We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
Changes in assumptions can have a significant impact on DAC and VOBA balances and amortization rates. Several assumptions are considered significant in the estimation of future gross profits associated with variable universal life and variable deferred annuity products. One of the most significant assumptions involved in the estimation of future gross profits is the assumed return associated with the variable account performance. To reflect the volatility in the equity markets, this assumption involves a combination of near-term expectations and long-term assumptions regarding market performance. The overall return on the variable account is dependent on multiple factors, including the relative mix of the underlying sub-accounts among bond funds and equity funds, as well as equity sector weightings. Other significant assumptions include surrender and lapse rates, estimated interest spread, and estimated mortality.
The assumptions used for calculating the additional GMIB and Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal for Life Benefit (LifePay and LifePay Plus) liabilities at December 31, 2007, are consistent with those used for the calculating the additional GMDB liability. In addition, the calculation of the GMIB liability assumes dynamic surrenders and dynamic annuitization reflecting the extent to which the benefit, at the time of payment, has a positive value.
For leo, the Company recognized tax benefits of $2.5 in 2007 and minimal tax benefits in 2006 and 2005.
On August 10, 2007, the Company issued an extendable funding agreement to its parent, Lion, upon receipt of a single deposit in the amount of $500.0. To fund the purchase of the funding agreement, Lion issued a promissory note to its indirect parent company, ING Verzekeringen N.V. ("ING V"), which has been guaranteed by Lion’s immediate parent, ING AIH.
The Company is involved in threatened or pending lawsuits/arbitrations arising from the normal conduct of business. Due to the climate in insurance and business litigation/arbitrations, 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.
Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of DAC, VOBA, and tax (excluding the tax valuation allowance), related to changes in unrealized capital gains (losses) on securities, including securities pledged, were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005.