
                    44,518
 
                     13,209
 
                 13,375
Intercompany eliminations1
 
              (587)
 
                         -
 
                             -
 
                               -
 
                     (587)
 
Total
 
 $     127,166
 
 $          177,419
 
 $               265,648
 
 $                  42,084
 
 $              92,808
                       
Year Ended December 31, 2007:
                   
Individual
 
 $       12,768
 
 $          176,666
 
 $               184,415
 
 $                  27,568
 
 $              55,283
Group
 
          45,776
 
                    426
 
                    30,061
 
                               -
 
                 19,309
Old American
 
          62,479
 
               13,313
 
                    43,197
 
                     12,765
 
                 14,266
Intercompany eliminations1
 
              (551)
 
                         -
 
                             -
 
                               -
 
                     (551)
 
Total
 
 $     120,472
 
 $          190,405
 
 $               257,673
 
 $                  40,333
 
 $              88,307
                       

1 Elimination entries to remove intercompany transactions for life and accident and health insurance were as follows:  insurance revenues from the Group Insurance segment and operating expenses from the Individual Insurance segment to arrive at Consolidated Statements of Income.

2 Premium revenue includes direct premiums and premiums from reinsurance, reduced by premiums on reinsurance ceded.

3 Separate investment portfolios are maintained for each of the three life insurance companies of the Company.  However, investment income is allocated to the Group Insurance segment based upon its cash flows and future policy benefit liabilities.

4 Operating expenses are allocated to the segments based upon internal cost studies, which are consistent with industry cost methodologies.













See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


   
                           
Schedule IV
                             
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
REINSURANCE INFORMATION
           
Years Ended December 31
           
                             
       
Life Insurance Premiums
 
Accident and Health Premiums
       
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
                             
Direct:
                       
 
Individual
 
 $   64,999
 
 $   55,667
 
 $   50,785
 
 $        614
 
 $        720
 
 $            946
 
Group
 
      10,964
 
      11,445
 
      10,656
 
      46,047
 
      44,763
 
          43,406
 
Old American
 
      63,787
 
      63,239
 
      64,470
 
        1,555
 
        1,762
 
            2,067
 
Intercompany Eliminations1
 
          (328)
 
          (343)
 
          (309)
 
          (218)
 
          (244)
 
             (242)
   
Total
 
    139,422
 
    130,008
 
    125,602
 
      47,998
 
      47,001
 
          46,177
                             
Ceded:
                       
 
Individual
 
     (41,870)
 
     (41,934)
 
     (41,750)
 
          (751)
 
          (753)
 
             (894)
 
Group
 
       (1,579)
 
       (1,905)
 
       (1,825)
 
       (7,570)
 
       (5,540)
 
          (6,461)
 
Old American
 
       (2,057)
 
       (2,366)
 
       (2,712)
 
       (1,024)
 
       (1,118)
 
          (1,346)
   
Total
 
     (45,506)
 
     (46,205)
 
     (46,287)
 
       (9,345)
 
       (7,411)
 
          (8,701)
                             
Assumed:
                       
 
Individual
 
        3,379
 
        3,773
 
        3,681
 
                -
 
                -
 
                    -
 
Group
 
                -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                    -
 
Old American
 
                -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                -
 
                    -
   
Total
 
        3,379
 
        3,773
 
        3,681
 
                -
 
                -
 
                    -
   
Net
 
 $   97,295
 
 $   87,576
 
 $   82,996
 
 $   38,653
 
 $   39,590
 
 $       37,476
                             
% of Assumed to Net
 
               3
 
               4
 
               4
 
              -
 
              -
 
                  -

All other information required by this Schedule is shown in Note 12 - Reinsurance in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

1 Elimination entries to remove intercompany transactions for life and accident and health insurance were as follows:  insurance revenues from the Group Insurance segment to arrive at Consolidated Statements of Income.




















See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.



   
                 
Schedule IV
                 
(continued)
                   
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
     
REINSURANCE INFORMATION
     
Years Ended December 31
     
                   
                   
       
Life Insurance In Force
 
       
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
       
(in millions)
 
 
Direct:
           
   
Individual
 $   23,992
 
 $   24,524
 
 $   25,018
 
   
Group
        4,317
 
        3,299
 
        3,509
 
   
Old American
           892
 
           868
 
           879
 
     
Total
      29,201
 
      28,691
 
      29,406
 
                   
 
Ceded:
           
   
Individual
     (13,714)
 
     (14,012)
 
     (13,877)
 
   
Group
          (435)
 
          (434)
 
          (386)
 
   
Old American
            (41)
 
            (46)
 
            (52)
 
     
Total
     (14,190)
 
     (14,492)
 
     (14,315)
 
                   
 
Assumed:
           
   
Individual
        1,482
 
        1,609
 
        1,729
 
   
Group
                -
 
                -
 
                -
 
   
Old American
                -
 
                -
 
                -
 
     
Total
        1,482
 
        1,609
 
        1,729
 
 
Net
 
 $   16,493
 
 $   15,808
 
 $   16,820
 
                   
 
% of Assumed to Net
               9
 
             10
 
             10
 

All other information required by this Schedule is shown in Note 12 - Reinsurance
 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.





















See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.



               
Schedule V
                 
 
                                                         KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
   
                 
                 
       
Years Ended December 31
   
       
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
Mortgage loan reserve:
         
   
Beginning of year
 $          3,410
 
 $          3,410
 
 $          3,600
   
Additions
                     -
 
                     -
 
                     -
   
Deductions
                     -
 
                     -
 
              (190)
     
End of year
 $          3,410
 
 $          3,410
 
 $          3,410
                 
 
Allowance for uncollectible accounts:
         
   
Beginning of year
 $          2,853
 
 $          2,853
 
 $          2,966
   
Additions
                     -
 
                  13
 
                    7
   
Deductions
           (1,547)
 
                (13)
 
              (120)
     
End of year
 $          1,306
 
 $          2,853
 
 $          2,853
                 

 



































See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Kansas City Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kansas City Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited financial statement schedules I-V. We also audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on, criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 8. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules, and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Kansas City Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, Kansas City Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities due to the adoption of new accounting requirements issued by the FASB effective January 1, 2009, the Company changed its method of recognizing and measuring the tax effects related to uncertain tax positions due to the adoption of new accounting requirements issued by the FASB, effective January 1, 2007, and the Company changed its method of accounting for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance contracts due to the adoption of new accounting requirements issued by the American Institute of Certified Pubic Accountants, effective January 1, 2007.
 




/s/KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP



Kansas City, MO
February 26, 2010






 
Item 8.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 8A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), Kansas City Life Insurance Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.  As required by Exchange Act 13a-15(d), Kansas City Life Insurance Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the period covered by this report.  The independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in the annual report containing the disclosure required by this Item has issued an attestation report on the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Kansas City Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries (the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting.  Management of the Company has conducted an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Based upon that assessment, Management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2009.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives, and may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to a future period are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Item 8B.  Other Information

3520 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111                                                                           Contact: Tracy W. Knapp, Chief Financial Officer,
                                                (816) 753-7299, Ext. 8216

For Immediate Release: February 26, 2010, press release reporting financial results for the fourth quarter of 2009.

Kansas City Life Announces Fourth Quarter 2009 Results

Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded net income of $2.1 million or $0.18 per share in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with a net loss of $7.2 million or $0.62 per share for the same quarter in the prior year.  The increase in earnings in the fourth quarter of 2009 was primarily due to an $11.9 million decrease in realized investment losses and a $4.2 million improvement in net investment income.  Partially offsetting these improvements was a $2.4 million increase in operating


expenses and a $5.4 million increase in income tax expense.

Net income for 2009 was $10.7 million or $0.93 per share compared with a net loss of $17.1 million or $1.47 per share in the prior year.  This significant improvement was primarily due to decreased realized investment losses, which declined $42.2 million, along with an increase in insurance revenues of $5.5 million.  Insurance revenues improved primarily due to sales of new individual life products at Old American Insurance Company (OAIC) and increased sales of immediate annuity products.  Partially offsetting these improvements were an increase in operating expenses of $5.0 million, an increase in reserves associated with the sale of immediate annuities and an increase in income tax expense.

The financial markets improved significantly during 2009.  This enabled improved strengthening of consumer demand for insurance products and the Company’s investment performance.  Premiums from new sales during the fourth quarter were $12.7 million, an increase of $2.8 million or 28% versus the prior year.  Sales growth in the fourth quarter resulted from increased sales of new life insurance in the OAIC segment, which improved $0.6 million or 32% compared to one year ago.  In addition, sales of immediate annuities increased $1.7 million or 47% and new group accident and health premiums increased $0.4 million or 17%.  Renewal premiums for the fourth quarter declined $1.1 million or 3%, primarily from decreases in individual life and group accident and health products.  New premiums for 2009 increased $10.0 million or 26% compared to 2008.  This growth reflected strong immediate annuity sales, which grew $9.5 million or 75%, and a $1.5 million or 20% increase in life insurance sales from OAIC.  Partially offsetting these increases were declines in new group life and group accident and health products.

New universal life sales increased 11% for the comparative fourth quarters.  In addition, these fourth quarter sales were the strongest period of production during both 2008 and 2009.  Total new deposits for the year increased $34.8 million or 51%, primarily from a $46.2 million increase in fixed deferred annuity sales.
 
 
The Company’s investment performance improved through increased net investment income, reduced realized investment losses and increased values on securities owned.  Net investment income increased $4.2 million in the fourth quarter compared with a year ago and was flat for the year versus the prior year.  In the fourth quarter, the Company experienced an improvement in rates earned, primarily from yields on an alternative investment fund.  Realized investment losses totaled $2.8 million for the fourth quarter, which was an $11.9 million improvement compared with the prior year’s fourth quarter.  Likewise, realized investment losses were $10.1 million for the year compared with realized investment losses of $52.3 million one year earlier.  A significant factor in the reduced realized investment losses was improved market values on a broad range of asset classes and sectors.  During 2009, the Company’s investment securities improved $192.3 million, ending the year in an unrealized gain position of $0.2 million.

Total benefits and expenses decreased less than 1% for the fourth quarter but increased 1% for the year.  Most significantly, death benefits improved in the fourth quarter and for the year compared with the prior year and quarter.  Interest credited to policyholder account balances increased $0.2 million or less than 1% in the fourth quarter, reflecting a slight increase in crediting rates on selected products.  Interest credited on policyholder account balances for the year was down $0.2 million or less than 1%.

Operating expenses increased $2.4 million or 11% during the fourth quarter, primarily reflecting an increase in pension expense.  Operating expenses increased $5.0 million or 5% for the year, reflecting increases in pension expense, separation costs related to a reduction in staff, and increased legal fees.

On January 25, 2010, the Kansas City Life Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share that was paid on February 10, 2010 to stockholders of record on February 4, 2010.

After beginning the year in a period of deep recession, the economy began to stabilize during 2009.  Accordingly, Kansas City Life experienced improved sales and investment performance.  The Company’s strong capital and liquidity position offered it the ability to withstand the difficult economic pressures.  The Company’s securities portfolio maintained a position of high quality with 94% of these investments rated as investment grade at December 31, 2009.  Stockholders’ equity improved $101.3 million, primarily reflecting the change to a net unrealized gain position on security investments.  Further, the Company’s relative competitive position and financial strength improved during this economic downturn.  These improvements included increased agency recruiting and production, new investments, a reduced operating expense structure, and positioning of the Company for both organic growth and opportunistic investments.  The Company has not wavered from its commitment to the protection of its policyholders, to return value to its investors and to be a strong and viable business partner to its agents and general agents.  The Company continues to offer value and opportunity to its customers while also offering the desired strength and stability of the past.  Security Assured is the Company’s goal of today and the promise of tomorrow.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (NASDAQ: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The


Company’s primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. The Company’s revenues were $419.6 million in 2009, and assets and life insurance in force were $4.2 billion and $30.7 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. The Company operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit www.kclife.com.



 
KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
   
 
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
   
                 
                 
                 
   
Quarter ended
 
Year ended
   
December 31
 
December 31
   
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
                 
                 
Revenues
 $           104,158
 
 $             89,626
 
 $           419,595
 
 $           374,326
                 
Net income (loss)
 $               2,055
 
 $             (7,151)
 
 $             10,732
 
 $           (17,050)
                 
Net income (loss) per share,
             
 
basic and diluted
 $                 0.18
 
 $               (0.62)
 
 $                 0.93
 
 $               (1.47)
                 
                 
Dividends paid
 $                 0.27
 
 $                 0.27
 
 $                 1.08
 
 $                 1.08
                 
Average number of
             
 
shares outstanding
         11,611,468
 
         11,450,812
 
         11,550,016
 
         11,568,635


PART III

Item 9 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information appearing under the captions “Information Concerning Directors,” “Code of Ethics,” “Executive Officers,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information appearing in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the captions “Executive Officer Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND REALTED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information appearing under the captions “Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information appearing under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information appearing under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services” in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference.


 

 
Item 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


 
Page
 
Number
(a)(1)  Financial Statements (See Item 7:  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data)….……..…
72
   
(a)(2)  Supplementary Data and Financial Statement Schedules
 

Schedules are included at the following pages:

 
Page
 
Number
I   - Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties, December 31, 2009………………..
126
II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007……….
127
III - Supplementary Insurance Information, Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 ………………...
131
IV - Reinsurance Information, Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 ………………………….......
133
V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 …………………...
135
 
 
All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.




(b)  Exhibits

Exhibit
 
Number:
Basic Documents:
   
 3(a)
Articles of Incorporation (as Restated in 1986 and Amended in 1999).  [Filed as
 
Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s 10-Q Report for the quarter ended September 30, 1999
 
and incorporated herein by reference]
   
 3(b)
Bylaws as Amended and Restated October 29, 2007.  [Filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Company's 8-K Report for October 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference]
   
 4(a)
Specimen copy of Stock Certificate. [Filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company’s 10-Q Report
 
for the quarter ended September 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference]
   
10(a)
First Amendment to 2009 Restatement, Kansas City Life Deferred Compensation Plan
 
Twelfth Amendment, Kansas City Life Deferred Compensation Plan.
   
10(b)
Thirty-Second Amendment, Kansas City Life Insurance Company Savings and Profit Sharing Plan
 
Thirty-First Amendment, Kansas City Life Insurance Company Savings and Profit Sharing Plan
   
10(c)
Fourteenth Amendment, Kansas City Life Employee Stock Plan.  [Filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the Company’s 10-K Report for 2005 and incorporated herein by reference, and the Amended and Restated Kansas City Life Insurance Company Stock Plan filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the Company’s 10-K Report for 2001 and incorporated herein by reference]
   
10(d)
Third Amendment, Kansas City Life Excess Benefit Plan.   [Filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Company’s 10-K Report for 2008 and incorporated herein by reference]
   
14
Kansas City Life Insurance Company Code of Ethics for Officers, Directors and Employees.
   
21
Subsidiaries.
   
23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
   
31(a)
Section 302 Certification.
   
31(b)
Section 302 Certification.
   
32(a)
Section 1350 Certification.
   
99(e)
Prospectus for Kansas City Life Insurance Company Savings and Investment Plan.
 
 


SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.



KANSAS CITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY



By: /s/ David A. Laird
David A. Laird
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: February 26, 2010





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.



By: /s/ R. Philip Bixby          
By: /s/ Tracy W. Knapp
R. Philip Bixby
Tracy W. Knapp
Director; President, Chief
Director; Senior Vice President, Finance
Executive Officer and Chairman
(Principal Financial Officer)
of the Board
Date:  February 26, 2010
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date:  February 26, 2010
By: /s/ William A. Schalekamp
 
William A. Schalekamp
By: /s/ Walter E. Bixby          
Director; Senior Vice President,
Walter E. Bixby
General Counsel and Secretary
Director  and Vice Chairman
Date:  February 26, 2010
of the Board
 
Date:  February 26, 2010
By: /s/ Cecil R. Miller
 
Cecil R. Miller
By: /s/ John C. Cozad           
Director
John C. Cozad
Date:  February 26, 2010
Director
 
Date:  February 26, 2010
 
 
 
By: /s/ Kevin G. Barth           
 
Kevin G. Barth
 
Director
 
Date:  February 26, 2010
 
   
By: /s/ Mark A. Milton
 
Mark A. Milton
 
Director; Senior Vice President, Actuary
 
Date:  February 26, 2010
 
   


143