Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and many of which are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Whether or not actual results differ materially from forward-looking statements may depend on numerous foreseeable and unforeseeable developments. Some may be national in scope, such as general economic conditions, changes in tax law, and changes in interest rates. Some may be related to the insurance industry generally, such as pricing competition, regulatory developments, and industry consolidation. Others may relate to the Company specifically, such as litigation, regulatory action, and risks associated with the Company's investment portfolio, such as change in credit quality, price volatility and liquidity. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in "Risk Factors" in Item 1 contained herein and in other documents filed by the Company with the SEC. Except as may be required by the federal securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking information.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") risk-based capital requirements require insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. These requirements are intended to allow insurance regulators to monitor the capitalization of insurance companies based upon the type and mixture of risks inherent in a Company's operations. The formula includes components for asset risk, liability risk, interest rate exposure, and other factors. The Company has complied with the NAIC's risk-based capital reporting requirements. Amounts reported indicate that as of December 31, 2004 the Company has total adjusted capital above all required capital levels.
Paragraphs 17(b) and 20 of FASB Statement No. 97, `Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments,' Permit or Require Accrual of an Unearned Revenue Liability," effective for fiscal periods beginning subsequent to the date the guidance was issued, June 18, 2004. The Company adopted FSP FAS 97-1 on July 1, 2004. The adoption of FSP FAS 97-1 did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others," to clarify accounting and disclosure requirements relating to a guarantor's issuance of certain types of guarantees. FIN 45 requires entities to disclose additional information about certain guarantees, or groups of similar guarantees, even if the likelihood of the guarantor's having to make any payments under the guarantee is remote. The disclosure provisions are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ended after December 15, 2002. For certain guarantees, the interpretation also requires that
As of December 31, 2004, the Company does not utilize any statutory accounting practices, which are not prescribed by state regulatory authorities that, individually or in the aggregate, materially affect statutory capital and surplus.
The liability for unpaid accident and health claims is included in policy liabilities and accruals on the Balance Sheets.
The Company is a party to threatened or pending lawsuits/arbitrations arising from the normal conduct of business. Due to the climate in insurance and business litigation/arbitration, suits against the Company sometimes include claims for substantial compensatory, consequential, or punitive damages and other types of relief. Moreover, certain claims are asserted as class actions, purporting to represent a group of similarly situated individuals. While it is not possible to forecast the outcome of such lawsuits/arbitrations, in light of existing insurance, reinsurance and established reserves, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of such lawsuits/arbitrations will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operations or financial position.