NWLI 2011 Q2 10Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
R      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2011
o        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: 2-17039
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLORADO
84-0467208
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
850 EAST ANDERSON LANE
 
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752-1602
(512) 836-1010
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Telephone Number)


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 R   No £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). : Yes R   No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated file" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  £     Accelerated filer  R   Non-accelerated filer  £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o   No R
As of August 5, 2011, the number of shares of Registrant's common stock outstanding was: Class A – 3,434,763 and  Class B - 200,000.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2010
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 20, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.  Removed and Reserved
 
 
 
 


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
June 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $5,636,086 and $5,259,332)
$
5,302,866

 
4,977,516

Securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $2,304,913 and $2,221,579)
2,493,163

 
2,390,107

Mortgage loans, net of allowance for possible losses ($4,001 and $3,962)
160,897

 
141,247

Policy loans
75,743

 
78,448

Derivatives, index options
97,698

 
80,284

Other long-term investments
33,355

 
29,569

 
 
 
 
Total investments
8,163,722

 
7,697,171

 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term investments
80,667

 
80,332

Deferred policy acquisition costs
702,458

 
691,939

Deferred sales inducements
146,045

 
143,844

Accrued investment income
85,687

 
79,720

Federal income tax receivable

 
427

Other assets
83,851

 
80,515

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
9,262,430

 
8,773,948


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
June 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits:
 
 
 
Universal life and annuity contracts
$
7,561,174

 
7,108,599

Traditional life and annuity contracts
138,377

 
139,182

Other policyholder liabilities
145,753

 
151,526

Deferred Federal income tax liability
46,695

 
57,857

Federal income tax payable
3,843

 

Other liabilities
110,078

 
97,993

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
8,005,920

 
7,555,157

 
 
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)


 


 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Common stock:
 

 
 

Class A - $1 par value; 7,500,000 shares authorized; 3,434,763 and 3,429,241 issued and outstanding in 2011 and 2010, respectively
3,435

 
3,429

Class B - $1 par value; 200,000 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding in 2011 and 2010
200

 
200

Additional paid-in capital
38,351

 
37,140

Accumulated other comprehensive income
54,909

 
50,408

Retained earnings
1,159,615

 
1,127,614

 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
1,256,510

 
1,218,791

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
9,262,430

 
8,773,948


Note:  The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010, has been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of that date.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Premiums and other revenues:
 
 
 
Universal life and annuity contract charges
$
32,632

 
31,439

Traditional life and annuity contract premiums
4,607

 
4,898

Net investment income
97,724

 
52,285

Other revenues
4,698

 
8,168

Net realized investment gains (losses):
 

 
 

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

 
(86
)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income

 

Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings

 
(86
)
Other net investment gains (losses)
490

 
137

Total net realized investment gains (losses)
490

 
51

 
 
 
 
Total revenues
140,151

 
96,841

 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 

 
 

Life and other policy benefits
9,598

 
13,519

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
38,848

 
18,237

Universal life and annuity contract interest
53,232

 
17,931

Other operating expenses
19,060

 
17,087

 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses
120,738

 
66,774

 
 
 
 
Earnings before Federal income taxes
19,413

 
30,067

 
 
 
 
Federal income taxes
5,623

 
9,255

 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
13,790

 
20,812

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 

 
 

Class A
$
3.90

 
5.90

Class B
$
1.95

 
2.95

 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 

 
 

Class A
$
3.90

 
5.88

Class B
$
1.95

 
2.95


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Premiums and other revenues:
 
 
 
Universal life and annuity contract charges
$
62,464

 
63,535

Traditional life and annuity premiums
8,629

 
8,514

Net investment income
231,239

 
155,135

Other revenues
14,604

 
14,319

Net realized investment gains (losses):
 

 
 

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

 
(334
)
Portion of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income

 
26

Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings

 
(308
)
Other net investment gains (losses)
3,582

 
(70
)
Total net realized investment gains (losses)
3,582

 
(378
)
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
320,518

 
241,125

 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 

 
 

Life and other policy benefits
21,814

 
26,806

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
66,337

 
42,006

Universal life and annuity contract interest
145,381

 
80,631

Other operating expenses
39,778

 
34,404

 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses
273,310

 
183,847

 
 
 
 
Earnings before Federal income taxes
47,208

 
57,278

 
 
 
 
Federal income taxes
15,207

 
18,058

 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
32,001

 
39,220

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 

 
 

Class A
$
9.06

 
11.12

Class B
$
4.53

 
5.56

 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 

 
 

Class A
$
9.04

 
11.08

Class B
$
4.53

 
5.56


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
13,790

 
20,812

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of effects of deferred costs and taxes:
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on securities:
 

 
 

Net unrealized holding gains arising during period
5,769

 
15,787

Net unrealized liquidity gains (losses)
149

 
506

Reclassification adjustment for net amounts included in net earnings
(194
)
 
141

Amortization of net unrealized (gains) losses related to transferred securities
14

 
(3
)
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on securities
5,738

 
16,431

 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(59
)
 
57

 
 
 
 
Benefit plans:
 

 
 

Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain
292

 
289

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income
5,971

 
16,777

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
$
19,761

 
37,589


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
32,001

 
39,220

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of effects of deferred costs and taxes:
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on securities:
 

 
 

Net unrealized holding gains arising during period
5,775

 
31,479

Net unrealized liquidity gains (losses)
350

 
(2,807
)
Reclassification adjustment for net amounts included in net earnings
(2,079
)
 

Amortization of net unrealized losses related to transferred securities
7

 
4

 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on securities
4,053

 
28,676

 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(134
)
 
(96
)
 
 
 
 
Benefit plans:
 

 
 

Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain
582

 
579

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income
4,501

 
29,159

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
$
36,502

 
68,379


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Common stock:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
3,629

 
3,626

Shares exercised under stock option plan
6

 

 
 
 
 
       Balance at end of period
3,635

 
3,626

 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital:
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of period
37,140

 
36,680

Shares exercised under stock option plan
1,211

 

 
 
 
 
       Balance at end of period
38,351

 
36,680

 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on non-impaired securities:
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of period
62,499

 
31,639

Change in unrealized gains during period, net of tax
3,703

 
28,308

 
 
 
 
   Balance at end of period
66,202

 
59,947

 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses on impaired held to maturity securities:
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of period
(2,713
)
 
(2,751
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principal

 

Amortization
165

 
80

Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax

 
(26
)
Additional credit loss on previously impaired securities

 
50

Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs
185

 
(62
)
 
 
 
 
   Balance at end of period
(2,363
)
 
(2,709
)
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses on impaired available for sale securities:
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of period

 
(562
)
Other-than-temporary impairments, non-credit, net of tax

 

Recoveries, net of tax

 
326

 
 
 
 
  Balance at end of period

 
(236
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (continued)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of period
2,585

 
2,893

Change in translation adjustments during period
(134
)
 
(96
)
 
 
 
 
  Balance at end of period
2,451

 
2,797

 
 
 
 
Benefit plan liability adjustment:
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of period
(11,963
)
 
(13,459
)
Amortization of net prior service cost and net gain, net of tax
582

 
579

 
 
 
 
  Balance at end of period
(11,381
)
 
(12,880
)
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income at end of period
54,909

 
46,919

 
 
 
 
Retained earnings:
 
 
 
   Balance at beginning of period
1,127,614

 
1,055,987

   Net earnings
32,001

 
39,220

   Stockholder dividends

 

 
 
 
 
   Balance at end of period
1,159,615

 
1,095,207

 
 
 
 
Total stockholders' equity
$
1,256,510

 
$
1,182,432


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
32,001

 
39,220

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:
 

 
 

Universal life and annuity contract interest
145,381

 
80,631

Surrender charges and other policy revenues
(15,280
)
 
(18,787
)
Realized (gains) losses on investments
(3,582
)
 
378

Accrual and amortization of investment income
(1,369
)
 
(933
)
Depreciation and amortization
390

 
2,191

(Increase) decrease in value of index options
(22,750
)
 
70,482

Increase in deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs
(26,674
)
 
(50,732
)
Increase in accrued investment income
(5,967
)
 
(4,276
)
Increase in other assets
(2,756
)
 
(14,362
)
Increase in liabilities for future policy benefits
7,775

 
13,308

(Decrease) increase in other policyholder liabilities
(5,774
)
 
3,483

Decrease in Federal income taxes
(8,555
)
 
(17,355
)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
(2,390
)
 
19,437

Other, net

 
1

 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
90,450

 
122,686

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales of:
 

 
 

Securities available for sale
11,196

 
8,860

Other investments
3,348

 
2,725

Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of:
 

 
 

Securities held to maturity
221,449

 
315,447

Securities available for sale
52,482

 
39,740

Index options
34,615

 
21,159

Purchases of:
 

 
 

Securities held to maturity
(530,454
)
 
(664,897
)
Securities available for sale
(143,859
)
 
(203,900
)
Other investments
(37,058
)
 
(25,460
)
Principal payments on mortgage loans
8,961

 
16,017

Cost of mortgage loans acquired
(28,476
)
 
(38,366
)
Decrease in policy loans
2,705

 
449

Other, net

 

 
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
(405,091
)
 
(528,226
)
 
 
 
 
 
Continued on Next Page
 

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, CONTINUED
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Deposits to account balances for universal life and annuity contracts
719,078

 
653,171

Return of account balances on universal life and annuity contracts
(405,185
)
 
(298,582
)
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan
1,217

 

 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
315,110

 
354,589

 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign exchange
(134
)
 
(95
)
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and short-term investments
335

 
(51,046
)
Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period
80,332

 
108,866

 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term investments at end of period
$
80,667

 
$
57,820

 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

Interest
$
10

 
$
20

Income taxes
$
24,211

 
$
35,840

 
 
 
 
Noncash operating activities:
 
 
 
   Deferral of sales inducements
$
5,225

 
$
8,898


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


(1)
 CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of National Western Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries (“Company”) as of June 30, 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. It is recommended that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 accessible free of charge through the Company's internet site at www.nationalwesternlife.com or the Securities and Exchange Commission internet site at www.sec.gov. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Western Life Insurance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: The Westcap Corporation, NWL Investments, Inc., NWL Services, Inc., NWL Financial, Inc., NWLSM, Inc. and Regent Care San Marcos Holdings, LLC. All significant intercorporate transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include (1) liabilities for future policy benefits, (2) valuation of derivative instruments, (3) recoverability and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, (4) valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, (5) other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities, (6) commitments and contingencies, and (7) valuation allowances for mortgage loans and real estate.

The Company is implementing new actuarial reserving systems that enhance its ability to provide better estimates used in establishing future policy liabilities, monitor the deferred acquisition cost asset and the deferred sales inducements asset as well as support other actuarial processes within the Company. The implementation of these new reserving systems for specific blocks of business began in the second quarter of 2009 and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2011.  As the Company applies these new systems to a line of business, current reserving assumptions are reviewed and updated as appropriate. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, a correction was made to traditional life policy-related expense of $1.3 million.  This change was related to reserve calculations on current face amounts of insurance in force but should have been calculated on the ultimate face amounts.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, a correction was made to a surrender charge assumption for future years on one deferred annuity product line.  This change resulted in an unlocking adjustment that increased the Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (“DPAC”) amortization expense by $2.7 million in that quarter.  As the amounts of these corrections were determined to have occurred over the course of multiple previously reported periods, it was concluded that the amounts of the corrections were immaterial to the financial results reported in any of these periods, as well as the current period.

Certain amounts in the prior year condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

(2)
 NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

During June 2011 the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance, Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). The guidance relates to the reporting of Other Comprehensive Income. The guidance will improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and will increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The effective date is for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


During May 2011 the FASB issued new guidance, Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The objective relates to the development of common requirement for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The guidance will improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements. The effective date is for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

During April 2011 the FASB issued new guidance, Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860). The objective is to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before they mature. The effective date is for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Company has no repurchase agreements, therefore the adoption of this guidance will not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

During April 2011 the FASB issued new guidance, Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 310). The guidance established the effective date for ASU No. 2011-01, Receivables (Topic 310), for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011 and should be retrospectively applied to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. The objective is to help creditors in determining whether the creditor has granted a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debit restructuring. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

During October 2010 the FASB issued new guidance, Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-26, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944) Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts, affecting insurance companies that incur costs in the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts. The guidance addresses the diversity in practice regarding the interpretation for which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal business qualifies for deferral. The new guidance specifies the acquisition costs which are capitalizable and those which must be expensed. The effective date is for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

During July 2010 the FASB issued new guidance that requires additional disclosures related to an entity's financing receivables and the nature of its credit risks related to financing receivables. The effective date is for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the AICPA, and the SEC did not, or are not believed by management to, have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statements.

(3)
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

The Company is restricted by state insurance laws as to dividend amounts which may be paid to stockholders without prior approval from the Colorado Division of Insurance. The restrictions are based on statutory earnings and surplus levels of the Company. The maximum dividend payment which may be made without prior approval in 2011 is $87.5 million. The Company did not pay cash dividends on common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

(4)
 EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share of common stock are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of common shares applicable to stock options in the denominator.

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,790

 
 
 
20,812

 
 
Dividends - Class A shares

 
 
 

 
 
Dividends - Class B shares

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Undistributed income
$
13,790

 
 
 
20,812

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allocation of net income:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Dividends
$

 
 
 

 

Allocation of undistributed income
13,400

 
390

 
20,222

 
590

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,400

 
390

 
20,222

 
590

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares
3,434

 
200

 
3,426

 
200

Effect of dilutive stock options
3

 

 
14

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions
3,437

 
200

 
3,440

 
200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
$
3.90

 
1.95

 
5.90

 
2.95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
3.90

 
1.95

 
5.88

 
2.95



15

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
32,001

 
 
 
39,220

 
 
Dividends - Class A shares

 
 
 

 
 
Dividends - Class B shares

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Undistributed income
$
32,001

 
 
 
39,220

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allocation of net income:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Dividends
$

 

 

 

Allocation of undistributed income
31,096

 
905

 
38,108

 
1,112

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
31,096

 
905

 
38,108

 
1,112

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares
3,432

 
200

 
3,426

 
200

Effect of dilutive stock options
6

 

 
14

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions
3,438

 
200

 
3,440

 
200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
$
9.06

 
4.53

 
11.12

 
5.56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
9.04

 
4.53

 
11.08

 
5.56


16

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


(5)
 PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

(A)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company sponsors a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The plan provides benefits based on the participants' years of service and compensation. The Company makes annual contributions to the plan that complies with the minimum funding provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). On October 19, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors approved an amendment to freeze the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2007. The freeze ceased future benefit accruals to all participants and closed the plan to any new participants. In addition, all participants became immediately 100% vested in their accrued benefits as of that date. Going forward future pension expense is projected to be minimal. Fair values of plan assets and liabilities are measured as of the prior December 31 for each respective year. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$

 

 

 

Interest cost
258

 
258

 
517

 
517

Expected return on plan assets
(259
)
 
(259
)
 
(518
)
 
(518
)
Amortization of prior service cost
1

 
1

 
2

 
2

Amortization of net loss
126

 
126

 
250

 
250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost
$
126

 
126

 
251

 
251


The Company expects to contribute $406,000 to the plan in 2011. As of June 30, 2011, the Company has contributed $193,000 to the plan.

The Company also sponsors a non-qualified defined benefit plan primarily for senior officers. The plan provides benefits based on the participants' years of service and compensation. The pension obligations and administrative responsibilities of the plan are maintained by a pension administration firm, which is a subsidiary of American National Insurance Company ("ANICO"). ANICO has guaranteed the payment of pension obligations under the plan. However, the Company has a contingent liability with respect to the plan should these entities be unable to meet their obligations under the existing agreements. Also, the Company has a contingent liability with respect to the plan in the event that a plan participant continues employment with the Company beyond age seventy, the aggregate average annual participant salary increases exceed 10% per year, or any additional employees become eligible to participate in the plan. If any of these conditions are met, the Company would be responsible for any additional pension obligations resulting from these items. Amendments were made to the plan to allow an additional employee to participate and to change the benefit formula for the Chairman of the Company. As previously mentioned, these additional obligations are a liability to the Company. Effective December 31, 2004, this plan was frozen with respect to the continued accrual of benefits of the Chairman and the President of the Company in order to comply with law changes under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 ("Act").

Effective July 1, 2005, the Company established a second non-qualified defined benefit plan for the benefit of the Chairman of the Company. This plan is intended to provide for post-2004 benefit accruals that mirror and supplement the pre-2005 benefit accruals under the previously discussed non-qualified defined benefit plan, while complying with the requirements of the Act.

Effective November 1, 2005, the Company established a third non-qualified defined benefit plan for the benefit of the President of the Company. This plan is intended to provide for post-2004 benefit accruals that supplement the pre-2005 benefit accruals under the first non-qualified defined benefit plan as previously discussed, while complying with the requirements of the Act.

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs for the Chairman and President non-qualified defined benefit plans.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
13

 
13

 
26

 
26

Interest cost
266

 
266

 
532

 
532

Amortization of prior service cost
129

 
129

 
258

 
258

Amortization of net loss
165

 
165

 
329

 
329

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost
$
573

 
573

 
1,145

 
1,145


The Company expects to contribute $2.0 million to these plans in 2011.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company has contributed $0.9 million to the plans.

(B)
Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans

The Company sponsors two healthcare plans to provide postretirement benefits to certain fully-vested individuals.  The following summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
$
38

 
35

 
76

 
69

Amortization of prior service cost
29

 
25

 
57

 
51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost
$
67

 
60

 
133

 
120


The Company expects to contribute minimal amounts to the plan in 2011.

18

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


(6)
SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION

The Company defines its reportable operating segments as domestic life insurance, international life insurance, and annuities. These segments are organized based on product types and geographic marketing areas.  A summary of segment information for the quarters ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 is provided below.

Selected Segment Information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
Life
Insurance
 
International
 Life
Insurance
 
Annuities
 
All
 Others
 
Totals
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2011:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Balance Sheet Items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements
$
41,113

 
227,166

 
580,224

 


 
848,503

Total segment assets
398,712

 
1,035,273

 
7,555,300

 
219,328

 
9,208,613

Future policy benefits
331,037

 
747,058

 
6,621,456

 


 
7,699,551

Other policyholder liabilities
12,206

 
16,999

 
116,548

 


 
145,753

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

June 30, 2011:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Condensed Income Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Premiums and contract revenues
$
6,617

 
25,616

 
5,006

 

 
37,239

Net investment income
4,485

 
9,532

 
78,830

 
4,877

 
97,724

Other revenues
(2
)
 
342

 
(1,070
)
 
5,428

 
4,698

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
11,100

 
35,490

 
82,766

 
10,305

 
139,661

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life and other policy benefits
(810
)
 
4,199

 
6,209

 

 
9,598

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
2,771

 
7,927

 
28,150

 

 
38,848

Universal life and annuity contract interest
1,849

 
8,507

 
42,876

 

 
53,232

Other operating expenses
3,361

 
4,273

 
6,320

 
5,106

 
19,060

Federal income taxes (benefit)
1,339

 
3,273

 
(751
)
 
1,590

 
5,451

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
8,510

 
28,179

 
82,804

 
6,696

 
126,189

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings (loss)
$
2,590

 
7,311

 
(38
)
 
3,609

 
13,472



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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 
Domestic
Life
Insurance
 
International
Life
Insurance
 
Annuities
 
All
Others
 
Totals
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2011:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Income Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and contract revenues
$
12,649

 
50,176

 
8,268

 

 
71,093

Net investment income
9,481

 
22,553

 
191,942

 
7,263

 
231,239

Other revenues
5

 
366

 
2,991

 
11,242

 
14,604

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
22,135

 
73,095

 
203,201

 
18,505

 
316,936

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life and other policy benefits
4,424

 
9,161

 
8,229

 

 
21,814

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
5,654

 
16,125

 
44,558

 

 
66,337

Universal life and annuity contract interest
4,487

 
21,426

 
119,468

 

 
145,381

Other operating expenses
7,027

 
11,199

 
11,223

 
10,329

 
39,778

Federal income taxes
174

 
4,856

 
6,308

 
2,615

 
13,953

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
21,766

 
62,767

 
189,786

 
12,944

 
287,263

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings
$
369

 
10,328

 
13,415

 
5,561

 
29,673


20

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

Selected Segment Information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
Life
Insurance
 
International
 Life
Insurance
 
Annuities
 
All
 Others
 
Totals
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2010:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Balance Sheet Items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs and sales inducements
$
44,834

 
210,101

 
505,419

 

 
760,354

Total segment assets
395,512

 
1,131,250

 
6,467,299

 

 
7,994,061

Future policy benefits
323,453

 
676,414

 
5,551,710

 

 
6,551,577

Other policyholder liabilities
10,582

 
15,219

 
106,614

 

 
132,415

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2010:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Condensed Income Statements:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums and contract revenues
$
7,064

 
24,675

 
4,598

 

 
36,337

Net investment income
4,704

 
2,797

 
40,227

 
4,557

 
52,285

Other revenues
182

 
228

 
1,908

 
5,850

 
8,168

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
11,950

 
27,700

 
46,733

 
10,407

 
96,790

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life and other policy benefits
5,045

 
6,094

 
2,380

 

 
13,519

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
3,028

 
2,317

 
12,892

 

 
18,237

Universal life and annuity contract interest
2,872

 
2,201

 
12,858

 

 
17,931

Other operating expenses
3,418

 
4,664

 
4,742

 
4,263

 
17,087

Federal income taxes (benefit)
(737
)
 
3,874

 
4,187

 
1,914

 
9,238

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
13,626

 
19,150

 
37,059

 
6,177

 
76,012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings (loss)
$
(1,676
)
 
8,550

 
9,674

 
4,230

 
20,778


21

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 
Domestic
Life
Insurance
 
International
Life
Insurance
 
Annuities
 
All
Others
 
Totals
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2010:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Income Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and contract revenues
$
14,049

 
48,792

 
9,208

 

 
72,049

Net investment income
9,502

 
13,119

 
126,408

 
6,106

 
155,135

Other revenues
215

 
293

 
2,459

 
11,352

 
14,319

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
23,766

 
62,204

 
138,075

 
17,458

 
241,503

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life and other policy benefits
8,295

 
15,234

 
3,277

 

 
26,806

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
5,768

 
8,992

 
27,246

 

 
42,006

Universal life and annuity contract interest
5,334

 
12,349

 
62,948

 

 
80,631

Other operating expenses
6,331

 
11,221

 
8,449

 
8,403

 
34,404

Federal income taxes (benefit)
(591
)
 
4,517

 
11,408

 
2,857

 
18,191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
25,137

 
52,313

 
113,328

 
11,260

 
202,038

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings (loss)
$
(1,371
)
 
9,891

 
24,747

 
6,198

 
39,465


Reconciliations of segment information to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are provided below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and Other Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and contract revenues
$
37,239

 
36,337

 
71,093

 
72,049

Net investment income
97,724

 
52,285

 
231,239

 
155,135

Other revenues
4,698

 
8,168

 
14,604

 
14,319

Realized gains (losses) on investments
490

 
51

 
3,582

 
(378
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total consolidated premiums and other revenues
$
140,151

 
96,841

 
320,518

 
241,125



22

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total segment Federal income taxes
$
5,451

 
9,238

 
13,953

 
18,191

Taxes on realized gains (losses) on investments
172

 
17

 
1,254

 
(133
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total consolidated Federal income taxes
$
5,623

 
9,255

 
15,207

 
18,058



 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total segment earnings
$
13,472

 
20,778

 
29,673

 
39,465

Realized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes
318

 
34

 
2,328

 
(245
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total consolidated net earnings
$
13,790

 
20,812

 
32,001

 
39,220



 
June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
Total segment assets
$
9,208,613

 
7,994,061

Other unallocated assets
53,817

 
51,075

 
 
 
 
Total consolidated assets
$
9,262,430

 
8,045,136


(7)
  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The Company had a stock and incentive plan ("1995 Plan") which provided for the grant of any or all of the following types of awards to eligible employees: (1) stock options, including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options; (2) stock appreciation rights, in tandem with stock options or freestanding; (3) restricted stock; and (4) performance awards. The 1995 Plan began on April 21, 1995, and was amended on June 25, 2004 to extend the termination date to April 20, 2010. The number of shares of Class A, $1.00 par value, common stock which were allowed to be issued under the 1995 Plan, or as to which stock appreciation rights or other awards were allowed to be granted, could not exceed 300,000. Effective June 20, 2008, the Company's shareholders approved a 2008 Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan is substantially similar to the 1995 Plan and authorized an additional number of Class A, $1.00 par value, common stock shares eligible for issue not to exceed 300,000. These shares may be authorized and unissued shares. The Company has issued only nonqualified stock options and stock appreciation rights under these plans.

23

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


All of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the two plans. In addition, directors of the Company are eligible to receive the same types of awards as employees except that they are not eligible to receive incentive stock options. Company directors, including members of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, are eligible for nondiscretionary stock options. The directors' grants vest 20% annually following one full year of service to the Company from the date of grant. The employees' grants vest 20% annually following three full years of service to the Company from the date of grant. All grants issued expire after ten years. No awards were issued during the first or second quarters of 2011 and 2010.

Effective during March 2006, the Company adopted and implemented a limited stock buy-back program with respect to the 1995 Plan which provides option holders the additional alternative of selling shares acquired through the exercise of options directly back to the Company. Option holders may elect to sell such acquired shares back to the Company at any time within ninety (90) days after the exercise of options at the prevailing market price as of the date of notice of election. The buy-back program did not alter the terms and conditions of the 1995 Plan; however, the program necessitated a change in accounting from the equity classification to the liability classification.

In August 2008, the Company implemented another limited stock buy-back program, substantially similar to the 2006 program, for shares issued under the 2008 Plan.

The Company uses the current fair value method to measure compensation cost. As of June 30, 2011 and 2010, the liability balance was $3.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively. A summary of shares available for grant and stock option activity is detailed below.

 
 
 
Options Outstanding
 
Shares
Available
For Grant
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2011
291,000

 
95,573

 
$
180.42

Exercised

 
(8,005
)
 
93.21

Forfeited

 

 

Expired

 
(500
)
 
255.13

Stock options granted

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2011
291,000

 
87,068

 
$
188.01


 
Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding
 
Awards
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
 
 
Stock Appreciation Rights:
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2011
38,643

 
$
120.57

Exercised
(500
)
 
114.64

Forfeited

 

Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2011
38,143

 
$
120.65


24

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $557,000 and $26,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The total share-based liabilities paid were $179,000 and $26,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. For the quarters ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the total cash received from the exercise of options under the Plans was $167,000 and $0, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock options and SARs outstanding at June 30, 2011.

 
 
Options/SARs Outstanding
 
 
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Options
Exercisable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise prices:
 
 
 
 
 
$150.00
 
51,550

 
2.8 years
 
51,550

255.13
 
26,518

 
6.8 years
 
5,304

208.05
 
9,000

 
7.0 years
 
5,400

236.00
 
750

 
7.1 years
 

251.49
 
1,000

 
7.2 years
 

114.64
 
36,393

 
7.6 years
 
3,600

Totals
 
125,211

 
 
 
65,854

 
 

 
 
 
 

Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
$
2,120

 
 
 
$
650


The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is based on the closing stock price of $159.47 per share on June 30, 2011.

In estimating the fair value of the options outstanding at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company employed the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions as detailed below.

 
June 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
 
 
 
Expected term of options
2 to 8 years

 
1 to 8 years

Expected volatility:
 
 
 
Range
25.77% to 38.47%

 
28.45% to 78.07%

Weighted-average
31.60
%
 
38.20
%
Expected dividend yield
0.23
%
 
0.20
%
Risk-free rate:
 
 
 

Range
0.70% to 2.67%

 
0.92% to 3.68%

Weighted-average
1.32
%
 
2.31
%

The Company reviewed the contractual term relative to the options as well as perceived future behavior patterns of exercise.  Volatility is based on the Company’s historical volatility over the expected term of the option’s expected exercise date.

The pre-tax compensation cost recognized in the financial statements related to the two plans defined above was $(0.8) million and $(1.1) million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The related tax expense recognized was $(0.3) million and $(0.4) million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

25

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


As of June 30, 2011, the total compensation cost related to nonvested options not yet recognized was $1.3 million.  This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.  The Company recognizes compensation cost over the graded vesting periods.

(8)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

(A)
Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, the Company is involved or may become involved in various legal actions in which claims for alleged economic and punitive damages have been or may be asserted, some for substantial amounts. In recent years, carriers offering life insurance and annuity products have faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices, and similar claims. As discussed below, the Company has been a defendant over the past several years in two such class action lawsuits. Given the uncertainty involved in these types of actions, the ability to make a reliable evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or an estimate of the amount of or range of potential loss is endemic to the particular circumstances and evolving developments of each individual matter on it own merits.

The Company was a defendant in a class action lawsuit initially filed on September 17, 2004, in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. The California state court certified a class consisting of certain California policyholders age 65 and older alleging violations under California Business and Professions Code section 17200. The court additionally certified a subclass of 36 policyholders alleging fraud against their agent, and vicariously against the Company. The California Insurance Department intervened in this case asserting that the Company violated California insurance laws. The parties to this case became involved in court-ordered mediation and ongoing negotiations. On February 22, 2010, the Company reported in a Form 8-K filing a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs and plaintiff in intervention providing a settlement benefit of approximately $17 million which was included in the Company's legal accrual provision at December 31, 2009. The settlement agreement was given final court approval at a Fairness Hearing on August 20, 2010. Including attorney's fees, policy benefits, and other considerations, the Company paid out approximately $22.4 million in the third and fourth quarters of 2010.

The Company is currently a defendant in a second class action lawsuit pending as of June 12, 2006, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The case is titled In Re National Western Life Insurance Deferred Annuities Litigation. The complaint asserts claims for RICO violations, Financial Elder Abuse, Violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17200, et seq, Violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17500, et seq, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Aiding and Abetting Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Fraudulent Concealment, Cal. Civ. Code 1710, et seq, Breach of the Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, and Unjust Enrichment and Imposition of Constructive Trust. On July 12, 2010 the Court certified a nationwide class of policyholders under the RICO allegation and a California class under all of the remaining causes of action except breach of fiduciary duty. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses in this cause and intends to vigorously defend itself against the asserted claims. Therefore, no amounts have been provided in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of June 30, 2011 for this matter.

In addition to the two class action lawsuits described above, the Company is the named defendant in the case of Sheila Newman vs. National Western Life Insurance Company, which alleged mishandling of policyholder funds by an agent.  On February 3, 2010, the 415th Judicial District Court of Parker County in Weatherford, Texas, entered a Final Judgment against the Company of approximately $208,000 including actual damages of $113,000 and amounts for attorney's fees, and prejudgment interest on the actual damages.  In addition, the Final Judgment included $150 million for exemplary damages. The Company is vigorously defending this case and has appealed the Final Judgment to the Court of Appeals in Ft. Worth, Texas.  The Company's counsel believes the Final Judgment is inconsistent with current state and federal laws and intends to establish on appeal that it is not liable for Newman's actual or exemplary damages. Further, Company counsel have advised of existing law that governs limits of awards of exemplary damages including: (1) a Texas statute that limits awards of exemplary damages to two times the amount of actual damages, and (2) case law from both the Texas Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court setting the outer limits of exemplary damages to single-digit ratios between actual and exemplary damages, but usually no more than 3 or 4 times the actual damages. The Company has accrued $0.6 million at June 30, 2011 for this matter inasmuch as it believes the record shows there is no basis for an award of exemplary damages in excess of these amounts.

In addition to amounts accrued for incurred and unpaid legal fees, the amounts accrued in the financial statements at June 30, 2011 of $0.6 million for the foregoing lawsuits represent estimates made by the Company based upon current information and are subject to change as facts and circumstances change and develop. Although there can be no assurances, at the present time, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate liability arising from such other potential, pending, or threatened legal actions will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operating results of the Company.

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The Company had been involved in litigation as the plaintiff in a matter pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas (“District Court”) against defendant, Western National Life Insurance Company and its parent company, AGC Life Insurance Company. The matter dealt with the alleged infringement of registered trademarks held by the Company. On March 25, 2011, the parties executed a Memorandum of Understanding on Settlement (“Memorandum”) under which the Company was to receive a settlement payment of $4 million no later than June 30, 2011. This amount has been received and is included in Other revenues, net of attorney fees, in the financial statements. The Memorandum also outlined corrective measures to be followed by the parties. The Memorandum required notification to the District Court of the settlement and calls for the parties to agree upon a final written confidential settlement agreement containing the essential terms outlined in the Memorandum.

(9)
INVESTMENTS

(A)
Investment Gains and Losses

The table below presents realized investment gains and losses, excluding impairment losses, for the periods indicated.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains on disposal
$
330

 
132

 
3,137

 
370

Realized losses on disposal

 

 

 

Held to maturity debt securities:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Realized gains on disposal
104

 
43

 
478

 
141

Realized losses on disposal

 

 

 
(6
)
Equity securities realized gains (losses)
56

 
(38
)
 
56

 
(16
)
Real estate write-down

 

 
(50
)
 
(174
)
Mortgage loans write-downs

 

 
(39
)
 
(385
)
Other

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
490

 
137

 
3,582

 
(70
)

The Company uses the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses.

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The table below presents net impairment losses recognized in earnings for the periods indicated.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities
$

 
(86
)
 

 
(334
)
Portion of loss recognized in comprehensive income

 

 

 
26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net impairment losses on debt securities recognized in earnings

 
(86
)
 

 
(308
)
Equity securities impairments

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$

 
(86
)
 

 
(308
)

For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments.

The table below presents a roll forward of credit losses on securities for which the Company also recorded non-credit other-than-temporary impairments under FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 in other comprehensive loss.

 
Three Months
 Ended
June 30,
2011
 
Six Months
 Ended
June 30,
2011
 
Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
2010
 
 
 
(In thousands)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairments
$
997

 
997

 
327

Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in other-than-temporary impairments

 

 
670

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance, cumulative credit losses related to other-than-temporary impairment
$
997

 
997

 
997


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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


(B)
Debt and Equity Securities

The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at June 30, 2011.

 
Securities Held to Maturity
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agencies
$
228,876

 
3,226

 
(2,260
)
 
229,842

U.S. Treasury
1,936

 
460

 

 
2,396

States and political subdivisions
340,743

 
7,758

 
(4,303
)
 
344,198

Foreign governments
9,975

 
1,074

 

 
11,049

Public utilities
707,792

 
58,268

 
(4,365
)
 
761,695

Corporate
1,932,748

 
149,917

 
(8,006
)
 
2,074,659

Mortgage-backed
2,038,765

 
137,817

 
(5,905
)
 
2,170,677

Home equity
24,699

 
541

 
(1,928
)
 
23,312

Manufactured housing
17,332

 
1,000

 
(74
)
 
18,258

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
5,302,866

 
360,061

 
(26,841
)
 
5,636,086


The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at June 30, 2011.

 
Securities Available for Sale
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
$
3,980

 

 
(360
)
 
3,620

Foreign governments
10,263

 
442

 

 
10,705

Public utilities
327,794

 
31,010

 
(110
)
 
358,694

Corporate
1,748,559

 
138,500

 
(2,361
)
 
1,884,698

Mortgage-backed
187,062

 
13,262

 
(328
)
 
199,996

Home equity
12,535

 

 
(3,379
)
 
9,156

Manufactured housing
8,499

 
1,075

 

 
9,574

 
2,298,692

 
184,289

 
(6,538
)
 
2,476,443

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity private
195

 
7,923

 

 
8,118

Equity public
6,026

 
2,663

 
(87
)
 
8,602

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
2,304,913

 
194,875

 
(6,625
)
 
2,493,163


29

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2010.

 
Securities Held to Maturity
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agencies
$
154,265

 
2,955

 
(3,406
)
 
153,814

U.S. Treasury
1,909

 
436

 

 
2,345

States and political subdivisions
328,263

 
3,050

 
(10,538
)
 
320,775

Foreign governments
9,970

 
1,097

 

 
11,067

Public utilities
714,760

 
52,867

 
(6,311
)
 
761,316

Corporate
1,799,621

 
131,867

 
(12,300
)
 
1,919,188

Mortgage-backed
1,923,402

 
130,463

 
(8,250
)
 
2,045,615

Home equity
25,569

 
327

 
(1,265
)
 
24,631

Manufactured housing
19,757

 
911

 
(87
)
 
20,581

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
4,977,516

 
323,973

 
(42,157
)
 
5,259,332


The table below presents amortized costs and fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2010.

 
Securities Available for Sale
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
$
3,942

 

 
(474
)
 
3,468

Foreign governments
10,296

 
655

 

 
10,951

Public utilities
334,018

 
28,662

 
(126
)
 
362,554

Corporate
1,638,828

 
124,330

 
(3,271
)
 
1,759,887

Mortgage-backed
206,380

 
13,165

 
(1,080
)
 
218,465

Home equity
12,754

 

 
(3,545
)
 
9,209

Manufactured housing
9,306

 
1,037

 

 
10,343

 
2,215,524

 
167,849

 
(8,496
)
 
2,374,877

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity private
195

 
7,370

 

 
7,565

Equity public
5,860

 
1,930

 
(125
)
 
7,665

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
2,221,579

 
177,149

 
(8,621
)
 
2,390,107


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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2011.

 
Securities Held to Maturity
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$
152,917

 
(2,260
)
 

 

 
152,917


(2,260
)
U.S. Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

States and political subdivisions
131,496

 
(3,908
)
 
6,758

 
(395
)
 
138,254

 
(4,303
)
Foreign governments

 

 

 

 

 

Public utilities
126,200

 
(4,073
)
 
1,713

 
(292
)
 
127,913

 
(4,365
)
Corporate bonds
182,333

 
(4,216
)
 
58,715

 
(3,790
)
 
241,048

 
(8,006
)
Mortgage-backed
193,481

 
(5,905
)
 

 

 
193,481

 
(5,905
)
Home equity
5,228

 
(560
)
 
12,429

 
(1,368
)
 
17,657

 
(1,928
)
Manufactured housing

 

 
2,680

 
(74
)
 
2,680

 
(74
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
791,655

 
(20,922
)
 
82,295

 
(5,919
)
 
873,950

 
(26,841
)

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2011.

 
Securities Available for Sale
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

States and political subdivisions
1,570

 
(47
)
 
2,050

 
(313
)
 
3,620

 
(360
)
Foreign governments

 

 

 

 

 

Public utilities
1,888

 
(110
)
 

 

 
1,888

 
(110
)
Corporate bonds
127,133

 
(2,108
)
 
14,717

 
(253
)
 
141,850

 
(2,361
)
Mortgage-backed
4,295

 
(38
)
 
4,345

 
(290
)
 
8,640

 
(328
)
Home equity

 

 
9,156

 
(3,379
)
 
9,156

 
(3,379
)
Manufactured housing

 

 

 

 

 

 
134,886

 
(2,303
)
 
30,268

 
(4,235
)
 
165,154

 
(6,538
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity public
374

 
(16
)
 
378

 
(71
)
 
752

 
(87
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
135,260

 
(2,319
)
 
30,646

 
(4,306
)
 
165,906

 
(6,625
)

Liquidity in the bond market improved in 2011 and 2010 as economic and market conditions started to stabilize. Although the unrealized losses declined substantially in 2010 and remained relatively level in the first and second quarter of 2011, there continues to be uncertainty in the bond markets regarding the economic recovery and some unrealized losses remain in the Company's portfolio. The Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired because the Company does not intend to sell these securities until recovery in fair value or maturity and expects to receive all amounts due relative to principal and interest.

The Company does not consider securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired where the market decline is attributable to factors such as market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality where a recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security is anticipated and the Company has the intent and ability to hold until recovery or maturity. Based on the review in concert with the Company's ability and intent to hold these securities until maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011. The Company will monitor the investment portfolio for future changes in issuer facts and circumstances that could result in future impairments beyond those currently identified.

Debt securities. The gross unrealized losses for debt securities are made up of 188 individual issues, or 17.5% of the total debt securities held by the Company. The market value of these bonds as a percent of amortized cost averages 96.9%. Of the 188 securities, 24, or approximately 12.8%, fall in the 12 months or greater aging category; and 178 were rated investment grade at June 30, 2011. Additional information on debt securities by investment category is summarized below.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


U.S. Treasury. No securities had a gross unrealized loss.

U.S. Government agencies. 11 securities had unrealized losses. All are rated AAA.

State and political subdivisions. The unrealized losses on these investments are the result of holdings in 79 securities. Of these securities, all are rated A or above except 5 securities which are rated BBB, BBB+ or Baa. Based on these facts and the Company's intent to hold to maturity, no other-than-temporary loss was recognized as of June 30, 2011.

Foreign governments. No securities had a gross unrealized loss.

Public utilities. Of the 14 securities, all are rated BBB or above. At this time, the Company does not consider any of these unrealized losses as other-than-temporary.

Corporate bonds. Corporate securities with unrealized losses are reviewed based on monitoring procedures described previously. The review includes the amount of the unrealized loss, the length of time that the issue has been in an unrealized loss position, credit ratings, analyst reports, and recent issuer financial information. A total of 58 securities had unrealized losses; with 6 issues rated below investment grade. More extensive analysis was performed on these 6 issues. Based on the work performed, none of these securities are considered other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011.

Mortgage-backed securities. Of the 18 securities, all are rated AAA except 2, which are rated CCC. The Company generally purchases these investments at a discount relative to their face amount and it is expected that the securities will not be settled at a price less than the stated par. Because the decline in market value is attributable to the current illiquidity in the market and not credit quality, and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, and based on the lack of adverse changes in expected cash flows, the Company does not consider these AAA rated investments and 2 CCC rated investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011.

Home equity. Of the 7 securities, 5 are rated AAA, 1 is rated AA, and 1 is rated CC. The Company performs a quarterly cash flow analysis on asset-backed securities that are rated below AA. Based on the lack of adverse changes in expected cash flows, the 1 issue rated CC is not considered impaired.

Manufactured housing. 1 security had an unrealized loss. The security is rated Ba. Based on a lack of adverse changes in expected cash flows, this security is not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

Equity securities. The gross unrealized losses for equity securities are made up of 18 individual issues. These holdings are reviewed for impairment quarterly. As of June 30, 2011, no equity security was other-than-temporarily impaired.

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's held to maturity investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010.

 
Securities Held to Maturity
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$
112,150

 
(3,406
)
 

 

 
112,150

 
(3,406
)
U.S. Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

States and political subdivisions
215,435

 
(10,212
)
 
6,265

 
(326
)
 
221,700

 
(10,538
)
Foreign governments

 

 

 

 

 

Public utilities
124,965

 
(6,311
)
 

 

 
124,965

 
(6,311
)
Corporate bonds
265,409

 
(6,055
)
 
76,758

 
(6,245
)
 
342,167

 
(12,300
)
Mortgage-backed
175,261

 
(8,250
)
 

 

 
175,261

 
(8,250
)
Home equity
5,709

 
(66
)
 
13,207

 
(1,199
)
 
18,916

 
(1,265
)
Manufactured housing
1,607

 

 
2,927

 
(87
)
 
4,534

 
(87
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
900,536

 
(34,300
)
 
99,157

 
(7,857
)
 
999,693

 
(42,157
)


34

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NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company's available for sale investments by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010.

 
Securities Available for Sale
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

States and political subdivisions
1,527

 
(93
)
 
1,941

 
(381
)
 
3,468

 
(474
)
Foreign governments

 

 

 

 

 

Public utilities
1,872

 
(126
)
 

 

 
1,872

 
(126
)
Corporate bonds
141,542

 
(2,430
)
 
27,853

 
(841
)
 
169,395

 
(3,271
)
Mortgage-backed
1,005

 
(1
)
 
15,077

 
(1,079
)
 
16,082

 
(1,080
)
Home equity

 

 
9,209

 
(3,545
)
 
9,209

 
(3,545
)
Manufactured housing

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
145,946

 
(2,650
)
 
54,080

 
(5,846
)
 
200,026

 
(8,496
)
Equity public
325

 
(32
)
 
372

 
(93
)
 
697

 
(125
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
146,271

 
(2,682
)
 
54,452

 
(5,939
)
 
200,723

 
(8,621
)

(C)
 Transfer of Securities

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company made transfers totaling $11.7 million, respectively, to the held to maturity category from securities available for sale. No bonds were transferred in between available for sale and held to maturity in 2011. Lower holdings of securities available for sale reduce the Company's exposure to market price volatility while still providing securities available for liquidity and asset/liability management purposes. The transfers of securities were recorded at fair value in accordance with GAAP, which requires that the $0.6 million unrealized holding loss at the date of the transfer continue to be reported in a separate component of stockholders' equity and be amortized over the remaining lives of the securities, as an adjustment of yield, in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount.

(D) Mortgage Loans and Real Estate

A financing receivable is a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in a company's statement of financial position. Mortgage loans on real estate are the only financing receivables reported by National Western Life.

Credit and default risk is minimized through strict underwriting guidelines and diversification of underlying property types and geographic locations. In addition to being secured by the property, mortgage loans with leases on the underlying property are often guaranteed by the lease payments and also by the borrower. This approach has proven to result in quality mortgage loans with few defaults. Mortgage loan interest income is recognized on an accrual basis with any premium or discount amortized over the life of the loan. Prepayment and late fees are recorded on the date of collection.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


Loans in foreclosure, loans considered impaired or loans past due 90 days or more are placed on a non-accrual status. If a mortgage loan is determined to be on non-accrual status, the mortgage loan does not accrue any revenue into the Consolidated Statements of Income. The loan is independently monitored and evaluated as to potential impairment or foreclosure. If delinquent payments are made and the loan is brought current, then the Company returns the loan to active status and accrues income accordingly. The Company has no loans past due 90 days which are accruing interest.

The following table represents the loan-to-value ratio using the most recent appraised value.

 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value Ratio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 50%
65,778

 
40.9

 
48,966

 
34.7

50% to 60%
30,563

 
19.0

 
29,746

 
21.0

60% to 70%
25,948

 
16.1

 
22,769

 
16.1

70% to 80%
11,692

 
7.3

 
1923

 
1.4

80% to 90%

 

 

 

Greater than 90%
26,916

 
16.7

 
37,843

 
26.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
160,897

 
100.0

 
141,247

 
100.0


The mortgage loans in the greater than 90% category relate to new loans made with a long standing borrower which are backed by the investment property, contracted leases and the guarantee of the borrower.

The Company does not consider its mortgage loans to be a separate portfolio segment. The Company considers its primary class to be property type and primarily uses loan-to-value as its credit risk quality indicator. All loans within the portfolio are analyzed quarterly in order to monitor the financial quality of these assets. Based on ongoing monitoring, mortgage loans with a likelihood of becoming delinquent are identified and placed on an internal “watch list”. Among the criteria that would indicate a potential problem are: major tenant vacancies or bankruptcies, late payments, and loan relief/restructuring requests. The mortgage loan portfolio is analyzed for the need for a valuation allowance on any loan that is on the internal watch list, in the process of foreclosure or that currently has a valuation allowance.

Mortgage loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When it is determined that a loan is impaired, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying amount of the mortgage loan and the estimated value reduced by the cost to sell. Estimated value is typically based on the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell. Impairments and changes in the valuation allowance are reported in net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of earnings.

36

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The following table represents the mortgage loan allowance for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010:
 
June 30
2011
 
December 31
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
3,962

 
5,033

Provision
39

 
385

Releases

 
(1,456
)
 
 
 
 
Balance, end of period
$
4,001

 
3,962


(10)
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. In compliance with this GAAP guidance, the Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three level hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized as follows:

Level 1: Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Company for identical assets or liabilities. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. These generally provide the most reliable evidence and are used to measure fair value whenever available. The Company's Level 1 assets include equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets.

Level 2: Fair value is based upon significant inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data as of the reporting date. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable and other observable inputs. The Company's Level 2 assets include fixed maturity debt securities (corporate and private bonds, government or agency securities, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities), preferred stock, certain equity securities, and over-the-counter derivative contracts. The Company's Level 2 liabilities consist of certain product-related embedded derivatives. Valuations are generally obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or determined through use of valuation methodologies using observable market inputs.

Level 3: Fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs which reflect the entity's or third party pricing service's assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The Company's Level 3 assets include certain equity securities and certain less liquid or private fixed maturity debt securities where significant valuation inputs cannot be corroborated with market observable data. The Company's Level 3 liabilities consist of share-based compensation obligations. Valuations are estimated based on non-binding broker prices or internally developed valuation models or methodologies, discounted cash flow models and other similar techniques.

37

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated:

 
June 30, 2011
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities, available for sale
$
2,476,443

 

 
2,459,286

 
17,157

Equity securities, available for sale
16,720

 
8,142

 
460

 
8,118

Derivatives, index options
97,698

 

 
97,698

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
2,590,861

 
8,142

 
2,557,444

 
25,275

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder account balances (a)
$
109,531

 

 
109,531

 

Other liabilities (b)
3,090

 

 

 
3,090

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
$
112,621

 

 
109,531

 
3,090


During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company did not make any transfers of assets into or out of levels 1, 2 or 3.


 
December 31, 2010
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities, available for sale
$
2,374,877

 

 
2,356,275

 
18,602

Equity securities, available for sale
15,230

 
7,607

 
59

 
7,564

Derivatives, index options
80,284

 

 
80,284

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
2,470,391

 
7,607

 
2,436,618

 
26,166

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder account balances (a)
$
93,147

 

 
93,147

 

Other liabilities (b)
4,512

 

 

 
4,512

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
$
97,659

 

 
93,147

 
4,512


(a)  Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value.
(b)  Represents the liability for share-based compensation.

38

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The following tables present, by pricing source and fair value hierarchy level, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 
June 30, 2011
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities, available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Priced by third-party vendors
$
2,459,286

 

 
2,459,286

 

Priced internally
17,157

 

 

 
17,157

Subtotal
2,476,443

 

 
2,459,286

 
17,157

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities, available for sale:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Priced by third-party vendors
8,602

 
8,142

 
460

 

Priced internally
8,118

 

 

 
8,118

Subtotal
16,720

 
8,142

 
460

 
8,118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives, index options:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Priced by third-party vendors
97,698

 

 
97,698

 

Priced internally

 

 

 

Subtotal
97,698

 

 
97,698

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
2,590,861

 
8,142

 
2,557,444

 
25,275

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of total
100.0
%
 

 
99.0
%
 
1.0
%



39

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 
December 31, 2010
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities, available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Priced by third-party vendors
$
2,356,275

 

 
2,356,275

 

Priced internally
18,602

 

 

 
18,602

Subtotal
2,374,877

 

 
2,356,275

 
18,602

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities, available for sale:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Priced by third-party vendors
7,666

 
7,607

 
59

 

Priced internally
7,564

 

 

 
7,564

Subtotal
15,230

 
7,607

 
59

 
7,564

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives, index options:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Priced by third-party vendors
80,284

 

 
80,284

 

Priced internally

 

 

 

Subtotal
80,284

 

 
80,284

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
2,470,391

 
7,607

 
2,436,618

 
26,166

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of total
100.0
%
 

 
99.0
%
 
1.0
%

The following tables provide additional information about fair value measurements for which significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs were utilized to determine fair value.

 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Debt
Securities,
Available
for Sale
 
Equity
Securities,
Available
for Sale
 
Total
Assets
 
Other
Liabilities
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, April 1, 2011
$
19,059

 
8,118

 
27,177

 
3,511

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Included in net income

 

 

 
(196
)
Included in other comprehensive income
(1,115
)
 

 
(1,115
)
 

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
(787
)
 

 
(787
)
 
(225
)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
17,157

 
8,118

 
25,275

 
3,090

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at end of period
$

 

 

 
(196
)



40

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Debt
Securities,
Available
for Sale
 
Equity
Securities,
Available
for Sale
 
Total
Assets
 
Other
Liabilities
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, April 1, 2010
$
17,733

 
7,565

 
25,298

 
6,076

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Included in net income

 

 

 
(1,755
)
Included in other comprehensive income
(296
)
 

 
(296
)
 

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

 

 

 
(115
)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
17,437

 
7,565

 
25,002

 
4,206

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at end of period
$

 

 

 
(1,985
)


 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Debt
Securities,
Available
for Sale
 
Equity
Securities,
Available
for Sale
 
Total
Assets
 
Other
Liabilities
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2011
$
18,602

 
7,564

 
26,166

 
4,512

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Included in net income

 

 

 
(865
)
Included in other comprehensive income
(813
)
 
554

 
(259
)
 

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
(632
)
 

 
(632
)
 
(557
)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
17,157

 
8,118

 
25,275

 
3,090

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at end of period
$

 

 

 
(865
)



41

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Debt
Securities,
Available
for Sale
 
Equity
Securities,
Available
for Sale
 
Total
Assets
 
Other
Liabilities
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2010
$
16,650

 
7,157

 
23,807

 
5,373

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Included in net income

 

 

 
(1,025
)
Included in other comprehensive income
659

 
408

 
1,067

 

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
128

 

 
128

 
(142
)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$
17,437

 
7,565

 
25,002

 
4,206

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at end of period
$

 

 

 
(1,255
)

Realized gains (losses) on debt and equity securities are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings as net investment gains (losses). Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale debt and equity securities are reported as other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders' equity.

The fair value hierarchy classifications are reviewed each reporting period. Reclassification of certain financial assets and liabilities may result based on changes in the observability of valuation attributes. Reclassifications are reported as transfers into and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur.

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:

 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying
Values
 
Fair
Values
 
Carrying
Values
 
Fair
Values
 
(In thousands)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments in debt and equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity
$
5,302,886

 
5,636,086

 
4,977,516

 
5,259,332

Securities available for sale
2,493,163

 
2,493,163

 
2,390,107

 
2,390,107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term investments
80,667

 
80,667

 
80,332

 
80,332

Mortgage loans
160,897

 
158,255

 
141,247

 
139,169

Policy loans
75,743

 
75,743

 
78,448

 
78,448

Other loans
15,344

 
15,241

 
10,231

 
10,183

Derivatives, index options
97,698

 
97,698

 
80,284

 
80,284

Life interest in Libbie Shearn Moody Trust
494

 
12,775

 
657

 
12,775

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Deferred annuity contracts
$
6,189,117

 
5,831,768

 
5,787,490

 
5,451,494

Immediate annuity and supplemental contracts
504,972

 
515,531

 
490,365

 
488,966


42

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.


(11)
  DERIVATIVE INVESTMENTS

Fixed-indexed products provide traditional fixed annuities and universal life contracts with the option to have credited interest rates linked in part to an underlying equity index or a combination of equity indices. The equity return component of such policy contracts is identified separately and accounted for in future policy benefits as embedded derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting in which future policy benefits are recorded as discounted debt instruments that are accreted, using the effective yield method, to their minimum account values at their projected maturities or termination dates.

The Company purchases over-the-counter index options, which are derivative financial instruments, to hedge the equity return component of its fixed-indexed annuity and life products. The index options act as hedges to match closely the returns on the underlying index or indices. The amounts which may be credited to policyholders are linked, in part, to the returns of the underlying index or indices. As a result, changes to policyholders' liabilities are substantially offset by changes in the value of the options. Cash is exchanged upon purchase of the index options and no principal or interest payments are made by either party during the option periods. Upon maturity or expiration of the options, cash may be paid to the Company depending on the performance of underlying index or indices and terms of the contract.

The Company does not elect hedge accounting relative to these derivative instruments. The index options are reported at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The changes in the values of the index options and the changes in the policyholder liabilities are both reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. Any changes relative to the embedded derivatives associated with policy contracts are reflected in contract interest in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. Any gains or losses from the sale or expiration of the options, as well as period-to-period changes in values, are reflected as net investment income in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

Although there is credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the index options, the Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations, given their high credit ratings. In addition, credit support agreements are in place with all counterparties for option holdings in excess of specific limits, which may further reduce the Company's credit exposure.

43

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 
June 30, 2011
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index options
Derivatives, Index Options
 
$
97,698

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed products
 
 
 
 
Universal Life and Annuity Contracts
 
$
109,531

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
$
97,698

 
 
 
$
109,531


 
December 31, 2010
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index options
Derivatives, Index Options
 
$
80,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed products
 
 
 

 
Universal Life and Annuity Contracts
 
$
93,147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
$
80,284

 
 
 
$
93,147


44

Table of Contents
NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

 
 
 
 
June 30,
2011
 
June 30,
2010
Derivatives Not Designated
 As Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain
 or (Loss) Recognized
In Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain or
 (Loss) Recognized in
 Income on Derivative
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index options
 
Net investment income
 
$
(9,098
)
 
(43,965
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-index products
 
Universal life and annuity contract interest
 
7,614

 
49,718

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(1,484
)
 
5,753


The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

 
 
 
 
June 30,
2011
 
June 30,
2010
Derivatives Not Designated
 As Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain
 or (Loss) Recognized
In Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain or
 (Loss) Recognized in
 Income on Derivative
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index options
 
Net investment income
 
$
22,751

 
(32,018
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-index products
 
Universal life and annuity contract interest
 
(23,781
)
 
39,941

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(1,030
)
 
7,923


(12)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events have been evaluated through August 8, 2011, which is the date that the financial statements have been issued, and no reportable items were identified.


45

Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Certain information contained herein or in other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of National Western Life Insurance Company or its subsidiaries are or may be viewed as forward-looking. Although the Company has taken appropriate care in developing any such information, forward-looking information involves risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact actual results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, matters described in the Company's SEC filings such as exposure to market risks, anticipated cash flows or operating performance, future capital needs, and statutory or regulatory related issues. However, National Western, as a matter of policy, does not make any specific projections as to future earnings, nor does it endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by others. Whether or not actual results differ materially from forward-looking statements may depend on numerous foreseeable and unforeseeable events or developments. Also, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

Management's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) of National Western Life Insurance Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 follows. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on page 3 of this report and with the 2010 Annual Report filed with the SEC.

Overview

The Company provides life insurance products on a global basis for the savings and protection needs of policyholders and annuity contracts for the asset accumulation and retirement needs of contract holders, both domestically and internationally. The Company accepts funds from policyholders or contract holders and establishes a liability representing future obligations to pay the policy or contract-holders and their beneficiaries.  To ensure the Company will be able to pay these future commitments, the funds received as premium payments and deposits are invested in high quality investments, primarily fixed income securities.

Due to the business of accepting funds to pay future obligations in later years and the underlying economics, the relevant factors affecting the Company’s business and profitability include the following:

the level of sales and premium revenues collected
persistency of policies and contracts
returns on investments sufficient to produce acceptable spread margins over interest crediting rates
investment credit quality which minimizes the risk of default or impairment
levels of policy benefits and costs to acquire business
the level of operating expenses
effect of interest rate changes on revenues and investments including asset and liability matching
maintaining adequate levels of capital and surplus
actual levels of surrenders, withdrawals, claims and interest spreads and changes in assumptions for amortization of deferred policy acquisition expenses and deferred sales inducements
changes in the fair value of derivative index options and embedded derivatives pertaining to fixed-index life and annuity products
pricing and availability of adequate reinsurance

The Company monitors these factors continually as key business indicators. The discussion that follows in this Item 2 includes these indicators and presents information useful to an overall understanding of the Company's business performance in 2011, incorporating required disclosures in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

46

Table of Contents


Insurance Operations - Domestic

The Company is currently licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia except for New York. Products marketed are annuities, universal life insurance, fixed-indexed universal life, and traditional life insurance, which include both term and whole life products. The Company's domestic sales have historically been more heavily weighted toward annuity products, which include single and flexible premium deferred annuities, single premium immediate annuities, and fixed-indexed annuities. Most of these annuities can be sold as tax qualified or nonqualified products. At June 30, 2011, the Company maintained approximately 135,500 annuity contracts in force.

National Western markets and distributes its domestic products primarily through independent national marketing organizations ("NMOs"). These NMOs assist the Company in recruiting, contracting, and managing independent agents. The Company currently has approximately 12,000 independent agents contracted. Roughly 30% of these contracted agents have submitted policy applications to the Company in the past twelve months.

Insurance Operations - International

The Company's international sales focuses on foreign nationals in upper socioeconomic classes. Insurance products are issued primarily to residents of countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim. Issuing policies to residents of countries in these different regions provides diversification that helps to minimize large fluctuations that could arise due to various economic, political, and competitive pressures that may occur from one country to another. Products issued to international residents are almost entirely universal life and traditional life insurance products. However, certain annuity and investment contracts are also available. At June 30, 2011, the Company had approximately 73,300 international life insurance policies in force representing approximately $17.9 billion in face amount of coverage.

International applications are submitted by independent contractor consultants and broker-agents. The Company has approximately 4,100 independent international consultants and brokers currently contracted, 36% of which have submitted policy applications to the Company in the past twelve months.

There are some inherent risks of accepting international applications which are not present within the domestic market that are reduced substantially by the Company in several ways. As previously described, the Company accepts applications from foreign nationals in upper socioeconomic classes who have substantial financial resources. This targeted customer base coupled with the Company's conservative underwriting practices have historically resulted in claims experience, due to natural causes, similar to that in the United States. The Company minimizes exposure to foreign currency risks by requiring payment of premiums, claims and other benefits almost entirely in United States dollars. The Company's over forty years of experience with the international products and its longstanding independent consultant and broker-agents relationships further serve to minimize risks.

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SALES

Life Insurance

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's life insurance sales activity as measured by annualized first year premiums. While the figures shown below are in accordance with industry practice and represent the amount of new business sold during the periods indicated, they are considered a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes sales are a measure of distribution productivity and are a leading indicator of future revenue trends. However, revenues are driven by sales in prior periods as well as in the current period and therefore, a reconciliation of sales to revenues is not meaningful or determinable.

 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life
$
1,692

 
2,389

 
3,370

 
3,872

Traditional life
828

 
734

 
1,620

 
1,365

Equity-indexed life
4,898

 
4,840

 
9,102

 
8,294

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7,418

 
7,963

 
14,092

 
13,531

Domestic:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Universal life
30

 
32

 
51

 
249

Traditional life
13

 
6

 
20

 
34

Equity-indexed life
1,244

 
487

 
1,729

 
1,008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,287

 
525

 
1,800

 
1,291

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
8,705

 
8,488

 
15,892

 
14,822


Life insurance sales as measured by annualized first year premiums increased 2.6% in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010, and were 7.2% greater in the first six months of 2011 relative to the same period in 2010. Both of the Company's markets achieved higher sales in the first half of the year with the international life insurance line of business posting a 4.1% increase over the comparable results through the second quarter of 2010 while domestic life sales increased 39.4% during the same time frame.

The Company's international life business consists of applications submitted from residents in various regions outside of the United States, the volume of which typically varies based upon changes in the socioeconomic climates of these regions. Historically, the Company has experienced a simultaneous combination of rising and declining sales in various countries; however, the appeal of the Company's dollar-denominated life insurance products overcomes many of the local and national difficulties. In the “Great Recession” economic climate during 2008-2009, individuals in countries outside of the United States became increasingly leery of the U.S. economy and the stability of financial institutions and markets. These concerns manifested via reduced international sales during this time period. As fiscal and regulatory policies were enacted in response to the financial market turmoil, the ensuing level of relative stability served to recapture the confidence of international markets. Consequently, the Company has seen an increased level of submitted life insurance premium from international applicants which began to emerge in higher sales levels during the latter half of 2010.

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Applications submitted from residents of Latin America and the Pacific Rim perennially have comprised the majority of the Company's international life insurance sales. Several years ago, new sales efforts were directed toward the sale of a traditional endowment form of life insurance product for residents of Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (former Soviet Union). However, the Company has scaled back its efforts in these areas due to profitability concerns. As noted previously, the Company's international sales by geographic market tend to fluctuate with the socio and economic climates in these regions. The Company's mix of international sales by geographic region is as follows.

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
 
Percentage of International Sales:
 
 
 
Latin America
87.0
%
 
79.7
%
Pacific Rim
11.6

 
18.5

Eastern Europe
1.4

 
1.8

 
 
 
 
Totals
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

Year-to-date, the Company has recorded sales to residents outside of the United States in over thirty different countries with Brazil (39%), Taiwan (11%), and Venezuela (11%) comprising the largest contributions. The strong economy in Brazil has primarily accounted for the higher proportion of international sales originating in Latin America.

The Company's domestic operations have historically been more heavily skewed toward annuity sales rather than life insurance sales. In response to comments from outside rating agencies who expressed a preference for a greater proportion of overall Company earnings to derive from the life insurance line of business, several years ago management began placing emphasis on building domestic life insurance sales as a strategic focus for future growth. The Company spent the greater part of 2003 and 2004 revamping its domestic life operations by changing the way it contracts distribution for life business, eliminating products and distribution that had not contributed significantly to earnings, and creating new and competitive products. A single premium universal life ("SPUL") product was launched at the end of 2003 beginning a diversification of the Company's product portfolio away from smaller dollar face amount policies. The Company released its first fixed equity-indexed universal life ("EIUL") product for its domestic markets at the end of 2005.

The Company subsequently developed hybrids of the initial EIUL and SPUL products, combining features, and discontinued the marketing of smaller premium and volume life insurance policies. As a result, the Company attracted new independent distributors with access to customers purchasing larger face amounts of insurance per policy. During the latter part of 2008, the Company's internal checking and monitoring procedures detected potential instances of rebating in certain domestic geographic markets and instituted commission caps and other preventive procedures to discourage this practice. Although not illegal in these markets, the practice of rebating is particularly prone to large face amount policies not renewing premium payments beyond the initial year of the policy.

The Company's domestic product development emphasis over the past couple of years in creating SPUL, EIUL, and single or limited pay EIUL products has been positioned to take advantage of the changing demographic in the marketplace as the first layer of the “Baby Boomer” generation turns 65 years of age in 2011. These products are designed to facilitate the wealth transfer of accumulated savings of this segment of the population via systematic funding mechanisms. These life products have begun to take traction with the Company's distributors as evidenced by the 145% increase in domestic life sales in the second quarter of 2011 versus the second quarter of 2010.

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The Company's sales to international residents have witnessed a steady growth in the average face amount of insurance coverage per policy. As mentioned previously, the Company's implementation of commission caps on domestic policies in 2009 discouraged sales of larger face amounts resulting in lower sales levels and amounts of insurance per policy as shown below.

 
Average New Policy Face Amount
 
Domestic
 
International
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2005
137,900

 
245,900

Year ended December 31, 2006
315,800

 
254,700

Year ended December 31, 2007
416,800

 
251,000

Year ended December 31, 2008
455,200

 
272,000

Year ended December 31, 2009
201,400

 
315,300

Year ended December 31, 2010
164,800

 
338,600

Six months ended June 30, 2011
154,300

 
355,700


The U.S. financial crisis had a significant impact upon life insurance sales industry-wide. The financial burdens associated with the loss of employment, higher debt levels, a reduction in wealth through declines in value of home and financial holdings, and a higher propensity to save versus consume resulted in dramatically reduced purchases of life insurance to levels not seen since 1942, according to insurance marketing research sources. After several challenging years of life insurance sales, life insurers are looking for new ways to rebuild premium levels. The Company's focus is directed toward its competitive advantages in international markets and wealth transfer strategies for domestic life sales.

The table below sets forth information regarding the Company's life insurance in force for each date presented.

 
Insurance In Force as of June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Universal life:
 
 
 
Number of policies
61,900

 
64,760

Face amounts
$
7,493,470

 
7,511,240

 
 
 
 
Traditional life:
 
 
 

Number of policies
44,290

 
46,020

Face amounts
$
2,779,660

 
2,485,080

 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed life:
 
 
 

Number of policies
31,440

 
28,750

Face amounts
$
7,633,830

 
6,738,550

 
 
 
 
Rider face amounts
$
2,255,580

 
2,155,850

 
 
 
 
Total life insurance:
 
 
 

Number of policies
137,630

 
139,530

Face amounts
$
20,162,540

 
18,890,720


In addition to reduced sales levels, the economic environment of the past few years precipitated an increase in policy terminations, particularly with regard to international life products. During 2009, international policy terminations spiked during the first half of the year and eventually ended the year at an annualized rate of 13.7%. In 2010, the annualized lapse percentage for the international block of business declined to 9.6% and has remained below that level through the second quarter of 2011.


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The Company's domestic in force business includes final expense policies and other smaller face amount traditional life policies written over the past several decades. As the Company's domestic product portfolio has changed to higher face amount universal life and fixed-indexed life policies, a decline in the number of traditional life policies in force has been steadily occurring.

At June 30, 2011, the Company’s face amount of life insurance in force was comprised of $17.9 billion from the international line of business and $2.3 billion from the domestic line of business. At December 31, 2010, these amounts were $17.3 billion and $2.3 billion for the international and domestic lines of business, respectively.

Annuities

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's annuity sales activity as measured by single and annualized first year premiums. Similar to life insurance sales, these figures are considered a non-GAAP financial measure but are shown in accordance with industry practice and depict the Company's sales productivity.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed annuities
$
237,985

 
230,018

 
464,901

 
373,983

Other deferred annuities
101,320

 
127,444

 
203,561

 
241,886

Immediate annuities
12,965

 
5,450

 
16,700

 
11,396

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
352,270

 
362,912

 
685,162

 
627,265


Annuity sales for the first six months of 2011 were 9.2% higher than the comparable period in 2010, continuing a trend of higher sales activity that began during 2009 and continued throughout 2010 when the Company achieved total annuity sales in excess of $1.4 billion. The recessionary contraction and financial market crisis that began in the latter half of 2007 impacted many annuity carriers. Losses from investment impairments and equity exposure through variable annuity product offerings crippled the capital position of numerous insurers and limited their ability to write new business. In contrast, the Company's substantial capital position attained through operating profitability and limited investment loss exposure positioned it to write additional levels of annuity business. The increase in annuity sales levels the past couple of years is indicative of the Company's enhanced competitive position in the marketplace. An additional factor contributing to this growth is the Company's A.M. Best rating increase to “A” (Excellent) received during 2009 followed by an increase in its rating outlook from Standard & Poor's during 2010 moving from “negative” to “stable”.

The Company's mix of annuity sales tends to shift with interest rate levels and the relative performance of the equity market. Over the past several years, sales of fixed-indexed products have accounted for 55% to 75% of all annuity sales and were 68% of annuity activity during the first six months of 2011 reflecting the two year bull market run in equities since bottoming out in the first quarter of 2009. For all fixed-indexed products, the Company purchases over the counter options to hedge the equity return feature. The options are purchased relative to the issuance of the annuity contracts in such a manner to minimize timing risk. Generally, the index return during the indexing period (if the underlying index increases) becomes a component in a formula (set forth in the annuity), the result of which is credited as interest to contract holders electing the index formula crediting method at the beginning of the indexing period. The formula result can never be less than zero with these products. The Company does not deliberately mismatch or under hedge for the equity feature of the products. Fixed-indexed products also provide the contract holder the alternative to elect a fixed interest rate crediting option. Roughly one-half of fixed-indexed contract holders have typically elected this crediting option.

The increased level of annuity sales volume the past several years has required a greater level of asset/liability analysis. The Company monitors its asset/liability matching within the self-constraints of desired capital levels and risk tolerance. Despite the amounts of new business, the Company's capital level remains substantially above industry averages and regulator targets. Management has performed analyses of the capital strain associated with incrementally higher levels of annuity new business and determined that the Company's capital position is more than sufficient to handle increased sales activity.

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The following table sets forth information regarding annuities in force for each date presented.

 
Annuities In Force as of June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed annuities
 
 
 
Number of policies
50,730

 
40,710

GAAP annuity reserves
$
3,491,059

 
2,600,287

 
 
 
 
Other deferred annuities
 
 
 

Number of policies
67,730

 
68,530

GAAP annuity reserves
$
2,690,891

 
2,538,571

 
 
 
 
Immediate annuities
 
 
 

Number of policies
17,050

 
16,340

GAAP annuity reserves
$
427,169

 
407,073

 
 
 
 
Total annuities
 
 
 

Number of policies
135,510

 
125,580

GAAP annuity reserves
$
6,609,119

 
5,545,931


Impact of Recent Business Environment

Economic data has shown mixed signs of improvement and backsliding over the past several quarters generating uncertainty about the direction of the economy at least in the near term. While corporate earnings have pleasantly surprised and interest rates remain at historic lows, the specter of higher inflation continues to be concerning given the acceleration of commodity prices combined with fiscal policies that have greatly depreciated the U.S. dollar. It is also uncertain whether the financial stresses of various countries in the European community will be contained or disrupt the economic expansion in core Europe. One school of thought holds that there is a lagged effect of two years of global stimulative macroeconomic policies yet to occur. At the same time, the compromises to fix the U.S. budget deficit may not be substantial enough to avoid eventual calamity in some future year.

In summary, no one's crystal ball provides enough foresight regarding the future to confidently predict the direction that the U.S. and global economies are headed. Strong economic expansion generally benefits the Company's business. Alternatively, a tepid economic recovery consisting of higher unemployment, lower personal income, muted consumer spending and lackluster corporate earnings and business investment could adversely impact the demand for the Company's products. Household financial income compression may also cause us to experience a higher incidence of claims, lapses or surrenders of policies. It is not possible to predict with certainty whether or when such activity may occur or what impact, if any, such actions could have on the Company's business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

The financial duress in 2008 and 2009 did not have an adverse affect on our annuity line of business. Annuity sales in 2009 increased 106% over the levels attained in 2008. With the green shoots of recovery emerging in 2010, we witnessed annuity sales increase 71% over those of 2009 and 2011 annuity sales thus far have continued this strong pattern. While there may be many underlying reasons for this expansion in our annuity business, we believe that at least the following factors may explain this outcome: (1) during uncertain economic periods, consumers follow a flight to safety toward lower risk assets such as annuity products; (2) the Company's strong financial position, upgrade in financial strength rating from A.M. Best during 2009 and ample capital resources enhanced our presence in the annuity marketplace with independent distributors and end market consumers; (3) many of the Company's competitors incurred reductions in their capital base due to a deterioration in the quality of their investment portfolios, including investment impairments and losses, which caused them to curtail sales activity and recruitment of independent distribution; and (4) the uncertainty surrounding the potential regulation of fixed-indexed annuities by the SEC was eliminated when the U.S Court of Appeals vacated the proposed regulation (Rule 151A) and Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Act which exempted annuities under the Securities Act of 1933. Despite these factors and their impact on the growth in the Company's annuity sales, it is unclear what effect ongoing economic and political challenges may have upon future business levels.


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The fixed income markets, our primary investment source, have experienced an improvement in fundamental credit quality on the heels of stronger liquidity, improving corporate profitability and modest economic growth. Credit downgrades of fixed income instruments by rating agencies were fairly prevalent during 2008 and 2009. However, credit default rates declined during 2010 and conditions for 2011 are currently expected to remain similar to those in 2010. The Company experienced minimal impairment and degradation of quality in its fixed income holdings during the financial crisis and subsequent recovery. There is no certainty that future events may produce the same success in this regard.

The unprecedented low U. S. Treasury yields combined with tightening credit spreads (difference between bond yields and risk-free interest rates) on fixed maturity securities has produced new challenges in managing Company profitability given the resulting “compression” on interest spreads (difference between the yield on investments and the amounts required to credit on associated policy values). Industry analysts and observers generally agree that a sudden jump in interest rate levels would be harmful to life insurers with interest-sensitive products as it could provide an impetus for abnormal product surrenders and withdrawals at the same time fixed debt securities held by insurers declined in market value. The federal government's burgeoning deficit and “quantitative easing” initiatives have served to put upward pressure on longer term interest rates. It is uncertain what direction and at what pace interest rate movements may occur in the future and what impact, if any, such movements would have on the Company's business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

Our operating strategy continues to be to maintain capital levels substantially above regulatory and rating agency requirements. The Company maintains resources more than adequate to fund future growth and absorb abnormal periods of cash outflows.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In addition, the Company regularly evaluates operating performance using non-GAAP financial measures which exclude or segregate derivative and realized investment gains and losses from operating revenues. Similar measures are commonly used in the insurance industry in order to assess profitability and results from ongoing operations. The Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures enhances the understanding of the Company's results of operations by highlighting the results from ongoing operations and the underlying profitability factors of the Company's business. The Company excludes or segregates derivative and realized investment gains and losses because such items are often the result of events which may or may not be at the Company's discretion and the fluctuating effects of these items could distort trends in the underlying profitability of the Company's business. Therefore, in the following sections discussing consolidated operations and segment operations, appropriate reconciliations have been included to report information management considers useful in enhancing an understanding of the Company's operations to reportable GAAP balances reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Operations

Revenues.  The following details Company revenues.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life and annuity contract charges
$
32,632

 
31,439

 
62,464

 
63,535

Traditional life and annuity premiums
4,607

 
4,898

 
8,629

 
8,514

Net investment income (excluding derivatives)
106,822

 
96,250

 
208,488

 
187,153

Other revenues
4,698

 
8,168

 
14,604

 
14,319

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
148,759

 
140,755

 
294,185

 
273,521

Derivative gain (loss)
(9,098
)
 
(43,965
)
 
22,751

 
(32,018
)
Net realized investment gains (losses)
490

 
51

 
3,582

 
(378
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
140,151

 
96,841

 
320,518

 
241,125


Universal life and annuity contract charges - Revenues for universal life and annuity contracts decreased 1.7% for the six months in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to lower surrender charges collected as a result of improved persistency of the Company's business in force. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2011, revenues increased 3.8% compared to the second quarter of 2010 in part due to lower reinsurance premiums. Effective April 1, 2011, the Company increased its retention on life insurance coverage from $300,000 on any one life to $500,000 which lowered the amount of reinsurance premium ceded.

Revenues for these products consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, administration charges, and surrender charges assessed against policyholder account balances, less reinsurance charges, as shown in the following table.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contract Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of insurance and administrative charges
28,706

 
27,602

 
56,741

 
54,567

Surrender charges
8,340

 
9,724

 
14,871

 
18,749

Other charges
138

 
(705
)
 
377

 
38

Gross contract revenues
37,184

 
36,621

 
71,989

 
73,354

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance premiums
(4,552
)
 
(5,182
)
 
(9,525
)
 
(9,819
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net contract revenues
32,632

 
31,439

 
62,464

 
63,535


Traditional life and annuity premiums - Traditional life and annuity premiums increased 1.4% in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, while decreasing 5.9% for the second quarter alone in 2011 versus 2010. Traditional life insurance premiums for products such as whole life and term life are recognized as revenues over the premium-paying period. The Company's life insurance sales focus has been primarily centered around universal life products. Universal life products, especially the Company's equity indexed universal life products which offer the opportunity for consumers to acquire life insurance protection and receive credited interest linked in part to an outside market index such as the S&P 500 Index®, have been more popular product offerings in the Company's markets.

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Net investment income - To ensure the Company will be able to honor future commitments to policyholders and provide a financial return, the funds received as premium payments and deposits are invested in high quality investments, primarily fixed maturity debt securities. The income from these investments is closely monitored by the Company due to its significant impact on the business. A detail of net investment income (with and without derivatives) is provided below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross investment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$
99,653

 
90,217

 
197,118

 
177,858

Mortgage loans
2,965

 
2,600

 
5,658

 
4,489

Policy loans
1,289

 
1,210

 
2,644

 
2,560

Short-term investments
15

 
6

 
60

 
11

Other invested assets
3,066

 
3,495

 
3,434

 
4,078

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investment income
106,988

 
97,528

 
208,914

 
188,996

Investment expenses
166

 
1,278

 
426

 
1,843

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (excluding derivatives)
106,822

 
96,250

 
208,488

 
187,153

Derivative gain (loss)
(9,098
)
 
(43,965
)
 
22,751

 
(32,018
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
$
97,724

 
52,285

 
231,239

 
155,135


For the quarter ended June 30, 2011, investment grade debt securities generated approximately 94.6% of total investment income, excluding derivative gains. The growth in investment income from debt securities in the second quarter of 2011 versus 2010 reflects the increase in the size of the portfolio fueled by investable cash inflows from annuity sales. Mortgage loan investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 increased over the comparable periods in 2010 reflecting approximately $30 million of new loans funded during the first half of the year.

In order to assess underlying profitability and results from ongoing operations, net investment income performance is analyzed excluding derivative gain (loss), which is a common practice in the insurance industry.  Net investment income performance is summarized as follows:

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
Excluding derivatives:
 
 
 
Net investment income
$
208,488

 
187,153

Average invested assets, at amortized cost
$
7,890,388

 
6,538,910

Annual yield on average invested assets
5.28 %

 
5.72 %

 
 
 
 
Including derivatives:
 

 
 

Net investment income
$
231,239

 
155,135

Average invested assets, at amortized cost
$
7,994,227

 
6,647,903

Annual yield on average invested assets
5.79 %

 
4.67 %


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The slightly lower yield on average invested assets in the second quarter of 2011 compared to 2010 is due to the lower yields obtained on new fixed maturity debt securities investments during the last 12 months. During 2010, the average yield on bond purchases to fund insurance operations was 4.45% representing a 1.35% spread over treasury rates. Insurance operation bond purchases through the second quarter of 2011 had an average yield of 4.56% with spreads narrowing to 1.23% over treasury rates.

Other revenues - Other revenues primarily pertain to the Company's two nursing home operations in Reno, Nevada and San Marcos, Texas. Revenues associated with these operations were $11.0 million and $11.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Other revenues in the first six months of 2011 also includes a $4.0 million lawsuit settlement in which the Company was the plaintiff.

Derivative gain (loss) - Index options are derivative financial instruments used to hedge the equity return component of the Company's fixed-indexed products. Gain or loss from the sale or expiration of the options, as well as period-to-period changes in fair values, are reflected as a component of net investment income.

Gains and losses from index options are due to equity market conditions. Index options are intended to act as hedges to match the returns on the product's underlying reference index. The rise or decline in the index relative to index level at the time of the option purchase causes option values to likewise rise or decline. The Company does not elect hedge accounting relative to these derivative instruments. While income from index options fluctuates with the underlying index, the contract interest expense to policyholder accounts for the Company's fixed-indexed products also fluctuates in a similar manner and direction. For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the reference indices increased and the Company recorded index option gains and an increase in contract interest expenses.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss)
$
(17,966
)
 
(64,694
)
 
13,091

 
(70,482
)
Realized gain
8,868

 
20,729

 
9,660

 
38,464

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gain (loss) included in net investment income
$
(9,098
)
 
(43,965
)
 
22,751

 
(32,018
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total contract interest
$
53,232

 
17,930

 
145,381

 
80,631


Net realized investment gains (losses) - Realized gains on investments in the second quarter of 2011 primarily resulted from bond calls and sales. The net gains reported for the six months ended June 30, 2011 consisted of gross gains of $3.7 million offset by gross losses of $0.1 million, which includes other-than-temporary impairment losses on mortgage loan and real estate investments.

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The Company records impairment write-downs when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary and full recovery of the investment is not expected. Impairments due to credit factors are recorded in the Company's consolidated statement of earnings while non-credit (liquidity) impairment losses are included in other comprehensive income. Impairment and valuation write-downs are summarized in the following table.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment or valuation write-downs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
$

 
86

 

 
308

Equities

 

 

 

Mortgage loans

 

 
50

 
385

Real estate

 

 
39

 
174

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$

 
86

 
89

 
867


The mortgage loan valuation write-down in 2010 involves a New Orleans, Louisiana property whose value was negatively impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Benefits and Expenses.  The following table details benefits and expenses.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life and other policy benefits
$
9,598

 
13,519

 
21,814

 
26,806

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
38,848

 
18,237

 
66,337

 
42,006

Universal life and annuity contract interest
53,232

 
17,931

 
145,381

 
80,631

Other operating expenses
19,060

 
17,087

 
39,778

 
34,404

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
120,738

 
66,774

 
273,310

 
183,847


Life and other policy benefits - Death claim benefits, the largest component of policy benefits, increased to $6.8 million during the second quarter of 2011 compared to $6.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010. For the six months ending June 30, death claims were $15.2 million and $15.6 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively. While death claim amounts are subject to variation from period to period, the Company's mortality experience has generally been consistent with or better than its product pricing assumptions.

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Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs - Life insurance companies are required to defer certain expenses that vary with, and are primarily related to, the cost of acquiring new business. The majority of these acquisition expenses consist of commissions paid to agents, underwriting costs, and certain marketing expenses and sales inducements. The Company defers sales inducements in the form of first year interest bonuses on annuity and universal life products that are directly related to the production of new business. These charges are deferred and amortized using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize other capitalized acquisition costs and the amortization is included in contract interest. Recognition of these deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”) as an expense in the consolidated financial statements occurs over future periods in relation to the expected emergence of profits priced into the products sold. This emergence of profits is based upon assumptions regarding premium payment patterns, mortality, persistency, investment performance, and expense patterns. Companies are required to review universal life and annuity contract assumptions periodically to ascertain whether actual experience has deviated significantly from that assumed. If it is determined that a significant deviation has occurred, the emergence of profits pattern is to be "unlocked" and reset based upon the actual experience. DPAC balances are also adjusted each period to reflect current policy lapse or termination rates, expense levels and credited rates on policies compared to anticipated experience (“true-up”) with the adjustment reflected in current period amortization expense. In accordance with GAAP guidance the Company must also write-off deferred acquisition costs, unearned revenue liabilities, and deferred sales inducement assets upon internal replacement of certain contracts as well as annuitizations of deferred annuities.

The following table identifies the effects of unlocking and true-up adjustments on DPAC balances recorded through amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

Increase (Decrease) in DPAC Balance
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unlocking
$

 

 

 
(2,700
)
True-up
(4,987
)
 
2,667

 
(8,028
)
 
5,840

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
(4,987
)
 
2,667

 
(8,028
)
 
3,140


During the first quarter of 2010 a correction was made to a surrender charge assumption for future years on one deferred annuity product line. This change resulted in an unlocking adjustment that increased the current period's DPAC amortization expense (decreased DPAC balance) by $2.7 million. As the amount of the correction was determined to have occurred over the course of multiple previously reported periods, it was concluded that the amount of the correction was immaterial to the financial results reported in any of these periods, as well as the current period.

The Company is required to periodically adjust, on a prospective basis for actual experience that varies from that assumed. True-up adjustments were recorded in the second quarter of 2011 and 2010 relative to partial surrender rates, mortality rates, credited interest rates and earned rates for the current year's experience resulting in a $5.0 million increase and a $2.7 million decrease in amortization expense, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, total true-up and unlocking adjustments increased amortization expense by $8.0 million in 2011 and decreased amortization expense by $3.1 million in 2010. Although adjustments are made for all the assumptions the major component of the changes above are due to credited interest rates.

As part of the Company's ongoing initiative to implement new system software and technology with respect to its actuarial systems, the Company's analysis of deferred policy acquisition costs for its deferred annuity block of business was converted to a new platform as of June 30, 2011 providing the Company with the capability to analyze DPAC balances in finer detail and encompassing more granularity. As a result of this conversion, associated DPAC balances were decreased (amortization increased) by an additional $4.0 million above the true-up adjustments discussed above.

Universal life and annuity contract interest - The Company closely monitors its credited interest rates on interest sensitive policies, taking into consideration such factors as profitability goals, policyholder benefits, product marketability, and economic market conditions. As long term interest rates change, the Company's credited interest rates are often adjusted accordingly, taking into consideration the factors as described above. The difference between yields earned on investments over policy credited rates is often referred to as the "interest spread".

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The Company's approximated average credited rates, excluding and including fixed-indexed (derivative) products, were as follows:

 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(Excluding derivative products)
 
(Including derivative products)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity
2.93
%
 
2.30
%
 
3.67
%
 
2.90
%
Interest sensitive life
3.00
%
 
2.39
%
 
4.93
%
 
4.21
%

Contract interest including fixed-indexed products also encompasses the performance of the derivative component of the Company's fixed-indexed products. As previously noted, the market performance of these derivative features resulted in net realized and unrealized gains of $22.8 million and net realized and unrealized losses of $32.0 million for the first six months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. In conjunction with the actuarial platform conversion mentioned above, the deferred sales inducements balance for deferred annuities was also converted and analyzed resulting in a reduction of the balance (increase in contract interest) of $1.6 million at June 30, 2011.

Other operating expenses - Other operating expenses consist of general administrative expenses, legal costs, licenses and fees, commissions not subject to deferral, nursing home expenses and share based compensation costs.

Nursing home operation expenses were $5.1 million and $10.3 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $4.3 million and $8.4 million for the corresponding periods in 2010, respectively.

Share based compensation costs for the Company's stock option plans related to outstanding vested and unvested stock options for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were $(0.2) million and $(0.8) million compared to the corresponding periods in 2010 of $(1.9) million and $(1.1) million, respectively, as a result of marking the stock options to fair value under the liability method of accounting. The fluctuation in expense for the Company's stock option plans largely reflects the market price change in the Company's Class A common stock as of the reporting dates.

The Company has been involved in major information system initiatives to enhance actuarial, accounting, policy acquisition, and policy administration processes. Costs related to these systems are capitalized during the development process and then amortized once they are placed into service and used in operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, amortization expense in association with these system implementations was $0.8 million and $1.6 million, compared to $0.5 million and $1.0 million in 2010, respectively.

GAAP allows companies to defer the majority of incurred commissions as part of its DPAC balance subject to amortization over future periods. The mix of products sold affects the amount of commissions incurred that may not be deferred. Commission expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was $2.8 million and $5.0 million versus $1.3 million and $2.4 million for the same periods in 2010.

Federal Income Taxes. Federal income taxes on earnings from operations reflect effective tax rates of 29.0% and 32.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to 30.6% and 31.5% in 2010, respectively. The effective tax rate is lower than the Federal rate of 35% primarily due to tax-exempt investment income related to municipal securities and dividends-received deductions on income from stocks.

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Segment Operations

Summary of Segment Earnings
A summary of segment earnings for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 is provided below. The segment earnings exclude realized gains and losses on investments, net of taxes.

 
Domestic
Life
Insurance
 
International
Life
Insurance
 
Annuities
 
All
Others
 
Totals
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2011
$
2,590

 
7,311

 
(38
)
 
3,609

 
13,472

June 30, 2010
$
(1,676
)
 
8,550

 
9,674

 
4,230

 
20,778

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

June 30, 2011
$
369

 
10,328

 
13,415

 
5,561

 
29,673

June 30, 2010
$
(1,371
)
 
9,891

 
24,747

 
6,198

 
39,465


Domestic Life Insurance Operations

A comparative analysis of results of operations for the Company's domestic life insurance segment is detailed below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and other revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and contract charges
$
6,617

 
7,064

 
12,649

 
14,049

Net investment income
4,485

 
4,704

 
9,481

 
9,502

Other revenues
(2
)
 
182

 
5

 
215

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
11,100

 
11,950

 
22,135

 
23,766

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Life and other policy benefits
(810
)
 
5,045

 
4,424

 
8,295

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
2,771

 
3,028

 
5,654

 
5,768

Universal life insurance contract interest
1,849

 
2,872

 
4,487

 
5,334

Other operating expenses
3,361

 
3,418

 
7,027

 
6,331

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses
7,171

 
14,363

 
21,592

 
25,728

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings (loss) before Federal income taxes
3,929

 
(2,413
)
 
543

 
(1,962
)
Provision (benefit) for Federal income taxes
1,339

 
(737
)
 
174

 
(591
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings (loss)
$
2,590

 
(1,676
)
 
369

 
(1,371
)

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Revenues from domestic life insurance operations include life insurance premiums on traditional type products and contract revenues from universal life insurance. Revenues from traditional products are simply premiums collected, while revenues from universal life insurance consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration fees, and surrender charges assessed during the period. A comparative detail of premiums and contract revenues is provided below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life insurance revenues
$
6,256

 
7,447

 
11,982

 
13,894

Traditional life insurance premiums
1,665

 
6,507

 
3,234

 
8,449

Reinsurance premiums
(1,304
)
 
(6,890
)
 
(2,567
)
 
(8,294
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
6,617

 
7,064

 
12,649

 
14,049


The Company's domestic life insurance sales have been declining since 2008 (refer to the collected premium analysis below) resulting in lower universal contract revenue charges from new business. In addition, the pace of new policies issued has lagged the number of policies terminating from death or surrender causing a declining level of insurance in force from which contract charge revenue is received. The number of domestic life insurance policies has declined from 69,700 at December 31, 2009 to 66,000 at December 31, 2010, and to 64,400 at June 30, 2011.

Premiums collected on universal life products are not reflected as revenues in the Company's statements of earnings, in accordance with GAAP.  Actual universal life premiums collected are detailed below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First year and single premiums
$
5,336

 
3,430

 
7,317

 
6,932

Renewal premiums
4,978

 
5,410

 
10,584

 
10,928

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
10,314

 
8,840

 
17,901

 
17,860


The Company's efforts over the past several years have been to attract new independent agents and to promote life products to improve domestic life sales. Recent economic events have had an adverse effect on new life sales in the industry. However, the Company has acquired increased distribution with its single premium universal life and single premium equity-indexed universal life products which has resulted in an increase in policy applications during the first two quarters of 2011.

Life and policy benefits for a smaller block of business are subject to variation from quarter to quarter. Claim activity during the first two quarters of 2011 is significantly lower than 2010. The Company's overall mortality experience for this segment is in line with pricing assumptions.

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As noted previously in the discussion of results from consolidated operations, the Company records true-up adjustments to DPAC balances each period to reflect current policy lapse or termination rates, expense levels and credited rates on policies as compared to anticipated experience with the adjustment reflected in current period amortization expense. To the extent required, the Company may also record unlocking adjustments to DPAC balances. The following table identifies the effects of unlocking and true-up adjustments on domestic life insurance DPAC balances recorded through amortization expense for the three months and six months ending June 30, 2011 and 2010.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in DPAC Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unlocking
$

 

 

 

True-up
(90
)
 
(64
)
 
(37
)
 
356

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
(90
)
 
(64
)
 
(37
)
 
356


International Life Insurance Operations

The Company's international life operations have been a significant factor in the Company's overall earnings performance and represents a market niche where the Company believes it has a competitive advantage. A productive agency force has been developed given the Company's longstanding reputation for supporting its international life products coupled with the instability of competing companies in international markets.

A comparative analysis of results of operations for the Company's international life insurance segment is detailed below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and other revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and contract charges
$
25,616

 
24,675

 
50,176

 
48,792

Net investment income
9,532

 
2,797

 
22,553

 
13,119

Other revenues
342

 
228

 
366

 
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
35,490

 
27,700

 
73,095

 
62,204

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Life and other policy benefits
4,199

 
6,094

 
9,161

 
15,234

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
7,927

 
2,317

 
16,125

 
8,992

Universal life insurance contract interest
8,507

 
2,201

 
21,426

 
12,349

Other operating expenses
4,273

 
4,664

 
11,199

 
11,221

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses
24,906

 
15,276

 
57,911

 
47,796

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings before Federal income taxes
10,584

 
12,424

 
15,184

 
14,408

Provision for Federal income taxes
3,273

 
3,874

 
4,856

 
4,517

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings
$
7,311

 
8,550

 
10,328

 
9,891


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As with domestic operations, revenues from the international life insurance segment include both premiums on traditional type products and contract revenues from universal life insurance. A comparative detail of premiums and contract revenues is provided below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life insurance revenues
$
25,920

 
24,580

 
51,740

 
50,259

Traditional life insurance premiums
3,704

 
4,570

 
6,822

 
7,013

Reinsurance premiums
(4,007
)
 
(4,475
)
 
(8,385
)
 
(8,480
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
25,617

 
24,675

 
50,177

 
48,792


In general, universal life revenues and operating earnings are anticipated to emerge with the amount of international life insurance in force. The volume of insurance in force has grown from $16.7 billion at June 30, 2010 to $17.6 billion at June 30, 2011.

International universal life revenues also include surrender charges assessed upon surrender of contracts by policyholders. In the midst of the financial crisis during the past few years, the Company's international policyholders in particular exhibited concern regarding the developments in U.S. financial markets. This evidenced itself in the Company's termination activity in its international life policies in force. During 2009, the Company incurred higher termination experience than is typical which resulted in recognition of increased surrender charge fee income. The following table illustrates the Company's recent international life termination experience.
 
Amount in $'s
 
Annualized Termination Rate
 
(millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume In Force Terminations
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30, 2011
$
737.8

 
7.4
%
Year ended December 31, 2010
1,721.8

 
9.0
%
Year ended December 31, 2009
2,423.2

 
13.0
%
Year ended December 31, 2008
1,923.2

 
10.8
%
Year ended December 31, 2007
1,674.3

 
10.2
%
Year ended December 31, 2006
1,604.4

 
10.8
%

Premiums collected on universal life products are not reflected as revenues in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, in accordance with GAAP. Actual international universal life premiums collected are detailed below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Universal life insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First year and single premiums
$
9,135

 
9,362

 
17,630

 
15,957

Renewal premiums
29,193

 
27,198

 
56,770

 
51,773

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
38,328

 
36,560

 
74,400

 
67,730


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Table of Contents


The Company's most popular international products have been its fixed-indexed universal life products in which the policyholder can elect to have the interest rate credited to their policy account values linked in part to the performance of the S&P 500 Index®. Included in the totals in the above table are collected premiums for fixed-indexed universal life products of approximately $46.0 million and $40.1 million for the first six months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, an increase of 14.8%.

As previously noted, net investment income and contract interest include period-to-period changes in fair values pertaining to options purchased that are tied to the performance of the underlying indexes. With the growth in the fixed-indexed universal life block of business, the period-to-period changes in fair values of the underlying options can have a significant impact on net investment income and contract interest. A detail of net investment income for international life insurance operations is provided below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (excluding derivatives)
$
10,658

 
8,085

 
20,646

16,571

16,571

Derivative gain (loss)
(1,126
)
 
(5,288
)
 
1,907

 
(3,452
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
$
9,532

 
2,797

 
22,553

 
13,119


A comparable impact for the derivative component in the equity-indexed universal life product is reflected in the contract interest expense for each respective period.

Life and policy benefits primarily consist of death claims on policies. The Company's clientele for international products are wealthy individuals with access to U.S. dollars and quality medical care. Consequently, the amounts of coverage purchased tend to be larger amounts. In the year ended December 31, 2010, the average face amount of insurance purchased was approximately $339,000, and in the first six months of 2011 the average was $356,000. Life and policy benefit expense for the international life segment reflects the larger policies purchased. In addition, the expense shown for 2010 includes death claims of approximately $3.1 million, after reinsurance, associated with the Haiti earthquake in January 2010.

As noted previously, the Company records true-up adjustments to DPAC balances each period to reflect current policy lapse or termination rates, expense levels and credited rates on policies as compared to anticipated experience as well as unlocking adjustments as necessary. The following table identifies the effects of unlocking and true-up adjustments on international life insurance DPAC balances recorded through amortization expense for the three and six months of 2011 and 2010.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in DPAC Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unlocking
$

 

 

 

True-up
(848
)
 
2,822

 
(1,315
)
 
4,962

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
(848
)
 
2,822

 
(1,315
)
 
4,962


True-up adjustments in 2011 decreased the DPAC balance and increased amortization expense while 2010 true-up assumptions increased the DPAC balance and decreased amortization expense.

As indicated in the discussion concerning net investment income, contract interest expense includes fluctuations that are the result of underlying equity indices performance associated with fixed-indexed universal life products. The derivative gain (loss) realized on purchased call options is included in the amounts the Company credits to policyholders. For more details about the Company's use of index options to hedge the performance of equity indices refer to the derivative gain (loss) discussion in the Consolidated Operations section of this Item 2.

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Table of Contents


Annuity Operations

The Company's annuity operations are almost exclusively in the United States. Although some of the Company's investment contracts are available to international residents, current sales are small relative to total annuity sales. A comparative analysis of results of operations for the Company's annuity segment is detailed below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and other revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums and contract charges
$
5,006

 
4,598

 
8,268

 
9,208

Net investment income
78,830

 
40,227

 
191,942

 
126,408

Other revenues
(1,070
)
 
1,908

 
2,991

 
2,459

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
82,766

 
46,733

 
203,201

 
138,075

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Life and other policy benefits
6,209

 
2,380

 
8,229

 
3,277

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
28,150

 
12,892

 
44,558

 
27,246

Annuity contract interest
42,876

 
12,858

 
119,468

 
62,948

Other operating expenses
6,320

 
4,742

 
11,223

 
8,449

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total benefits and expenses
83,555

 
32,872

 
183,478

 
101,920

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings (loss) before Federal income taxes
(789
)
 
13,861

 
19,723

 
36,155

Provision (benefit) for Federal income taxes
(751
)
 
4,187

 
6,308

 
11,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment earnings (loss)
$
(38
)
 
9,674

 
13,415

 
24,747


A comparative detail of the components of premiums and annuity contract revenues is provided below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Surrender charges
$
5,013

 
4,596

 
8,264

 
9,203

Traditional annuity premiums

 
2

 
4

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
5,013

 
4,598

 
8,268

 
9,208


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Table of Contents


Deposits collected on annuity contracts are not reflected as revenues in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, in accordance with GAAP. Actual annuity deposits collected for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are detailed below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed annuities
$
215,494

 
222,884

 
436,517

 
366,136

Other deferred annuities
122,625

 
132,381

 
226,775

 
245,103

Immediate annuities
14,877

 
5,290

 
20,226

 
10,910

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
352,996

 
360,555

 
683,518

 
622,149


Fixed-indexed products are more attractive for consumers when interest rate levels remain low and equity markets produce positive returns. Since the Company does not offer variable products or mutual funds, fixed-indexed products provide an important alternative to the Company's existing fixed interest rate annuity products. Fixed-indexed annuity deposits as a percentage of total annuity deposits were 63.9% and 58.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The recovery in equity markets that began during 2009 did not manifest itself in terms of increased fixed-indexed sales until the latter part of 2009. Consequently, while 2011 total collected annuity deposits increased 9.9% over the level in 2010, fixed-indexed sales increased by 19.2% during the same time period. Other deferred annuity deposits decreased 7.5% in 2011 compared to 2010.

As a selling inducement, some of the deferred products, as well as the fixed-indexed annuity products, include a first year interest bonus ranging from 1% to 7% depending upon the product, in addition to a base interest rate. Other products include a premium bonus ranging from 2% to 10% which is credited to the account balance when premiums are applied. These bonus rates are deferred in conjunction with other capitalized policy acquisition costs. The amount deferred to be amortized over future periods amounted to approximately $21.2 million and $21.0 million during the first six months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. Amortization of deferred sales inducements is included as a component of annuity contract interest as described later in this discussion of Annuity operations.

A detail of net investment income for annuity operations is provided below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (excluding derivatives)
$
86,644

 
78,263

 
171,575

 
154,478

Derivative gain (loss)
(7,814
)
 
(38,036
)
 
20,367

 
(28,070
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
$
78,830

 
40,227

 
191,942

 
126,408


As previously described, derivatives are call options purchased to hedge the equity return component of the Company's fixed-indexed annuity product with any gains or losses from the sale or expiration of the options, as well as period-to-period changes in fair values, reflected in net investment income. Generally, a comparable impact for the derivative component in fixed-indexed annuity products is reflected in contract interest expense.

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Table of Contents


Consistent with the domestic and international life segments, the Company records true-up adjustments to DPAC balances each period to reflect current policy lapse or termination rates, expense levels and credited rates on policies as compared to anticipated experience as well as unlocking adjustments as necessary. The following table identifies the effects of unlocking and true-up adjustments on annuity DPAC balances recorded through amortization expense for the three and six months of 2011 and 2010.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in DPAC Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unlocking
$

 

 

 
(2,700
)
True-up
(4,049
)
 
(91
)
 
(6,675
)
 
519

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
(4,049
)
 
(91
)
 
(6,675
)
 
(2,181
)

During the first quarter of 2010 the Company unlocked a change in projected surrender charge rates on certain fixed rate annuities that reduced DPAC (and increased amortization expense) by $2.7 million. Unlocking was not done during the first or second quarter of 2011. The true-up adjustments recorded in the first and second quarters of 2011 and 2010 pertained to partial surrender rates, mortality rates, credited interest rates and earned investment rates. In addition to these adjustments, the Company decreased its annuity DPAC balance (increased amortization expense) by $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2011 as part of its implementation of DPAC actuarial analysis on a new system platform as previously discussed in the Consolidated Operations section of this Item 2.

Annuity contract interest includes the equity component return associated with the call options purchased to hedge the Company's fixed-indexed annuities. The detail of fixed-indexed annuity contract interest compared to contract interest for all other annuities is as follows:

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed annuities
$
50,799

 
(5,676
)
 
103,952

 
27,904

All other annuities
(7,789
)
 
23,517

 
(20,794
)
 
43,997

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross contract interest
43,010

 
17,841

 
83,158

 
71,901

Bonus interest deferred and capitalized
(9,932
)
 
(12,461
)
 
(21,192
)
 
(21,021
)
Bonus interest amortization
9,797

 
7,478

 
15,913

 
12,068

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total contract interest
$
42,875

 
12,858

 
77,879

 
62,948


The fluctuation in reported contract interest amounts for fixed-indexed annuities is driven by sales levels, the level of the business in force and the positive or negative performance of equity markets on option values. The derivative gain (loss) information included in the net investment income discussion above is largely reflected in the amounts shown for contract interest for fixed-indexed annuities. As previously discussed in the Consolidated Operations section of this Item 2, the Company decreased its deferred sales inducements balance (increased bonus interest amortization) by $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2011 pertaining to its implementation of new actuarial system technology.

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Other Operations

National Western's primary business encompasses its domestic and international life insurance operations and its annuity operations. However, National Western also has small real estate, nursing home, and other investment operations through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Nursing home operations generated $0.9 million and $3.0 million of operating earnings in the first six months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in operating earnings reflects an increase in expenses incurred at the Company's San Marcos location incurred in an effort to build a presence in the community for this operation that started in the latter half of 2009.


INVESTMENTS

General

The Company's investment philosophy emphasizes the careful handling of policyowners' and stockholders' funds to achieve security of principal, to obtain the maximum possible yield while maintaining security of principal, and to maintain liquidity in a measure consistent with current and long-term requirements of the Company.

The Company's overall conservative investment philosophy is reflected in the allocation of its investments, which is detailed below. The Company emphasizes investment grade debt securities, with smaller holdings in mortgage loans and policy loans.

 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying
Value
 
%
 
Carrying
Value
 
%
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$
7,779,309

 
95.3

 
$
7,352,393

 
95.6

Mortgage loans
160,897

 
2.0

 
141,247

 
1.8

Derivatives, index options
97,698

 
1.2

 
80,284

 
1.0

Policy loans
75,743

 
0.9

 
78,448

 
1.0

Real estate
18,963

 
0.2

 
20,088

 
0.3

Equity securities
16,720

 
0.2

 
15,230

 
0.2

Other
14,392

 
0.2

 
9,481

 
0.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
8,163,722

 
100.0

 
$
7,697,171

 
100.0


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Debt and Equity Securities

The Company maintains a diversified portfolio which consists mostly of corporate, mortgage-backed, and public utility fixed income securities. Investments in mortgage-backed securities primarily include U.S. Government agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMO"). The Company's investment guidelines prescribe limitations by type of security as a percent of the total investment portfolio and all holdings were within these threshold limits. As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company's debt securities portfolio consisted of the following:

 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying
Value
 
%
 
Carrying
Value
 
%
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
$
3,817,446

 
49.1

 
$
3,559,508

 
48.4

Mortgage-backed securities
2,238,761

 
28.8

 
2,141,867

 
29.1

Public utilities
1,066,486

 
13.7

 
1,077,314

 
14.7

State and political subdivisions
344,363

 
4.4

 
331,731

 
4.5

U.S. agencies
228,876

 
2.9

 
154,265

 
2.1

Asset-backed securities
60,761

 
0.8

 
64,878

 
0.9

Foreign governments
20,680

 
0.3

 
20,921

 
0.3

U.S. Treasury
1,936

 

 
1,909

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
7,779,309

 
100.0

 
$
7,352,393

 
100.0



Substantially all of the Company's investable cash flows are directed toward the purchase of debt securities. The Company's investment policy calls for investing in debt securities that are investment grade, meet quality and yield objectives, and provide adequate liquidity for obligations to policyholders. Debt securities with intermediate maturities are targeted by the Company as they more closely match the intermediate nature of the Company's policy liabilities and provides an appropriate strategy for managing cash flows. Debt securities purchased to fund insurance company operations are summarized below.

 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
($ In thousands)
 
 
 
 
Cost of acquisitions
678,479

$
1,559,154 

Average S&P®  quality
AA-

 
AA-

Effective annual yield
4.56
%
 
4.45
%
Spread to treasuries
1.23
%
 
1.35
%
Effective duration
7.4 years

 
6.8 years


The Company's mortgage-backed securities predominantly consist of agency securities. Because mortgage-backed securities are subject to prepayment and extension risk, the Company has substantially reduced these risks by investing in collateralized mortgage obligations, which have more predictable cash flow patterns than pass-through securities. These securities, known as planned amortization class I ("PAC I"), very accurately defined maturity ("VADM") and sequential tranches are designed to amortize in a more predictable manner than other CMO classes or pass-throughs. The Company does not purchase tranches, such as PAC II and support tranches, that subject the portfolio to greater than average prepayment risk. Using this strategy, the Company can more effectively manage and reduce prepayment and extension risks, thereby helping to maintain the appropriate matching of the Company's assets and liabilities.

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In addition to diversification, an important aspect of the Company's investment approach is managing the credit quality of its investment in debt securities. Thorough credit analysis is performed on potential corporate investments including examination of a company's credit and industry outlook, financial ratios and trends, and event risks. This emphasis is reflected in the high average credit rating of the Company's debt securities portfolio with 98.2% held in investment grade securities. In the table below, investments in debt securities are classified according to credit ratings by Standard and Poor's ("S&P®"), or other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations if securities were not rated by S&P®.

 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying
Value
 
%
 
Carrying
Value
 
%
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AAA and U.S. Government
$
2,610,244

 
33.5

 
2,452,648

 
33.4

AA
638,252

 
8.2

 
551,572

 
7.5

A
1,812,803

 
23.3

 
1,722,300

 
23.4

BBB
2,580,540

 
33.2

 
2,482,373

 
33.7

BB and other below investment grade
137,470

 
1.8

 
143,500

 
2.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
7,779,309

 
100.0

 
7,352,393

 
100.0


The Company's investment guidelines do not allow for the purchase of below investment grade securities.  Investments held in this category are the result of subsequent downgrades of the securities.  Below investment grade holdings are summarized below.

 
Below Investment Grade Debt Securities
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
% of
Invested
Assets
 
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2011
$
130,853

 
137,470

 
136,067

 
1.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
$
136,076

 
143,500

 
139,306

 
1.9
%

The Company's percentage of below investment grade securities compared to total invested assets decreased from December 31, 2010 primarily due to securities being upgraded during the first six months of 2011 and purchases of new securities. The Company's holdings of below investment grade securities are relatively small and the percentage of total invested assets is low compared to industry averages.

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Holdings in below investment grade securities by category as of June 30, 2011 are summarized below, including June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 fair values for comparison. The Company is continually monitoring developments in these industries that may affect security valuation issues.

 
 
Below Investment Grade Debt Securities
Industry Category
 
Amortized
Cost
June 30,
2011
 
Carrying
Value
June 30,
2011
 
Fair
Value
June 30,
2011
 
Fair
Value
December 31,
2010
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
$
9,090

 
11,023

 
11,023

 
23,230

Telecommunications
 
5,690

 
9,400

 
9,400

 
9,050

Asset-backed securities
 
12,362

 
13,036

 
13,542

 
13,738

Mortgage-backed
 
8,968

 
8,640

 
8,640

 
8,607

Banking/finance
 
39,241

 
39,252

 
35,880

 
49,789

Manufacturing
 
43,667

 
43,717

 
44,986

 
22,680

Transportation
 

 
498

 
498

 
491

Other
 
11,835

 
11,904

 
12,098

 
11,721

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
 
$
130,853

 
137,470

 
136,067

 
139,306


The Company closely monitors its below investment grade holdings by reviewing investment performance indicators, including information such as issuer operating performance, debt ratings, analyst reports and other economic factors that may affect these specific investments. While additional losses are not currently anticipated, based on the existing status and condition of these securities, continued credit deterioration of some securities or the markets in general is possible, which may result in further write-downs.

Generally accepted accounting principles require that investments in debt securities be written down to fair value when declines in value are judged to be other-than-temporary. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price methodology). Refer to Note 10, Fair Values of Financial Instruments, of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

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Table of Contents


The Company is required to classify its investments in debt and equity securities into one of three categories: (a) trading securities, (b) securities available for sale, or (c) securities held to maturity. The Company purchases securities with the intent to hold to maturity and accordingly does not maintain a portfolio of trading securities. Of the remaining two categories, available for sale and held to maturity, the Company makes a determination as to which category based on various factors including the type and quality of the particular security and how it will be incorporated into the Company's overall asset/liability management strategy. As shown in the table below, at June 30, 2011, approximately 31% of the Company's total debt and equity securities, based on fair values, were classified as securities available for sale. These holdings in available for sale provide flexibility to the Company to react to market opportunities and conditions and to practice active management within the portfolio to provide adequate liquidity to meet policyholder obligations and other cash needs.

 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$
5,636,086

 
5,302,866

 
333,220

Securities available for sale:
 

 
 
 
 
Debt securities
2,476,443

 
2,298,692

 
177,751

Equity securities
16,720

 
6,221

 
10,499

 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
8,129,249

 
7,607,779

 
521,470


During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company had no other-than-temporary impairment write-downs. See Note 9, Investments, of the accompanying condensed financial statements for further discussion.

Asset-Backed Securities

The Company holds approximately $60.8 million in asset-backed securities as of June 30, 2011. This portfolio includes $26.9 million of manufactured housing bonds and $33.9 million of home equity loans (also referred to as subprime securities). The Company does not have any holdings in collaterized bond obligations (“CBO”s), collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”s), or collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”s). Principal risks in holding asset-backed securities are structural, credit, and capital market risks. Structural risks include the securities' priority in the issuer's capital structure, the adequacy of and ability to realize proceeds from collateral and the potential for prepayments. Credit risks include corporate credit risks or consumer credit risks for financing such as subprime mortgages. Capital market risks include the general level of interest rates and the liquidity for these securities in the marketplace.

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Table of Contents


The Company holds one Alt-A security with a carrying value of $4.3 million. The Alt-A sector is a sub-sector of the jumbo prime MBS sector. The average FICO for an Alt-A borrower is approximately 715 compared to a score of 730 for a jumbo prime borrower. The Company's exposure to the Alt-A and subprime sectors is limited to investments in the senior tranches of structured securities collateralized by Alt-A or subprime residential mortgage loans. The subprime sector is generally categorized under the asset-backed sector. This sector lends to borrowers who do not qualify for prime interest rates due to poor or insufficient credit history. Subprime borrowers generally have FICO scores of 660 or below. The slowing housing market, rising interest rates, and relaxed underwriting standards for loans originated after 2005 resulted in higher delinquency rates and losses beginning in 2007. These events caused illiquidity in the market and volatility in the market prices of subprime securities. With the government intervention initiatives in 2009, the housing market began to show signs of stabilizing. There was an improvement in the prices of subprime securities as the bond market also became more liquid. All of the loans classified as Alt-A or subprime in the Company's portfolio as of June 30, 2011 were underwritten prior to 2005 as noted in the table below.

 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
Investment Origination Year
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subprime:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1998
7,513

 
7,405

 
8,070

 
8,025

2002
485

 
720

 
480 

 
576

2003
4,287

 
4,307

 
4,286

 
4,197

2004
21,570

 
20,036

 
21,941

 
21,043

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subtotal subprime
33,855

 
32,468

 
34,777

 
33,841

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alt A:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2004
4,345

 
4,345

 
4,056 

 
4,056 


As of June 30, 2011, 6 of the subprime securities were rated AAA, 3 were rated AA, and 3 were rated CC.

Mortgage Loans and Real Estate

In general, the Company originates loans on high quality, income-producing properties such as shopping centers, freestanding retail stores, office buildings, industrial and sales or service facilities, selected apartment buildings, motels, and health care facilities. The location of these properties is typically in major metropolitan areas that offer a potential for property value appreciation.
The Company requires a minimum specified yield on mortgage loan investments. Until recently the low interest rate environment resulted in fewer loan opportunities being available that met the Company's required rate of return. This environment started to change in 2010 and the Company increased its new mortgage loan activity which resulted in an increase of $68.5 million in total loans at the 2010 year-end and an additional $29.8 million at June 30, 2011.

The Company's direct investments in real estate are not a significant portion of its total investment portfolio as most of these investments were acquired through mortgage loan foreclosures. Due to the bankruptcy filing by Circuit City in 2009, the Company foreclosed on one mortgage loan during 2010. The Company also participates in several real estate joint ventures and limited partnerships that invest primarily in income-producing retail properties. These investments have enhanced the Company's overall investment portfolio returns.

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Table of Contents


The Company held net investments in mortgage loans totaling $160.9 million and $141.2 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  The diversification of the portfolio by geographic region and by property type was as follows:

 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
West South Central
$
90,046

 
56.0

 
$
69,222

 
49.0

New England
21,516

 
13.4

 
19,731

 
14.0

Mountain
16,285

 
10.1

 
16,632

 
11.8

East North Central
10,137

 
6.3

 
17,349

 
12.3

Pacific
11,758

 
7.3

 
6,973

 
4.9

East South Central
5,433

 
3.4

 
5,468

 
3.9

South Atlantic
3,484

 
2.1

 
3,592

 
2.5

Middle Atlantic
2,238

 
1.4

 
2,280

 
1.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
160,897

 
100.0

 
$
141,247

 
100.0



 
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Loans by Property Type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
$
96,716

 
60.1

 
$
85,920

 
60.8

Hotel/Motel
26,029

 
16.2

 
24,334

 
17.2

Land/Lots
13,285

 
8.2

 
12,585

 
8.9

Apartments
11,097

 
6.9

 
9,181

 
6.5

Office
8,944

 
5.6

 
9,029

 
6.4

All other
4,826

 
3.0

 
198

 
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
160,897

 
100.0

 
$
141,247

 
100.0



The Company's real estate investments totaled approximately $19.0 million and $20.1 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and consist primarily of income-producing properties which are being operated by a wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Company recognized operating income on these properties of approximately $0.4 million each for the first and second quarters of 2011. The Company monitors the conditions and market values of these properties on a regular basis and makes repairs and capital improvements to keep the properties in good condition.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of change in market values of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodity prices, or equity prices. The most significant market risk exposure for National Western is interest rate risk. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates can affect the profitability of insurance products and fair value of investments. The yield realized on new investments generally increases or decreases in direct relationship with interest rate changes. The fair values of fixed income debt securities correlate to external market interest rate conditions as market values typically increase when market interest rates decline and decrease when market interest rates rise. However, market values may fluctuate for other reasons, such as changing economic conditions, market dislocations or increasing event-risk concerns.

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Table of Contents


Interest Rate Risk

A gradual increase in interest rates from current levels would generally be a positive development for the Company. Rate increases would be expected to provide incremental net investment income, produce increased sales of fixed rate products, and limit the potential erosion of the Company's interest rate spread on products due to minimum guaranteed crediting rates in products. Alternatively, a rise in interest rates would reduce the fair value of the Company's investment portfolio and if long-term rates rise dramatically within a relatively short time period could expose the Company to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk is the risk that policyholders will surrender their policies in a rising interest rate environment forcing the Company to liquidate assets when they are in an unrealized loss position.

A decline in interest rates could cause certain mortgage-backed securities in the Company's portfolio to be more likely to pay down or prepay. In this situation, the Company typically will be unable to reinvest the proceeds at comparable yields. Lower interest rates will likely also cause lower net investment income, subject the Company to reinvestment rates risks, and possibly reduce profitability through reduced interest rate margins associated with products with minimum guaranteed crediting rates. Alternatively, the fair value of the Company's investment portfolio will increase when interest rates decline.

The correlation between fair values and interest rates for debt securities is reflected in the tables below.

 
June 30,
2011
 
March 31,
2011
 
December 31,
2010

 
(In thousands except percentages)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities - fair value
$
8,112,529

 
7,811,230

 
7,634,209

Debt securities - amortized cost
$
7,601,558

 
7,402,061

 
7,193,040

Fair value as a percentage of amortized cost
106.72
 %
 
105.53
%
 
106.13
 %
Unrealized gain balance
$
510,971

 
409,669

 
441,169

Ten-year U.S. Treasury bond – (decrease) increase in yield for the quarter
(0.311
)%
 
0.177
%
 
(0.544
)%

 
Unrealized Gains Balance
 
 
 
 
 
At
June 30,
2011
 
At
March 31,
2011
 
At
December 31,
2010
 
Quarter
Change in
Unrealized
Balance
 
YTD
Change in
Unrealized
Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities held to maturity
$
333,220

 
258,405

 
281,816

 
74,815

 
51,404

Debt securities available for sale
177,751

 
151,264

 
159,353

 
26,487

 
18,398

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
$
510,971

 
409,669

 
441,169

 
101,302

 
69,802


Changes in interest rates typically have a sizable effect on the fair values of the Company's debt securities. The market interest rate of the ten-year U.S. Treasury bond decreased approximately 13.4 basis points from year-end 2010 through the first six months of 2011 causing an unrealized gain of $69.8 million on a portfolio with an amortized cost basis of approximately $7.6 billion. The Company would expect similar results in the future from any significant upward or downward movement in market rates. However, since the majority of the Company's debt securities are classified as held to maturity, which are recorded at amortized cost, changes in fair values have relatively small effects on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

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Table of Contents


The Company manages interest rate risk principally through ongoing cash flow testing as required for insurance regulatory purposes. Computer models are used to perform cash flow testing under various commonly used stress test interest rate scenarios to determine if existing assets would be sufficient to meet projected liability outflows. Sensitivity analysis allows the Company to measure the potential gain or loss in fair value of its interest-sensitive instruments and to protect its economic value and achieve a predictable spread between what is earned on invested assets and what is paid on liabilities. The Company seeks to minimize the impact of interest risk through surrender charges that are imposed to discourage policy surrenders. Interest rate changes can be anticipated in the computer models and the corresponding risk addressed by management actions affecting asset and liability instruments. However, potential changes in the values of financial instruments indicated by hypothetical interest rate changes will likely be different from actual changes experienced, and the differences could be significant.

The Company performed detailed sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2010, for its interest rate-sensitive assets and liabilities. The changes in market values of the Company's debt securities in the first six months of 2011 were reasonable given the expected range of results of this analysis.

Credit Risk

The Company is exposed to credit risk through counterparties and within its investment portfolio. Credit risk relates to the uncertainty associated with an obligor's continued ability to make timely payments of principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of an instrument or contract. As previously discussed, the Company manages credit risk through established investment credit policies and guidelines which address the quality of creditors and counterparties, concentration limits, diversification practices and acceptable risk levels. These policies and guidelines are regularly reviewed and approved by senior management and the Company's Board of Directors.

The Company is also exposed to credit spread risk related to market prices of investment securities and cash flows associated with changes in credit spreads. Credit spread tightening will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed debt securities and increase the fair value of the investment portfolio. Credit spread widening will reduce the fair value of the investment portfolio and will increase net investment income on new purchases.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

Liquidity requirements are met primarily by funds provided from operations. Premium deposits and annuity considerations, investment income, and investment maturities and prepayments are the primary sources of funds while investment purchases, policy benefits in the form of claims, and payments to policyholders and contract holders in connection with surrenders and withdrawals as well as operating expenses are the primary uses of funds. To ensure the Company will be able to pay future commitments, the funds received as premium payments and deposits are invested in high quality investments, primarily fixed income securities. Funds are invested with the intent that the income from investments, plus proceeds from maturities, will meet the ongoing cash flow needs of the Company. The approach of matching asset and liability durations and yields requires an appropriate mix of investments. Although the Company historically has not been put in the position of having to liquidate invested assets to provide cash flow, its investments consist primarily of marketable debt securities that could be readily converted to cash for liquidity needs. The Company may also borrow up to $40 million on its bank line of credit for short-term cash needs. There were no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit at June 30, 2011.

A primary liquidity concern for life insurers is the risk of an extraordinary level of early policyholder withdrawals. The Company includes provisions within its annuity and universal life insurance policies, such as surrender charges and market value adjustments, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals.

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Table of Contents


The actual amounts paid by product line in connection with surrenders and withdrawals for the periods ended June 30, are noted in the table below.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product Line:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional Life
$
691

 
1,241

 
2,145

 
2,140

Universal Life
9,666

 
10,992

 
19,036

 
21,721

Annuities
118,735

 
84,474

 
246,793

 
171,154

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
129,092

 
96,707

 
267,974

 
195,015


The above contractual withdrawals, as well as the level of surrenders experienced, were generally consistent with the Company's assumptions in asset/liability management, and the associated cash outflows did not have an adverse impact on overall liquidity. The dollar amount of surrenders and withdrawals reflects the significant increase in this block of business with sales of approximately $3 billion over the past 30 months. Individual life insurance policies are less susceptible to withdrawal than annuity reserves and deposit liabilities because policyholders may incur surrender charges and undergo a new underwriting process in order to obtain a new insurance policy. Cash flow projections and tests under various market interest rate scenarios are also performed to assist in evaluating liquidity needs and adequacy. The Company currently expects available liquidity sources and future cash flows to be more than adequate to meet the demand for funds.

In the past, cash flows from the Company's insurance operations have been sufficient to meet current needs. Cash flows from operating activities were $90.4 million and $122.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company also has significant cash flows from both scheduled and unscheduled investment security maturities, redemptions, and prepayments. Cash flows from these sources totaled $273.9 million and $355.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These cash flow items could be reduced if interest rates rise. Net cash flows from the Company's universal life and investment annuity deposit product operations totaled $313.9 million and $354.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Capital Resources

The Company relies on stockholders' equity for its capital resources as there is no long-term debt outstanding and the Company does not anticipate the need for any long-term debt in the near future.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company had no commitments beyond its normal operating and investment activities.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

It is not Company practice to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements or to issue guarantees to third parties, other than in the normal course of issuing insurance contracts. Commitments related to insurance products sold are reflected as liabilities for future policy benefits. Insurance contracts guarantee certain performances by the Company.

Insurance reserves are the means by which life insurance companies determine the liabilities that must be established to assure that future policy benefits are provided for and can be paid. These reserves are required by law and based upon standard actuarial methodologies to ensure fulfillment of commitments guaranteed to policyholders and their beneficiaries, even though the obligations may not be due for many years. Refer to Note (1) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a discussion of reserving methods.

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The table below summarizes future estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations.

 
Payment Due by Period
 
Total
 
Less Than
1 Year
 
1 - 3
Years
 
3 - 5
Years
 
More Than
5 Years
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan commitments
$
6,972

 
6,972

 

 

 

Life claims payable (1)
59,876

 
59,876

 

 

 

Other long-term reserve liabilities reflected on the balance sheet under GAAP (2)
9,087,628

 
883,010

 
1,683,961

 
1,475,670

 
5,044,987

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
9,154,476

 
949,858

 
1,683,961

 
1,475,670

 
5,044,987


(1) Life claims payable include benefit and claim liabilities for which the Company believes the amount and timing of the payment is essentially fixed and determinable. Such amounts generally relate to incurred and reported death and critical illness claims including an estimate of claims incurred but not reported.
(2)  Other long-term liabilities include estimated life and annuity obligations related to death claims, policy surrenders, policy withdrawals, maturities and annuity payments based on mortality, lapse, annuitization, and withdrawal assumptions consistent with the Company's historical experience. These estimated life and annuity obligations are undiscounted projected cash outflows that assume interest crediting and market growth consistent with assumptions used in amortizing deferred acquisition costs. They do not include any offsets for future premiums or deposits. Other long-term liabilities also include determinable payout patterns related to immediate annuities. In contrast to this table, the majority of the Company's liabilities for future obligations recorded on the consolidated balance sheet do not incorporate future credited interest and market growth. Therefore, the estimated life and annuity obligations presented in this table significantly exceed the life and annuity liabilities recorded in the reserves for future life and annuity obligations as reported in the “Liabilities” section of the consolidated balance sheet. Due to the significance of the assumptions used, the actual cash outflows will differ both in amount and timing, possibly materially, from these estimates.

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Changes in Accounting Principles

Refer to Note (1) of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

REGULATORY AND OTHER ISSUES

Statutory Accounting Practices

Regulations that affect the Company and the insurance industry are often the result of efforts by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). The NAIC routinely publishes new regulations as model acts or laws which states subsequently adopt as part of their insurance regulations. Currently, the Company is not aware of any NAIC regulatory matter material to its operations or reporting of financial results.

Risk-Based Capital Requirements

The NAIC established risk-based capital ("RBC") requirements to help state regulators monitor the financial strength and stability of life insurers by identifying those companies that may be inadequately capitalized. Under the NAIC's requirements, each insurer must maintain its total capital above a calculated threshold or take corrective measures to achieve the threshold. The threshold of adequate capital is based on a formula that takes into account the amount of risk each company faces on its products and investments. The RBC formula takes into consideration four major areas of risk which are: (i) asset risk which primarily focuses on the quality of investments; (ii) insurance risk which encompasses mortality and morbidity risk; (iii) interest rate risk which involves asset/liability matching issues; and (iv) other business risks. Statutory laws prohibit public dissemination of certain RBC information. However, the Company's current statutory capital and surplus is significantly in excess of the threshold RBC requirements.


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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK

This information is included in Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in the Investments in Debt and Equity Securities section.


ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

There have been no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting. During 2011 the Company has continued its migration to its general ledger and financial reporting systems. Management believes this process is strengthening internal control over financial reporting as we continue to automate the reporting process. It is expected that additional controls will be implemented in future reporting periods as the Company fully migrates to the new general ledger and financial reporting system and integrates it into the Company's financial reporting process.


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Refer to Note 8(A) "Legal Proceedings" of the accompanying financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no changes relative to the risk factors disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.


ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Effective August 22, 2008, the Company adopted and implemented a limited stock buy-back program associated with the Company's 2008 Incentive Plan which provides Option Holders the additional alternative of selling shares acquired through the exercise of options directly back to the Company. This program succeeded a similar buy-back program implemented March 10, 2006 associated with the Company's 1995 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. Option Holders may elect to sell such acquired shares back to the Company at any time within ninety (90) days after the exercise of options at the prevailing market price as of the date of notice of election.

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The following table sets forth the Company's repurchase of its Class A common shares from Option Holders for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 1, 2011 through April 30, 2011
 

 

 
N/A
 
N/A
May 1, 2011 through May 31, 2011
 
500

 
155.79

 
N/A
 
N/A
June 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011
 
1,000

 
152.84

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
1,500

 
154.32

 
N/A
 
N/A

Purchased shares are reported in the Company's consolidated financial statements as authorized and unissued.


ITEM 4.  Removed and Reserved.


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

(a)
Exhibits
Exhibit 31(a)
-
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
Exhibit 31(b)
-
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
Exhibit 32(a)
-
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


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SIGNATURES

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

NATIONAL WESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Registrant)



Date:
August 9, 2011
 
 
/S/ Ross R. Moody
 
 
 
 
 
Ross R. Moody
 
 
 
 
 
President, Chief Operating Officer,
 
 
 
 
 
and Director
 
 
 
 
 
(Authorized Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 9, 2011
 
 
/S/ Brian M. Pribyl
 
 
 
 
 
Brian M. Pribyl
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President,
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 9, 2011
 
 
/S/ Thomas F. Kopetic
 
 
 
 
 
Thomas F. Kopetic
 
 
 
 
 
Vice President,
 
 
 
 
 
Controller and Assistant Treasurer
 
 
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 



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