e10vk
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005
Commission file number 1-13004
CITIZENS, INC.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Colorado   84-0755371
     
(State of incorporation)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
400 East Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas   78752
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (512) 837-7100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock   New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. o Yes þ No
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 requirement for the past 90 days. þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer þ Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). o Yes þ No
As of the registrant’s last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2005), the aggregate market value of the Class A voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $192,313,572.
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 1, 2006:
Class A: 40,166,561
Class B: 1,001,714
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III of this Report incorporates certain portions of the definitive proxy material of the registrant in respect of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
        Page  
           
  Business     3  
  Risk Factors     32  
  Unresolved Staff Comments     52  
  Properties     53  
  Legal Proceedings     53  
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     54  
           
  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Securities     55  
  Selected Financial Data     55  
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation     56  
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     72  
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     74  
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     75  
  Controls and Procedures     75  
  Other information     79  
           
Item 10.
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     79  
Item 11.
  Executive Compensation     79  
Item 12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     79  
Item 13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     79  
Item 14.
  Principal Accounting Fees and Services     79  
           
  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules     79  
 
           
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm        
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302        
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302        
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 906        
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 906        
 First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement
 Subsidiaries
 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 906
 Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 906

1


Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not statements of historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (the “Act”), including, without limitation, the italicized statements and the statements specifically identified as forward-looking statements within this document. Many of these statements contain risk factors as well. In addition, certain statements in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by or with the approval of the Company which are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or non-payment of dividends, capital structure, and other financial items, (ii) statements of our plans and objectives or our management or Board of Directors including those relating to products or services, (iii) statements of future economic performance and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “targeted,” “may,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of foreign and U.S. economies in general and the strength of the local economies where our policyholders reside; (ii) the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws; (iii) inflation, interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations and volatility; (iv) the timely development of and acceptance of new products and services and perceived overall value of these products and services by existing and potential customers; (v) changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits; (vi) a concentration of business from persons residing in Latin America and the Pacific Rim; (vii) uncertainties in assimilating acquisitions; (viii) the persistency of existing and future insurance policies sold by the Company and its subsidiaries; (ix) the dependence of the Company on its Chairman of the Board; (x) the ability to control expenses; (xi) the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning insurance) with which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply, (xii) the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (xiii) changes in the Company’s organization and compensation plans; (xiv) the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation; and (xv) the success of the Company at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.
Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
We make available, free of charge, through our Internet website (http://www.citizensinc.com), our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Section 16 reports filed by officers and directors, news releases, and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish such reports to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. We are not including any of the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2


Table of Contents

PART I
ITEM 1. Business
Overview
We are a leading insurance holding company serving the life insurance needs of individuals in more than 35 countries and the United States. We pursue a strategy of offering ordinary life insurance products in niche markets where we believe we are able to achieve competitive advantages. Our core operations include:
    the issuance of ordinary life insurance in U.S. dollar denominated amounts to significant net worth foreign nationals through outside marketing consultants, principally in Latin America and the Pacific Rim; and
 
    offering final expense ordinary life insurance through the home service distribution channel.
We have provided our insurance products internationally since 1975 and domestically since 1969. We believe we are one of the leading writers of U.S. dollar denominated ordinary life insurance in the international market. In October 2004, we entered the home service distribution channel through the acquisition of Security Plan Life Insurance Company (“Security Plan”), a significant provider of final expense ordinary life insurance in Louisiana. We also provide ordinary life insurance to middle income individuals in various markets in the midwest and southern U.S.
Our objective is to grow our asset base and profitability through:
    building assets through the issuance of cash accumulation and final expense ordinary life insurance products;
 
    strategic acquisitions of domestic life insurance companies; and
 
    expanding our distribution channels of ordinary life insurance.
We market our products through our network of 3,000 marketing consultants, independent agents and employee agents, and provide underwriting, investment and administrative functions through 200 employees in our executive offices in Austin, Texas and a support center in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

3


Table of Contents

We were formed in 1969 by our Chairman, Harold E. Riley, who had many years of past experience in international and domestic life insurance before forming our Company. Since then our business has grown significantly, both internationally and domestically. Revenues from our international life business segment rose from $63.3 million in 2003 to $72.9 million in 2004 to $79.7 million in 2005. Since 1987 we have completed and integrated the acquisitions of 14 life insurance companies in the United States. We continue to seek acquisitions of other domestic life insurance companies as well as expand our life insurance business.
During the five years ended December 31, 2005, our assets have grown from $282.1 million to $661.9 million, and total stockholders’ equity has increased from $82.7 million to $137.0 million. Presently our revenues are evenly divided between our international business and our domestic business.
We organize and manage our life insurance business through three primary operating business segments. We exited the Domestic Health segment in 2004.
                                 
    For the Year Ended December 31,
    2005   2004
    (In thousands)
                            Segment
Operating           Segment           income
Business Segment           income           (loss)
and Principal           before           before
Distribution   Total   income   Total   income
Channel   Revenue   tax   Revenue   tax
International Life - Approximately 2,150 marketing consultants in 35 countries
  $ 79,675     $ 5,762     $ 72,886     $ 8,841  
 
                               
Home Service Business (1) - Approximately 350 employee agents
    49,692       5,902       12,346       2,511  
 
                               
Domestic Life - Approximately 850 independent agents
    14,049       34       16,806       (2,946 )
 
(1)   We initiated this segment on October 1, 2004, upon our acquisition of Security Plan. Revenues and segment income before tax are for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 only.

4


Table of Contents

Each operating business segment focuses on critical activities close to its target markets and customers, including marketing and customer support, while our centralized administrative staff provides support in key functions. At the corporate level, we stress disciplined underwriting and provide support services, including investment, information technology and other administrative and finance functions. This enables the operating business segments to focus on their target markets and distribution relationships while enjoying cost savings realized by operating these segments together.
Our Operating Segments
Our business is comprised of three primary operating business segments:
    International Life;
 
    Home Service Business (which we acquired on October 1, 2004, and as such, all 2004 income statement amounts are for one quarter only); and
 
    Domestic Life.
Prior to 2004 we operated a fourth segment, Domestic Health. We exited this area in 2004 through a coinsurance agreement effective January 1, 2004, with total health insurance revenues of $788,000 for the year, and a loss before income tax of $318,000 in 2004, and revenue of $900,000 for 2005, with a gain before tax of $98,000. We continue to have an insignificant amount of revenue in this area.
The following summary, representing revenues and pre-tax income from operations and identifiable assets for our segments, is as follows:
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Revenue
                       
International Life
  $ 79,675       72,886       63,346  
Home Service Business
    49,692       12,346        
Domestic Life
    14,048       16,806       18,020  
Domestic Health
    900       788       13,736  
 
                 
Total consolidated revenue
  $ 144,315       102,826       95,102  
 
                 
 
                       
Premiums and Annuity and Universal Life Consideration
                       
International Life
  $ 68,444       59,214       51,972  
Home Service Business
    37,720       9,587        
Domestic Life
    11,603       13,579       11,270  
Domestic Health
    900       788       14,785  
 
                 
Total consolidated premium income
  $ 118,667       83,168       78,027  
 
                 
 
                       
Net Investment Income
                       
International Life
  $ 10,142       11,414       9,540  
Home Service Business
    11,573       2,876        
Domestic Life
    1,853       2,715       4,594  
Domestic Health
                188  
 
                 
Total consolidated net investment income
  $ 23,568       17,005       14,322  
 
                 

5


Table of Contents

                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Income (loss) before federal income tax:
                       
International Life
  $ 5,762       8,841       4,960  
Home Service Business
    5,902       2,511        
Domestic Life
    34       (2,946 )     (302 )
Domestic Health
    98       (318 )     (1,369 )
 
                 
Total consolidated income before federal income tax
  $ 11,796       8,088       3,289  
 
                 
                 
    December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Assets:
               
International Life
  $ 233,530       225,360  
Home Service Business
    300,946       298,396  
Domestic Life
    115,321       123,160  
Domestic Health
    12,092       14,295  
 
           
Total
  $ 661,889       661,211  
 
           
The following table categorizes our U.S. and non-U.S. revenues:
                         
    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Revenue:
                       
U.S.
  $ 64,640       29,940       31,757  
Non-U.S.
    79,675       72,886       63,346  
 
                 
Total consolidated revenue
  $ 144,315       102,826       95,103  
 
                 
International Life
The acceptance of applications for U.S. dollar denominated ordinary whole life insurance from significant net worth foreign nationals is the foundation upon which we have built our Company. For over the past 30 years, we have participated in the foreign marketplace. We believe positive attributes of our international insurance market include:
    policies are typically larger face amounts than in the U.S. resulting in lower underwriting and administrative costs per policy;
 
    the premiums are paid annually rather than monthly or quarterly, which saves us administrative expenses and accelerates our cash flow;
 
    persistency is higher than U.S. policies;

6


Table of Contents

    the mortality is as good or better than that experienced in the U.S. because our insureds are in the top income brackets in their countries;
 
    the marketing consultants from whom applications are received are highly professional;
 
    we do not advance any commissions relating to this business, so we do not have financial exposure in the event monies are advanced and insurance revenues do not cover the advances; and
 
    the profit margins are higher for us than for typical U.S. policies.
Due to our significant experience in this segment we have implemented numerous policies and procedures to reduce the risks of asset losses. We have no offices, employees or assets outside of the U.S. All of our premiums from outside of the U.S. must be paid in U.S. dollars through a U.S. financial institution. The policies we issue to foreign nationals are designed to alleviate risks inherent in such markets by containing limitations on benefits for certain causes of death, such as homicide. In addition, we have developed disciplined underwriting criteria over many years which include background review of potential marketing consultants, through medical reviews of applicants, including retention of medical doctors who perform detailed medical examinations as well as background and reference checks on applicants. Also, we have a claims policy which requires an investigation of substantially all death claims.
Through our primary insurance company subsidiary, CICA LIFE Insurance Company of America (“CICA”), formerly Citizens Insurance Company of America, we make available ordinary whole life products to significant net worth foreign nationals through contracts with independent marketing organizations and independent marketing consultants. The number of our independent consultants has expanded over the years in this segment to approximately 3,100, and the number of countries from which applications are received is increasing. Historically, the majority of our International Life business has come from Latin America. However, in 2004 the Pacific Rim began to represent a meaningful and growing source of new business, amounting to $2.6 million of issued and paid annualized premium. This increase was also evident in 2005, as issued and paid annualized premiums from this region were $4.1 million. Overall, International Life made up more than 57.7% of our total premium revenues in 2005 and 71.2% of such revenues in 2004.
The following table sets forth our total yearly percentages of annual collected premium income from our International Life segment for the years indicated:
                                                 
Country   2005     2004     2003  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Colombia
  $ 20,572       30.1 %   $ 18,487       31.2 %   $ 16,172       31.1 %
Argentina
    8,419       12.3       8,592       14.5       9,394       18.1  
Venezuela
    7,178       10.5       6,557       11.1       5,492       10.6  
Uruguay
    3,202       4.7       3,527       6.0       4,159       8.0  
Taiwan
    7,008       10.2       3,748       6.3       2,092       4.0  
Other Non-U.S.
    22,065       32.2       18,303       30.9       14,663       28.2  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 68,444       100.0 %   $ 59,214       100.0 %   $ 51,972       100.0 %
 
                                   

7


Table of Contents

The ordinary whole life policies issued by CICA on residents of foreign countries had an average face amount of approximately $58,000 at December 31, 2005. We accept applications for international insurance policies submitted by several outside marketing consulting firms and marketing consultants in markets pursuant to non-exclusive contracts. These persons specialize in marketing life insurance products to foreign nationals and generally have several years of experience marketing life insurance products. The outside firms provide recruitment, training and supervision of their managers and associates in the placement of U.S. dollar-denominated life insurance products; however, all associates of these firms contract directly with us and receive their compensation directly from us. Accordingly, should the arrangement between any outside marketing consulting firm and us be canceled for any reason, we believe we could continue suitable marketing arrangements with the associates of these outside firms without appreciable loss of present and future sales, as we have done in the past. There is, however, always a risk that insurance sales could decrease. Our standard agreement with individual marketing consultants provides that the consultant is the representative of the prospective insured. Our standard contract with outside marketing consulting firms provides that the firm has the responsibility for recruiting and training its associates. These firms guarantee any debts of their associates to us. In consideration for the services rendered, the firms receive a fee on all new policies placed by them or their associates.
Our foreign outside marketing consultants are independent contractors, responsible for their respective expenses, and are compensated based on a percentage of collected premiums. We encourage these consultants to place ordinary whole life insurance. With respect to our contracts with foreign marketing consulting firms, these firms receive overriding first year and renewal commissions on business written by associates under their supervision, and all marketing expenses related thereto, except sales conventions, are borne by these firms.
Our International Life segment is dependent on the non-U.S. markets for a significant percentage of its ongoing and new life insurance premium revenue. As a result, we are subject to potential risks with regard to the continued ability to write this business should adverse events occur in the countries from which we receive applications. For example, even though we do not conduct business in a foreign country and have no assets or employees in any country outside the U.S, a foreign government could take the position that its residents could not procure insurance through us. While such event has never occurred, if we were faced with such a situation, we could experience increased lapsation rates of our policies. Our policy lapse rate could also increase if funds that flow out of such countries were to become restricted. Based on more than 30 years experience in the marketplace in which we compete, management believes such risks are not significant. We require all premiums to be paid in the U.S. with U.S. dollars via drafts drawn on banks in the U.S., therefore, we are not subject to foreign regulation or restrictions on fund transfers, nor are we subject to currency devaluation or foreign appropriation. Management also believes that many of the inherent risks in foreign countries, such as political instability, inflation and economic disruptions, tend to improve rather than hurt our business over the long term because these risks encourage individuals to convert assets out of local currencies to the more stable U.S. dollar.
Our International Life business grew at a double-digit pace in 2005. New annualized issued and paid premiums from the international market increased by 25.7% during 2004 compared to 2003 and 17.9% during 2005 compared to 2004. The development of the markets in the Pacific Rim and the expansion of existing markets in Latin America contributed to the growth in international revenues. Beginning in 2002, we began

8


Table of Contents

expansion into the Pacific Rim, particularly Taiwan. We have established relationships with a number of marketing organizations in the Pacific Rim, and during 2004, we generated approximately $2.6 million of annualized issued and paid premium income from that region, and continued that growth with $4.1 million of annualized issued and paid premium in 2005. Additionally, in Brazil, which has never been a country from which large volumes of premiums were received, we began to develop new sales, adding $624,000 of new submitted premium income in 2004 and $1,009,000 during 2005. Overall, issued and paid new annualized premium income for 2005 from the international markets totaled $18.6 million, compared to $15.8 million in 2004 and $12.6 million in 2003. We expect to emphasize growth in this segment for the foreseeable future.
Home Service
On October 1, 2004, following the acquisition of Security Plan Life Insurance Company (“Security Plan”), a new segment, Home Service Business, was established.
Security Plan, which has conducted its operations since 1948, focuses on the life insurance needs of the lower income market in Louisiana. Its policies, which are predominantly ordinary whole life products, provide a means of taking care of individuals’ final expenses, primarily consisting of funeral and other burial costs. The policies are sold and serviced through the home service marketing distribution system utilizing employee-agents who work on a route system to collect premiums and service policyholders. All business has been written in Louisiana, where Security Plan is one of the leading writers of life insurance in the home service business. Security Plan’s premium writings have been supplemented by the acquisition of life insurance policies from numerous companies in its history.
Because of the type of business Security Plan writes, the average life insurance policy face amount in force is relatively small – approximately $1,500 per policy in 2005 – the underwriting performed on these applications is limited due to the small average face amount.
Security Plan’s book of premium income decreased each year for the past five years. Management has replaced Security Plan’s marketing leadership and believes that the new emphasis on sales can halt the shrinkage in the premium income and serve as a base from which to expand the home service business, although the hurricanes which hit Louisiana in 2005 resulted in a delay in implementing this strategy.
Security Plan owns a subsidiary, Security Plan Fire Insurance Company (“SPFIC”), which provides property and casualty coverage to lower income residents of Louisiana. SPFIC utilizes the same employees/agents as Security Plan. The maximum coverage on any one dwelling is $20,000 and content coverage is limited to $10,000. At December 31, 2005, SPFIC had total assets of approximately $7 million and annual revenues of $3.7 million. We expect to utilize SPFIC to augment Security Plan’s insurance sales.
Domestic Life
Our Domestic Life segment consists of ordinary whole life, credit life insurance, credit disability insurance, and final expense policies, and is sold primarily throughout the Midwest and southern U.S. The majority of our Domestic Life business is the result of acquisitions of domestic life insurance companies since 1987. We conduct our Domestic Life business primarily through four operating life insurance subsidiaries.

9


Table of Contents

We seek to serve middle-income American families through the sale of cash accumulation ordinary whole life insurance products. In 2004, we began emphasizing the development of a sales force comprised primarily of part-time, second career sales associates (such as teachers, coaches, community leaders and others in small communities outside of major metropolitan areas). However, product sales to date have been disappointing, and combined with high lapsation rates on existing business, have resulted in decreased premium income in 2005 compared to 2004.
Total domestic life and disability premium income for 2005 (excluding our Home Service segment) amounted to $11.6 million, compared to $13.6 million in 2004 and $11.3 million in 2003. Management intends to broaden the portfolio of products to include many of the features of our ordinary life policies that we issue to foreign nationals, and expects these policies to be in place in 2006.
Our domestic underwriting policy requires a medical examination of applicants for ordinary insurance in excess of certain prescribed limits. These limits are graduated according to the age of the applicant and the amount of insurance.
The following table sets forth our total yearly direct premium received (as opposed to earned) percentage of domestic life and disability premium income by state for the years indicated, including domestic life, domestic health and annuity.
                                                 
State   2005     2004     2003  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Texas
  $ 9,172       38.6 %   $ 10,212       36.9 %   $ 10,548       35.6 %
Kentucky
    2,936       12.3       4,377       15.8       5,636       19.0  
Oklahoma
    3,481       14.6       4,262       15.4       4,687       15.8  
Mississippi
    1,658       7.0       1,811       6.5       2,021       6.8  
Other States
    6,545       27.5       7,029       25.4       6,749       22.8  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 23,792       100.0 %   $ 27,691       100.0 %   $ 29,641       100.0 %
 
                                   
Our Products
International Life
We offer several ordinary whole life insurance products designed to meet the needs of our non-U.S. policy owners through our Millennia 2000 Series. These policies have been structured to provide:
    U.S.-dollar denominated living cash values;
 
    rates that are competitive with or better than most foreign local companies;
 
    a hedge against local currency inflation;
 
    protection against devaluation of foreign currency;
 
    capital transference to a safe haven (U.S.);
 
    lifetime income;
 
    tax-free earnings on cash build-up; and
 
    cash values beginning in the first policy year.

10


Table of Contents

Our Millennia 2000 Series’ products have living benefit features: every policy contains guaranteed cash values and is participating (i.e., receiving an annual cash dividend). The major portion of each premium payment goes toward building guaranteed cash values, while a lesser portion goes toward trust value building. Once the policy owner pays the annual premium and the policy is issued, we immediately pay a cash dividend to the owner. The policy owner has several options with regard to the dividend, including the right to assign the dividends to a third-party trust account, along with an annual policy Retirement Fund Benefit.
Home Service
The products of Security Plan are small face amount ordinary whole life policies which are designed to provide a means to taking care of final expenses for the insured, primarily consisting of funeral and burial costs. The policies in effect are those of many small companies that Security Plan has acquired over many years. We intend to continue to market these types of small face amount policies.
Domestic Life
Our domestic products focus primarily on living needs, and provide death benefits as a side effect of accumulating money for the insured. Our domestic life insurance policies are designed to provide for:
    cash accumulation/living benefits;
 
    tax-deferred interest earnings;
 
    guaranteed lifetime income at age 65;
 
    monthly income for loved ones;
 
    significant accidental death benefits; and
 
    payment waiver in the event of disability.
Our life insurance products are sold through our Fortune Builder plan, which has been designed to address the issue of outliving an insured’s monthly income, and at the same time, provide death benefits in case of an early demise. The primary purpose of our Fortune Builder plan is to help the insured create capital for needs such as retirement income, children’s higher educational funds, business opportunities, emergencies and healthcare needs.
The uniqueness of the Fortune Builder capital accumulation plan lies in its living insurance provisions which place the emphasis on personally receiving large cash benefits. There are two guaranteed cash value living benefit components. Every Fortune Builder policy contains a cash value build-up account, plus an interest bearing annual annuity account. This dual cash build-up construction causes the major part of each payment to build up cash to provide for income for future use. The annuity is flexible, free of initiation cost with no surrender charges; in other words, an owner may deposit or withdraw funds in the annuity

11


Table of Contents

with no loss in value at any time. The basis of its growth in value is the money an insured pays in and compound interest earned over time.
Each year, beginning the second policy year, and annually thereafter the policy pays an annuity benefit, equal to approximately half of the annual premium, which is credited to a policy’s annuity account, which pays at a current interest rate of 5.0%. The policy owner may assign the annual benefits to create additional retirement income or educational funds. There are no surrender charges, no entry cost and an insured can put in as much as he or she wishes.
We are in the process of broadening out domestic policies to include many of the features of our policies with foreign nationals and expect the new policies to be in place in 2006.
Operations and Technology
Our administrative operations are conducted primarily at our executive offices in Austin, Texas through approximately 100 administrative, operating and underwriting personnel. Operations of Security Plan are conducted to a large degree from our support center in Donaldsonville, Louisiana through 80 operations personnel. At our offices we perform policy design, marketing oversight, underwriting, accounting, servicing backup and investment.
Our senior management has a history in insurance company operating system design and implementation. Beginning in the mid-1960’s, we developed a new operating system which has evolved continually since that time. We have a single data processing administrative system for our entire Company which is a sophisticated mainframe administrative system. We are presently converting Security Plan’s administrative system to our processing system. Functions of our administrative system include policy set up, several internal control functions, administration, billing and collections, valuation, storage backup and related tasks. Each company we acquire is converted into our administrative system. This system has been in place for several years, and we believe it is a significant asset to us. We update our administrative system on an ongoing basis. This system is also capable of significant expansion without substantial capital outlay or increase in staff. Therefore, we believe we can achieve additional growth without operating system upgrades, delays or failures or the addition of substantial amounts of staff.
Consolidated Information Regarding Our Insurance Business
The following tables set forth certain statistical information on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. concerning our operations for each of the five years ended December 31, 2005.
The following table sets forth certain information about our direct life insurance in force on a yearly comparative basis.

12


Table of Contents

                                         
            New            
    In Force,   Business   Claims, Lapses,        
    Beginning   Issued   Surrenders   Acquisitions   In Force,
    of Year   During Year   During Year   During Year   End of Year
    (In millions)
2005
  $ 3,513       618       (444 )           3,687  
2004
    2,435       541       (445 )     982       3,513  
2003
    2,090       422       (349 )     272       2,435  
2002
    1,977       390       (355 )     78       2,090  
2001
    1,914       346       (283 )           1,977  
The following table sets forth consolidated (i) gross life insurance in force and (ii) mean life insurance in force.
                         
    In Force           Mean Life
    Beginning   In Force   Insurance In
    of Year   End of Year   Force
    (a)   (a)   (a)
    (In millions)
2005
  $ 3,513       3,687       3,600  
2004
    2,435       3,513       2,974  
2003
    2,090       2,435       2,263  
2002
    1,977       2,090       2,034  
2001
    1,914       1,977       1,946  
 
(a)   Before assuming and ceding reinsurance from reinsurers.
The 2005 growth over 2004 represented the increased volume of new business written and improvements in persistency on policies issued to foreign nationals. The acquisition of Security Plan in October 2004 added approximately $982 million to the life insurance in force at year end, with the remainder of the increase in 2004 reflecting growth in out International Life segment. Increased issuance of new policies coupled with acquisitions contributed to the growth in insurance in force in 2003 compared to 2002. An acquisition in 2002 contributed to the increase in insurance in force in 2002 compared to 2001.
The following table sets forth (i) the ratio of lapses and surrenders to mean life insurance in force and (ii) life reinsurance ceded.
                                 
                    Reinsurance Ceded
            Ratio ofLapses        
            and Surrenders   Gross   Reinsurance
    Lapses and   to Mean in   Amount of   Premium
    Surrenders   Force   Reinsurance   Ceded
    (Dollars in thousands)
2005
  $ 339,430       9.4 %   $ 221,793     $ 1,907  
2004
    248,533       8.4       265,001       1,001  
2003
    217,888       9.6       301,366       1,382  
2002
    177,227       8.7       152,103       1,321  
2001
    113,482       5.8       206,386       1,723  

13


Table of Contents

Lapses and surrenders increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to Security Plan’s inclusion for the entire year. Reinsurance declined because of a decrease in the average face amount of international policies issued. The significant increase in 2004 ceded premium compared to 2003 related to the 100% cession of the in-force accident and health premiums to another carrier. The decline in ceded premium in 2003 compared to 2002 was related to the termination of a substantial portion of the major medical business acquired with an acquisition. Lapsation and surrender activity attributed to policyholders of two companies we acquired in 2003, contributed approximately $39.6 million to the increase in 2003 lapses and surrenders. The decline in ceded premium in 2002 compared to 2001 related to an increase in our retention from $75,000 on one life to $100,000 thereon. As described above, the uncertain economic climate in Latin American countries contributed to the increased lapsation and surrender activity in 2002 compared to 2001.
The following table sets forth information with respect to our total insurance premiums.
                                                 
    Ordinary   Annuity &           Group   Accident &    
    Life (a)   Universal Life   Casualty   Life   Health (a)   Total
    (In thousands)
2005
  $ 109,891       3,021       3,627       567       1,560       118,667  
2004
    77,111       3,520       1,113       636       788       83,168  
2003
    60,395       2,384             464       14,785       78,027  
2002
    54,033       283             420       13,474       68,211  
2001
    48,142       217             544       5,060       53,963  
 
(a)   After deduction for reinsurance ceded.
The substantial growth in 2005 compared to 2004 was due to the inclusion of Security Plan for the entire year. In comparing 2004 to 2003, the decline in accident and health premium as a result of the cession of the business to another carrier was offset by increases in our international business and the acquisition of Security Plan. The casualty premiums in 2004 resulted from the acquisition of Security Plan, which has a small casualty company and reflects the quarter ended December 31, 2004 only. The 2003 premium increase over 2002 was related to increased new life revenues and the acquisitions of two domestic life insurance companies. The 2002 increase in accident and health premiums compared to 2001 was attributable to a domestic life insurance company acquisition.
The following table sets forth information relating to the ratio of our underwriting and other expenses to insurance revenues.
                                         
                            Commissions, Underwriting and Operating
                            Expenses, Policy Reserve Increases,
            Commissions, Underwriting and   Policyholder Benefits and Dividends to
            Operating Expenses   Policyholders
    Insurance           Ratio to            
    Premiums           Insurance           Ratio to Insurance
    (a)   Amount (a)   Premiums   Amount (a)   Premiums  
    (Dollars in thousands)
2005
  $ 118,667     $ 58,414       49.2 %   $ 140,713       118.6 %
2004
    83,168       38,665       46.5       98,840       118.9  
2003
    78,027       37,201       47.7       89,455       114.7  
2002
    68,211       31,411       46.1       79,320       116.3  
2001
    53,963       24,085       44.6       63,253       117.2  
 
(a)   After premiums ceded to reinsurers.

14


Table of Contents

During 2005, operating expenses increased compared to 2004 due to the inclusion of Security Plan for the entire year. In 2004, expense reductions resulted in improvement in the ratio of expenses to premiums compared to 2003; however, the claims incurred by Security Plan caused the overall expense and benefit ratio to increase slightly. Because of the nature of Security Plan’s business, a high benefit ratio is not unusual. During 2003, increased new life revenues from new business and two domestic life insurance company acquisitions resulted in decreases in the ratio of benefits compared to 2002; however, the expenses of these two acquisitions resulted in increases in the ratios of expenses to premiums. During 2002, increased new life revenues and increased accident and health premiums attributable to an acquisition resulted in decreases in the ratio of benefits to premiums compared to 2001; however, the expenses associated with conversion efforts and the administration of the accident and health business increased the ratio of expenses to premiums.
The following table sets forth changes in the face amount of new life insurance business produced between participating and non-participating policies. Dividends paid on participating policies are at the discretion of the insurance company issuing the policy.
                                         
            Participating   Non-participating
    Total New                
    Business   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent
    (Dollars in thousands)
2005
  $ 725,199     $ 399,008       55.0 %   $ 326,191       45.0 %
2004
    570,462       339,008       59.4       231,454       40.6  
2003
    433,697       266,303       61.4       167,394       38.6  
2002
    410,352       265,476       64.7       144,876       35.3  
2001
    346,132       235,847       68.1       110,285       31.9  
The 2004 purchase of Security Plan increased the percentage of non-participating business. During 2003, two acquisitions of domestic life insurance companies contributed to the increase in non-participating new business compared to 2002.
The following table sets forth changes in the face amount of new life insurance business issued according to policy types.
                                                         
            Whole Life        
    Total New   and Endowment   Term   Credit
    Business   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent
    (Dollars in thousands)
2005
  $ 725,199     $ 569,933       78.6 %   $ 79,025       10.9 %   $ 76,241       10.5 %
2004
    570,462       406,075       71.2       82,839       14.5       81,548       14.3  
2003
    433,697       297,280       68.5       76,637       17.7       59,780       13.8  
2002
    410,352       289,976       70.7       80,342       19.5       40,034       9.8  
2001
    346,132       238,765       69.0       71,900       20.8       35,467       10.2  
In 2005, Security Plan, whose business is virtually all whole life, was included for the entire year, plus new international policies grew significantly. In 2004, new life business, measured in paid, annualized premiums, increased 145% compared to the prior year. The

15


Table of Contents

addition of Security Plan, which contributed three months results, coupled with growth in CICA’s overseas business, increased the percentage of whole life insurance in force. The 2003 growth was slowed by the economic downturn in several Latin American countries. In 2002, new life business increased 17.7% compared to 2001 due to acquisitions and internal growth, while in 2003 the increase was 2.9% over the prior year.
The following table sets forth deferred policy acquisition costs capitalized and amortized compared to new life insurance business issued.
                         
    Total Face    
    Amount of New   Deferred Policy
    Business   Acquisition Costs
    Issued   Capitalized   Amortized
    (In thousands)
2005
  $ 725,199       24,388       10,313  
2004
    570,462       17,241       8,438  
2003
    433,697       16,558       11,807  
2002
    410,352       14,423       10,039  
2001
    346,132       11,112       8,568  
The 2005 growth in capitalized expenses and amortization compared to 2004 resulted from the inclusion of Security Plan for the full year and the increase in new international business. In 2004, persistency on our international business improved, contributing to lower amortization, as well as no amortization for the accident and health business that was ceded in 2004. Amortization expense in 2002 and 2003 increased over the prior year due to higher surrender activity.
Investments
State insurance statutes prescribe the quality and percentage of the various types of investments which may be made by insurance companies and generally permit investment in qualified state, municipal, federal and foreign government obligations, high quality corporate bonds, preferred and common stock, real estate and mortgage loans within certain specified percentages.
The administration of our investment portfolios is handled by management, with all trades approved by a committee of the respective boards of directors of our insurance company subsidiaries. The guidelines used require that bonds, both government and corporate, are of high quality and comprise a majority of the investment portfolio. The assets selected are intended to mature in accordance with the average maturity of the insurance products and to provide the cash flow for our insurance company subsidiaries to meet their respective policyholder obligations.
Valuation of Investments in Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
At December 31, 2005, investments in fixed maturity and equity securities were 94.5% of our total investments. Approximately 98.3% of our fixed maturities were classified as available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2005, with the remaining 1.7% classified as held-to-maturity securities based upon our intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. We had no fixed maturity or equity securities that are classified as trading securities at December 31, 2005.

16


Table of Contents

At December 31, 2005, 63.3% of our fixed maturity securities were invested in securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.
We evaluate the carrying value of our fixed maturity and equity securities at least quarterly. A decline in the fair value of any fixed maturity or equity security below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. The new cost basis is not changed for subsequent recoveries in the fair value of the fixed maturity or equity security. With the exception of Security Plan, virtually all subsidiaries’ investments are in bonds that carry the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. Security Plan has significant investments in corporate and municipal bonds. Based upon our emphasis on investing in fixed maturity securities primarily composed of obligations of U.S. government sponsored corporations, U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of the U.S. government and agencies and our analysis whether declines in fair value below cost are temporary or other than temporary, management believes that our investments in fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2005 are not impaired, and no “other than temporary losses” need to be recorded.
Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale amounted to $10,460,000 as of December 31, 2005 and $3,857,000 as of December 31, 2004 due primarily to increases in interest rates.
The following table summarizes the composition of our investment portfolio and cash and cash equivalents.
                 
    December 31, 2005  
            Percent of Total  
    Carrying Value     Carrying Value  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Fixed Maturity Securities:
               
U.S. government and government agencies (1)
  $ 238,097       47.3 %
Mortgage-backed(1)
    51,578       10.2  
Corporate
    111,591       22.2  
Municipal bonds
    56,305       11.2  
 
           
Total fixed maturity securities
    457,571       90.9  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    18,311       3.6  
Other investments:
               
Policy loans
    23,918       4.8  
Equity securities
    610       0.1  
Mortgage loans
    833       0.2  
Other invested assets
    1,879       0.4  
 
           
Total
  $ 503,122       100.0 %
 
           
 
(1)   U.S. Government and government agencies include U.S. Government Agency securities ($24,866,000) and private corporations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises ($264,809,000).
The following table shows the distribution of the contractual maturities of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities by carrying value as of December 31, 2005. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties:

17


Table of Contents

                 
    Fixed maturities held-to-maturity  
    Amortized        
    cost     Fair value  
Due after ten years
  $ 7,639,505     $ 9,143,212  
 
           
                 
    Fixed maturities available-for-sale  
    Amortized        
    cost     Fair value  
Due in one year or less
  $ 15,130,057       14,944,322  
Due after one year through five years
    39,676,838       38,641,376  
Due after five years through ten years
    31,692,412       30,939,025  
Due after ten years
    316,534,810       313,828,531  
 
           
 
    403,034,117       398,353,254  
Securities not due at a single maturity date
    54,352,226       51,577,913  
 
           
Totals
  $ 457,386,343       449,931,167  
 
           
The securities not due at a single maturity date are obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.
At December 31, 2005, the average duration of our investment portfolio was 8.2 years.
The following table sets forth the mean amount of our invested assets and net investment income from our investment portfolio.
                         
                    Ratio of Net
                    Investment Income
Year Ended   Mean Amount of   Net Investment   to Mean Amount
December 31,   Invested Assets   Income (a)   of Invested Assets (a)
         (In thousands)
2005
  $ 480,306     $ 23,568       4.9 %
2004
    375,495       17,005       4.5  
2003
    250,598       14,322       5.7  
2002
    216,352       14,252       6.6  
2001
    200,450       13,296       6.6  
 
(a)   Does not include realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments.
In 2005, Security Plan was included for the entire year; however, available returns in the bond market remained low. In 2004, only Security Plan’s investment income for the fourth quarter was included, leading to a further decline in percentage return. During 2003, the low interest rates available on newly invested money relative to prior years and the significant call activity on the bonds owned negatively impacted our net investment income compared to 2002 and 2001. During 2002 we were able to maintain our investment yield by continuing to place less emphasis on government guaranteed pass-through instruments and more emphasis on investments in callable instruments issued by U.S. government agencies.

18


Table of Contents

Reserves
Our insurance subsidiaries established liabilities for policyholders’ account balances and future policy benefits to meet obligations on various policies and contracts. Reserves for policyholders’ account balances for investment-type policies are equal to cumulative account balances consisting of deposits plus credited interest, less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals. Future policy benefits for ordinary life products are computed on the net level premium method, which utilizes assumed investment yields, mortality, persistency, morbidity and expenses (including a margin for adverse deviation). These reserves are established at the time of issuance of a policy and generally vary by product, year of issue and policy duration. We periodically review both reserve assumptions and policyholder liabilities. In addition, we retain an independent actuary to review our reserves on a quarterly basis and provide reports thereon.
Reinsurance
As is customary among insurance companies, our insurance company subsidiaries reinsures with other companies portions of the life insurance risks they underwrite. The primary purpose of reinsurance agreements is to enable an insurance company to reduce the amount of risk on any particular policy and, by reinsuring the amount exceeding the maximum amount the insurance company is willing to retain, to write policies in amounts larger than it could without such agreements. Even though a portion of the risk may be reinsured, our insurance company subsidiaries remain liable to perform all the obligations imposed by the policies issued by them and could be liable if their reinsurers were unable to meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements.
Insurance Ceded
CICA retains up to $100,000 of risk on any one person. As of December 31, 2005, the aggregate amount of life insurance ceded was $209,441,000 or 6.5% of its total direct and assumed life insurance in force, and at December 31, 2004 was $171,283,000 or 5.3% of its direct insurance in force. CICA is contingently liable with respect to ceded insurance should any reinsurer be unable to meet the obligations reinsured.
CICA has in effect automatic reinsurance agreements with nonaffiliated reinsurers that provide for cessions of ordinary insurance from CICA. These treaties provide for both automatic and facultative reinsurance of standard and substandard risks ceded to them by CICA for life, accident and health and supplemental benefits above CICA’s retention limit on a yearly renewable term, or coinsurance basis. Automatic cession means that so long as the risk is within the limits of the reinsurance agreement the reinsurer must assume the risk. Facultative cases are subject to specific underwriting approval of the reinsurer.
Since 2003, CICA has obtained reinsurance with Worldwide Reassurance of England (Worldwide) and Converium Ruckversicherung Deutschland Ag of Germany (Converium). At December 31, 2005, CICA had ceded $49,416,000 in face amount of insurance to Worldwide and $9,113,000 to Converium. Prior to that time, CICA had outside reinsurance from Employers Reassurance (ERC), American United Life Insurance Company (AUL) and Businessmen’s Assurance (BMA). The former reinsurers retain their risk on business previously ceded.

19


Table of Contents

At December 31, 2005, CICA had ceded $48,553,000 in face amount of insurance to ERC, $20,111,000 to Riunione Adriatica di Sicurta of Italy, a predecessor to AUL, $14,066,000 to BMA, $22,388,000 to AUL and $45,546,000 to Optimum Re.
In late 2002, AUL notified CICA that it would no longer be accepting new reinsurance business effective January 1, 2003, as a result of being purchased by ERC, which was owned by General Electric. Subsequently, ERC indicated a desire to withdraw from the international reinsurance market because of a decision on the part of its new parent.
Worldwide and Converium are unauthorized reinsurers in the state of Colorado. However, they have each agreed in writing to provide a letter of credit issued by a U.S. Bank in the amount of any liabilities they may incur under the reinsurance agreements with CICA in the event that a reinsurance credit is significant. There were no such significant credits as of December 31, 2005, and no letter of credit was necessary or provided.
In addition, a reinsurance treaty with Swiss Re Life & Health America, Inc. (Swiss Re) covers all of CICA’s accidental death insurance supplementing its life insurance policies. These cessions are on a yearly renewable term basis and occur automatically if total accidental death benefits known to CICA are less than $250,000 or otherwise on a facultative review basis. At December 31, 2005, CICA had ceded $1.3 billion of supplemental life insurance benefits to Swiss Re under this treaty.
Effective January 1, 2004, CICA entered into a coinsurance agreement with Texas International Life Insurance Company (TILIC), an unaffiliated party, whereby TILIC administers and reinsures all of CICA’s non-credit accident and health business. TILIC has applied to the Texas Department of Insurance to have the assumption of this business approved. Negotiations were underway as of December 31, 2005, with the assuming party to sell CNLIC, which represents approximately 70.0% of ceded business. A formal contract was signed in the first quarter of 2006. The remaining 30% of business will continue to cede under the same contract.
CICA monitors the solvency of its reinsurers in seeking to minimize the risk of loss in the event of a failure by a reinsurer. The primary reinsurers of CICA are large, well capitalized entities.
Consistent with the general practice in the life insurance industry, Security Plan has reinsured portions of the coverage provided by its insurance products with other non-affiliated insurance companies. Insurance is ceded principally to reduce net liability on individual risks, to provide protection against large losses and to obtain a greater diversification of risk. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer from its primary liability for the full amount of policies reinsured, it does make the reinsurers liable to the insurer to the fullest extent of the reinsurance ceded.
Security Plan seeks to enter into reinsurance treaties with well capitalized insurers. Its policy is to use reinsurers who, in the opinion of management, have significant levels of capital and surplus. We believe that we have established appropriate reinsurance coverage based upon our net retained insured liabilities compared to our surplus. Based on a review of our reinsurers’ financial positions and reputations in the reinsurance marketplace, we believe that our reinsurers are financially sound. In addition, Security Plan maintains a coinsurance agreement with the former parent of Security Plan on a closed block of business and with other carriers as necessary that represents less than 1% of total business

20


Table of Contents

in force. The total face amounts ceded at December 31, 2005 was $6.4 million or less than 1% of Security Plan’s insurance force. Security Plan also maintains agreements with unaffiliated reinsurers to provide catastrophe coverage in the event of a significant loss.
SPFIC had reinsurance agreements in place to protect it from catastrophic events such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that struck Louisiana in 2005. The agreements in place during 2005 provided that SPFIC bore responsibility for the first $250,000 of incurred claims. Reinsurers indemnified SPFIC for losses in excess of $250,000 up to $7.1 million per event. Any amount over that was SPFIC’s responsibility. The Company incurred claims of $749,583 in excess of $7.1 million on Hurricane Katrina. Once the cap was met, SPFIC had an opportunity to pay for “2nd event” coverage, upon payment of approximately $400,000 in premium. SPFIC elected to do so and the claims for Hurricane Rita were covered under this second event reinsurance. Through December 31, 2005, claims related to Hurricane Rita were approximately $3.7 million and were 100% reinsured. We do not expect the claims for Hurricane Rita to exceed our reinsurers’ limits. For calendar year 2006, SPFIC elected to increase the amount of 1st event catastrophe reinsurance to $10 million and raise the deductible to $500,000 by paying an annual premium of $798,750.
Insurance Assumed
At December 31, 2005, CICA had in-force reinsurance assumed as follows:
                 
            Amount  
    Type of     in force at  
    Business     end of year  
Name of Company   Assumed     (In thousands)  
Prudential Insurance Company (Prudential)
  Group Life   $ 592,636  
The reinsurance agreement with Prudential provides for CICA to assume a portion of the insurance under a group insurance policy issued by Prudential to the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs. CICA’s portion of the total insurance under the policy is allocated to CICA in accordance with the criteria established by the administrator.
Competition
The life insurance business is highly competitive, and we compete with a large number of stock and mutual life companies both internationally and domestically as well as from financial institutions which offer insurance products. There are more than 1,000 other life insurance companies in the U.S., some of which we also provide insurance to foreign nationals.
International Market. A large percentage of our first year and renewal life insurance premium income comes from the international market. Given the significance of our international business, the variety of markets in which we make ordinary whole-life insurance available and the impact that economic changes have on these foreign markets, it is not possible to ascertain our competitive position. Our international marketing plan stresses making available dollar-denominated life insurance products to significant net worth individuals residing around the world. We experience competition primarily from the following sources:

21


Table of Contents

Locally Operated Companies with Local Currency Policies. We compete with companies formed and operated in the country in which the insureds reside.
However, because our premiums must be paid in U.S. dollars drawn on U.S. banks, and we pay claims in U.S. dollars, we have a different clientele and product than foreign-domiciled companies. Our products are usually acquired by persons in the top income of their respective countries. The policies sold by foreign companies are offered broadly and are priced based on the mortality of the entire populace of the respective geographic region. Because of the predominance of lower incomes in most of these countries, the mortality experience tends to be very high on the average compared to the U.S., causing mortality charges that are considered unreasonable based on the life mortality experience of the upper income of the local population.
Additionally, the assets that back up the policies issued by foreign companies are substantially invested in the respective countries, and thus, are exposed to the inflationary risks and economic crises that historically have impacted many foreign countries. Another reason that we experience an advantage is that many of our policyholders desire to transfer capital out of their countries due to the perceived financial strength and security of the U.S.
U.S. Companies issuing U.S. Dollar Policies. We also face direct competition from companies that operate in the same manner as we do. We compete using our history of performance and our products.
Competitors in our international markets include National Western Life Insurance Company, Best Meridian Insurance Company and to a lesser extent, Pan American Life and AIG, although these companies tend to focus on non-traditional life insurance and annuities.
Foreign Operated Companies with Local Currency Policies. Another group of competitors consists of companies which are foreign to the countries in which the policies are sold but use the local currencies of those countries. These competitors include a number of large U.S. issuers who maintain foreign brackets. Local currency policies entail risk of uncertainty due to local currency fluctuations as well as the perceived instability and weakness of local currencies. We have observed that local currency policies, whether issued by foreign or locally operated companies, tend to focus on universal life insurance and annuities instead of whole life insurance as we do.
Some companies may be deemed to have a competitive advantage due to histories of successful operations and large agency forces. Management believes that its experience, combined with the special features of CICA’s unique policies, allows CICA to compete effectively in pursuing new business.
Home Service. Security Plan faces competition in Louisiana with a handful of other companies who specialize in home service distribution of insurance. Competitors include Presidential Life, Monumental Life and Union National Life. Security Plan also competes indirectly with other domestic life insurance companies operating in Louisiana.
Domestic Market. The life insurance industry in the U.S. is a mature industry which, in recent years, has experienced no growth in life insurance sales. Competition has also increased because the life insurance industry is consolidating, with larger, more effective organizations emerging from consolidation. Furthermore, mutual insurance companies are

22


Table of Contents

converting to stock ownership, which should give them greater access to capital markets, resulting in greater competition with respect to corporate finance as well. Additionally, legislation became effective in 2000 permitting commercial banks, insurance companies and investment banks to combine. This law permits, for instance, a commercial bank to acquire or form an insurance company. These factors increased competitive pressures in general. Because of our limited nature of domestic marketing activities, there are no readily identifiable domestic competitors.
Many life insurance companies have greater financial resources, longer business histories, and more diversified lines of insurance coverage than we do. These companies also generally have larger sales forces. We also face competition from companies marketing in person as well as with direct mail sales campaigns. Although we may be at a competitive disadvantage to these entities, we believe that our products are competitive in the marketplace. We believe that our premium rates and policies are generally competitive with those of other life insurance companies selling similar types of ordinary life insurance, many of which are larger than we are.
Employees
We have 200 administrative, underwriting and operations employees, including our management, and we have approximately 350 employee agents who work exclusively for Security Plan. We consider our employee relationships to be good.
Other Operations
We have several small operations conducted through subsidiaries that are not material to our business, including a funeral home in Baker, Louisiana, an aircraft and a data processing operation.
REGULATION
General
Our U.S. insurance operations are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations. State insurance laws regulate most aspects of our U.S. insurance businesses, and our insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the insurance departments of each the states in which they are licensed. Our insurance products and thus our businesses also are affected by U.S. federal, state and local tax laws.
The purpose of the laws and regulations which affect our insurance business is primarily to protect our insureds and not our stockholders. Many of the laws and regulations to which we are subject are regularly re-examined, and existing or future laws and regulations may become more restrictive or otherwise adversely affect our operations.
In addition, insurance regulatory authorities (including state law enforcement agencies and attorneys general) periodically \make inquiries and regularly conduct examinations regarding compliance by us and our subsidiaries with insurance, and other laws and regulations regarding the conduct of our insurance businesses. We cooperate with such inquiries and examinations and take corrective action when warranted.

23


Table of Contents

Many of our independent agents also operate in regulated environments. Changes in the regulations that affect their operations also may affect our business relationships with them and their ability to purchase or to distribute our products.
At the present time, our insurance subsidiaries are collectively licensed to transact business in 27 states. We have insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the states of Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas.
U.S. Insurance Regulation
Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are licensed and regulated in all jurisdictions in which they conduct insurance business. The extent of this regulation varies, but most jurisdictions have laws and regulations governing the financial condition of insurers, including standards of solvency, types and concentration of investments, establishment and maintenance of reserves, credit for reinsurance and requirements of capital adequacy, and the business conduct of insurers, including marketing and sales practices and claims handling. In addition, statutes and regulations usually require the licensing of insurers and their agents, the approval of policy forms and related materials and the approval of rates for certain types of insurance products.
The types of U.S. insurance laws and regulations applicable to us or our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are described in more detail below.
Insurance holding company regulation
All U.S. jurisdictions in which our U.S. insurance subsidiaries conduct insurance business have enacted legislation that requires each U.S. insurance company in a holding company system, except captive insurance companies, to register with the insurance regulatory authority of its jurisdiction of domicile and to furnish that regulatory authority financial and other information concerning the operations of, and the interrelationships and transactions among, companies within its holding company system that may materially affect the operations, management or financial condition of the insurers within the system. These laws and regulations also regulate transactions between insurance companies and their parents and affiliates. Generally, these laws and regulations require that all transactions within a holding company system between an insurer and its affiliates be fair and reasonable and that the insurer’s statutory surplus following any transaction with an affiliate be both reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and adequate to its financial needs. Statutory surplus is the excess of admitted assets over the sum of statutory liabilities and capital. For certain types of agreements and transactions between an insurer and its affiliates, these laws and regulations require prior notification to, and non-disapproval or approval by, the insurance regulatory authority of the insurer’s jurisdiction of domicile.
Policy forms
Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries’ policy forms are subject to regulation in every U.S. jurisdiction in which such subsidiaries are licensed to transact insurance business. In most U.S. jurisdictions, policy forms must be filed prior to their use. In some U.S. jurisdictions, forms must also be approved prior to use.

24


Table of Contents

Dividend limitations
The payment of dividends or other distributions to us by our U.S. insurance subsidiaries is regulated by the insurance laws and regulations of their respective states of domicile. In general, an insurance company subsidiary may not pay an “extraordinary” dividend or distribution until 30 days after the applicable insurance regulator has received notice of the intended payment and has not objected in such period or has approved the payment within the 30-day period. In general, an “extraordinary” dividend or distribution is defined by these laws and regulations as a dividend or distribution that, together with other dividends and distributions made within the preceding 12 months exceeds the greater (or, in some jurisdictions, the lesser) of:
    10% of the insurer’s statutory surplus as of the immediately prior year end; or
 
    the statutory net gain from the insurer’s operations (if a life insurer) or the statutory net income (if not a life insurer) during the prior calendar year.
The laws and regulations of some of these jurisdictions also prohibit an insurer from declaring or paying a dividend except out of its earned surplus or require the insurer to obtain regulatory approval before it may do so. In addition, insurance regulators may prohibit the payment of ordinary dividends or other payments by our insurance subsidiaries to us (such as a payment under a tax sharing agreement or for employee or other services) if they determine that such payment could be adverse to our policyholders or contract holders.
Market conduct regulation
The laws and regulations of U.S. jurisdictions include numerous provisions governing the marketplace activities of insurers, including provisions governing the form and content of disclosure to consumers, product illustrations, advertising, product replacement, sales and underwriting practices, complaint handling and claims handling. The regulatory authorities in U.S. jurisdictions generally enforce these provisions through periodic market conduct examinations. These examinations may be conducted by a single state or by multiple states (“association” exams).
Financial examinations
As part of their regulatory oversight process, insurance departments in U.S. jurisdictions also conduct periodic detailed examinations of the books, records, accounts and financial practices of insurers domiciled in their jurisdictions. These examinations generally are conducted in cooperation with the insurance departments of two or three other states or jurisdictions, representing each of the NAIC zones, under guidelines promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). In the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, we have not received any material adverse findings resulting from any insurance department examinations of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries.
Guaranty funds or associations
Most of the jurisdictions in which our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are licensed to transact business require life insurers doing business within the jurisdiction to participate in guaranty funds or associations, which are established by state law, subject to regulation by the state insurance department and are organized to pay, subject to statutory limits,

25


Table of Contents

conditions, and priorities, contractual benefits owed pursuant to insurance policies of insurers who become impaired or insolvent. These funds or associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular jurisdiction on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer is engaged. Some jurisdictions permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets.
Aggregate assessments levied against our U.S. insurance subsidiaries were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Although the amount and timing of future assessments are not predictable, we have established liabilities for guaranty fund assessments that we consider adequate for assessments with respect to insurers that currently are subject to insolvency proceedings.
Change of control
The laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are domiciled require that a person obtain the approval of the insurance commissioner of the insurance company’s jurisdiction of domicile prior to acquiring control of the insurer. Generally, such laws provide that control over an insurer is presumed to exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing, 10% or more of the voting securities of the insurer. In considering an application to acquire control of an insurer, the insurance commissioner generally will consider such factors as the experience, competence and financial strength of the applicant, the integrity of the applicant’s board of directors and executive officers, the acquirer’s plans for the management and operation of the insurer, and any anti-competitive results that may arise from the acquisition. In addition, a person seeking to acquire control of an insurance company is required in some states to make filings prior to completing an acquisition if the acquirer and the target insurance company and their affiliates have sufficiently large market shares in particular lines of insurance in those states. Approval of an acquisition is not required in these states, but the state insurance departments could take action to impose conditions on an acquisition that could delay or prevent its consummation. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control involving us, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable.
Policy and contract reserve sufficiency analysis
Under the laws and regulations of their jurisdictions of domicile, our U.S. life insurance subsidiaries are required to conduct annual analyses of the sufficiency of their life insurance and annuity statutory reserves. In addition, other jurisdictions in which these subsidiaries are licensed may have certain reserve requirements that differ from those of their domiciliary jurisdictions. In each case, a qualified actuary must submit an opinion that states that the aggregate statutory reserves, when considered in light of the assets held with respect to such reserves, make good and sufficient provision for the associated contractual obligations and related expenses of the insurer. If such an opinion cannot be provided, the affected insurer must set up additional reserves by moving funds from surplus. Our U.S. life insurance subsidiaries submit these opinions annually to applicable insurance regulatory authorities in support of and as part of their required annual statements.

26


Table of Contents

Surplus and capital requirements
Insurers must satisfy capital and surplus requirements to be licensed. Insurance regulators have the discretionary authority, in connection with the regulation of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries, to limit or prohibit the ability of an insurer to issue new policies if, in the regulators’ judgment, the insurer is not maintaining a minimum amount of surplus or is in hazardous financial condition as defined in the insurance laws. Insurance regulators may also limit the ability of an insurer to issue new life insurance policies and annuity contracts above an amount based upon the face amount and premiums of policies of a similar type issued in the prior year. We do not believe that the current or anticipated levels of statutory surplus of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries present a material risk such that any such regulator would limit the amount of new policies that our U.S. insurance subsidiaries may issue.
Statutory accounting principles
Statutory accounting principles, or SAP, is a basis of accounting developed by U.S. insurance regulators to monitor and regulate the solvency of insurance companies. In developing SAP, insurance regulators were primarily concerned with assuring an insurer’s ability to pay all its current and future obligations to policyholders. As a result, statutory accounting focuses on conservatively valuing the assets and liabilities of insurers, generally in accordance with standards specified by the insurer’s domiciliary jurisdiction. Uniform statutory accounting practices are established by the NAIC and adopted by regulators in the various U.S. jurisdictions. These accounting principles and related regulations determine, among other things, the amounts our insurance subsidiaries may pay to us as dividends.
U.S. GAAP is designed to measure a business on a going-concern basis. It gives consideration to matching of revenue and expenses and, as a result, certain expenses are capitalized when incurred and then amortized over the life of the associated policies. The valuation of assets and liabilities under U.S. GAAP is based in part upon best estimate assumptions made by the insurer. Stockholders’ equity represents both amounts currently available and amounts expected to emerge over the life of the business. As a result, the values for assets, liabilities and equity reflected in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP may be, and in fact usually are, different from those reflected in financial statements prepared under SAP.
Insurance Regulatory Information System
The NAIC Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS) was developed to help state regulators identify companies that may require special attention. The IRIS system consists of a statistical phase and an analytical phase whereby financial examiners review annual statements and financial ratios. The statistical phase consists of 12 key financial ratios based on year-end data that are generated from the NAIC database annually; each ratio has an established “usual range” of results. These ratios assist state insurance departments in executing their statutory mandate to oversee the financial condition of insurance companies.
A ratio result falling outside the usual range of IRIS ratios is not considered a failing result; rather, unusual values are viewed as part of the regulatory early monitoring system. Furthermore, in some years, it may not be unusual for financially sound companies to have several ratios with results outside the usual ranges. Generally, an insurance company will

27


Table of Contents

become subject to regulatory scrutiny if it falls outside the usual ranges of four or more of the ratios. In the past, variances in certain ratios of our insurance subsidiaries have resulted in inquiries from insurance departments, to which we have responded. These inquiries have not led to any restrictions affecting our operations.
Risk-Based Capital (RBC) Requirements
In order to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, the NAIC has adopted formulas and model laws to implement RBC requirements for life and health insurers, for property and casualty insurers, and, most recently, for health organizations. These formulas and model laws are designed to determine minimum capital requirements and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides for policyholder obligations.
Under laws adopted by individual states, insurers having less total adjusted capital (generally, as defined by the NAIC), than that required by the relevant RBC formula will be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action, depending on the level of capital inadequacy. The RBC laws provide for four levels of regulatory action. The extent of regulatory intervention and action increases as the ratio of total adjusted capital to RBC falls. The first level, the company action level, requires an insurer to submit a plan of corrective actions to the regulator if total adjusted capital falls below 200% of the RBC amount (or below 250%, when the insurer has a “negative trend” as defined under the RBC laws). The second level, the regulatory action level, requires an insurer to submit a plan containing corrective actions and requires the relevant insurance commissioner to perform an examination or other analysis and issue a corrective order if total adjusted capital falls below 150% of the RBC amount. The third level, the authorized control level, authorizes the relevant insurance commissioner to take whatever regulatory actions considered necessary to protect the best interests of the policyholders and creditors of the insurer, which may include the actions necessary to cause the insurer to be placed under regulatory control, i.e., rehabilitation or liquidation, if total adjusted capital falls below 100% of the RBC amount. The fourth action level is the mandatory control level, which requires the relevant insurance commissioner to place the insurer under regulatory control if total adjusted capital falls below 70% of the RBC amount.
The formulas have not been designed to differentiate among adequately capitalized companies that operate with higher levels of capital. At December 31, 2005, all of our insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted capital in excess of amounts requiring company or regulatory action at any prescribed RBC action level.
Regulation of investments
Each of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries is subject to laws and regulations that require diversification of its investment portfolio and limit the amount of investments in certain asset categories, such as below investment grade fixed maturities, equity real estate, other equity investments and derivatives. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations would cause investments exceeding regulatory limitations to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring surplus, and, in some instances, would require divestiture of such non-complying investments. We believe the investments made by our U.S. insurance subsidiaries comply with these laws and regulations.

28


Table of Contents

Federal initiatives
Although the federal government generally does not directly regulate the insurance business, federal initiatives often and increasingly have an impact on the business in a variety of ways. From time to time, federal measures are proposed which may significantly affect the insurance business, including limitations on antitrust immunity, tax incentives for lifetime annuity payouts, simplification bills affecting tax-advantaged or tax-exempt savings and retirement vehicles, and proposals to modify or make permanent the estate tax repeal enacted in 2001. In addition, various forms of direct federal regulation of insurance have been proposed in recent years. These proposals have included “The Federal Insurance Consumer Protection Act of 2003” and “The State Modernization and Regulatory Transparency Act.” The Federal Insurance Consumer Protection Act of 2003 would have established comprehensive and exclusive federal regulation over all “interstate insurers,” including all life insurers selling in more than one state. This proposed legislation was not enacted. The State Modernization and Regulatory Transparency Act would maintain state-based regulation of insurance but would change the way that states regulate certain aspects of the business of insurance including rates, agent and company licensing, and market conduct examinations. This proposed legislation remains pending. We cannot predict whether this or other proposals will be adopted, or what impact, if any, such proposals or, if adopted, such laws may have on our business, financial condition or results of operation.
Changes in tax laws
Changes in tax laws could make some of our products less attractive to consumers. For example, the gradual repeal of the federal estate tax, begun in 2001, is continuing to be phased in through 2010. The repeal and continuing uncertainty created by the repeal of the federal estate tax has resulted in reduced sales, and could continue to adversely affect sales and surrenders, of some of our insurance policies. In May 2003, President Bush signed into law the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, which lowered the federal income tax rate on capital gains and certain ordinary dividends. This reduction may provide an incentive for certain of our customers and potential customers to shift assets into mutual funds and away from our products, including annuities that are designed to defer taxes payable on investment returns.
Other Laws and Regulations
USA Patriot Act
The USA Patriot Act of 2001, or the Patriot Act, enacted in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, contains anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and mandates the implementation of various new regulations applicable to broker/dealers and other financial services companies including insurance companies. The Patriot Act seeks to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering. Anti-money laundering laws outside of the U.S. contain similar provisions. The increased obligations of financial institutions to identify their customers, watch for and report suspicious transactions, respond to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies, and share information with other financial institutions, require the implementation and maintenance of internal practices, procedures and controls. In March 2006, the Patriot Act was reenacted with several revisions. We are in the process of reviewing the new provisions and expect to comply with them.

29


Table of Contents

The International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001
The International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (“IMLAFATA”), a part of the Patriot Act, authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the heads of other government agencies, to adopt special measures applicable to banks and other financial institutions to enhance record keeping and reporting requirements for certain financial transactions that are of primary money laundering concern. Among its other provisions, IMLAFATA requires each financial institution to: (i) establish an anti-money laundering program; (ii) establish due diligence policies, procedures and controls with respect to its private banking accounts and correspondent banking accounts involving individuals and certain foreign banks; and (iii) avoid establishing, maintaining, administering, or managing correspondent accounts in the Untied States for, or on behalf of, a foreign bank that does not have a physical presence in any country. In addition, IMLAFATA contains a provision encouraging cooperation among financial institutions, regulatory authorities and law enforcement authorities with respect to individuals, entities and organizations engaged in, or reasonably suspected of engaging in, terrorist acts or money laundering activities.
The Treasury Department’s regulations implementing IMLAFATA mandate that federally-insured banks and other financial institutions establish customer identification programs designed to verify the identity of persons opening new accounts, maintain the records used for verification, and determine whether the person appears on any list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations.
The Bank Secrecy Act of 1970
Congress enacted the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 (the “BSA”) to require financial institutions to maintain certain records and to report certain transactions to prevent such institutions from being used to hide money derived from criminal activity and tax evasion. Although the federal regulations for the BSA do not specifically refer to insurance companies, the definition of financial institution is broad enough to include insurance companies. The BSA establishes, among other things, (a) record keeping requirements to assist government enforcement agencies in tracing financial transactions and flow of funds; (b) reporting requirements for Suspicious Activity Reports and Currency Transaction Reports to assist government enforcement agencies in detecting patterns of criminal activity; (c) enforcement provisions authorizing criminal and civil penalties for illegal activities and violations of the BSA and its implementing regulations; and (d) safe harbor provisions that protect financial institutions from civil liability for their cooperative efforts.
The Money Laundering Control Act of 1986
The Money Laundering Control Act imposes sanctions, including revocation of federal deposit insurance, for institutions convicted of money laundering. Specifically, the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 criminalized the act of laundering money, prohibited structuring transactions to avoid Currency Transaction Report filings, and introduced criminal and civil forfeiture for BSA violations.
Privacy of consumer information
U.S. federal and state laws and regulations require financial institutions, including insurance companies, to protect the security and confidentiality of consumer financial information and to notify consumers about their policies and practices relating to their

30


Table of Contents

collection and disclosure of consumer information and their policies relating to protecting the security and confidentiality of that information. Similarly, federal and state laws and regulations also govern the disclosure and security of consumer health information. In particular, regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulate the disclosure and use of protected health information by health insurers and others, the physical and procedural safeguards employed to protect the security of that information and the electronic transmission of such information. Congress and state legislatures are expected to consider additional legislation relating to privacy and other aspects of consumer information.
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act
On November 26, 2002, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act was enacted to ensure the availability of insurance coverage for terrorist acts in the U.S.. This law requires insurers writing certain lines of property and casualty insurance to offer coverage against certain acts of terrorism causing damage within the U.S. or to U.S. flagged vessels or aircraft. In return, the law requires the federal government to indemnify such insurers for 90% of insured losses resulting from covered acts of terrorism, subject to a premium-based deductible. Any existing policy exclusions for such coverage were immediately nullified by the law, although such exclusions may be reinstated if either the insured consents to reinstatement or fails to pay any applicable increase in premium resulting from the additional coverage within 30 days of being notified of such an increase. It should be noted that an “act of terrorism” as defined by the law excludes purely domestic terrorism. For an act of terrorism to have occurred, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury must make several findings, including that the act was committed on behalf of a foreign person or foreign interest. The law expires automatically at the end of 2005.
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act required the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to conduct an expedited study as to whether or not group life insurance should be covered under the law. Based on the study, the Secretary concluded that inclusion of group life insurance was not appropriate.
Given that our property and casualty insurance products primarily cover personal residences and personal property, we do not believe our property and casualty exposure to terrorist acts to be significant.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
On November 12, 1999, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 became law, implementing fundamental changes in the regulation of the financial services industry in the U.S.. The act permits the transformation of the already converging banking, insurance and securities industries by permitting mergers that combine commercial banks, insurers and securities firms under one holding company. Under the Act, national banks retain their existing ability to sell insurance products in some circumstances. In addition, bank holding companies that qualify and elect to be treated as “financial holding companies” may engage in activities, and acquire companies engaged in activities, that are “financial” in nature or “incidental” or “complementary” to such financial activities, including acting as principal, agent or broker in selling life, property and casualty and other forms of insurance, including annuities. A financial holding company can own any kind of insurance company or insurance broker or agent, but its bank subsidiary cannot own the insurance company. Under state law, the financial holding company would need to apply to the insurance commissioner in the

31


Table of Contents

insurer’s state of domicile for prior approval of the acquisition of the insurer, and the act provides that the commissioner, in considering the application, may not discriminate against the financial holding company because it is affiliated with a bank. Under the Act, no state may prevent or interfere with affiliations between banks and insurers, insurance agents or brokers, or the licensing of a bank or affiliate as an insurer or agent or broker. Privacy provisions of the Act became fully effective in 2001. These provisions established consumer protections regarding the security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information and require us to make full disclosure of our privacy policies to our customers.
Environmental considerations
As an owner and operator of real property, we are subject to extensive U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. environmental laws and regulations. Potential environmental liabilities and costs in connection with any required remediation of such properties also is an inherent risk in property ownership and operation. We cannot provide assurance that unexpected environmental liabilities will not arise. However, based upon information currently available to us, we believe that any costs associated with compliance with environmental laws and regulations or any remediation of such properties will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Legislative Developments
There is legislation pending in the U.S. Congress and in various states designed to provide additional privacy protections to consumer customers of financial institutions. These statutes, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and similar legislation and regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions could affect our ability to market our products or otherwise limit the nature or scope of our insurance operations.
The NAIC and individual states have been studying small face amount life insurance for the past two years. Some initiatives that have been raised at the NAIC include further disclosure for small face amount policies and restrictions on premium to benefit ratios. The NAIC is also studying other issues such as “suitability” of insurance products for certain customers. This may have an effect on our home service pre-funded funeral insurance business. Suitability requirements such as a customer assets and needs worksheet could extend and complicate the sale of pre-funded funeral insurance products.
We are unable to evaluate new legislation that may be proposed and when or whether any such legislation will be enacted and implemented. However, many of the proposals, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations, while others, if adopted, could potentially benefit our business.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Set forth below are risks with respect to our Company. Readers should review these risks, together with the other information contained in this report. The risks and uncertainties we have described in this report are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem not material, may also adversely affect our business. Any of the risks discussed in this report or that are presently unknown or not material, if they were to actually occur, could result in a significant adverse impact on our business, operating results, prospects or financial condition.

32


Table of Contents

From Item 1A. Risk Factors
We are a defendant in a class action lawsuit and other lawsuits, which may adversely affect our financial condition and detract from our management’s time
We are a defendant in a class action lawsuit filed in Texas, styled Citizens Insurance Company of America, Citizens, Inc., Harold E. Riley and Mark A. Oliver, Petitioners v. Fernando Hakim Daccach, Respondent, in the Supreme Court of Texas, in which a class has been certified by the Texas District Court, Austin, Texas, and affirmed by the Court of Appeals for the Third District of Texas. We appealed the grant of class status to the Texas Supreme Court, and oral arguments occurred on October 21, 2004. We have not yet received a decision from the Texas Supreme Court.
The suit names as a class all non-U.S. residents who purchased insurance policies or made premium payments since August 1996 to our international life insurance subsidiary, CICA, and assigned policy dividends to two non-U.S. trusts for the purchase of our Class A common stock. The beneficiaries of the trusts are approximately 80,000 non-U.S. policyholders of CICA, who have assigned their life insurance policy dividends to the two trusts administered by Gala Management Services, Inc., a Panamanian trust services company. As of February 26, 2006, this trustee held of record approximately 35.4% of our Class A common stock on behalf of the CICA policyholders who were beneficiaries of the trusts. The purchases of our Class A common stock by this trustee to the trusts on behalf of policyholders, all of which have been made in the open market, were approximately $15.3 million in 2005, $13.4 million in 2004, and $11.1 million in 2003. The elections to assign insurance policy dividends to the trusts were made by the policyholders in consultation with independent marketing consultants of CICA. The suit alleges that the life insurance policies which we made available to these non-U.S. residents, when combined with a policy feature which allows policy dividends to be assigned to the two non-U.S. trusts for the purpose of accumulating ownership of our Class A common stock, along with allowing the policyholders to make additional contributions to the trusts, were actually offers and sales of securities that occurred in Texas by unregistered dealers in violation of the registration provisions of the Texas securities laws. The remedy sought is rescission and return of the insurance premiums. However, the elections by the policyholders to contribute their policy dividends and other amounts to the trusts were made outside of the U.S. We believe, among other things, that U.S. law, including Texas law, does not apply to the operations of the trusts, and therefore, no securities registration provisions apply, nor do U.S. laws relating to broker-dealer registration apply. We believe the securities claims based on Texas securities laws are not valid, that no broker-dealer registration is required of us or our marketing consultants, and the class as defined is not appropriate for class certification because it does not meet the legal requirements for class action treatment under Texas law.
We intend to continue to defend vigorously against class certification, as well as against the other claims in the case. We are unable to determine the potential financial magnitude of the claims if the class certification were to become final and the plaintiff was able to prevail on the substantive claims, although we would expect a significant adverse financial impact from an adverse final class action judgment.
We are also a party to various legal proceedings incidental to our business. We have been named as a defendant in various legal actions seeking payments for claims denied by us and other damages. In the opinion of our management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from any contingent liabilities that might arise from such litigation, is not material in relation to our financial position or results of operations. Reserves for claims payable are based on the expected claim amounts to be paid after a case-by-case review of the facts and circumstances relating to each claim. A contingency exists with regard to these reserves until the claims are adjudicated and paid.
Litigation, such as the matters described above, also can require significant amounts of time of our management which would otherwise be devoted to our business.

33


Table of Contents

Our business is subject to risks related to litigation and regulatory actions.
In addition to the Daccach case and other legal proceedings as described above, we may from time to time be subject to a variety of legal and regulatory actions relating to our current and past business operations, including, but not limited to:
    other possible disputes relating to the overseas trusts that, as described above, purchase and hold our Class A common stock on behalf of CICA policyholders. For example, if the plaintiffs were able to prevail on their claims that Texas securities laws apply to the assignment of policy dividends, as asserted in the Daccach case, or that U.S. or Texas securities laws otherwise apply, we could face the possibility of other securities law claims within the United States. We also could face claims in foreign countries relating to noncompliance with their securities laws in connection with policyholders who participate in a non-U.S. trust and who beneficially own our Class A common stock. We cannot, for example, ensure that our foreign sales associates are in compliance with foreign securities and insurance laws, because we do not have oversight over such persons. We have not obtained any opinion of counsel as to the applicability of foreign securities laws to the above actions. Also, the estimation of any liabilities from any possible claims would be difficult to determine;
 
    disputes over insurance coverage or claims adjudication;
 
    disputes regarding sales practices, disclosures or absence of disclosures in connection with the offer and sale of our insurance policies and the option available to policyholders to assign dividends to a non-U.S. trust for the purpose of accumulating our Class A common stock, premium refunds, licensing and regulatory compliance with insurance and securities laws in the United States and in foreign countries;
 
    disputes with our consultants or employee agents over compensation and termination of contracts and related claims;
 
    disputes regarding our tax liabilities; and
 
    disputes relating to businesses acquired by us.
In the absence of countervailing considerations, we would expect to defend any such claims, and we could incur significant defense costs, including not only attorneys’ fees and other direct litigation costs, but also the expenditure of substantial amounts of management time that otherwise would be devoted to our business. We could be faced with contingent liabilities with respect to possible claims for violations of foreign and domestic securities and insurance laws, the extent of which would be difficult to determine.
In addition, plaintiffs continue to bring new types of legal claims against insurance and related companies. Current and future court decisions and legislative activity may increase our exposure to these types of claims. Multiparty or class action claims may result in additional exposure to substantial economic, noneconomic or punitive damage awards, including the litigation to which we are currently a party. The loss of even one of these actions, if it resulted in a significant damage award or a judicial ruling that was otherwise substantially detrimental, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The risk of incurring a large liability in the event of an unsuccessful defense may make it more difficult to settle claims on reasonable terms. We cannot determine with any certainty what theories of recovery may evolve or what the impact of litigation or regulatory changes may be on our businesses.

34


Table of Contents

A substantial amount of our revenue comes from foreign nationals. This involves risks associated with business in other countries, such as might result from political or economic instability or the application of laws or regulations to our business.
A substantial part of our insurance policy sales are from foreign countries, primarily in Latin America. There is a risk of losing a significant portion of these sales should adverse events occur in the countries from which we receive insurance policy applications. Approximately 55.2% of our consolidated revenues in 2005 were from our International Life segment. If economic or political crises were to occur in any of the countries where our foreign policyowners reside, our revenues would likely decline. For example, Argentina underwent a severe financial economic recession in the early 2000’s. As a result, our lapse rates relating to insureds residing there increased significantly and our new insurance business generated there declined dramatically. Also, foreign expropriation laws could adversely affect our revenues by imposing restrictions on fund transfers outside of a country where our insureds reside. In addition, a country could decide that we are subject to their insurance, securities and other regulation, or that we are required to maintain assets in that country as a part of our operations. Such actions would require us to reevaluate our existing products, including the cessation of accepting new applications from residents of that country. Our revenues from nationals of that country would likely be reduced significantly. While our management has over 30 years of experience in writing life insurance policies for residents of foreign countries without any significant regulatory action or any significant adverse expropriation controls relating to our insureds, there can be no assurance that such situations will not occur and that our revenues will not be affected adversely. We have not obtained any opinion of counsel addressing whether we may be required to qualify to do business or become licensed as an insurance company in, or the applicability of any securities laws of, any foreign country to our operations or to that of foreign trusts who hold our Class A common stock for our policyholders, nor have we sought or obtained any order of any foreign regulatory body relating to these issues.
We may not be able to continue our past strategy of acquiring other U.S. life insurance companies, and we may not realize improvements to our financial results due to past and future acquisitions.
Over the past years, we have acquired several U.S. life insurance companies. Our objective in this strategy has been to increase our assets, revenues and capital, improve our competitive position and increase our earnings, in part by allowing us to realize certain operating efficiencies associated with economies of scale. Prior to 2004, increases in earnings were not significant from the completed acquisitions compared to increases in existing business.

35


Table of Contents

On an ongoing basis we evaluate possible acquisition transactions and, at any given time, we may be engaged in discussions with respect to possible acquisitions. While our business model is not dependent primarily upon acquisitions, the time frame for achieving or further improving our market positions can be significantly shortened through acquisitions. There can be no assurance that suitable acquisitions which present opportunities for continued growth and operating efficiencies will continue to be available to us, or that we will realize the anticipated financial results from acquisitions. Our failure to address adequately these acquisition risks may materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We may be unable to integrate our acquisitions on an economic basis, and the process of integrating companies we acquire could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Implementation of an acquisition strategy could entail a number of risks, including among other things:
    inaccurate assessment of undisclosed liabilities;
 
    difficulties in realizing projected efficiencies, synergies and cost savings;
 
    failure to achieve anticipated revenues, earnings or cash flow;
 
    an increase in indebtedness and a limitation in our ability to access additional capital when needed; and
 
    adverse changes in the economies of geographic regions in which the businesses of our acquisitions are concentrated, due to natural disasters, changing population demographics, governmental actions and other causes.
For example, virtually all of the premium income of Security Plan, from which we obtained premium revenues of approximately $37.7 million in 2005, is generated in Louisiana. Premium income for Security Plan for the fourth quarter of 2005, following the two hurricanes that hit Louisiana in 2005, totaled $9,220,000 compared to $9,587,000 in the fourth quarter of 2004. As with other geographic areas in the United States in which the business operations of our acquisitions are located, Louisiana could again experience natural disasters, such as hurricanes and flooding. A large-scale natural disaster such as this would be expected to have an adverse effect on the economy of that area, which in turn could result in a material adverse effect on our premium income from Security Plan.
Sales of our products may be reduced if we are unable to attract and retain marketing representatives or develop and maintain distribution sources.
We distribute our insurance products through a variety of distribution channels, including independent marketing consultants, employee agents and third-party marketing organizations.
Our relationships with these persons are significant both for our revenues and profits. In our Domestic Life segment, we depend in large part on the services of independent marketers. In our Home Service segment we depend on employee agents whose role in our distribution process is critical, in particular to develop and maintain client relationships. In our International Life segment we depend on outside marketing

36


Table of Contents

consulting organizations and outside consultants. Strong competition exists among insurers to form relationships with marketers of demonstrated ability. We compete with other insurers for representatives and consultants primarily on the basis of our compensation and support services. Any diminishment in our inability to attract and retain effective sales representatives could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Policy lapses in excess of those actuarially anticipated would have a negative impact on our financial performance.
If our insurance policy lapse and surrender rates were to exceed the assumptions upon which we priced our insurance policies, our business could be adversely affected. The prices and expected future profitability of our insurance products are based in part upon expected patterns of premiums, expenses and benefits, using a number of assumptions, including those related to persistency, which is the probability that a policy or contract will remain in-force from one period to the next. Lapses occur when premium payments are not made. Surrender of a policy occurs by an affirmative act of the policyholder and is usually accompanied by an economic benefit for the policyholder because the policy has accumulated value. Policy acquisition costs are deferred and recognized over the life of a policy. Actual persistency that is lower than our persistency assumptions could have an adverse impact on profitability, especially in the early years of a policy or contract, primarily because we would be required to accelerate the amortization of expenses we deferred in connection with the acquisition of the policy or contract.
Our actual claims losses may exceed our reserves for claims, which may require us to establish additional reserves, which in turn may materially reduce our earnings, profitability and capital.
We maintain reserves to cover our estimated exposure for claims relating to our issued insurance policies. Reserves, whether calculated under Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) or statutory accounting principles (“SAP”), do not represent an exact calculation of exposure, but instead represent our best estimates, generally involving actuarial projections, of what we expect claims will be based on mortality assumptions which are determined by various regulatory entities. Many reserve assumptions are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. In addition, when we acquire other domestic life insurance companies, our assessment of the adequacy of acquired policy liabilities is subject to our estimates and assumptions. Reserve estimates are refined as experience develops. Adjustments to reserves, both positive and negative, are reflected in our statements of operations of the period in which such estimates are updated. Because establishment of reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates of future losses, there can be no certainty that ultimate losses will not exceed existing claims reserves and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. During the three years ended December 31, 2005, we did not experience substantial deviations in actual claims losses from reserve estimates previously established. However, future loss development could require reserves to be increased, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings in the periods in which such increases are made.
Our investment portfolio is subject to several risks that may diminish the value of our invested assets and negatively affect profitability.

37


Table of Contents

Our investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or losses that could reduce our profitability.
Investment returns are an important part of our overall profitability and significant fluctuations in the fixed income market could impair our profitability, financial condition and cash flows. Our investments are subject to market-wide risks and fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular securities. If we do not structure our investment portfolio so that it is appropriately matched with our insurance liabilities, we may be forced to liquidate investments prior to maturity at a significant loss to cover such liabilities. For the year ended December 31, 2005, our net investment income was $23.6 million and our net realized gains on investments were $419,000, which collectively accounted for approximately 16.6% of our total revenues during the year. For the year ended December 31, 2004, our net investment income was $17.0 million and our net realized gains on investments were $389,000, which collectively accounted for approximately 16.9% of our total revenues during such period.
The performance of our investment portfolio is subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates and market conditions.
Changes in interest rates can negatively affect the performance of most of our investments. Interest rate volatility can reduce unrealized gains or create unrealized losses in our portfolios. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Fluctuations in interest rates affect our returns on, and the market value of, fixed maturity investments, which comprised $457.6 million, or 94.4%, of the carrying value of our total investments as of December 31, 2005.
The fair market value of the fixed maturity securities in our portfolio and the investment income from these securities fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions. The fair market value generally increases or decreases in an inverse relationship with fluctuations in interest rates, while net investment income realized by us from future investments in fixed maturity securities will generally increase or decrease with interest rates.
In addition, actual net investment income and/or cash flows from investments that carry prepayment risk, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, may differ from those anticipated at the time of investment as a result of interest rate fluctuations. A significant portion of our investment portfolio is subject to prepayment risks. These investments were 10.6% and 12.2% of our investment portfolio assets at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Because substantially all of our fixed maturity securities are classified as available for sale, changes in the market value of these securities are reflected in our assets and in stockholders’ equity. Similar treatment is not available for liabilities. Therefore, interest rate fluctuations affect the value of our investments and could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We do not employ specific asset/liability matching strategies to reduce the adverse effects of interest rate volatility and to ensure that cash flows are available to pay claims as they become due. We are subject to adverse effects of interest rate volatility, and no assurances

38


Table of Contents

can be given that significant fluctuations in the level of interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our investment portfolio is subject to credit risk.
We are subject to credit risk in our investment portfolio, primarily from our investments in corporate bonds, including bonds of U.S. government-sponsored entities. If third parties that owe amounts to us for bonds or other obligations were to default in the payment or performance of their obligations, this could reduce our investment income and realized investment gains or result in investment losses. Further, the value of any particular fixed maturity security is subject to impairment based on the creditworthiness of a given issuer. As of December 31, 2005, we held $264.8 million in bonds of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. A significant increase in defaults and impairments on our fixed maturity securities portfolio could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We may be required to accelerate the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and the cost of customer relationships acquired, which would increase our expenses and reduce profitability.
Deferred acquisition costs, or DAC, represent costs that vary with and are primarily related to the sale and issuance of our insurance policies that are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the related insurance policies. These costs include commissions in excess of ultimate renewal commissions, solicitation and printing costs, sales material and some support costs, such as underwriting and contract and policy issuance expenses. Under U.S. GAAP, DAC is amortized to income over the lives of the underlying policies, in relation to the anticipated recognition of premiums. In addition, when we acquire a block of insurance policies, we assign a portion of the purchase price to the right to receive future net cash flows from existing insurance and investment contracts and policies. This intangible asset, called the cost of customer relationships acquired, or CCR, represents the actuarially estimated present value of future cash flows from the acquired policies. We amortize the value of this intangible asset in a manner similar to the amortization of DAC. Our amortization of DAC and CCR generally depends upon anticipated profits from investments, surrender and other policy charges, mortality, morbidity and maintenance expense margins. Unfavorable experience with regard to expected expenses, investment returns, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals or lapses may cause us to increase the amortization of DAC or CCR, or both, or to record a charge to increase benefit reserves.
We regularly review DAC and CCR quality to determine if they are recoverable from future income. If these costs are not recoverable, they are charged to expenses in the financial period in which we make this determination. For example, if we determine that we are unable to recover DAC from profits over the life of a block of insurance policies, or if withdrawals or surrender charges associated with early withdrawals do not fully offset the unamortized acquisition costs related to those policies or annuities, we would be required to recognize the additional DAC amortization as a current-period expense.
At December 31, 2005, we had approximately $70.4 million of such deferred policy acquisition costs. These costs are amortized primarily over the estimated premium paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of the annual premium recognized to the total premium revenue anticipated, using the same assumptions as were used in computing liabilities for future policy benefits. Excess policy lapses, however, would

39


Table of Contents

cause the immediate expensing or amortizing of deferred policy acquisition costs, which would adversely affect our profitability.
We may be required to recognize impairment in the value of our excess of cost over net assets acquired, which would increase our expenses and reduce our profitability.
Excess of cost over net assets acquired, or “goodwill”, represents the excess of the amount paid to acquire various life insurance companies over the fair value of their net assets at the date of the acquisition. Under U.S. GAAP, we test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at least annually at the “reporting unit” level, which is either an operating segment or a business one level below the operating segment. Goodwill is impaired if the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole is less than the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, plus the carrying value of goodwill, at the date of the test. For example, goodwill may become impaired if the fair value of a reporting unit as a whole were to decline by an amount greater than the decline in the value of its individual identifiable assets and liabilities. This may occur for various reasons, including changes in actual or expected earnings or cash flows of a reporting unit, generation of earnings by a reporting unit at a lower rate of return than similar businesses or declines in market prices for publicly traded businesses similar to our reporting units. If any portion of our goodwill becomes impaired, we would be required to recognize the amount of the impairment as a current-period expense.
Loss of the services of our senior management team would likely hinder development of our operating and marketing programs and our strategy for expanding our business.
We rely on the active participation of our Chairman of the Board, Harold E. Riley (age 77), our Vice Chairman of the Board, Rick D. Riley (age 52), and our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark A. Oliver (age 47), in connection with the development and execution of operating and marketing plans and strategy for expanding our business. We anticipate that their expertise will continue to be of substantial value in connection with our operations. The loss of the services of one of these individuals would likely have a significant adverse effect on us in these respects. We do not have an employment agreement with any of these persons nor do we carry a key-man insurance policy on any of their lives. In addition, our only credit agreement with a bank provides that an event of default will occur in the event any of Messrs. Harold E. Riley, Rick D. Riley or Mark A. Oliver is not employed by us.
We operate in a highly competitive, mature industry within the U.S., which could limit our ability to increase our domestic insurance operations.
We compete with more than 1,000 other life insurance companies of various sizes in the U.S. The life insurance business is highly competitive, in part because it is a mature industry in the U.S. which, in recent years, has experienced little growth in life insurance sales. Competition has also increased because the life insurance industry is consolidating, with larger, more efficient organizations emerging from consolidation. Furthermore, mutual insurance companies are converting to stock ownership, which should give them greater access to capital markets, resulting in greater competition with respect to corporate finance as well. Additionally, legislation became effective in 2000 permitting commercial banks, insurance companies and investment banks to combine. This law permits, for

40


Table of Contents

instance, a commercial bank to acquire or form an insurance company. We believe these factors have increased competitive pressures in general.
Many domestic life insurance companies have greater financial resources, longer business histories, and more diversified lines of insurance coverage than we do. These companies also generally have larger sales forces. Although we may be at a competitive disadvantage to these entities, we seek to provide products that are competitive in the marketplace.
Competition in our insurance businesses is based on many factors, including quality of service, product features, price, scope of distribution, scale, financial strength ratings and name recognition. We also compete for marketing consultants and agents to sell our insurance products. Some of our competitors may offer a broader array of products than we do with which they compete in particular markets, may have a greater diversity of distribution resources, may have better brand recognition, may from time to time have more competitive pricing, may have lower cost structures or may have higher financial strength or claims paying ratings. Moreover, some of our competitors may have a lower target for returns on capital allocated to their business than we do, which may lead them to price their products lower than we do. In addition, from time to time, companies enter and exit the markets in which we operate, thereby increasing competition at times when there are new entrants. We may lose business to competitors offering competitive products at lower prices, or for other reasons, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our international operations face competition from several sources.
Our international marketing plan stresses making available dollar-denominated life insurance products to significant net worth individuals residing around the world. New competition could also cause the supply of insurance to change, which could affect our ability to price our products at attractive rates and thereby adversely affect our underwriting results. Although there are some impediments facing potential competitors who wish to enter the markets we serve, the entry of new competitors into our markets can occur, affording our customers significant flexibility in moving to other insurance providers. We experience competition primarily from the following sources around the world:
Locally operated companies with local currency policies. We compete with companies formed and operated in the country in which our foreign insureds reside. Generally, these companies are subject to risks of currency fluctuations, and use mortality tables based on experience of the local population as a whole. These mortality tables are typically based on significantly shorter life spans than those we use. Also, as a result of the foregoing factors, the statistical cost of insurance for these companies tends to be higher than ours. However, they hold their assets in local currencies, which may be preferable to some potential customers.
Companies foreign to the countries in which policies are sold but that issue local currency policies. Another group of our competitors consists of companies which are foreign to the countries in which the policies are sold but use the local currencies of those countries. Local currency policies provide the benefit of assets located in the country of foreign residents but entail risks of uncertainty due to local currency fluctuations as well as the perceived instability and weakness of local currencies. We have observed that local

41


Table of Contents

currency policies, whether issued by foreign or locally operated companies, tend to focus on universal life insurance and annuities instead of whole life insurance as we do.
Foreign operated companies with U.S. dollar policies. We also face direct competition from companies that operate in the same manner as we do. We compete using our history of performance and our products.
Competitors in our international markets include National Western Life Insurance Company, Best Meridian Insurance Company and to a lesser extent, Pan American Life Insurance Company and American International Group, Inc. There can be no assurances that competition from the above companies will not adversely affect our business.
Our ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, our ability:
    to attract marketing organizations and individuals who will market our products;
 
    to market our insurance products;
 
    to develop competitive and profitable products; and
 
    to maintain our underwriting and claims handling criteria.
We are subject to extensive governmental regulation in the U.S., which increases our costs and could restrict the conduct of our business.
We and our U.S. life insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation and supervision in the U.S. jurisdictions in which we and they do business. This regulation is generally designed to protect the interests of policyholders, as opposed to stockholders and other investors. To that end, the laws of the various states establish insurance departments with broad powers with respect to such things as:
    licensing companies to transact business;
 
    authorizing lines of business;
 
    mandating capital and surplus requirements;
 
    imposing dividend limitations;
 
    regulating changes in control;
 
    licensing agents and distributors of insurance products;
 
    placing limitations on the minimum size of life insurance contracts;
 
    restricting companies’ ability to enter and exit markets;
 
    admitting statutory assets;
 
    mandating certain insurance benefits;

42


Table of Contents

    restricting companies’ ability to terminate or cancel coverage;
 
    requiring companies to provide certain types of coverage;
 
    regulating premium rates, including the ability to increase premium rates;
 
    approving policy forms;
 
    regulating trade and claims practices;
 
    imposing privacy requirements;
 
    establishing reserve requirements and solvency standards;
 
    restricting certain transactions between affiliates;
 
    regulating the content of disclosures to debtors in the credit insurance area;
 
    mandating assessments or other surcharges for guaranty funds;
 
    regulating market conduct and sales practices of insurers and their marketers; and
 
    restricting contact with consumers, such as the recently created national “do not call” list, and imposing consumer protection measures.
The capacity for an insurance company’s growth in premiums is partially a function of its statutory regulatory surplus. Maintaining appropriate levels of statutory surplus, as measured by statutory accounting practices and procedures, is considered important by insurance regulatory authorities. Failure to maintain required levels of statutory surplus could result in increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action by regulatory authorities.
If we are unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals, or if our U.S. domestic insurance business is determined not to fully comply with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations or the relevant authority’s interpretation of the laws and regulations, our business could be harmed. Also, some regulatory authorities have relatively broad discretion to grant, renew or revoke licenses and approvals, and could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or monetarily penalize us. Any of these actions could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We are unable to quantify the effect of foreign regulation of our insurance business if regulation were to be imposed on us, but we believe we could expend substantial amounts of time and incur substantial expense in complying with any foreign regulation, and we may decide to withdraw from the particular market where the regulation was imposed.
We do not have any assets or employees in foreign countries. In connection with business from foreign countries, we only accept applications at our executive office in Austin,

43


Table of Contents

Texas. In addition, we require premium payments to be in U.S. dollars, which may include checks drawn on U.S. banks. As a result, we have not been subject to regulation in the foreign countries from which we receive applications for insurance. Although we provide insurance to foreign nationals, independent associates and marketing consulting firms, rather than our employees, submit the applications. In addition, we do not at present ensure that our independent sales associates certify as to compliance with foreign securities laws in connection with the ability of foreign nationals to assign policy dividends to a non-U.S. trust for the purpose of accumulating our Class A common stock. We are unable to predict whether foreign regulation will be asserted or implemented in the future. If this was to happen, and we were to agree to submit to such regulation, we would expect to devote significant amounts of time and incur substantial ongoing expenses in complying with any foreign regulation imposed on us. We have not sought or obtained any opinion of counsel addressing whether we may be required to qualify to do business or become licensed as an insurer in any foreign country, or whether the above trust arrangements are subject to foreign securities laws, nor have we sought or obtained any order or declaration of any foreign regulatory authority or court relating to these issues.
Changes in U.S. regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our prospective growth.
State insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, are often made for the benefit of the consumer at the expense of the insurer and thus could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In December 2004, the NAIC approved amendments to its model Producer Licensing Act. The amendments contain new disclosure requirements for producers regarding compensation arrangements. If adopted, the NAIC amendments would require producers to disclose to customers, in certain circumstances, information concerning compensation arrangements with producers. The NAIC also directed its Executive Task Force on Broker Activities to further consider the development of additional requirements for recognition of a fiduciary responsibility on the part of producers, disclosure of all quotes received by a broker and disclosures relating to reinsurance arrangements between insurers and reinsurance companies affiliated with a producer. We cannot predict the effect the NAIC’s recent compensation disclosure amendments or anticipated future activities in this area, at the NAIC or state level, will have on influencing future legal actions, changes to business practices or regulatory requirements applicable to us.
Currently, the U.S. government does not regulate directly the insurance business. However, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas can significantly and adversely affect insurance companies. These areas include financial services regulation, securities regulation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, pension regulation, privacy, tort reform legislation and taxation. In addition, various forms of direct federal regulation of insurance have been proposed. These proposals include “The State Modernization and Regulatory Transparency Act,” which would maintain state-based regulation of insurance but would affect state regulation of certain aspects of the insurance business, including rates, agent and company licensing and market conduct examinations. We cannot predict whether this or other proposals will be adopted, or what impact, if enacted, such laws may have on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

44


Table of Contents

Many of our independent marketers also operate in regulated environments. Changes in regulations that affect their operations also may affect our business relationships with them and their ability to purchase or to distribute our products. Accordingly, these changes could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.
Changes in laws and regulations which apply to us and our marketing representatives may materially increase our expense of doing business, thus having an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Reinsurers with which we do business with may not honor their obligations, leaving us liable for the reinsured coverage, and our reinsurers could increase their premium rates.
We reinsure certain risks underwritten by our various operating segments, including life and casualty. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection we purchase. The high cost of reinsurance or lack of affordable coverage could adversely affect our operating results.
Although our reinsurers are liable to us to the extent of the ceded reinsurance, we remain liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. As a result, ceded reinsurance arrangements do not eliminate our obligation to pay claims. We are subject to credit risk with respect to our ability to recover amounts due from reinsurers. Our reinsurers may not pay the reinsurance recoverables that they owe to us or they may not pay such recoverables on a timely basis. A reinsurer’s insolvency, underwriting results or investment returns may affect its ability to fulfill reinsurance obligations.
Our reinsurance facilities are generally subject to annual renewal. We may not be able to maintain our current reinsurance facilities and, even where highly desirable or necessary, we may not be able to obtain other reinsurance facilities in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. If we are unable to renew our expiring facilities or to obtain new reinsurance facilities, either our net exposures would increase or, if we are unwilling or unable to bear an increase in net exposures, we may have to reduce the level of our underwriting commitments. Either of these potential developments could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
For the majority of our business we retain only the first $100,000 of risk on any one life and cede the remaining risk to our reinsurers, with the remainder of our policies having lower levels of retained risk. In 2005, we reinsured $222 million of face amount of our life insurance policies, and in 2004 we reinsured $265 million of face amount of our life insurance policies. Amounts reinsured in 2005 and 2004 represented approximately 5.2% and 6.6%, respectively, of the face amount of life insurance in effect in those years. Although the cost of reinsurance is, in some cases, reflected in premium rates, under certain reinsurance agreements, the reinsurer may increase the rate it charges us for reinsurance. If the cost of reinsurance were to increase with respect to policies for which we have guaranteed the rates, we could be adversely affected.
The failure to effectively maintain and modernize our information systems could adversely affect our business.
Our business is dependent upon our ability to keep up to date with technological advances. This is particularly important in our life insurance operations, where our information

45


Table of Contents

systems are critical to the operation of our business. Our failure to update these systems to reflect technological advancements or to protect our systems may adversely affect our ability to do business.
We must maintain and enhance our existing information systems and develop new information systems in order to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and changing customer preferences. Our failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems, or our failure to efficiently and effectively consolidate our information systems to eliminate redundant or obsolete applications, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. If we do not maintain adequate systems we could experience adverse consequences, including:
    inadequate information on which to base pricing, underwriting and reserve decisions.
 
    the loss of existing customers;
 
    difficulty in attracting new customers;
 
    customer and marketer disputes;
 
    regulatory problems, such as failure to meet prompt payment obligations;
 
    litigation exposure; or
 
    increases in administrative expenses.
In addition, our management information, internal control and financial reporting systems may need further enhancements and development to satisfy the financial and other reporting requirements of being a public company. There is a risk that we may not be able to adequately upgrade and improve our information systems on an ongoing basis, which could have an adverse effect on our business.
Failure to protect confidential information and privacy could result in the loss of customers, reduction to our profitability and subject us to fines and penalties.
Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to privacy regulations and to confidentiality obligations. We also have legal obligations to protect certain confidential information we obtain from our existing vendors. These obligations generally include protecting confidential information in the same manner and to the same extent as we protect our own confidential information. The actions we take to protect confidential information include among other things:
    monitoring our record retention plans and any changes in state or federal privacy and compliance requirements.
 
    drafting appropriate contractual provisions into any contract that raises proprietary and confidentiality issues;
 
    maintaining secure storage facilities for tangible records; and

46


Table of Contents

    limiting access to electronic information in order to safeguard certain current information.
In addition, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires that we deliver a notice regarding our privacy policy both at the delivery of the insurance policy and annually thereafter. Certain exceptions are allowed for sharing of information under joint marketing agreements. However, certain state laws may require individuals to opt in to information sharing instead of being immediately included. Additionally, when final U.S. Treasury Department regulations are promulgated in connection with the USA Patriot Act, we will likely have to expend additional resources to tailor our existing efforts to the new rules.
We have and maintain a written information security program with appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect such confidential information. If we do not comply with privacy regulations and protect confidential information we could experience adverse consequences, including regulatory problems, loss of reputation and litigation.
The insurance business in which we operate may be subject to periodic negative publicity, which may negatively impact our financial results.
The nature of the markets for the insurance products we provide, including international life and home service, is that we interface with and distribute our products to individual consumers. There may be a perception that these purchasers may be unsophisticated and in need of consumer protection. Accordingly, from time to time, consumer advocate groups or the media may focus attention on our products, thereby subjecting us to periodic negative publicity. We may also be negatively impacted if another insurance company engages in practices resulting in increased public attention to our businesses. Negative publicity may result in lower sales of insurance, increased regulation and legislative scrutiny of industry practices as well as increased litigation, which may further increase our costs of doing business and adversely affect our profitability by impeding our ability to market our products, requiring us to change our products or increasing the regulatory burdens under which we operate.
General economic, financial market and political conditions may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected from time to time by general economic, financial market and political conditions, both in the U.S. and in the foreign countries where our non-U.S. policy owners reside. These conditions include economic cycles such as:
    insurance industry cycles;
 
    levels of employment;
 
    levels of consumer spending;
 
    levels of inflation; and
 
    movements of the financial markets.

47


Table of Contents

Fluctuations in interest rates, monetary policy, demographics, and legislative and competitive factors also influence our performance. During periods of economic downturn, individuals and businesses may choose not to purchase our insurance products and other related products and services, may terminate existing policies or contracts, permit them to lapse or may choose to reduce the amount of coverage purchased.
The inability of our subsidiaries to make payments to us in sufficient amounts for us to conduct operations could harm our ability to meet our obligations.
As a holding company whose principal assets are the capital stock of our subsidiaries, we will rely primarily on statutorily permissible payments from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations for payment of corporate expenses. The ability of our subsidiaries to make payments to us and to make other payments in the future will depend on their statutory surplus (which is the excess of assets over liabilities as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles set by state insurance regulatory authorities), future statutory earnings (which are earnings as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles) and regulatory restrictions. Except to the extent that we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, claims of the subsidiaries’ creditors, including policyholders, have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of the subsidiaries over the claims of our creditors. If any of our subsidiaries becomes insolvent, liquidates or otherwise reorganizes, our creditors and shareholders will have no right to proceed against the assets of that subsidiary or to cause the liquidation, bankruptcy or winding-up of the subsidiary under applicable liquidation, bankruptcy or winding-up laws.
The price of our Class A common stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.
Our Class A share price is likely to fluctuate in the future because of the volatility of the stock market in general and as a result of a variety of other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
    quarterly variations in actual or anticipated results of our operations including for individual products;
 
    interest rate fluctuations;
 
    changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
 
    our failure to meet the expectations of securities analysts and investors; and
 
    actions or announcements by our competitors.
Class A common stockholders will always be minority holders who will not control us, will have a limited ability to influence our business policies and corporate actions, and will not by themselves be able to elect any directors.
It is difficult for our minority shareholders to elect any of our directors or otherwise exert influence over our business. Our outstanding Class B common stock elects a simple majority of our board of directors. All of the Class B common stock is owned indirectly by

48


Table of Contents

Harold E. Riley, Chairman of the Board, through the Harold E. Riley Trust. Additionally, Mr. Riley is the largest Class A shareholder. Therefore, Mr. Riley has virtually complete control over significant corporate transactions. These factors would also make it more difficult and time consuming for a third party to acquire control of, or to change, our board of directors.
Our articles of incorporation, bylaws and insurance laws may discourage takeovers and business combinations that our stockholders might consider in their best interests.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws, as well as various state insurance laws, may delay, defer, prevent or render more difficult a takeover attempt that our stockholders might consider in their best interests. For instance, they may prevent our stockholders from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if they are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws may also make it difficult for stockholders to replace or remove our directors. These provisions may facilitate entrenchment of our directors, which may delay, defer or prevent a change in our control, which may not be in the best interests of our stockholders.
The following provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws have anti-takeover effects that may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt. In particular, our articles of incorporation and bylaws:
    provide that our Class B common stock elects a simple majority of our board of directors; all of such stock is beneficially owned by Harold E. Riley; and
 
    permit our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock.
State insurance laws generally require prior approval of a change in control of an insurance company. Generally, such laws provide that control over an insurer is presumed to exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing 10% or more of the voting securities of the insurer. In considering an application to acquire control of an insurer, an insurance commissioner generally will consider such factors as the experience, competence and financial strength of the applicant, the integrity of the applicant’s board of directors and executive officers, the acquirer’s plans for the management and operation of the insurer, and any anti-competitive results that may arise from the acquisition. In addition, a person seeking to acquire control of an insurance company is required in some states to make filings prior to completing an acquisition if the acquirer and the target insurance company and their affiliates have sufficiently large market shares in particular lines of insurance in those states. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control involving us, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be desirable.
You should not anticipate receiving cash dividends on your Citizens Class A common stock, because we have not paid any cash dividends and do not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future.

49


Table of Contents

To date we have not paid cash dividends on our Class A common stock or Class B common stock, because it is our policy to retain earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Thus, you should not rely on your investment in us for periodic dividend income. The only return on your investment in our Class A common stock will be the appreciation in its market value, if any.
There are a substantial number of shares of our Class A common stock eligible for future sale in the public market. The sale of a large number of these shares could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to fall.
There were 43,300,934 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2005.
The outstanding shares of our Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock were convertible, as February 26, 2006, into 1,974,723 shares of Class A common stock at a conversion price of $6.33 per share. Although we have no present plans to do so, if we were to increase the Series A-1 Preferred Stock issue size from its existing $12.5 million up to a maximum of $25 million, then an additional 1,974,723 shares of our Class A common stock may be issuable upon conversion of those preferred shares.
The unit warrants, which were also issued on July 12, 2004, entitled the investors to purchase from the Company up to $5 million of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock. Three of the four investors exercised their unit warrants, for an exercise price of approximately $3.75 million, before the unit warrants expired in October 2005. The three issuances of Series A-2 Preferred Stock are convertible into Class A common stock at conversion prices equal to 110% of the average market closing prices of the Class A common stock for the 30 trading days before the respective dates of issuance of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock to the three investors.
The conversion, exercise and redemption prices set forth in this and the two following risk factors, along with the numbers of shares and warrants, except as otherwise provided in the amendment to our articles of incorporation establishing the Series A Preferred Stock, have been adjusted for the respective stock dividends paid December 31, 2004 and December 30, 2005. For further discussion concerning the Series A Preferred Stock, see Notes 1(i) and 8 to the audited financial statement included in this annual report.
The three investors exercised their unit warrants in July, September and October 2005. Upon exercise, these three investors each acquired 1,338 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, together totaling 4,014 shares. The Series A-2 Preferred Stock is convertible into Class A common stock at prices ranging from $6.11 to $7.26 per common share. In addition, in connection with their unit warrant exercises, the three investors received additional warrants to purchase a total of 151,349 shares of Class A common stock at exercise prices ranging from $6.72 to $7.99 per share.
In connection with the issuance of Series A-1 Preferred Stock and associated warrants in July 2004, the finders with respect to these transactions received, as part of the finders’ compensation, warrants to purchase 98,977 shares of Series A common stock at an exercise price of $6.95 per share. In connection with the issuances of Series A-2 Preferred Stock and associated warrants in 2005, the finders received, as part of the finders’

50


Table of Contents

compensation, warrants to purchase 27,621 shares of Class A common stock at exercise prices ranging from $6.72 to $7.99.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock receive a 4% annual dividend that is payable by issuing Class A common stock. Furthermore, we could be obligated to issue a significant number of shares of Class A common stock if the Series A Preferred Stock and warrants noted above are exercised and converted.
In addition, members of our management and other affiliates owned approximately 6,309,503 shares of our Class A common stock, representing approximately 14.6% of our outstanding Class A common stock as of December 31, 2005. Sale of a substantial number of the shares described above would likely have a significant negative affect on the market price of our Class A common stock.
If our stockholders sell a large number of shares of our Class A common stock, or if we issue a large number of shares of our Class A common stock in connection with future acquisitions, financings, or other circumstances, the market price of shares of our Class A common stock could decline significantly. Moreover, the perception in the public market that our stockholders might sell shares of our Class A common stock could depress the market price of those shares.
Provisions of our Series A Preferred Stock may prevent or make it more difficult for us to raise funds or take certain other actions.
In July 2004, we completed the private placement to four institutional investors of (i) an aggregate of 25,000 shares of our Series A-1 Senior Convertible Preferred Stock, (ii) seven-year warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 543,790 shares of our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $6.95 per share. In addition, Series A-2 Preferred stock and additional warrants were issued upon the exercise, by three of the four institutional investors, of their unit warrants as discussed in the immediately foregoing risk factor. Provisions of the currently outstanding Series A Preferred Stock may require us to obtain the approval of the holders of such shares, or otherwise trigger rights of first refusal or payment provisions, to (i) incur debt or allow liens on our property, other than certain permitted debt and liens, (ii) issue or sell additional shares of our Class A common stock, (iii) amend our articles of incorporation so as to affect adversely any rights of the preferred shareholders, (iv) authorize or create a new class of stock that will be senior or equal to the Series A Preferred Stock in terms of dividends, redemption or distribution of assets, or (v) take certain other actions. For example, we cannot incur debts of greater than $3 million without approval of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock. These provisions may make it more difficult for us to take certain corporate actions and could delay, discourage or prevent future financings.
Holders of our Series A Preferred Stock have the right to require us to redeem their Series A Preferred Stock at any time, and we will be required to redeem any shares of Series A Preferred Stock that remain outstanding on the fifth anniversary of their issuance.
The provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock require that if (i) at any time after the original issue date of the stock, the closing price of our Class A common stock for any 42 days is less than $5.50, or (ii) we issue Class A common stock or common stock equivalents for less than $6.11 per share, then the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock

51


Table of Contents

may require us to redeem their shares of Series A Preferred Stock at a price equal to the amount of the original holder’s original investment, plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon to the date of payment and any applicable penalties. The preferred holders’ right to require a redemption have been triggered under clause (i) above. Thus, they can require us to redeem their preferred stock at any time. In addition, we will be required to redeem any shares of the Series A Preferred Stock that remain outstanding on the fifth anniversary after their issuance at a price equal to the amount of the original holder’s original investment, plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon to the date of such payment.
We can elect to pay the redemption price in shares of our Class A common stock if:
    the average closing price of our Class A common stock is $3.50 per share or above;
 
    we have sufficient number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance;
 
    our Class A common stock is listed on NYSE or other eligible market;
 
    the shares of Class A common stock to be issued are registered under an effective registration statement;
 
    the shares to be issued can be issued without violating the rules of the NYSE or any applicable trading market or a provision of our agreement with the holders;
 
    we have not filed for protection under applicable bankruptcy laws; and
 
    certain other enumerated conditions.
We would likely pay the redemption price of any Series A Preferred Stock in shares of our Class A common stock, assuming we met the foregoing criteria. The number of shares of Class A common stock which we would be required to issue to redeem the preferred stock would be determined by dividing the sum of the stated value of $500 per preferred share, plus accrued dividends at 4% per annum (paid quarterly), by the lesser of $6.11 or 95% of the volume weighted average price per share of the common stock for 15 days before the redemption date. The number of additional shares of common stock which we may be required to issue to redeem these shares of Series A Preferred Stock could have a significant dilutive effect on the book value of the shares of Class A common stock held by existing stockholders.
There can be no assurance that the holders of the Class A Preferred Stock will not elect to require us to redeem their shares. In addition, there are provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock, that could, under certain circumstances, including failure to meet the requirements enumerated above, require us to pay part or all of the redemption price in cash rather than common stock. If we are required or elect to redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Stock using cash, we may have to curtail our expansion and acquisition plans. In that event we would likely try to raise additional capital by issuing new stock, but there can be no assurance that capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

52


Table of Contents

Item 2. Properties
We own our principal office in Austin, Texas, consisting of an 80,000 square foot office building and approximately one acre of land nearby that contains housing storage facilities. Approximately 50,000 square feet is occupied or reserved for our operations with the remainder of the building being leased to a single tenant under a lease expiring in late 2006.
We also own a 6,324 square foot funeral home in Baker, Louisiana acquired at a total cost of $527,000. This facility, acquired in a 1995 acquisition, is owned and operated by FHA. In addition, we own other properties in Texas and Louisiana that are incidental to our operations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Cause Number 03-0505; Citizens Insurance Company of America, Citizens, Inc., Harold E. Riley and Mark A. Oliver, Petitioners v. Fernando Hakim Daccach, Respondent, in the Supreme Court of Texas.
This lawsuit has been certified by the Texas District Court, Austin, Texas, and affirmed by the Court of Appeals for the Third District of Texas. We appealed the grant of class status to the Texas Supreme Court, with oral arguments occurring on October 21, 2004. We have not yet received a decision from the Texas Supreme Court.
The suit names as a class all non-U.S. residents who purchased insurance policies or made premium payments since August 1996 and assigned policy dividends to two non-U.S. trusts for the purchase of our Class A common stock. It alleges that the life insurance policies which we made available to these non-U.S. residents, when combined with a policy feature which allows policy dividends to be assigned to non-U.S. trusts for the purpose of accumulating ownership of our Class A common stock, along with allowing the policyholders to make additional contributions to the trusts, were actually offers and sales of securities that occurred in Texas by unregistered dealers in violation of Texas securities laws. The remedy sought is rescission and return of the insurance premiums.
We believe, among other things, that U.S. law, including Texas law, does not apply to the operations of the trusts, and therefore, no securities registration provisions apply, nor do U.S. laws relating to broker-dealer registration apply. Further, it is our position that the securities claims, based on Texas securities laws, are not valid, that no broker-dealer registration is required of us or our marketing consultants, and the class as defined is not appropriate for class certification because it does not meet the legal requirements for class action treatment under Texas law.
We intend to continue to defend vigorously against class certification, as well as against the other claims in the case. We are unable to determine the potential financial magnitude of the claims if the class certification were to become final and the plaintiff was able to prevail on the substantive claims, although we would expect a significant adverse financial impact from an adverse final class action judgment. Additional information concerning this lawsuit is set forth in “Risk Factors” above.
We are also a party to various legal proceedings incidental to our business. We have been named as a defendant in various legal actions seeking payments for claims denied by us and other monetary damages. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from any contingent liabilities that might arise from such litigation,

53


Table of Contents

is not material in relation to our financial position or results of operations. Reserves for claims payable are based on the expected claim amounts to be paid after a case-by-case review of the facts and circumstances relating to each claim. A contingency exists with regard to these reserves until the claims are adjudicated and paid.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.

54


Table of Contents

PART II
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Securities
Our Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol CIA. The quarterly high and low prices per share as reported by the NYSE are shown below. These prices have been adjusted to reflect 7% stock dividends paid in 2004 and 2005.
                                 
    2005     2004  
Quarter Ended   High     Low     High     Low  
March 31
  $ 5.80       5.01       8.73       6.39  
June 30
    5.79       4.79       7.33       5.27  
September 30
    6.93       5.70       6.97       4.28  
December 31
    6.05       4.92       6.19       4.74  
As of December 31, 2005, the approximate number of record owners of our Class A common stock was 20,000. Management estimates the number of beneficial owners to be approximately 100,000.
On December 31, 2004, we paid a 7% common stock dividend to holders of record as of December 1, 2004. The dividend resulted in the issuance of 2,649,695 Class A shares (including 191,722 shares in treasury) and 61,246 Class B shares.
On December 31, 2005, we paid a 7% common stock dividend to holders of record as of December 15, 2005. The dividend resulted in the issuance of 2,840,821 Class A shares (including 205,142 shares in treasury) and 65,533 Class B shares.
We have not paid cash dividends in any of the past five years and do not expect to pay such in the foreseeable future. For restrictions on the present and future ability to pay dividends, see Note 6 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
We did not purchases any of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2005 or during any quarter in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
We do not maintain any equity compensation plans or arrangements. Thus, we do not have any securities authorized for issuance under these types of plans, nor have we issued any options, warrants or similar instruments to purchase any of our equity securities, except for warrants issued in conjunction with the convertible preferred stock issued in 2005. (See Note 8 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”)
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data
The table below sets forth, in summary form, selected data of the Company. This data, which is not covered in the report of our independent auditors, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes, which are included

55


Table of Contents

elsewhere herein. The net income (loss) per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect the 7% common stock dividends paid on December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    (In thousands except per share data)  
    2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
Total Revenues
  $ 144,315       102,826       95,103       83,004       67,647  
Net Income
    7,302       7,732       3,126       4,254       3,963  
Net Income Per Share
    .13       .17       .08       .12       .11  
Total Assets at December 31
    661,889       661,212       390,093       326,291       282,086  
Long-term Debt
          30,000                    
Total Liabilities
    513,380       520,179       263,066       224,499       199,364  
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    136,963       135,131       127,027       101,792       82,722  
Book Value Per Share
    3.33       3.29       3.10       2.76       2.34  
See Item I — Business (a) and (b), and Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis, for information that may affect the comparability of the financial data contained in the above table.
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
We conduct operations as an insurance holding company emphasizing ordinary life insurance products in niche markets where we believe we can achieve competitive advantages. Our core operations include:
    the issuance of ordinary life insurance in U.S. dollar denominated amounts to foreign nationals with significant net worth; and
 
    offering final expense ordinary life insurance through the home service distribution channel in Louisiana.
We also offer ordinary life insurance products to middle to low income individuals in the Midwest and southern U.S. We operate through three segments as follows:
International Life. For the past 30 years, CICA and its predecessors have participated in the foreign marketplace through the issuance of U.S. dollar denominated ordinary whole life insurance to foreign nationals. Traditionally, this market has focused on the top 3-5% of the population of a country in terms of income and net worth. In recent years, however, there has been a shift to encompass a broader spectrum of the population, as middle classes develop in South America. We make our insurance products available using independent marketing organizations and independent marketing consultants. The number of our producing independent consultants has expanded over the years in this segment to approximately 3,100, and we presently receive applications from more than 35 countries outside of the U.S. Historically, the majority of our international business has come from Latin America. However, in 2004 the Pacific Rim began to represent a meaningful and

56


Table of Contents

growing source of new business, and in 2005 was the leading source of new premium income.
In 2005, our International Life segment generated revenue of approximately $79.7 million which accounted for 55.2% of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2004, this segment produced revenue of $72.9 million which accounted for 70.9% of our total revenue, compared to 2003, when it produced approximately $63.3 million, or 67.0% of total revenue. The decrease in percentage of total revenue in 2005 relates to the inclusion of Security Plan’s results for all of 2005, as the revenues from Security Plan were only included in the fourth quarter of 2004 because it was acquired by us on October 1, 2004. Our strategy in operating our International Life segment is to increase new business written through our existing marketers as well as expand the number of countries from which we receive policy applications. Our international business grew at a double-digit pace during 2003, 2004 and 2005. New annualized issued and paid premiums from the international market increased by more than 25.7% during 2004 compared to 2003, and increased an additional 17.9% during 2005 compared to 2004. The development of new markets in the Pacific Rim, particularly Taiwan, and the expansion of existing markets in Latin America were the primary contributors to the growth in this segment.
Home Service Life. Through a subsidiary we acquired in October 2004, Security Plan, we provide final expense ordinary life insurance to middle to lower income individuals in Louisiana. Our policies in this segment are sold and serviced through the home service marketing distribution system utilizing employee-agents who work on a route system to collect premiums and service policyholders.
During 2005, revenue from this segment was $49.7 million, which accounted for 34.4% of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2004, revenue from this segment was $12.3 million or 12.0% of our total revenue, although we only operated this segment for the fourth quarter as we entered into this business upon the acquisition of Security Plan. Our business strategy in this segment is to continue to serve existing customers in Louisiana as well as expand the business through new marketing management which we put in place in early 2005.
In August and September 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Louisiana coast, causing significant damage and disruption to the New Orleans area. Management estimates one third of Security Plan’s premium income is located in the affected area. Security Plan was not significantly impacted by death claims related to the storms (approximately $100,000); however, because of uncertainty regarding the collectability of future premiums from the area, we amortized approximately $2.3 million of cost of customer relationships acquired in the Security Plan acquisition during the third quarter of 2005 because of the decrease in collected premiums during the quarter. Ultimately, Security Plan closed the year with only a 4.5% decline in premium income compared to 2004.
Security Plan’s casualty subsidiary, SPFIC, had sufficient catastrophe reinsurance agreements in place that out of approximately $11.4 million in estimated hurricane-related claims and expenses, the financial impact on SPFIC was approximately $2,000,000 ($1,250,000 in claims and $750,000 in second event premiums) during the third and fourth quarters of 2005. The reinsurance agreements specify a maximum coverage per event. SPFIC has reached the maximum retention for Hurricane Katrina under the catastrophe reinsurance agreements. Hurricane Rita was the second catastrophe. SPFIC had secured a new catastrophe reinsurance contract for any additional catastrophes that might have

57


Table of Contents

occurred by year end 2005. For 2006, SPFIC has increased its catastrophe reinsurance to cover up to $10 million in claims per event.
Domestic Life. Through our Domestic Life segment, we provide ordinary whole life, credit life insurance, and final expense policies to middle income individuals in certain markets in the Midwest and southern U.S. The majority of our revenues in this segment are the result of acquisitions of domestic life insurance companies since 1987. We conduct our Domestic Life business through our four operating life insurance subsidiaries.
During 2005, revenue from this segment was $14.0 million, which was 9.7% of total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2004, revenue from this segment was $16.8 million which was 16.3% of our total revenue, and in 2003, this segment contributed $18.0 million, or 18.9% of total revenue. Our business strategy in this segment is to seek to expand the agency force through second career independent agents while also reviewing additional opportunities to add to the agency force through acquisitions of domestic life insurance companies. However, the domestic marketing program experienced higher than anticipated lapsation on the books of business acquired in the acquisitions of First Alliance Corporation in 2003 and CNLIC in 2002, which precipitated the 16.4% decrease in revenues during 2005 compared to 2004. We previously operated an accident and health segment, which we exited in 2004.
We also realize earnings from our investment portfolio. Life insurance companies earn profits on the investment float, which reflects the investment income earned on the premiums paid to the insurer between the time of receipt and the time benefits are paid out under policies. Changes in interest rates, changes in economic conditions and volatility in the capital markets can all impact the amount of earnings that we will realize from our investment portfolio.
Marketplace Conditions and Trends
Described below are some of the significant recent events and trends affecting the life insurance industry and the possible effects they may have on our operations in the future.
    As an increasing percentage of the world population reaches retirement age, we believe we will benefit from increased demand for living products rather than death products, as aging baby boomers will require cash accumulation to provide expenses to meet their lifetime needs. Our ordinary life products are designed for our policyowners to accumulate cash values to provide for living expenses in the insured’s later years while continuously providing a death benefit.
 
    The volatility in the equity markets over the past few years has posed a number of problems for some companies in the life insurance industry. Even though the capital markets have recovered, not all companies have participated evenly in the recovery. We historically have had minimal equity exposure, including less than 1% of total invested assets as of December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and we plan to continue to have minimal assets in equity investments in the future.
 
    Corporate bond defaults and credit downgrades, which have resulted in other-than- temporary impairment in the value of many securities, have had a material

58


Table of Contents

      impact on life insurers in the past few years. We have not incurred significant losses from bond defaults for many years. The majority of our investment portfolio is held in debt instruments carrying the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. We intend to manage our investment portfolio conservatively in the future in these type of debt instruments.
 
    Some life insurance companies have recently suffered significant reductions in capital due to losses, and will have to improve their capital adequacy ratios to support their business or divest a portion of their business. We have not experienced any capital reductions and do not anticipate this trend will affect us. We did reduce capital on a regulatory basis by approximately $20 million when we acquired Security Plan; however, we maintain more than adequate levels of capital.
 
    Because of the trends described above coupled with increasing costs of regulatory compliance such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we believe there is a trend towards consolidation of domestic life insurance companies. We believe this should be a benefit to our acquisition strategy because there should be more complementary acquisition candidates available for us to consider acquiring.
 
    Many of the events and trends affecting the life insurance industry have had an impact on the life reinsurance industry. These events led to a decline in the availability of reinsurance. While we currently cede a limited amount of our primary insurance business to reinsurers, we may find it difficult to obtain reinsurance in the future, forcing us to seek reinsurers who are more expensive to us. If we cannot obtain affordable reinsurance coverage, either our net exposures will increase or we would have to reduce our underwriting commitments.
Significant Recent Transactions
Cessation of Accident and Health Business
We entered into coinsurance agreements, effective January 1, 2004, and ceded approximately $14 million of our annual accident and health premium and corresponding benefits and claims. In consideration for these cessions, we made a closing settlement payment of $10,440,000 to the reinsurer in June 2004. Due to this cession, we also reduced our January 1, 2004 deferred policy acquisition costs, cost of customer relationships acquired and policy benefit reserves by $2,197,000, $2,886,000 and $14,960,000, respectively. We recorded an initial amount payable to the reinsurer of $10,440,000, resulting in a first quarter 2004 charge of $634,000 and a deferred gain of $72,000, which was amortized during 2004. The coinsurance agreements provide that this ceded business will revert to the reinsurer when parallel assumption reinsurance agreements are approved by the various state insurance departments holding jurisdiction. We also participate in future profits on the accident and health business subject to the coinsurance agreements over a 10-year period. During 2004, we recognized approximately $809,000 as profit under the agreements. No amounts were recognized in 2005. Negotiations were underway, as of December 31, 2005, with the assuming party to sell our primary accident and health insurance subsidiary, CNLIC, which represents approximately 70% of the ceded business.

59


Table of Contents

A formal contract was signed in the first quarter of 2006 and is expected to close in mid-2006. The remaining 30% of the accident and health business will continue to be ceded under the existing coinsurance agreements.
Acquisition of Security Plan
The acquisition of Security Plan on October 1, 2004, was, at $85 million, our largest ever, and it provides a meaningful source of revenue and a solid asset base. We used a $30 million line of credit from Regions Bank to supplement available cash in completing the transaction. This debt was repaid in April 2005.
Management continues to seek acquisitions that can add value to our Company, although at this time, we have no agreements or understandings with respect to any acquisition. Because of the growth in our asset base and level of capital, management expects to seek opportunities for larger acquisition transactions (those in the $50 million to $100 million purchase price range). Historically, Security Plan is made up of more than 100 such companies or books of business, and management expects to pursue such opportunities should they present themselves.
Consolidated Results
The following table sets forth our net income for periods indicated:
                         
Year Ended           Net Income Per     Change from  
December 31   Net Income     Class A & B Share     Previous Year  
2005
  $ 7,302,000     $ 0.13       (5.6 %)
2004
    7,732,000       0.17       147.3 %
2003
    3,126,000       0.08       (26.5 %)
As further discussed below, increases in revenues offset by increased amortization expenses, contributed to a 45.8% increase in earnings before Federal income tax in 2005. A significant increase in Federal income tax expense, as described below, resulted in 2005 net income approximating that of 2004. Earnings per share declined in 2005 by 23.5% compared to 2004 as the result of significantly increased taxes and higher expenses relating to our outstanding preferred stock. (See Note 1(i) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Total revenues for 2005 were $144.3 million, a 40.3% increase over 2004 revenues of $102.8 million. Total revenues for 2003 were $95.1 million. The inclusion of Security Plan (Home Service segment) for all of 2005 contributed $49.7 million in revenues, compared to $12.3 million in 2004. Total revenues from our International Life segment amounted to $79.7 million during 2005, compared to $72.9 million for 2004 and $63.3 million for 2003, reflecting continued growth in new business. In our Domestic Life segment, total U.S. life revenues for 2005 amounted to $14.0 million compared to $16.8 million in the same period of 2004 and $18.0 million in 2003, the decline in 2005 resulting primarily from higher lapsation experienced on books of business acquired in previous years. Our domestic accident and health revenues were $900,000 in 2005, compared to $788,000 in 2004 and $13.7 million in 2003. The decline from 2003 to 2004 was the result of the cession of the accident and health business.

60


Table of Contents

Premium Income. Premium income (including annuity and universal life considerations) during 2005 increased to $118,667,000 from $83,168,000 in 2004, or 42.7%. The 2005 increase was attributable to the inclusion of a full year of Security Plan, which had $37,720,000 of premium income during the year, as well as the growth in premium income in our International Life segment, which benefited from the large increase in new premiums written in 2004 and 2005. First year issued and paid annualized life premium for this segment increased 17.9% from $15,795,000 in 2004 to $18,619,000 in 2005. Premium income increased by 6.6% to $83,168,000 in 2004, from $78,027,000 in 2003. The increase in 2004 was driven by a 6.3% increase in premiums from CICA, as well as the inclusion of Security Plan and SPFIC, which added $9,587,000 after their acquisition in October 2004, which offset the loss of approximately $14 million of accident and health premium ceded.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased 38.6% during 2005 to $23,568,000 compared to $17,005,000 during 2004 and $14,322,000 in 2003. Our Home Service Life segment’s inclusion added $11,573,000 to the 2005 results and $2,875,000 to 2004 results. Available returns were slightly higher during 2005 compared to 2004 and 2003, however, the remaining companies’ investment income declined slightly during 2005 due to the sale of a significant amount of bonds to fund the acquisition of Security Plan and the transfer of the accident and health business in 2004 and the sale/maturity of $30 million of bonds to retire the outstanding bank debt. We continue to invest in bonds U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, such as FNMA and FHLMC. Also, during 2005, approximately $20 million of AAA-rated, tax-exempt municipal bonds were purchased, which generated tax-equivalent yields of 30-40 basis points higher than on agency instruments.
Reserves. The change in future policy benefit reserves increased from $18,627,000 in 2004 to $24,223,000 in 2005, predominantly due to an improvement in persistency on our international business, as well as a change in product mix which resulted in larger first year reserves. During 2004 and 2005, a shift in products sold occurred with the addition of sales in the Pacific Rim, which resulted in a more rapid rise in reserves. Our Home Service segment decreased net reserves by $244,000 in 2005, due to minimal loss of business as the result of hurricanes. The change in future policy benefit reserves increased from $7,904,000 in 2003 to $18,627,000 in 2004, due predominantly to increased persistency on our business and an increase and change in product mix in new business. New issuances of policies to several large producing areas shifted to endowment products, which build reserves at a much higher rate.
Policy Dividends. Policyholder dividends increased 15.6% during 2005 to $4,789,000 from $4,142,000 in 2004 and $3,666,000 in 2003, due to improved persistency and the continued sale of participating ordinary whole life products. Virtually all of our policies on foreign nationals are participating, and the improvement in persistency and increase in new business on our international business have contributed to the growth in dividends. The dividends are factored into the premiums and have no impact on profitability.
Claims and Surrenders. As noted in the table below, claims and surrenders increased 42.5% from $37,407,000 in 2004 to $53,288,000 in 2005. The 2005 increase primarily related to the acquisition of Security Plan. which was only reflected in 2004 comparative results of operations for the last quarter of 2004 .

61


Table of Contents

                         
    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Death claims
  $ 22,404,000       10,224,000       6,399,000  
Surrender expenses
    16,940,000       18,406,000       17,986,000  
Endowments
    9,021,000       7,509,000       6,416,000  
Casualty claims
    3,685,000       562,000        
Other policy benefits
    792,000       766,000       780,000  
Accident and health benefits
    446,000       (60,000 )     9,110,000  
 
                 
Total claims and surrenders
  $ 53,288,000       37,407,000       40,691,000  
 
                 
Death benefits increased 119.1% from $10,224,000 in 2004 to $22,404,000 in 2005. Death claims in 2003 were $6,399,000. The 2005 death claims of our Home Service segment totaled $15,694,000. In 2004, claims in this segment amounted to $3,688,000, reflecting only one quarter of results of Security Plan. Claims on our remaining books of business remained static or down slightly during 2005. Because of the nature of our Home Service business, incurred claims historically are higher than those incurred on our international business. Recent hurricane activity that affected Louisiana had minimal impact on 2005 death claims.
Policy surrenders decreased 8.0% in 2005 to $16,940,000 from $18,406,000 in 2004. The 2004 results represented a 2.3% increase over 2003 when surrenders amounted to $17,986,000, due primarily to the acquisitions of two domestic life insurers, which generated $3,428,000 in additional surrenders, plus the inclusion of Security Plan which added $432,000. The small face amount size of our Home Service policies, coupled with the nature of the policies, is such that surrenders on that book of business are relatively low. However, the inclusion of this segment in 2005 added $1,429,000 in surrender benefits to the 2005 results. Improved persistency on our international business contributed to the decrease in surrenders in 2005 compared to 2004. Internationally, we experienced a significant improvement on persistency in 2005, as countries in South America rebounded from economic downturns.
Endowment benefits increased 20.1% from $7,509,000 in 2004 to $9,021,000 in 2005. Endowments totaled $6,416,000 in 2003. We have a series of international policies that carry an immediate endowment benefit of an amount elected by the policy owner. This endowment is factored into the premium of the policy and is paid annually. Like policy dividends, endowments are factored into the premium and, as such, the increase should have no adverse impact on profitability.
Accident and health benefits of $446,000 have been nominal since the cession of the majority of our accident and health business in force according to coinsurance agreements effective January 1, 2004.
Casualty claims and other policy benefits amounted to $4,477,000 in 2005, compared to $1,328,000 in 2004 and $780,000 in 2003. These other benefits are comprised of supplemental contract benefits, interest on policy funds and assorted other miscellaneous policy benefits. In 2005, Home Service casualty claims totaled $3,685,000, compared to $562,000 in 2004. Of these 2005 casualty claims, $1,250,000 were due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as discussed earlier.

62


Table of Contents

Commissions. Commissions increased 55.0% during 2005 to $32,985,000 from $21,274,000 in 2004 and $18,228,000 in 2003, primarily due to the inclusion of our Home Service segment for all of 2005. Commissions paid by our Home Service segment in 2005 totaled $11,762,000, compared to $2,211,000 in 2004, as the segment was only included in the fourth quarter of 2004. Additionally, our International Life segment commissions were higher in 2005 and 2004 as a result of the increase in issued new business described above.
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expense. Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses increased 46.2% to $25,429,000 in 2005 compared to $17,391,000 during 2004. The increase was largely attributable to our Home Service segment’s inclusion for the entire year, whose expenses were approximately $9,571,000 in 2005, as the segment was only included in the fourth quarter of 2004. Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses decreased 8.3% to $17,391,000 in 2004, compared to $18,966,000 in 2003, due primarily to economies of scale being achieved in administration of the business of our domestic insurance subsidiaries.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs. Capitalized deferred policy acquisition costs increased 41.5% from $17,241,000 in 2004 to $24,388,000 in 2005. These costs were $16,558,000 in 2003. This increase was primarily related to the increase in new life production discussed above. Capitalized expenses for the Home Service segment, which were not included in 2005 results, were $3,076,000. Amortization of these costs was $10,313,000 and $8,438,000, respectively, in 2005 and 2004.
Cost of Customer Relationships Acquired. Amortization of cost of customer relationships acquired and other intangibles increased from $4,136,000 in 2004 to $5,881,000 in 2005. Amortization of these items related to the Security Plan acquisition was $3,811,000 in 2005 and $848,572 for the fourth quarter of 2004. These costs decreased in 2004 to $4,136,000 from $7,110,000 in 2003. With most of the accident and health business ceded effective January 1, 2004, amortization of these costs was minimal in 2004.
Federal Income Tax. Federal income tax expense was $162,000, $356,000 and $4,493,000 in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. This represents effective tax rates of 4.9%, 4.4% and 38.1%, respectively. In 2003 and to a lesser extent in 2004, we benefited from the small life insurance company deduction. After the acquisition of Security Plan in late 2004, this deduction was no longer available since it is based on consolidated assets. In 2004, a previously established valuation allowance in the amount of $1,319,000 was released, which reduced our effective tax rate by 16.3%. In 2005, a valuation allowance in the amount of $1,103,000 was established which added 9.3% to our effective tax rate. The 2005 allowance was due to the anticipated sale of CNLIC, which has a $1,103,000 net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2005, primarily related to net operating losses that will not be available in future years as CNLIC will no longer be part of the Company’s consolidated group. Additionally, a 45.8% increase in pre-tax earnings added approximately $1.3 million to tax expense from 2004 to 2005. We expect our effective Federal tax rate to approximately 34.0% in coming years.

63


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity refers to a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the needs of its operations. Liquidity is managed on insurance operations to ensure stable and reliable sources of cash flows to meet obligations and is provided by a variety of sources.
Liquidity requirements are met primarily by funds provided from operations. Premium deposits and revenues, investment income and investment maturities are the primary sources of funds while investment purchases, policy benefits, and operating expenses are the primary uses of funds. Although we historically have not had to liquidate invested assets to provide cash flow, our investments consist primarily of marketable debt securities that could be readily converted to cash for liquidity needs.
A primary liquidity concern is the risk of an extraordinary level of early policyholder withdrawals. We include provisions within our insurance policies, such as surrender charges, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals. Since these contractual withdrawals, as well as the level of surrenders experienced, were largely consistent with our assumptions in asset liability management, our associated cash outflows have to date not had an adverse impact on our overall liquidity. 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 cash flow tests under various market interest rate scenarios are also performed annually to assist in evaluating liquidity needs and adequacy. We currently anticipate that available liquidity sources and future cash flows will be adequate to meet our needs for funds.
In the past, cash flows from our insurance operations have been sufficient to meet current needs. Cash flows from operating activities were $34.5 million and $8.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. We have traditionally also had significant cash flows from both scheduled and unscheduled investment security maturities, redemptions, and prepayments. Net cash outflows from investment activity totaled $22.6 million and $34.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The outflows from investing activity for the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily related to the investment of excess cash and cash equivalents generated from operations during 2005. In 2004, the outflow resulted from the $85 million expended to acquire Security Plan.
Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2005 was $136,963,000 compared to $135,131,000 at December 31, 2004. The 2005 increase was lower than expected, due to unrealized losses on our bond portfolio net of tax of $4,801,000. The unrealized losses result from increases in interest rates late in 2005, which offset the income earned during 2005.
Invested assets increased to $484,811,000 at December 31, 2005 from $475,802,000 at December 31, 2004. Invested assets grew by 1.9%, after retiring our $30 million outstanding term loan in April. Fixed maturities are categorized into two classifications: fixed maturities held-to-maturity, which are valued at amortized cost, and fixed maturities available-for-sale which are valued at fair value.
Fixed maturities available-for-sale and fixed maturities held-to-maturity were 92.8% and 1.6%, respectively, of invested assets at December 31, 2005. Fixed maturities held to maturity, amounting to $7,640,000 at December 31, 2005, consist of U.S. Treasury and

64


Table of Contents

U.S. government agency securities. Management has the intent and believes we have the ability to hold the securities to maturity.
Policy loans comprised 4.9% of invested assets at December 31, 2005 compared to 5.1% at December 31, 2004. These loans, which are secured by the underlying policy values, have yields ranging from 5% to 10% and maturities that are related to the maturity or termination of the applicable policies. Management believes that we maintain adequate liquidity despite the uncertain maturities of these loans.
Our cash balances at our primary depositories were significantly in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Management monitors the solvency of all financial institutions in which we have funds to minimize the exposure for loss. Management does not believe we are at significant risk for such a loss. During 2006, we intend to continue to utilize high grade commercial paper as a cash management tool to minimize excess cash balances and enhance returns.
In the wake of bankruptcy filings by large corporations in recent years, concern was raised regarding the use of certain off-balance sheet special purpose entities such as partnerships to hedge or conceal losses related to investment activity. We do not utilize special purpose entities as investment vehicles, nor are there any such entities in which we have an investment that engage in speculative activities of any description, and we do not use such investments to hedge our investment positions.
The NAIC has established minimum capital requirements in the form of Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”). Risk-based capital factors the type of business written by an insurance company, the quality of its assets, and various other factors into account to develop a minimum level of capital called “authorized control level risk-based capital” and compares this level to an adjusted statutory capital that includes capital and surplus as reported under statutory accounting principles, plus certain investment reserves. Should the ratio of adjusted statutory capital to control level risk-based capital fall below 200%, a series of actions by the affected company would begin. At December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, all of our insurance subsidiaries were above required minimum levels.
We signed a revolving line of credit agreement from Regions Bank for a $30 million credit facility for use in acquisitions in March 2004. On October 1, 2004, we entered into a Second Amendment to the Loan Agreement that converted into a term loan a $30 million advance against the line of credit made in connection with the acquisition of Security Plan. The loan was repaid in April 2005. In November 2005, we executed documents to renew the line of credit through October 2006, and to increase the borrowing capacity to $75 million. No amounts were outstanding at December 31, 2005. Provisions of the outstanding preferred stock issue limit the amount we can borrow without the holders’ consent to $30.0 million.
We have committed to the following contractual obligations as of December 31, 2005 with the payments due by the period indicated below:

65


Table of Contents

                                         
Contractual           Less than     1 to 3     3 to 5     More than  
Obligation   Total     1 year     years     years     5 years  
 
    (In Thousands)  
 
Operating leases
  $ 893       439       336       118        
Other
    276       190       86              
 
                             
Total operating leases and other
  $ 1,169       629       422       118        
 
                             
 
                                       
Future policy benefit reserves:
                                       
 
                                       
Life insurance
  $ 436,717       162       911       8,551       427,093  
Annuities
    19,440       4,806       2,931       5,345       6,358  
Accident and health
    11,580       11,580                    
 
                             
 
                                       
Total future policy benefit reserves
  $ 467,737       16,548       3,842       13,896       433,451  
 
                             
 
                                       
Policy claims payable:
                                       
 
                                       
Life insurance
  $ 6,173       6,173                    
Accident and health
    1,740       1,740                    
Casualty
    3,314       3,314                    
 
                             
Total policy claims payable
  $ 11,227       11,227                    
 
                             
 
                                       
Convertible preferred stock
  $ 16,251                   16,251        
 
                             
 
                                       
Total contractual obligations
  $ 496,384       28,404       4,264       30,265       433,451  
 
                             
The payments related to the future policy benefits and policy claims payable reflected in the table above have been projected utilizing assumptions based upon our historical experience and anticipated future experience.
Parent Company Liquidity and Capital Resources
We are a holding company and have had minimal operations of our own. Our assets consist of the capital stock of our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our cash flows depend upon the availability of statutorily permissible payments, primarily payments under management agreements from our two primary life insurance subsidiaries, CICA and Security Plan. The ability to make payments is limited by applicable laws and regulations of Colorado, the state in which CICA is domiciled, and Louisiana, the state in which Security Plan is domiciled, which subject insurance operations to significant regulatory restrictions. These laws and regulations require, among other things, that these insurance subsidiaries maintain minimum solvency requirements and limit the amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay to the holding company. We historically have not relied upon dividends from subsidiaries for our cash flow needs and we do not intend to do so in the future.
We are not currently planning to make any significant capital expenditures or acquisitions in 2006 or subsequent years. However, in the event we make an acquisition, we could incur debt as we did in the Security Plan acquisition. In April 2005, we repaid the $30 million we borrowed on October 1, 2004 for the acquisition.

66


Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies
Our critical accounting policies are as follows:
Policy Liabilities
Future policy benefit reserves have been computed by the net level premium method with assumptions as to investment yields, dividends on participating business, mortality and withdrawals based upon our industry experience. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of policy liabilities and the increase in future policy benefit reserves. Management’s judgments and estimates for future policy benefit reserves provide for possible unfavorable deviation.
We continue to use the original assumptions (including a provision for the risk of adverse deviation) in subsequent periods to determine the changes in the liability for future policy benefits (the “lock-in concept”) unless a premium deficiency exists. Management monitors these assumptions and has determined that a premium deficiency does not exist. Management believes that our policy liabilities and increase in future policy benefit reserves as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are based upon assumptions, including a provision for the risk of adverse deviation, that do not warrant revision. The relative stability of these assumptions and management’s analysis is discussed below.
Lapses and surrenders increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to Security Plan’s inclusion for the entire year. Reinsurance declined because of a decrease in the average face amount of international policies issued. The significant increase in 2004 ceded premium compared to 2003 related to the 100% cession of the in-force accident and health premiums to another carrier.
During 2005, operating expenses increased compared to 2004 due to the inclusion of Security Plan for the entire year. In 2004, expense reductions resulted in improvement in the ratio of expenses to premiums compared to 2003; however, the claims incurred by Security Plan caused the overall expense and benefit ratio to increase slightly. Because of the nature of Security Plan’s business, a high benefit ratio is not unusual.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Acquisition costs, consisting of commissions and policy issuance, underwriting and agency expenses that relate to and vary with the production of new business, are deferred. These deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized primarily over the estimated premium paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of the annual premium recognized to the total premium revenue anticipated, using the same assumptions as were used in computing liabilities for future policy benefits.
We utilize the factor method to determine the amount of costs to be capitalized and the ending asset balance. The factor method is based on the ratio of premium revenue recognized for the policies in force at the end of each reporting period compared to the premium revenue recognized for policies in force at the beginning of the reporting period. The factor method ensures that policies that lapsed or surrendered during the reporting period are no longer included in the deferred policy acquisition costs calculation. The factor

67


Table of Contents

method limits the amount of deferred costs to its estimated realizable value, provided actual experience is comparable to that contemplated in the factors.
Inherent in the capitalization and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs are certain management judgments about what acquisition costs are deferred, the ending asset balance and the annual amortization. Over 85% of our capitalized deferred acquisition costs are attributed to first year excess commissions. The remaining 15% are attributed to costs that vary with and are directly related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance business. Those costs generally include costs related to the production, underwriting and issuance of new business. Use of the factor method, as discussed above, limits the amount of unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs to its estimated realizable value provided actual experience is comparable to that contemplated in the factors and results in amortization amounts such that policies that lapse or surrender during the period are no longer included in the ending deferred policy acquisition cost balance.
A recoverability test that considers among other things, actual experience and projected future experience, is performed at least annually by third party actuarial consultants. These annual recoverability tests initially calculate the available premium (gross premium less benefit net premium less percent of premium expense) for the next 30 years. The available premium per policy and the deferred policy acquisition costs per policy are then calculated. The deferred policy acquisition costs are then evaluated over two methods utilizing reasonable assumptions and two other methods using pessimistic assumptions. The two methods using reasonable assumptions illustrate an early-deferred policy acquisition recoverability period. The two methods utilizing pessimistic assumptions still support early recoverability of our aggregate deferred policy acquisition costs. Based upon the analysis performed to only capitalize expenses that vary with and are directly related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance business, utilization of the factor method and annual recoverability testing, management believes that our deferred policy acquisition costs and related amortization as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 limits the amount of deferred costs to its estimated realizable value.
Valuation of Investments in Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
At December 31, 2005, investments in fixed maturity and equity securities were 94.4% and 0.1%, respectively, of total investments. Approximately 98.3% of our fixed maturities were classified as available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2005, with the remaining 1.7% classified as held-to-maturity securities based upon our intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. All equity securities at December 31, 2005 are classified as available-for-sale securities. We have no fixed maturity or equity securities that are classified as trading securities at December 31, 2005.
Additionally, at December 31, 2005, 63.3% of our fixed maturity securities were invested in securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or U.S. government-sponsored entities. We evaluate the carrying value of our fixed maturity and equity securities at least quarterly. A decline in the fair value of any fixed maturity or equity security below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. The new cost basis is not changed for subsequent recoveries in the fair value of the fixed maturity or equity security. With the exception of Security Plan, virtually all investments of our subsidiaries are in bonds that carry the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. Security Plan has significant investments in corporate and municipal bonds.

68


Table of Contents

Based upon our emphasis on investing in fixed maturity securities primarily composed of obligations of U.S. government sponsored corporation, U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of the U.S. government and agencies and our analysis whether declines in fair value below cost are temporary or other than temporary, management believes that our investments in fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2005 are not impaired, and no “other-than-temporary losses” need to be recorded.
Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale amounted to $10,460,000 as of December 31, 2005. Of the 2005 total gross unrealized loss, $6,754,000 were in a continuous loss situation for 12 months or more and $3,706,000 were in a continuous loss situation for less than 12 months. Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2004 were $3,857,000, of which $2,018,000 were in a continuous loss situation for 12 months or more and $1,839,000 were in a continuous loss situation for less than 12 months. The majority of the fixed maturities available-for-sale that have been in a continuous loss situation for less than 12 months are from investments owned by Security Plan. The losses are due to the coupon interest rate being less than the prevailing market interest rates at December 31, 2005. We have determined that there is no need to establish a new cost basis for these securities.
The fixed maturities available-for-sale in a gross unrealized loss situation for more than 12 months are primarily investments in callable instruments issued by U.S. government sponsored enterprises and U.S. government agencies. It is remote that unrealized losses on these instruments will result in realized losses, since we have the intent and believe we have the ability to hold these securities to the call date or maturity date.
These securities are being monitored by us to determine if the unrealized loss as of December 31, 2005 indicates that there is a loss which is other-than-temporary. As of December 31, 2005, we had determined that there is no need to establish a new cost basis for these securities.
Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2005, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued Statement of Position (“SOP”) 05-1, “Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts” (“SOP 05-1”). SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and For Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments.” SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, rights, or coverages that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. Under SOP 05-1, modifications that result in a substantially unchanged contract will be accounted for as a continuation of the replaced contract. A replacement contract that is substantially changed will be accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contract resulting in a release of unamortized deferred acquisition costs and unearned inducements associated with the replaced contract. The guidance in SOP 05-1 will be applied prospectively and is effective for internal replacements occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is

69


Table of Contents

currently evaluating the impact of SOP 05-1 and does not expect that the pronouncement will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached consensus on Issue No. 05-7, “Accounting for Modifications to Conversion Options Embedded in Debt Instruments and Related Issues” (“EITF 05-7”). EITF 05-7 provides guidance on whether a modification of conversion options embedded in debt results in an extinguishment of that debt. In certain situations, companies may change the terms of an embedded conversion option as part of a debt modification. The EITF concluded that the change in the fair value of an embedded conversion option upon modification should be included in the analysis of EITF Issue No. 96-19, “Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instrument,” to determine whether a modification or extinguishment has occurred and that a change in the fair value of a conversion option should be recognized upon the modification as a discount (or premium) associated with the debt, and an increase (or decrease) in additional paid-in capital. EITF 05-7 will be applied prospectively and is effective for all debt modifications occurring in periods beginning after December 15, 2005. EITF 05-7 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2005, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 05-8, “Income Tax Consequences of Issuing Convertible Debt with a Beneficial Conversion Feature” (“EITF 05-8”). EITF 05-8 concludes that (i)the issuance of convertible debt with a beneficial conversion feature results in a basis difference that should be accounted for as a temporary difference and (ii) the establishment of the deferred tax liability for the basis difference should result in an adjustment to additional paid in capital. EITF 05-8 will be applied retrospectively for all instruments with a beneficial conversion feature accounted for in accordance with EITF Issue No. 98-5, “Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios,” and EITF Issue No. 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments,” and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company’s Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock has a beneficial conversion feature, and we will implement EITF 05-8 in the first quarter of 2006. The implementation is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
In December 2004, SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of Accounting Principles Board” (“APB”) Opinion No. 29 (“SFAS 153”) was issued. SFAS 153 amended prior guidance to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaced it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of SFAS 153 are required to be applied prospectively for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2005. SFAS 153 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted EITF Issue No. 05-6, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements” (“EITF 05-6”). EITF 05-6 provides guidance on determining the amortization period for leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination or acquired subsequent to lease inception. As required by EITF 05-6, the Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis which had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) completed its review of EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its

70


Table of Contents

Application to Certain Investments” (“EITF 03-1”). EITF 03-1 provides accounting guidance regarding the determination of when an impairment of debt and marketable equity securities and investments accounted for under the cost method should be considered other-than-temporary and recognized in income. EITF 03-1 also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures for debt and marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity under SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”), that are impaired at the balance sheet date but for which an other-than-temporary impairment has not been recognized. The FASB decided not to provide additional guidance on the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment but has issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 115-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments” (“FSP 115-1”), which nullifies the accounting guidance on the determination of whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired as set forth in EITF 03-1. FSP 115-1 is effective on a prospective basis for other-than-temporary impairments on certain investments in periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of FSP 115-1 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2005, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 04-5, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights” (“EITF 04-5”). EITF 04-5 provides a framework for determining whether a general partner controls and should consolidate a limited partnership or a similar entity in light of certain rights held by the limited partners. The consensus also provides additional guidance on substantive rights. EITF 04-5 was effective after June 29, 2005 for all newly formed partnerships and for any pre-existing limited partnerships that modified their partnership agreements after that date. The adoption of this provision of EITF 04-5 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. EITF 04-5 must be adopted by January 1, 2006 for all other limited partnerships through a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle recorded in opening equity or it may be applied retrospectively by adjusting prior period financial statements. The adoption of this provision of EITF 04-5 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2005, the FASB cleared SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”), Implementation Issue No. B38, “Embedded Derivatives: Evaluation of Net Settlement with Respect to the Settlement of a Debt Instrument through Exercise of an Embedded Put Option or Call Option” (“Issue B38”) and Implementation Issue No. B39, “Embedded Derivatives: Application of Paragraph 13(b) to Call Options That Are Exercisable Only by the Debtor” (“Issue B39”). Issue B38 clarifies that the potential settlement of a debtor’s obligation to a creditor that would occur upon exercise of a put or call option meets the net settlement criteria of SFAS No. 133. Issue B39 clarifies that an embedded call option, in which the underlying is an interest rate or interest rate index, that can accelerate the settlement of a debt host financial instrument should not be bifurcated and fair valued if the right to accelerate the settlement can be exercised only by the debtor (issuer/borrower) and the investor will recover substantially all of its initial net investment. Issue Nos. B38 and B39, which must be adopted as of the first day of the first fiscal quarter beginning after December 15, 2005, are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3 (“SFAS 154”). The statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements for a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is deemed impracticable.

71


Table of Contents

It also requires that a change in the method of depreciation, amortization, or depletion for long-lived, non-financial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate rather than a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. SFAS 154 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payments” (“SFAS 123(R)”), which revised SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” SFAS 123(R) provides additional guidance on determining whether certain financial instruments awarded in share-based payment transactions are liabilities. SFAS 123(R) also requires that the cost of all share-based transactions be measured at fair value and recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for an award. The SEC issued a final ruling in April 2005 allowing a public company that is not a small business issuer to implement SFAS 123(R) at the beginning of the next fiscal year after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect the adoption of the revision of SFAS No. 123 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP 109-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (“FSP 109-2”). The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“AJCA”) introduced a one-time dividend received deduction on the repatriation of certain earnings to a U.S. taxpayer. FSP 109-2 provides companies additional time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effects of the AJCA on their plans to repatriate foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The Company does not have any foreign subsidiaries.
At the September 2004 meeting, the EITF reached a consensus with respect to Issue No. 04-8, “Accounting Issues Related to Certain Features of Contingently Convertible Debt and the Effect on Diluted Earnings per Share.” This Issue addresses when the dilutive effect of contingently convertible debt with a market price trigger should be included in diluted earnings per share (EPS). The adoption of Issue No. 04-8 did not have a material effect on our diluted EPS.
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
General
The nature of our business exposes us to market risk. Market risk is the risk of loss that may occur when changes in interest rates and public equity prices adversely affect the value of our invested assets. Interest rate risk is our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates can affect the market value of our investments. The market value of our fixed maturity, mortgage loan portfolio and policy loans generally increases when interest rates decrease, and decreases when interest rates increase.
Market Risk Related to Interest Rates
Our exposure to interest rate changes results from our significant holdings of fixed maturity investments, policy loans and mortgage loans on real estate, all of which comprised almost 99% of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2005. These

72


Table of Contents

investments are mainly exposed to changes in treasury rates. Our fixed maturities investments include U.S. government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, and corporate bonds. Approximately 63.3% of the fixed maturities we owned at December 31, 2005 are instruments of U.S. government sponsored enterprises, or are backed by U.S. government agencies.
To manage interest rate risk, we perform periodic projections of asset and liability cash flows to evaluate the potential sensitivity of our investments and liabilities. We assess interest rate sensitivity with respect to our available-for-sale fixed maturities investments using hypothetical test scenarios that assume either upward or downward 100 basis point shifts in the prevailing interest rates. The following tables set forth the potential amount of unrealized gains (losses) that could be caused by 100 basis point upward and downward shifts on our available-for-sale fixed maturities investments as of the dates indicated:
                         
    Decreases in Interest Rates  
    100 Basis     200 Basis     300 Basis  
    Points     Points     Points  
December 31, 2005
  $ 23,279,000       42,730,000       65,930,000  
 
                 
December 31, 2004
    28,368,000       47,412,000       69,321,000  
 
                 
                         
    Increases in Interest Rates  
    100 Basis     200 Basis     300 Basis  
    Points     Points     Points  
December 31, 2005
  $ (42,198,000 )     (73,921,000 )     (102,269,000 )
 
                 
December 31, 2004
    (20,298,000 )     (48,702,000 )     ( 74,613,000 )
 
                 
While the test scenario is for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect our expectations regarding future interest rates or the performance of fixed-income markets, it is a near-term change that illustrates the potential impact of such events. Due to the composition of our book of insurance business, we believe it is unlikely that we would encounter large surrender activity due an interest rate increase that would force us to dispose of our fixed maturities at a loss.
There are no fixed maturities or other investments that we classify as trading instruments. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, we had no investments in derivative instruments.
Market Risk Related to Equity Prices
Changes in the level or volatility of equity prices affect the value of equity securities we hold as investments. However, our equity investments portfolio was less than 1% of our total investments at December 31, 2005. Thus, we believe that significant decreases in the equity markets would have an immaterial impact on our total investment portfolio. See also Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

73


Table of Contents

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and
Financial Statement Schedules
         
    Page  
    Reference  
Report of independent registered public accounting firm
    81  
 
       
Consolidated statements of financial position at December 31, 2005 and 2004
    82  
 
       
Consolidated statements of operations
       
- years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    84  
 
       
Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive
       
income – years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    86  
 
       
Consolidated statements of cash flows
       
- years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    88  
 
       
Notes to consolidated financial statements
    91  
 
       
Schedules at December 31, 2005 and 2004:
       
Schedule II – Condensed Financial
       
Information of Registrant
    127  
 
       
Schedules for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005:
       
Schedule III – Supplementary Insurance Information
    130  
Schedule IV – Reinsurance
    132  
All other schedules have been omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information required is presented in the financial statements or the notes thereto filed elsewhere herein.

74


Table of Contents

Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
During the 24 months preceding the date of the audited financial statements included herein, we have not changed accountants, nor have we reported on Form 8-K any disagreements between our independent accountants and us.
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure, among other things, that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to the other members of senior management and the Board of Directors.
Our President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures for the Company (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)). Based upon our evaluation at the end of the period, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
(b) Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has concluded the Company did maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has issued an audit report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Their report is included in item 9A(d).
(c) Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the third and fourth quarter of 2005, we completed remediation efforts relating to a material weakness in financial reporting identified in 2004, which primarily included hiring additional personnel to address U.S. GAAP relating to our operations, additional training for our accounting staff, particularly relating to U.S. GAAP, and enhanced management review procedures.
In order to address the findings of our internal control assessment, we implemented the following improvements to our internal controls and procedures in the financial

75


Table of Contents

accounting area which we believe has improved our internal control over financial reporting:
    Hired a new Chief Financial Officer with significant experience in U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting who is responsible for the preparation and supervision of the Company’s financial statements. This individual reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
 
    Hired new personnel to work with the Chief Financial Officer to develop additional expertise in U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting and to ensure that adequate depth is developed in the Company’s financial reporting area.
 
    Strengthened the process of workpaper review by senior members of management to ensure the completeness and accuracy of supporting workpapers and schedules, including formalized sign-off processes.
 
    Provided additional training of accounting department personnel in U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting.
 
    Adopted procedures to seek a more thorough and timely review process by senior management of the financial statement process.
These actions remediated the material weakness as of December 31, 2005.

76


Table of Contents

(d) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Citizens, Inc.:
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (Item 9A(b)), that Citizens, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

77


Table of Contents

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Citizens, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Citizens, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, and the related financial statement schedules, and our report dated March 16, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedules.
KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 16, 2006

78


Table of Contents

Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Report incorporate by reference the information in our definitive proxy material under the headings “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Executive Officer and Director Compensation,” “Stock and Principal Stockholders,” “Control of the Company,” and “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2005.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
  (a)   (1) and (2) Filings as Part of this Report
The financial statements and schedules listed on the following index to financial statements and financial statement schedules are filed under Item 8 as part of this Form 10-K.
  (b)   (3) Exhibits – See the Exhibit Index

79


 

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and
Financial Statement Schedules
         
    Page  
    Reference  
    81  
 
       
    82  
 
       
    84  
 
       
    86  
 
       
    88  
 
       
    91  
 
       
    127  
 
       
Schedules for each of the years in the three-year
       
period ended December 31, 2005:
       
    130  
    132  
All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is inapplicable or the information required is presented in the financial statements or the notes thereto filed elsewhere herein.

80


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Citizens, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Citizens, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules II to IV. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Citizens, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Citizens, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 16, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.
KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 16, 2006

81


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
December 31, 2005 and 2004
                 
Assets   2005     2004  
Investments:
               
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
  $ 7,639,505       7,514,224  
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at fair value
    449,931,167       440,052,698  
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value
    609,760       1,063,917  
Mortgage loans on real estate
    833,464       349,611  
Policy loans
    23,918,241       24,316,468  
Other long-term investments
    1,878,886       2,505,025  
 
           
Total investments
    484,811,023       475,801,943  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    18,311,105       31,720,787  
Accrued investment income
    6,477,499       6,113,474  
Reinsurance recoverable
    19,118,009       17,806,573  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    70,410,334       56,335,361  
Other intangible assets
    2,095,125       2,331,069  
Cost of customer relationships acquired
    39,259,276       44,904,581  
Excess of cost over net assets acquired
    12,401,990       12,401,990  
Property, plant and equipment
    7,736,623       8,797,445  
Other assets
    1,267,827       4,998,339  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 661,888,811       661,211,562  
 
           
(Continued)

82


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Continued
December 31, 2005 and 2004
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   2005     2004  
Liabilities:
               
Future policy benefit reserves:
               
Life insurance
  $ 436,716,912       413,106,928  
Traditional annuities
    19,440,486       16,913,432  
Accident and health
    11,579,870       13,604,150  
Dividend accumulations
    5,066,828       4,932,124  
Premium deposits
    9,942,096       7,938,529  
Policy claims payable
    11,226,907       8,282,508  
Other policyholders’ funds
    5,473,358       5,689,378  
 
           
Total policy liabilities
    499,446,457       470,467,049  
Commissions payable
    2,666,764       2,325,503  
Federal income tax payable
    447,829       1,307,249  
Payable for securities in the process of settlement
          7,052,398  
Notes payable
          30,000,000  
Deferred Federal income tax
    1,620,839       805,387  
Liabilities for options and warrants
    1,587,151       2,738,062  
Other liabilities
    7,611,138       5,483,564  
 
           
Total liabilities
    513,380,178       520,179,212  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
               
Cumulative convertible preferred stock – Series A-1 (Series A-1 - $500 stated value per share, 50,000 shares authorized, 25,000 shares issued and outstanding in 2005 and 2004; Series A-2 - $935 stated value per share, 4,014 shares authorized, issued and outstanding in 2005)
    11,545,543       5,901,271  
 
           
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock:
               
Class A, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 43,300,934 shares issued in 2005 and 40,364,332 shares issued in 2004, including shares in treasury of 3,135,738 in 2005 and 2,930,596 in 2004
    214,307,665       198,266,955  
 
               
Class B, no par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 1,001,714 shares issued and outstanding in 2005 and 936,181 shares issued and outstanding in 2004
    3,184,350       2,827,191  
Retained deficit
    (64,717,088 )     (55,321,287 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
               
Unrealized losses on securities, net of tax
    (4,801,231 )     (749,199 )
 
           
 
    147,973,696       145,023,660  
Treasury stock, at cost
    (11,010,606 )     (9,892,581 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    136,963,090       135,131,079  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 661,888,811       661,211,562  
 
           
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

83


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Revenues:
                       
Premiums:
                       
Life insurance
  $ 110,458,402       77,747,241       60,858,687  
Accident and health
    1,560,136       787,547       14,784,958  
Casualty
    3,626,809       1,113,189        
Traditional annuity and universal life considerations
    3,021,299       3,519,523       2,383,768  
Net investment income
    23,568,184       17,004,672       14,322,275  
Realized gains
    419,273       389,028       1,883,105  
Decrease in fair value of options and warrants
    488,893       256,088        
Other income
    1,172,327       2,008,390       869,970  
 
                 
Total revenues
    144,315,323       102,825,678       95,102,763  
 
                 
 
                       
Benefits and expenses:
                       
Insurance benefits paid or provided:
                       
Increase in future policy benefit reserves
    24,222,564       18,627,335       7,904,091  
Policyholders’ dividends
    4,788,773       4,141,674       3,666,260  
Claims and surrenders
    53,287,619       37,406,737       40,690,898  
 
                 
Total insurance benefits paid or provided
    82,298,956       60,175,746       52,261,249  
Commissions
    32,985,384       21,273,661       18,227,851  
Other underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses
    25,428,786       17,391,443       18,966,120  
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    (24,388,003 )     (17,240,670 )     (16,557,855 )
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    10,313,030       8,438,447       11,806,640  
Amortization of cost of customer relationships acquired, and other intangibles
    5,881,249       4,136,375       7,110,436  
Loss on coinsurance agreement
          562,916        
 
                 
 
                       
Total benefits and expenses
    132,519,402       94,737,918       91,814,441  
 
                 
(Continued)

84


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations, Continued
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Income before Federal income tax
  $ 11,795,921       8,087,760       3,288,322  
Federal income tax expense
    4,493,429       356,021       162,057  
 
                 
Net income
  $ 7,302,492       7,731,739       3,126,265  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 5,325,807       6,803,226       3,126,265  
 
                 
 
                       
Basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock
  $ 0.13       0.17       0.08  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

85


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                                                 
                            Accumulated              
                            other              
    Common stock     Retained     comprehensive     Treasury     Stockholders’  
    Class A     Class B     deficit     income (loss)     stock     equity  
Balance at December 31, 2002
  $ 129,125,099       1,870,389       (25,887,787 )     3,582,025       (6,897,421 )     101,792,305  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                3,126,265                   3,126,265  
Unrealized investment losses, net
                      (2,309,918 )           (2,309,918 )
 
                                   
Comprehensive income
                3,126,265       (2,309,918 )           816,347  
Acquisition of First Alliance
    17,194,513                               17,194,513  
Acquisition of Mid-American
    7,223,557                               7,223,557  
Stock dividend
    24,522,796       566,663       (23,315,572 )           (1,773,887 )      
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2003
  $ 178,065,965       2,437,052       (46,077,094 )     1,272,107       (8,671,308 )     127,026,722  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                7,731,739                   7,731,739  
Unrealized investment losses, net
                      (2,021,306 )           (2,021,306 )
 
                                   
Comprehensive income
                7,731,739       (2,021,306 )           5,710,433  
Beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock
    3,073,204                               3,073,204  
Accretion of deferred issuance costs and discounts on preferred stock
                (679,280 )                 (679,280 )
Common stock dividend on preferred stock
    249,233             (249,233 )                    
Stock dividend
    16,878,553       390,139       (16,047,419 )           (1,221,273 )      
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2004
  $ 198,266,955       2,827,191       (55,321,287 )     (749,199 )     (9,892,581 )     135,131,079  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                7,302,492                   7,302,492  
Unrealized investment losses, net
                      (4,052,032 )           (4,052,032 )
 
                                   
Comprehensive income
                7,302,492       (4,052,032 )           3,250,460  
Accretion of deferred issuance costs and discounts on preferred stock
                (1,418,449 )                 (1,418,449 )
Common stock dividend on preferred stock
    558,236             (558,236 )                    
Stock dividend
    15,482,474       357,159       (14,721,608 )           (1,118,025 )      
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2005
  $ 214,307,665       3,184,350       (64,717,088 )     (4,801,231 )     (11,010,606 )     136,963,090  
 
                                   

86


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
Continued
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
A summary of the number of shares of common stock of Class A, Class B and treasury stock issued is as follows:
                         
    Common stock     Treasury  
    Class A     Class B     stock  
Balance at December 31, 2002
    31,862,650       817,696       (2,559,693 )
 
                 
 
                       
Acquisition of First Alliance
    2,560,994              
Acquisition of Mid-American
    774,229              
Stock dividend
    2,476,420       57,239       (179,181 )
 
                 
 
                       
Balance at December 31, 2003
    37,674,293       874,935       (2,738,874 )
 
                 
 
                       
Stock dividends
    2,690,039       61,246       (191,722 )
 
                 
 
                       
Balance at December 31, 2004
    40,364,332       936,181       (2,930,596 )
 
                 
 
                       
Stock dividends
    2,936,602       65,533       (205,142 )
 
                 
 
                       
Balance at December 31, 2005
    43,300,934       1,001,714       (3,135,738 )
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

87


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 7,302,492       7,731,739       3,126,265  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of assets acquired:
                       
Realized gains on sale of investments and other assets
    (419,273 )     (389,028 )     (1,883,105 )
Net deferred policy acquisition costs
    (14,074,973 )     (8,802,223 )     (4,751,215 )
Amortization of cost of customer relationships acquired, and other intangibles
    5,881,249       4,136,375       7,110,436  
Loss on coinsurance agreements
          562,916        
Decrease in fair value of options and warrants
    (488,893 )     (256,088 )      
Depreciation
    897,435       877,596       688,913  
Amortization of premiums and discounts on fixed maturities
    1,153,968       447,790       (274,777 )
Deferred Federal income tax expense (benefit)
    2,902,862       (1,117,448 )     (87,812 )
 
                       
Change in:
                       
Accrued investment income
    (364,025 )     (129,788 )     (714,297 )
Reinsurance recoverable
    (1,311,436 )     (10,380,750 )     195,380  
Future policy benefit reserves
    23,003,246       16,834,681       9,610,586  
Other policy liabilities
    4,866,650       795,358       2,580,571  
Federal income tax
    (859,420 )     344,125       316,511  
Commissions payable and other liabilities
    2,468,835       (778,338 )     (928,766 )
Other, net
    3,546,901       (1,188,590 )     (898,628 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    34,505,618       8,688,327       14,090,062  
 
                 
 
                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Sale of fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    14,568,577       42,823,651       11,826,358  
Maturity of fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    93,745,640       89,615,042       150,447,345  
Purchase of fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    (132,556,686 )     (82,634,306 )     (183,619,375 )
Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale
    615,945       62,500       838,416  
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale
                (1,671 )
Principal payments on mortgage loans
    89,141       272,003       210,365  
Mortgage loans funded
    (100,000 )     (193,944 )     (138,750 )
Sale of other long-term investments and property, plant and equipment
    686,081       490,484       229,660  
Principal payments on note receivable
    396,333              
(Continued)

88


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Cash and cash equivalents provided by mergers and acquisitions
  $             4,600,511  
(Increase) decrease in policy loans, net
    398,227       1,228,264       (987,213 )
Purchase of other long-term investments and property, plant and equipment
    (431,875 )     (3,485,049 )     (1,231,432 )
Cash paid for acquisition, net
          (82,232,223 )      
 
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (22,588,617 )     (34,053,578 )     (17,825,786 )
 
                 
 
                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from issuance of convertible preferred stock
    3,751,404       12,500,000        
Payment of convertible preferred stock issuance costs
    (187,599 )     (1,210,655 )      
Proceeds from note payable
          30,000,000        
Payoff of note payable
    (30,000,000 )            
Annuity and universal life deposits
    3,021,299       3,519,523       2,383,768  
Annuity and universal life withdrawals
    (1,911,787 )     (2,739,084 )     (2,843,592 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (25,326,683 )     42,069,784       (459,824 )
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (13,409,682 )     16,704,533       (4,195,548 )
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    31,720,787       15,016,254       19,211,802  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 18,311,105       31,720,787       15,016,254  
 
                 
Supplemental:
                       
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Cash paid (recovered) during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 695,408              
 
                 
Income taxes
  $ 2,449,987       779,343       (51,370 )
 
                 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
In 2005, the company sold real estate and made a mortgage loan for $185,000. Additionally, an airplane was sold and a note receivable for $875,000 was issued.
In the first quarter of 2003, the Company issued 2,560,994 Class A common shares in connection with the acquisition of FAIC. In the third quarter of 2003, the Company issued 774,229 Class A common shares in connection with the acquisition of Mid-American. On October 1, 2004, CICA acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of SPLIC and paid $85 million in cash plus acquisition costs of $1,012,790 of related expenses—see note 9. In conjunction with the acquisitions, cash and cash equivalents were provided by acquisitions as follows:
(Continued)

89


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Fair value of capital stock issued
  $             24,418,070  
Fair value of tangible assets acquired excluding cash and cash equivalents
          (255,361,421 )     (28,583,673 )
Fair value of intangible assets acquired
          (34,012,464 )     (16,027,217 )
Liabilities assumed
          207,141,662       24,793,331  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) mergers and acquisitions
          (82,232,223 )     4,600,511  
 
                 
 
                       
Issuance of 2,560,994 Class A shares
                    17,194,513  
 
                     
Issuance of 774,229 Class A shares
                    7,223,557  
 
                     
On March 9, 2004, the Company entered into coinsurance agreements, effective January 1, 2004, ceding the majority of its accident and health premiums and corresponding benefits and claims. Due to this cession, the Company ceded its January 1, 2004, deferred policy acquisition costs and cost of customer relationships acquired and increased reinsurance recoverable and funds withheld under coinsurance agreements by $2,197,434, $2,886,060, $14,960,408 and $10,439,830, respectively, resulting in a loss of $634,461 and a deferred gain of $71,545. The deferred gain was fully amortized to earnings in 2004.
On July 12, 2004, the Company completed a private placement of $12.5 million of Series A-1 Senior Convertible Preferred Stock to four unaffiliated institutional investors. The Company initially recognized deferred issuance costs of $1,485,846 ($1,210,655 in cash and $275,191 in seven-year warrants), discounts on beneficial conversion features of $3,073,204 and discounts on fair value of options and warrants of $2,718,959. On July 7, 2005, September 30, 2005, and October 6, 2005, three of the four unaffiliated investors exercised their right to purchase the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company recognized deferred issuance costs of $247,301 ($187,599 paid in cash and $59,702 in seven year warrants), and a premium of $720,630 related to the liability for the option recorded at the date of the respective exercises.
The Company recognized accretion of those deferrals and discounts amounting to $679,280 in 2004 and $1,418,449 in 2005. These net discounts, premiums and deferrals have decreased the carrying amount of the Convertible Preferred Stock in the statement of financial position. The 4% dividend to the Preferred Stock amounted to $558,236 in 2005 and $249,233 in 2004.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

90


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(1)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
  (a)   Nature of Business
 
      The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Citizens, Inc. (Citizens), incorporated in the state of Colorado on November 8, 1977 and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, CICA Life Insurance Company of America (CICA), Computing Technology, Inc. (CTI), Funeral Homes of America, Inc. (FHA), Insurance Investors, Inc. (III), Citizens USA Life Insurance Company (CUSA), Citizens National Life Insurance Company (CNLIC), First Alliance Insurance Company(FAIC), KYWIDE Insurance Management, Inc. (KYWIDE), Mid-American Alliance Corporation (MAAC), Mid American Century Life Insurance Company (MACLIC), Security Alliance Insurance Company (SAIC), Security Plan Life Insurance Company (SPLIC), Security Plan Fire Insurance Company, (SPFIC), Mid-American Associates, Agency, Inc. (MAAAI), and Mid-American Alliance Insurance Agency, Inc. (MAAIA). Citizens and its consolidated subsidiaries are collectively referred to as “the Company.”
 
      During 2004, Citizens acquired SPLIC and its subsidiary, SPFIC. In addition, First Alliance Corporation and Alliance Insurance Management, a dormant subsidiary, were dissolved, and Combined Underwriters Life Insurance Company was renamed CNLIC. On March 1, 2005, FAIC was merged into CICA, and on April 1, 2005, MAAIA was sold to an unrelated party for an immaterial amount. On August 10, 2005, Citizens Insurance Company of America was renamed CICA LIFE Insurance Company of America. On December 8, 2005, MAAC was dissolved, and on December 31, 2005, MACLIC was merged into CICA.
 
      Citizens provides life and health insurance policies through six of its subsidiaries - CICA, CUSA, CNLIC, FAIC, SPLIC and SAIC. CICA issues ordinary whole-life policies international and domestically, and burial insurance, pre-need policies, accident and health specified disease, hospital indemnity and accidental death policies, throughout the midwestern and southern United States. CUSA sells life insurance business in four states and administers an in-force block of life insurance. CNLIC markets life and accident and health insurance business throughout the southern United States. Effective January 1, 2004, CNLIC and CICA entered into a coinsurance agreement with Texas International Life Insurance Company (TILIC), whereby CNLIC and CICA coinsured 100% of its accident and health insurance business with TILIC. Effective December 31, 2004, CNLIC and CICA entered into an administrative services agreement with TILIC whereby TILIC assumed all administration duties and responsibilities of and for the accident and health insurance business of CNLIC. FAIC offers life and annuity business primarily in Kentucky. FAIC was merged into CICA on March 1, 2005. MACLIC markets life and annuity business throughout Missouri and SAIC is a dormant life insurer. MACLIC was

91


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
merged into CICA on December 31, 2005. SPLIC offers home service life insurance in Louisiana and Mississippi, and SPFIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SPLIC, writes a limited amount of casualty insurance in Louisiana.
III provides aviation transportation to the Company. CTI provides data processing systems and services as well as furniture and equipment to the Company. FHA is a funeral home operator. KYWIDE, MAAAI and MAAIA are insurance agencies. MAAIA was sold effective April 1, 2005.
  (b)   Basis of Presentation
 
      The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
  (c)   Investments
 
      Fixed maturities consist primarily of bonds. Fixed maturities, which the Company has the ability and intent to hold to maturity, are carried at amortized cost. Fixed maturities, which may be sold prior to maturity to support the Company’s investment strategies, are considered held as available-for-sale and carried at fair value as of the balance sheet date. Equity securities (including non-redeemable preferred stock) are considered available-for-sale and are reported at fair value.
 
      Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of equity securities and fixed maturities held as available-for-sale is shown as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax, and is a separate component of comprehensive income.
 
      Mortgage loans on real estate and policy loans are reported at unpaid principal balances less an allowance for uncollectable amounts. Mortgage loans have an allowance for uncollectable amounts of $50,000 at December 31, 2005 and 2004 which was estimated by the Company based upon historical amounts that proved uncollectable.
 
      Other long-term investments consist primarily of real estate that is recorded at the lower of fair value, minus estimated costs to sell, or cost. If the fair value of the real estate is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized and charged to earnings.
 
      A decline in the fair value of any available-for-sale or held-to-maturity security below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the security.

92


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
Policy loans and other investments are primarily reported at cost.
The Company had assets with a fair value of $11,557,941 and $30,564,326 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, on deposit with various state regulatory authorities to fulfill statutory requirements.
  (d)   Premium Revenue and Related Expenses
 
      Premiums on life and accident and health policies are reported as earned when received or, for short duration contracts, over the contract period on a pro rata basis. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as to result in recognition of profits over the estimated life of the contracts. This matching is accomplished by means of provisions for future benefits and the capitalization and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.
 
      Annuities are accounted for in a manner consistent with accounting for interest bearing financial instruments. The annuity products issued do not include fees or other such charges.
 
  (e)   Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Cost of Customer Relationships Acquired
 
      Acquisition costs, consisting of commissions and policy issuance, underwriting and agency expenses that relate to and vary with the production of new business, are deferred. These deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized primarily over the estimated premium paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of the annual premium recognized to the total premium revenue anticipated using the same assumptions as were used in computing liabilities for future policy benefits.
 
      The Company utilizes the factor method to determine the amount of costs to be capitalized and the ending asset balance. The factor method ensures that policies that lapsed or surrendered during the reporting period are no longer included in the deferred policy acquisition costs or the cost of customer relationships acquired calculation. The factor method limits the amount of deferred costs to its estimated realizable value, provided actual experience is comparable to that contemplated in the factors. A recoverability test that considers among other things, actual experience and projected future experience, is performed at least annually.

93


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
The value of customer relationships acquired in the Company’s various acquisitions, which is included in cost of customer relationships acquired in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, was determined based on the present value of future profits discounted at a risk rate of return. The cost of customer relationships acquired is being amortized over the anticipated premium paying period of the related policies.
Deferred policy acquisition costs on universal life contracts are capitalized and amortized over the life of the contract at a constant rate based on the present value of the estimated gross profit amounts expected to be earned over the life of the universal life contracts.
  (f)   Policy Liabilities and Accruals
 
      Future policy benefit reserves have been computed by the net level premium method with assumptions as to investment yields, dividends on participating business, mortality and withdrawals based upon the Company’s and industry experience, which provide for possible unfavorable deviation.
 
      Annuity benefits are carried at accumulated contract values based on consideration paid by participants, annuity rates of return ranging from 3.0% to 7.0% (primarily at 4.0% to 5.5%) and annuity withdrawals.
 
      Premium deposits accrue interest at rates ranging from 3.5% to 8.25% per annum. Cost of insurance is included in premium when collected and interest is credited annually to the deposit account.
 
      Policy and contract claims are based on case-basis estimates for reported claims, and on estimates, based on experience, for incurred but unreported claims and loss expenses.
 
      Premiums collected on universal life contracts are not reported as revenues in the statement of operations but are included in the liability for policy benefits for universal life contracts based on policyholders’ account balances. Revenues from universal life contracts are amounts assessed the policyholder for mortality and expenses and are reported when assessed based upon one-year service periods. Amounts assessed for services to be provided in future periods are reported as unearned revenue and are recognized in income over the benefit period.
 
      The liability for policy benefits for universal life contracts is based on the balance that accrues to the benefit of policyholders. It includes any amounts assessed to compensate the Company for services to be performed over future periods, any amounts previously assessed by the Company against the policyholders that are refundable at termination of the contract and any premium deficiency.

94


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
  (g)   Excess of Cost Over Net Assets Acquired and Other Intangible Assets
 
      Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under the guidelines of SFAS No. 142, excess of cost over net assets acquired (goodwill) and other intangible assets determined to have an indefinite useful life will no longer be amortized. Instead goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are subjected to annual impairment analyses under SFAS No. 142, while intangibles with definitive lives are amortized over the life of the asset. The Company performed assessments of whether there was an indication that goodwill and intangible assets were impaired on December 31, 2005 and concluded there was no goodwill or intangible impairment as of that date. The Company’s 2004 assessment determined that intangible assets totaling $668,000 were impaired, and amortized the entire amount in 2004. In 2004 and 2005, $432,096 and $235,944, respectively, of intangible assets with definitive lives were amortized.
 
      The Company continually monitors long-lived assets and certain intangible assets, such as excess of cost over net assets acquired, cost of customer relationships acquired and other intangible assets, for impairment. An impairment loss is recorded in the period in which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of expected future cash flows. Any amounts deemed to be impaired are charged, in the period in which such impairment was determined, as an expense against earnings. No such loss was recorded in 2005 or 2003.
 
  (h)   Participating Policies
 
      At December 31, 2005 and 2004, participating business approximated 47.2% and 45.3%, respectively, of life insurance in force.
 
      Policyholder dividends are determined based on the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company utilizes contractual life insurance dividend scales as shown in published dividend illustrations at the date the insurance contracts are issued (unrelated to the Company’s net income) in determining policyholder dividends. Policyholder dividends are accrued over the premium paying periods of the insurance contracts.
 
  (i)   Earnings Per Share
 
      Basic and diluted earnings per share have been computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. The weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2005, were 41,104,737, compared to 41,016,742 for 2004 and 39,720,456 for 2003. The per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect the change in capital structure resulting from 7% stock dividends paid in 2005, 2004 and 2003.

95


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
The 2005 stock dividend resulted in the issuance of 2,840,821 Class A shares (including 205,142 treasury shares) and 65,533 Class B shares. The 2004 stock dividend resulted in the issuance of 2,649,695 Class A shares (including 191,722 treasury shares) and 61,246 Class B shares. The 2003 stock dividend resulted in the issuance of 2,476,420 Class A shares (including 179,181 shares in treasury) and 57,239 Class B shares. In addition, 2,560,994 Class A shares were issued in February 2003 in conjunction with the acquisition of First Alliance and 774,229 Class A shares were issued in November 2003 for the acquisition of Mid-American.
On March 4, 2004, at a special meeting of the Company’s shareholders, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation were amended to increase the number of authorized shares of its Class A and Class B common stock from 50,000,000 to 100,000,000 and from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000, respectively. In addition, a class of 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock was authorized to be available for future issuance in series with terms and preferences designated by the Company’s Board of Directors.
In July 2004, the Company completed a private placement of $12.5 million of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock to four unaffiliated institutional investors. In addition to the preferred stock, the Company issued warrants to purchase Series A common stock and unit warrants to the investors. The Company also issued warrants to the finders as a portion of finders’ compensation. Three of the four investors exercised the unit warrants in 2005, receiving Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock and additional warrants. Additional warrants were also issued to the finders as a portion of their compensation. This private placement, including the respective payments of the 4% dividends, exercise of the unit warrants by three of the investors, the respective conversion, exercise and redemption prices, and other pertinent facts concerning the preferred stock, are discussed below in Note 8.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

96


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                         
    Year ended  
    December 31  
    2005     2004     2003  
     
Basic and diluted income per share:
                       
Numerator:
                       
Net income
  $ 7,302,492       7,731,739       3,126,265  
Less: Preferred stock dividend
    (558,236 )     (249,233 )      
Accretion of deferred issuance costs and discounts on preferred stock
    (1,418,449 )     (679,280 )      
     
Net income to common stockholders
  $ 5,325,807       6,803,226       3,126,265  
     
Denominator:
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding
    41,104,737       41,016,742       39,720,456  
     
Basic and diluted income per share
  $ 0.13       0.17       0.08  
     
The effects of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants, along with the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants, are antidilutive for all periods. The preferred stock is antidilutive because the amount of the dividend and accretion of deferred issuance costs and discounts for the year ended December 31, 2005 in relation to the Class A common stock obtainable on conversion exceeds basic income per share. The warrants issued with the preferred stock are also antidilutive because the exercise price is in excess of the average Class A common stock market price for the year ended December 31, 2005.
(j) Income Taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company will file seven separate tax returns as follows: 1) Citizens, Inc., CICA, CUSA and all its direct non-life subsidiaries, 2) KYWIDE, 3) CNLIC, 4) MACLIC, 5) SAIC, 6) MAAAI, and 7) SPLIC and SPFIC consolidated return.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company filed ten separate tax returns as follows: 1) Citizens, Inc., CICA, CUSA and all its direct non-life subsidiaries, 2) KYWIDE, 3) CNLIC, 4) FAIC, 5) MACLIC, 6) SAIC, 7) MAAIA, 8) MAAAI, 9) SPLIC and 10) SPFIC.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

97


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(k) Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2005, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued Statement of Position (“SOP”) 05-1, “Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts” (“SOP 05-1”). SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and For Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments.” SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, rights, or coverages that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. Under SOP 05-1, modifications that result in a substantially unchanged contract will be accounted for as a continuation of the replaced contract. A replacement contract that is substantially changed will be accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contract resulting in a release of unamortized deferred acquisition costs and unearned inducements associated with the replaced contract. The guidance in SOP 05-1 will be applied prospectively and is effective for internal replacements occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SOP 05-1 and does not expect that the pronouncement will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached consensus on Issue No. 05-7, “Accounting for Modifications to Conversion Options Embedded in Debt Instruments and Related Issues” (“EITF 05-7”). EITF 05-7 provides guidance on whether a modification of conversion options embedded in debt results in an extinguishment of that debt. In certain situations, companies may change the terms of an embedded conversion option as part of a debt modification. The EITF concluded that the change in the fair value of an embedded conversion option upon modification should be included in the analysis of EITF Issue No. 96-19, “Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instrument,” to determine whether a modification or extinguishment has occurred and that a change in the fair value of a conversion option should be recognized upon the modification as a discount (or premium) associated with the debt, and an increase (or decrease) in additional paid-in capital. EITF 05-7 will be applied prospectively and is effective for all debt modifications occurring in periods beginning after December 15, 2005. EITF 05-7 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In September 2005, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 05-8, “Income Tax Consequences of Issuing Convertible Debt with a Beneficial Conversion

98


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
Feature” (“EITF 05-8”). EITF 05-8 concludes that (i)the issuance of convertible debt with a beneficial conversion feature results in a basis difference that should be accounted for as a temporary difference and (ii) the establishment of the deferred tax liability for the basis difference should result in an adjustment to additional paid in capital. EITF 05-8 will be applied retrospectively for all instruments with a beneficial conversion feature accounted for in accordance with EITF Issue No. 98-5, “Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios,” and EITF Issue No. 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments,” and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company’s Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock has a beneficial conversion feature, and we will implement EITF 05-8 in the first quarter of 2006. The implementation is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
In December 2004, SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of Accounting Principles Board” (“APB”) Opinion No. 29 (“SFAS 153”) was issued. SFAS 153 amended prior guidance to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaced it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of SFAS 153 are required to be applied prospectively for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2005. SFAS 153 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted EITF Issue No. 05-6, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements” (“EITF 05-6”). EITF 05-6 provides guidance on determining the amortization period for leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination or acquired subsequent to lease inception. As required by EITF 05-6, the Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis which had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) completed its review of EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (“EITF 03-1”). EITF 03-1 provides accounting guidance regarding the determination of when an impairment of debt and marketable equity securities and investments accounted for under the cost method should be considered other-than-temporary and recognized in income. EITF 03-1 also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures for debt and marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity under SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”), that are impaired at the balance sheet date but for which an other-than-temporary impairment has not been recognized. The FASB decided not to provide

99


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
additional guidance on the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment but has issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 115-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments” (“FSP 115-1”), which nullifies the accounting guidance on the determination of whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired as set forth in EITF 03-1. FSP 115-1 is effective on a prospective basis for other-than-temporary impairments on certain investments in periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of FSP 115-1 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2005, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 04-5, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights” (“EITF 04-5”). EITF 04-5 provides a framework for determining whether a general partner controls and should consolidate a limited partnership or a similar entity in light of certain rights held by the limited partners. The consensus also provides additional guidance on substantive rights. EITF 04-5 was effective after June 29, 2005 for all newly formed partnerships and for any pre-existing limited partnerships that modified their partnership agreements after that date. The adoption of this provision of EITF 04-5 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. EITF 04-5 must be adopted by January 1, 2006 for all other limited partnerships through a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle recorded in opening equity or it may be applied retrospectively by adjusting prior period financial statements. The adoption of this provision of EITF 04-5 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2005, the FASB cleared SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”), Implementation Issue No. B38, “Embedded Derivatives: Evaluation of Net Settlement with Respect to the Settlement of a Debt Instrument through Exercise of an Embedded Put Option or Call Option” (“Issue B38”) and Implementation Issue No. B39, “Embedded Derivatives: Application of Paragraph 13(b) to Call Options That Are Exercisable Only by the Debtor” (“Issue B39”). Issue B38 clarifies that the potential settlement of a debtor’s obligation to a creditor that would occur upon exercise of a put or call option meets the net settlement criteria of SFAS No. 133. Issue B39 clarifies that an embedded call option, in which the underlying is an interest rate or interest rate index, that can accelerate the settlement of a debt host financial instrument should not be bifurcated and fair valued if the right to accelerate the settlement can be exercised only by the debtor (issuer/borrower) and the investor will recover substantially all of its initial net investment. Issue Nos. B38 and B39, which must be adopted as of the first day of the first fiscal quarter beginning after December 15, 2005, are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3

100


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(“SFAS 154”). The statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements for a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is deemed impracticable. It also requires that a change in the method of depreciation, amortization, or depletion for long-lived, non-financial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate rather than a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. SFAS 154 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payments” (“SFAS 123(R)”), which revised SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” SFAS 123(R) provides additional guidance on determining whether certain financial instruments awarded in share-based payment transactions are liabilities. SFAS 123(R) also requires that the cost of all share-based transactions be measured at fair value and recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for an award. The SEC issued a final ruling in April 2005 allowing a public company that is not a small business issuer to implement SFAS 123(R) at the beginning of the next fiscal year after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect the adoption of the revision of SFAS No. 123 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP 109-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (“FSP 109-2”). The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“AJCA”) introduced a one-time dividend received deduction on the repatriation of certain earnings to a U.S. taxpayer. FSP 109-2 provides companies additional time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effects of the AJCA on their plans to repatriate foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The Company does not have any foreign subsidiaries.
At the September 2004 meeting, the EITF reached a consensus with respect to Issue No. 04-8, “Accounting Issues Related to Certain Features of Contingently Convertible Debt and the Effect on Diluted Earnings per Share.” This Issue addresses when the dilutive effect of contingently convertible debt with a market price trigger should be included in diluted earnings per share (EPS). The adoption of Issue No. 04-8 did not have a material effect on our diluted EPS.
(l) Cash Equivalents
The Company considers as cash equivalents all securities whose duration does not exceed 90 days at the date of acquisition.

101


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(m) Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis using estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 10 years. Building improvements are depreciated over the estimated life of 30 years.
(n) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
(o) Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2003 and 2004 amounts to conform to the 2005 presentation.
(2) Investments
The cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investments of fixed maturities and equity securities available-for-sale, as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, are as follows:

102


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                                 
    December 31, 2005  
            Gross     Gross        
            unrealized     unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     gains     (losses)     value  
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity:
                               
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 5,509,743       958,269             6,468,012  
U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
    2,129,762       545,438             2,675,200  
 
                       
Total fixed maturities held-to-maturity
  $ 7,639,505       1,503,707             9,143,212  
 
                       
Fixed maturities available-for-sale:
                               
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 14,661,551       297,626       (49,057 )     14,910,120  
U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
    221,676,543       1,595,465       (4,711,665 )     218,560,343  
Public utilities
    2,938,740       41,408       (12,148 )     2,968,000  
Debt securities issued by States of the United States and political subdivisions of the States
    53,504,108       278,743       (490,966 )     53,291,885  
Corporate debt securities
    110,253,175       756,413       (2,386,682 )     108,622,906  
Securities not due at a single maturity date
    54,352,226       35,077       (2,809,390 )     51,577,913  
 
                       
Total fixed maturities available-for-sale
  $ 457,386,343       3,004,732       (10,459,908 )     449,931,167  
 
                       
Total equity securities available-for-sale
  $ 429,176       202,052       (21,468 )     609,760  
 
                       

103


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                                 
    December 31, 2004  
            Gross     Gross        
            unrealized     unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     gains     (losses)     value  
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity:
                               
U.S. treasury securities
  $ 5,526,171       853,829             6,380,000  
U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
    1,988,053       458,897             2,446,950  
 
                       
Total fixed maturities held-to-maturity
  $ 7,514,224       1,312,726             8,826,950  
 
                       
Fixed maturities available-for-sale:
                               
US treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 16,693,290       300,262       (54,666 )     16,938,886  
U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
    205,962,439       489,462       (2,322,955 )     204,128,946  
Public utilities
    3,265,725       45,440       (10,283 )     3,300,882  
Debt securities issued by States of the United States and political subdivisions of the States
    31,921,003       287,562       (62,684 )     32,145,881  
Corporate debt securities
    124,753,714       903,773       (400,670 )     125,256,817  
Securities not due at a single maturity date
    58,932,166       354,423       (1,005,303 )     58,281,286  
 
                       
Total fixed maturities available-for-sale
  $ 441,528,337       2,380,922       (3,856,561 )     440,052,698  
 
                       
Total equity securities available-for-sale
  $ 723,428       343,579       (3,090 )     1,063,917  
 
                       
For investments of fixed maturities and equity securities available-for-sale that have unrealized losses as of December 31, 2005, the cost, gross unrealized losses that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer and fair value are as follows:

104


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                                 
    Unrealized (losses) more than and less than 12 months  
    December 31, 2005  
            Gross     Gross        
            unrealized     unrealized        
            (losses) less     (losses) more        
            than 12     than 12     Fair  
    Cost     months     months     value  
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity
  $                    
 
                       
 
                               
Fixed maturities available-for-sale:
                               
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 2,584,374       (28,274 )           2,556,100  
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
    3,047,783             (20,783 )     3,027,000  
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
    107,519,751       (1,921,060 )           105,598,691  
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
    87,615,990             (2,790,605 )     84,825,385  
Public utilities
    923,148       (12,148 )           911,000  
Debt securities issued by States of the United States and political subdivisions of the States
    24,464,170       (402,273 )           24,061,897  
Debt securities issued by States of the United States and political subdivisions of the States
    8,448,753             (88,693 )     8,360,060  
Corporate debt securities
    22,647,046       (821,814 )           21,825,232  
Corporate debt securities
    56,128,679             (1,564,868 )     54,563,811  
Securities not due at a single maturity date
    12,663,940       (520,506 )           12,143,434  
Securities not due at a single maturity date
    40,716,608             (2,288,884 )     38,427,724  
 
                       
Total fixed maturities available-for-sale
  $ 366,760,242       (3,706,075 )     (6,753,833 )     356,300,334  
 
                       
Equity securities available-for-sale
  $ 139,408       (18,370 )     (3,098 )     117,940  
 
                       
The fixed maturities available-for-sale in a gross unrealized loss situation for more than 12 months are primarily investments in callable instruments issued by U.S. government agencies and current loss position primarily relates to the interest rate environment. It is remote that unrealized losses on these instruments will result in realized losses, because the Company has the intent and believes it has the ability to hold these securities to the call date or maturity date. These securities are being

105


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
monitored by the Company to determine if the unrealized loss as of December 31, 2005 indicates that there is a loss which is other-than-temporary. As of December 31, 2005, the Company has determined that there is no need to establish a new cost basis for these securities for the reasons stated above.
The majority of the fixed maturities available-for-sale that have been in a continuous loss situation for less than 12 months are from investments owned by SPLIC. The losses are due to the coupon interest rate being less than the prevailing market interest rates at December 31, 2005. The Company has determined that there is no need to establish a new cost basis for these securities for the reasons stated above.
Gross unrealized losses on equity securities available-for-sale were $21,468 as of December 31, 2005. Of this amount, $3,098 at December 31, 2005 have been in a continuous loss situation for more than 12 months. As of December 31, 2005, the Company has determined that there is no need to establish a new cost basis.
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities at December 31, 2005 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity
                 
    Amortized        
    cost     Fair value  
Due after ten years
  $ 7,639,505     9,143,212  
 
           
Fixed maturities available-for-sale
                 
    Amortized        
    cost     Fair value  
Due in one year or less
  $ 15,130,057       14,944,322  
Due after one year through five years
    39,676,838       38,641,376  
Due after five years through ten years
    31,692,412       30,939,025  
Due after ten years
    316,534,810       313,828,531  
 
           
 
    403,034,117       398,353,254  
Securities not due at a single maturity date
    54,352,226       51,577,913  
 
           
Totals
  $ 457,386,343       449,931,167  
 
           
The securities not due at a single maturity date are obligations of the U.S. government corporations and agencies.

106


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
The Company had no investments in any one entity that exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2005 other than investments guaranteed by the U.S. government.
The Company’s investment in mortgage loans is concentrated 63% in Texas, 8% in Colorado and 29% in Louisiana as of December 31, 2005.
Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows:
                         
    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Investment income on:
                       
Fixed maturities
  $ 21,571,720       15,442,537       12,713,559  
Equity securities
    15,586       35,770       34,582  
Mortgage loans on real estate
    330,156       36,510       50,215  
Policy loans
    1,494,196       1,392,498       1,541,237  
Long-term investments
    1,325,513       1,303,747       916,346  
Other
    578,766       292,680       122,365  
 
                 
 
    25,315,937       18,503,742       15,378,304  
Investment expenses
    (1,747,753 )     (1,499,070 )     (1,056,029 )
 
                 
Net investment income
  $ 23,568,184       17,004,672       14,322,275  
 
                 
Proceeds and gross realized gains (losses) from sales and maturities of fixed maturities available-for-sale, and fixed maturities held to maturity for 2005, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:
                         
    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Proceeds
  $ 108,314,217       132,438,693       162,273,703  
 
                 
Gross realized gains
  $ 324,257       1,714,888       1,543,954  
 
                 
Gross realized (losses)
  $ (121,377 )     (1,350,862 )     (311,801 )
 
                 
Proceeds and gross realized gains (losses) from sales of equity securities available-for-sale for 2005, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:
                         
    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Proceeds
  $ 615,945       62,500       838,416  
 
                 
Gross realized gains
  $ 321,693             18,344  
 
                 
Gross realized (losses)
  $ (3 )     (98 )     (676 )
 
                 

107


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
Realized gains (losses) are as follows:
                         
    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Realized gains (losses):
                       
Fixed maturities & held to maturity
  $ 202,880       364,026       1,232,153  
Equity securities
    321,690       (98 )     17,668  
Loss from early extinguishment of a liability
                563,055  
Gain from the sale of property, plant and equipment
    505,329       45,064       70,229  
Loss on other invested assets
    (610,626 )     (19,964 )      
 
                 
Net realized gains
  $ 419,273       389,028       1,883,105  
 
                 
As a result of the coinsurance agreement discussed in note 5, a subsidiary sold held to maturity securities in 2004 to enable the subsidiary to settle its obligations under the coinsurance agreement.
(3)   Cost of Customer Relationships Acquired and Excess of Cost Over Net Assets Acquired
 
    Cost of customer relationships acquired is summarized as follows:
                         
    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 44,904,581       16,884,456       14,191,172  
Increase (decrease) related to:
                 
Acquisitions
        33,942,464     8,835,099
Amortization (1)
    (5,645,305     (5,922,339     (6,141,815
 
                 
Balance at end of period
  $ 39,259,276       44,904,581       16,884,456  
 
                 
 
(1)   See note 5 below regarding the coinsurance agreements entered into effective January 1, 2004.
Estimated amortization of cost of customer relationships acquired in each of the next five years is as follows. Actual future amortization will differ from these estimates due to variances from estimated future withdrawal assumptions.
         
Year   Amount  
2006
  $ 5,007,670  
2007
    4,756,330  
2008
    4,504,990  
2009
    4,253,651  
2010
    4,148,654  
Thereafter
    16,587,981  

108


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
Excess of cost over net assets acquired is summarized as follows:
                         
    Year ended December 31,  
            Accumulated        
    Gross     amortization     Net  
Balance at December 31, 2002
  $ 12,851,704       (5,068,299 )     7,783,405  
 
                       
Acquisition
    5,155,457             5,155,457  
 
                 
Balance at December 31, 2003
  $ 18,007,161       (5,068,299 )     12,938,862  
 
                       
Adjustment of purchase accounting on acquisition
    (536,872 )           (536,872 )
 
                 
Balance at December 31, 2004 and 2005
  $ 17,470,289       (5,068,299 )     12,401,990  
 
                 
(4)   Policy Liabilities
 
    Various assumptions used to determine the future policy benefit reserves include the following: a) valuation interest rates from 4 to 9%, b) mortality assumptions are from the 1955 to 1960, 1965 to 1970, and 1975 to 1980 Select and Ultimate mortality tables and c) withdrawals are based primarily on actual historical termination rates.
 
    The following table presents information on changes in the liability for life and accident and health policy and contract claims for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

109


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Policies and contract claims payable at January 1
  $ 8,282,508       5,648,288       4,794,096  
Less: reinsurance recoverable
    2,713,719       1,143,562       266,841  
 
                 
Net balance at January 1
    5,568,789       4,504,726       4,527,255  
 
                       
Acquisitions of First Alliance, Mid-American and Security Plan
            3,714,520       21,339  
Less: reinsurance recoverable
                 
 
                 
Net acquired balance
          3,714,520       21,339  
 
                       
Add: claims incurred, related to:
                       
Current year
    27,927,866       12,744,274       16,305,954  
Prior years
    (1,212,110 )     (1,832,821 )     (489,130 )
 
                 
 
    26,715,756       10,911,453       15,816,824  
 
                       
Deduct: claims paid, related to:
                       
Current year
    21,037,205       11,513,517       12,599,343  
Prior years
    4,356,679       2,048,393       3,261,349  
 
                 
 
    25,393,884       13,561,910       15,860,692  
 
                 
 
                       
Net balance December 31
    6,890,661       5,568,789       4,504,726  
Plus: reinsurance recoverable
    4,336,246       2,713,719       1,143,562  
 
                 
Policy and contracts payable, December 31
  $ 11,226,907       8,282,508       5,648,288  
 
                 
The development of prior year claim reserves reflects claims settling at amounts less than actuarial estimates. These settlements, predominantly on accident and health policies, can vary significantly from the actuarially computed expected experience, particularly on a “closed block” of business, where policies may lapse resulting in a lower incurred claim amount than would otherwise be expected.
(5)   Reinsurance
 
    In the normal course of business, the Company reinsures portions of certain policies that it underwrites to limit disproportionate risks. During 2005 and 2004, the Company retained varying amounts of individual insurance up to a maximum retention of $100,000 on any life. Our health insurance policies are substantially all reinsured on a 100% coinsurance basis. The Company remains contingently liable to the extent that the reinsuring companies cannot meet their obligations under these reinsurance treaties.

110


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
Assumed and ceded reinsurance activity as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 is summarized as follows:
                 
    2005     2004  
Aggregate assumed life insurance in force
  $ 592,636,000       488,312,000  
 
           
Aggregate ceded life insurance in force
  $ (221,793,000 )     (265,001,000 )
 
           
Net life insurance in force
  $ 4,058,072,000       3,736,355,000  
 
           
Premiums and claims and surrenders assumed and ceded for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Premiums assumed
  $ 571,007       636,361       463,629  
 
                 
Premiums ceded
  $ (13,867,350 )     (15,388,824 )     (1,793,912 )
 
                 
 
                       
Claims and surrenders assumed
  $ 561,177       626,592       457,899  
 
                 
Claims and surrenders ceded
  $ (20,432,902 )     (12,217,456 )     (1,809,188 )
 
                 
Amounts paid or deemed to have been paid for reinsurance contracts are recorded as reinsurance receivables. The cost of reinsurance related to long duration contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies.
On March 9, 2004, the Company entered into coinsurance agreements, effective January 1, 2004, and ceded approximately $15 million of its annual accident and health premium and corresponding benefits and claims. In consideration for these cessions, the Company made a closing settlement payment of $10,439,830 to the reinsurer in June 2004. Due to this cession, the Company reduced its January 1, 2004 deferred policy acquisition costs, cost of customer relationships acquired and policy benefit reserve of $2,197,434, $2,886,060 and $14,960,408, respectively, and recorded an amount payable to the reinsurer of $10,439,830, resulting in a loss of $562,916. The coinsurance agreement provides that this ceded business will revert to the reinsurer when a parallel assumption reinsurance agreement is approved by the various state insurance departments holding jurisdiction. The Company also participates in future profits on the accident and health business subject to the coinsurance agreements over a 10-year period. During 2004, the Company recognized approximately $809,000 as profit under the agreements. No amounts were recognized in 2005. Negotiations were underway as of December 31, 2005, with the assuming party to sell CNLIC, which represents approximately 70% of the ceded business. A formal contract was signed in the first quarter of 2006, and is expected to close by mid-year. The remaining 30% of the business will continue to be ceded under the existing coinsurance agreements.

111


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
SPFIC had reinsurance agreements in place to protect it from catastrophic events such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that struck Louisiana in 2005. The agreements in place during 2005 provided that SPFIC bore responsibility for the first $250,000 of incurred claims. Reinsurers indemnified SPFIC for losses in excess of $250,000 up to $7.1 million per event. Any amount over that was SPFIC’s responsibility. The Company incurred claims of approximately $750,000 in excess of $7.1 million on Hurricane Katrina. Once the cap was met, SPFIC had an opportunity to pay for “2nd event” coverage, upon payment of approximately $400,000 in premium. SPFIC elected to do so and the claims for Hurricane Rita were covered under this second event reinsurance. Through December 31, 2005, claims related to Hurricane Rita were approximately $3.7 million and were 100% reinsured. For calendar year 2006, SPFIC elected to increase the amount of 1st event catastrophe reinsurance to $10 million and raise the deductible to $500,000 by paying an annual premium of $798,750.
(6)   Stockholders’ Equity and Restrictions
 
    The two classes of common stock of the Company are equal in all respects, except (a) each Class A share receives twice the cash dividends paid on a per share basis to the Class B common stock; and (b) the Class B common stock elects a simple majority of the Board of Directors of Citizens and the Class A common stock elects the remaining directors.
 
    Generally, the net assets of the insurance subsidiaries available for transfer to the Company are limited to the greater of the subsidiary net gain from operations during the preceding year or 10% of the subsidiary net statutory surplus as of the end of the preceding year as determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities. Total insurance surplus at December 31, 2005 was $100,737,573. Payments of dividends in excess of such amounts would generally require approval by the regulatory authorities. Based upon statutory net gain from operations and surplus of the individual insurance companies as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005 approximately $12,614,934 of dividends could be paid to the Company without prior regulatory approval in 2006.
 
    CICA, CUSA, CNLIC, SAIC and SPLIC have calculated their risk based capital (RBC) in accordance with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Model Rule and the RBC rules as adopted by their respective state of domicile. The RBC as calculated for CICA, CUSA, CNLIC, SAIC and SPLIC as of December 31, 2005 exceeded levels requiring company or regulatory action.
(7)   Revolving Line of Credit and Term Loan
 
    On March 22, 2004, the Company entered into a revolving loan agreement with Regions Bank establishing a commitment for a line of credit of $30,000,000 that matured on March 22, 2005. It was extended at maturity until September 21, 2005.

112


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    On October 1, 2004, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the Loan Agreement that converted into a term loan a $30 million advance against the line of credit made for the purpose of acquiring Security Plan. Under the term loan, the Company was required to repay the principal portion of the loan in ten semi-annual installments of $3,000,000 beginning on May 1, 2005. In April 2005, the term loan was paid off.
 
    Documents to renew the line of credit through October 2006, and to increase the borrowing capacity to $75 million were executed in November 2005. The line of credit provides for a maximum of $5,000,000 for general corporate purposes not related to acquisition of insurance companies. Although the line of credit was increased, additional borrowing above the $30 million amount will require the prior written approval of the holders of the Company’s preferred stock. No amount was outstanding on this line at December 31, 2005.
 
(8) Convertible Preferred Stock
 
    On July 12, 2004, the Company completed a private placement of $12.5 million of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A-1 Preferred”) to four unaffiliated institutional investors. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Series A-1 Preferred as part of the purchase price for the acquisition of SPLIC discussed above. Along with the Series A-1 Preferred, the Company also issued warrants to purchase 543,790 shares of Class A common stock, at an exercise price of $6.95 per share, and unit warrants to purchase Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A-2 Preferred”).
 
    The conversion, exercise and redemption prices set forth in this Note 8, along with the numbers of shares and warrants (except for the 25,000 Series A-1 Preferred shares referenced above), have been adjusted for the respective stock dividends paid December 31, 2004 and December 30, 2005.
 
    The Company may, at its option, subject to certain conditions, increase the issue by $12.5 million to $25 million by requiring the investors to make additional payments for their shares of Series A-1 Preferred. To the extent the Company increases the issue from $12.5 million, the number of Class A common shares that may be purchased pursuant to the seven-year warrants would increase proportionately.
 
    The 25,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred carry a 4% per annum dividend, payable in cash or, if certain conditions are met, shares of the Company’s Class A common stock.
 
    The Series A-1 Preferred is convertible at the option of the investors at any time into shares of Class A common stock at a conversion price of $6.33 per share and are mandatorily redeemable five years after their issuance if not converted prior to the redemption date. The Series A-1 Preferred can be converted into an aggregate of

113


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    1,974,723 Class A common shares. In addition, the Company may, if certain conditions have been met, redeem the Series A-1 Preferred by issuing shares of its Class A common stock to the Series A-1 Preferred holders at a minimum price of $6.11 per common share. This redemption would result in the issuance of 2,045,826 Class A common shares.
 
    The Company could be required to redeem the Series A-1 Preferred if the average market price (for a consecutive 42-day trading period) is $5.50 per share or less. The Company can choose to redeem for cash or Class A common stock. If the average price is less than $3.50 per common share, the redemption must be in cash. Redemption rights terminate if the price per share of Class A common stock exceeds 130% ($8.23) of the conversion price of the Series A-1 Preferred for any 25 consecutive trading days.
 
    The unit warrants, which were also issued on July 12, 2004, entitled the investors to purchase from the Company up to $5 million of Series A-2 Preferred. Three of the four investors exercised their unit warrants, for an exercise price of approximately $3.75 million, before the unit warrants expired in October 2005. The three issuances of Series A-2 Preferred are convertible into Class A common stock at conversion prices equal to 110% of the average market closing prices of the Class A common stock for the 30 trading days before the respective dates of issuance of the Series A-2 Preferred to the three investors. The redemption period for the Series A-2 Preferred expires on July 12, 2009.
 
    On July 7, 2005, the first of the three investors to do so exercised its unit warrant and purchased 1,338 shares of Series A-2 Preferred for $1,250,468, convertible into Class A common stock at $6.11 per common share, and seven year warrants to purchase 56,219 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $6.72 per share.
 
    On September 30, 2005, the second investor exercised its unit warrant, purchasing 1,338 shares of Series A-2 Preferred for $1,250,468, convertible into Class A common stock at $7.26 per common share, and seven year warrants to purchase 47,351 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $7.99 per share.
 
    In early October 2005, the third investor exercised its unit warrant, purchasing 1,338 shares of Series A-2 Preferred for $1,250,468, convertible into Class A common stock at $7.20 per common share, and seven year warrants to purchase 47,779 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $7.92 per share.
 
    In connection with the issuance of Series A-1 Preferred and associated warrants in July 2004, the finders with respect to these transactions received, as part of the finders’ compensation, warrants to purchase 98,835 shares of Series A common stock at an exercise price of $6.95 per share. In connection with the issuances of Series A-2 Preferred and associated warrants in 2005, the finders received, as part of the finders’

114


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    compensation, warrants to purchase 27,525 shares of Class A common stock at exercise prices ranging from $6.72 to $7.99. In October 2005, the remaining series A-2 Preferred Stock and associated warrants expired without the fourth investor exercising their option.
 
    At July 12, 2004, the Company initially recognized deferred issuance costs of $1,485,846, a discount on the beneficial conversion feature of $3,073,204 and discounts on fair values of options and warrants of $2,718,959, respectively, as offsets against the $12.5 million issuance of the Series A-1 Preferred. The beneficial conversion feature represents the difference at July 12, 2004 between the $6.33 redemption price per share of the Series A-1 Preferred and the effective conversion price, taking into account embedded warrants and options based upon the number of shares to be converted at inception. This intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature at July 12, 2004 reduced the carrying value of the Series A-1 Preferred on the statement of financial position with an equal amount credited to the Class A common stock. This discount for the beneficial conversion feature is reduced and amortized to retained earnings over the five-year redemption period of the Series A-1 Preferred using the effective interest method. These deferred issuance and discount costs are being amortized to retained deficit over the period until redemption using the effective interest method. On July 7, 2005, September 30, 2005 and October 6, 2005, three of the four unaffiliated investors exercised their right to purchase the Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company recognized deferred issuance costs of $247,301 and a premium of $720,630 related to the liability for the option recorded at the date of the respective exercises. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, there was $1,026,067 and $1,097,660 in unaccreted deferred issuance costs and $3,679,794 and $5,501,689 in unaccreted net discount costs, respectively.
 
    The initial July 12, 2004 recognition of the beneficial conversion feature and discounts on fair values of options and warrants resulted in $3,073,204 of additional paid-in capital for the Class A common stock and $2,944,150 of liabilities for options and warrants. Changes in the fair value of options and warrants are recognized in the statement of operations with a corresponding change in the liabilities for options and warrants.
 
    On September 30, 2004, the Company declared its initial 4% dividend to the Series A-1 Preferred shareholders. The Company paid the dividend by issuing 19,396 shares of its Class A common stock valued at $115,794. On December 31, 2004, the Company declared the second quarterly dividend, consisting of 20,948 shares of its Class A common Stock valued at $133,439. On March 31, 2005, the Company paid the third quarterly dividend, consisting of 23,536 shares of its Class A common stock valued at $130,860. On June 30, 2005, the Company paid the fourth quarterly dividend, consisting of 21,712 shares of its Class A common stock valued at $132,443. On September 30, 2005, the Company paid the fifth quarterly dividend, consisting of 20,328 shares of its Class A common stock valued at $130,506. Of this, 1,740 shares of Class A common stock valued at $11,280 were paid because of the unit warrant exercise and issuance of Series A-2 Preferred on July 7, 2005. On

115


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    December 31, 2005, the Company paid the sixth quarterly dividend resulting in the issuance of 30,170 shares of its Class A common stock valued at $164,427. Of this, 6,866 shares of Class A common stock valued at $37,420 were paid to holders of the Series A-2 Preferred.
 
(9)   Mergers and Acquisitions
 
    On February 18, 2003, the Company acquired First Alliance in exchange for 2,560,994 shares of its Class A common stock.
 
    On November 18, 2003, the Company acquired Mid-American in exchange for 774,229 shares of its Class A common stock.
 
    On October 1, 2004, CICA acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of SPLIC. The results of SPLIC (and its subsidiary, SPFIC) have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. SPLIC is a provider of home service life insurance products, primarily in Louisiana.
 
    The aggregate purchase price was $85 million of cash, plus $1,012,790 of related expenses. To fund the acquisition, Citizens borrowed $30 million from Regions Bank under a line of credit it had established earlier in 2004, and loaned the money to CICA in exchange for a surplus debenture, plus made an $11 million capital contribution.
 
    The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
         
    At October 31, 2004  
Investments
  $ 251,720,773  
Cash and cash equivalents
    3,780,567  
Accrued investment income
    2,642,203  
Other intangible assets
    70,000  
Cost of customer relationships acquired
    33,942,464  
Federal income tax recoverable
    22,095  
Property, plant an equipment
    612,922  
Other assets
    363,428  
 
     
Total assets acquired
    293,154,452  
 
       
Future policy benefit reserves
    192,444,931  
Policy claims payable
    3,714,520  
Other policyholders’ funds
    1,474,993  
Commissions payable
    509,801  
Deferred federal income taxes
    4,851,162  
Other liabilities
    4,146,255  
 
     
Total liabilities assumed
    207,141,662  
 
     
Net assets acquired
  $ 86,012,790  
 
     

116


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    Of the acquired intangible assets, $70,000 was assigned to state insurance department licenses that are not subject to amortization and $33,942,464 was assigned to cost of customer relationships acquired that will be amortized over the anticipated premium paying period of the related policies. No goodwill was recognized.
 
    The unaudited pro forma results from operations for the years ending December 31, 2004 and 2003, as if SPLIC had been owned since January 1 of each year, are shown below.
                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2004
    As Reported   Pro Forma
Revenue
  $ 102,825,678       144,254,188  
Net Income
    7,731,739       12,552,165  
Net Income Per Share
    0.17       0.28  
                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2003
    As Reported   Pro Forma
Revenue
  $ 95,102,763       149,692,761  
Net Income
    3,126,265       9,023,982  
Net Income Per Share
    0.08       0.23  
    The per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect the change in capital structure resulting from 7% stock dividends paid in 2005, 2004 and 2003.
 
(10)   Contingencies
Cause Number 03-0505; Citizens Insurance Company of America, Citizens, Inc., Harold E. Riley and Mark A. Oliver, Petitioners v. Fernando Hakim Daccach, Respondent, in the Supreme Court of Texas. This lawsuit has been certified by the Texas District Court, Austin, Texas, and affirmed by the Court of Appeals for the Third District of Texas. The Company appealed the grant of class status to the Texas Supreme Court, with oral arguments occurring on October 21, 2004. No decision has yet been rendered by the Texas Supreme Court.
The suit names as a class all non-U.S. residents who purchased insurance policies or made premium payments since August 1996 and assigned policy dividends to two non-U.S. trusts for the purchase of the Company’s Class A common stock. It alleges that the life insurance policies which the Company made available to these non-U.S. residents, when combined with a policy feature which allows policy dividends to be assigned to non-U.S. trusts for the purpose of accumulating ownership of the Company’s Class A common stock, along with allowing the policyholders to make additional contributions to the trusts, were actually offers and sales of securities that occurred in Texas by unregistered dealers in violation of Texas securities laws. The remedy sought is rescission and return of the insurance premium payments and other amounts.
The Company asserts, among other things, that U.S. law, including Texas law, does not apply to the operations of the trusts, and therefore, no securities registration provisions apply, nor do U.S. laws relating to broker-dealer registration apply. Further, it is the Company’s position that the securities claims, based on Texas securities laws, are not valid, that no broker-dealer registration is required of the Company or its marketing consultants, and the class as defined is not appropriate for class certification because it does not meet the legal requirements for class action treatment under Texas law.

117


Table of Contents

The Company intends to continue to defend vigorously against class certification, as well as against the other claims in the case. However, the Company is unable to determine the potential financial magnitude of the claims if the class certification were to become final and the plaintiff was able to prevail on the substantive claims, although the Company would expect a significant adverse financial impact from an adverse final class action judgment.
The Company is also a party to various legal proceedings incidental to its business. The Company has been named as a defendant in various legal actions seeking payments for claims denied by the Company and other monetary damages. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from any contingent liabilities that might arise from such litigation, is not material in relation to the financial position or results of operations of the Company. Reserves for claims payable are based on the expected claim amounts to be paid after a case-by-case review of the facts and circumstances relating to each claim. A contingency exists with regard to these reserves until the claims are adjudicated and paid.
 
(11)   Segment Information
 
    Historically, the Company has had three reportable segments: International Life Business, Domestic Health Business and Domestic Life Business. During 2004, following the acquisition of Security Plan, a new segment, Home Service Business, was established.
 
    International Life Business, consisting of ordinary whole-life business, is sold primarily throughout Central and South America. The Company has no assets, offices or employees outside of the United States of America (U.S.) and requires that all transactions be in U.S. dollars paid in the U.S. The Company’s Domestic Health Business, consisting of accident and health, specified disease, hospital indemnity and accidental death policies, is sold throughout the southern U.S. The Company’s Domestic Life Business, consisting of traditional life, burial insurance and pre-need policies, is sold throughout the southern U.S. The accounting policies of the segments are in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on U.S. GAAP net income before federal income taxes for its three reportable segments.

118


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
The acquisition of SPLIC and SPFIC created a new segment. SPLIC focuses on writing ordinary whole life insurance utilizing the home service marketing distribution method, whereby employee/agents working “routes” make regular collections of premiums from clients. SPFIC also uses the home service method to write small fire policies on Louisiana residents. This marketing method dates back to the creation of the life insurance industry in the United States and SPLIC utilizes approximately 350 field representatives (approximately 300 of whom also represent SPFIC) to write and collect premiums.
Geographic Areas - The following summary represents financial data of the Company’s continuing operations based on their location.
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Revenues
                       
U.S.
  $ 64,640,672       29,939,769       31,756,796  
Non-U.S.
    79,674,651       72,885,909       63,345,967  
 
                 
Total Revenues
  $ 144,315,323       102,825,678       95,102,763  
 
                 
The following summary, representing revenues and pre-tax income from continuing operations and identifiable assets for the Company’s reportable segments as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, is as follows:
                         
Year Ended December 31   2005     2004     2003  
Revenue
                       
International Life
  $ 79,674,651       72,885,909       63,345,967  
Home Service Business
    49,692,366       12,345,741        
Domestic Life
    14,048,666       16,806,481       18,020,466  
Domestic Health
    899,640       787,547       13,736,330  
 
                 
Total consolidated revenue
  $ 144,315,323       102,825,678       95,102,763  
 
                 
 
                       
Premiums and Annuity and Universal Life Consideration
                       
International Life
  $ 68,444,072       59,213,856       51,972,432  
Home Service Business
    37,719,751       9,587,052        
Domestic Life
    11,603,183       13,579,045       11,270,023  
Domestic Health
    899,640       787,547       14,784,958  
 
                 
Total consolidated premium income
  $ 118,666,646       83,167,500       78,027,413  
 
                 
 
                       
Net Investment Income
                       
International Life
  $ 10,142,576       11,414,138       9,539,769  
Home Service Business
    11,572,842       2,875,368        
Domestic Life
    1,852,766       2,715,166       4,594,403  
Domestic Health
                188,103  
 
                 
Total consolidated net investment income
  $ 23,568,184       17,004,672       14,322,275  
 
                 

119


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                         
Amortization expense:
                       
International Life
  $ 8,272,807       7,473,167       9,035,478  
Home Service Business
    4,770,155       848,572        
Domestic Life
    3,151,317       4,253,083       4,216,119  
Domestic Health
                5,665,479  
 
                 
Total consolidated amortization expense
  $ 16,194,279       12,574,822       18,917,076  
 
                 
 
                       
Realized gains (losses)
                       
International Life
  $ 96,750       635,492       1,254,297  
Home Service Business
    304,849       (397,633 )      
Domestic Life
    17,674       151,169       628,808  
Domestic Health
                 
 
                 
Total consolidated realized gains (losses)
  $ 419,273       389,028       1,883,105  
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) before federal income tax:
                       
International Life
  $ 5,761,991       8,840,612       4,959,621  
Home Service Business
    5,902,227       2,510,941        
Domestic Life
    33,820       (2,946,087 )     (302,259 )
Domestic Health
    97,883       (317,706 )     (1,369,040 )
 
                 
Total consolidated income before Federal income taxes
  $ 11,795,921       8,087,760       3,288,322  
 
                 
                         
    2005     2004  
Assets as of December 31:
               
International Life
  $ 233,529,849       225,359,680  
Home Service Business
    300,946,232       298,396,206  
Domestic Life
    115,320,962       123,160,286  
Domestic Health
    12,091,768       14,295,390  
 
           
Total
  $ 661,888,811       661,211,562  
 
           
    Major categories of premiums are summarized as follows:
                         
    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2004     2003  
Premiums and annuity and universal life considerations:
                       
Ordinary life
  $ 109,890,939       77,110,880       60,395,058  
Annuity and universal life
    3,021,299       3,519,523       2,383,768  
Group life
    567,463       636,361       463,629  
Accident and health
    1,560,136       787,547       14,784,958  
Casualty
    3,626,809       1,113,189        
 
                 
Total premiums and annuity and universal life considerations
  $ 118,666,646       83,167,500       78,027,413  
 
                 

120


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
The following table sets forth the Company’s total yearly percentage of direct premiums by geographic area for the years indicated:
                         
Area   2005   2004   2003
Colombia
    15.6 %     14.4       19.6  
Argentina
    6.4       6.7       11.4  
Venezuela
    5.4       5.1       6.7  
Taiwan
    5.3       2.9       2.5  
Uruguay
    2.4       2.6       5.0  
Other Foreign
    17.4       14.8       18.9  
Louisiana
    30.4       15.4       1.7  
Texas
    6.9       8.0       12.8  
Kentucky
    2.2       3.4       6.8  
Oklahoma
    2.6       3.3       5.7  
Other States
    5.4       23.4       8.9  
 
                       
Total
    100.0 %     100.0       100.0  
 
                       
(12)   Income Taxes
 
    A reconciliation of Federal income tax expense computed by applying the Federal income tax rate of 34% to income before Federal income tax expense is as follows:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Expected tax expense
  $ 4,010,613       2,749,838       1,118,029  
Change in valuation allowance
    1,102,538       (1,318,931 )      
Tax-exempt interest
    (229,606 )     (9,680 )     (49,130 )
Small life insurance company deduction
          (103,167 )     (320,324 )
Adjustment of prior year taxes
    (143,945 )     (590,489 )     (658,980 )
Basis difference in investments
          (314,234 )      
Other
    (246,171 )     (57,316 )     72,462  
 
                 
Federal income tax expense
  $ 4,493,429       356,021       162,057  
 
                 
Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 consists of:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Current
  $ 1,590,567       1,473,469       249,869  
Deferred
    2,902,862       (1,117,448 )     (87,812 )
 
                 
 
  $ 4,493,429       356,021       162,057  
 
                 

121


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are presented below.
                 
    2005     2004  
Deferred tax assets:
               
Future policy benefit reserves
  $ 21,126,115       20,309,812  
Net operating loss carryforwards
    5,022,328       4,162,646  
Due and accrued dividends and expenses
    561,852       1,356,726  
Investments available-for-sale
    2,473,361       385,951  
Other
    1,208,794       449,528  
 
           
Total gross deferred tax assets
    30,392,450       26,664,663  
Valuation allowance
    (1,102,538 )      
 
           
Total gross deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance
    29,289,912       26,664,663  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Deferred policy acquisition costs, cost of customer relationships acquired and intangible assets
    (28,127,247 )     (24,506,530 )
Investments amortization
    (2,769,760 )     (2,860,059 )
Other
    (13,744 )     (103,461 )
 
           
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
    (30,910,751 )     (27,470,050 )
 
           
Net deferred tax (liability) asset
  $ (1,620,839 )     (805,387 )
 
           
In addition, the acquisition of SPLIC resulted in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities of $4,851,162 in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” A summary of the changes in the components of deferred federal income taxes for 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
                 
    2005     2004  
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
               
Balance January 1
  $ (805,387 )     1,887,048  
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
    (2,902,862 )     1,117,448  
Acquisition of Security Plan
          (4,851,162 )
Investments available-for-sale
    2,087,410       1,041,279  
 
           
Balance December 31
  $ (1,620,839 )     (805,387 )
 
           

122


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    The Company and its subsidiaries had net operating losses at December 31, 2005 available to offset future taxable income of approximately $14,908,000 for Federal income tax, substantially all of which expire through 2024. A portion of the net operating loss carryforward is subject to limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. At December 31, 2005, the Company determined that as a result of the Company’s income, projected future income, tax planning strategies, and the nature of the items from which its deferred tax assets are derived, it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets, net of the established valuation allowance, would be realized. The Company established a valuation allowance for the net deferred tax asset, in the amount of $1,102,538, related to CNLIC as a result of the proposed sale of that company. At December 31, 2004, the Company, based on its estimates of projected future income, determined that no valuation allowance was appropriate and released the allowance previously established in the amount of $1,318,931.
 
    At December 31, 2005, the Company had accumulated approximately $3,291,000 in its “policyholders’ surplus account.” This is a special memorandum tax account into which certain amounts not previously taxed, under prior tax laws, were accumulated. No new additions will be made to this account. Federal income taxes will become payable thereon at the then current tax rate (a) when and if distributions to the shareholder, other than stock dividends and other limited exceptions, are made in excess of the accumulated previously taxed income; or (b) when a company ceases to be a life insurance company as defined by the Internal Revenue Code and such termination is not due to another life insurance company acquiring its assets in a nontaxable transaction. The Company does not anticipate any transactions that would cause any part of this amount to become taxable. However, should the balance at December 31, 2005 become taxable, the tax computed at present rates would be approximately $1,119,000.
 
(13)   Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
    Estimates of fair values are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market prices and information about the financial instrument. The estimated fair values of financial instruments presented below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company might realize in actual market transactions. The carrying amount and fair value for the financial assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at each year-end were as follows:

123


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                                 
    2005   2004
    Carrying   Fair   Carrying   Fair
    amount   value   amount   value
Financial assets:
                               
Fixed maturities
  $ 457,570,672       459,074,379       447,566,922       448,879,648  
Equity securities
    609,760       609,760       1,063,917       1,063,917  
Cash and cash equivalents
    18,311,105       18,311,105       31,720,787       31,720,787  
 
                               
Mortgage Loans
    833,464       929,453       349,611       471,091  
 
                               
Financial liabilities:
                               
Annuities
    19,440,486       19,440,486       16,913,432       16,913,432  
Fair values for fixed income securities and equity securities are based on quoted market prices. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other assumptions, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.
Mortgage loans are secured principally by residential properties. Weighted average interest rates for these loans as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, were approximately 8.9%, with maturities ranging from one to fifteen years. Management estimated the fair value using an interest rate of 6.25% at December 31, 2005 and 2004.
The carrying value and fair values for the Company’s liabilities under annuity contract policies are the same as the interest rates credited to these products and are periodically adjusted by the Company to reflect market conditions. The fair value of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the overall management of interest rate risk, which minimizes exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts.
Policy loans have a weighted average interest rate of 7.5% as of December 31, 2005 and 7.4% as of December 31, 2004, and have no specified maturity dates. The aggregate fair value of policy loans approximates the carrying value reflected on the consolidated balance sheet. These loans typically carry an interest rate that is tied to the crediting rate applied to the related policy and contract reserves. Policy loans are an integral part of the life insurance policies that the Company has in force and cannot be valued separately.
For cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, amounts recoverable from reinsurers, other assets, federal income tax payable and receivable, dividend accumulations, commissions payable, amounts held on deposit, and other liabilities,

124


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
    the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.
 
(14)   Other Comprehensive Loss
 
    The changes in the components of other comprehensive loss are reported net of income taxes of 34% for the periods indicated as follows:
                         
    Year ended December 31, 2005  
    Pre-tax     Tax     Net  
    Amount     Effect     Amount  
Unrealized loss on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding loss arising during the period
  $ (5,614,872 )     1,909,056       (3,705,816 )
Add: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    (524,570 )     178,354       (346,216 )
 
                 
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (6,139,442 )     2,087,410       (4,052,032 )
 
                 
                         
    Year ended December 31, 2004  
    Pre-tax     Tax     Net  
    Amount     Effect     Amount  
Unrealized loss on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding loss arising during the period
  $ (2,698,657 )     917,543       (1,781,114 )
Add: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    (363,928 )     123,736       (240,192 )
 
                 
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (3,062,585 )     1,041,279       (2,021,306 )
 
                 
                         
    Year ended December 31, 2003  
    Pre-tax     Tax     Net  
    Amount     Effect     Amount  
Unrealized loss on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding loss arising during the period
  $ (2,250,059 )     765,021       (1,485,038 )
Add: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    (1,249,821 )     424,941       (824,880 )
 
                 
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (3,499,880 )     1,189,962       (2,309,918 )
 
                 

125


Table of Contents

CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(15) Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
The following table contains selected unaudited consolidated financial data for each calendar quarter.
                                 
    2005  
    Fourth     Third     Second     First  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
Revenues
  $ 38,535,621       36,188,161       34,194,864       35,396,677  
Expenses
    33,062,386       33,942,286       33,470,275       32,044,455  
Federal income tax expense
    2,379,429       759,000       362,264       992,736  
Net income
    3,093,806       1,486,875       362,325       2,359,486  
Basic and diluted earnings per share
    .06       .02       .00       .05  
                                 
    2004  
    Fourth     Third     Second     First  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
Revenues
  $ 37,301,076       23,533,953       21,885,686       20,104,963  
Expenses
    33,370,899       21,285,627       20,453,023       19,628,369  
Federal income tax expense
    (1,051,886 )     755,341       547,715       104,851  
Net income
    4,982,063       1,492,985       884,948       371,743  
Basic and diluted earnings per share
    .11       .03       .02       .01  
(16) Subsequent Events
The Company has entered into an agreement to sell 100% of the common stock of CNLIC to Texas International Life Insurance Company (TILIC) in 2006. Approval of the sale by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is expected in mid 2006. The Company has also asked the TDI to approve an extraordinary dividend from CNLIC in the amount of $3.2 million, to be paid prior to the closing of the sale. The Company and TILIC will also enter into a coinsurance agreement prior to the closing of the sale, whereby the Company will assume 100% of CNLIC’s life insurance business. The sale agreement would produce a loss, net of tax, of less than $350,000, based on information at December 31, 2005; however, the actual loss will differ due to the results of operations in 2006 prior to the sale.

126


Table of Contents

Schedule II
CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
CITIZENS, INC. (Parent Company)
Statements of Financial Position
December 31, 2005 and 2004
                 
    2005     2004  
Assets
               
Investment in subsidiaries (1)
  $ 140,164,717       138,199,548  
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at fair value
    7,337,400       2,888,260  
Mortgage loans
    304,762       27,305  
Accrued investment income
    106,436       51,975  
Real estate
    748,268       910,107  
Cash
    1,227,266       402,070  
Other assets
    1,984,804       2,740,125  
Note Receivable (1)
          30,000,000  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 151,873,653       175,219,390  
 
           
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
 
               
Liabilities -
               
Accrued expense and other
  $ 1,777,869       1,448,978  
Note payable
          30,000,000  
Liabilities for options and warrants
    1,587,151       2,738,062  
 
           
Total Liabilities
    3,365,020       34,187,040  
 
           
 
               
Cumulative convertible preferred stock
    11,545,543       5,901,271  
 
           
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock:
               
Class A
    214,307,665       198,266,955  
Class B
    3,184,350       2,827,191  
Retained deficit
    (64,717,088 )     (55,321,287 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
               
Unrealized investment losses on securities held by parent and subsidiaries, net of tax
    (4,801,231 )     (749,199 )
Treasury stock
    (11,010,606 )     (9,892,581 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 136,963,090       135,131,079  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 151,873,653       175,219,390  
 
           
 
(1)   Eliminates in consolidation.
     See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

127


Table of Contents

Schedule II, Continued
CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
CITIZENS, INC. (Parent Company)
Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and 2003
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Revenues:
                       
Management service fees (1)
  $ 27,371,938       17,931,352       19,570,459  
Investment income
    186,810       167,996       134,546  
Other
    7,424       2,355       12,472  
Realized gains (losses)
    58,701       (793 )     4,450  
 
                 
Total revenues
    27,624,873       18,100,910       19,721,927  
 
                 
Expenses:
                       
 
                     
General
    25,323,042       17,326,989       19,080,752  
Taxes
    1,471,574       888,943       580,490  
 
                 
Total expenses
    26,794,616       18,215,932       19,661,242  
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) before equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    830,257       (115,022 )     60,685  
Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries (1)
    6,472,235       7,846,761       3,065,580  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income
  $ 7,302,492       7,731,739       3,126,265  
 
                 
 
(1)   Eliminates in consolidation.
     See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

128


Table of Contents

Schedule II, Continued
CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
CITIZENS, INC. (Parent Company)
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 7,302,492       7,731,739       3,126,265  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Realized losses (gains)
    (58,701 )     793       (4,450 )
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (6,472,235 )     (7,846,761 )     (3,065,580 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    328,891       488,555       13,973  
Depreciation
    78,889       72,658       62,895  
Change in accrued investment income
    (54,461 )     7,895       (35,952 )
Other
    395,545       (599,256 )     (487,920 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    1,520,420       (144,377 )     (390,769 )
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchase of fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    (5,500,000 )     (450,000 )     (3,750,000 )
Maturities of fixed maturities, available-for-sale
    950,000       700,000       3,110,000  
Payoff of note receivable
    30,000,000              
Capital contribution to subsidiaries
          (11,000,000 )      
Sale of real estate
    212,710       3,027        
Issuance of note receivable
          (30,000,000 )      
Payoff of collateral loan
    100,000              
Purchase of real estate
    (21,739 )     (113,572 )     (143,918 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    25,740,971       (40,860,545 )     (783,918 )
 
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Payoff of note payable
    (30,000,000 )            
Proceeds from note payable
          30,000,000        
Proceeds from issuance of convertible preferred stock
    3,751,404       12,500,000        
Payment of convertible preferred stock issuance costs
    (187,599 )     (1,210,655 )      
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (26,436,195 )     41,289,345        
 
                 
 
                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    825,196       284,423       (1,174,687 )
Cash at beginning of year
    402,070       117,647       1,292,334  
 
                 
Cash at end of year
  $ 1,227,266       402,070       117,647  
 
                 
     See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

129


Table of Contents

Schedule III
CITIZENS, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Supplementary Insurance Information
As of December 31, 2005 and 2004
                 
    2005     2004  
Deferred policy acquisition cost:
               
International Life
  $ 65,784,008       54,035,273  
Home Service Business
    2,396,030       279,077  
Domestic Life
    2,230,296       2,021,011  
Domestic Health
           
 
           
Total consolidated deferred policy acquisition costs:
  $ 70,410,334       56,335,361  
 
           
 
               
Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses:
               
International Life
  $ 179,453,086       149,966,063  
Home Service Business
    201,602,373       196,422,122  
Domestic Life
    84,522,465       91,914,683