The current financial crisis has reached unprecedented levels of market volatility and has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations;
If assumptions used in estimating future gross profits differ from actual experience, the Company may be required to accelerate the amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs (“DAC”), which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition;
A loss of key product distribution relationships could materially affect sales;
On May 11, 2006, ILIAC organized Northfield Windsor LLC (“NWL”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, developing, leasing, and managing a new corporate office facility to be located at One Orange Way, Windsor, Connecticut (the “Windsor Property”). Effective October 1, 2007, the principal executive office of ILIAC was changed to One Orange Way, Windsor, Connecticut.
market conditions, industry trends, and other information that is reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will conform to estimates and assumptions, and that reported results of operations will not be materially adversely affected by the need to make future accounting adjustments to reflect changes in these estimates and assumptions from time to time.
The Company records reserves for product guarantees, which can be either assets or liabilities, for annuity contracts containing guaranteed credited rates. The guarantee is treated as an embedded derivative or a stand-alone derivative (depending on the underlying product) and is reported at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative
Fair values of privately placed bonds are determined using a matrix-based pricing model. The model considers the current level of risk-free interest rates, current corporate spreads, the credit quality of the issuer, and cash flow characteristics of the security. Also considered are factors such as the net worth of the borrower, the value of collateral, the capital structure of the borrower, the presence of guarantees, and the Company’s evaluation of the borrower’s ability to compete in their relevant market. Using this data, the model generates estimated market values, which the Company considers reflective of the fair value of each privately placed bond.
Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at amortized cost, less impairment write-downs. If the value of any mortgage loan is determined to be impaired (i.e., when it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to the present value of expected cash flows from the loan, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or fair value of the collateral. If the loan is in foreclosure, the carrying value is reduced to the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of estimated costs to obtain and sell. The carrying value of the impaired loans is reduced by establishing a permanent write-down recorded in Net realized capital gains (losses).
The fair value of policy loans is equal to the carrying, or cash surrender, value of the loans. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the account value of the associated insurance contracts.
Derivative instruments are reported at fair value primarily using the Company’s derivative accounting system. The system uses key financial data, such as yield curves, exchange rates, Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index prices, and London Inter Bank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”), which are obtained from third party sources and uploaded into the system. For those derivatives that are unable to be valued by the accounting system, the Company typically utilizes values established by third party brokers. Embedded derivative instruments are reported at fair value based upon internally established valuations that are consistent with external valuation models or market guidelines.
In addition, the Company invests in structured securities that meet the criteria of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets” (“EITF 99-20”). Under EITF 99-20, a determination of the required impairment is based on the analysis discussed in the preceding paragraph, as well as credit risk and the possibility of significant prepayment risk that restricts the Company’s ability to recover the investment. An impairment is recognized if the fair value of the security is less than amortized cost and there has been an adverse change in cash flow since the last remeasurement date.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Under FAS 157, the FASB clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. In support of this principle, FAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop such assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. FAS 157 also requires separate disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the hierarchy and expanded disclosure of the effect on earnings for items measured using unobservable data.
How derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FAS 133 and its related interpretations; and
In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141R”), which replaces FAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” as issued in 2001. FAS 141R requires most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interest, and goodwill acquired in a business combination to be recorded at full fair value as of the acquisition date, even for acquisitions achieved in stages. In addition, the statement requires:
All of the Company’s fixed maturities and equity securities are currently designated as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized capital gains (losses) on these securities are recorded directly in Shareholder’s equity, after adjustment, if any, for related changes in experience-rated contract allocations, DAC, VOBA, and deferred income taxes.
In addition, the Company invests in structured securities that meet the criteria of the EITF 99-20. Under EITF 99-20, a further determination of the required impairment is based on credit risk and the possibility of significant prepayment risk that restricts the Company’s ability to recover the investment. An impairment is recognized if the fair value of the security is less than amortized cost and there has been adverse change in cash flow since the last remeasurement date.
The fair values for the actively traded marketable fixed maturities are determined based upon the quoted market prices or dealer quotes. The fair values for marketable bonds without an active market are obtained through several commercial pricing services, which provide the estimated fair values. These services incorporate a variety of market observable information in their valuation techniques, including benchmark yields, broker-dealer quotes, credit quality, issuer spreads, bids, offers and other reference data. Valuations obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and are validated monthly through comparisons to internal pricing models, back testing to recent trades, and monitoring of trading volumes.
The Company engages in dollar repurchase agreements (“dollar rolls”) and repurchase agreements to increase the return on investments and improve liquidity. These transactions involve a sale of securities and an agreement to repurchase substantially the same securities as those sold. Company policies require a minimum of 95% of the fair value of securities pledged under dollar rolls and repurchase agreement transactions to be maintained as collateral. Cash collateral received is invested in fixed maturities, and
the carrying value of the securities pledged in dollar rolls and repurchase agreement transactions is included in Securities pledged on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The repurchase obligation related to dollar rolls and repurchase agreements is included in Borrowed money on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Internal replacements that are determined to result in contracts that are substantially changed are accounted for as extinguishments of the replaced contracts, and any unamortized DAC and VOBA related to the replaced contracts are written off to Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Reserves for individual and group deferred annuity investment contracts and individual immediate annuities without life contingent payouts are equal to cumulative deposits, less charges and withdrawals, plus credited interest thereon, net of adjustments for investment experience that the Company is entitled to reflect in future credited interest. Credited interest rates vary by product and ranged from 1.6% to 7.8% for the years 2008, 2007, and 2006. Certain reserves may also include net unrealized gains and losses related to investments and unamortized net realized gains and losses on investments for experience-rated contracts. Reserves on experienced-rated contracts reflect the rights of contractowners, plan participants, and the Company. During 2008, given the current economic environment, which resulted in significant net realized and unrealized losses, the Company did not include net unrealized and unamortized realized losses associated with experience-rated contracts in Future policy benefits and claims reserves. The net unrealized losses are reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, and the amortization of the unamortized realized losses have been recorded in Interest credited and other benefits to contractholders. Reserves for group immediate annuities without life contingent payouts are equal to the discount value of the payment at the implied break-even rate.
Reserves for individual immediate annuities with life contingent payout benefits are computed on the basis of assumed interest discount rates, mortality, and expenses, including a margin for adverse deviations. Such assumptions generally vary by annuity type plan, year of issue, and policy duration. For the years 2008, 2007, and 2006, reserve interest rates ranged from 5.3% to 5.9%.
The Company records reserves for product guarantees, which can be either assets or liabilities, for annuity contracts containing guaranteed credited rates. The guarantee is treated as an embedded derivative or a stand-alone derivative (depending on the underlying product) and is required to be reported at fair value. The fair value of the obligation is calculated based on the income approach. The income associated with the contracts is projected using relevant actuarial and capital market assumptions, including
Certain variable annuities offer guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”). The GMDB is accrued in the event the contractowner account value at death is below the guaranteed value and is included in reserves.
Assets and liabilities of separate account arrangements that do not meet the criteria for separate presentation in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (primarily the guaranteed interest option), and revenue and expenses related to such arrangements, are consolidated in the financial statements with the general account. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, unrealized capital losses of $53.2 and $11.0, respectively, after taxes, on assets supporting a guaranteed interest option are reflected in Shareholder’s equity.
Of the Reinsurance recoverable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, $2.5 billion and $2.6 billion at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, is related to the reinsurance recoverable from certain subsidiaries of Lincoln arising from the disposal of the Company’s individual life insurance business in 1998 (see the Reinsurance footnote). Effective March 1, 2007, the reinsurance agreements were assigned to a single subsidiary of Lincoln, and that subsidiary established a trust to secure its obligations to the Company under the reinsurance transaction.
Fixed maturities and equity securities, available-for-sale, were as follows as of December 31, 2008.
Fixed maturities and equity securities, available-for-sale, were as follows as of December 31, 2007.
At December 31, 2008 and 2007, net unrealized losses were $1,322.9 and $58.2, respectively, on total fixed maturities, including securities pledged to creditors, and equity securities. During 2008, as a result of the current economic environment, which resulted in significant losses on investments supporting experience-rated contracts, the Company reflected all unrealized losses in Shareholder’s equity rather than Future policy benefits and claims reserves. At December 31, 2007, $16.4 of net unrealized capital gains (losses) was related to experience-rated contracts and was not reflected in Shareholder’s equity but in Future policy benefits and claim reserves.
The amortized cost and fair value of total fixed maturities as of December 31, 2008, are shown below by contractual maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as securities may be restructured, called, or prepaid.
The Company invests in various categories of collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) that are subject to different degrees of risk from changes in interest rates and, for CMOs that are not agency-backed, defaults. The principal risks inherent in holding CMOs are prepayment and extension risks related to dramatic decreases and increases in interest rates resulting in the prepayment of principal from the underlying mortgages, either earlier or later than originally anticipated. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 13.0% and 11.3%, respectively, of the Company’s CMO holdings were invested in those types of CMOs which are subject to more prepayment and extension risk than traditional CMOs, such as interest-only or principal-only strips.
approximately 10% of par value. In addition, under the Back-up Facility, other fees will be paid both by the Company and the Dutch State. Each ING company participating in the ING-Dutch State Transaction, including the Company will remain the legal owner of 100% of its Alt-A RMBS portfolio and will remain exposed to 20% of any results on the portfolio. Subject to documentation and regulatory approvals, the ING-Dutch State Transaction is expected to close by the end of March 2009, with the affiliate participation conveyance and risk transfer to the Dutch State described in the succeeding paragraph to take effect as of January 26, 2009.
Equity securities, available-for-sale, included investments with fair values of $141.0 and $279.5 in ING proprietary funds as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The primary risk associated with short-term collateralized borrowings is that the counterparty will be unable to perform under the terms of the contract. The Company’s exposure is limited to the excess of the net replacement cost of the securities over the value of the short-term investments, an amount that was immaterial at December 31, 2008 and 2007. The Company believes the counterparties to the dollar rolls, repurchase, and reverse repurchase agreements are financially responsible and that the counterparty risk is minimal.
The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain securities from its portfolio are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time. Initial collateral, primarily cash, is required at a rate of 102% of the market value of the loaned domestic securities. The collateral is deposited by the borrower with a lending agent, and retained and invested by the lending agent according to the Company’s guidelines to generate additional income. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market value of the loaned securities fluctuates. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the fair value of loan securities was $474.8 and $176.5, respectively.
The above schedule includes $235.8, $16.4, and $16.1 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, in other-than-temporary write-downs related to the analysis of credit-risk and the possibility of significant prepayment risk. The remaining $816.7, $59.6, and $42.6 in write-downs for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, are related to investments that the Company does not have the intent to retain for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery in fair value.
The following table summarizes these write-downs recognized by type for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006.
Sources of Net investment income were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006.
Net realized capital gains (losses) are comprised of the difference between the amortized cost of investments and proceeds from sale and redemption, as well as losses incurred due to other-than-temporary impairment of investments and changes in fair value of derivatives. The cost of the investments on disposal is determined based on specific identification of securities. Net realized capital gains (losses) on investments were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006.
Net realized capital gains (losses) allocated to experience-rated contracts are deducted from Net realized capital gains (losses) and an offsetting amount was reflected in Future policy benefits and claim reserves on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2008, as a result of the current economic environment, which resulted in significant realized losses associated with experience-rated contracts, the Company accelerated amortization of realized losses rather than reflect those losses in Future policy benefits and claims
reserves. During 2008, the Company fully amortized $624.4 of net unamortized realized capital losses allocated to experience-rated contractowners, which are reflected in Interest credited and other benefits to contractowners in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net unamortized realized capital gains allocated to experienced-rated contractowners were $53.8 and $164.5 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and were reflected in Future policy benefits and claims reserves.
Proceeds from the sale of fixed maturities and equity securities, available-for-sale, and the related gross realized gains and losses, excluding those related to experience-related contracts, as appropriate, were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006.
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: The fair values for the actively traded marketable bonds are determined based upon the quoted market prices or dealer quotes and are classified as Level 1 assets. The fair values for marketable bonds without an active market, excluding subprime and Alt-A mortgage-backed securities, are obtained through several commercial pricing services, which provide the estimated fair values, and are classified as Level 2 assets. These services incorporate a variety of market observable information in their valuation techniques, including benchmark yields, broker-dealer quotes, credit quality, issuer spreads, bids, offers and other reference data. Valuations obtained from third party commercial pricing services are non-binding and are validated monthly through comparisons to internal pricing models, back testing to recent trades, and monitoring of trading volumes.
Fair values of privately placed bonds are determined using a matrix-based pricing model and are classified as Level 2 assets. The model considers the current level of risk-free interest rates, current corporate spreads, the credit quality of the issuer, and cash flow characteristics of the security. Also considered are factors such as the net worth of the borrower, the value of collateral, the capital structure of the borrower, the presence of guarantees, and the Company’s evaluation of the borrower’s ability to compete in their relevant market. Using this data, the model generates estimated market values, which the Company considers reflective of the fair value of each privately placed bond.
At December 31, 2008, the fixed maturities valued using unadjusted broker quotes totaled $9,069.0.
Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Short-term investments under securities loan agreement: The carrying amounts for cash reflect the assets’ fair values. The fair values for cash equivalents and short-term investments are determined based on quoted market prices. These assets are classified as Level 1.
Product guarantees: The Company records reserves for product guarantees, which can be either assets or liabilities, for annuity contracts containing guaranteed credited rates in accordance with FAS 133. The guarantee is treated as an embedded derivative or a stand-alone derivative (depending on the underlying product) and is required to be reported at fair value. The fair value of the obligation is calculated based on the income approach as described in FAS 157. The income associated with the contracts is projected using relevant actuarial and capital market assumptions, including benefits and related contract charges, over the anticipated life of the related contracts. The cash flow estimates are produced by using stochastic techniques under a variety of risk neutral scenarios and other best estimate assumptions. Explicit risk margins in the actuarial assumptions underlying valuations are included, as well as an explicit recognition of all nonperformance risks as required by FAS 157. Nonperformance risk for product guarantees contains adjustments to the fair values of these contract liabilities related to the current credit standing of ING and the Company based on credit default swaps with
The following disclosures are made in accordance with the requirements of FAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FAS 107”). FAS 107 requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.
The Company has entered into various credit default swaps to assume credit exposure to certain assets that the Company does not own. Credit default swaps involve a transfer of credit risk from one party to another in exchange for periodic payments. These instruments are typically written for a maturity period of five years and do not contain recourse provisions, which would enable the seller to recover from third parties. The Company’s collateral positions are tracked by the International Swaps and Derivatives Associations, Inc. (“ISDA”). To the extent cash collateral was received, it was included in the Collateral held, including payables under securities loan agreement on the Balance Sheets and was reinvested in short-term investments. The source of non-cash collateral posted was investment grade bonds of the entity. Collateral held is used in accordance with the Credit Support Annex (“CSA”) to satisfy any obligations. In the event of a default on the underlying credit exposure, the Company will either receive an additional payment (purchased credit protection) or will be required to make an additional payment (sold credit protection) equal to the notional value of the swap contract. At December 31, 2008, the fair value of credit default swaps of $16.1 and $75.0 was included in Other investments and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 2008, the maximum potential future exposure to the Company on the sale of credit protection under credit default swaps was $161.0.
Activity within VOBA was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006.
The decrease in Net amortization of DAC and VOBA in 2006 is primarily driven by favorable unlocking of $83.3, resulting from the refinements of the Company’s estimates of persistency, expenses and other assumptions. In addition, the decrease in amortization reflects lower actual gross profits, primarily due to a legal settlement incurred in 2006.
The Department also has the ability to revise certain reserving requirements at its discretion. Due to the financial crisis and related federal government interest rate actions, the Department provided the Company and other domestic life insurers the opportunity to elect to use a formula for the discount rate for statutory reserve and reserve related calculations that resulted in the discount rate being floored at 3.25% for December 31, 2008; the formula stipulated by the Department was such that the discount rate was to equal the greater of 3.25% or 105% of the otherwise applicable spot rate; this reserve relief reduces statutory reserves and increases surplus by approximately $700.0. This reserve relief is available for the period from December 31, 2008 through September 30, 2009 and is not a permitted practice. The Company also discloses that, as in prior years, its asset adequacy analysis associated with these reserves is favorable.
The aggregate fair value of equity securities, including mutual funds, supporting separate accounts with additional insurance benefits and minimum investment return guarantees as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, was $6.5 billion and $7.1 billion, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2006, ILIAC files a consolidated federal income tax return with ING AIH and certain other subsidiaries of ING AIH that are eligible corporations qualified to file consolidated federal income tax returns as part of the ING AIH affiliated group. Effective January 1, 2006, ILIAC is party to a federal tax allocation agreement with ING AIH and its subsidiaries that are part of the group whereby ING AIH charges its subsidiaries for federal taxes each subsidiary would have incurred were it not a member of the consolidated group and credits each subsidiary for losses at the statutory federal tax rate.
Net unrealized capital gains and losses are presented as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in Shareholder’s equity, net of deferred taxes. Due to changes in classification during 2008, the amount for the 2007 table above were reclassified in order to allow for more effective comparison.
The Company had $23.1 and $42.6 of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.
Under prior law, life insurance companies were allowed to defer from taxation a portion of income. Deferred income of $17.2 was accumulated in the Policyholders Surplus Account and would only become taxable under certain conditions, which management believed to be remote. In 2004, Congress passed the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 allowing certain tax-free distributions from the Policyholders’ Surplus Account during 2005 and 2006. During 2006, the Company made a dividend distribution of $256.0, which eliminated the $17.2 balance in the Policyholders Surplus Account and, therefore, any potential tax on the accumulated balance.
ING North America Insurance Corporation (“ING North America”) sponsors the ING Americas Retirement Plan (the “Retirement Plan”), effective as of December 31, 2001. Substantially all employees of ING North America and its affiliates (excluding certain employees) are eligible to participate, including the Company’s employees other than Company agents. However, effective January 1, 2009, the Retirement Plan was amended to provide that anyone hired or rehired by the Company on or after January 1, 2009, would not be eligible to participate in the Plan. The Retirement Plan was amended and restated effective July 1, 2008 related to the admission of the employees from the
acquisition of CitiStreet LLC (“CitiStreet”) by Lion, and ING North America filed a request for a determination letter on the qualified status of the Plan. The Retirement Plan is a tax-qualified defined benefit plan, the benefits of which are guaranteed (within certain specified legal limits) by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”). As of January 1, 2002, each participant in the Retirement Plan earns a benefit under a final average compensation formula. Subsequent to December 31, 2001, ING North America is responsible for all Retirement Plan liabilities. The costs allocated to the Company for its employees’ participation in the Retirement Plan were $14.0, $17.2, and $23.8, for 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, and are included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
ING North America sponsors the ING Americas Savings Plan and ESOP (the “Savings Plan”). Substantially all employees of ING North America and its affiliates (excluding certain employees, including but not limited to Career Agents) are eligible to participate, including the Company’s employees other than Company agents. Career Agents are certain, full-time insurance salespeople who have entered into a career agent agreement with the Company and certain other individuals who meet specified eligibility criteria. The Savings Plan is a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan, which includes an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) component. The Savings Plan was amended and restated effective July 1, 2008 related to the admission of the employees from the acquisition of CitiStreet by Lion, and ING North America filed a request for a determination letter on the qualified status of the Plan. Savings Plan benefits are not guaranteed by the PBGC. The Savings Plan allows eligible participants to defer into the Savings Plan a specified percentage of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis. ING North America matches such pre-tax contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of eligible compensation. Matching contributions are subject to a 4-year graded vesting schedule (although certain specified participants are subject to a 5-year graded vesting schedule). All contributions made to the Savings Plan are subject to certain limits imposed by applicable law. Pre-tax charges to operations of the Company for the Savings Plan were $10.3, $10.1, and $9.7, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, and are included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following tables summarize the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, and funded status, for the SERPs and Agents Non-Qualified Plan, for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
The weighted-average assumptions used in the measurement of the December 31, 2008 and 2007 benefit obligation for the SERPs and Agents Non-Qualified Plan, were as follows:
The weighted average assumptions used in calculating the net pension cost for 2008 were, as indicated above, a 6.0% discount rate and a 4.0% rate of compensation increase. Since the benefit plans of the Company are unfunded, an assumption for return on plan assets is not required.
Net periodic benefit costs for the SERPs and Agents Non-Qualified Plan, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, were as follows:
In 2009, the employer is expected to contribute $4.3 to the SERPs and Agents Non-Qualified Plan. Future expected benefit payments related to the SERPs, and Agents Non-Qualified Plan, for the years ended December 31, 2009 through 2013, and thereafter through 2018, are estimated to be $4.3, $4.4, $5.0, $5.1, $5.1, and $26.4, respectively.
For leo, the Company recognized tax benefits of $0.7, $3.2, and $0.1, in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
The ING Americas Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which is a non-qualified defined benefit restoration pension plan.
The benefit charges allocated to the Company related to these plans for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, were $1.4, $0.4, and $1.4, respectively.
with broker-dealers to distribute the variable insurance products and appoint representatives of the broker-dealers as agents. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, commissions were collected in the amount of $622.5, $568.4, and $429.2. Such commissions are, in turn, paid to broker-dealers.
Administrative and advisory services agreements with ING Investment LLC and IIM, affiliated companies, in which DSL receives certain services for a fee. The fee for these services is calculated as a percentage of average assets of ING Investors Trust. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, expenses were incurred in the amounts of $14.9, $13.1, and $8.8, respectively.
During 2006, ILIAC served as investment advisor to certain variable funds offered in Company products (collectively, the “Company Funds”). The Company Funds paid ILIAC, as investment advisor, daily fees that, on an annual basis, ranged, depending on the Fund, from 0.5% to 1.0% of their average daily net assets. Each of the Company Funds managed by ILIAC were subadvised by investment advisors, in which case ILIAC paid a subadvisory fee to the investment advisors, which included affiliates. Effective January 1, 2007, ILIAC’s investment advisory agreement with the Company Funds was assigned to DSL. ILIAC is also compensated by the separate accounts for bearing mortality and expense risks pertaining to variable life and annuity contracts. Under the insurance and annuity contracts, the separate accounts pay ILIAC daily fees that, on an annual basis are, depending on the product, up to 3.4% of their average daily net assets. The total amount of compensation and fees received by the Company from the Company Funds and separate accounts totaled $245.1, $312.7, and $289.9, (excludes fees paid to ING Investment Management Co.) in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
ILIAC maintains a reciprocal loan agreement with ING AIH, an affiliate, to facilitate the handling of unanticipated short-term cash requirements that arise in the ordinary course of business. Under this agreement, which became effective in June 2001 and expires on April 1, 2011, either party can borrow from the other up to 3% of ILIAC’s statutory admitted assets as of the preceding December 31. Interest on any ILIAC borrowing is charged at the rate of ING AIH’s cost of funds for the interest period, plus 0.15%. Interest on any ING AIH borrowings is charged at a rate based on the prevailing interest rate of U.S. commercial paper available for purchase with a similar duration.
Under this agreement, ILIAC incurred interest expense of $0.2, $3.9, and $1.8, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, and earned interest income of $4.8, $1.7, and $3.3, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Interest expense and income are included in Interest expense and Net investment income, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2008, ILIAC had $13.0 due to ING AIH under the reciprocal loan agreement and no amounts due as of December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, ILIAC had no amount due from ING AIH under the reciprocal loan agreement.
The DECD Loan provides for loan forgiveness at varying amounts up to $5.0 if ILIAC and its affiliates meet certain employment thresholds at the Windsor Property during the term of the loan. ILIAC’s obligations under the DECD Loan are secured by an unlimited recourse guaranty from its affiliate, ING North America Insurance Corporation.
At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the amount of the loan outstanding was $4.9 and $9.9, which was reflected in Notes payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On December 29, 2004, ING USA issued a surplus note in the principal amount of $175.0 (the “Note”) scheduled to mature on December 29, 2034, to ILIAC, in an offering that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. ILIAC’s $175.0 Note from ING USA bears interest at a rate of 6.26% per year. Any payment of principal and/or interest is subject to the prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner. Interest is scheduled to be paid semi-annually in arrears on June 29 and December 29 of each year, commencing on June 29, 2005. Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $11.1.
ILIAC maintains a $50.0 uncommitted, perpetual revolving note facility with the Bank of New York ("BONY"). Interest on any of ILIAC’s borrowing accrues at an annual rate equal to a rate quoted by BONY to ILIAC for the borrowing. Under this agreement, ILIAC incurred no interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2008, and minimal interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, ILIAC had no amounts outstanding under the revolving note facility.
ILIAC also maintains $100.0 uncommitted line-of-credit agreement with Svenska Handelsbanken AB (Publ.), effective June 2, 2006. Borrowings are guaranteed by ING AIH, with maximum aggregate borrowings outstanding at anytime to ING AIH and its affiliates of $100.0. Interest on any of the Company’s borrowing accrues at an annual rate equal to the rate quoted by Svenska to the Company for the borrowing. Under this agreement, the Company incurred no interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2008, and minimal interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. At December 31, 2007, ILIAC had no amounts outstanding under the line-of-credit agreement. Effective November 19, 2008, the Company discontinued this line-of-credit.
At December 31, 2008, the Company had reinsurance treaties with 7 unaffiliated reinsurers covering a significant portion of the mortality risks and guaranteed death benefits under its variable contracts. At December 31, 2008, the Company did not have any outstanding cessions under any reinsurance treaties with affiliated reinsurers. The Company remains liable to the extent its reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements.
The Company assumed $25.0 of premium revenue from Aetna Life, for the purchase and administration of a life contingent single premium variable payout annuity contract. In addition, the Company is also responsible for administering fixed annuity payments that are made to annuitants receiving variable payments. Reserves of $11.0 and $16.1 were maintained for this contract as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, rent expense for leases was $6.1, $17.7, and $17.8, respectively. The Company pays substantially all expenses associated with its leased and subleased office properties. Expenses not paid directly by the Company are paid for by an affiliate and allocated back to the Company. As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s expenses will be paid for by an affiliate and allocated back to the Company.
For more information on the lease terminations, see the Restructuring Charges footnote.
At December 31, 2008, the Company had off-balance sheet commitments to purchase investments equal to their fair value of $353.3, $253.7 of which was with related parties. At December 31, 2007, the Company had off-balance sheet commitments to purchase investments equal to their fair value of $357.8, $226.6 of which was with related parties. During 2008 and 2007, $81.3 and $87.3, respectively, was funded to related parties under off-balance sheet commitments.
The Company owns a 3-year credit-linked note arrangement, whereby the Company will reimburse the guaranteed party upon payment default of the referenced obligation. Upon such default, the Company reimburses the guaranteed party for the loss under the reference obligation, and the Company receives that reference obligation in settlement. The Company can then seek recovery of any losses under the agreement by sale or collection of the received reference obligation. As of December 31, 2008, the maximum liability to the Company under the guarantee was $30.0.
Under the terms of the Company’s Over-The-Counter Derivative ISDA Agreements (“ISDA Agreements”), the Company may receive from, or deliver to, counterparties, collateral to assure that all terms of the ISDA Agreements will be met with regard to the CSA. The terms of the CSA call for the Company to pay interest on any cash received equal to the Federal Funds rate. As of December 31, 2008, the Company held $4.4 of cash collateral, which was included in Collateral held, including payables under securities loan agreement. As of December 31, 2007, the Company delivered $18.8 of cash collateral, which was included in Short-term investments under securities loan agreement, including collateral delivered, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company estimates the completion of these integration and restructuring activities by January 30, 2010.
On January 12, 2009, ING announced expense and staff reductions across all U.S. operations, which resulted in the elimination of 87 current and open positions in the Company. Due to the staff reductions, curtailment of pension benefits shall occur during the first quarter of 2009, which will result in the recognition of a loss related to unrecognized prior service costs. The effect of the curtailment on the Company’s earnings is anticipated to be less than $0.1. The Company anticipates that these restructuring activities in regards to its operations will be complete by February 10, 2010 with total estimated costs of $5.8.
During 2008, certain changes were made to the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended 2007 to more accurately reflect the correct balances, primarily related to surrenders on market value adjusted contracts. As the Company has determined these changes to be immaterial, the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2007, has not been labeled as restated. The following table summarizes the adjustments: