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American Equity Investment Life Company

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FY2005 Annual Report · American Equity Investment Life Company
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AMERICAN EQUITY

I N V E S T M E N T L I F E H O L D I N G C O M PA N Y

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF 
PEOPLE, SERVICE & FUTURE

5000 Westown Parkway • West Des Moines, Iowa  50266
515.221.0002 (cid:129) 888.221.1234
www.american-equity.com

2 0 0 5   A N N U A L   R E P O RT   &   F O R M   1 0 - K

2 0 0 5 F I N A N C I A L H I G H L I G H T S

T O TA L A S S E T S C L I M B E D T O $14.0 B I L L I O N

G E N E R AT E D R E C O R D A N N U I T Y D E P O S I T S O F $2.9 B I L L I O N

S E T A R E C O R D F O R N E T I N C O M E O F $43.0 M I L L I O N

R A I S E D $230 M I L L I O N I N N E W C A P I TA L T H RO U G H S T O C K A N D S E C U R I T Y O F F E R I N G S

I N C R E A S E D AG E N T R E L AT I O N S H I P S BY 13 P E RC E N T

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

(Dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

Total assets

Total revenues

Net income 

$14,042,794

$11,087,288

$8,962,841

$7,327,789

$4,819,220

$567,718

$495,601

$450,904

$279,713

$180,376

$42,992

$29,323

$25,440

$14,207

$872

Total stockholders’ equity

$519,358

$305,543

$263,716

$77,478

$42,567

Book value per share1

Return on equity2

$9.35

$7.97

$7.19

$4.67

$2.24

11.0%

10.3%

28.3%

23.7%

1.7%

Number of agents

51,744

45,940

42,239

41,396

33,894

(1) Book value per share is calculated as total stockholders' equity less the liquidation preference of our series preferred stock divided by the total

number of shares of common stock outstanding.

(2) We define return on equity as net income divided by average total stockholders’ equity. Average total stockholders’ equity is detemined based
upon the total stockholders’ equity at the beginning and the end of the year. The computations of average stockholders’ equity for 2005 and 
2003 have been calculated on a weighted average basis to recognize the significant increases in stockholders' equity that resulted from the receipt
of the net proceeds from our public offerings in December 2005 and 2003.  

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C E L E B R AT I N G   1 0   Y E A R S   O F   S O A R I N G A C H I E V E M E N T S

2005

1995

PPeeooppllee
SSeerrvviiccee
FFuuttuurree

In December 1995,

Now, a decade later,

long-time insurance

American Equity soars

executive David Noble

as a national leader in

sat down with a 

the life insurance

yellow legal pad and

drafted a business plan

for a new kind of

insurance company. 

At the top of the page

were the words

“People. Service.

Future.” In no

time, these

words took form

and became the

theme, structure

and culture of

American Equity

Investment Life

Holding Company. 

industry.  

With $14.0 billion

in assets, American

Equity ranks No. 2 in

the all-time produc-

tion of index annuities.

Since its first day in

business with three

employees, American

Equity has grown to

270 people strong. It

reaches customers in

49 states and the

District of Columbia

through a network of

over 51,000 agents.

1

S H A R E H O L D E R   L E T T E R

T O   O U R   F E L L O W S H A R E H O L D E R S :

a decade in business, 

In 2005 we celebrated 

10 years of building

strength and earning our

place as a nationally respect-

ed leader in index annuities. 

It’s only fitting that we

mark this occasion with what

can only be described as our

best year so far, a record-

breaker, with record sales,

times. The transaction was

record earnings and record

the third capital-raising

numbers of agents selling our

measure completed in 2005.

products. 

Reflecting on the business

plan that we first drafted in

December 1995, we have far

surpassed our initial goals 

for sales, strength and prof-

itability. By the end of 2005,

we achieved our expectations

for growth with $2.9 billion

in new production for the

This, along with the issuance

of $55 million in trust pre-

ferred securities and the 

exercise of $11 million 

subscription rights by senior

management, resulted in

$230 million of new capital.

Since 2003, American Equity

has raised more than 

$700 million in new capital. 

(cid:129) Improved our adjusted

leverage ratio to 34 percent

from 44 percent in line with

the S&P criteria for an “A”

level senior debt rating

(cid:129) Brought our total capital

raised and earned since 1995

to more than $1 billion

OUR  SUCCESS  STORY

Our success here, as with

other transactions, under-

scores the strength of the

American Equity story. And

it’s a story that we never tire

year. We also were preparing

In completing our latest

of telling.

for 2006 and beyond by set-

offering, we expanded the

ting the bar even higher. 

visibility and awareness of

For the third consecutive

year, we ended the fiscal year

with a capital transaction

designed to ensure our ability

to continue growing in the

American Equity among

institutional and retail

investors and accomplished

important financial 

objectives including:

future. In December 2005, we

(cid:129) Increased our equity capital

went back to the equity mar-

to $519 million (including

ket and raised $164 million

2005 retained earnings)

with an offering that was 

over-subscribed by three 

American Equity is an

anomaly in the insurance

business, coming to life 10

years ago at a time when

most companies were selling

out, merging, consolidating

and divesting. No one had

considered starting a brand

new life insurance company.

We had a different idea. 

1995 “Our business philosophy is simple: Through sound financial

management, prudent investment and development of 
innovative products, we will position ourselves as one of the
leaders within the insurance industry.”

— David J. Noble 

2

A M E R I C A N   E Q U I T Y

production force of more 

than 51,000 agents in 49 states

and the District of Columbia. 

In celebrating our 10th

anniversary, our vision

remains crystal clear:

Remain No. 1 in service,

remain No. 1 in growth and

move from No. 2 to first in

production. We value long-

term relationships and deliv-

er solid innovative products

that help our policyholders

preserve their assets and

achieve their financial goals.  

FINANCIAL
PERFORMANCE

Every quarter of 2005 set a

record. As a company 

founded on the principle of

well-managed, aggressive

organic growth, it’s not sur-

prising that production

drives all other metrics for

performance. At the end of

2004, we set an aggressive

With a seasoned manage-

ment team that had already

worked together for 15 years,

we saw opportunity in the

industry, a chance to build a

new kind of company, and

we seized it. American Equity

was born from a business

plan focused on growth,

product innovation and serv-

ice. We set aggressive goals,

and in early 1997, we hit the

ground running. 

The results of our first 10

years speak for themselves. 

Today, American Equity is

the No. 2 all-time producer

of index annuities in the

United States. Publicly traded

on the New York Stock

Exchange under the ticker

symbol AEL, we’ve grown to

$14.0 billion in assets with 270

employees, and we’ve built a 

In 2005 we saw

sales increase 

45 percent to 

$2.9 billion from 

$2 billion.

Approximately

$2.7 billion or 

93 percent of our

total production

was generated

from index 

annuities, our

signature market segment

invested assets and invest-

where we are not only a

ment income, the major

dominant player but an

component of earnings. 

innovator in product design

and features. This increased

level of sales in 2005 ensured

that we maintained our rank

as the No. 2 producer of

index annuities in the United

States among the industry’s

most stalwart competitors. 

Our total assets climbed to

$14.0 billion, up 27 percent

from 2004. Likewise, invested

assets rose 32 percent to 

$10.5 billion in 2005 and

resulted in an increase of 

29 percent in net investment

income to $554.1 million,

compared with $428.4 mil-

lion in 2004. 

sales goal for 2005 and month

SALES  FUEL  GROWTH

by month, quarter by quarter

Sales fuel growth, which in

we met our benchmarks. 

turn leads to increases in

1996 American Equity acquires 

Century Life Insurance Company.

The Company reports annual deposits 
of $155 million, which is 36 percent less
than average monthly deposits in 2005.

1997

3

S H A R E H O L D E R   L E T T E R

This is never truer than

when we talk about the qual-

ity of our investments. We’re 

very conservative when it

comes to our investment

portfolio, preferring interest-

rate risk to credit risk. 

We deliver performance by

controlling expenses and tak-

ing calculated interest rate

risks better than our com-

By achieving such critical

mass, we opened the door to

many opportunities in the

marketplace as we look to

the future. 

ADVANTAGES  OF  YOUTH

As I have said before,

American Equity possesses

great advantages as a younger

petitors, not by taking

company in our industry. 

unnecessary credit risks. We

also find ourselves in the

In addition, American

Equity’s investment portfolio

is not haunted by the sins of

the past that impact some of

our peers. 

Rather, our strategy calls

for managing the spread with

a portfolio dominated by

high-quality investment

grade assets. In fact, 99 per-

cent of our fixed-maturity

unique position

securities are investment

grade, with a weighted aver-

age yield of 6.18 percent. 

Commercial mortgages

continue to be an important 

part of our investment 

strategy, accounting for 

12.6 percent of invested assets

with a portfolio of $1.3 bil-

lion. In 2005, we experienced

38 percent growth in this

asset class that was started

from scratch in 2001 with an

experienced team.  

By managing our spread

according to our business

plan and proven formula for

investing, we increased net

income to a record $43 mil-

lion, up 47 percent compared

with $29 million in 2004.  

of having the

strongest sur-

render charge

protection

among our

peers, covering

98 percent of

our annuity

reserves and

104 percent of

deferred acqui-

sition costs. 

1998 American Equity launches six new

annuity products and expands
licenses to 39 states.

4

IMPROVED  SPREAD

Our weighted average gross

American Equity’s invest-

spread was 2.48 percent on

aggregate annuity fund val-

ues, up 10 basis points from

2004. The aggregate spread is

composed of 2.80 percent on

index annuities, 2.86 percent

on annually adjustable 

fixed-rate annuities and 

0.62 percent on multi-year

rate guaranteed products.

ment strategy continues to be

successful because we 

carefully monitor the

nuances in the market and in

our business. In early 2006,

we fine-tuned the manner in

which we purchase options

to better match maturities 

The Company breaks new ground as the
first company to develop an index annuity
tied to the Dow Jones average. 

1999

A M E R I C A N   E Q U I T Y

market and the economy

during the past few years,

index annuities stand out as a

assets was 6.7

compelling instrument for

the aging of the baby boomer

years (com-

preserving assets while pro-

generation, which is an esti-

pared with 8.4

viding a minimum guaran-

mated 70 million people

years in 2004)

teed return. In 2003, for

strong. As baby boomers

and the aver-

example, index annuity sales

move into retirement, they 

age duration of 

amounted to $14.4 billion,

have departed from some of

our liabilities

equal to all of the production

the early prediction that this

was also 6.7

between 1995 and 1999. The

generation would focus on

years. This 

number increased to 

riskier investments than their

perfect match

$23.1 billion in 2004, and

parents. They may be more

reflects a num-

according to the LIMRA

savvy as investors, but they

ber of factors

reached $27.3 billion in 2005.

also are looking for retire-

The expansion in the mar-

ket is definitely impacted by 

ment income security or

“sleep insurance,” as we like

to call it. 

with annuity contracts. 

This enhancement serves to

smooth out variability and

fluctuations in option

returns. 

In a spread business such 

including our

continued

efforts to gradually diversify

our portfolio in line with the

growth of our business, 

economic conditions and the

demands of the marketplace. 

as ours, asset-liability man-

GROWING  DEMAND

agement is key to long-term

Index annuities have been

success. At the end of 2005,

steadily growing in popu-

the average duration of our 

larity. Aided by the baby

boomer population

approaching retirement and

the unpredictability of the

2000 The production force breaks the 

20,000 mark for agents selling 
American Equity products across the U.S.

Plans to go public are thwarted by
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The
insurance industry wrestles with uncertainty. 

2001

5

S H A R E H O L D E R   L E T T E R

annuities. After forming

American Equity, we focused

on innovation, improvement

Index annuities have been

targeted by certain organiza-

tions who want to see these 

and service. We launched the

American Equity instituted

insurance products registered 

first-ever index product with

our own monitoring system 

as investment products with 

annual interest credits linked

that reviewed newly written

the Securities and Exchange

to the Dow Jones index—a

policies, paying close atten-

Commission. We believe the

product now considered a

tion to withdrawals and

weight of the evidence shows

staple in the industry. We

actions that

continued to lead the way

might indicate a

with a multi-strategy index

problem. When

annuity that allows policy-

an issue 

holders to diversify by allo-

arises, we

cating their deposits among

respond quickly

different interest-crediting

to address the

strategies, or “buckets,” each

situation. 

geared to a different index

and always including a fixed-

rate strategy. 

CHANGING
ENVIRONMENT

We operate in an environ-

We already

know that we

have a very

favorable mar-

ket conduct

record, and

ment where issues of suitabil-

we’re taking 

ity and market conduct are

our efforts one

taking center stage. Long

step further by being one of

before the issue arose on a

the first companies to imple-

national level, we at 

ment a suitability review of

all index annuity sales in

every state we do business.    

that since the insurer shoul-

ders the risk, index annuities

are insurance products, not

securities. We are prepared in

THE  INDEX 
ANNUITY  NICHE

Product design and height-

ened awareness are clearly

helping to generate higher

levels of demand among 

these new retirees. The

attraction centers on offering

the policyholder the oppor-

tunity to use an annuity to

participate in gains in the

equity and bond markets

without risking principal.

From this standpoint, index

annuities provide an excel-

lent vehicle for post-retire-

ment savings—the risk-

averse dollars in a retiree’s

portfolio. 

At American Equity, we

have understood the value

and potential of index annu-

ities for more than 10 years.

Even before our management

team formed American

Equity, we led the initial

design and launch of index

2002 Faced with a lackluster equity

market, American Equity slows
production in order to increase
earnings and capital. 

6

Keeping its promise and in accordance
with its business plan, American Equity
completes an initial public stock 
offering and lists on the NYSE. 

2003

A M E R I C A N   E Q U I T Y

At American Equity, we are

a relationship-driven, people-

centered, service organiza-

the event the status of index 

tion. In fact, we’re proof that 

agents selling our products,

annuities changes, but we

service is a defining competi-

and the recruitment of actual

adamantly believe that such a

tive advantage. In our busi-

new agents was even higher. 

$11 million in assets, three

employees and a license to do

business in the state of Iowa. 

While it is appropriate to

celebrate our accomplish-

ments of these past 10 years,

change would not be in the

ness you cannot always be

best interest of our policy-

first in price, but you can be

holders.

PEOPLE  MAKE 
THE  DIFFERENCE

This year American Equity

celebrated a multitude of

accomplishments and all of

them resulted because of the

quality of our people—our

agents and our employees. 

We did in 10 years what it

took some of our competi-

tors a century to accomplish.

Sure we had better technolo-

gy and a good business plan,

but it was our people that

made the difference and real-

ized the dream. 

first in service. That’s our 

culture and the impetus of

our slogan: “We’re the one.”

American Equity is No. 1 in

responding to requests and

questions from agents and

policyholders, processing

new contracts and taking

care of business. 

We have grown our

employee base and our distri-

bution network based on

these principles. At more

than 51,000 agents, our distri-

bution network is exactly

where we predicted. In 2005,

we saw a net 13 percent

increase in the number of 

At this stage in our devel-

we believe the best is yet to

opment, we are far more

come. We’re ready for the

focused on quality than

challenges and excited about

quantity. In the future, our

the prospects and opportuni-

production network may 

ties in the future. We thank

not grow at that double-digit

you for your support of

pace we’ve seen in past years,

American Equity and look

but we fully expect that 

forward to spreading our

the productivity of our agent

wings and soaring into the

base will continue to increase.   

next decade—focused as

always on people, service and

LOOKING  FORWARD

When we embarked on this

journey in late 1995,

American Equity was little

more than a plan written 

on a yellow legal pad. We

began that first year with 

the future.  

Sincerely,

David J. Noble
Chairman, President & CEO

2004 Company raises $315 million in 

new capital including $260 million 
in convertible notes.

Production force tops 51,000 and 
fuels record sales, earnings and growth.
American Equity raises $230 million in 
new capital for future growth. 

2005

7

B O A R D   O F   D I R E C T O R S

D. J. Noble, 73
Chairman of the Board,
President and Treasurer,
American Equity.  More than 
50 years of experience in the
insurance industry.

A.J. Stickland,  64
Professor of Strategic
Management at the University
of Alabama

John M. Matovina, 51 
Vice Chairman, American
Equity. More than 25 years of
experience in the insurance
industry.

Robert L. Hilton, 77
Insurance Consultant

David S. Mulcahy, 53
CPA, Private investor and
Chairman and Owner of
Monarch Holdings, Inc. 

8

A M E R I C A N   E Q U I T Y

John C. Anderson, 42
Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine

Harley A. Whitfield, Sr., 75
Attorney, Of Counsel, Whitfield
& Eddy, P.L.C.

Kevin R. Wingert, 48
President, American Equity Life
Insurance Company. More than
20 years of experience in 
financial services.

James M. Gerlach, 63
Executive Vice President,
American Equity. More than 
40 years of experience in 
finance and management.

Robert L. Howe, 63 
Consultant and Retired Deputy
Director of the Iowa Insurance
Division

9

S H A R E H O L D E R   I N F O R M A T I O N

SHAREHOLDER  INFORMATION
To learn more about American Equity Investment Life 
Holding Company you can request news releases, 
annual reports, financial supplements and Forms 10-K 
and 10-Q by contacting:

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  SHAREHOLDERS
Thursday, June 8, 2006
3:30 p.m. Central Time
American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company Headquarters

Debra J. Richardson, Sr. Vice President and Secretary 
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
5000 Westown Parkway, Suite 440
West Des Moines, IA 50266  
(515) 273-3551, Fax (515) 221-9989 
email: drichardson@american-equity.com

STOCK  TRANSFER  AND  REGISTRAR
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
PO Box 43010
Providence, RI  02940-3010
(877) 282-1169
www.computershare.com\equiserve

INDEPENDENT  REGISTERED  PUBLIC  ACCOUNTING  FIRM
KPMG LLP
2500 Ruan Center
Des Moines, IA 50309

WEB  SITE
American Equity's web site, www.american-equity.com, is
continuously updated and includes news releases, conference
calls, stock price information, quarterly reports, SEC filings,
management presentations and more.

CORPORATE  HEADQUARTERS
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
5000 Westown Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 221-0002 
www.american-equity.com

10

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 

(Mark One) 

⌧ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 

or 

(cid:2)

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the transition period from

to

. 

Commission File Number : 001-31911 

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  

Iowa 
(State of Incorporation)
5000 Westown Parkway, Suite 440 
West Des Moines, Iowa 
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

42-1447959 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

50266 
(Zip Code)
(515) 221-0002 
(Telephone)

Title of each class 
Common stock, par value $1

Name of each exchange on which registered 
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $1 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities

Act. Yes (cid:2)  No ⌧

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:2)

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 requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ⌧ No (cid:2)

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 From 10-K. (cid:2)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filed, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.

See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerate filer (cid:2)

Accelerated filer ⌧

Non-accelerated filer (cid:2)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.) Yes (cid:2)  No ⌧
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was
$412,329,840 based on the closing price of $11.88 per share, the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange on June 30, 2005. 

Shares of common stock outstanding as of February 28, 2006: 55,557,430 

Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of 

shareholders to be held June 8, 2006, which will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2005, are incorporated by 
reference into Part III of this report. 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART I. 

Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

PART II. 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selected Consolidated Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The information required by Items 10 through 14 is incorporated by reference 

from our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant 
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2005.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 6.
Item 7.

Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.

Item 9A.
Item 9B.

PART III.

PART IV. 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . .

SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

3
13
21
21
21
22

23
25

27
49
51

51
51
53

54

54

55

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F-1

Exhibit Index 

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Exhibit 31.1 

Certification Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted 

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 31.2 

Certification Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted 

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.1 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.2 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

PART I 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS 

Introduction

We were formed on December 15, 1995 to develop, market, issue and administer annuities and life 
insurance. We are a full service underwriter of a broad array of annuity and insurance products through 
our two life insurance subsidiaries, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (“American 
Equity Life”) and American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company of New York. Our business 
consists primarily of the sale of fixed rate and index annuities and, accordingly, we have only one business
segment. Our business strategy is to focus on our annuity business and earn predictable returns by 
managing investment spreads and investment risk. We are currently licensed to sell our products in 49
states and the District of Columbia. 

Investor related information, including periodic reports filed on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and all 
amendments to such reports may be found on our internet website at www.american-equity.com as soon as
reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with the SEC. In addition, we have available on our 
website our: (i) code of business conduct and ethics; (ii) audit committee charter; (iii) compensation 
committee charter; (iv) nominating/corporate governance committee charter and (v) corporate governance 
guidelines. 

Annuity Market Overview 

Our target market includes the group of individuals ages 45-75 who are seeking to accumulate tax-
deferred savings. We believe that significant growth opportunities exist for annuity products because of 
favorable demographic and economic trends. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 35 million
Americans age 65 and older in 2000, representing 12% of the U.S. population. By 2030, this sector of the 
population is expected to increase to 20% of the total population. Our fixed rate and index annuity 
products are particularly attractive to this group as a result of the guarantee of principal with respect to 
those products, competitive rates of credited interest, tax-deferred growth and alternative payout options. 

According to LIMRA International, total industry sales of individual annuities were $216.5 billion in

2005 and $220.8 billion in 2004. Fixed annuity sales, which include index and fixed rate annuities were 
$78.9 billion in 2005 and $87.9 billion in 2004. Sales of index annuities increased 18% to $27.3 billion in 
2005 from $23.1 billion in 2004. We believe index annuities, which have a crediting rate linked to the 
change in various indices, appeal to policyholders interested in participating in returns linked to equity 
and/or bond markets without the risk of loss of principal. Our wide range of fixed rate and index annuity 
products has enabled us to enjoy favorable growth during volatile equity and bond markets. 

Strategy 

Our business strategy is to focus on our annuity business and earn predictable returns by managing 

investment spreads and investment risk. Key elements of this strategy include the following: 

Expand our Current Independent Agency Network. We believe that our successful relationships 

with approximately 70 national marketing organizations and, through them, 52,000 independent 
agents, represent a significant competitive advantage. We intend to grow and enhance our core 
distribution channel by expanding our relationships with national marketing organizations and 
independent agents, by addressing their product needs and by providing the highest quality service 
possible. 

Continue to Introduce Innovative and Competitive Products. We intend to be at the forefront of the 

fixed and index annuity industry in developing and introducing innovative and new competitive 

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products. We were the first companys to introduce an index annuity which allowed policyholders to 
earn returns linked to the Dow Jones Indexsm. We were also one of the first companies to offer an 
index annuity offering a choice among interest crediting strategies which includes both equity and 
bond indices as well as a traditional fixed rate strategy. We believe that our continued focus on 
anticipating and being responsive to the product needs of our independent agents and policyholders 
will lead to increased customer loyalty, revenues and profitability. 

Use our Expertise to Achieve Targeted Spreads on Annuity Products. We have had a successful track 

record in achieving the targeted spreads on our annuity products. We intend to leverage our 
experience and expertise in managing the investment spread during a range of interest rate 
environments to achieve our targeted spreads. 

Maintain our Profitability Focus and Improve Operating Efficiency. We are committed to 

improving our profitability by advancing the scope and sophistication of our investment management 
and spread capabilities and continuously seeking out operating efficiencies within our company. We 
have made substantial investments in technology improvements to our business, including the
development of a password-secure website which allows our independent agents to receive proprietary 
sales, marketing and product materials and the implementation of software designed to enable us to
operate in a completely paperless environment with respect to policy administration. Further, we have 
implemented competitive incentive programs for our national marketing organizations, agents and
employees to stimulate performance. 

Take Advantage of the Growing Popularity of Index Products. We believe that the growing 
popularity of index products that allow equity and bond market participation without the risk of loss 
of the premium deposit presents an attractive opportunity to grow our business. We intend to 
capitalize on our reputation as a leading marketer of index annuities in this expanding segment of the 
annuity market. 

Products

Our products include fixed rate annuities, index annuities, a variable annuity and life insurance. 

Fixed Rate Annuities 

These products, which accounted for approximately 7% and 16% of our total annuity deposits 
collected for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, include single premium deferred 
annuities (“SPDAs”), flexible premium deferred annuities (“FPDAs”) and single premium immediate 
annuities (“SPIAs”). An SPDA generally involves the tax-deferred accumulation of interest on a single 
premium paid by the policyholder. The annuitant may elect to take the proceeds of the annuity either in a 
single payment or in a series of payments for life, for a fixed number of years, or for a combination of these 
payment options. We also sell SPDAs under which the annual crediting rate is guaranteed for up to a five-
year period. FDPAs are similar to SPDAs in many respects, except that the FPDA allows additional 
deposits in varying amounts by the policyholder without a new application. 

Our SPDAs and FPDAs (excluding the multi-year rate guaranteed products) generally have an
interest rate (the “crediting rate”) that is guaranteed by us for the first policy year. After the first policy 
year, we have the discretionary ability to change the crediting rate once annually to any rate at or above a
guaranteed minimum rate. The guaranteed rate on our non-multi-year rate guaranteed policies in force 
and new issues ranges from 2.20% to 4.00%. The guaranteed rate on our multi-year rate guaranteed 
policies in force ranges from 3.05% to 7.00%. The initial crediting rate is largely a function of the interest 
rate we can earn on invested assets acquired with new annuity deposits and the rates offered on similar 
products by our competitors. For subsequent adjustments to crediting rates, we take into account the yield 

Page 4 of 55

on our investment portfolio, annuity surrender assumptions, competitive industry pricing and crediting rate 
history for particular groups of annuity policies with similar characteristics. 

Approximately 96%, 99% and 92% of our fixed rate annuity sales during the years ended 

December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, were “bonus” products. The initial crediting rate on these 
products specifies a bonus crediting rate ranging from 1% to 7% of the annuity deposit. After the first 
year, the bonus interest portion of the initial crediting rate is automatically discontinued, and the renewal 
crediting rate is established. Generally, there is a compensating adjustment in the commission paid to the 
agent to offset the first year interest bonus. In all situations, we obtain an acknowledgment from the 
policyholder, upon policy issuance, that a specified portion of the first year interest will not be paid in 
renewal years. As of December 31, 2005, crediting rates on our outstanding fixed rate annuities generally 
ranged from 3.00% to 5.10%, excluding interest bonuses guaranteed for the first year. The average 
crediting rate on fixed rate annuities including interest bonuses at December 31, 2005 was 4.36%, and the 
average crediting rate on those products excluding bonuses was 4.18%. 

Policyholders are typically permitted to withdraw all or a part of the premium paid, plus accrued 
interest credited to the account (the “accumulation value”), subject to the assessment of a surrender 
charge for withdrawals in excess of specified limits. Most of our SPDAs and FPDAs provide for penalty-
free withdrawals of up to 10% of the accumulation value each year after the first year, subject to 
limitations. Withdrawals in excess of allowable penalty-free amounts are assessed a surrender charge 
during a penalty period which generally ranges from 3 to 15 years after the date the policy is issued. This
surrender charge is initially 8.25% to 25% of the accumulation value and generally decreases by 
approximately one to two percentage points per year during the surrender charge period. Surrender 
charges are set at levels aimed at protecting us from loss on early terminations and reducing the likelihood
of policyholders terminating their policies during periods of increasing interest rates. This practice 
lengthens the effective duration of the policy liabilities and enhances our ability to maintain profitability on 
such policies. 

Our SPIAs are designed to provide a series of periodic payments for a fixed period of time or for life, 
according to the policyholder’s choice at the time of issue. The amounts, frequency, and length of time of 
the payments are fixed at the outset of the annuity contract. SPIAs are often purchased by persons at or 
near retirement age who desire a steady stream of payments over a future period of years. The implicit 
interest rate on SPIAs is based on market conditions when the policy is issued. The implicit interest rate on 
our outstanding SPIAs averaged 3.60% and 3.83% at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. 

Index Annuities 

Index annuities accounted for approximately 93% and 84% of the total annuity deposits collected for 

the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These products allow policyholders to link
returns to the performance of a particular index without the risk of loss of their principal. Most of these 
products allow policyholders to transfer funds once a year among several different crediting strategies, 
including one or more index based strategies and a traditional fixed rate strategy. 

The annuity contract value is equal to the premiums paid increased for returns which are based upon 
a percentage (the “participation rate”) of the annual appreciation (based in certain situations on monthly
averages or monthly point-to-point calculations) in a recognized index or benchmark. The participation 
rate, which we may reset annually, generally varies among the index products from 50% to 100%. Some 
products apply an overall limit (or “cap”), ranging from 5% to 13% , on the amount of annual interest the 
policyholder may earn in any one contract year, and the applicable cap may also be adjusted annually 
subject to stated minimums. In addition, some of the products also have an “asset fee” ranging from 1.5% 
to 5%, which is deducted from the interest to be credited. The minimum guaranteed contract values are 
equal to 80% to 100% of the premium collected plus interest credited at an annual rate ranging from 2% 

Page 5 of 55

to 3.5%. We purchase options on the applicable indices as an investment to provide the income needed to 
fund the amount of the index credits on the index products. The setting of the participation rates, caps and 
asset fees is a function of the interest rate we can earn on the invested assets acquired with annuity fund 
deposits, cost of options and features offered on similar products by competitors. Approximately 66%, 
57% and 39% of our index annuity sales for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, 
respectively, were “premium bonus” products. The initial annuity deposit on these policies is increased at 
issuance by the specified premium bonus ranging from 1.5% to 10%. Generally, there is a compensating
adjustment in the commission paid to the agent to offset the premium bonus. 

The index annuities provide for penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% of premium or accumulation

value (depending on the product) in each year after the first year of the annuity’s term. Other withdrawals 
are subject to a surrender charge ranging initially from 4.5% to 20% over a surrender period ranging from 
5 to 17 years. During the applicable surrender charge period, the surrender charges on some index 
products remain level, while on other index products, the surrender charges decline by one to two 
percentage points per year. The annuitant may elect to take the proceeds of the annuity either in a single 
payment or in a series of payments for life, for a fixed number of years, or a combination of these payment 
options. 

Variable Annuities 

Variable annuities differ from fixed rate and index annuities in that the policyholder, rather than the 
insurance company, bears the investment risk and the policyholder’s return of principal and rate of return 
are dependent upon the performance of the particular investment option selected by the policyholder. 
Profits on variable annuities are derived from the fees charged to contract owners rather than from the 
investment spread. 

Life Insurance

These products include traditional ordinary and term, universal life and other interest-sensitive life 
insurance products. We have approximately $2.8 billion of life insurance in force as of December 31, 2005. 
We intend to continue offering a complete line of life insurance products for individual and group markets. 
Premiums related to this business accounted for 2% of the revenues in the year ended December 31, 2005
and 3% of the revenues in the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. 

Investments 

Investment activities are an integral part of our business, and net investment income is a significant 

component of our total revenues. Profitability of many of our products is significantly affected by spreads 
between interest yields on investments and rates credited on annuity liabilities. Although substantially all 
credited rates on non-multi-year rate guaranteed SPDAs and FPDAs may be changed annually, subject to 
minimum guarantees, changes in crediting rates may not be sufficient to maintain targeted investment
spreads in all economic and market environments. In addition, competition and other factors, including the 
potential for increases in surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or to maintain 
crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions. For the 
year ended December 31, 2005, the weighted average yield, computed on the average amortized cost basis 
of our investment portfolio, was 6.18% and the weighted average cost of our liabilities, excluding interest 
bonuses guaranteed for the first year of the annuity contract, was 3.70%. 

We manage the indexed-based risk component of our index annuities by purchasing call options on
the applicable indices to fund the annual index credits on these annuities and by adjusting the participation
rates, cap rates and other product features to reflect the change in the cost of such options (which varies 
based on market conditions). All of such options are purchased to fund the index credits on our index 

Page 6 of 55

annuities at their respective anniversary dates, and new options are purchased at each of the anniversary 
dates to fund the next annual index credits. 

For additional information regarding the composition of our investment portfolio and our interest 

rate risk management, see Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk and note 2 to our
audited consolidated financial statements. 

Marketing 

We market our products through a variable cost brokerage distribution network of approximately 70
national marketing organizations and through them, 52,000 independent agents as of December 31, 2005. 
We emphasize high quality service to our agents and policyholders along with the prompt payment of 
commissions to our agents. We believe this has been significant in building excellent relationships with our 
existing agency force. 

Our independent agents and agencies range in profile from national sales organizations to personal 

producing general agents. We aggressively recruit new agents and expect to continue to expand our 
independent agency force. In our recruitment efforts, we emphasize that agents have direct access to our 
executive officers, giving us an edge in recruiting over larger and foreign-owned competitors. We also have
favorable relationships with our national marketing organizations, which have enabled us to efficiently sell 
through an expanded number of independent agents. We are currently licensed to sell our products in 49
states and the District of Columbia. We have applied for a license to sell our products in the one remaining 
state. 

The insurance distribution system is comprised of insurance brokers and marketing organizations. We 

are pursuing a strategy to increase the size of our distribution network by developing additional 
relationships with national and regional marketing organizations. These organizations typically recruit 
agents for us by advertising our products and our commission structure, through direct mail advertising, or 
through seminars for insurance agents and brokers. These organizations bear most of the cost incurred in 
marketing our products. We compensate marketing organizations by paying them a percentage of the 
commissions earned on new annuity policy sales generated by the agents recruited in such organizations. 
We also conduct incentive programs for marketing organizations and agents from time to time, including 
equity-based programs for our leading national marketers. For additional information regarding our 
equity-based programs for our leading national marketers see note 10 to our audited consolidated financial
statements. We generally do not enter into exclusive arrangements with these marketing organizations. 

Two of our national marketing organizations accounted for more than 10% of the annuity deposits 

collected during 2005 representing 15% and 11% of the annuity deposits and insurance premiums 
collected. The states with the largest share of direct premiums collected during 2005 were: California 
(10.1%), Florida (10.0%), Texas (9.2%), Illinois (7.8%) and Pennsylvania (5.6%). 

Competition and Ratings 

We operate in a highly competitive industry. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and 

enjoy substantially greater financial resources, higher ratings by rating agencies, broader and more 
diversified product lines and more widespread agency relationships. Our annuity products compete with
index, fixed rate and variable annuities sold by other insurance companies and also with mutual fund
products, traditional bank investments and other investment and retirement funding alternatives offered by
asset managers, banks, and broker-dealers. Our insurance products compete with other insurance 
companies, financial intermediaries and other institutions based on a number of features, including
crediting rates, policy terms and conditions, service provided to distribution channels and policyholders, 
ratings, reputation and broker compensation. 

Page 7 of 55

The sales agents for our products use the ratings assigned to an insurer by independent rating agencies 

as one factor in determining which insurer’s annuity to market. In recent years, the market for annuities 
has been dominated by those insurers with the highest ratings. American Equity Life has received a 
financial strength rating of “B++” (Very Good) with a stable outlook from A.M. Best Company and 
“BBB+” with a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s. A.M. Best Company and Standard & Poor’s 
changed their outlook on our rating from negative to stable subsequent to the completion of our 
December 2003 initial public offering. In July, 2002, A.M. Best Company and Standard & Poor’s adjusted 
our financial strength ratings from “A-”(Excellent) to “B++”(Very Good) and “A-” to “BBB+”, 
respectively. The degree to which ratings adjustments have effected sales and persistency is unknown. Our 
ability to grow sales of new annuities and the level of surrenders of our existing annuity contracts in force
during 2006 may be affected by the current ratings. 

Financial strength ratings generally involve quantitative and qualitative evaluations by rating agencies 

of a company’s financial condition and operating performance. Generally, rating agencies base their 
ratings upon information furnished to them by the insurer and upon their own investigations, studies and 
assumptions. Ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders, agents and intermediaries and
are not directed toward the protection of investors and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold 
securities. 

A.M. Best Company ratings currently range from “A++” (Superior) to “F” (In Liquidation), and 

include 16 separate ratings categories. Within these categories, “A++” (Superior) and “A+” (Superior) 
are the highest, followed by “A” (Excellent) and “A-” (Excellent) then followed by “B++” (Very Good) 
and “B+” (Very Good). Publications of A.M. Best Company indicate that the “B++” rating is assigned to 
those companies that, in A.M. Best Company’s opinion, have demonstrated a good ability to meet their 
ongoing obligations to policyholders. 

Standard & Poor’s insurer financial strength ratings currently range from “AAA” to “NR”, and 
include 21 separate ratings categories. Within these categories, “AAA” and “AA” are the highest, followed 
by “A” and “BBB”. Publications of Standard & Poor’s indicate that an insurer rated “BBB” or higher is 
regarded as having strong financial security characteristics, but is somewhat more likely to be affected by 
adverse business conditions than are higher rated insurers. 

A.M. Best Company and Standard & Poor’s review their ratings of insurance companies from time to 
time. There can be no assurance that any particular rating will continue for any given period of time or that
it will not be changed or withdrawn entirely if, in their judgment, circumstances so warrant. If our ratings 
were to be adjusted again for any reason, we could experience a material decline in the sales of our 
products and the persistency of our existing business. 

Reinsurance 

Coinsurance 

American Equity Life has entered into two coinsurance agreements with EquiTrust Life Insurance 
Company (“EquiTrust”), an affiliate of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (“Farm Bureau”), covering 
70% of certain of our fixed rate and index annuities issued from August 1, 2001 through December 31, 
2001, 40% of those contracts issued during 2002 and 2003, and 20% of those contracts issued from 
January 1, 2004 to July 31, 2004, when the agreement was suspended by mutual consent of the parties. As a 
result of the suspension, new business will no longer be ceded to EquiTrust unless and until the parties 
mutually agree to resume the coinsurance of new business. The business reinsured under these agreements 
is not eligible for recapture before the expiration of 10 years. EquiTrust has received a financial strength
rating of “A” from A.M. Best Company. As of December 31, 2005, Farm Bureau beneficially owned 9.9% 
of our issued and outstanding common stock. 

Page 8 of 55

Total annuity deposits ceded were $4.7 million, $202.1 million and $649.4 million for the years ended 

December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. We received expense allowances of $2.0 million, $22.6
million and $65.6 million under this agreement for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, 
respectively. The balance due under this agreement to EquiTrust was $27.7 million at December 31, 2005
and $32.0 million at December 31, 2004, and represents the fair value of the call options related to the 
ceded business held by us to fund the index credits and cash due to or from EquiTrust related to the 
transfer of ceded annuity deposits. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the aggregate policy benefit reserves 
transferred to EquiTrust under these agreements were $2.0 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. We
remain liable with respect to the policy liabilities ceded to EquiTrust should it fail to meet the obligations 
assumed by it. None of the coinsurance deposits with EquiTrust are deemed by management to be 
uncollectible. 

American Equity Life has also entered into a modified coinsurance agreement to cede 70% of its 
variable annuity business to EquiTrust. Separate account deposits ceded under this agreement during the 
years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were immaterial. Under this agreement and related 
administrative services agreements, we paid EquiTrust $0.2 million for the each of years ended 
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003. The modified coinsurance agreement will continue until termination 
by written notice at the election of either party. Any such termination will apply to the submission or 
acceptance of new policies, and business reinsured under the agreement prior to any such termination is 
not eligible for recapture before the expiration of 10 years. 

Financial Reinsurance

American Equity Life has entered into three reinsurance transactions with Hannover Life 
Reassurance Company of America, (“Hannover”), which are treated as reinsurance under statutory 
accounting practices and as financial reinsurance under accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States, (“GAAP”). The statutory surplus benefits under these agreements are eliminated under 
GAAP and the associated charges are recorded as risk charges and included in other operating costs and 
expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Hannover has received a financial strength rating of 
“A+” from A.M. Best Company. The first transaction became effective November 1, 2002 (the “2002
Hannover Transaction”), the second transaction became effective September 30, 2003 (the “2003
Hannover Transaction”) and the third transaction became effective October 1, 2005 (the “2005 Hannover 
Transaction”). The agreements for the 2002 and 2003 Hannover Transactions include a coinsurance 
segment and a yearly renewable term segment reinsuring a portion of death benefits payable on certain 
annuities issued from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002 and issued from January 1, 2003 to 
September 30, 2003. The coinsurance segments provide reinsurance to the extent of 6.88% (2002 
Hannover Transaction) and 13.41% (2003 Hannover Transaction) of all risks associated with our annuity 
policies covered by these reinsurance agreements. The 2002 Hannover Transaction provided $29.8 million
in net statutory surplus benefit during 2002 and the 2003 Hannover Transaction provided $29.7 million in 
net statutory surplus benefit during 2003. The statutory surplus benefits provided by the 2002 and 2003
Hannover Transactions were reduced by $13.4 million in 2005, $13.1 million in 2004 and $6.8 million in 
2003. The remaining statutory surplus benefit under the 2002 and 2003 Hannover Transactions will be 
reduced as follows: 2006 - $12.4 million; 2007 - $13.2 million; 2008 - $6.4 million. The 2005 Hannover 
Transaction is a yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement on inforce business covering 40% of waived 
surrender charges related to penalty free withdrawals and deaths. We pay quarterly reinsurance premiums 
under this agreement with an experience refund calculated on a quarterly basis resulting in a risk charge 
equal to approximately 4.6% of the reserve credit. The reserve credit recorded on a statutory basis by 
American Equity Life at December 31, 2005 was $59.0 million. Risk charges attributable to the 2005, 2003
and 2002 Hannover Transactions of $2.5 million, $2.2 million and $1.6 million were incurred during 2005, 
2004 and 2003, respectively. 

Page 9 of 55

The statutory surplus benefit provided by the 2003 Hannover Transaction replaced the statutory 

surplus benefit previously provided by a financial reinsurance agreement with a subsidiary of Swiss 
Reinsurance Company. We terminated this agreement and recaptured all reserves subject to this 
agreement effective September 30, 2003. This agreement was effective January 1, 2001, and provided an
initial statutory surplus benefit of $35.0 million in 2001. The statutory surplus benefit remaining at 
January 1, 2003 was $30.9 million, all of which was eliminated during 2003. Risk charges and interest 
expense incurred on the cash portion of the surplus benefit provided by the agreement were $0.2 million
for the year ended December 31, 2003. 

Indemnity Reinsurance 

Consistent with the general practice of the life insurance industry, American Equity Life enters into 
agreements of indemnity reinsurance with other insurance companies in order to reinsure portions of the 
coverage provided by its life and accident and health insurance products. Indemnity reinsurance 
agreements are intended to limit a life insurer’s maximum loss on a large or unusually hazardous risk or to 
diversify its risks. The maximum loss retained by us on all life insurance policies we have issued was $0.1
million or less as of December 31, 2005. Indemnity reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer’s 
primary liability to the insured. American Equity Life’s reinsured business related to these blocks of 
business is primarily ceded to two reinsurers. Reinsurance related to life and accident and health insurance
that was ceded by us primarily to two reinsurers was immaterial. We believe the assuming companies will 
be able to honor all contractual commitments, based on our periodic review of their financial statements, 
insurance industry reports and reports filed with state insurance departments. 

Regulation 

Life insurance companies are subject to regulation and supervision by the states in which they transact 
business. State insurance laws establish supervisory agencies with broad regulatory authority, including the 
power to: 

(cid:127) grant and revoke licenses to transact business; 

(cid:127) regulate and supervise trade practices and market conduct; 

(cid:127) establish guaranty associations; 

(cid:127)  license agents;

(cid:127) approve policy forms; 

(cid:127) approve premium rates for some lines of business; 

(cid:127)  establish reserve requirements; 

(cid:127) prescribe the form and content of required financial statements and reports; 

(cid:127) determine the reasonableness and adequacy of statutory capital and surplus; 

(cid:127) perform financial, market conduct and other examinations; 

(cid:127) define acceptable accounting principles; 

(cid:127) regulate the type and amount of permitted investments; 

(cid:127) limit the amount of dividends and surplus note payments that can be paid without obtaining 

regulatory approval. 

Page 10 of 55 

Our life subsidiaries are subject to periodic examinations by state regulatory authorities. In 2005, the 
Iowa Insurance Division completed an examination of American Equity Life as of December 31, 2003. No 
adjustments to our financial statements were recommended or required as a result of this examination. 
The New York Insurance Department is currently conducting an examination of American Equity Life
Insurance Company of New York as of December 31, 2004. We have not been informed of any material 
adjustments which will be recommended or required as a result of this examination.

The payment of dividends or the distributions, including surplus note payments, by our life 

subsidiaries is subject to regulation by each subsidiary’s state of domicile’s insurance department. 
Currently, American Equity Life may pay dividends or make other distributions without the prior approval 
of its state of domicile’s insurance department, unless such payments, together with all other such 
payments within the preceding twelve months, exceed the greater of (1) American Equity Life’s statutory 
net gain from operations for the preceding calendar year, or (2) 10% of American Equity Life’s statutory 
surplus at the preceding December 31. For 2006, up to approximately $68.7 million can be distributed as 
dividends by American Equity Life without prior approval of its state of domicile’s insurance department. 
In addition, dividends and surplus note payments may be made only out of earned surplus, and all surplus 
note payments are subject to prior approval by regulatory authorities. American Equity Life had 
approximately $92.5 million of earned surplus at December 31, 2005. 

Most states have also enacted regulations on the activities of insurance holding company systems, 

including acquisitions, extraordinary dividends, the terms of surplus notes, the terms of affiliate 
transactions and other related matters. We are registered pursuant to such legislation in Iowa. Recently, a 
number of state legislatures have considered or have enacted legislative proposals that alter and, in many 
cases, increase the authority of state agencies to regulate insurance companies and holding company 
systems. 

Most states, including Iowa and New York where our life subsidiaries are domiciled, have enacted 

legislation or adopted administrative regulations affecting the acquisition of control of insurance
companies as well as transactions between insurance companies and persons controlling them. The nature 
and extent of such legislation and regulations currently in effect vary from state to state. However, most 
states require administrative approval of the direct or indirect acquisition of 10% or more of the 
outstanding voting securities of an insurance company incorporated in the state. The acquisition of 10% of 
such securities is generally deemed to be the acquisition of “control” for the purpose of the holding 
company statutes and requires not only the filing of detailed information concerning the acquiring parties 
and the plan of acquisition, but also administrative approval prior to the acquisition. In many states, the 
insurance authority may find that “control” in fact does not exist in circumstances in which a person owns
or controls more than 10% of the voting securities. 

Although the federal government does not directly regulate the business of insurance, federal 

legislation and administrative policies in several areas, including pension regulation, age and sex 
discrimination, financial services regulation, securities regulation and federal taxation can significantly 
affect the insurance business. In addition, legislation has been passed which could result in the federal 
government assuming some role in regulating insurance companies and which allows combinations
between insurance companies, banks and other entities. 

In 1998, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requested comments as to whether index 
annuities, such as those sold by us, should be treated as securities under the federal securities laws rather
than as insurance products. Treatment of these products as securities would likely require additional 
registration and licensing of these products and the agents selling them, as well as cause us to seek
additional marketing relationships for these products. No action has been taken by the SEC on this issue. 

State insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, are 

continually reexamining existing laws and regulations and developing new legislation for the passage by 

Page 11 of 55 

state legislatures and new regulations for adoption by insurance authorities. Proposed laws and regulations 
or those still under development pertain to insurer solvency and market conduct and in recent years have
focused on: 

(cid:127) insurance company investments; 

(cid:127) risk-based capital (“RBC”) guidelines, which consist of regulatory targeted surplus levels based on
the relationship of statutory capital and surplus, with prescribed adjustments, to the sum of stated 
percentages of each element of a specified list of company risk exposures;

(cid:127) the implementation of non-statutory guidelines and the circumstances under which dividends may 

be paid; 

(cid:127)  product approvals; 

(cid:127)  agent licensing;

(cid:127)  underwriting practices; 

(cid:127) insurance and annuity sales practices. 

The NAIC’s RBC requirements are intended to be used by insurance regulators as an early warning 

tool to identify deteriorating or weakly capitalized insurance companies for the purpose of initiating
regulatory action. The RBC formula defines a new minimum capital standard which supplements low, 
fixed minimum capital and surplus requirements previously implemented on a state-by-state basis. Such
requirements are not designed as a ranking mechanism for adequately capitalized companies. 

The NAIC’s RBC requirements provide for four levels of regulatory attention depending on the ratio 
of a company’s total adjusted capital to its RBC. Adjusted capital is defined as the total of statutory capital, 
surplus, asset valuation reserve and certain other adjustments. Calculations using the NAIC formula at 
December 31, 2005, indicate that the ratio of total adjusted capital to RBC for us exceeded the highest 
level at which regulatory action might be initiated by approximately 2.3 times.

Our life subsidiaries also may be required, under the solvency or guaranty laws of most states in which 
they do business, to pay assessments up to certain prescribed limits to fund policyholder losses or liabilities 
of insolvent insurance companies. These assessments may be deferred or forgiven under most guaranty 
laws if they would threaten an insurer’s financial strength and, in certain instances, may be offset against 
future premium taxes. Assessments related to business reinsured for periods prior to the effective date of 
the reinsurance are the responsibility of the ceding companies. 

Federal Income Taxation

The annuity and life insurance products that we market generally provide the policyholder with a 
federal  income tax advantage, as compared to certain other savings investments such as certificates of 
deposit and taxable bonds, in that federal income taxation on any increases in the contract values (i.e., the 
“inside build-up”) of these products is deferred until it is received by the policyholder. With other savings 
investments, the increase in value is generally taxed each year as it is realized. Additionally, life insurance 
death benefits are generally exempt from income tax. 

From time to time, various tax law changes have been proposed that could have an adverse effect on 
our business, including the elimination of all or a portion of the income tax advantage described above for 
annuities and life insurance. If legislation were enacted to eliminate the tax deferral for annuities, such a
change would have an adverse effect on our ability to sell non-qualified annuities. Non-qualified annuities
are annuities that are not sold to an individual retirement account or other qualified retirement plan. 

Page 12 of 55 

In June 2001, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (the “2001 Act”) was 

enacted. The 2001 Act implemented a staged decrease in individual tax rates that began in 2001 and was 
accelerated when the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (the “2003 Act”) was 
enacted. While the decreases in rates are temporary (the pre-2001 rates will return in 2011), the present 
value of the tax deferred advantage of annuities and life insurance products is less, which might hinder our 
ability to sell such products and/or increase the rate at which our current policyholders surrender their 
policies. 

Our life subsidiaries are taxed under the life insurance company provisions of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Provisions in the Code require a portion of the expenses incurred 
in selling insurance products to be capitalized and deducted over a period of years, as opposed to being 
immediately deducted in the year incurred. This provision increases the current income tax expense 
charged to gain from operations for statutory accounting purposes which reduces statutory net income and 
surplus and, accordingly, may decrease the amount of cash dividends that may be paid by our life 
subsidiaries. 

Employees 

As of December 31, 2005, we had approximately 270 full-time employees, of which approximately 260

are located in West Des Moines, Iowa, and 10 are located in the Pell City, Alabama office. We have 
experienced no work stoppages or strikes and consider our relations with our employees to be excellent. 
None of our employees are represented by a union.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS 

We face competition from companies that have greater financial resources, broader arrays of products, 
higher ratings and stronger financial performance, which may impair our ability to retain existing 
customers, attracts new customers and maintain our profitability and financial strength. 

We operate in a highly competitive industry. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and 

enjoy substantially greater financial resources, higher ratings by rating agencies, broader and more 
diversified product lines and more widespread agency relationships. Our annuity products compete with
index, fixed rate and variable annuities sold by other insurance companies and also with mutual fund
products, traditional bank investments and other retirement funding alternatives offered by asset
managers, banks and broker-dealers. Our insurance products compete with those of other insurance 
companies, financial intermediaries and other institutions based on a number of factors, including
premium rates, policy terms and conditions, service provided to distribution channels and policyholders, 
ratings by rating agencies, reputation and commission structures. While we compete with numerous other 
companies, we view the following as our most significant competitors: 

(cid:127) Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America; 

(cid:127) Midland National Life Insurance Company;

(cid:127) AmerUs Group Co.; 

(cid:127) Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company; and 

(cid:127) ING USA Annuity & Life Insurance Company. 

Our ability to compete depends in part on product pricing which is driven by our investment 

performance. We will not be able to accumulate and retain assets under management for our products if 
our investment results underperform the market or the competition, since such underperformance likely 
would result in asset withdrawals and reduced sales. 

Page 13 of 55 

We compete for distribution sources for our products. We believe that our success in competing for 

distributors depends on factors such as our financial strength, the services we provide to, and the 
relationships we develop with, these distributors and offering competitive commission structures. Our 
distributors are generally free to sell products from whichever providers they wish, which makes it
important for us to continually offer distributors products and services they find attractive. If our products 
or services fall short of distributors’ needs, we may not be able to establish and maintain satisfactory 
relationships with distributors of our annuity and life insurance products. Our ability to compete in the past 
has also depended in part on our ability to develop innovative new products and bring them to market 
more quickly than our competitors. In order for us to compete in the future, we will need to continue to 
bring innovative products to market in a timely fashion. Otherwise, our revenues and profitability could 
suffer. 

National banks, with pre-existing customer bases for financial services products, may increasingly 
compete with insurers, as a result of legislation removing restrictions on bank affiliations with insurers. 
This legislation, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, permits mergers that combine commercial banks, 
insurers and securities firms under one holding company. Until passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 
prior legislation had limited the ability of banks to engage in securities-related businesses and had 
restricted banks from being affiliated with insurance companies. The ability of banks to increase their 
securities-related business or to affiliate with insurance companies may materially and adversely affect 
sales of all of our products by substantially increasing the number and financial strength of our potential
competitors. 

General economic conditions, including changing interest rates and market volatility, affect both the risks 
and the returns on both our products and our investment portfolio.

The fair value of our investments and our investment performance, including yields and realization of 
gains or losses, may vary depending on economic and market conditions. Such conditions include the shape 
of the yield curve, the level of interest rates and recognized equity and bond indices, including, without 
limitation, the S&P 500 Index®, the Dow Jones IndexSM and the NASDAQ-100 Index® (the “Indices”). 
Interest rate risk is our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in 
market interest rates can materially and adversely affect the profitability of our products, our ability to 
earn predictable returns, the fair value of our investments and the reported value of stockholders’ equity. 

From time to time, for business or regulatory reasons, we may be required to sell certain of our

investments at a time when their fair value is less than the carrying value of these securities. Rising interest 
rates may cause declines in the value of our fixed maturity securities. With respect to our available for sale 
fixed maturity securities, such declines (net of income taxes and certain adjustments for assumed changes 
in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements) reduce our reported 
stockholders’ equity and book value per share. We have a portfolio of held for investment securities which 
consists principally of long duration bonds issued by U.S. government agencies, the value of which is also 
sensitive to interest rate changes. 

We may also have difficulty selling our commercial mortgage loans because they are less liquid than

our publicly traded securities. As of December 31, 2005, our commercial mortgage loans represented 
approximately 12.6% of the value of our invested assets. If we require significant amounts of cash on short 
notice, we may have difficulty selling these loans at attractive prices or in a timely manner, or both. 

A key component of our net income is the investment spread. A narrowing of investment spreads may
adversely affect operating results. Although we have the right to adjust interest crediting rates (referred to 
as “participation”, “asset fee” or “cap” rates for index annuities) on most products, changes to crediting 
rates may not be sufficient to maintain targeted investment spreads in all economic and market 
environments. In general, our ability to lower crediting rates is subject to a minimum crediting rate filed 

Page 14 of 55 

with and approved by state regulators. In addition, competition and other factors, including the potential 
for increases in surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or maintain crediting rates at 
levels necessary to avoid the narrowing of spreads under certain market condition. Our policy structure 
generally provides for resetting of policy crediting rates at least annually and imposes withdrawal penalties 
for withdrawals during the first three to 17 years a policy is in force. 

Our spreads may be compressed in declining interest rate environments. A substantial portion of our

fixed income securities have call features and are subject to redemption currently or in the near future. We 
have reinvestment risk related to these redemptions to the extent we cannot reinvest the net proceeds in
assets with credit quality and yield characteristics similar to or better than those of the redeemed bonds. As 
indicated above, we have a certain ability to mitigate this risk by lowering interest crediting rates subject to 
minimum crediting rates in the policy terms. 

Managing the investment spread on our index annuities is more complex than it is for fixed rate 

annuity products. Index products are credited with a percentage (known as the “participation rate”) of 
gains in the Indices. Some of our index products have an annual asset fee which is deducted from the 
amount credited to the policy. In addition, caps are set on some products to limit the maximum amount
which may be credited on a particular product. To fund the earnings to be credited to the index products, 
we purchase options on the Indices. The price of such options generally increases with increases in the 
volatility in the Indices and interest rates, which may either narrow the spread or cause us to lower 
participation rates. Thus, the volatility of the Indices adds an additional degree of uncertainty to the 
profitability of the index products. We attempt to mitigate this risk by resetting participation rates and 
asset fees annually and adjusting the applicable caps. 

Our investment portfolio is also subject to credit quality risks which may diminish the value of our 
invested assets and affect our sales, profitability and reported book value per share.

We are subject to the risk that the issuers of our fixed maturity securities and other debt securities

(other than our U.S. agency securities), and borrowers on our commercial mortgages, will default on
principal and interest payments, particularly if a major downturn in economic activity occurs. At 
December 31, 2005, 84.8% of our invested assets consisted of fixed maturity securities, of which 1.3% were 
below investment grade. At December 31, 2005, there were no delinquencies in our commercial mortgage 
loan portfolio. An increase in defaults on our fixed maturity securities and commercial mortgage loan 
portfolios could harm our financial strength and reduce our profitability. We use derivative instruments to 
fund the annual credits on our index annuities. We purchase derivative instruments, consisting primarily of 
one-year call options, from a number of counterparties. Our policy is to acquire such options only from
counterparties rated “A-” or better by a nationally recognized rating agency. If, however, our 
counterparties fail to honor their obligations under the derivative instruments, we will have failed to
provide for crediting to policyholders related to the appreciation in the applicable indices. Any such failure 
could harm our financial strength and reduce our profitability. 

Our reinsurance program involves risks because we remain liable with respect to the liabilities ceded to
reinsurers if the reinsurers fail to meet the obligations assumed by them. 

Our life insurance subsidiaries cede insurance to other insurance companies through reinsurance. In 

particular, American Equity Life has entered into two coinsurance agreements with EquiTrust, an affiliate 
of Farm Bureau covering 70% of certain of our fixed rate and index annuities issued from August 1, 2001
through December 31, 2001, 40% of those contracts for 2002 and 2003 and 20% of those contracts issued 
from January 1, 2004 to July 31, 2004, when the agreement was suspended by mutual consent of the 
parties. As a result of the suspension, new business is no longer ceded to EquiTrust unless and until the 
parties mutually agree to resume the coinsurance of new business. At December 31, 2005, the aggregate 
policy benefit reserve transferred to EquiTrust was approximately $2.0 billion. EquiTrust has been 

Page 15 of 55 

assigned a financial strength rating of “A” by A.M. Best Company. We remain liable with respect to the 
policy liabilities ceded to EquiTrust should it fail to meet the obligations assumed by it. As of
December 31, 2005, Farm Bureau beneficially owned approximately 9.9% of our common stock. 

In addition, we have entered into other type of reinsurance transactions including indemnity and 
financial reinsurance. Should any of these reinsurers fail to meet the obligations assumed under such
reinsurance, we remain liable with respect to the liabilities ceded. 

We may experience volatility in net income due to accounting standards for derivatives. 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
(“SFAS”) No. 133, which became effective for us on January 1, 2001. Under SFAS No. 133, as amended, 
all derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) are
recognized in the balance sheet at their fair values and changes in fair value are recognized immediately in
earnings. This impacts the items of revenue and expense we report on our index business as follows: 

(cid:127) We must mark to market the purchased call options we use to fund the annual index credits on our 

index annuities based upon quoted market prices from related counterparties. We record the 
change in fair value of these options as a component of our revenues. Included within the change in
fair value of the options is an element reflecting the time value of the options, which initially is their 
purchase cost declining to zero at the end of their one-year lives. The change in fair value of 
derivatives also includes proceeds received at expiration of the one-year option terms and gains or 
losses recognized upon early termination. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, 
the change in fair value of derivatives was $(18.0) million, $28.7 million and $52.5 million, 
respectively. 

(cid:127) Under SFAS No. 133, the future annual index credits on our index annuities are treated as a “series 
of embedded derivatives” over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We are required to 
estimate the fair value of policy liabilities for index annuities, including the embedded derivatives, 
by valuing the “host” (or guaranteed) component of the liabilities and projecting (i) the expected
index credits on the next policy anniversary dates and (ii) the net cost of annual options we will 
purchase in the future to fund index credits. Our estimates of the fair value of these embedded 
derivatives are based on assumptions related to underlying policy terms (including annual 
participation rates, asset fees, cap rates and minimum guarantees), index values, notional amounts, 
strike prices and expected lives of the policies. The change in fair value of embedded derivatives 
generally increases with increases in volatility in the Indices and interest rates. The change in fair 
value of the embedded derivatives will not correspond to the change in fair value of the purchased 
options because the purchased options are one-year options while the options valued in the fair 
value of embedded derivatives cover the expected life of the contracts which typically exceed 10
years. The change in fair value of embedded derivatives related to our index annuities included in 
the consolidated statements of income was $26.4 million, $(8.6) million and $66.8 million for the
years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. 

(cid:127) We adjust the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements to 
reflect the impact of the items discussed above. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 
and deferred sales inducements decreased by $12.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, 
increased by $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and decreased by $1.7 million for 
the year ended December 31, 2003 as a result of the application of SFAS No. 133. 

The application of SFAS No. 133 in future periods to our index annuity business may cause substantial 

volatility in our reported net income. 

Page 16 of 55 

If we do not manage our growth effectively, our financial performance could be adversely affected; our 
historical growth rates may not be indicative of our future growth. 

We have experience rapid growth since our formation in December 1995. For the year ended 

December 31, 2005, our deposits from sales of new annuities were $2.9 billion. Our work force has grown 
from approximately 65 employees and 4,000 independent agents as of December 31, 1997 to approximately 
270 employees and 52,000 independent agents as of December 31, 2005. We intend to continue to grow by 
recruiting new independent agents, increasing the productivity of our existing agents, expanding our 
insurance distribution network, developing new products, expanding into new product lines, becoming
licensed in all 50 states and continuing to develop new incentives for our sales agents. Future growth will 
impose significant added responsibilities on our management, including the need to identify, recruit, 
maintain and integrate additional employees, including management. There can be no assurance that we 
will be successful in expanding our business or that our systems, procedures and controls will be adequate 
to support our operations as they expand. In addition, due to our rapid growth and resulting increased size, 
it may be necessary to expand the scope of our investing activities to asset classes in which we historically 
have not invested or have not had significant exposure. If we are unable to adequately manage our 
investments in these classes, our financial condition or operating results in the future could be less 
favorable than in the past. Further, although recently deemphasized, we have utilized reinsurance in the 
past to support our growth. The future availability of reinsurance is uncertain. Our failure to manage 
growth effectively, or our inability to recruit, maintain and integrate additional qualified employees and 
independent agents, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of
operations. In addition, due to our rapid growth, our historical growth rates are not likely to accurately 
reflect our future growth rates or our growth potential. We cannot assure you that our future revenues will 
increase or that we will continue to be profitable. 

We must retain and attract key employees or else we may not grow or be successful.

We are dependent upon our executive management for the operation and development of our 

business. Our executive management team includes:

(cid:127) David J. Noble, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer;

(cid:127) John M. Matovina, Vice Chairman; 

(cid:127) Kevin R. Wingert, President of American Equity Life;

(cid:127) James R. Gerlach, Executive Vice President;

(cid:127) Terry A. Reimer, Executive Vice President;

(cid:127) Debra J. Richardson, Senior Vice President; and 

(cid:127) Wendy L. Carlson, General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer. 

Although we have change in control agreements with members of our executive management team, 

we do not have employment contracts with any of the members of our executive management team. 
Although none of our executive management team has indicated that they intend to terminate their 
employment with us, there can be no assurance that these employees will remain with us for any particular 
period of time. Also, we do not maintain “key person” life insurance for any of our personnel. 

If we are unable to attract and retain national marketing organizations and independent agents, sales of
our products may be reduced. 

We distribute our annuity products through a variable cost distribution network which included over

70 national marketing organizations and approximately 52,000 independent agents as of December 31, 

Page 17 of 55 

2005. We must attract and retain such marketers and agents to sell our products. Insurance companies 
compete vigorously for productive agents. W e compete with other life insurance companies for marketers 
and agents primarily on the basis of our financial position, support services, compensation and product 
features. Such marketers and agents may promote products offered by other life insurance companies that 
may offer a larger variety of products than we do. Our competitiveness for such marketers and agents also 
depends upon the long-term relationships we develop with them. If we are unable to attract and retain
sufficient marketers and agents to sell our products, our ability to compete and our revenues would suffer. 

We may require additional capital to support sustained future growth which may not be available when
needed or may be available only on unfavorable terms.

Our long-term strategic capital requirements will depend on many factors including the accumulated 
statutory earnings of our life insurance subsidiaries and the relationship between the statutory capital and 
surplus of our life insurance subsidiaries and (i) the rate of growth in sales of our products; and (ii) the 
levels of credit risk and/or interest rate risk in our invested assets. To support long-term capital 
requirements, we may need to increase or maintain the statutory capital and surplus of our life insurance 
subsidiaries through additional financings, which could include debt, equity, financial reinsurance and/or 
other surplus relief transactions. Such financings, if available at all, may be available only on terms that are 
not favorable to us. If we cannot maintain adequate capital, we may be required to limit growth in sales of 
new annuity products, and such action could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of 
operations. 

Changes in state and federal regulation may affect our profitability. 

We are subject to regulation under applicable insurance statutes, including insurance holding 
company statutes, in the various states in which our life insurance subsidiaries write insurance. Our life 
insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in New York and Iowa. We are currently licensed to sell our products 
in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Insurance regulation is intended to provide safeguards for 
policyholders rather than to protect shareholders of insurance companies or their holding companies. 

Regulators oversee matters relating to trade practices, policy forms, claims practices, guaranty funds, 

types and amounts of investments, reserve adequacy, insurer solvency minimum amounts of capital and 
surplus, transactions with related parties, changes in control and payment of dividends. 

State insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissions (“NAIC”) 

continually reexamine existing laws and regulations, and may impose changes in the future. 

Our life insurance subsidiaries are subject to the NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements which are 
intended to be used by insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify deteriorating or weakly 
capitalized insurance companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory action. Our life insurance
subsidiaries also may be required, under solvency or guaranty laws of most states in which they do business, 
to pay assessments up to certain prescribed limits to fund policyholder losses or liabilities or insolvent 
insurance companies. 

Although the federal government does not directly regulate the insurance business, federal legislation 

and administrative policies in several areas, including pension regulation, age and sex discrimination,
financial services regulation, securities regulation and federal taxation, can significantly affect the 
insurance business. As increased scrutiny has been placed upon the insurance regulatory framework, a 
number of state legislatures have considered or enacted legislative proposals that alter, and in many cases 
increase, state authority to regulate insurance companies and holding company systems. In addition, 
legislation has been introduced in Congress which could result in the federal government assuming some 
role in the regulation of the insurance industry. The regulatory framework at the state and federal level 
applicable to our insurance products is evolving. The changing regulatory framework could affect the 

Page 18 of 55 

design of such products and our ability to sell certain products. Any changes in these laws and regulations 
could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

Recently, suits have been brought against, and guilty pleas accepted from, participants in the 
insurance industry alleging certain illegal actions by these participants. Although we do not do business
with the parties to the suits or those pleading guilty, are not involved in the suits at all and do not believe 
that our business practices are of the same nature as those the suits allege to have occurred, we cannot be 
certain of what ultimate effect the suits, as well as any increased regulatory oversight that might result from 
the suits, might have on the insurance industry as a whole, and thus on our business. 

Changes in federal income taxation laws, including recent reduction in individual income tax rates, may 
affect sales of our products and profitability. 

The annuity and life insurance products that we market generally provide the policyholder with
certain federal income tax advantages. For example, federal income taxation on any increases in the 
contract values (i.e. the “inside build-up”) of these products is deferred until it is received by the 
policyholder. With other savings investments, such as certificates of deposit and taxable bonds, the increase 
in value is generally taxed each year as it is realized. Additionally, life insurance death benefits are
generally exempt from income tax. 

From time to time, various tax law changes have been proposed that could have an adverse effect on 

our business, including the elimination of all or a portion of the income tax advantages described above for 
annuities and life insurance. If legislation were enacted to eliminate the tax deferral for annuities, such a
change would have an adverse effect on our ability to sell non-qualified annuities. Non-qualified annuities
are annuities that are not sold to an individual retirement account or other qualified retirement plan. 

In June 2001, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 was enacted, which 

implement a staged reduction in individual federal income tax rates that began in 2001. The enactment of 
the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 accelerated such rate reductions. While the 
reduction in income tax rates is temporary (pre-2001 rates will return in 2011), the present value of the tax 
deferred advantage of annuities and life insurance products is less, which might hinder our ability to sell
such products and/or increase the rate at which our current policyholders surrender their policies. 

We face risks relating to litigation, including the costs of such litigation, management distraction and the 
potential for damage awards, which may adversely impact our business. 

We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state 
regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, the National Association of Securities 
Dealers, Inc., the Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct 
examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, 
securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and laws governing 
the activities of broker-dealers. Companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, 
including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar 
claims. We are currently a defendant in several purported class action lawsuits filed in state and federal 
courts alleging, among other things, improper sales practices. In these lawsuits, the plaintiffs are seeking, 
among other things, returns of premiums and other compensatory and punitive damages. We have reached 
a final settlement in one of these cases, the impact of which is expected to be immaterial. No class has been 
certified in any of the other pending cases at this time. Although we have denied all allegations in the 
lawsuits and intend to vigorously defend them, the lawsuits are in the early stages of litigation and neither 
the outcomes nor a range of possible outcomes can be determined at this time. Although we do not believe 
that these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of 

Page 19 of 55 

operations, there can be no assurance that such litigation, or any future litigation, will not have such an
effect, whether financially, through distraction of our management or otherwise.

A downgrade in our credit or financial strength ratings may increase our future cost of capital and may
reduce new sales, adversely affect relationships with distributors and increase policy surrenders and
withdrawals. 

Currently, our senior unsecured indebtedness carries a “bb+” rating from A.M. Best and a “BB+” 

rating from Standard & Poor’s. Our ability to maintain such ratings is dependent upon the results of 
operations of our subsidiaries and our financial strength. If we fail to preserve the strength of our balance 
sheet and to maintain a capital structure that rating agencies deem suitable, it could result in a 
downgrading of the ratings applicable to our senior unsecured indebtedness. A downgrading would likely 
reduce the fair value of the common stock and may increase our future cost of capital. 

Financial strength ratings are important factors in establishing the competitive position of life
insurance and annuity companies. In recent years, the market for annuities has been dominated by those
insurers with the highest ratings. A ratings downgrade, or the potential for a ratings downgrade, could have 
a number of adverse effects on our business. For example, distributors and sales agents for life insurance 
and annuity products use the ratings as one factor in determining which insurer’s annuities to market. A 
ratings downgrade could cause those distributors and agents to seek alternative carriers. In addition, a
ratings downgrade could materially increase the number of policy or contract surrenders we experience. 

Financial strength ratings generally involve quantitative and qualitative evaluations by rating agencies 

of a company’s financial condition and operating performance. Generally, rating agencies base their 
ratings upon information furnished to them by the insurer and upon their own investigations, studies and 
assumptions. Ratings are based upon factors of concern to agents, policyholders and intermediaries and
are not directed toward the protection of investors and are recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. 

American Equity Life has received financial strength ratings of “B++” (Very Good) with a stable
outlook from A.M. Best Company and “BBB+” with a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s. A.M. Best 
ratings currently range from “A++” (Superior) to “F” (In Liquidation), and include 16 separate ratings 
categories. Within these categories, “A++” (Superior) and “A+” (Superior) are the highest, followed by 
“A” (Excellent), “A-” (Excellent), “B++”(Very Good) and “B+”(Very Good). Publications of A.M. Best 
indicate that the “B++” rating is assigned to those companies that, in A.M. Best’s opinion, have 
demonstrated a good ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. Standard & Poor’s insurer 
financial strength ratings currently range from “AAA” to “NR”, and include 21 separate ratings categories. 
Within these categories, “AAA” and “AA” are the highest, followed by “A” and “BBB”. Publications of 
Standard & Poor’s indicate that an insurer rated “BBB” or higher is regarded as having strong financial 
security characteristics, but is somewhat more likely to be affected by adverse business conditions than are 
higher rated insurers. 

A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s review their ratings of insurance companies from time to time. 

There can be no assurance that any particular rating will continue for any given period of time or that it 
will not be changed or withdrawn entirely if, in their judgment, circumstances so warrant. If our ratings 
were to be downgraded for any reason, we could experience a material decline in the sales of our products 
and the persistency of our existing business. 

Our system of internal controls ensures the accuracy or completeness of our disclosures and a loss of 
public confidence in the quality of our internal controls or disclosures could have a negative impact on us. 

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the SOA, requires us to provide an annual report 

on our internal controls over financial reporting, including an assessment as to whether or not our internal 
controls over financial reporting are effective. We are also required to have our auditors attest to our 

Page 20 of 55 

assessment and to opine on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. We have in 
the past discovered, and may in the future discover areas of our internal controls that need remediation. If
we determine that our remediation has been ineffective, or we identify additional material weaknesses in
our internal controls over financial reporting, we could be subjected to additional regulatory scrutiny, 
future delays in filing our financial statements and a loss of public confidence in the reliability of our 
financial statements, which could have a negative impact on our liquidity, access to capital markets, and 
financial condition.

In addition, we do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over 
financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. The design of a control system must reflect the fact 
that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.
Based on the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute
assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been or will be
detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty 
and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be 
circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by 
management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon 
certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Therefore, a control system, no matter how well
conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the 
control system are met. Also, while we document our assumptions and review financial disclosures with the 
audit committee of our board of directors, the regulations and literature governing our disclosures are 
complex and reasonable persons may disagree as to their application to a particular situation or set of 
circumstances. 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES 

We do not own any real estate. We lease space for our principal offices in West Des Moines, Iowa,
pursuant to written leases for approximately 53,700 square feet. The leases expire on April 30, 2009 and 
have a renewal option for an additional five year term at a rental rate equal to the prevailing fair market 
rate. We also lease space for our office in Pell City, Alabama, pursuant to a written lease dated January 1,
2005, for approximately 5,680 square feet. This lease expires on December 31, 2007. 

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

We are occasionally involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff. In addition, state 
regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., the Department of Labor, and other regulatory bodies 
regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with,
among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 
1974, as amended and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers. 

Companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including class action 
lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. We are currently a 
defendant in several purported class action lawsuits alleging improper sales practices. In these lawsuits, the 
plaintiffs are seeking returns of premiums and other compensatory and punitive damages. We have 
reached a settlement in one of these cases, which is pending appeal. The impact of the settlement is 
deemed to be immaterial. No class has been certified in any of the other pending cases at this time. 
Although we have denied all allegations in these lawsuits and intend to vigorously defend against them, the 

Page 21 of 55 

lawsuits are in the early stages of litigation and neither their outcomes nor a range of possible outcomes 
can be determined at this time. However, we do not believe that these lawsuits will have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

In addition, we are from time to time, subject to other legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary 
course of business, none of which we believe are likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial
position, results of operations or cash flows. There can be no assurance that such litigation, or any future 
litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of 
operations. 

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None. 

Page 22 of 55 

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER 

MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol 

“AEL” following our initial public offering (“IPO”). The following table sets forth, for the periods 
indicated, the high, low and closing prices per share of American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company’s common stock as quoted on the NYSE.  

2005
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

High
$12.92 
$12.79 
$11.96 
$13.06 

Low 
$10.14 
$10.08 
$10.41 
$10.83 

  Close 

$12.79 
$11.88 
$11.35 
$13.05 

2004
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$13.15 
$13.10 
$10.22 
$11.00 

$10.05 
$ 9.75 
$ 8.79 
$ 9.41 

$12.85 
$ 9.95 
$ 9.49 
$10.77 

As of December 31, 2005, the Company had 55,527,180 shares issued and outstanding and 

approximately 10,100 shareholders. In 2005 and 2004, we paid an annual cash dividend of $0.04 and $0.02,
respectively, per share on our common stock. We  intend to continue to pay an annual cash dividend on 
such shares so long as we have sufficient capital and/or future earnings to do so. However, we anticipate 
retaining most of our future earnings, if any, for use in our operations and the expansion of our business. 
Any further determination as to dividend policy will be made by our board of directors and will depend on 
a number of factors, including our future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and future
prospects and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant. 

Our credit agreement limits our ability to declare or pay dividends in any fiscal year to 33% of our 
consolidated net income for the prior year. In addition, since we are a holding company, our ability to pay 
cash dividends depends in large measure on our subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions of cash or 
property to us. Iowa insurance laws restrict the amount of distributions American Equity Life can pay to us 
without the approval of the Iowa Insurance Division. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations and notes 7 and 11 to our audited consolidated financial
statements. 

On December 9, 2003, we completed an initial public offering of 18,700,000 shares of our common
stock at a price of $9.00 per share. The managing underwriters for the offering were Merrill Lynch, Pierce, 
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Advest, Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Sanders Morris Harris 
Inc. The shares of common stock sold in the offering were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, on a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-108794) that was declared 
effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2003. Pursuant to the over-
allotment option granted to the underwriters in the offering, the underwriters purchased an additional 
2,000,000 shares on December 29, 2003 and an additional 805,000 shares on January 7, 2004, which fully 
exercised the over-allotment option. The offering did not terminate until after the sale of all of the 
securities registered on the Registration Statement. The aggregate gross proceeds to us from our initial 
public offering were approximately $193.5 million. The aggregate net proceeds to us from the offering
were approximately $178.0 million, after deducting an aggregate of approximately $13.5 million in
underwriting discounts and commissions paid to the underwriters and an estimated $2.0 million in other 

Page 23 of 55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expenses incurred in connection with the offering. In connection with the IPO, we did not make any
payments, directly or indirectly, to any of our directors or officers, or, to our knowledge, any of their 
associates, or to any person owning ten percent or more of any class of our equity securities, or to any of 
our affiliates. All of the net proceeds were contributed to our life subsidiaries to fund future growth of our 
annuity business. 

On December 20, 2005, we completed an additional offering of 13,000,000 shares of our common 
stock at a price of $11.60 per share. The managing underwriters for the offering were Raymond James & 
Associates, Inc., Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc., SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Cochran, 
Caronia Securities, LLC and Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. Pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to 
the underwriters in the offering, the underwriters purchased an additional 1,950,000 shares on
December 30, 2005. The aggregate gross proceeds to us from this additional offering were approximately 
$173.4 million. The aggregate net proceeds to us from the offering approximately $163.5 million after 
deducting an aggregate of approximately $9.1 million in underwriting discounts and commissions paid to 
the underwriters and an estimated $0.8 million in other expenses incurred in connection with the offering. 
The net proceeds are available to be contributed to our life subsidiaries to fund future growth of our 
annuity business. 

There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during 2005. 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

We did not have any issuer purchases of equity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2005. 

Page 24 of 55 

ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The summary consolidated financial and other data should be read in conjunction with Management’s 

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our consolidated financial
statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. The results for past periods are not 
necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future periods. 

2005 

Year ended December 31, 
2001
2002 
2003
2004 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
Revenues

Traditional life and accident and health insurance premium s. . . . . . . . . .
Annuity and single premium universal life product charges. . . . . . . . . . . .
Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Realized gains (losses) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Benefits and expenses

$ 13,578 $ 15,115 $ 13,686 $ 13,664 $ 13,141
12,520
209,086
787
(55,158)
180,376

15,376
308,548 
(122)
(57,753)
279,713 

25,686
554,118 
(7,635)
(18,029)
567,718 

20,452
357,295 
6,946
52,525
450,904 

22,462
428,385 
943
28,696
495,601 

Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits . . . . . . . . .
Interest credited to account balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on amounts due to related party under General Agency 
Commission and Servicing Agreement(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on subordinated debentures(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements and other 
interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other operating costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total benefits and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13,375
306,608 
31,087

13,423
305,762 
(8,567)

11,824
248,075 
66,801

9,317
183,503 
(5,027)

9,762
100,125
12,921

— 
16,324 
14,145

— 
2,358 
9,609

— 
2,713 
7,661

3,596 
1,901 
—

5,716 
2,881
—

11,280 
68,109 
35,896 
496,824 

3,148 
67,867 
32,520 
426,120 

1,278 
47,450 
25,794 
411,596 

1,777 
34,060 
21,635 
250,762 

1,504
20,838
17,176
170,923

Income before income taxes, minority interests and cumulative effect of

change in accounting principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before minority interests and cumulative effect of change in

70,894 
25,402 

69,481 
40,611 

39,308  
13,505

28,951 
7,299

9,453 
333

accounting principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

45,492 

28,870 

25,803  

21,652 

9,120 

Minority interests in subsidiaries: 

Minority interest(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings attributable to company-obligated mandatorily redeemable 

preferred securities of subsidiary trusts(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for derivatives(a) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,500

(453)

363

—

—

—
42,992
—

—
29,323
—

—
25,440
—

7,445
14,207
—

  $ 42,992  $ 29,323  $ 25,440  $ 14,207  $

7,449
1,671
(799)
872

Per Share Data: 
Earnings per common share:

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for derivatives(a) . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

  $

Earnings per common share—assuming dilution: 

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for derivatives(a) . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

  $

Dividends declared per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  $

1.09 $
—
1.09  $

0.99 $
—
0.99  $

0.04  $

0.77 $
—
0.77  $

0.71 $
—
0.71  $

0.02  $

1.45 $
—
1.45  $

1.21 $
—
1.21  $

0.01  $

0.87 $
—
0.87  $

0.10
(0.05)
0.05

0.76 $
—
0.76  $

0.01  $

0.09
(0.04)
0.05

0.01

Page 25 of 55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: 

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Policy benefit reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amounts due to related party under General Agency 

Commission and Servicing Agreement(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes payable(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Subordinated debentures(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred 

securities issued by subsidiary trusts(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

At December 31, 

2005

2004

2003 

2002 

2001

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

$ 14,042,794 $ 11,087,288 $ 8,962,841  $ 7,327,789  $ 4,819,220

12,237,988

9,807,969

8,315,874 

6,737,888 

4,420,720

—

281,043

230,658

—

283,375

173,576

— 

46,115

116,425 

40,345

43,333

— 

46,607

46,667

—

—

—

— 

100,486 

100,155

519,358

305,543

263,716 

77,478

42,567

At and for the Year Ended December 31, 

2005

2004

2003 

2002 

2001

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Other Data:

Book value per share(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Return on equity(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Life subsidiaries’ statutory capital and surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Life subsidiaries’ statutory net gain (loss) from operations 

before income taxes and realized capital gains (losses) . . . . .
Life subsidiaries’ statutory net income (loss)(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 

9.35 $ 

11.0%

7.97 $ 

7.19  $ 

4.67  $ 

2.24

10.3%

28.3 %

23.7 %

1.7%

51,744

45,940

42,239

41,396

33,894

$ 

686,841 $ 

608,930 $  374,587  $  227,199  $  177,868

112,498

40,534

93,640

47,711

45,822

25,404

53,535

26,010

(5,675)

(17,187)

(a)  The accounting change resulted from the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which became effective on 
January 1, 2001. 

(b)  On December 31, 2003, retroactive to January 1, 2003, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards 
Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an 
Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. During the first quarter of 2005, retroactive to 
January 1, 2003, we adopted FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46(R)-5, Implicit Variable Interests under
FIN 46. See note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements. 

(c)  Our GAAP net income and statutory net loss in 2001, were affected by a decision to maintain a 

significant liquid investment position after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 

(d)  Book value per share is calculated as total stockholders’ equity less the liquidation preference of our 

series preferred stock divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding. 

(e)  We define return on equity as net income divided by average total stockholders’ equity. Average total 
stockholders’ equity is determined based upon the total stockholders’ equity at the beginning and the 
end of the year. The computations of average stockholders’ equity for 2005 and 2003 have been
calculated on a weighted average basis to recognize the significant increases in stockholders’ equity 
that resulted from the receipt of the net proceeds from our public offerings of common stock in 
December 2005 and 2003. 

Page 26 of 55 

 
 
 
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Management’s discussion and analysis reviews our consolidated financial position at December 31, 

2005 and 2004, and our consolidated results of operations for the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2005, and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance. This
discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and 
selected consolidated financial data appearing elsewhere in this report. 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information 

All statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this report and elsewhere (such as 

in filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, presentations by us or our
management or oral statements) relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or 
financial results, as well as other statements including words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, 
“estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements. We 
caution that these statements may and often do vary from actual results and the differences between these 
statements and actual results can be material. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that actual results will not 
differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could 
contribute to these differences include, among other things:

(cid:127) general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest rate levels and stock 
and credit market performance which may affect (among other things) our ability to sell our 
products, our ability to access capital resources and the costs associated therewith, the fair value of 
our investments and the lapse rate and profitability of our policies; 

(cid:127) customer response to new products and marketing initiatives;

(cid:127) changes in the Federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the relative income tax 

advantages of our products; 

(cid:127) increasing competition in the sale of annuities; 

(cid:127) regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting 

(among other things) bank sales and underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, 
underwriting and pricing of products; 

(cid:127) the risk factors or uncertainties listed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and

Exchange Commission or private placement memorandums. 

Overview 

We specialize in the sale of individual annuities (primarily deferred annuities) and, to a lesser extent, 
we also sell life insurance policies. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or 
GAAP, premium collections for deferred annuities are reported as deposit liabilities instead of as 
revenues. Sources of revenues for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are net investment income,
surrender charges deducted from the account balances of policyholders in connection with withdrawals, 
realized gains and losses on investments and changes in fair value of derivatives. Components of expenses
for products accounted for as deposit liabilities are interest credited to account balances, changes in fair 
value of embedded derivatives, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales 
inducements, other operating costs and expenses and income taxes. 

Earnings from products accounted for as deposit liabilities are primarily generated from the excess of 
net investment income earned over the interest credited to the policyholder, or the “investment spread”. In
the case of index annuities, the investment spread consists of net investment income in excess of the cost of 

Page 27 of 55 

the options purchased to fund the index-based component of the policyholder’s return and amounts 
credited as a result of minimum guarantees. 

Our investment spread is summarized as follows: 

Average yield on invested assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of money: 

Aggregate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Average net index costs for index annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average crediting rate for fixed rate annuities:

Year Ended December 31, 
2003
2004
2005 
6.43%

6.18% 6.28% 

3.90% 
3.70% 
3.38% 3.37% 

4.13%
3.46%

Annually adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Multi-year rate guaranteed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.32% 
3.47% 
5.56% 5.57% 

3.69%
5.70%

Investment spread: 

Aggregate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Index annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Fixed rate annuities: 

2.48% 
2.80% 

2.38% 
2.91% 

2.30%
2.97%

Annually adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Multi-year rate guaranteed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.86% 
2.81% 
0.62% 0.71% 

2.74%
0.73%

The cost of money, average crediting rates and investment spreads are computed without the impact 

of amortization of deferred sales inducements. See Critical Accounting Policies—Deferred Policy 
Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements. With respect to our index annuities, the cost of money 
includes the average crediting rate on amounts allocated to the fixed rate options, expenses we incur to 
fund the annual index credits and minimum guaranteed interest credited on the index business. Proceeds 
received upon expiration or early termination of call options purchased to fund annual index credits are 
recorded as part of the change in fair value of derivatives, and are largely offset by an expense for interest 
credited to annuity policyholder account balances. See Critical Accounting Policies—Derivative 
Instruments—Index Products. 

Our profitability depends in large part upon the amount of assets under our management, investment 
spreads we earn on our policyholders’ account balances, our ability to manage our investment portfolio to 
maximize returns and minimize risks such as interest rate changes, defaults or impairment of assets, our 
ability to manage costs of the options purchased to fund the annual index credits on our index annuities, 
our ability to manage the costs of acquiring new business (principally commissions to agents and first year 
bonuses credited to policyholders) and our ability to manage our operating expenses. 

Critical Accounting Policies 

The increasing complexity of the business environment and applicable authoritative accounting 
guidance require us to closely monitor our accounting policies. We have identified four critical accounting 
policies that are complex and require significant judgment. The following summary of our critical 
accounting policies is intended to enhance your ability to assess our financial condition and results of
operations and the potential volatility due to changes in estimates. 

Valuation of Investments 

Our fixed maturity securities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks maturing more than one year 
after issuance) and equity securities (common and non-redeemable preferred stocks) classified as available 
for sale are reported at estimated fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, if any, on these securities are 
included directly as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes and certain 

Page 28 of 55 

 
 
 
adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales 
inducements. Fair values for securities that are actively traded are determined using quoted market prices. 
For fixed maturity securities that are not actively traded, fair values are estimated using price matrices 
developed using yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar 
characteristics. The carrying amounts of all our investments are reviewed on an ongoing basis for credit 
deterioration. If this review indicates a decline in fair value that is other than temporary, our carrying 
amount in the investment is reduced to its fair value and a specific write down is taken. Such reductions in 
carrying amount are recognized as realized losses and charged to earnings. 

Our periodic assessment of our ability to recover the amortized cost basis of investments that have 

materially lower quoted market prices requires a high degree of management judgment and involves 
uncertainty. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other than temporary include: 

(cid:127) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost;

(cid:127) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; 

(cid:127) whether the investment is rated investment grade;

(cid:127) whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as 

agreed;

(cid:127) our intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any 

anticipated recovery; 

(cid:127) consideration of rating agency actions; 

(cid:127) changes in cash flows of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. 

In addition, for securities expected to be sold, an other than temporary impairment charge is 

recognized if we do not expect the fair value of a security to recover to cost or amortized cost prior to the 
expected date of sale. Once an impairment charge has been recorded, we then continue to review the other 
than temporarily impaired securities for appropriate valuation on an ongoing basis. Realized losses 
through a charge to earnings may be recognized in future periods should we later conclude that the decline 
in fair value below amortized cost is other than temporary pursuant to our accounting policy described 
above. 

Page 29 of 55 

At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity 

securities and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position were as follows: 

December 31, 2005

December 31, 2004

Number of Amortized Unrealized
Cost 
Positions 

Estimated Number of Amortized   Unrealized Estimated
  Fair Value
Cost 
Fair Value

  Losses 

Positions

Losses 
(Dollars in thousands)

(Dollars in thousands) 

Fixed maturity securities: 
Available for sale: 
United States 

Government full faith 
and credit . . . . . . . . .

United States 
Government
sponsored agencies . .
Public utilities . . . . . . . .
Corporate securities . . .
Redeemable preferred 
stocks . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mortgage and 
asset-backed 
securities:
United States 

Government and 
agencies. . . . . . . . .
Non-government. . . .

Held for investment: 
United States 
Government
sponsored agencies . .

Equity securities, available 

for sale:
Non-redeemable preferred 
stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stocks . . . . . . . .

2

$

902

$

(24)

$

878

1

$

502

$

(10 )

$

492

70  
15
54  

10

2,822,317
84,690
374,502

(67,471)
(1,306)
(12,596)

2,754,846
83,384
361,906

35,013

(2,076)

32,937

7
25
183 

47,053
280,226
$ 3,644,703

(160)
(12,933)
$ (96,566)

46,893
267,293
$ 3,548,137

81 
81 

$ 4,541,914
$ 4,541,914

$ (113,290)
$ (113,290)

$ 4,428,624
$ 4,428,624

12
5
17

$

$ 

44,665
8,816
53,481

$

$ 

(2,075)
(1,534)
(3,609)

$

$ 

42,590
7,282
49,872

31
—
11

4

2
12
61

56
56

3
3
6

1,705,235  
—
65,488

(58,749 ) 

—
(6,916 ) 

1,646,486
—
58,572

20,000

(584 ) 

19,416

5,873
278,393

5,801
(72 )
263,114
(15,279 )
$ 2,075,491  $ (81,610 )  $ 1,993,881

$ 3,213,468  $ (94,958 )  $ 3,118,510
$ 3,213,468  $ (94,958 )  $ 3,118,510

$

$ 

14,784
2,945
17,729

$

$ 

$

(294 )
(572 )
(866)  $ 

14,490
2,373
16,863

Page 30 of 55 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2005 and 
2004, by contractual maturity, that were in an unrealized loss position are shown below. Actual maturities 
will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations 
with or without call or prepayment penalties. All of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 
provide for periodic payments throughout their lives, and are shown below as a separate line. 

December 31, 2005

December 31, 2004

Available-for-sale 

Held for investment

Available-for-sale 

Held for investment

  Amortized    Estimated Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated    Amortized    Estimated
Fair Value

Fair Value

Cost 

Cost 

Cost 

Cost 

Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)

Fair Value 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Due after one year through 

five years . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

31,264   $ 

29,906 $ 

— $ 

— $ 

5 $ 

5   $ 

—   $ 

Due after five years 

through ten years . . . . . .
Due after ten years through 

367,098  

351,739

—

— 224,858

213,750  

—  

—

twenty years . . . . . . . . . .   1,821,658   1,783,303
Due after twenty years. . . .   1,097,404   1,069,003
  3,317,424   3,233,951

347,612
4,194,302
4,541,914

343,806
4,084,818
4,428,624

681,795
884,567
1,791,225

653,505  
740,631
745,904  
857,706   2,467,564   2,377,879
1,724,966   3,213,468   3,118,510

Mortgage-backed and 

asset-backed securities. .

327,279  

—
$ 3,644,703  $ 3,548,137 $ 4,541,914 $ 4,428,624 $ 2,075,491 $ 1,993,881   $ 3,213,468   $ 3,118,510

— 284,266

268,915  

314,186

—  

—

See Financial Condition—Investments for significant concentrations in the investment portfolio. 

At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the fair value of investments we owned that were non-investment
grade or not rated was $69.2 million and $63.9 million, respectively. Non-investment grade or not rated 
securities represented 0.9% and 0.8% at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, of the fair value of our 
fixed maturity securities. The unrealized losses on investments we owned that were non-investment grade
or not rated at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were $5.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively. The
unrealized losses on such securities at December 31, 2005 and 2004 represented 2.8% and 5.7%, 
respectively, of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities. 

At each balance sheet date, we identify invested assets which have characteristics (i.e. significant 

unrealized losses compared to book value and industry trends) creating uncertainty as to our future 
assessment of an other than temporary impairment. We include these securities on a list which is referred 
to as our watch list. We exclude from this list securities with unrealized losses which are related to market 
movements in interest rates and which have no factors indicating that such unrealized losses may be other 
than temporary. At December 31, 2005, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity 
securities on the watch list are as follows:

Issuer 

Amortized Unrealized Estimated Maturity  Months Below
Amortized Cost

Fair Value

Date 

Cost 

Losses 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Ford Motor Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$5,003 

$ (1,553) $ 3,450

07/16/2031 

4 

Our analysis of Ford Motor Co. and its credit performance at December 31, 2005 is as follows:

Ford’s senior unsecured credit rating was lowered on August 24, 2005 due to intensified competition,
high labor costs and consistently slipping market share in North America. W e determined that an 
other than temporary impairment charge on these securities was not necessary as Ford has strong 
liquidity allowing for time to correct market share losses and improve its cost structure. 

The security on the watch list is current in respect to payments of principal and interest. We have 
concluded that we have the intent and the ability to hold this security for a period of time sufficient to 

Page 31 of 55 

 
allow for a recovery in fair value and that there was no other than temporary impairment on this 
investment at December 31, 2005. 

We took write downs on certain other investments that we concluded did have an other than
temporary impairment during 2005, 2004 and 2003 of $9.5 million, $12.8 million and $9.8 million, 
respectively. Following is a discussion of each security for which we have taken write downs during the 
years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003. 

We own common stock of Ford Motor Company. While we believe that Ford’s strategy will improve 
its credit quality, the common stock could remain in an unrealized loss position for a significant time 
period. We wrote this security down by $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005. 

Preferred Plus Trust LMG-4 is a preferred stock backed by senior notes of Liberty Media 
Corporation. We wrote this security down by $0.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2005 based 
upon an announcement by Liberty Media Corporation’s management of a change in future business 
strategy and the potential for share buybacks. We sold this security subsequent to December 31, 2005. 

Northwest Airlines Pass Thru Certificates 1999-1 Class C are backed by the general credit of 
Northwest Airlines as well as the collateral from a pool of airplanes. We wrote this security down by 
$5.8 million during the third quarter of 2005 based upon the uncertainty regarding the recovery of all 
principal and interest payments subsequent to Northwest Airlines bankruptcy filing on September 14, 
2005. We sold this security subsequent to December 31, 2005 at a value in excess of its amortized cost. 

Pegasus Aviation 1999-1A C1 is an asset-backed security backed by leases on airplanes. We wrote 
down this security during the fourth quarter of 2001 by $1.9 million. This write down resulted from 
changes in the amount of expected principal and interest payments on this security related to the 
downturn in the airline industry. Due to continuing problems in the airline industry and further 
deterioration in the underlying collateral, we took an additional write down of $1.6 million on this 
security during the third quarter of 2005. 

Pegasus 2001-1A C2 is an asset-backed security backed by leases on airplanes. We wrote down this 
security during the third quarter of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003 by $3.0 million and $2.9 million,
respectively. These write downs resulted from changes in the amount of expected principal and 
interest payments on this security related to the downturn in the airline industry. Due to continuing 
problems in the airline industry and further deterioration in the underlying collateral, we took an
additional write down of $1.1 million on this security during the second quarter of 2005. 

Diversified Asset Securities II Class B-1 is a pool of asset-backed securities that entitle the holders 
thereof to receive payments that depend primarily on the cash flow from a specified pool of financial 
assets. We wrote this security down by $1.5 million during the second quarter of 2004 based upon the 
deterioration of the underlying collateral along with a downgrade to below investment grade on
June 2, 2004. 

Oakwood Mortgage 1999-E Class M2 is an asset-backed security backed by installment sales contracts 
secured by manufactured homes and liens on real estate. We wrote down this security by $4.2 million 
in the third quarter of 2003 due to continuing high default rates for the manufactured housing 
industry causing doubt about the return of the entire principal balance. We wrote this security down 
by an additional $2.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2003 due to further deterioration in default 
rates. We sold this security during the second quarter of 2005 as discussed below. 

Oakwood Mortgage 2000-C Class M1 is backed by installment sales contracts secured by 
manufactured homes and liens on real estate. We wrote this security down by $7.6 million in the first 
quarter of 2004 due to an increase in default rates and realized losses above expected levels along with
a downgrade to below investment grade on March 8, 2004. We took an additional write down on this 

Page 32 of 55 

security of $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2004 due to continued deterioration in default rates. We 
sold this security during the second quarter of 2005 as discussed below. 

In making the decisions to write down the securities described above, we considered whether the 
factors leading to those write downs impacted any other securities held in our portfolio. In cases where we 
determined that a decline in value was related to an industry-wide concern, we considered the impact of 
such concern on all securities we held within that industry classification. 

Below is a list of securities which we have sold at a loss, excluding losses arising from interest rate 

changes and losses deemed immaterial. There were no material realized losses on the sales of securities 
during 2004.  

Issuer   

Year Ended December 31, 2005

Oakwood Mortgage 2000-C Class M1. . . . .
Oakwood Mortgage 1999-E Class M2. . . . .

Year Ended December 31, 2003

Transamerica Capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calpine Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
American Airlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ford Motor Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Juniper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Amortized
Cost 

Fair 
Value 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Realized 
Losses 

Months Below
Amortized Cost

$ 4,505
733
$  5,238

$  6,765
5,023
1,750
5,003
2,594
$ 21,135

$ 2,332
182
$  2,514 

$2,173
551
$2,724 

$  6,437
3,613
902
4,567
2,075
$ 17,594

$ 328
1,410
848
436
519
$ 3,541

9 
3 

9 
20 
10 
24 
5 

The decision to sell a security at a loss was concurrent with the decision that an initial or additional 
impairment charge was required. Accordingly, in all cases, this did not contradict our previous assertion 
that we had the ability and intent to hold the security until recovery in value. Each of these securities and 
the factors resulting in the sales of such securities are discussed individually below. 

Oakwood Mortgage 2000-C Class M1 and Oakwood Mortgage 1999-E Class M2 are asset-backed 
securities backed by installment sales contracts secured by manufactured homes and liens on real 
estate. We wrote down Oakwood Mortgage 1999-E Class M2 by $4.2 million and $2.7 million during
the third and fourth quarters of 2003, respectively. We wrote down Oakwood Mortgage 2000-C 
Class M1 by $7.6 million and $3.7 million during the first and fourth quarters of 2004, respectively. 
These write downs resulted from deterioration in default rates on the underlying collateral. Continued 
deterioration in the default rates on the underlying collateral led us to the decision that an additional 
impairment charge was required and concurrently we decided to sell these securities during 2005. 

Transamerica Capital was sold during 2003 to reduce our exposure to European insurance companies 
and not as a result of deteriorating credit quality. 

Calpine Canada was sold during 2003 because it engaged in re-financing activities that threatened its 
long term profitability and exacerbated its reliance on leverage. The wholesale power market in which
it was engaged was expected to be weak. 

Page 33 of 55 

American Airlines pass thru certificates, which were collateralized by a pool of airplanes, were sold
during 2003 as a result of inadequate collateral coverage in a potential bankruptcy situation and 
recent changes regarding the airline’s bank covenants regarding required minimum unrestricted cash
balances.  

Ford Motor Co. was determined to be an improving credit, however we decided to reduce our 
position in this security during 2003 to $10.0 million by selling $5.0 million principal amount of these 
securities at a loss of $0.4 million. 

Juniper was a collateralized debt obligation backed by corporate debt obligations rated primarily 
below investment grade. In the first quarter of 2002, we wrote this security down as a result of 
downgrades and significant deterioration in the value of the underlying corporate debt. Continued 
deterioration led us to sell the security in 2003. 

Our mortgage loans on real estate are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and 

accrual of discounts. If we determine that the value of any mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying amount
of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected future cash
flows from the loan discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the underlying
collateral. 

Derivative Instruments—Index Products 

We offer a variety of index annuities with crediting strategies linked to several equity market indices, 

including the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ 100. Several of these 
products also offer a bond strategy linked to the Lehman Aggregate Bond Index or the Lehman U.S. 
Treasury Bond Index. These products allow policyholders to earn returns linked to equity or bond index 
appreciation without the risk of loss of their principal. Most of these products allow policyholders to 
transfer funds once a year among several different crediting strategies, including one or more of the index 
based strategies and a traditional fixed rate strategy. Substantially all of our index products require annual 
crediting of interest and an annual reset of the applicable index on the contract anniversary date. The 
computation of the annual index credit is based upon either a one year annual point-to-point calculation 
(i.e., the gain in the applicable index from one anniversary date to the next anniversary date), a monthly 
averaging of the index during the contract year, or a one year monthly point-to-point calculation (the net
gain determined by adding the twelve monthly gains and losses in the applicable index within the one year 
period from one anniversary date to the next anniversary date). 

The annuity contract value is equal to the premiums paid plus annual index credits based upon a 
percentage, known as the “participation rate”, of the annual appreciation (based in some instances on
monthly averages or monthly point-to-point calculations) in a recognized index or benchmark. The
participation rate, which we may reset annually, generally varies among the index products from 50% to 
100%. Some products apply an overall limit, or “cap”, ranging from 5% to 13%, on the amount of annual 
interest the policyholder may earn in any one contract year, and the applicable cap may also be adjusted 
annually subject to stated minimums. In addition, some of the products have an “asset fee” ranging from 
1.5 to 5%, which is deducted from the interest to be credited. The minimum guaranteed contract values 
range from 80% to 100% of the premium collected plus interest credited on the minimum guaranteed 
contract value at an annual rate of 2% to 3.5%. 

We purchase one-year call options on the applicable indices as an investment to provide the income 
needed to fund the amount of the annual index credits on the index products. New one-year options are 
purchased at the outset of each contract year. We budget an amount to purchase the specific options
needed to fund the annual index credits, and the cost of the options represents our cost of providing the 
credits. The amount we budget for the purchase of index call options is based on our interest spread targets 
and is comparable to the credited rates of interest we offer on fixed rate annuities. For example, if the yield 
on our invested assets is 6.25% and our targeted spread is 2.50%, we allocate up to 3.75% of the premium 

Page 34 of 55 

in the first year or account balance after the first year to the purchase of one-year call options. 
Participation rates, which define the policyholder’s level of participation in index gains each year, are 
determined by option costs. For example, if, based on current market conditions, the amount allocated to
the purchase of options is sufficient to purchase an option that will provide a return equal to 70% of the 
annual gain in the applicable index, we will set the policyholder’s participation rate at 70%. We have the 
ability to modify participation rates each year when a new option is purchased. In general, if option costs 
increase, participation rates may be decreased, and if option costs decrease, participation rates may be 
increased. We purchase call options weekly based upon new and renewing index account values during the
applicable week, and the purchases are made by category according to the particular products and indices 
applicable to the new or renewing account values. Any proceeds received on the options at the expiration 
of the one-year term fund the related index credits to the policyholders. If there is no gain in an index, the 
policyholder receives a zero index credit on the policy, and we incur no costs beyond the option cost, 
except in cases where the minimum guaranteed value of a contract exceeds its index value. 

Fair value changes associated with the call options are reported as an increase or decrease in revenues
in our consolidated statements of income in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
(“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The risk associated with 
prospective purchases of future one-year options is the uncertainty of the cost, which will determine 
whether we are able to earn our spread on our index business. All our index products permit us to modify 
participation rates, annual income caps or asset fees at least once a year. This feature is comparable to our 
fixed rate annuities, which allow us to adjust crediting rates annually. By modifying our participation rates 
or other features, we can limit our costs of purchasing the related one-year call options, except in cases 
where contractual features would prevent further modifications. Based upon actuarial testing which we 
conduct as a part of the design of our index products and on an ongoing basis, we believe the risk that 
contractual features would prevent us from controlling option costs is not material.

After the purchase of the one-year call options and payment of acquisition costs, we invest the balance 
of index premiums as a part of our general account invested assets. With respect to the index products, our 
investment spread is measured as the difference between the aggregate yield on the relevant portion of our 
invested assets, less the aggregate option costs and the costs associated with minimum guarantees. If the 
minimum guaranteed value of an index product exceeds the index value (computed on a cumulative basis 
over the life of the contract) then the general account earnings are available to satisfy the minimum 
guarantees. If there were little or no gains in the entire series of one-year options purchased over the 
expected life of an index annuity (typically 10 to 15 years), then we would incur expenses for credited 
interest over and above our option costs, causing our spread to tighten and reducing our profits or 
potentially resulting in losses on these products. 

Under SFAS No. 133, all derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded 

in other contracts) associated with our index products are recognized in the balance sheet at their fair 
values and changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings. This impacts the items of revenue 
and expense we report on our index business as follows: 

(cid:127) We must mark to market the purchased call options we use to fund the annual index credits on our 

index annuities based upon quoted market prices from related counterparties. We record the 
change in fair value of these options as a component of our revenues. Included within the change in
fair value of the options is an element reflecting the time value of the options, which initially is their 
purchase cost declining to zero at the end of their one-year lives. The change in fair value of 
derivatives also includes proceeds received at the expiration of the one year option terms and gains 
or losses recognized upon early termination. 

(cid:127) Under SFAS No. 133, the future annual index credits on our index annuities are treated as a “series 
of embedded derivatives” over the expected life of the applicable contracts. We are required to 
estimate the fair value of policy liabilities for index annuities, including the embedded derivatives, 

Page 35 of 55 

by valuing the “host” (or guaranteed) component of the liabilities and projecting (i) the expected
index credits on the next policy anniversary dates and (ii) the net cost of annual options we will 
purchase in the future to fund index credits. Our estimates of the fair value of these embedded 
derivatives are based on assumptions related to underlying policy terms (including annual 
participation rates, cap rates, asset fees, and minimum guarantees), index values, notional amounts, 
strike prices and expected lives of the policies. The change in fair value of embedded derivatives 
increases with increases in volatility in the indices and interest rates. The change in fair value of the 
embedded derivatives will not correspond to the change in fair value of the purchased options 
because the purchased options are one-year options while the options valued in the fair value of 
embedded derivatives cover the expected life of the contracts which typically exceed 10 years. 

(cid:127) We adjust the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements to 

reflect the impact of the items discussed above. 

The amounts reported with respect to our index business for SFAS No. 133 are summarized as 

follows: 

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004
(Dollars in thousands) 

2003

Change in fair value of derivatives:

Proceeds received at expiration or gains recognized upon
early termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of money for index annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in difference between fair value and remaining 
option cost at beginning and end of period . . . . . . . . . .

$ 89,942 
(114,234)

$ 87,619 
(59,432)

$ 45,827
(55,889)

6,263

509
$  (18,029) $  28,696 

62,587
$  52,525

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives - index 

annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 26,461 

$ (8,567) $ 66,801

Related increase (decrease) in amortization of deferred 

policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements .

$ (12,314)  $ 6,408  

$ (1,692)

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements 

Commissions and certain other costs relating to the production of new business are not expensed

when incurred but instead are capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs or deferred sales 
inducements. Only costs which are expected to be recovered from future policy revenues and gross profits 
may be deferred. Deferred policy acquisition costs consist principally of commissions and certain costs of
policy issuance. Deferred sales inducements consist of first-year premium and interest bonuses credited to 
policyholder account balances. Amortization of deferred sales inducements is reported as a component of
interest credited to account balances in the consolidated statements of income. 

Deferred policy acquisition costs totaled $977.0 million and $713.0 million at December 31, 2005 and 
2004, respectively. Deferred sales inducements totaled $315.9 million and $159.5 million at December 31, 
2005 and 2004, respectively. For annuity and single premium universal life products, these costs are being 
amortized generally in proportion to expected gross profits from investments and, to a lesser extent, from 
surrender charges and mortality and expense margins. Current period amortization must be adjusted 
retrospectively if changes occur in estimates of future gross profits/margins (including the impact of 
realized investment gains and losses). Our estimates of future gross profits/margins are based on actuarial 
assumptions related to the underlying policies terms, lives of the policies, yield on investments supporting 
the liabilities and level of expenses necessary to maintain the polices over their entire lives. 

Page 36 of 55 

 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Income Tax Assets 

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, we had $92.5 million and $56.1 million, respectively, of net 
deferred income tax assets. The realization of these assets is based upon estimates of future taxable 
income, which requires management judgment. Based upon projections of future taxable income, and 
considering all other available evidence, management believes the realization of these assets is more likely 
than not and we have not recorded a valuation allowance against these assets. 

Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2005 

Annuity deposits by product type collected during 2005, 2004 and 2003, were as follows:  

Product Type 

Index Annuities: 

Index Strategies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Fixed Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Fixed Rate Annuities: 

Single-Year Rate Guaranteed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Multi-Year Rate Guaranteed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total before coinsurance ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coinsurance ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net after coinsurance ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004
(Dollars in thousands) 

2003

$1,780,092 
908,868 
2,688,960 

$1,119,398 
545,630 
1,665,028  

$ 768,105
330,539
1,098,644

193,288 
12,807 
206,095 
2,895,055
4,688 
$2,890,367

287,619 
21,324 
308,943  
1,973,971
202,064 
$1,771,907

564,256
64,108
628,364
1,727,008
649,434
$1,077,574

For information related to our coinsurance agreements, see note 5 to our audited consolidated 

financial statements. 

Gross annuity deposits for 2005 increased 47% compared to 2004, and increased 14% in 2004

compared to 2003, resulting from increased marketing efforts following the completion of our initial public 
offering (“IPO”). 

Net annuity deposits after coinsurance increased 63% during 2005 compared to 2004, and increased 

64% during 2004 compared to 2003, because we reduced  the coinsurance percent in our coinsurance 
agreement with EquiTrust Life Insurance Company (“EquiTrust”), a subsidiary of FBL Financial 
Group, Inc. (“FBL”), from 40% in 2003 to 20% in 2004, and effective August 1, 2004, we suspended the 
EquiTrust coinsurance agreement. 

Net income increased 47% to $43.0 million in 2005, and 15% to $29.3 million in 2004, from $25.4
million in 2003. The increases in net income were principally due to growth in the volume of business in 
force and increases in the investment spread earned on our annuity liabilities. Our net annuity liabilities 
(after coinsurance ceded) increased from $5.4 billion at the beginning of 2003 to $10.2 billion at the end of 
2005. As set forth in a table included earlier in this item, we increased our aggregate investment spread to 
2.48% in 2005 compared to 2.38% in 2004 and 2.30% in 2003. Net income in each year was also impacted 
by the application of SFAS No. 133 to our index annuity business which we estimate decreased net income 
in 2005 by $7.8 million , increased net income in 2004 by $1.7 million and decreased net income in 2003 by 
$1.6 million. Net income in 2003 was favorably impacted by realized gains on sales of investments of $2.5
million net of income taxes and certain adjustments for changes in amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. 

The comparisons of net income also reflect the impact of the consolidation of the Service Company. 

As discussed in note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements, we acquired the Service Company 
on September 2, 2005, resulting in the consolidation of the Service Company as a wholly-owned subsidiary 

Page 37 of 55 

 
 
 
 
 
of the Company, rather than an “implicit variable interest” under FSP FIN 46(R)-5. Prior to the
acquisition, we had an implicit variable interest in the Service Company and we consolidated the Service 
Company under FSP FIN 46(R)-5 upon its adoption by us in the first quarter of 2005. As permitted by the 
FSP, we applied FSP FIN 46(R)-5 retroactive to January 1, 2003, the date of our original adoption of FIN 
46. The consolidation of the Service Company reduced net income by $3.2 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2005. This amount was principally due to a $2.5 million distribution to the former 
shareholder of the Service Company prior to the September 2, 2005 acquisition and adjustments to the 
Service Company’s income tax liabilities as a result of a change in its effective income tax rate upon
becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The adoption of FSP FIN 46(R)-5 and consolidation 
of the Service Company as an “implicit variable interest”resulted in an increase in income tax expense of 
$16.3 million during 2004 due to a change in the federal income tax status of the Service Company. 

Annuity and single premium universal life product charges (surrender charges assessed against policy 
withdrawals and mortality and expense charges assessed against single premium universal life policyholder 
account balances) increased 14% to $25.7 million in 2005, and 10% to $22.5 million in 2004, from $20.5
million in 2003. Withdrawals from annuity and single premium universal life policies subject to surrender 
charges were $179.3 million, $147.0 million and $166.9 million for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 
average surrender charge collected on withdrawals subject to surrender charges was 14.2%, 15.2% and 
12.2% for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in average surrender charges collected in 2004
compared to 2003 was principally due to a higher amount of surrenders in 2003 related to products which 
had a market value adjustment feature which reduced the amount of surrender charges collected on these 
surrenders. 

Net investment income increased 29% to $554.1 million in 2005 and 20% to $428.4 million in 2004

from $357.3 million in 2003. These increases are principally attributable to the growth in our annuity 
business and corresponding increases in our invested assets, offset by decreases in the average yield earned 
on investments. Invested assets (on an amortized cost basis) increased 32% to $10.5 billion at 
December 31, 2005 and 27% to $8.0 billion at December 31, 2004 compared to $6.2 billion at 
December 31, 2003, while the average yield earned on average invested assets was 6.18%, 6.28% and 
6.43% for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The declines in the yield earned on average invested assets 
are principally attributable to the reinvestment of net proceeds from called securities at lower yields. See 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 

Realized gains (losses) on investments fluctuate from year to year due to changes in the interest rate 

and economic environment and the timing of the sale of investments. Realized gains and losses on
investments include gains and losses on the sale of securities as well as losses recognized when the fair 
value of a security is written down in recognition of an “other than temporary” impairment. The
components of realized gains (losses) on investments for the year ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 
2003 are summarized as follows:

Page 38 of 55 

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004
(Dollars in thousands) 

2003

Available for sale fixed maturity securities: 

Gross realized gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross realized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Write downs (other than temporary impairments) . . . . . . . . .

Equity securities: 

Gross realized gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross realized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Write downs (other than temporary impairments) . . . . . . . . .

$ 5,334 
(3,642)
(8,902)
(7,210) 

$ 13,720 
(220)
(12,828)
672 

$19,922
(4,216)
(9,821)
5,885

135
—
(560)
(425) 
$(7,635)  $

272
(1)
—
271 
943  

1,358
(297)
—
1,061
$ 6,946

See Financial Condition—Investments for additional discussion of write downs of the fair value of 

securities for other than temporary impairments. 

Change in fair value of derivatives (call options purchased to fund annual index credits on index 
annuities) was a decrease of $18.0 million in 2005, and increases of $28.7 million in 2004 and $52.5 million 
in 2003. See Critical Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments—Index Products for the components of 
the change in fair value of derivatives. 

The difference between the change in fair value of derivatives between the periods is primarily due to 
the performance of the indices upon which our options are based. A substantial portion of our options are 
based upon the S&P 500 Index with the remainder based upon other equity and bond market indices. The 
range of index appreciation for options expiring during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 
is as follows: 

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2003

S&P 500 Index 

Point-to-point strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monthly average strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monthly point-to-point strategy . . . . . . . . . . .

1.6% - 14.9% 5.4% - 31.3% 0.0% - 24.5%
0.0% - 9.9% 2.3% - 29.2% 0.0% - 17.8%
N/A 
0.9% - 12.0%

N/A 

Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate and 

U.S. Treasury indices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.2% - 7.7% 

1.8% - 6.8% 

0.0% - 14.2%

Actual amounts credited to policyholder account balances may be less than the index appreciation due 
to contractual features in the index annuity policies (participation rates, caps and asset fees) which allow us 
to manage the cost of the options purchased to fund the annual index credits. 

The change in fair value of derivatives is also influenced by the aggregate cost of options purchased. 

The aggregate cost of options has increased primarily due to an increased amount of index annuities in 
force. The aggregate cost of options is also influenced by the amount of policyholder funds allocated to the 
various indices, market volatility which affects option pricing and the policy terms and historical experience 
which affects the strikes and caps of the options we purchase. See Critical Accounting Policies—Derivative 
Instruments—Index Products. 

Page 39 of 55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest credited to account balances increased 1% to $306.6 million in 2005 and 23% to $305.8
million in 2004 from $248.1 million in 2003. The components of interest credited to account balances are 
summarized as follows:  

Index credits on index policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest credited on fixed rate annuities and amounts

allocated to fixed rate option and minimum guaranteed 
interest for index annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005 

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 
(Dollars in thousands) 
$122,667 

2003

$ 44,156

$ 95,020 

199,363 
12,225
$306,608 

172,460  
10,635
$305,762  

198,387
5,532
$248,075

The changes in index credits were attributable to changes in the appreciation of the underlying indices 

(see discussion above under change in fair value of derivatives) and the amount of funds allocated by 
policyholders to the respective index options. The increases in interest credited on fixed rate annuities and 
amounts allocated to the fixed rate option and minimum guaranteed interest for index annuities were due 
to the growth in the annuity liabilities outstanding, partially offset by decreases in interest crediting rates 
on many of our products which we implemented in connection with our spread management process (see 
table above for average crediting rates for fixed rate annuities). The average amount of annuity liabilities 
outstanding (net of annuity liabilities ceded under coinsurance agreements increased 28% for 2005 to $8.9
billion from $7.0 billion in 2004 and $5.9 billion in 2003. The increases in amortization of deferred sales 
inducements during 2005 and 2004 were principally attributable to growth in sales of premium and interest 
bonus products. Bonus products represented 68%, 64% and 58% of our total annuity deposits during 2005, 
2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in 2005 from this factor was offset by a $0.8 million reduction in
amortization associated with net realized capital losses during the year. 

Change in fair value of embedded derivatives was an increase of $31.1 million during 2005 compared 
to a decrease of $8.6 million in 2004 and an increase of $66.8 million in 2003. The change in the amount of 
expense recognized during 2005, 2004 and 2003 primarily resulted from the increase or decrease in 
expected index credits on the next policy anniversary dates, which are related to the change in the fair 
value of the options acquired to fund these index credits discussed above in the “Change in fair value of 
derivatives”. In addition, the host value of the index reserve liabilities increased primarily as a result of 
increases in index annuity premium deposits. See Critical Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments—
Index Products. Change in fair value of embedded derivatives also increased by $4.6 million in 2005 for the 
change in fair value of the conversion option embedded within our contingent convertible senior notes. 
This option is required to be marked to market in accordance with SFAS No. 133. See note 7 to our 
audited consolidated financial statements. 

Interest expense on notes payable increased to $16.3 million in 2005 compared to $2.4 million in 2004 

and $2.7 million in 2003. The increase in 2005 was primarily due to the issuance of $260.0 million of
convertible senior notes at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum during December 2004. The decrease in 2004
was principally due to a reduction in the principal amount of notes payable outstanding. See note 7 to our 
audited consolidated financial statements. 

Interest expense on subordinated debentures for 2005 increased to $14.1 million in 2005 from $9.6
million in 2004. The comparable amount for 2003 was $7.7 million. These increases were primarily due to 
the issuance of additional floating rate subordinated debentures of $56.7 million, $59.3 million and $12.4 
million during 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and changes in weighted average interest rates which
were 7.38%, 7.01% and 7.35% for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The amount of subordinated 
debentures outstanding at December 31, 2005 was $230.7 million compared to $173.6 million at 
December 31, 2004. See Financial Condition—Liabilities. 

Page 40 of 55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements increased to $11.3 million in 2005

from $3.1 million in 2004 and $1.3 million in 2003. The increases were principally due to increases in the 
borrowings outstanding which averaged $318.8 million, $196.3 million and $84.6 million during 2005, 2004
and 2003, respectively and increases in the weighted average interest rates on amounts borrowed which 
were 3.54%, 1.60% and 1.35% for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. 

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs increased 1% to $68.1 million in 2005 and 43% to
$67.9 million in 2004 from $47.5 million in 2003. These increases are primarily due to additional annuity 
deposits as discussed above. The comparisons between years are further effected by amortization 
associated with net realized capital gains and losses and amortization associated with the application of 
SFAS No.133 to our index annuity business. Net realized capital gains and losses reduced amortization in 
2005 by $2.7 million and increased amortization in 2003 by $3.1 million. As discussed above, the 
application of SFAS No. 133 to our index annuity business creates differences in the recognition of 
revenues and expenses from derivative instruments including the embedded derivative liabilities in our 
index annuity contracts. As a result, gross profits used to compute the amortization of deferred policy 
acquisition costs are adjusted to reflect the application of SFAS No. 133 to our index annuity business. 
These gross profit adjustments reduced amortization in 2005 and 2003 and increased amortization in 2004
as follows: 2005 - $(9.1) million; 2004 - $5.0 million; 2003 - $(1.5) million. 

Other operating costs and expenses increased 10% to $35.9 million in 2005 and 26% to $32.5 million

in 2004 from $25.8 million in 2003. The increase during 2005 compared to 2004 was principally attributable 
to an increase of $2.9 million in salaries and related costs of employment due to the growth in our annuity 
business and an increase of $1.8 million in legal fees. These increases were offset in part by a decrease of 
$1.2 million in insurance taxes and other assessments as no additional expense was incurred in 2005 related 
to guaranty fund assessments. The increase during 2004 compared to 2003 was principally attributable to 
$1.8 million of paid and accrued guaranty fund assessments related to the insolvency of London Pacific 
Life and Annuity Company, an increase of $1.4 million in salaries and related costs of employment due to 
the growth in our annuity business, $0.8 million in marketing and advertising costs, and $1.1 million in
printing and postage costs related to existing policies and marketing of new policies. 

Income tax expense decreased 37% to $25.4 million in 2005 from $40.6 million in 2004 from $13.5
million in 2003. As discussed above and in note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements, income 
tax expense for 2004 increased by $16.3 million due to the change in the Service Company’s federal income 
tax status. Excluding the impact of this item, the increases in income tax expense were principally due to 
increases in pre-tax income. After taking into consideration the impact of the change in the Service 
Company’s federal income tax status in 2004, our effective tax rates for 2005, 2004, and 2003 were 36%, 
35% and 34%, respectively. See note 6 to our audited consolidated financial statements. 

Financial Condition

Investments 

Our investment strategy is to maintain a predominantly investment grade fixed income portfolio, 
provide adequate liquidity to meet our cash obligations to policyholders and others and maximize current
income and total investment return through active investment management. Consistent with this strategy, 
our investments principally consist of fixed maturity securities and short-term investments. 

Insurance statutes regulate the type of investments that our life subsidiaries are permitted to make 
and limit the amount of funds that may be used for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes 
and regulations and our business and investment strategy, we generally seek to invest in United States 
government agency securities and corporate securities rated investment grade by established nationally 
recognized rating organizations or in securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated. 

Page 41 of 55 

We have classified a portion of our fixed maturity investments as available for sale. Available for sale 

securities are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses, if any, on these securities (net of 
income taxes and certain adjustments for changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and 
deferred sales inducements) are included directly in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, thereby 
exposing stockholders’ equity to volatility due to changes in market interest rates and the accompanying
changes in the reported value of securities classified as available-for-sale, with stockholders’ equity 
increasing as interest rates decline and, conversely, decreasing as interest rates rise. 

Investments increased to $10.5 billion at December 31, 2005 compared to $8.0 billion at December 31, 

2004 as a result of the growth in our annuity business discussed above. At December 31, 2005, the fair 
value of our available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities was $88.7 million less than the amortized
cost of those investments, compared to $65.0 million at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2005, the 
amortized cost of our fixed maturity securities held for investment exceeded the fair value by $112.8
million, compared to $92.7 million at December 31, 2004. The increase in net unrealized investment losses 
at December 31, 2005 compared to December 31, 2004 was generally related to an increase in market 
interest rates. 

The composition of our investment portfolio is summarized in the table below:  

Fixed maturity securities: 

United States Government full faith and 
credit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

United States Government sponsored 

agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Public utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:

Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Non-Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total fixed maturity securities . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage loans on real estate. . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 

2005

2004

Carrying 
Amount 

  Percent 

Carrying 
Amount 

  Percent 

(Dollars in thousands) 

$

2,774

— 

$

2,406 

— 

7,445,474
133,346
674,230
46,896 

220,379
377,011
8,900,110
84,846 
1,321,637
185,391
362
$10,492,346

71.0%
1.3% 
6.4%
0.4%

2.1%
3.6%
84.8%
0.8%
12.6%
1.8%
—
100.0% 

5,728,488
44,849
338,407
35,369

257,004
397,293
6,803,816
38,303
959,779
148,006
362
$7,950,266 

72.0%
0.6%
4.3%
0.4%

3.2%
5.0%
85.5%
0.5%
12.1%
1.9%
—
100.0%

Page 42 of 55 

 
 
 
 
The table below presents our total fixed maturity securities by NAIC designation and the equivalent 

ratings of a nationally recognized securities rating organization.  

December 31, 

2005 

2004

NAIC

Rating Agency 

1   Aaa/Aa/A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Baa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Ba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 3
B 
4  
Caa and lower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
In or near default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6

Carrying 
Amount 

$8,368,330
416,614
93,335 
3,396
11,719 
6,716
$8,900,110

  Percent 

Carrying 
Amount 
(Dollars in thousands) 
94.0% 
4.7%
1.0%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
100.0% 

$6,585,322
162,298
20,555
14,124  
13,298
8,219
$6,803,816 

  Percent 

96.8%
2.4%
0.3%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
100.0%

At December 31, 2005 and 2004, we held $1.3 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, of mortgage loans 

with commitments outstanding of $75.1 million at December 31, 2005. These mortgage loans are 
diversified as to property type, location, and loan size, and are collateralized by the related properties. Our 
mortgage lending policies establish limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and require 
diversification by geographic location and collateral type. As of December 31, 2005, there were no 
delinquencies or defaults in our mortgage loan portfolio. The commercial mortgage loan portfolio is 
diversified by geographic region and specific collateral property type as follows:  

Geographic distribution 
East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Middle Atlantic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West North Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West South Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property type distribution 
Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Medical Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Industrial/Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixed use/other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 

2005

2004

Carrying 
Amount 

  Percent 

Carrying 
  Amount 
(Dollars in thousands) 

  Percent 

$ 283,085
93,579
198,476
47,839
117,977
213,423
258,181
109,077
$1,321,637 

$ 384,606
75,716
285,715
346,461
52,274
68,795
108,070
$1,321,637 

21.4% 
7.1%
15.0%
3.6%
8.9%
16.1%
19.6%
8.3%
100.0% 

29.1% 
5.7%
21.6%
26.2%
4.0%
5.2%
8.2%
100.0% 

$196,805
80,098
148,608
50,624
84,860
166,606
165,041
67,137
$959,779 

$296,995
65,396
218,133
236,835
25,652
44,984
71,784
$959,779 

20.5%
8.3 %
15.5 %
5.3 %
8.8 %
17.4 %
17.2%
7.0%
100.0 % 

30.9%
6.8 %
22.7 %
24.7 %
2.7 %
4.7 %
7.5 %
100.0 % 

Page 43 of 55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities 

Our liability for policy benefit reserves increased to $12.2 billion at December 31, 2005 compared to 

$9.8 billion at December 31, 2004, primarily due to additional annuity sales as discussed above.
Substantially all of our annuity products have a surrender charge feature designed to reduce the risk of 
early withdrawal or surrender of the policies and to compensate us for our costs if policies are withdrawn 
early. Notwithstanding these policy features, the withdrawal rates of policyholder funds may be affected by 
changes in interest rates and other factors. 

As part of our investment strategy, we enter into securities repurchase agreements (short-term 
collateralized borrowings). These borrowings are collateralized by investment securities with fair values 
approximately equal to the amount due. We earn investment income on the securities purchased with 
these borrowings at a rate in excess of the cost of these borrowings. Such borrowings averaged $318.8
million, $196.3 million and $84.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, 
respectively. The weighted average interest rate on amounts due under repurchase agreements was 3.54%, 
1.60% and 1.35% for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. 

In December 2004, we issued $260.0 million of contingent convertible senior notes due December 6,

2024. The notes are unsecured and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum. Interest is payable 
semi-annually in arrears on June 6 and December 6 of each year, beginning June 6, 2005. In addition to 
regular interest on the notes, beginning with the six-month interest period ending June 6, 2012, we will also 
pay contingent interest under certain conditions at a rate of 0.5% per annum based on the average trading 
price of the notes during a specified period. 

The notes are convertible at the holders’ option prior to the maturity date into cash and shares of our 

common stock under certain conditions. The conversion price per share is $14.45 which represents a 
conversion rate of 69.2 shares of our common stock per $1,000 in principal amount of notes. Upon
conversion, we will deliver to the holder cash equal to the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be 
converted and will deliver shares of our common stock for the amount by which the conversion value 
exceeds the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted (commonly referred to as “net share 
settlement”). See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details concerning the 
conversion features of the notes and the dilutive effect of the notes in our diluted earnings per share 
calculation. 

We may redeem the notes at any time on or after December 15, 2011. The holders of the notes may 
require us to repurchase their notes on December 15, 2011, 2014, and 2019 and for a certain period of time 
following a change in control. The redemption price or the repurchase price shall be payable in cash and 
equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent
interest and liquidated damages, if any) up to but not including the date of redemption or repurchase. 

The notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in the right of payment with all existing
and future senior indebtedness and senior to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The notes 
effectively rank junior in the right of payment to any existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent
of the value of the assets securing such secured indebtedness. The notes are structurally subordinated to all 
liabilities of our subsidiaries. 

Our subsidiary trusts have issued fixed rate and floating rate trust preferred securities and the trusts 

have used the proceeds from these offerings to purchase subordinated debentures from us. We also issued 
subordinated debentures to the trusts in exchange for all of the common securities of each trust. The sole 
assets of the trusts are the subordinated debentures and any interest accrued thereon. The terms of the 
preferred securities issued by each trust parallel the terms of the subordinated debentures. Our obligations 
under the subordinated debentures and related agreements provide a full and unconditional guarantee of 
payments due under the trust preferred securities. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards 

Page 44 of 55 

Board Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting
Research Bulletin No. 51”, we do not consolidate our subsidiary trusts and record our subordinated debt 
obligations to the trusts and our equity investments in the trusts. See notes 1 and 9 to our audited 
consolidated financial statements for additional information concerning our subordinated debentures
payable to and the preferred securities issued by the subsidiary trusts. 

Following is a summary of subordinated debt obligations to the trusts at December 31, 2005 and 2004:

December 31, 

2005 

2004

Interest 
Rate

Due Date

American Equity Capital Trust I . . . . .
American Equity Capital Trust II . . . .
American Equity Capital Trust III. . . .
American Equity Capital Trust IV. . . .
American Equity Capital Trust VII . . .
American Equity Capital Trust VIII . .
American Equity Capital Trust IX. . . .
American Equity Capital Trust X . . . .
American Equity Capital Trust XI. . . .

(Dollars in thousands) 
$ 24,073
77,861
27,840
12,372
10,830  Floating  September 14, 2034
Floating December 22, 2034
20,600

September 30, 2029
June 1, 2047
April 29, 2034
January 8, 2034

8%
5%
Floating
Floating

June 15, 2035 
— Floating
— Floating
September 15, 2035
— 8.595% December 15, 2035

$173,576 

$ 23,903
78,383
27,840
12,372
10,830
20,620
15,470
20,620
20,620
$230,658 

The interest rate for the floating rate subordinated debentures is based upon the three month London

Interbank Offered Rate plus 4.00% for Trust III and IV, 3.75% for Trust VII and VIII and 3.65% for 
Trust IX and X. The interest rate for Trust XI is fixed at 8.595% for 5 years and then is floating based 
upon the three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3.65%. 

American Equity Capital Trust I issued 865,671 shares of trust preferred securities, of which 2,000
shares are held by one of our subsidiaries. During 2005 and 2004, 5,667 and 88,000 shares of these trust 
preferred securities converted into 20,988 shares and 325,923 shares, respectively, of our common stock. 
The remaining 770,004 shares of these trust preferred securities not held by a subsidiary are convertible 
into 2,851,806 shares of our common stock. 

American Equity Capital Trust II issued $97.0 million (97,000 shares) of 5% trust preferred securities 

and we issued $100 million of our 5% subordinated debentures. The consideration received by American
Equity Capital Trust II in connection with the issue of its trust preferred securities consisted of fixed 
income trust preferred securities of equal value issued by FBL. 

During the third quarter of 2004, we entered into a $50 million revolving line of credit with three 
banks. There is no amount outstanding under this revolving line of credit at December 31, 2005. See note 7
to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional details concerning the terms of the 
revolving line of credit. 

At December 31, 2005, one of our subsidiaries had $16.4 million outstanding under a credit agreement 

with a third party. Quarterly payments in amounts ranging from $1.1 million to $1.5 million are payable 
over the next sixteen quarters with interest computed at a fixed rate of 11.2%. Cash and cash equivalents at 
December 31, 2005 include $2.6 million of restricted cash under the terms of the credit agreement. See 
note 7 to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional information concerning this credit
agreement. 

On February 15, 2006, American Equity Capital Trust XII (“Trust XII”) issued 30 million of floating 

rate (three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3.50%) trust preferred securities. In connection 
with the issuance of these trust preferred securities and the related purchase by us of all of Trust XII’s 

Page 45 of 55 

 
 
 
common securities, we issued $30.9 million in principal amount of floating rate subordinated debentures 
due April 7, 2036 to Trust XII.

Stockholders’ Equity 

In 1997, in connection with a rights offering of shares of our common stock, we issued subscription
rights to purchase an aggregate of 2,157,375 shares of our common stock to certain officers and directors. 
The subscription rights had an exercise price of $5.33 per share. Subscription rights with respect to 
2,151,375 and 6,000 shares were exercised during 2005 and 2004, respectively. 

During 1998, we issued 625,000 shares of 1998 Series A Participating Preferred Stock (aggregate 
liquidation preference of $10.0 million). During 2004, all of these shares converted into 1,875,000 shares of 
our common stock. Prior to conversion, these shares had participating dividend rights with the shares of 
our common stock, when and as such dividends were declared. 

During 2003, we purchased 1,435,500 shares of our common stock at a total cost of $9.3 million ($6.49
per share). We issued these shares and 155,583 shares held as treasury stock to a rabbi trust established for 
the benefit of agents who have earned shares of our common stock under the American Equity Investment 
NMO Deferred Compensation Plan. See note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements. 

On December 9, 2003, we completed an initial public offering of 18,700,000 shares of our common
stock at a price of $9.00 per share. Pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters in 
this offering, the underwriters purchased an additional 2,000,000 shares on December 29, 2003 and an
additional 805,000 shares on January 7, 2004, which fully exercised the over-allotment option. The 
proceeds from our initial public offering (including proceeds from shares issued pursuant to the over-
allotment option), net of the underwriting discount and expenses, were approximately $178.0 million. 

During 2005 and 2004, we issued 19,500 shares and 54,385 shares, respectively, of our common stock 

to an agent’s beneficiaries in relation to shares earned under the American Equity Investment NMO 
Deferred Compensation Plan. See note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements. 

On December 20, 2005, we completed an offering of 13,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price 
of $11.60 per share. Pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters in this offering, the 
underwriters purchased an additional 1,950,000 shares on December 30, 2005. The proceeds from this 
offering (including proceeds from shares issued pursuant to the over-allotment option), net of the 
underwriting discount and expenses, were approximately $163.5 million. 

Liquidity for Insurance Operations 

Our life subsidiaries generally receive adequate cash flow from premium collections and investment 
income to meet their obligations. Annuity and life insurance liabilities are generally long-term in nature. 
Policyholders may, however, withdraw funds or surrender their policies, subject to surrender and 
withdrawal penalty provisions. At December 31, 2005, approximately 98% of our annuity liabilities were 
subject to penalty upon surrender, with a weighted average remaining surrender charge period of 12 years 
and a weighted average surrender charge rate of 13%. 

We believe that the diversity of our investment portfolio and the concentration of investments in high-

quality securities provides sufficient liquidity to meet foreseeable cash requirements. The investment
portfolio at December 31, 2005 included $3.5 billion (amortized cost basis) of publicly traded available for 
sale investment grade bonds. Although there is no present need or intent to dispose of such investments, 
our life subsidiaries could readily liquidate portions of their investments, if such a need arose. See 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk for further discussion of the related interest 
rate risk exposure. In addition, investments could be used to facilitate borrowings under repurchase 

Page 46 of 55 

agreements . As indicated above, such borrowings have been used by American Equity Life from time to 
time to increase our return on investments. 

Liquidity of Parent Company 

We, as the parent company, are a legal entity separate and distinct from our subsidiaries, and have no 
business operations. We need liquidity primarily to service our debt, including the convertible senior notes 
and subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts, pay operating expenses and pay dividends to 
stockholders. The primary sources of funds for these payments are: (i) investment advisory fees from our 
life subsidiaries; (ii) dividends on capital stock and surplus note interest payments from American Equity 
Life; and (iii) investment income on our investments. These sources provide adequate cash flow to us to 
meet our current and reasonably foreseeable future obligations. We may also obtain cash by drawing down 
our $50 million revolving line of credit or by issuing debt or equity securities. 

The payment of dividends or distributions, including surplus note payments, by our life subsidiaries is 

subject to regulation by each subsidiary’s state of domicile’s insurance department. Currently, American 
Equity Life may pay dividends or make other distributions without the prior approval of its state of
domicile’s insurance department, unless such payments, together with all other such payments within the 
preceding twelve months, exceed the greater of (1) American Equity Life’s net gain from operations for 
the preceding calendar year, or (2) 10% of American Equity Life’s statutory surplus at the preceding 
December 31. For 2006, up to approximately $68.7 million can be distributed as dividends by American 
Equity Life without prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Division. In addition, dividends and surplus note 
payments may be made only out of statutory earned surplus, and all surplus note payments are subject to 
prior approval by regulatory authorities in the life subsidiary’s state of domicile. American Equity Life had 
approximately $92.5 million of statutory earned surplus at December 31, 2005. 

The maximum distribution permitted by law or contract is not necessarily indicative of an insurer’s 

actual ability to pay such distributions, which may be constrained by business and regulatory 
considerations, such as the impact of such distributions on surplus, which could affect the insurer’s ratings 
or competitive position, the amount of premiums that can be written and the ability to pay future dividends 
or make other distributions. Further, state insurance laws and regulations require that the statutory surplus 
of our life subsidiaries following any dividend or distribution must be reasonable in relation to their 
outstanding liabilities and adequate for their financial needs. 

The transfer of funds by American Equity Life is also restricted by a covenant in our revolving line of 
credit agreement which requires American Equity Life to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio of 
200%. American Equity Life’s risk-based capital ratio was 330% at December 31, 2005. 

Statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for our life subsidiaries differ in many respects 

from those governing the preparation of financial statements under GAAP. Accordingly, statutory 
operating results and statutory capital and surplus may differ substantially from amounts reported in the 
GAAP basis financial statements for comparable items. Information as to statutory capital and surplus and
statutory net income for our life subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and for the years ended 
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is included in note 11 to our audited consolidated financial statements. 

In the normal course of business, we enter into financing transactions, lease agreements, or other 

commitments. These commitments may obligate us to certain cash flows during future periods. The 
following table summarizes such obligations as of December 31, 2005.  

Page 47 of 55 

Annuity and single premium universal 
life products(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Notes payable, including interest 

Total 

Less Than
1 year 

Payments Due by Period
1 - 3 
Years 
(Dollars in thousands) 

4 - 5 
Years 

After 5 
Years 

$11,688,840 

$867,156 

$2,608,391 

$1,853,616 

$6,359,677

payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

539,735

19,437 

37,497 

31,701

451,100

Subordinated debentures, including 

interest payments(2). . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage loan funding. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

769,125
4,059
75,080 
$13,076,839 

16,366 
1,290
75,080 
$979,329 

32,732 
2,378
— 
$2,680,998 

32,732
391
—  
$1,918,440 

687,295
—
—
$7,498,072

(1) Amounts shown in this table are projected payments through the year 2023 which we are contractually 
obligated to pay to our annuity policyholders. The payments are derived from actuarial models which 
assume a level interest rate scenario and incorporate assumptions regarding mortality and persistency, 
when applicable. These assumptions are based on our historical experience. Amounts shown are net 
of expected reinsurance recoveries. 

(2) Amount shown is net of equity investments in the Capital Trusts due to the contractual right of offset 

upon repayment of the notes. 

New Accounting Pronouncements 

In March 2004, the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on 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 guidance regarding the meaning of other-than-temporary 
impairment and its application to investments classified as either available for sale or held to maturity 
under FASB Statement No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and 
to equity securities accounted for under the cost method. Included in EITF 03-1 is guidance on how to 
account for impairments that are solely due to interest rate changes, including changes resulting from 
increases in sector credit spreads. This guidance was to become effective for reporting periods beginning 
after June 15, 2004. However, on September 30, 2004, the FASB issued a Staff Position that delayed the 
effective date for the recognition and measurement guidance of EITF 03-1 until additional clarifying 
guidance was issued. In June 2005, the FASB decided not to provide additional guidance on the meaning 
of other-than-temporary impairment, but directed the staff to issue proposed EITF Issue No. 03-1 as final. 
The final FSP (retitled FSP FAS 115-1) is effective for us beginning on January 1, 2006. The new standard 
is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 

(Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”). This standard requires expensing stock options 
and other share-based payments and supersedes SFAS No. 123, which had allowed companies to choose 
between expensing stock options or showing proforma disclosure only. This standard is effective for us as 
of January 1, 2006 and will apply to all awards granted, modified, cancelled or purchased after that date as 
well as the unvested portion of prior awards. We will adopt the standard as of the effective date and do not 
believe it will have a material effect on our financial statements as the unvested portion of prior awards is
immaterial. The effect on future financial statements is undeterminable as the amount of future grants of 
stock awards is unknown. 

In May 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154, “Accounting 
Changes and Error Corrections” (SFAS 154). The Statement replaces APB Opinion No. 20 and SFAS 3. 
SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting

Page 48 of 55 

 
 
 
principle. However, if it is impracticable to determine the effects of such changes, then other rules apply. 
SFAS 154 is effective January 1, 2006. Currently, we are not aware of any circumstances that require the 
application of SFAS 154, and there is no anticipated impact on the financial statements. 

In September 2005, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of 

Certified Public Accountants (AcSEC) issued Statement of Position 05-1 (“SOP 05-1”), “Accounting by 
Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of 
Insurance Contracts”. SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred 
acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance 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 on
Investments”. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, 
rights or coverages that occurs by 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. SOP 05-1
is effective for internal replacements occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2006. 
Retrospective application of SOP 05-1 to previously issued financial statements is not permitted. We are 
continuing to evaluate SOP 05-1 but do not believe that it will have a material impact on the financial
statements. 

Inflation 

Inflation does not have a significant effect on our balance sheet. We have minimal investments in
property, equipment or inventories. To the extent that interest rates may change to reflect inflation or 
inflation expectations, there would be an effect on our balance sheet and operations. Higher interest rates 
experienced in recent periods have decreased the value of our fixed maturity investments. It is likely that 
declining interest rates would have the opposite effect. It is not possible to calculate the effect such
changes in interest rates, if any, have had on our operating results. 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We seek to invest our available funds in a manner that will maximize shareholder value and fund 
future obligations to policyholders and debtors, subject to appropriate risk considerations. We seek to 
meet this objective through investments that: (i) consist predominately of investment grade fixed maturity 
securities; (ii) have projected returns which satisfy our spread targets; and (iii) have characteristics which 
support the underlying liabilities. Many of our products incorporate surrender charges, market interest 
rate adjustments or other features to encourage persistency. 

We seek to maximize the total return on our available for sale investments through active investment 

management. Accordingly, we have determined that our available for sale portfolio of fixed maturity 
securities is available to be sold in response to: (i) changes in market interest rates; (ii) changes in relative 
values of individual securities and asset sectors; (iii) changes in prepayment risks; (iv) changes in credit 
quality outlook for certain securities; (v) liquidity needs; and (vi) other factors. We have a portfolio of held 
for investment securities which consists principally of long duration bonds issued by U.S. government 
agencies. These securities are purchased to secure long-term yields which meet our spread targets and 
support the underlying liabilities. 

Interest rate risk is our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and 

decreases in market interest rates can affect the profitability of our products, the amount of interest we pay 
on our subordinated debentures, and the fair value of our investments. Our floating rate trust preferred 
securities issued by Trusts III, IV, VII, VIII, IX, X and XI (beginning on December 31, 2010) bear interest 
at the three month LIBOR plus 3.65% - 4.00%. Our outstanding balance of floating rate trust preferred 
securities was $104.5 million at December 31, 2005. The profitability of most of our products depends on 

Page 49 of 55 

the spreads between interest yield on investments and rates credited on insurance liabilities. We have the 
ability to adjust crediting rates (participation rates, asset fees or caps for index annuities) on substantially 
all of our annuity policies at least annually (subject to minimum guaranteed values). In addition, 
substantially all of our annuity products have surrender and withdrawal penalty provisions designed to
encourage persistency and to help ensure targeted spreads are earned. However, competitive factors, 
including the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or maintain
crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions. 

A major component of our interest rate risk management program is structuring the investment
portfolio with cash flow characteristics consistent with the cash flow characteristics of our insurance 
liabilities. We use computer models to simulate cash flows expected from our existing business under 
various interest rate scenarios. These simulations enable us to measure the potential gain or loss in fair 
value of our interest rate-sensitive financial instruments, to evaluate the adequacy of expected cash flows 
from our assets to meet the expected cash requirements of our liabilities and to determine if it is necessary 
to lengthen or shorten the average life and duration of our investment portfolio. The “duration” of a 
security is the time weighted present value of the security’s expected cash flows and is used to measure a 
security’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. When the durations of assets and liabilities are similar, 
exposure to interest rate risk is minimized because a change in value of assets should be largely offset by a
change in the value of liabilities. 

If interest rates were to increase 10% (45 basis points) from levels at December 31, 2005, we estimate 

that the fair value of our fixed maturity securities would decrease by approximately $302.9 million. The 
impact on stockholders’ equity of such decrease (net of income taxes and certain adjustments for changes 
in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements) would be an increase 
of $41.5 million in the accumulated other comprehensive loss. The computer models used to estimate the 
impact of a 10% change in market interest rates incorporate numerous assumptions, require significant 
estimates and assume an immediate and parallel change in interest rates without any management of the 
investment portfolio in reaction to such change. Consequently, potential changes in value of our financial
instruments indicated by the simulations will likely be different from the actual changes experienced under 
given interest rate scenarios, and the differences may be material. Because we actively manage our
investments and liabilities, our net exposure to interest rates can vary over time. However, any such 
decreases in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities (unless related to credit concerns of the issuer 
requiring recognition of an other than temporary impairment) would generally be realized only if we were 
required to sell such securities at losses prior to the their maturity to meet our liquidity needs, which we 
manage using the surrender and withdrawal provisions of our annuity contracts and through other means 
as discussed earlier. See Financial Condition—Liquidity for Insurance Operations for a further discussion
of the liquidity risk. 

At December 31, 2005, 86% of our fixed income securities have call features and 15% were subject to 
call redemption. Another 68% will become subject to call redemption through December 31, 2006. During
the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, we received $1.47 billion and $2.18 billion, respectively, in 
net redemption proceeds related to the exercise of such call options. We have reinvestment risk related to 
these redemptions to the extent we cannot reinvest the net proceeds in assets with credit quality and yield 
characteristics similar to the redeemed bonds. Such reinvestment risk typically occurs in a declining rate 
environment. Should rates decline to levels which tighten the spread between our average portfolio yield 
and average cost of interest credited on our annuity liabilities, we have the ability to reduce crediting rates 
on most of our annuity liabilities to maintain the spread at our targeted level. At December 31, 2005, 
approximately 88% of our annuity liabilities are subject to annual adjustment of the applicable crediting 
rates at our discretion, limited by minimum guaranteed crediting rates of 2% to 4%. 

Page 50 of 55 

With respect to our index annuities, we purchase call options on the applicable indices to fund the 
annual index credits on such annuities. These options are primarily one-year instruments purchased to 
match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. Fair value changes associated with those 
investments are substantially offset by an increase or decrease in the amounts added to policyholder 
account balances for index products. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the annual index 
credits to policyholders on their anniversaries were $95.0 million and $122.7 million, respectively. Proceeds 
received at expiration of these options related to such credits were $89.9 million and $87.6 million, 
respectively. The difference between proceeds received at expiration of these options and index credits is 
primarily due to credits attributable to minimum guaranteed interest self funded by us. Within our hedging 
process we purchase options out of the money to the extent of anticipated minimum guaranteed interest 
on index policies. On the anniversary dates of the index policies, we purchase new one-year call options to 
fund the next annual index credits. The risk associated with these prospective purchases is the uncertainty 
of the cost, which will determine whether we are able to earn our spread on our index business. This is a 
risk we attempt to manage through the terms of our index annuities, which permit us to change annual 
participation rates, asset fees, and caps, subject to contractual features. By modifying participation rates, 
asset fees or caps, we can limit option costs to budgeted amounts, except in cases where the contractual 
features would prevent further modifications. Based upon actuarial testing which we conduct as a part of 
the design of our index products and on an ongoing basis, we believe the risk that contractual features 
would prevent us from controlling option costs is not material. 

ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The consolidated financial statements are included as a part of this report on Form 10-K on pages F-1 

through F-35. 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None. 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. 

In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as of 
the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s management evaluated, 
with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the 
effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined 
in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and 
procedures, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the
disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on
a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or 
submits under the Exchange Act. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. 

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal 
control over financial reporting, as defined in the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal 
control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and the board
of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal 
control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems 
determined effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation

Page 51 of 55 

and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk
that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance 
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over 

financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 based upon criteria established in Internal Control—
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission. Based on the assessment, management determined that we maintained effective internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 based on those criteria. 

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated 
financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on 
management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2005. The report, which expressed unqualified opinions on management’s assessment and 
on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is included in 
this Item under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”. 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying management’s report on
internal controls over financial reporting, that American Equity Investment Life Holding Company 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). American Equity 
Investment Life Holding Company and Subsidiaries’ 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 consolidated statements. 

Page 52 of 55 

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 and procedures may deteriorate. 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that American Equity Investment Life Holding Company 

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, American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Subsidiaries 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 consolidated balance sheet of American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, 
changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2005, and our report 
dated March 13, 2006, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. 

Des Moines, Iowa 
March 13, 2006

/s/ KPMG 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during the quarter ended December 31, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to 
materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 

There is no information required to be disclosed on Form 8-K for the quarter ended December 31, 

2005 which has not been previously reported. 

Page 53 of 55 

PART III 

The information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement 

for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held June 8, 2006 to be filed with the Commission pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2005. 

PART IV 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 

Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules. See Index to Consolidated Financial
Statements and Schedules on page F-1 for a list of financial statements and financial statement schedules 
included in this report. 

All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements required by Article 7 of Regulation S-X 

are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or because the information is included
elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 

Exhibits.  See Exhibit Index immediately preceding the Exhibits for a list of Exhibits filed with this 

report. 

Page 54 of 55 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 

registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly 
authorized, this 14th day of March, 2006. 

SIGNATURES

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE
HOLDING COMPANY 

By: 

/s/ D.J. NOBLE
D.J. Noble, President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this registration statement has 

been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the 
dates indicated: 

Signature   

/s/ D.J. NOBLE
D.J. Noble 

/s/ WENDY L. CARLSON
Wendy L. Carlson 

/s/ TED M. JOHNSON
Ted M. Johnson 

/s/ JOHN C. ANDERSON
John C. Anderson 

/s/ JAMES M. GERLACH
James M. Gerlach 

/s/ ROBERT L. HILTON
Robert L. Hilton 

/S/ ROBERT L. HOWE
Robert L. Howe 

/s/ JOHN M. MATOVINA
John M. Matovina 

/s/ DAVID S. MULCAHY
David S. Mulcahy 

/s/ A.J. STRICKLAND, III 
A.J. Strickland, III 

/s/ HARLEY A. WHITFIELD
Harley A. Whitfield 

/s/ KEVIN R. WINGERT
Kevin R. Wingert 

Title (Capacity) 

Date 

Chairman of the Board and President, 
(Principal Executive Officer)

March 14, 2006

Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel
(Principal Financial Officer) 

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

March 14, 2006

Vice President - Accounting
(Principal Accounting Officer) 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Page 55 of 55 

(This page has been left blank intentionally.) 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004, AND 2003

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F-2

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Schedules 

Schedule I—Summary of Investments—Other Than Investments in Related Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule IV—Reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F-4
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-10

F-42
F-43
F-48
F-49

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American Equity Investment Life 

Holding Company and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated 
statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 
2005. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the 
financial statement schedules listed in the Index on page F-1. 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 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 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 
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material 

respects, the financial position of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Subsidiaries as 
of December 31, 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year 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 American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and 
Subsidiaries’ 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 13, 2006 expressed an 
unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over 
financial reporting.

Des Moines, Iowa 
March 13, 2006

/s/ KPMG 

F-2 

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American Equity Investment Life 

Holding Company as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in 
stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our 
audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index on page F-1 as of December 31, 
2004 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements and
schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on these financial statements and 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 
consolidated financial position of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company at December 31, 
2004, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the 
period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, 
in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the financial 
statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, during the first quarter of 2005, the 
Company changed its method of accounting for a variable interest entity retroactive to January 1, 2003. 

Des Moines, Iowa 
March 11, 2005, except for the 
fifth paragraph of Note 1, 
as to which the date is November 11, 2005 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

F-3 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

December 31,

2005 

2004

Assets 
Investments: 

Fixed maturity securities: 

Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2005—$4,274,159;

2004—$2,769,804) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 4,188,683 

$ 2,705,323

Held for investment, at amortized cost (fair value: 2005—$4,598,615;

2004—$4,005,775) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

4,711,427  

4,098,493

Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2005—$88,060;

2004—$38,838) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Mortgage loans on real estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coinsurance deposits—related party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred policy acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal income taxes recoverable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

84,846 
1,321,637 
185,391 
362 
10,492,346 
112,395 
1,959,663 
59,584 
977,015 
315,848 
92,459 
1,829 
31,655 
$14,042,794 

38,303
959,779
148,006
362
7,950,266
66,542
2,068,700
44,871
713,021
159,467
56,142
—
28,279
$ 11,087,288

F-4 

 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued) 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
Liabilities:

Policy benefit reserves: 

Traditional life and accident and health insurance products. . . . . . . . . .
Annuity and single premium universal life products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other policy funds and contract claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other amounts due to related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subordinated debentures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts due under repurchase agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stockholders’ equity: 

Common Stock, par value $1 per share, 75,000,000 shares authorized; 
issued and outstanding 2005—55,527,180 shares; 2004—38,360,343
shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 

2005 

2004

$

75,807 
12,162,181 
126,387 
27,677 
281,043 
230,658 
396,697 
— 
222,986 
13,523,436 

$ 

62,073
9,745,896
94,410
31,955
283,375
173,576
264,875
8,554
117,031
10,781,745

55,527 
379,107 
(27,306) 
112,030 
519,358 
$14,042,794 

38,360
215,793
(19,269)
70,659
305,543
$ 11,087,288

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-5 

 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2003

2005 

Revenues: 

Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums . . . . . .
Annuity and single premium universal life product charges . . . . . . . .
Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Realized gains (losses) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 13,578
25,686
554,118 
(7,635)
(18,029)
567,718 

$ 15,115
22,462
428,385 
943
28,696
495,601 

$ 13,686
20,452
357,295
6,946
52,525
450,904

Benefits and expenses: 

Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits . . . . . .
Interest credited to account balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements . . . .
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other operating costs and expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total benefits and expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes and minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13,375
306,608
31,087
16,324
14,145
11,280
68,109
35,896
496,824
70,894

13,423
305,762
(8,567)
2,358
9,609
3,148
67,867
32,520
426,120
69,481

11,824
248,075
66,801
2,713
7,661
1,278
47,450
25,794
411,596
39,308

Income tax expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Income before minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

25,402 
45,492 
2,500
$ 42,992 

40,611 
28,870 
(453 )
$ 29,323 

13,505
25,803
363
$ 25,440

Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

$
$

1.09 
0.99 

$
$

0.77 
0.71 

$
$

1.45
1.21

Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

39,333 
44,513 

38,159 
43,096 

17,560
22,170

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-6 

 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Balance at December 31, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income: 

Net income for year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in net unrealized investment 

gains/losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total comprehensive income:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of 20,700,000 shares of common stock 

less issuance expenses of $15,035 . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of 1,591,083 shares of common stock to 
the NMO Deferred Compensation Trust . . . . .

Acquisition of 1,435,500 shares of common

stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends on preferred stock ($0.03 per share) . .
Dividends on common stock ($0.01 per share). . .
Balance at December 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income: 

Net income for year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in net unrealized investment 

gains/losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of 805,000 shares of common stock less 
issuance expenses of $507 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercise of 6,000 management subscription

rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conversion of $2,640 of subordinated

debentures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conversion of 625,000 shares of Series Preferred 
Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of 54,385 shares of common stock . . . . .
Dividends on common stock ($0.02 per share). . .
Balance at December 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income: 

Net income for period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in net unrealized investment 

gains/losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conversion of $170 of subordinated debentures .
Issuance of 19,500 shares of common stock . . . . .
Issuance of 14,950,000 shares of common stock 

Preferred Common

Stock 
$ 625

Stock 
$ 14,438

Additional
Paid-in
Capital 
$ 56,811

Accumulated 
Other 

Comprehensive    Retained 
Earnings 
$ 17,548

Loss 
$ (11,944)

Total
  Stockholders’
Equity
$ 77,478

—

—

—

—

—

25,440

25,440

(10,798)

—

(10,798)
14,642

—

—

— 

— 

—
— 
—
625

—

—

— 

— 

— 

20,700

150,565

1,591 

8,939

(1,435)
— 
— 
35,294

(7,879)
—
—
208,436

—

—

—

—

805 

5,933

6 

26

326 

2,159

— 

— 

—
— 
— 
(22,742)

— 

171,265 

(533) 

9,997 

—
(19 ) 
(333 ) 

(9,314)
(19) 
(333) 

42,103

263,716

—

29,323

29,323

3,473

— 

— 

— 

—

— 

— 

— 

— 
—
(767 ) 

3,473
32,796

6,738 

32 

2,485 

— 
543
(767) 

70,659

305,543

(625)  
—
—
—

1,875 
54
— 
38,360

(1,250)
489
—
215,793

— 
—
— 
(19,269)

—

—

—
—

—

—

21 
20

—

—

139
202

—

42,992

42,992

(8,037)

— 
—

— 

—

— 
—

— 

(8,037)
34,955

160 
222

163,524 

less issuance expenses of $9,896 . . . . . . . . . . . .

— 

14,950

148,574

Exercise of 2,176,349 management subscription
rights and stock options, including related 
income tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends on common stock ($0.04 per share). . .
Balance at December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—
—
$ —

2,176
— 
$ 55,527

14,399
—
$ 379,107

—
— 
$ (27,306)

—
(1,621 ) 

16,575
(1,621) 

$ 112,030

$ 519,358

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands) 

Operating activities 
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating

activities: 
Adjustments related to interest sensitive products: 

Interest credited to account balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annuity and single premium universal life product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in traditional life and accident and health insurance reserves . . . . . . . . . .
Policy acquisition costs deferred. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for depreciation and other amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of discounts and premiums on fixed maturity securities . . . . . . . . . .
Realized losses (gains) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net increase in cash from consolidation of variable interest entity . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities: 

Accrued investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables from related parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal income taxes recoverable/payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other policy funds and contract claims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other amounts due to related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investing activities 
Sales, maturities, or repayments of investments: 

Fixed maturity securities—available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed maturity securities—held for investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity securities, available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage loans on real estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisitions of investments:

Fixed maturity securities—available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed maturity securities—held for investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity securities, available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage loans on real estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of property, furniture and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2003

2005

$

42,992 

$

29,323 

$ 

25,440

306,608
(25,686)
31,087
13,734
(325,424)
68,109
2,002
(188,463)
7,635
18,029
(31,990)
—

(14,713)
—
(10,383)
31,977
2,306
57,311 
(2,728)
(17,597)

305,762 
(22,462) 
(8,567) 
17,576 
(188,248) 
67,867 
1,434 
(139,025) 
(943) 
(28,696) 
820 
— 

(15,485) 
— 
10,291 
33,415 
12,730 
26,208 
(51) 
101,949 

248,075 
(20,452)
66,801
11,408
(104,408)
47,450
1,277 
(153,226)
(6,946)
(52,525)
(2,307)
2,776 

7,330 
393 
(9,924)
25,351
25,995
7,604 
(953)
119,159 

379,015
1,332,689
12,247
136,356
118,200 

(1,851,905)
(1,741,856)
(60,707)
(498,214)
(180,440)
—
(5,010)
(2,359,625)

1,399,886 
1,157,382 
23,697 
61,553 
109,373 

(1,381,314) 
(2,315,130) 
(38,645) 
(412,283) 
(111,689) 
(38) 
(2,901) 
(1,510,109) 

2,209,090 
869,205 
49,904
12,768
47,993

(2,035,255)
(1,469,922)
(49,170)
(287,144)
(66,062)
(29)
(829)
(719,451)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands) 

Financing activities
Receipts credited to annuity and single premium universal life policyholder account
balances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coinsurance deposits—related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return of annuity and single premium universal life policyholder account balances .
Financing fees incurred and deferred. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments of notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase (decrease) in amounts due under repurchase agreements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts due to reinsurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 
Cash paid during the year for: 

Interest on notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest on repurchase agreements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest on subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-cash financing and investing activities: 

Premium and interest bonuses deferred as sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of 1,591,083 shares of common stock to NMO Deferred Compensation

Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conversion of subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts for common equity securities 
of the subsidiary trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2003

2005

2,895,055 
(4,688)
(823,814) 
(2,042)
—
(6,958)
131,822
—
55,000
180,321
—
(1,621)
2,423,075
45,853
66,542
112,395

16,765
11,280
13,074
62,993 

$

$

1,973,971  
(202,064) 
(778,750 ) 
(9,598) 
283,375 
(46,115) 
156,085 
— 
57,500 
7,313 
— 
(767) 
1,440,950 
32,790 
33,752 
66,542 

1,665 
3,148 
8,518 
29,500 

$

$

1,727,008 
(649,434)
(472,220)
(610)
— 
(21,613)
(132,941)
(10,908)
12,000
171,265 
(9,314)
(352)
612,881 
12,589
21,163
33,752

2,627 
1,278 
7,139 
25,735

$ 

$

163,646

75,162 

31,249

— 
160

1,730

—  
2,485 

1,770 

9,997 
— 

372 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies 

Organization

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the Company), through its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company and American Equity Investment Life 
Insurance Company of New York, is licensed to sell insurance products in 49 states and the District of 
Columbia at December 31, 2005. The Company offers a broad array of annuity and insurance products. 
The Company’s business consists primarily of the sale of index and fixed rate annuities. The Company 
operates solely in the life insurance business. 

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned 

subsidiaries: American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (“American Equity Life”), American
Equity Investment Life Insurance Company of New York, American Equity Investment Capital, Inc., 
American Equity Investment Properties, L.C. and American Equity Investment Service Company
(“Service Company”), which was acquired on September 2, 2005, see note 8. Prior to September 2, 2005, 
the consolidated financial statements included the accounts of the Service Company, a variable interest 
entity, as discussed below. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. 

The Company adopted the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of 

Certified Public Accountants (AcSEC) Statement of Position (SOP) 03-1, “Accounting and Reporting by 
Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts” on 
January 1, 2004. As it applies to the Company, SOP 03-1 established guidance for the accounting and 
presentation of costs related to sales inducements (first year premium and interest bonuses credited to 
policyholder account balances). There was no change to the Company’s method of accounting for sales 
inducements; however, the capitalized costs are now separately disclosed in the consolidated balance 
sheets and the related amortization expense is included in interest credited to account balances in the 
consolidated statements of income. Prior to 2004, the capitalized costs were included in deferred policy 
acquisition costs and the amortization expense was included in the amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs. The 2003 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2005 and 2004
presentation. The adoption of SOP 03-1 had no effect on consolidated net income or stockholders’ equity. 

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46
(“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin
No. 51” on December 31, 2003, retroactive to January 1, 2003. Prior to the adoption of FIN 46, the 
Company’s subsidiary trusts, American Equity Capital Trust I and American Equity Capital Trust II were 
included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The subsidiary trusts are no longer 
consolidated upon adoption of FIN 46, and the effect of such deconsolidation is that the obligations of the 
trusts to the preferred security holders, previously reported as minority interests, have been replaced with
the Company’s subordinated debt obligations to the trusts and the Company’s equity investments in the 
trusts. Interest payments on the subordinated debentures are no longer eliminated in consolidation but 
rather are reported as interest expense. The adoption of FIN 46 had no impact on consolidated net
income, stockholders’ equity or previously reported quarterly net income for 2003. 

F-10

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

In the first quarter of 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46(R)-5 (“FSP 

FIN 46(R)-5”), “Implicit Variable Interests under FIN 46”. Prior to the acquisition of the Service Company 
on September 2, 2005, the Company had an implicit variable interest in the Service Company and was 
required to consolidate the Service Company under FSP FIN 46(R)-5. The Company adopted FSP 
FIN 46(R)-5 in the first quarter of 2005 and as permitted by the FSP, applied it retroactively to January 1,
2003, the date of the Company’s original adoption of FIN 46. There was no cumulative effect on January 1, 
2003 due to the adoption of FSP FIN 46(R)-5.

The adoption of FSP FIN 46(R)-5 and the consolidation of the Service Company had no impact on 
net income, stockholders’ equity or earnings per share for 2003. Net income, earnings per common share 
and earnings per common share—assuming dilution for the year ended December 31, 2004 decreased by 
$16.0 million, $0.42 and $0.37, respectively, due to the consolidation of the Service Company. Prior to
January 1, 2004, the Service Company was taxed as a Subchapter S Corporation. Effective January 1, 2004, 
the Service Company revoked its Subchapter S election, which required the recognition of a deferred 
income tax liability on the basis of the differences that existed at that date, all of which is reflected in 
income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase in income tax expense for the year 
ended December 31, 2004 attributable to the change in the Service Company’s federal income tax status 
was approximately $16.3 million, and is the principal reconciling item between the amount computed at the
applicable statutory federal income tax rate (35%) and the amount reported in the consolidated statements 
of income. Net income, earnings per common share, and earnings per common share—assuming dilution
for the year ended December 31, 2005 decreased by $3.2 million, $0.08 and $0.07, respectively, due to the 
consolidation of the Service Company. A $2.5 million dividend distribution to the Company’s chairman by 
the Service Company preceding this acquisition is recorded in the consolidated statements of income on 
the minority interest line. For further information on the Service Company, see note 8.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are utilized in the calculation of deferred 
policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, policyholder liabilities and accruals, valuation of 
embedded derivatives on index reserves and contingent convertible senior notes, other than temporary 
impairment of investments and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and investments. It is
reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized. 

Reclassifications 

Certain items appearing in the 2004 and 2003 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified 

to conform with the current year presentation. 

Investments 

Fixed maturity securities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks maturing more than one year after 
issuance) that may be sold prior to maturity are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities 
are reported at estimated fair value and unrealized gains and losses, if any, on these securities are included 
directly in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes and certain adjustments, for 

F-11

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. 
Premiums and discounts are amortized/accrued using methods which result in a constant yield over the 
securities’ expected lives. Amortization/accrual of premiums and discounts on mortgage and asset-backed 
securities incorporate prepayment assumptions to estimate the securities’ expected lives. Interest income is
recognized as earned. 

Fixed maturity securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are 

classified as held for investment. Held for investment securities are reported at cost adjusted for 
amortization of premiums and discounts. Changes in the fair value of these securities, except for declines 
that are other than temporary, are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements. Premiums and 
discounts are amortized/accrued using methods which result in a constant yield over the securities’ 
expected lives.

Equity securities, comprised of common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are classified as 
available for sale and are reported at fair value. Dividends are recognized when declared. Unrealized gains 
and losses are included directly in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes. 

Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual 

of discounts. If the Company determines that the value of any mortgage loan is impaired, the carrying
amount of the mortgage loan will be reduced to its fair value, based upon the present value of expected 
future cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the 
underlying collateral. 

Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal. 

The carrying amounts of all the Company’s investments are reviewed on an ongoing basis for credit 
deterioration. If this review indicates a decline in fair value that is other than temporary, the Company’s 
carrying amount in the investment is reduced to its estimated fair value and a specific write down is taken. 
Such reductions in carrying amount are recognized as realized losses and charged to income. Realized 
gains and losses on sales are determined on the basis of specific identification of investments. 

Fair values, as reported herein, of fixed maturity and equity securities are based on the latest quoted 

market prices, or for those fixed maturity securities not readily marketable, price matrices developed using 
yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. 

Derivative Instruments 

Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative 

Instruments and Hedging Activities, all derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments 
embedded in other contracts) are recognized in the balance sheet at their fair values and changes in fair 
value are recognized immediately in earnings, unless the derivatives qualify as accounting hedges of future
cash flows. For derivatives qualifying as hedges of future cash flows, the effective portion of the changes in
fair value is recorded temporarily in equity, then recognized in earnings along with the related effects of 
the hedged items. Any “ineffective” portion of a hedge is reported in earnings as it occurs. The Company 
does not have any derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting. 

The Company has index annuity products that guarantee the return of principal to the policyholder 
and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. A portion of the premium

F-12

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

from each policyholder is invested in investment grade fixed income securities to cover the minimum
guaranteed value due the policyholder at the end of the contract term. A portion of the premium is used to 
purchase derivatives consisting of call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits 
due to index annuity policyholders. Substantially all such call options are one year options purchased to 
match the funding requirements of the underlying policies. The call options are marked to market with the 
change in fair value included as a component of our revenues. On the respective anniversary dates of the 
index policies, the index used to compute the annual index credit is reset and the Company purchases new
one-year call options to fund the next annual index credit. The Company manages the cost of these 
purchases through the terms of its index annuities, which permits the Company to change annual 
participation rates, caps, and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums. By reducing participation
rates, caps or asset fees, the Company can limit option costs to budgeted amounts except in cases where 
the contractual features would prevent further modifications. 

The Company’s strategy attempts to mitigate any potential risk of loss under these agreements 
through a regular monitoring process which evaluates the program’s effectiveness. The Company is 
exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties and, accordingly, the 
Company purchases its option contracts from multiple counterparties and evaluates the creditworthiness of
all counterparties prior to purchase of the contracts. At December 31, 2005, all of these options had been
purchased from nationally recognized investment banking institutions with a Standard and Poor’s credit 
rating of A or higher. 

Under SFAS No. 133, the future annual index credits on the Company’s index annuities are treated as 

a “series of embedded derivatives” over the expected life of the applicable contract. The Company does 
not purchase call options to fund the index liabilities which may arise after the next policy anniversary date. 
The Company must value both the call options and the related forward embedded options in the policies at 
fair value. The change in fair value for the call options is included in the change in fair value of derivatives
and the change in fair value adjustment of the embedded options is included in the change in fair value of 
embedded derivatives in the consolidated statements of income. 

Effective December 15, 2005, the conversion option embedded in the Company’s contingent 

convertible senior notes was bifurcated from the host instrument and accounted for as a derivative at fair 
value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. The net increase in the carrying amount of the 
contingent convertible notes was $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 and is included as a 
component of the change in fair value of embedded derivatives. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid 

debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements 

To the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross profits, certain costs of producing

new business, principally commissions, first-year premium and interest bonuses credited to policyholder 
account balances and certain costs of policy issuance (including policy issue costs of $8.9 million, $6.3 
million and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively) have been
deferred and capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs or deferred sales inducements. For annuity 

F-13

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

and single premium universal life products, these capitalized costs are being amortized generally in
proportion to expected gross profits from surrender charges and investment, mortality, and expense 
margins. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively when estimates of future gross profits/margins 
(including the impact of realized investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products are 
revised. Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements are also adjusted for the change 
in amortization that would have occurred if available-for-sale fixed maturity securities had been sold at 
their aggregate fair value and the proceeds reinvested at current yields. The impact of this adjustment is
included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within consolidated stockholders’ equity.

For traditional life and accident and health insurance, deferred policy acquisition costs are being 
amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium revenues 
recognized, principally using the same assumptions for interest, mortality and withdrawals that are used for 
computing liabilities for future policy benefits subject to traditional “lock-in” concepts. 

Future Policy Benefits 

Future policy benefit reserves for annuity and single premium universal life products are computed

under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender 
charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the 
period in excess of related policy account balances. Interest crediting rates (including first year interest 
bonuses capitalized as deferred sales inducements) for these products ranged from 3.1% to 11.5% in 2005
and 3.0% to 11.5% in 2004 and 2003. These rates include first-year interest bonuses capitalized as deferred 
sales inducements. 

The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance is based on net level premium 
reserves, including assumptions as to interest, mortality, and other assumptions underlying the guaranteed 
policy cash values. Reserve interest assumptions are level and range from 3.0% to 6.0%. The liabilities for 
future policy benefits for accident and health insurance are computed using a net level premium method, 
including assumptions as to morbidity and other assumptions based on the Company’s experience, 
modified as necessary to give effect to anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible unfavorable 
deviations. Policy benefit claims are charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred. 

Unpaid claims include amounts for losses and related adjustment expenses and are determined using 
individual claim evaluations and statistical analysis. Unpaid claims represent estimates of the ultimate net 
costs of all losses, reported and unreported, which remain unpaid at December 31 of each year. These 
estimates are necessarily subject to the impact of future changes in claim severity, frequency and other 
factors. In spite of the variability inherent in such situations, management believes that the unpaid claim 
amounts are adequate. The estimates are continuously reviewed and as adjustments to these amounts 
become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in current operations. 

Certain group policies include provisions for annual experience refunds of premiums equal to net 

premiums received less a 16% administrative fee and less claims incurred. Such amounts (2005—$0.2
million; 2004—$0.0 million; and 2003—$0.1 million) are reported as a reduction of traditional life and 
accident and health insurance premiums in the consolidated statements of income. 

F-14

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Deferred Income Taxes 

Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the temporary differences between
the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. 
Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to 
period. Deferred income tax assets are subject to ongoing evaluation of whether such assets will more 
likely than not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets depends on generating 
future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. If future 
income is not generated as expected, deferred income tax assets may need to be written off. 

Stockholders’ Equity 

On December 9, 2003, the Company completed an initial public offering of 18,700,000 shares of its 

common stock at a price of $9.00 per share. Pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to the 
underwriters in this offering, the underwriters purchased an additional 2,000,000 shares on December 29, 
2003 and an additional 805,000 shares on January 7, 2004. The proceeds from the initial public offering
(including proceeds from shares issued pursuant to the over-allotment option), net of the underwriting
discount and expenses, were approximately $178.0 million. 

On December 20, 2005, the Company completed an offering of 13,000,000 shares of its common stock 

at a price of $11.60 per share. Pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters in this 
offering, the underwriters purchased an additional 1,950,000 shares on December 30, 2005. The proceeds 
from this offering (including proceeds from shares issued pursuant to the over-allotment option), net of 
the underwriting discount and expenses, were approximately $163.5 million. 

During 2004, 625,000 shares of 1998 Series A Participating Preferred Stock (aggregate liquidation
preference of $10.0 million) converted into 1,875,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Prior to 
conversion, these preferred shares had participating dividend rights with shares of the Company’s common 
stock, when and as such dividends were declared. 

Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs 

Revenues for annuity and single premium universal life products include surrender charges and 
mortality and expense charges (single premium universal life products only) assessed against policyholder 
account balances during the period. Expenses related to these products include interest credited to 
policyholder account balances and benefit claims incurred in excess of policyholder account balances 
(single premium universal life products only). 

Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums are recognized as revenues over the 

premium-paying period. Future policy benefits are recognized as expenses over the life of the policy by 
means of the provision for future policy benefits. 

All insurance-related revenues, benefits, losses and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. 

Premiums and Deposits by Product Type

The Company markets index annuities, fixed rate annuities, a variable annuity and life insurance. In

connection with its reinsured group life business, the Company also collects renewal premiums on certain 

F-15

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

accident and health insurance policies. Premiums and deposits (net of coinsurance), which are not
included as revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, collected in 2005, 2004 and 
2003, by product category were as follows: 

Product Type 

Index Annuities: 

Index Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Fixed Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Fixed Rate Annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Life Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accident and Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Variable Annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004
(Dollars in thousands) 

2003

$1,777,825 
907,711 
2,685,536 
204,831 

13,077 
501 
37
$2,903,982 

$1,008,801 
491,721 
1,500,522 
271,385 

14,566 
549 
279 
$1,787,301  

$ 468,716
201,702
670,418
407,156

13,001
685
26
$1,091,286

Two national marketing organizations through which the Company markets its products each

accounted for more than 10% of the annuity deposits and insurance premium collections during 2005, 2004
and 2003 representing 15% and 11%, 18% and 11%, and 15% and 10%, of the annuity deposits and 
insurance premiums collected, respectively. 

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for 

Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25) and related Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock 
options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company’s employee stock options equals the 
fair value of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. 

Pro forma information regarding consolidated net income is required by SFAS No. 123, Accounting 

for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—
Transition and Disclosure, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee 
stock options and subscription rights under the fair value method of these statements. The fair value for 
these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the 
following weighted-average assumptions:

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2003

2005 

Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted-average expected life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.84%
0%

3.10%
0 %

1.46%
0 %

10 years

10 years

10 years

23.4%

24.5 %

3.2 %

F-16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense 

over the options’ vesting period. The Company’s pro forma net earnings and earnings per common share 
were as follows: 

Net income, as reported—numerator for earnings per common share . . .
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined 
under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effect .
Net income, pro forma—numerator for earnings per common share, pro 
forma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest related to convertible subordinated debentures (net of income 
tax benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Numerator for earnings per common share—assuming dilution, pro 

forma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share, as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share, pro forma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution, as reported . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution, pro forma . . . . . . . . . . .

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

2005

Year ended December 31, 
2004
(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data) 
$ 29,323

2003

$ 25,440 

$ 42,992

(888 ) 

(1,125 ) 

(242)

42,104

28,198

25,198 

1,202

1,255

1,347

$43,306
1.09
$
1.07
$
0.99
$
0.97
$

$29,453
0.77
$
0.74
$
0.71
$
0.68
$

$26,545 
1.45
$
1.43
$
1.21
$
1.20
$

Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during a period except those 

resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders. Other comprehensive income (loss)
excludes net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income which merely represent transfers 
from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These amounts totaled $(7.6) million, $0.9 million and $6.9
million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such amounts, which have been measured through the date of 
sale, are net of adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements and income 
taxes totaling $(3.7) million in 2005, $0.5 million in 2004 and $3.6 million in 2003. 

New Accounting Pronouncements 

In March 2004, the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on 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 guidance regarding the meaning of other-than-temporary 
impairment and its application to investments classified as either available for sale or held to maturity 
under FASB Statement No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and 
to equity securities accounted for under the cost method. Included in EITF 03-1 is guidance on how to 
account for impairments that are solely due to interest rate changes, including changes resulting from 
increases in sector credit spreads. This guidance was to become effective for reporting periods beginning 
after June 15, 2004. However, on September 30, 2004, the FASB issued a Staff Position that delayed the 
effective date for the recognition and measurement guidance of EITF 03-1 until additional clarifying 
guidance was issued. In June 2005, the FASB decided not to provide additional guidance on the meaning 
of other-than-temporary impairment, but directed the staff to issue proposed EITF Issue No. 03-1 as final. 

F-17

 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

The final FSP (retitled FSP FAS 115-1) is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2006. The 
new standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 

123R”). This standard requires expensing stock options and other share-based payments and supersedes 
SFAS No. 123, which had allowed companies to choose between expensing stock options or showing 
proforma disclosure only. SFAS 123R is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2006 and will apply to 
all awards granted, modified, cancelled or purchased after that date as well as the unvested portion of prior 
awards. The Company will adopt SFAS 123R as of the effective date and does not believe it will have a 
material effect on the financial statements at the date of adoption as the unvested portion of prior awards 
is immaterial. The effect on future financial statements is undeterminable as the amount of future grants of 
stock awards is unknown. 

In May 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154, “Accounting 
Changes and Error Corrections” (SFAS 154). The Statement replaces APB Opinion No. 20 and SFAS 3. 
SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting
principle. However, if it is impracticable to determine the effects of such changes, then other rules apply. 
SFAS 154 is effective January 1, 2006. Currently, the Company is not aware of any circumstances that 
require the application of SFAS 154, and there is no anticipated impact on the financial statements. 

In September 2005, the AcSEC issued Statement of Position 05-1 (“SOP 05-1”), “Accounting by 
Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of 
Insurance Contracts”. SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred 
acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance 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 on
Investments”. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, 
rights or coverages that occurs by 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. SOP 05-1
is effective for internal replacements occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2006. 
Retrospective application of SOP 05-1 to previously issued financial statements is not permitted. The 
Company is continuing to evaluate SOP 05-1 but does not believe that it will have a material impact on the 
financial statements. 

2.  Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair values of 

financial instruments:

Fixed maturity securities: Quoted market prices, when available, or price matrices for securities which

are not actively traded, developed using yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities 
with similar characteristics.

Equity securities: Quoted market prices. 

Mortgage loans on real estate:  Discounted expected cash flows using interest rates currently being 

offered for similar loans.

F-18

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Derivative instruments: Quoted market prices from related counterparties. 

Policy loans: The Company has not attempted to determine the fair values associated with its policy 

loans, as management believes any differences between the Company’s carrying value and the fair values 
afforded these instruments are immaterial to the Company’s financial position and, accordingly, the cost to 
provide such disclosure is not worth the benefit to be derived. 

Cash and cash equivalents: Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these 

instruments approximate their fair values. 

Annuity and single premium universal life policy benefit reserves and coinsurance deposits - related party:

Fair values of the Company’s liabilities under contracts not involving significant mortality or morbidity 
risks (principally deferred annuities), are stated at the cost the Company would incur to extinguish the 
liability (i.e., the cash surrender value) adjusted as required under SFAS No. 133. The coinsurance 
deposits related to the annuity benefit reserves have fair values determined in a similar fashion. The 
Company is not required to and has not estimated the fair value of its liabilities under other contracts. 

Notes payable and amounts due under repurchase agreements: The fair value of the contingent 

convertible senior notes is based upon quoted market prices. Fair values for other notes payable with fixed 
interest rates are estimated by discounting expected cash flows using interest rates currently being offered 
for similar securities. The amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for short term indebtedness 
under repurchase agreements with variable interest rates approximate their fair values. 

Subordinated debentures:  The carrying amount of subordinated debentures with variable interest 
rates reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value. Fair values for subordinated 
debentures with fixed interest rates are estimated by discounting expected cash flows using interest rates 
currently being offered for similar securities.

F-19

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

The following sets forth a comparison of the fair values and carrying amounts of the Company’s 

financial instruments:

December 31, 

2005

2004

Carrying 
Amount

Estimated 
Fair Value 

Carrying 
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value 

(Dollars in thousands) 

Assets 
Fixed maturity securities: 

Available for sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Held for investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity securities, available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage loans on real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Policy loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Coinsurance deposits - related party . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 4,188,683 
4,711,427
84,846 
1,321,637
185,391 
362 
112,395 
1,959,663

$ 4,188,683 
4,598,615
84,846 
1,341,353
185,391
362
112,395 
1,694,583

$2,705,323 
4,098,493
38,303 
959,779
148,006
362
66,542 
2,068,700

$2,705,323
4,005,775
38,303
999,380
148,006
362
66,542
1,780,862

Liabilities 
Annuity and single premium universal life policy 
benefit reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Notes payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Subordinated debentures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Amounts due under repurchase agreements . . . .

12,162,181 
281,043 
230,658 
396,697

10,528,907
319,317
205,575
396,697

9,745,896
283,375
173,576
264,875

8,573,784
311,000
148,833
264,875

F-20

 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

3. 

Investments 

At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity 

securities and equity securities were as follows: 

December 31, 2005

Fixed maturity securities: 

Available for sale: 

United States Government full faith and credit . . . . . . . .
United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . .
Public utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage and asset-backed securities: 

United States Government and agencies . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Held for investment: 

United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . .
Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity securities, available for sale: 

Non-redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 2004

Fixed maturity securities: 

Available for sale: 

United States Government full faith and credit . . . . . . . .
United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . .
Public utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage and asset-backed securities: 

United State Government and agencies. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Held for investment: 

United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . .
Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity securities, available for sale: 

Non-redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortized
Cost 

Gross 
Gross 
Unrealized
Unrealized
Gains 
Losses 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Estimated
Fair Value

$

2,734 
2,877,423 
133,489 
603,746 
48,578 

218,870 
389,319 
$ 4,274,159 

$4,635,485 
75,942 
$ 4,711,427 

$

$ 

71,642 
16,418 
88,060 

$

2,337 
1,764,459 
43,297 
262,253 
34,848 

$ 

64
37
1,163
7,138
394

1,669
625
$ 11,090

$ 

(24 ) 
(67,471 ) 
(1,306 ) 
(12,596 ) 
(2,076 ) 

$ 

2,774
2,809,989
133,346
598,288
46,896

(160 ) 
(12,933 ) 
$  (96,566 )  

220,379
377,011
$ 4,188,683

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

478
—
478

395
—
395

$ (113,290 )  
— 
$ (113,290 )  

$ 4,522,673
75,942
$ 4,598,615

$ 

$ 

(2,075 ) 
(1,534 ) 
(3,609 ) 

$ 

$ 

69,962
14,884
84,846

79
132
1,552
7,223
1,105

$ 

(10 ) 
(58,749 ) 
— 
(6,916 ) 
(584 ) 

$ 

2,406
1,705,842
44,849
262,560
35,369

254,640 
407,970 
$ 2,769,804 

2,436
4,602
$ 17,129

(72 ) 
(15,279 ) 
$  (81,610 )  

257,004
397,293
$ 2,705,323

$4,022,646 
75,847 
$ 4,098,493 

$  2,240
—
$  2,240

$  (94,958 ) 
— 
$  (94,958 )  

$ 3,929,928
75,847
$ 4,005,775

$

$ 

30,472 
8,366 
38,838 

$ 

$ 

331
—
331

$ 

$ 

(294 ) 
(572 ) 
(866 ) 

$ 

$ 

30,509
7,794
38,303

F-21

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2005, by
contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because 
borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. All 
of the Company’s mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout 
their lives, and are shown below as a separate line.  

Available for sale

Held for investment

Amortized
Cost  

Estimated
Fair Value 

Amortized 
Cost  
(Dollars in thousands) 

Estimated 
Fair Value  

Due after one year through five 

years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$

48,185 

$

47,260 

$

— 

$

Due after five years through ten

years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

444,124 

430,243 

— 

—

—

Due after ten years through

twenty years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Due after twenty years . . . . . . . . .  

Mortgage-backed and 

asset-backed securities. . . . . . .

1,940,143 
1,233,518 
3,665,970 

1,904,453
1,209,337 
3,591,293 

347,612
4,363,815 
4,711,427  

343,806
4,254,809
4,598,615

608,189
$4,274,159 

597,390
$4,188,683 

—
$4,711,427  

—
$4,598,615

Net unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities reported as a 

separate component of stockholders’ equity were comprised of the following at December 31, 2005 and 
2004: 

Net unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity 

securities and equity securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred 
policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements . . . .

Net unrealized gain and amortization on fixed maturity 

securities transferred from available for sale to held for 
investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net unrealized losses reported as accumulated other 

December 31, 

2005

2004

(Dollars in thousands) 

$(88,690) $(65,016)

46,680

35,041

—
14,704

330
10,376

comprehensive loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (27,306) $ (19,269)

F-22

 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

The following table shows our investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by 
investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss 
position, at December 31, 2005:

Fixed maturity securities: 
Available for sale: 

United States Government full faith and 
credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

United States Government sponsored 

agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable preferred stocks. . . . . . . . .
Mortgage and asset-backed securities . .

Held for investment: 

United States Government sponsored 

agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity securities, available for sale: 

Non-redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . .
Common stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less than 12 months 

Estimated
Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses 

12 months or more

Unrealized
Estimated
Fair Value
Losses 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Total

Estimated 
Fair Value 

Unrealized
Losses 

$ 

392

$

(8)

$ 

486

$

(16)

$ 

878

$

(24)

1,347,792
83,384
342,850
13,501
178,691
$ 1,966,610

(16,268)  
(1,306)
(11,079)
(330)
(6,859)
$  (35,850)

1,407,053
—
19,056
19,437
135,494
$ 1,581,526

(51,204)
—
(1,516)
(1,746)
(6,234) 
$ (60,716) 

2,754,845
83,384
361,906
32,938
314,185 
$ 3,548,136

(67,472)
(1,306)
(12,595)
(2,076)
(13,093)
$  (96,566)

  $ 4,428,624
  $ 4,428,624

$ (113,290)   $
$ (113,290)   $

— $
— $

— $ 4,428,624
$ 4,428,624 
— 

$ (113,290)
$ (113,290)

  $

  $ 

34,926
6,990
41,916

$

(1,138)   $

(827)

$ 

(1,965)   $ 

7,663
293
7,956

$

(937)
(707)
$  (1,644) 

$

$ 

42,589
7,283
49,872

$

$ 

(2,075)
(1,534)
(3,609)

Approximately 97% of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities shown in the above table are 

on securities that are rated investment grade. These unrealized losses are primarily from the Company’s 
investments in United States Government agencies and United States Government agency mortgage-
backed securities. These securities are relatively long in duration and are callable, making the value of such 
securities very sensitive to changes in market interest rates. Approximately 3% of the unrealized losses on
fixed maturity securities shown in the above table are on securities rated below investment grade. The 
Company reviews all investments on an ongoing basis for credit deterioration. Factors considered in 
evaluating whether a decline in value is other than temporary include: 

(cid:127) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost;
(cid:127) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; 
(cid:127) whether the investment is rated investment grade;
(cid:127) whether the issuer is current on all payments and all contractual payments have been made as 

agreed;

(cid:127) the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for 

any anticipated recovery; 

(cid:127) consideration of rating agency actions; 
(cid:127) changes in cash flows of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. 

F-23

 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

The securities in an unrealized loss position are current in respect to payments of interest and 
principal and the Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities until they recover in fair 
value.

Components of net investment income are as follows: 

Fixed maturity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Mortgage loans on real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less investment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

2003

2005 

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 
(Dollars in thousands) 
$376,319 
1,668 
52,697
26 
604
622
431,936  
(3,551)
$428,385 

$475,540 
3,402 
77,518
26 
1,171
64
557,721 
(3,603)
$554,118 

$322,247
1,951
33,241
25
1,344
1,178
359,986 
(2,691)
$357,295

Proceeds from sales of available for sale fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 

2005, 2004 and 2003 were $155.4 million, $272.7 million and $507.3 million, respectively. Scheduled 
principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale fixed maturity securities for the years ended 
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were $0.3 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. Calls of held 
for investment fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were $1.3
billion, $1.2 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively. 

Net realized gains (losses) included in revenues for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 

2003 are as follows:

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004
(Dollars in thousands) 

2003

Available for sale fixed maturity securities: 

Gross realized gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Gross realized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Writedowns (other than temporary impairments) .

Equity securities: 

Gross realized gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross realized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Writedowns (other than temporary impairments) .

$ 5,334 
(3,642)
(8,902) 
(7,210) 

$ 13,720 
(220 )
(12,828 ) 
672  

$19,922
(4,216 )
(9,821 )
5,885  

135
—
(560) 
(425) 
$(7,635)  $

272
(1 )
— 
271  
943  

1,358
(297 )
— 
1,061  
$ 6,946 

F-24

 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the years ended December 31, 

2005, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004
(Dollars in thousands) 

2003

Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized 
cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(20,094) $ 17,347

$(111,892)

Investments carried at estimated fair value:

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity securities, available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjustment for effect on other balance sheet accounts:
Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales 

inducements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net unrealized gain and amortization on fixed maturity securities 
transferred from available to sale to held for investment . . . . .

$(20,995) $ 21,250
(150)
21,100

(2,679)
(23,674) 

$ (41,961)
660
(41,301) 

11,639
4,328

(16,087)
(1,870)

25,541
5,815

(330)
15,637

330
(17,627 ) 

(853)
30,503

Change is unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments 

carried at estimated fair value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (8,037) $ 3,473

$ (10,798)

The Company transferred fixed maturity securities at fair value of $1.2 billion during 2004 from

available for sale to held for investment to match its investment objectives, which are to hold these
investments to maturity. The unrealized gain on these securities on the date of transfer is included as a 
separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized over the lives of the 
securities. The unrealized gains on the securities transferred during 2004 were $1.7 million at the date of 
transfer. All of the securities transferred during 2004 were called for redemption subsequent to the 
transfer. 

F-25

 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio totaled $1.3 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2005 and 

2004, respectively, with commitments outstanding of $75.1 million at December 31, 2005. The portfolio 
consists of commercial mortgage loans diversified as to property type, location and loan size. The loans are 
collateralized by the related properties. The Company’s mortgage lending policies establish limits on the 
amount that can be loaned to one borrower and require diversification by geographic location and 
collateral type. As of December 31, 2005, there were no delinquencies or defaults in the Company’s 
mortgage loan portfolio. The commercial mortgage loan portfolio is diversified by geographic region and 
specific collateral property type as follows:  

Geographic distribution 
East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Middle Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
New England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
South Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West North Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West South Central. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Property type distribution 
Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Medical Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Industrial/Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixed use/other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 

2005

2004

Carrying 
Amount 

  Percent 

Carrying 
  Amount 
(Dollars in thousands) 

  Percent 

$ 283,085
93,579
198,476
47,839
117,977
213,423
258,181
109,077
$1,321,637

$ 384,606
75,716
285,715
346,461
52,274
68,795
108,070
$1,321,637

21.4% 
7.1%
15.0%
3.6%
8.9%
16.1%
19.6%
8.3%
100.0% 

29.1% 
5.7%
21.6%
26.2%
4.0%
5.2%
8.2%
100.0% 

$196,805
80,098
148,608
50,624
84,860
166,606
165,041
67,137
$959,779

$296,995
65,396
218,133
236,835
25,652
44,984
71,784
$959,779

20.5%
8.3%
15.5%
5.3%
8.8%
17.4%
17.2%
7.0%
100.0%

30.9%
6.8%
22.7%
24.7%
2.7%
4.7%
7.5%
100.0%

At December 31, 2005, fixed maturity securities and short-term investments with an amortized cost of 
$2.2 million were on deposit with state agencies to meet regulatory requirements. There are no restrictions
on these assets. 

F-26

 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

At December 31, 2005, the only investment in any person or its affiliates (other than bonds issued by 

agencies of the United States Government) that exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity was FBL Capital 
Trust I with an estimated fair value and amortized cost of $75.9 million. 

4.  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements

An analysis of deferred policy acquisition costs is presented below for the years ended December 31, 

2005 and 2004:

Balance at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs deferred during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortized to expense during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of net unrealized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005 

2004

(Dollars in thousands) 
$608,197
188,248
(67,867)
(15,557)
$713,021

$713,021
325,424
(68,109)
6,679
$977,015

An analysis of deferred sales inducements is presented below for the years ended December 31, 2005

and 2004:

Balance at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs deferred during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortized to expense during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of net unrealized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005 

2004

(Dollars in thousands) 
$ 95,467
75,162
(10,635)
(527)
$159,467

$159,467
163,646
(12,225)
4,960
$315,848

5. Reinsurance and Policy Provisions

Coinsurance 

The Company has entered into two coinsurance agreements with EquiTrust Life Insurance Company 

(“EquiTrust”), an affiliate of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (“Farm Bureau”) covering 70% of 
certain of the Company’s  fixed rate and index annuities issued from August 1, 2001 through December 31, 
2001, 40% of those contracts issued during 2002 and 2003 and 20% of those contracts issued from 
January 1, 2004 to July 31, 2004, when the agreement was suspended by mutual consent of the parties. As a 
result of the suspension, new business will no longer be ceded to EquiTrust until the parties mutually agree 
to resume the coinsurance of new business. The business reinsured under these agreements is not eligible 
for recapture before the expiration of 10 years. As of December 31, 2005, Farm Bureau beneficially owned 
9.9% of the Company’s common stock. 

Total annuity deposits ceded were $4.7 million, $202.1 million and $649.4 million for the years ended 

December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Expense allowances received were $2.0 million, $22.6 
million and $65.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Coinsurance 
deposits (aggregate policy benefit reserves transferred to EquiTrust under these agreements) with 
EquiTrust were $2.0 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company 

F-27

 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

remains liabile with respect to the policy liabilities ceded to EquiTrust should EquiTrust fail to meet the 
obligations it has assumed. None of the coinsurance deposits with EquiTrust are deemed by management 
to be uncollectible. The balance due under these agreements to EquiTrust was $27.7 million at 
December 31, 2005 and $32.0 million at December 31, 2004, and represents the fair value of the call 
options related to the ceded business held by the Company to fund the index credits and cash due to or 
from EquiTrust related to the transfer of annuity deposits. 

The Company has also entered into a modified coinsurance agreement to cede 70% of its variable 

annuity business to EquiTrust. Under this agreement, the Company paid EquiTrust $0.2 million for each 
of the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003. The modified coinsurance agreement will continue 
until termination by written notice at the election of either party. Any such termination will apply to the 
submission or acceptance of new policies, and business reinsured under the agreement prior to any such
termination is not eligible for recapture before the expiration of 10 years. EquiTrust (or one of its 
affiliates) provides the administrative support necessary to manage this business. 

Financial Reinsurance

The Company has entered into three reinsurance transactions with Hannover Life Reassurance 
Company of America (“Hannover”), which are treated as reinsurance under statutory accounting practices 
and as financial reinsurance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
(“GAAP”). The statutory surplus benefits under these agreements are eliminated under GAAP and the 
associated charges are recorded as risk charges and are included in other operating costs and expenses in 
the consolidated statements of income. The first transaction became effective November 1, 2002 (the
“2002 Hannover Transaction”), the second transaction became effective September 30, 2003 (the “2003
Hannover Transaction”) and the third transaction became effective October 1, 2005 (the “2005 Hannover 
Transaction”). The agreements for the 2002 and 2003 Hannover Transactions include a coinsurance 
segment and a yearly renewable term segment reinsuring a portion of death benefits payable on certain 
annuities issued from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002 and issued from January 1, 2003 to 
September 30, 2003. The coinsurance segments provide reinsurance to the extent of 6.88% (2002 
Hannover Transaction) and 13.41% (2003 Hannover Transaction) of all risks associated with the 
Company’s annuity policies covered by these reinsurance agreements. The 2002 Hannover Transaction
provided $29.8 million in net statutory surplus benefit during 2002 and the 2003 Hannover Transaction
provided $29.7 million in net statutory surplus benefit during 2003. The statutory surplus benefits provided 
by the 2002 and 2003 Hannover Transactions were reduced by $13.4 million in 2005, $13.1 million in 2004
and $6.8 million in 2003. The remaining statutory surplus benefit under the 2002 and 2003 Hannover 
Transactions will be reduced in the following years as follows: 2006 - $12.4 million; 2007 - $13.2 million;
2008 - $6.4 million. The 2005 Hannover Transaction is a yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement on 
inforce business covering 40% of waived surrender charges related to penalty free withdrawals and deaths. 
The Company pays quarterly reinsurance premiums under this agreement with an experience refund
calculated on a quarterly basis resulting in a risk charge equal to approximately 4.6% of the reserve credit. 
The reserve credit recorded on a statutory basis by American Equity Life at December 31, 2005 was $59.0
million. Risk charges attributable to the 2005, 2003 and 2002 Hannover Transactions of $2.5 million, $2.2
million and $1.6 million were incurred during 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. 

The statutory surplus benefit provided by the 2003 Hannover Transaction replaced the statutory 
surplus benefit previously provided by a financial reinsurance agreement entered into during 2001 with a 

F-28

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

subsidiary of Swiss Reinsurance Company (“Swiss Re”). The Company terminated this agreement and 
recaptured all reserves subject to this agreement effective September 30, 2003. The Swiss Re agreement 
was treated as reinsurance under statutory accounting requirements and as financial reinsurance under 
GAAP. This agreement provided an initial statutory surplus benefit of $35.0 million in 2001. The statutory 
surplus benefit remaining at January 1, 2003 was $30.9 million, all of which was eliminated upon 
termination of the agreement. Risk charges and interest expense incurred on the cash portion of the 
surplus benefit provided by the agreement were $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. 

Indemnity Reinsurance 

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured 

and to recover a portion of benefits paid under its life and accident and health insurance products by
ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Reinsurance coverages for life insurance 
vary according to the age and risk classification of the insured. Reinsurance related to life and accident and 
health insurance that was ceded by the Company primarily to two reinsurers was immaterial. Reinsurance 
contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to its policyholders. To the extent that reinsuring 
companies are later unable to meet obligations under reinsurance agreements, the Company’s life 
insurance subsidiaries would be liable for these obligations, and payment of these obligations could result 
in losses to the Company. To limit the possibility of such losses, the Company evaluates the financial 
condition of its reinsurers, and monitors concentrations of credit risk. No allowance for uncollectible
amounts has been established against the Company’s asset for amounts receivable from other insurance 
companies since none of the receivables are deemed by management to be uncollectible. 

6.  Income Taxes 

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with all its subsidiaries. 

The Company’s income tax expense is as follows:

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 
(Dollars in thousands) 

2003

Consolidated statements of income:
Current income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total income tax expense included in consolidated 

$ 57,391 
(31,989)

$39,791 
820 

$ 15,812
(2,307 )

statements of income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25,402

40,611 

13,505

Stockholders’ equity: 
Expense (benefit) relating to: 

Change in net unrealized investment gains/losses .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4,328) 
(4,781)

1,870  
— 

(5,815 )
— 

Total income tax expense included in consolidated 

financial statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 16,293 

$42,481 

$ 7,690 

F-29

 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income differed from the amount computed at 

the applicable statutory federal income tax rate (35%) as follows: 

Income before income taxes and minority interests . .
Income tax expense on income before income taxes 

2005

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 
(Dollars in thousands) 
$ 69,481 

2003

$ 39,308

$ 70,894

and minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 24,813 

$ 24,318 

$ 13,758

Tax effect of: 

Change in federal income tax status of variable 

interest entity (see note 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective tax rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

— 
589
$25,402

16,254 
39 
$40,611 

— 
(253 ) 

$ 13,505

35.8%

58.4% 

34.4 %

Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are established for temporary differences between the 
financial reporting amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in deductible or taxable 
amounts, respectfully, in future years. 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities at 

December 31, 2005 and 2004, is as follows:

December 31, 

2005 
(Dollars in thousands) 

2004

$ 474,434 

$ 325,285

14,704
9,324
4,884 
8,707
3,069
515,122  

10,376
13,666
2,428
4,919
194
356,868 

(3,338 )
(407,972)
(7,118)
(3,274)
(961 )
(422,663 ) 

(21,085 )
(273,723)
(5,303)
—
(615 )
(300,726 )
$ 56,142

Deferred income tax assets: 

Policy benefit reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized depreciation on available for sale fixed 

maturity securities and equity securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed maturity and equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income tax liabilities: 

Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred policy acquisition costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts due to reinsurers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contingent interest on convertible senior notes . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net deferred income tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 92,459

F-30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

In the opinion of the Company’s management, realization of its deferred income tax assets is more
likely than not based on expectations as to the Company’s future taxable income and considering all other 
available evidence, both positive and negative. Therefore, no valuation allowance against deferred tax 
assets has been established. 

At December 31, 2005, the Company has non-life net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax 

purposes of $19.6 million which expire beginning in 2012 through 2025. 

7. Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements 

In December 2004, the Company issued $260.0 million of contingent convertible senior notes due
December 6, 2024. The notes are unsecured and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum. Interest 
is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 6 and December 6 of each year, beginning June 6, 2005. In
addition to regular interest on the notes, beginning with the six-month interest period ending June 6, 2012, 
the Company will also pay contingent interest under certain conditions at a rate of 0.5% per annum based 
on the average trading price of the notes during a specified period. Effective December 15, 2005, the 
conversion option embedded in the Company’s contingent convertible senior notes was bifurcated from 
the host instrument and accounted for as a derivative at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in
earnings. The carrying value of the contingent convertible senior notes including the fair value of the 
conversion option at December 31, 2005 was $264.6 million. The fair value of the conversion option was 
$81.6 million and $85.6 million on December 15, 2005 and December 31, 2005, respectively. 

The notes are convertible at the holders’ option prior to the maturity date into cash and shares of the 

Company’s common stock under the following conditions: 

(cid:127) during any fiscal quarter, if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20

trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the fiscal 
quarter preceding the quarter in which the conversion occurs is more than 120% of the conversion
price of the notes in effect on that 30th  trading day; 

(cid:127) the Company has called the notes for redemption and the redemption has not yet occurred; or 

(cid:127) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions. 

Holders may convert any outstanding notes into cash and shares of the Company’s common stock at a 

conversion price per share of $14.45. This represents a conversion rate of approximately 69.2 shares of 
common stock per $1,000 in principal amount of notes (the “Conversion Rate”). Subject to certain
exceptions described in the indenture covering these notes, at the time the notes are tendered for 
conversion, the value (the “Conversion Value”) of the cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, if 
any, to be received by a holder converting $1,000 principal amount of the notes will be determined by 
multiplying the Conversion Rate by the “Ten Day Average Closing Stock Price”, which equals the average 
of the closing per share prices of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the 
ten consecutive trading days beginning on the second trading day following the day the notes are submitted 
for conversion. The Company will deliver the Conversion Value to holders as follows: (1) an amount in 
cash (the “Principal Return”) equal to the lesser of (a) the aggregate Conversion Value of the notes to be 
converted and (b) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted, and (2) if the aggregate 
Conversion Value of the notes to be converted is greater than the Principal Return, an amount in shares 
(the “Net Shares”) equal to such aggregate Conversion Value less the Principal Return (the “Net Share 

F-31

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Amount”) and (3) an amount in cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock. The number of Net 
Shares to be paid will be determined by dividing the Net Share Amount by the Ten Day Average Closing 
Stock Price. 

The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after December 15, 2011. In

addition, the holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their notes on
December 15, 2011, 2014, and 2019 and upon a change in control, as defined in the indenture governing 
the notes, holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their notes for a period of 
time after the change in control. The redemption price or repurchase price shall be payable in cash and 
equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest (contingent interest 
and liquidated damages, if any) up to but not including the date of redemption or repurchase. 

The notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and 

future senior indebtedness and senior to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The notes 
effectively rank junior in right of payment to any existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of 
the value of the assets securing such secured indebtedness. The notes are structurally subordinated to all 
liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries. 

Pursuant to EITF Issue No. 04-8, “The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings 

Per Share”, the Company will be required to include the dilutive effect of the contingent convertible senior 
notes in its diluted earnings per share calculation, regardless of whether the market price trigger has been
met. Because the notes include a mandatory cash settlement feature for the principal amount, incremental 
dilutive shares will only exist when the average fair value of the Company’s common stock for a reporting 
period exceeds the conversion price per share of $14.45. 

During, 2004, the Company entered into a $50 million revolving line of credit agreement with three

banks. The revolving period of the facility will be three years followed by a two-year term out option. The 
applicable interest rate will be floating at LIBOR plus 1.75% or prime rate, as elected by the Company. 
There is no amount outstanding under the revolving line of credit at December 31, 2005. Under this 
agreement, without obtaining a waiver from the lenders, the Company is required to maintain a minimum 
risk-based capital ratio at American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, a maximum ratio of 
senior debt to total capital, and is prohibited from paying dividends on its capital stock in excess of 33% of 
consolidated net income for the prior year. 

As part of its investment strategy, the Company enters into securities repurchase agreements (short-

term collateralized borrowings). These borrowings are collateralized by investment securities with fair 
values approximately equal to the amount due. Such borrowings averaged $318.8 million, $196.3 million, 
$84.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The weighted average 
interest rate on amounts due under repurchase agreements was 3.54%, 1.60% and 1.35% for the years 
ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. 

The Company, through the Service Company, had $16.4 million and $20.4 million outstanding at 
December 31, 2005 and 2004 under a credit agreement with a third party. Quarterly payments in amounts 
ranging from $1.1 million to $1.5 million are payable over the next sixteen quarters with interest computed 
at a fixed rate of 11.2%. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2005 and 2004 include $2.6 million
and 2.5 million, respectively, of restricted cash under the terms of the credit agreement. At December 31, 
2004, the Service Company had $3.0 million of notes payable outstanding with its sole shareholder. 

F-32

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Principal and interest on this note was due quarterly and bore interest at prime (5.25% at December 31,
2004). 

8.  American Equity Investment Service Company 

The Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of the Service Company on September 2, 2005. 
Prior to the acquisition, the Company had an implicit variable interest in the Service Company and was 
required to include the Service Company in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with FSP 
FIN 46(R)-5 as described in note 1. 

The Company has a General Agency Commission and Servicing Agreement (“Servicing Agreement”) 

with the Service Company, whereby the Service Company acts as a national supervisory agent with
responsibility for paying commissions to agents of the Company. Under the terms of the Servicing 
Agreement, as amended, the Service Company has paid a portion (ranging from 13.5% to 100%) of the 
agents’ commissions for certain annuity policies issued during 1997 - 1999 and 2002 - 2004. In return, the 
Company has paid and agreed to pay quarterly renewal commissions to the Service Company ranging from 
.0975% to .375% based upon the account values of the applicable annuity policies issued during those 
years. No renewal commission is paid unless the underlying policy is in force on the date renewal 
commissions are calculated pursuant to the terms of the Servicing Agreement. For all years except 2004, 
renewal commissions are capped and interest expense computed at a 9% imputed interest rate. The 
effective interest rate based upon the estimated future renewal commissions for policies issued during 2004 
is 15.1%. The payment of a portion of agents’ commissions and the payment of renewal commissions by 
the Company to the Service Company is eliminated in consolidation. 

During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Service Company paid $20.0 million and 
$14.4 million, respectively, to agents of the Company. Such amounts were deferred as policy acquisition 
costs in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company paid renewal commissions to the Service Company 
of $17.0 million, $28.1 million and $22.1 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which, as indicated 
above, are eliminated in consolidation.

F-33

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

9.  Subordinated Debentures 

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary trusts (not consolidated under FIN 46) have issued fixed rate 

and floating rate trust preferred securities and have used the proceeds from these offerings to purchase 
subordinated debentures from the Company. The Company also issued subordinated debentures to the 
trusts in exchange for all of the common securities of each trust. The sole assets of the trusts are the 
subordinated debentures and any interest accrued thereon. The interest payment dates on the 
subordinated debentures correspond to the distribution dates on the trust preferred securities issued by the 
trusts. The trust preferred securities mature simultaneously with the subordinated debentures. The
Company’s obligations under the subordinated debentures and related agreements provide a full and 
unconditional guarantee of payments due under the trust preferred securities. Following is a summary of 
subordinated debt obligations to the trusts at December 31, 2005 and 2004:

December 31, 

2005 

2004

Interest 
Rate

Due Date

American Equity Capital Trust I . . . .
American Equity Capital Trust II . . .
American Equity Capital Trust III. . .
American Equity Capital Trust IV. . .
American Equity Capital Trust VII . .
American Equity Capital Trust VIII .
American Equity Capital Trust IX. . .
American Equity Capital Trust X . . .
American Equity Capital Trust XI. . .

(Dollars in thousands) 
$ 24,073
77,861
27,840
12,372
10,830  Floating  September 14, 2034
Floating December 22, 2034
20,600

September 30, 2029
June 1, 2047
April 29, 2034 
January 8, 2034

8%
5%
Floating
Floating

—  Floating
—  Floating
— 
$173,576 

June 15, 2035 
September 15, 2035
8.595% December 15, 2035

$ 23,903
78,383
27,840 
12,372
10,830
20,620
15,470
20,620
20,620
$230,658 

The interest rate for the floating rate subordinated debentures are based upon the three month

London Interbank Offered Rate plus 4.00% for Trust III and IV, 3.75% for Trust VII and VIII and 3.65% 
for Trust IX and X. The interest rate for Trust XI is fixed at 8.595% for 5 years and then is floating based 
upon the three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3.65%. 

American Equity Capital Trust I issued 865,671 shares of trust preferred securities, of which 2,000

shares are held by one of the Company’s subsidiaries. During 2005 and 2004, 5,667 and 88,000 shares of 
these trust preferred securities converted into 20,988 shares and 325,923 shares of the Company’s common 
stock, respectively. The remaining 770,004 shares of these trust preferred securities not held by a subsidiary 
are convertible into 2,851,806 shares of the Company’s common stock. 

The principal amount of the subordinated debentures issued by the Company to American Equity 
Capital Trust II (“Trust II”) is $100.0 million. These debentures were assigned a fair value of $74.7 million 
at the date of issue (based upon an effective yield-to-maturity of 7%). The difference between the fair 
value at the date of issue and the principal amount is being accreted over the life of the debentures. The 
trust preferred securities issued by Trust II were issued to Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, which owns 
more than 50% of the voting capital stock of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (“FBL”), parent company of Farm 
Bureau. The consideration received by Trust II in connection with the issuance of its trust preferred 
securities consisted of fixed income securities of equal value which were issued by FBL. 

F-34

 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

On February 15, 2006, American Equity Capital Trust XII (“Trust XII”) issued $30 million of floating 

rate (three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3.50%) trust preferred securities. In connection 
with the issuance of these trust preferred securities and the related purchase by the Company of all of 
Trust XII’s common securities, the Company issued $30.9 million in principal amount of its floating rate 
subordinated debentures due April 7, 2036 to Trust XII. 

10.  Retirement and Stock Compensation Plans 

The Company has adopted a contributory defined contribution plan which is qualified under 

Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers substantially all full-time employees of the 
Company, subject to minimum eligibility requirements. Employees can contribute up to 15% of their 
annual salary (with a maximum contribution of $14,000 in 2005, $13,000 in 2004 and $12,000 in 2003) to 
the plan. The Company contributes an additional amount, subject to limitations, based on the voluntary 
contribution of the employee. Further, the plan provides for additional employer contributions based on 
the discretion of the Board of Directors. Plan contributions charged to expense were $0.2 million for each
of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and  $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. 

The Company has entered into deferred compensation arrangements with certain officers, directors, 
and consultants, whereby these individuals agreed to take common stock of the Company at a future date 
in lieu of cash payments at the time of service. The common stock is to be issued in conjunction with a 
“trigger event”, as that term is defined in the individual agreements. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, these 
individuals have earned, and the Company has reserved for future issuance, 399,647 and 377,853 shares of 
common stock, respectively, pursuant to these arrangements. The Company has accrued liabilities of $2.2
million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, representing the value associated 
with the shares earned. 

During 1997, the Company established the American Equity Investment NMO Deferred 

Compensation Plan (“NMO Deferred Compensation Plan”) whereby agents can earn common stock in
addition to their normal commissions. Awards are calculated using formulas determined annually by the 
Company’s Board of Directors and are generally based upon new annuity deposits. For the years ended 
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, agents earned the right to receive 364,030 shares, 414,117 shares, and
325,370 shares, respectively. These shares will be distributed at the end of the vesting and deferral period 
of 9 years. A portion of the awards may be subject to forfeiture if certain production levels are not met 
over the remaining vesting period. The Company recognizes commission expense as the awards vest. For 
the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, agents vested in 437,098 shares, 449,869 shares and 
405,796 shares of common stock, respectively, and the Company recorded commission expense (capitalized 
as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $7.0 million, $4.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively, under these 
plans. Amounts accrued are reported as other liabilities until the shares have been issued. At 
December 31, 2005, the Company has reserved 1,516,293 shares for future issuance under the plans. 

During 2003, the Company created a Rabbi Trust, the NMO Deferred Compensation Trust (the 
“Trust”) and issued 1,591,083 shares of its common stock to the Trust to fund the vested share liability 
established under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan. In accordance with FASB’s Emerging Issues 
Task Force Issue No. 97-14, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation Arrangements where Amounts Earned
are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested”, the stock held in the Trust is included as part of common stock 
issued and outstanding. The common shares held in the Rabbi Trust and the related Trust obligation

F-35

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

funded by such shares are included in common stock and additional paid-in-capital as a respective 
deduction and addition, with no impact on the reported amount of total stockholders’ equity, as the Plan 
does not permit diversification and must be settled by the delivery of a fixed number of shares of the 
Company’s stock. 

The Company has a Stock Option and Warrant Agreement with Mr. Noble (owner of 5% of its 
outstanding common stock at December 31, 2005) which allows the purchase of 1,200,000 shares of the 
Company’s common stock. Included in this amount were warrants to purchase 240,000 shares of common
stock at $3.33 per share that were exercised in 2000 and options expiring in 2007 to purchase 600,000
shares of common stock at $3.33 per share and 360,000 shares of common stock at $7.33 per share. 

During 2000, as a separate deferred compensation agreement, the Company loaned Mr. Noble $0.8

million pursuant to a forgivable loan agreement. The forgivable loan agreement is with full recourse, and 
although the proceeds of the loan were used for the exercise of warrants described in the preceding 
paragraph, the loan is not collateralized by the shares issued in connection with the exercise of these 
warrants. This loan is repayable in five equal annual installments of principal and interest, each of which 
may be forgiven if Mr. Noble remains continuously employed by the Company in his present capacity, 
subject to specified exceptions. 

The Company’s 1996 Stock Option Plan authorized grants of options to officers, directors and 
employees for up to 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. In 2000, the Company adopted the 
2000 Employee Stock Option Plan which authorizes grants of options to officers and employees on up to 
1,800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and the Company adopted the 2000 Directors Stock 
Option Plan which authorizes grants of options to directors on up to 225,000 shares. All options granted 
under the 2000 plans have 10 year terms and a six month vesting period after which they become fully 
exercisable immediately. All options granted under the 1996 plan have 10 year terms and are vested and 
exercisable. 

F-36

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Changes in the number of stock options outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004

and 2003 are as follows:

Number of
Shares

Weighted- 
Average 
Exercise 
Price per 
Share
(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data) 
$ 5.64
9.00
6.70
—
5.98
10.79
9.71
—
6.76
12.19
10.00
5.75
6.82

2,629,302
300,000
(21,640)
—
2,907,662
576,000
(17,500)
—
3,466,162
31,000
(1,000)
(37,250)
3,458,912

Total 
Exercise 
Price 

$ 14,828
2,700 
(145 ) 
— 
17,383
6,213 
(170 ) 
— 
23,426
378 
(10 ) 
(214 ) 

$ 23,580

Outstanding at January 1, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F-37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005 (all of which are currently exercisable except for 

options on 9,000 shares granted in September 2005 and options on 7,000 shares granted in
December 2005) are as follows:

Number of
Shares

Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining Life 

Exercise price:

$3.33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$4.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$5.33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$7.33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$8.67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$9.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$9.16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$9.49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$9.67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$9.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$10.77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$11.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$11.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$11.88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$12.08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$12.79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$12.85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$13.05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

1,039,500
346,350
111,000
568,770
18,000
292,800
22,500
4,500
487,542
3,000
286,950
244,500
9,000
7,500
1,000
6,500
2,500
7,000
3,458,912 

1.19
1.56
2.63
2.16
3.92
7.94
8.67
8.75
5.13
8.50
9.00
8.44
9.75
9.50
9.28
9.25
8.25
10.00

At December 31, 2005, the Company had no shares of common stock available for future grant under 

the 1996 Stock Option Plan, 582,208 shares of common stock available for future grant under the 2000
Employee Stock Option Plan, and 207,000 shares of common stock available for future grant under the 
2000 Directors Stock Option Plan. 

On December 1, 1997, in connection with a rights offering of shares of the Company’s common stock, 

the Company issued subscription rights to purchase an aggregate of 2,157,375 shares of the Company’s 
common stock to certain officers and directors. The subscription rights had an exercise price of $5.33 per 
share and were exercisable immediately through December 1, 2005. Subscription rights with respect to 
2,151,375 and 6,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were exercised during 2005 and 2004, 
respectively. 

11.  Life Insurance Subsidiaries 

Prior approval of regulatory authorities is required for the payment of dividends to the Company by 

its life insurance subsidiaries which exceed an annual limitation. During 2006, American Equity Life could 
pay dividends to its parent of $68.7 million, without prior approval from regulatory authorities. 

F-38

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

Statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities for the Company’s 
life insurance subsidiaries differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Combined net income 
for the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries as determined in accordance with statutory accounting 
practices was $40.5 million, $47.7 million and $25.4 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and total 
statutory capital and surplus of the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries was $686.8 million and $608.9 
million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Calculations using the National Association of 
Insurance Commissioners formula at December 31, 2005, indicate that the ratio of total adjusted capital to 
risk based capital for the Company exceeded the highest level at which regulatory action might be initiated 
by approximately 2.3 times. 

12.  Commitments and Contingencies 

The Company leases its home office space and certain equipment under operating leases which expire 

through September 2010. Rent expense totaled $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 
$1.0 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. At December 31, 2005, minimum 
rental payments due under all noncancellable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more are 
(dollars in thousands): 

Year Ending December 31:  

2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$1,290
1,246
1,132
380
11
$4,059

Assessments are, from time to time, levied on the Company by life and health guaranty associations in 

most states in which the Company is licensed to cover losses to policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated 
companies. The Company has a liability established for future assessments related to the insolvency of 
London Pacific Life and Annuity Company of $0.9 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2005 and 
2004, respectively. The Company believes the liability for guaranty fund assessments is sufficient to provide 
for future assessments based upon known insolvencies. 

In recent years, companies in the life insurance and annuity business have faced litigation, including 

class action lawsuits alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. The 
Company is currently a defendant in several purported class action lawsuits alleging improper sales 
practices. In these lawsuits, the plaintiffs are seeking returns of premiums and other compensatory and 
punitive damages. The Company has reached a settlement in one of these cases, which is pending appeal. 
The impact of the settlement is deemed to be immaterial. No class has been certified in any of the other 
pending cases as this time. Although the Company has denied all allegations in these lawsuits and intends 
to vigorously defend against them, the lawsuits are in the early stages of litigation and neither their 
outcomes nor a range of possible outcomes can be determined at this time. However, the Company does 
not believe that these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or 
results of operations. 

In addition, the Company is from time to time subject to other legal proceedings and claims in the 
ordinary course of business, none of which management believe are likely to have a material adverse effect
on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There can be no assurance that such 
litigation, or any future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial 
position, results of operations or cash flows. 

F-39

 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

13.  Earnings Per Share 

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per 

common share—assuming dilution:  

Year Ended December 31, 
2004
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

2005 

2003

Numerator: 
Net income—numerator for earnings per common share . . .
Interest on convertible subordinated debentures (net of 

$ 

42,992 

$ 

29,323 

$ 

25,440

income tax benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,202 

1,255 

1,347

Numerator for earnings per common share—assuming 

dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

44,194 

$ 

30,578 

$ 

26,787

Denominator: 
Weighted average common shares outstanding. . . . . . . . . . . .
Participating preferred stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Denominator for earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . .

39,332,980 
—
39,332,980

37,518,141 
640,369
38,158,510

15,684,932
1,875,000
17,559,932

Effect of dilutive securities: 

Convertible subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options and management subscription rights . . . . . .
Deferred compensation agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,854,678 
1,480,392
844,766 

3,005,902 
1,500,158
431,575 

3,198,717
683,548
727,653

Denominator for earnings per common share—assuming 

dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

44,512,816 

43,096,145 

22,169,850

Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . .

$
$

1.09 
0.99 

$
$

0.77 
0.71 

$
$

1.45
1.21

F-40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

14. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 

Unaudited quarterly results of operations are summarized below.  

Quarter ended

March 31

June 30

September 30

December 31

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

2005
Premiums and product charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net investment income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Realized gains (losses) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . .

2004
Premiums and product charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net investment income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Realized gains on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings (loss) per common share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings (loss) per common share—assuming 

dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 10,018
124,834
232
(35,990)
99,094
12,528 
0.33
0.29 

$ 
$ 

$ 10,287
133,227
220
(1,972)
141,762
12,232
0.32
0.29 

$ 
$ 

$

9,644
142,350
(7,057)
16,038
160,975
7,163
0.19
0.17 

$ 
$ 

$

9,315
153,707
(1,030)
3,895
165,887
11,068
0.26
0.24

$ 
$ 

$

$

$

$

9,357
98,589
379
5,815
114,140 
(5,714)

(0.15) $

9,058
106,197
10
(4,934)
110,331
10,387
0.27

$

$

8,936
109,434
422
(19,696)
99,096
10,711
0.28

$ 10,226
114,165
132
47,511
172,034
13,939
0.36

$

(0.15)  $ 

0.25 

$ 

0.26 

$ 

0.33

The differences between the change in fair value of derivatives by quarter primarily corresponds to the 
performance of the indices upon which the Company’s call options are based. Earnings (loss) per common 
share for each quarter is computed independently of earnings per common share for the year. As a result, 
the sum of the quarterly earnings (loss) per common share amounts may not equal the earnings  per 
common share for the year. 

The adoption of FSP FIN 46(R)-5 and the consolidation of the Service Company as discussed in
note 1 reduced net income, earnings per common share and earnings per common share—assuming 
dilution for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 by $16.1 million, $0.43 and $0.40, respectively.

F-41

 
 
Schedule I—Summary of Investments—Other 

Than Investments in Related Parties 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

December 31, 2005

Column A

Type of Investment 

Column B 

Column C 

Amortized 
Cost(1) 

Fair 
Value 

Column D 
Amount at which
shown in the 
balance sheet(2)

(Dollars in thousands) 

Fixed maturity securities: 

Available for sale 

United States Government full faith and credit . . . . . . .
United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . .
Public utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage and asset-backed securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Held for investment 

United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . .
Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total fixed maturity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

2,734
2,877,423
133,489
603,746
48,578 
608,189
4,274,159

$

2,774
2,809,989
133,346
598,288
46,896
597,390
4,188,683 

4,635,485
75,942 
4,711,427
8,985,586

4,522,673
75,942
4,598,615 
$8,787,298

Equity securities, available for sale: 

Non-redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage loans on real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

71,642 
16,418 
88,060 
1,321,637
185,391
362
$ 10,581,036

$ 

$ 

69,962
14,884
84,846

$

2,774
2,809,989
133,346
598,288
46,896
597,390
4,188,683

4,635,485
75,942
4,711,427
8,900,110

69,962
14,884
84,846
1,321,637
185,391
362
$ 10,492,346

(1) On the basis of cost adjusted for repayments and amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts 

for fixed maturity securities,  derivative instruments and short-term investments, and unpaid principal 
balance for mortgage loans. 

(2) Derivative instruments are carried at estimated fair value. 

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

F-42

 
 
Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Condensed Balance Sheets 

(Dollars in thousands) 

Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale, at market (amortized cost: 2005—
$220,105; 2004—$100,000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity securities of subsidiary trusts (not eliminated in consolidation) . . . . . . .
Receivable from subsidiary (eliminated in consolidation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables from related party (eliminated in consolidation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal income tax recoverable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment in and advances to subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
Liabilities:

December 31, 

2005

2004

$

61,100

$ 49,366

218,374
6,967
406
—
6,008
7,943
14,101
314,899 
714,129
$1,029,028 

99,617
5,220
345
16,468
1,319
5,404
12,372
190,111 
552,808
$742,919

Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stockholders’ equity: 

Common stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 264,626 
230,718
14,326
509,670

$260,000
173,636
3,740
437,376

55,527
379,107
(27,306)
112,030
519,358
$1,029,028

38,360
215,793
(19,269)
70,659
305,543
$742,919

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements. 
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

F-43

 
 
 
 
Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Condensed Statements of Income

(Dollars in thousands) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2004

2005

2003

Revenues: 

Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Dividends from subsidiary (eliminated in consolidation). . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends from subsidiary trusts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment advisory fees (eliminated in consolidation) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surplus note interest from subsidiary (eliminated in consolidation) .
Interest on notes receivable from related party (eliminated in 

consolidation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenses: 

Interest expense on notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary 

trusts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of embedded derivative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other operating costs and expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in undistributed income os

subsidiaries and minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 

$ 8,521 
—
429
13,131
4,080 

$ 2,198 
—
307
10,096
4,080 

$

31
4,000
214
5,246
4,080 

839 
(60)
26,940 

1,597 
60
18,338 

1,291
—
14,862

14,100

1,749

1,486

14,145 
4,626
5,038
37,909 

9,609 
—
4,504
15,862 

7,661
—
3,013
12,160

(10,969) 
(5,241)

2,476 
615

2,702 
(703)

and minority interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5,728)

1,861

3,405

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries (eliminated in 

consolidation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before minority interests in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

51,220 
45,492
2,500 
$ 42,992 

27,009 
28,870

(453) 
$29,323 

22,398
25,803
363
$25,440

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements. 
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

F-44

 
 
Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands) 

Operating activities 
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used 

in) operating activities:
Provision for depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrual of discount on equity security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of embedded derivative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrual of discount on debenture issued to subsidiary trust . . . . .
Deferred income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Receivable from subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivable from related party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal income tax recoverable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts due to related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investing activities 
Capital contributions to subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of fixed maturity securities—available for sale . . . . . . . .
Maturities or repayments of fixed maturity securities—available 

for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2003

2005 

$ 42,992 

$ 29,323 

$ 25,440

790 
(17)
(51,220)
4,626
2,500 
522
(2,066)

219
4,217
(3,174)
(104)
151
381
(183)

247 
(33)
(27,009)
—
(453) 
522
912

1,075
11,453
(299)
(28)
(21)
1,240 
16,929

285
—
(22,398)
—
363
522
(241)

(940)
(7,459)
(462)
(433)
(73)
793
(4,603)

(89,525)
(154,923)

(152,125)
(100,000)

(125,025)
(40,000)

29,873
(407)
(214,982)

—
—
(252,125)

—
(19)
(165,044)

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements. 
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

F-45

 
 
 
Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Continued) 

(Dollars in thousands) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2004 

2003

2005 

(610)
—
(11,500)
12,000
171,265
(352)
170,803
1,156
791
1,947

2,629
7,139

—

372

$

$

Financing activities 
Financing fees incurred and deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from notes payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments of notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information 
Cash paid during the year for interest: 

$ (2,018) $ (9,598) $

— 260,000
— (31,833)
57,500
7,313
(767) 

55,000
175,539

(1,621) 

226,900
11,734
49,366
$ 61,100

282,615
47,419
1,947
$ 49,366

Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Subordinated debentures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 13,650 
13,074 

$

6,922 
8,518 

Non-cash investing and financing activities: 

Fixed maturity security contributed to subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trust for common 

15,000

39,562

equity securities of the subsidiary trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,730

1,770

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements. 
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

F-46

 
 
 
Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY)

Note to Condensed Financial Statements 

December 31, 2005

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company. 

In the parent company financial statements, the Company’s investment in and advances to subsidiaries 

(which includes surplus notes issued by American Equity Life) are stated at cost plus equity in
undistributed income (losses) of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition and net unrealized gains/losses 
on the subsidiaries’ fixed maturity securities classified as “available for sale” and equity securities in 
accordance with SFAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. 

See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of the parent company’s notes

payable. 

F-47

Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

Column A

Column B 

Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs 

Column D

Column C 
Future policy
benefits, 
losses, 
claims and
loss 
expenses 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Unearned
premiums

Column E 

Other policy
claims and 
benefits 
payable 

As of December 31, 2005:

Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$977,015  

$12,237,988 

As of December 31, 2004:

Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$713,021  

$ 9,807,969 

As of December 31, 2003:

Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$608,197  

$ 8,315,874 

$

$

$

— $126,387

— $ 94,410

— $ 60,995

Column A

Column F 

Premium
revenue 

Column G 

Net 
investment
income 

Column H
Benefits,
claims,
losses and
settlement
expenses
(Dollars in thousands) 

Column I 
Amortization
of deferred 
policy
acquisition 
costs(1) 

Column J

Other 
operating
expenses 

Year ended December 31, 2005:

Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 39,264  

Year ended December 31, 2004:

Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 37,577  

Year ended December 31, 2003:

Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 34,138  

$

$

$

554,118 

$351,070

$ 68,109

$77,645

428,385 

$310,618

$ 67,867

$47,635

357,295 

$326,700

$ 47,450

$37,446

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

F-48

 
 
 
 
Schedule IV—Reinsurance 

AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY

Column A

Column B 

Gross amount

Column C 

Ceded to other
companies 

Column D 
Assumed from
other
companies 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Column E 

Column F 
Percent of 
amount 

Net amount  assumed to net

Year ended December 31, 2005: 

Life insurance in force, at end of year .
Insurance premiums and other

considerations: 
Annuity and single premium 

$ 2,722,017

$ 1,327 

$ 109,289 

$ 2,829,979  

3.86% 

universal life product charges. . . .

$

35,126

$9,440 

$ 

— 

$ 

25,686  

—% 

Traditional life and accident and 

health insurance premiums. . . . . .

Year ended December 31, 2004: 

Life insurance in force, at end of year .
Insurance premiums and other

considerations: 
Annuity and single premium 

12,301
47,427

$ 

155 
$ 9,595 

1,432 
$  1,432 

13,578  
39,264  

$ 

10.55% 
3.65% 

$ 2,500,878

$ 1,258 

$ 125,443 

$ 2,625,063  

4.78% 

universal life product charges. . . .

$

29,929

$7,467 

$ 

— 

$ 

22,462  

—% 

Traditional life and accident and 

health insurance premiums. . . . . .

Year ended December 31, 2003: 

Life insurance in force, at end of year .
Insurance premiums and other

considerations: 
Annuity and single premium 

13,399
43,328

$ 

52
$ 7,519 

1,768   

$  1,768 

$ 

15,115  
37,577  

11.70% 
4.71% 

$ 2,580,812

$ 1,034 

$ 141,817 

$ 2,721,595  

5.21% 

universal life product charges. . . .

$

26,025

$5,573 

$ 

— 

$ 

20,452  

—% 

Traditional life and accident and 

health insurance premiums. . . . . .

11,941
37,966

$ 

156  
$ 5,729 

1,901
$  1,901 

13,686
34,138  

$ 

13.89% 
5.57% 

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

F-49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)   Exhibits: 

Exhibit No. 
3.1 

Articles of Incorporation, including Articles of Amendment**††

Description 

3.2

3.3

4.4

4.5

4.6  

4.7  

4.8

4.9  

4.10

4.11

4.12

4.13

4.14

4.15

4.16

4.17

4.18

4.19

Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on September 23, 2003#

Amended and Restated Bylaws†

Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of American Equity Capital Trust I dated 
September 7, 1999†  

Indenture dated September 7, 1999 between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and West Des Moines State Bank, as trustee#  

Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement dated September 7, 1999 between
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and West Des Moines State Bank, as 
trustee#  

Trust Common Securities Guarantee Agreement dated September 7, 1999 between
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and West Des Moines State Bank, as 
trustee#  

Indenture dated October 29, 1999 between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and West Des Moines State Bank, as trustee)#  

Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement dated October 29, 1999 between
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and West Des Moines, State Bank, as 
trustee#  

Trust Common Securities Guarantee Agreement dated October 29, 1999 between American
Equity Investment Life Holding Company and West Des Moines State Bank, as trustee#  

Indenture dated December 16, 2003, between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee††††††††

Guarantee Agreement dated December 16, 2003, between American Equity Investment
Life Holding Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee††††††††

Indenture dated April 29, 2004, between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee††††††††††

Guarantee Agreement dated April 29, 2004, between American Equity Investment Life 
Holding Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee††††††††††  

Indenture dated September 14, 2004, between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee††††††††††

Guarantee Agreement dated September 14, 2004, between American Equity Investment
Life Holding Company and JP Morgan chase Bank, as trustee††††††††††

Indenture dated December 22, 2004, between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and JP M organ Chase Bank, as trustee##  

Guarantee Agreement dated December 22, 2004, between American Equity Investment
Life Holding Company and JP M organ Chase Bank, as trustee##  

Indenture dated December 6, 2004 between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and US Bank, as trustee##  

Exhibit No. 

4.20

4.21

4.22

4.23

4.24

4.25

4.26

4.27

4.28

9

10.1  

10.1-A

10.1-B  

10.1-C  

10.1-D  

10.2 

10.3  

10.5  

Description 

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 6, 2004 by and among American
Equity Investment Life Holding Company, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Raymond 
James & Associates, Inc., and Advest, Inc.##  

First Supplemental Indenture dated December 30, 2004 between American Equity 
Investment Life Holding Company and US Bank, as trustee##  

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 30, 2004 between American Equity 
Investment Life Holding Company and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.##  

Indenture dated June 15, 2005 between American Equity Investment Life Holding
Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee†††††††††††  

Guarantee Agreement dated June 15, 2005 between American Equity Investment Life 
Holding Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee†††††††††††

Indenture dated August 4, 2005 between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee††††††††††††

Guarantee Agreement dated August 4, 2005 between American Equity Investment Life 
Holding Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee††††††††††††

Indenture dated December 15, 2005 between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee  

Guarantee Agreement dated December 31, 2005 between American Equity Investment Life 
Holding Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee  

Voting Trust Agreement dated December 30, 1997 among Farm Bureau Life Insurance 
Company, American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and David J. Noble,
David S. Mulcahy and Debra J. Richardson (Voting Trustees)*

Restated and Amended General Agency Commission and Servicing Agreement dated 
June 30, 1997 between American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company and American 
Equity Investment Service Company*  

1999 General Agency Commission and Servicing Agreement dated as of June 30, 1999
between American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company and American Equity 
Investment Service Company†  

Second Restated and Amended General Agency Commission and Servicing Agreement 
dated as of October 1, 2002 between American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company 
and American Equity Investment Service Company††††††  

First Amendment to the 1999 General Agency Commission and Servicing Agreement 
effective July 1, 2003 between American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company and 
American Equity Investment Service Company††††††††  

First Amendment to Second Restated and Amended General Agency Commission and 
Servicing Agreement effective December 29, 2004 between American Equity Investment
Life Insurance Company and American Equity Investment Service Company##  

1996 Stock Option Plan* 

Restated and Amended Stock Option and Warrant Agreement dated April 30, 1997 
between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and D.J. Noble*

Deferred Compensation Agreements between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and

(a) James M. Gerlach dated June 6, 1996* 

Exhibit No. 

Description 

(b) Terry A. Reimer dated November 11, 1996*

(c) David S. Mulcahy dated December 31, 1997*

10.6  

10.7

10.8 

10.9  

10.10

10.10-A  

10.10-B  

10.11

10.12

10.13  

Forgivable Loan Agreement dated April 30, 2000 between American Equity Investment Life 
Holding Company and D.J. Noble†† 

2000 Employee Stock Option Plan††

2000 Director Stock Option Plan†† 

Coinsurance and Yearly Renewable Term Reinsurance Agreement dated January 1, 2001
between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Atlantic International 
Reinsurance Company LTD.††††

Coinsurance Agreement dated December 19, 2001 between American Equity Investment
Life Holding Company and EquiTrust Life Insurance Company†††††  

Coinsurance Agreement dated December 29, 2003 between American Equity Investment
Life Holding Company and EquiTrust Life Insurance Company††††††††

First Amendment to Coinsurance Agreement dated December 29, 2003 between American
Equity Investment Life Holding Company and EquiTrust Life Insurance 
Company†††††††††  

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 30, 2002 among American
Equity Investment Life Holding Company, West Des Moines State Bank, as co-agent, Fleet 
National Bank, as documentation agent and U.S. Bank National Association, as 
agent††††††

2002 Coinsurance and Yearly Renewable Term Reinsurance Agreement dated November 1, 
2002 between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Hannover Life 
Reassurance Company of America†††††††

2003 Coinsurance and yearly Renewable Term Reinsurance Agreement dated 
September 30, 2003 between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and 
Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America#  

10.13-A  

First Amendment to 2003 Coinsurance and yearly Renewable Term Reinsurance 
Agreement dated September 30, 2003 between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America††††††††

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

Form of Change in Control Agreement between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and each of John M. Matovina, Kevin R. Wingert, Debra J. Richardson and 
Wendy L. Carlson#

Form of Change in Control Agreement between American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company and each James M. Gerlach and Terry A. Reimer#  

First Amendment dated August 14, 2003 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement 
dated December 30, 2002 among American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, West 
Des Moines State Bank, as co-agent, Fleet National Bank, documentation agent and U.S. 
National Association, as agent#  

Second Amendment dated October 24, 2003 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement 
dated December 30, 2002 among American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, West 
Des Moines State Bank, as co-agent, Fleet National Bank, as documentation agent and U.S.
Bank National Association, as agent#  

Exhibit No. 

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

12.1 

21.1

23.1

23.2

31.1  

31.2  

32.1  

32.2  

Description 

Third Amendment dated December 31, 2003, to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement 
dated December 30, 2002 among American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, West 
Des Moines State Bank, as co-agent, Fleet National Bank, as documentation agent and U.S.
Bank National  Association, as agent††††††††

Fourth Amendment dated June 30, 2004 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement 
dated December 30, 2002 among American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, West 
Des Moines State Bank, as co-agent, Fleet National Bank, as documentation agent and U.S.
Bank National Association, as agent†††††††††

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September 22, 2004 among American
Equity Investment Life Holding Company, West Des Moines State Bank, LaSalle Bank and 
U.S. Bank National Association††††††††††  

Stock Sale/Purchase Agreement dated September 2, 2005 between American Equity 
Investment Life Holding Company and D.J. Noble††††††††††††

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 

Subsidiaries of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company††††††††

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*  Incorporated by reference to American Equity Investment Life Holding Company’s 

Registration Statement on Form 10 dated April 29,1999 

** Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form 10 dated April 29, 1999
and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 10 dated 
July 20, 1999 

(cid:1) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1999
(cid:1)(cid:1) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2000
(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2000
(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2001
(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2001
(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2002

†††††††  Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2003

††††††††  Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2003

†††††††††  Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2004

††††††††††  Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004

†††††††††††  Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2005

††††††††††††  Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005

#  Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated 

September 15, 2003, including all pre-effective amendments thereto 

##  Previously filed with the original Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2004

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

2005 

Year Ended December 31, 
2003 

2004 

2002 

Exhibit 12.1

2001

Consolidated income before income taxes, 

minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries 
and cumulative effect adjustment(a) . . . . . .
Interest credited to account balances . . . . . . .
Interest expense on General Agency 

Commission and Servicing Agreement(a) .
Interest expense on notes payable(a). . . . . . . .
Interest expense on subordinated 

$ 70,894 
306,608 

$ 69,481 
305,762 

$ 39,308 
248,075 

$ 28,951 
183,503 

$

9,453
100,125

— 
16,324

— 
2,358

— 
2,713

3,596 
1,901

5,716
2,881

debentures(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14,145 

9,609 

7,661

—

—

Interest expense on amounts due under 

repurchase agreements and other interest 
expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest portion of rental expense . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest credited to account balances . . . . . . .
Interest expense on General Agency 

Commission and Servicing Agreement(a) .
Interest expense on notes payable(a). . . . . . . .
Interest expense on subordinated 

11,280 
388 
$419,639 

3,148 
344 
$390,702 

1,278 
314 
$299,349 

1,777 
267 
$219,995 

1,504
171
$119,850

306,608 

305,762 

248,075 

183,503 

100,125

— 
16,324

— 
2,358

— 
2,713

3,596 
1,901

5,716
2,881

debentures(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14,145 

9,609 

7,661 

— 

—

Interest expense on amounts due under 

repurchase agreements and other interest 
expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest portion of rental expense . . . . . . . . . .
Combined fixed charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed 

11,280 
388 
$348,745 

3,148 
344 
$321,221 

1,278 
314 
$260,041 

1,777 
267 
$191,044 

1,504
171
$110,397

charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.2 

1.2 

1.2 

1.2 

1.1

Ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed 
charges excluding interest credited to 
account balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.7 

5.5 

4.3 

4.8 

1.9

a)  On December 31, 2003, retroactive to January 1, 2003, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards 
Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an 
Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. During the first quarter of 2005, retroactive to 
January 1, 2003, we adopted FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46(R)-5, Implicit Variable Interests under
FIN 46. See notes 1 and 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2004. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-3

No. 333-113630, Form S-3 No. 333-123862 and Form S-8 No. 333-127001) of American Equity Investment
Life Holding Company and in the related Prospectuses of our reports dated March 13, 2006, with respect 
to the consolidated balance sheet of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Subsidiaries 
as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ 
equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2005, and all related financial statement schedules, 
management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2005 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2005, included herein. 

/s/ KPMG 

Des Moines, Iowa 
March 13, 2006

 
Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-3

No. 333-113630, Form S-3 No. 333-123862 and Form S-8 No. 333-127001) of American Equity Investment
Life Holding Company and in the related Prospectuses of our report dated March 11, 2005, except for the 
fifth paragraph of Note 1, as to which the date is November 11, 2005, with respect to the consolidated 
financial statements and schedules of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company as of
December 31, 2004 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2004 included in this 
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2005. 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP 

Des Moines, Iowa 
March 13, 2006

 
Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, David J. Noble, certify that: 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company; 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit 

to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under 
which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 

disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for 
the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and 

procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to 
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those 
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over 
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; 

(c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented 
in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, 
as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting 

that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in 
the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 
affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of 
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control 

over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to 
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a 

significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2006

By: /s/ DAVID J. NOBLE

David J. Noble, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Wendy L. Carlson, certify that: 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of American Equity Investment Life Holding 
Company; 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit 

to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under 
which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 

disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for 
the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and 

procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to 
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those 
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over 
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; 

(c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented 
in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, 
as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting 

that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in 
the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 
affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of 
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control 

over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to 
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a 

significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2006

By: /s/ WENDY L. CARLSON

Wendy L. Carlson, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the 
“Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David J. Noble, Chief Executive Officer of the 
Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 

Act of 1934; and 

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial 

condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 14, 2006

By: /s/ DAVID J. NOBLE

D.J. Noble, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the 
“Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Wendy L. Carlson, Chief Financial Officer of
the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 

Act of 1934; and 

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial 

condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 14, 2006

By: /s/ WENDY L. CARLSON

Wendy L. Carlson, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 
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(This page has been left blank intentionally.) 

(This page has been left blank intentionally.) 

2 0 0 5 F I N A N C I A L H I G H L I G H T S

T O TA L A S S E T S C L I M B E D T O $14.0 B I L L I O N

G E N E R AT E D R E C O R D A N N U I T Y D E P O S I T S O F $2.9 B I L L I O N

S E T A R E C O R D F O R N E T I N C O M E O F $43.0 M I L L I O N

R A I S E D $230 M I L L I O N I N N E W C A P I TA L T H RO U G H S T O C K A N D S E C U R I T Y O F F E R I N G S

I N C R E A S E D AG E N T R E L AT I O N S H I P S BY 13 P E RC E N T

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

(Dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

Total assets

Total revenues

Net income 

$14,042,794

$11,087,288

$8,962,841

$7,327,789

$4,819,220

$567,718

$495,601

$450,904

$279,713

$180,376

$42,992

$29,323

$25,440

$14,207

$872

Total stockholders’ equity

$519,358

$305,543

$263,716

$77,478

$42,567

Book value per share1

Return on equity2

$9.35

$7.97

$7.19

$4.67

$2.24

11.0%

10.3%

28.3%

23.7%

1.7%

Number of agents

51,744

45,940

42,239

41,396

33,894

(1) Book value per share is calculated as total stockholders' equity less the liquidation preference of our series preferred stock divided by the total

number of shares of common stock outstanding.

(2) We define return on equity as net income divided by average total stockholders’ equity. Average total stockholders’ equity is detemined based
upon the total stockholders’ equity at the beginning and the end of the year. The computations of average stockholders’ equity for 2005 and 
2003 have been calculated on a weighted average basis to recognize the significant increases in stockholders' equity that resulted from the receipt
of the net proceeds from our public offerings in December 2005 and 2003.  

✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
AMERICAN EQUITY

I N V E S T M E N T L I F E H O L D I N G C O M PA N Y

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF 
PEOPLE, SERVICE & FUTURE

5000 Westown Parkway • West Des Moines, Iowa  50266
515.221.0002 (cid:129) 888.221.1234
www.american-equity.com

2 0 0 5   A N N U A L   R E P O RT   &   F O R M   1 0 - K