American Equity Investment Life Company
Annual Report 2007

Plain-text annual report

4176_cover.qxp 4/10/2008 9:41 AM Page 1 AEL-AR-07 5000 Westown Parkway • West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 515.221.0002 (cid:129) 888.221.1234 www.american-equity.com 2007 ANNUAL REPORT & FORM 10-K 4176_cover.qxp 4/9/2008 2:37 PM Page 2 F rom the day we opened the doors, American Equity adopted the eagle as our mascot. The majestic bird inspires many responses and feelings—patriotism, freedom, soaring, promise, strength and fortitude. Back from the brink of extinction, the eagle is the quintessential American symbol of success and a fitting analogy for what American Equity does: Provide our customers with financial safety and protection now so that they can soar in the future. 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 1 American Equity’s business strategy is simple: Define our company and products in the market by focusing on the PEOPLE we serve, providing unparalleled SERVICE and always maintaining an eagle’s eye on the FUTURE. 1 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 2 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 (Dollars in thousands, except for per share data) Total assets $16,394,372 $14,990,123 $14,042,794 $11,087,288 $8,962,841 Total revenues $714,500 $915,860 $567,718 $495,601 $450,904 Total stockholders’ equity $611,635 $595,006 $519,358 $305,543 $263,716 Book value per share1 $11.63 $11.29 $9.84 $8.47 $7.83 (1) Book value per share is calculated as total stockholders’ equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding, a non-GAAP financial measure. T H E C H A L L E N G E S D E F I N I N G 2 0 0 7 It was a year of challenges for annuity companies. Nationally, we saw significant volatility in the equity and bond markets throughout 2007, which were besieged by problems in subprime residential mortgage investments and interest rate changes. Since American Equity has no subprime mortgages in our portfolio, our financials were not directly impacted. We remain committed to maintaining a high quality asset portfolio. Additionally, the industry continued to encounter legal and regulatory issues related to suitability and sales practices. American Equity has been well ahead of the curve through agent education and by adopting practices to more closely monitor the sales process. Education of field agents as well as policyholders is essential in dealing with this issue, and we will continue to make this a priority in 2008. 2 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 3 TO OUR FELLOW SS HA R E H O L D E R S : Our company strives to be a leader in our industry, but we knew from the beginning we could not be all things to all people. As 2 0 0 7 D E F I N I N G H I G H L I G H T S (cid:129) Record total assets reaching $16.4 billion I have stated many times: We sell “sleep insurance.” It’s the peace of mind our policyholders have knowing their princi- pal and interest are protected. (cid:129) Record net investment income of $719.9 million (cid:129) $2.1 billion in annuity deposits (cid:129) Fourth-quarter sales of $533.9 million In today’s market environment of declin- (cid:129) High credit quality of invested assets ing interest rates and stock market volatility, our product benefits are more important than ever. This is especially (cid:129) Book value increase to $11.63 per share D E F I N I N G D I F F E R E N C E S true as retirees become the fastest grow- the policyholder cannot outlive, which is ing segment of our population over the a compelling benefit in the current eco- next 20 years. Annuity benefits of nomic environment. indexed-linked interest, tax deferral, liquidity options and full contract value D E F I N I N G T H E N U M B E R S at death are very appealing to those American Equity is prepared to achieve seeking safety and guarantees. ambitious growth and performance Annuities are the only savings product financially sound, which allows us to that can provide an income stream that respond quickly to changes in the objectives. We remain structurally and market without deviating from our core business strategies. 3 4176_body.qxp 4/10/2008 2:08 PM Page 4 T O TA L A S S E T S A fundamental business principle of an increase of 6 percent over 2006. American Equity is to protect the safety Yields received on new investments of our policyholders’ money. With assets improved throughout the year. For pur- of $16.4 billion as of December 31, 2007, chases of bonds and other fixed-maturity we assure this commitment by maintain- securities during 2007, average new ing an exceptionally high-quality asset money yields climbed from 6.09 percent D E F I N I N G P E R F O R M A N C E B Y T H E N U M B E R S portfolio. In fact, 99 percent of our in the first quarter to 6.52 percent in the bond portfolio is investment grade and fourth quarter. Average new money 65 percent of our invested assets are in yields on commercial mortgage loans U.S. Government and Government made during 2007 fluctuated from 6.19 Agency Bonds. Our asset portfolio pro- percent in the second quarter to 6.39 vides income, liquidity and the flexibility percent in the third quarter, with the needed to provide superior value while average for the entire year at 6.29 per- meeting the challenges of a competitive cent. For the year 2007, American and changing marketplace. Equity earned an average of 6.11 percent on all invested assets compared with 6.14 Income from invested assets reached a percent in 2006. record high of $719.9 million in 2007, 4 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 5 C R E D I T Q U A L I T Y O F F I X E D - M AT U R I T Y I N V E S T M E N T S 1 2 - 3 1 - 0 7 The company’s $2.0 billion portfolio of commercial mortgage loans continues to perform well with no defaults, delin- quent payments or restructured terms. We distinguish ourselves from other insurance companies by working harder and smarter to compete. We draw on an entrepreneurial spirit that allowed us to become the only new life insurance com- pany started in the past 12 years. P R O D U C T I O N M O M E N T U M In stark contrast to other companies that have acquired growth, American Equity’s growth is built on production. Toward the end of first quarter 2007, our sales momentum began to increase, and we concluded the year with $2.1 billion in sales. We attribute this momentum to a number of strategic actions, including the introduction of our agent incentive program, the Gold Eagle Program. In addition, American Equity has grown the old fashioned way— through pro- duction. We have an experienced management team that has worked suc- cessfully in this business for 17 years, and we know how to compete effectively in an industry dominated by global compa- The Gold Eagle Program rewards our high-performing producers with stock options in the company and marketing dollars to help grow their businesses. This program represents a defining and distinguishing initiative that aligns customer needs, producer goals and nies, many of which are headquartered company strategy. outside the United States. We ranked third among top index annu- ity carriers for fourth-quarter sales in 5 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 6 T O TA L P R O D U C T I O N SALES CULTURE — THE DEFINING DIFFERENCE IN PRODUCTION 2007, and we maintained our rank as the Culturally, we value the concept of “skin No. 2 all-time seller of index annuities in in the game.” When rewards are tied to the nation. stock performance and appreciation, everyone unites to achieve common American Equity was one of only a few objectives. Our employees are rewarded indexed annuity companies that when they work together to meet per- increased its sales in 2007. We stood formance and quality goals that ultimate- out with a high visibility in the market ly increase the value of the company. and a strong commitment to our pro- This same alignment of priorities ducers. Our effective marketing strategy extends to our sales force through the included: (cid:129) Gold Eagle Program (cid:129) Lifetime Income Benefit Rider (cid:129) CD Rom, with training modules and pre-built sales presentation At American Equity, we are all about sales culture. We founded this company on sales. We grew through sales. We suc- ceed by selling. Gold Eagle Program. E X C E L L E N T R AT I N G A.M. Best reaffirmed American Equity’s “A-” (Excellent) rating in 2007. We saw the benefit of the rating crystallize for agents with solid sales in 2007; sales rose to more than $200 million for the month of April. The trend continued and the 6 4176_body.qxp 4/10/2008 2:06 PM Page 7 The Flexible Features and Benefits of Annuities: • Annual interest credits including interest rate opportunities linked to index performance (cid:129) Minimum guaranteed principal and interest (cid:129) Tax-deferred growth (cid:129) Flexible penalty-free withdrawal opportunities (cid:129) Guaranteed life-time income opportunities (cid:129) Full contract value at death subsequent quarters showed significant increases in production over 2006. For agents, the rating underscores the finan- cial and operating strength of the com- pany, which is valuable when competing in a dynamic marketplace. Building products with integrity is of the utmost importance to American Equity. Our rule of thumb is: If we wouldn’t sell DEFINING DIFFERENCES FOR OUR CUSTOMERS C U S T O M E R - F O C U S E D P R O D U C T S Our products have weathered many financial storms in the past 10 years: a stock market decline of more than 30 percent, terrorism on U.S. soil, and most recently, the subprime mortgage loan debacle. Through it all, not a single American Equity policyholder lost a dime of account value. This is, per- haps, the most satisfying aspect of our business. our products to our parents or grandpar- ents, we won’t sell them to yours. Our indexed annuities have true bonuses, true liquidity, true death benefits and no market-value adjustments. These are all very important components of a cus- tomer focused product portfolio. Developing customer-focused products is also the first step in managing market conduct and suitability issues. Our prod- uct portfolio reduces the risk of misun- derstandings. If an issue arises with an American Equity policy, we respond quickly to address the situation. 7 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 8 T O TA L R E T U R N T O S H A R E H O L D E R S DEFINING STANDARDS AND STRENGTH We take meticulous customer-oriented L O N G - T E R M VA L U E steps to make sure that an annuity is suit- able for the prospective policyholder and that our agents comply with all suit- ability and market conduct standards in their respective states, as well as with our internal suitability reviews and monitor- ing systems. With turbulent equity markets through- out 2007, the market proved particularly harsh for financial service companies. We believe our stock price is significantly undervalued at this writing even though our asset quality, sales momentum and prospects remain strong. As a result, the company initiated a stock repurchase We do business in all 50 states and the program in November 2007. District of Columbia, and we believe our proactive procedures for suitability and market conduct are more comprehen- sive than many state laws. Because we believe strongly in the long- term value of our company, we see the current market as an opportunity to con- tinue to repurchase our stock as long as the price is undervalued. 8 4176_body.qxp 4/10/2008 2:08 PM Page 9 Our future is bright because our prod- providing superior products, excellent ucts are aligned with the demographics customer service and a high-quality and needs of the marketplace. Our man- investment portfolio. agement, products and outstanding serv- ice make us one of the top three compa- We are American Equity and these are nies in the indexed annuity business. our defining differences. American Equity has demonstrated a proven ability to grow and perform, and we will continue to be committed to David J. Noble Chairman & CEO 9 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 10 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY David J. Noble, 76 Chairman of the Board & CEO John M. Matovina, 53 Vice Chairman Alexander M. Clark, 74 Managing Director Sanders Morris Harris James M. Gerlach, 65 Executive Vice President Robert L. Hilton, 79 Insurance Consultant Robert C. Howe, 65 Consultant and Retired Deuputy Director of the Iowa Insurance Division A.J Strickland, 66 Professor of Strategic Management, University of Alabama 10 Harley A. Whitfield, 77 Attorney, Of Counsel, Whitfield & Eddy, PLC Kevin R. Wingert, 50 President, American Equity Life Insurance Company 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 11 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY David J. Noble, 76 Chairman of the Board & CEO Kevin R. Wingert, 50 President Debra J. Richardson, 51 Senior Vice President and Secretary James M. Gerlach, 65 Executive Vice President Wendy L. Carlson, 47 General Counsel and CFO Terry A. Reimer, 62 Executive Vice President Jack W. Schroeder, 82 Vice Chairman 11 4176_body.qxp 4/7/2008 7:33 PM Page 12 S T O C K T R A N S F E R A N D R E G I S T R A R Stock Transfer and Registrar Computershare Trust Company, N.A. PO Box 43078 Providence, RI 02940-3023 (977) 282-1169 www.computershare.com I N D E P E N D E N T R E G I S T E R E D P U B L I C A C C O U N T I N G F I R M KPMG LLP 2500 Ruan Center Des Moines, IA 50309 O F F I C E R C E R T I F I C AT I O N S American Equity submitted its CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange in 2007. Additionally, American Equity filed as an exhibit to its 2007 annual report on Form 10-K, a CEO/CFO Certification with the Securities and Exchange Commission as required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. S H A R E H O L D E R I N F O R M AT I O N S H A R E H O L D E R I N F O R M AT I O N 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: Debra J. Richardson Sr. Vice President and Secretary 5000 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266 (515) 273-3602 (cid:129) Fax (515) 221-9989 email: drichardson@american-equity.com S T O C K L I S T I N G American Equity is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AEL. W E B S I T E American Equity’s web site, www.american- equity.com, is continuously updated and includes news releases, conference calls, stock price infor- mation, quarterly reports, SEC filings, manage- ment presentations and more. A N N U A L S H A R E H O L D E R S M E E T I N G Thursday, June 5, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. CDT C O R P O R A T E H E A D Q U A R T E R S American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. 5000 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 (515) 221-0002 www.american-equity.com 12 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 (Mark One) FORM 10-K (cid:1) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 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 42-1447959 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 50266 (Zip Code) (515) 221-0002 (Telephone) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Name of each exchange on which registered Common stock, par value $1 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 (cid:1) 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 (cid:1) 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 (cid:1) 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 filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of ‘‘large accelerated filer,’’ ‘‘accelerated filer,’’ and ‘‘smaller reporting company’’ in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer (cid:2) Accelerated filer (cid:1) Non-accelerated filer (cid:2) Smaller reporting company (cid:2) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.) Yes (cid:2) No (cid:1) Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $605,627,357 based on the closing price of $12.08 per share, the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2007. Shares of common stock outstanding as of March 7, 2008: 55,138,039 Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held June 5, 2008, which will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2007, 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, 2007 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, 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Item 9A. Item 9B. PART III. PART IV. Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 13 21 21 21 22 23 25 26 49 51 51 51 52 52 52 53 Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1 Exhibit Index Exhibit 12.1 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Exhibit 21.2 Subsidiaries of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Exhibit 31.1 Certification Exhibit 31.2 Certification Exhibit 32.1 Certification Exhibit 32.2 Certification Item 1. Business Introduction PART I 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 index and fixed rate 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 50 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘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 index and fixed rate 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 $257.4 billion in 2007 and $238.7 billion in 2006. Fixed rate annuity sales, which include index and fixed rate annuities were $73.2 billion in 2007 and $78.3 billion in 2006. Sales of index annuities decreased 2% to $24.8 billion in 2007 from $25.4 billion in 2006. 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 index and fixed rate annuity products has enabled us to enjoy favorable growth during volatile equity and bond markets. Strategy Our business strategy is to grow our annuity business and earn predictable returns by managing investment spreads and investment risk. Key elements of this strategy include the following: Enhance our Current Independent Agency Network. We believe that our strong relationships with approximately 70 national marketing organizations represent a significant competitive advantage. Our objective is to improve the productivity and efficiency of our core distribution channel by focusing our marketing and recruiting efforts on those independent agents capable of selling $1 million or more of annuity premium annually. This level of production qualifies them for our Gold Eagle Program which was introduced at the beginning of 2007. Gold Eagle qualifiers receive a combination of cash and equity-based incentives as motivation for producing business for us. The equity-based incentive compensation component of our Gold Page 3 of 53 Eagle program is unique in our industry and distinguishes us from our competitors. Our continuing focus on relationships and efficiency will ultimately reduce our independent agents to a core group of professional annuity producers. We will also be alert to opportunities to establish relationships with national marketing organizations and agents not presently associated with us and will continue to provide all of our marketing partners with the highest quality service possible. Continue to Introduce Innovative and Competitive Products. We intend to be at the forefront of the index and fixed rate annuity industry in developing and introducing innovative and new competitive products. We were the first company 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. Most recently we were one of the first companies to include a lifetime income benefit rider with our index annuities. 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 index annuities, fixed rate annuities, and life insurance. Index Annuities Index annuities accounted for approximately 98%, 96% and 93% of the total annuity deposits collected for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, 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. Approximately 86%, 76% and 66% of our index annuity sales for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were ‘‘premium bonus’’ products. The initial annuity deposit on these policies is increased at issuance by the specified premium bonus ranging from 3% to Page 4 of 53 10%. Generally, there is a compensating adjustment in the commission paid to the agent or the surrender charges on the policy to offset the premium bonus. The annuity contract value is equal to the sum of premiums paid, premium bonuses and interest credited (‘‘index credits’’), which is 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 35% to 100%. Some products apply an overall limit (or ‘‘cap’’), generally ranging from 4% 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 annual interest to be credited. For products with asset fees, if the annual appreciation in the index does not exceed the asset fee, the policyholder’s index credit is zero. The minimum guaranteed contract values are equal to 80% to 100% of the sum of the premium collected, premium bonuses and interest credited at an annual rate ranging from 2.0% 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. Fixed Rate Annuities Fixed rate annuities accounted for approximately 2%, 4% and 7% of our total annuity deposits collected for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Fixed rate deferred annuities generally involve the tax-deferred accumulation of interest on premiums paid by the policyholder. We also sell fixed rate annuities under which the annual interest rate (the ‘‘crediting rate’’) is guaranteed for up to a five-year period and single premium immediate annuities (‘‘SPIAs’’). Our fixed rate annuities (excluding our multi-year rate guaranteed products) generally have a 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 ranges from 2.20% to 4.00%. The initial guaranteed rate on our multi-year rate guaranteed policies ranges from 4.00% to 5.50%. 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 on our investment portfolio, annuity surrender assumptions, competitive industry pricing and crediting rate history for particular groups of annuity policies with similar characteristics. As of December 31, 2007, crediting rates on our outstanding fixed rate deferred annuities generally ranged from 3.00% to 5.50%. The average crediting rate on our outstanding fixed rate deferred annuities at December 31, 2007 was 3.34%. 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 3.48% at December 31, 2007. Withdrawal Options—Index and Fixed Rate Annuities Policyholders are typically permitted penalty-free withdrawals up to 10% of the contract value in 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 range from 5 to 17 years for Page 5 of 53 index annuities and 3 to 15 years for fixed rate annuities after the date the policy is issued. This surrender charge initially ranges from 4.5% to 20% for index annuities and 8% to 25% for fixed rate annuities of the contract 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. 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. Beginning in July 2007, substantially all of our index annuity policies were issued with a lifetime income benefit rider. This rider provides an additional liquidity option to policyholders who elect to receive a guaranteed lifetime income from their contract without requiring policyholders to annnuitize their contract value. The amount of the lifetime income benefit available is determined by the growth in the policy’s income account value as defined in the policy and the policyholder’s age at the time the policyholder elects to begin receiving lifetime income benefit payments. Lifetime income benefit payments may be stopped and restarted at the election of the policyholder. Life Insurance These products include traditional ordinary and term, universal life and other interest-sensitive life insurance products. We have approximately $2.6 billion of life insurance in force as of December 31, 2007. 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 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. 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, the cost of options to fund the annual index credits on our index annuities and rates credited on our fixed rate annuities. We manage the index- 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, caps and asset fees on policy anniversary dates to reflect the change in the cost of such options (which varies based on market conditions). All options are purchased to fund the index credits on our index annuities on their respective anniversary dates, and new options are purchased at each of the anniversary dates to fund the next annual index credits. All credited rates on non-multi-year rate guaranteed fixed rate deferred annuities may be changed annually, subject to minimum guarantees. Changes in participation rates, caps and asset fees on index annuities and crediting rates on fixed rate annuities 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 participation rates, caps, asset fees and crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the weighted average yield, computed on the average amortized cost basis of our investment portfolio, was 6.11% and the weighted average cost of our liabilities, excluding amortization of deferred sales inducements and interest bonuses guaranteed for the first year of the annuity contract, was 3.50%. 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 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements. Page 6 of 53 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, 2007. 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 actively recruit new agents and terminate those agents who have not produced business for us in recent periods and are unlikely to sell our products in the future. 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 emphasize our products and our Gold Eagle program which provides unique cash and equity-based incentives to those agents selling $1 million or more of annuity premium annually. 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 50 states and the District of Columbia. The insurance distribution system is comprised of insurance brokers and marketing organizations. We are pursuing a strategy to increase the efficiency of our distribution network by strengthening our relationships with key national and regional marketing organizations and are alert for opportunities to establish relationships with organizations not presently associated with us. 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 and those agents qualifying for our Gold Eagle program. For additional information regarding our equity-based programs for our leading national marketers and independent agents, see note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements. We generally do not enter into exclusive arrangements with these marketing organizations. One of our national marketing organizations accounted for more than 10% of the annuity deposits collected during 2007 representing 13% of the annuity deposits collected. The states with the largest share of direct premiums collected during 2007 were: Florida (12.5%), California (9.2%), Texas (7.7%), Illinois (6.6%) and Arizona (4.6%). 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 products of 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. 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 Page 7 of 53 received a financial strength rating of ‘‘A-’’ (Excellent) with a stable outlook from A.M. Best Company and ‘‘BBB+’’ with a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s. A.M. Best Company changed their rating from ‘‘B++’’ (Very Good) to ‘‘A-’’(Excellent) in August 2006. 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 affected sales and persistency is unknown. We believe the rating upgrade from A.M. Best Company in 2006 enhanced our competitive position and improved our prospects for future sales. However, the degree to which this rating upgrade will effect future sales and persistency is unknown. 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 ‘‘A-’’ rating is assigned to those companies that, in A.M. Best Company’s opinion, have demonstrated an excellent 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’’), covering 70% of certain of our index and fixed rate 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 is no longer ceded to EquiTrust. The business reinsured under these agreements is not eligible for recapture before the expiration of 10 years. Coinsurance deposits (aggregate policy benefit reserves transferred to EquiTrust under these agreements) were $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We remain liable to policyholders with respect to the policy liabilities ceded to EquiTrust should EquiTrust fail to meet the obligations it has coinsured. EquiTrust has received a financial strength rating of ‘‘A’’ (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company. None of the coinsurance deposits with EquiTrust are deemed by management to be uncollectible. Page 8 of 53 Financing Arrangements 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 financing arrangements under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (‘‘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’’ (Excellent) 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 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 $13.2 million in 2007, $12.4 million in 2006 and $11.6 million in 2005. The 2002 Hannover Transaction was recaptured on December 31, 2007 at which time the statutory surplus benefit had been reduced to zero. The remaining statutory surplus benefit of $6.8 million under the 2003 Hannover Transaction will be reduced to zero during 2008 at which time we will recapture the risks ceded under that agreement. Risk charges attributable to the 2002 and 2003 Hannover Transactions were $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $1.8 million during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. 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 may recapture the risks reinsured under this agreement as of the end of any quarter beginning October 1, 2008. 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 6.0% of the weighted average reserve credit recorded on a statutory basis by American Equity Life. The reserve credit recorded on a statutory basis by American Equity Life at December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $68.6 million and $69.6 million, respectively. Risk charges attributable to the 2005 Hannover Transaction were $4.1 million, $3.8 million and $0.7 million during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 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 annuity, 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. Indemnity reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer’s primary liability to the insured. The maximum loss retained by us on all life insurance policies we have issued was $0.1 million or less as of December 31, 2007. 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. During 2007, American Equity Life entered into reinsurance agreements with Ace Tempest Life Reinsurance Ltd and Hannover to cede to each 50% of the risk associated with our life income benefit on certain annuities issued beginning in 2007. The amounts ceded under these agreements were immaterial as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007. Page 9 of 53 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; and (cid:127) limit the amount of dividends and surplus note payments that can be paid without obtaining regulatory approval. 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. Although no adjustments to our 2003 statutory financial statements were recommended or required as a result of this examination, during 2005 we revised certain statutory reserve calculations in response to the examination report. 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 2008, up to approximately $99.1 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 $159.6 million of statutory earned surplus at December 31, 2007. Page 10 of 53 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. A number of state legislatures have also 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 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 (‘‘NAIC’’) are continually reexamining existing laws and regulations and developing new legislation for the passage by 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) principles-based reserving; (cid:127) product approvals; (cid:127) agent licensing; (cid:127) underwriting practices; and (cid:127) insurance and annuity sales practices. Page 11 of 53 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, 2007, indicate that the ratio of total adjusted capital to RBC for American Equity Life exceeded the highest level at which regulatory action might be initiated by approximately 3.3 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. 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. Page 12 of 53 Employees As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 290 full-time employees, of which approximately 280 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) Aviva USA; (cid:127) Midland National Life Insurance Company; (cid:127) Old Mutual Financial Life; and (cid:127) ING USA Annuity & Life Insurance Company. Our ability to compete depends in part on rates of interest credited to policyholder account balances or the parameters governing the determination of index credits 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 under performance likely would result in asset withdrawals and reduced sales. 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 Page 13 of 53 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(cid:3), the Dow Jones IndexSM and the NASDAQ-100 Index(cid:3) (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, 2007, our commercial mortgage loans represented approximately 15.5% 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 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 conditions. Our policy structure generally provides for resetting of policy crediting rates at least annually and imposes withdrawal penalties for withdrawals during the first 3 to 17 years a policy is in force. Our spreads may be compressed in declining interest rate environments. At December 31, 2007, 80% 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 Page 14 of 53 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 call 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 or caps. 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, caps and asset fees annually on the policy anniversaries. 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, 2007, 82% of our invested assets consisted of fixed maturity securities, of which 1% were below investment grade. At December 31, 2007, 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 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. At December 31, 2007, the aggregate policy benefit reserve transferred to EquiTrust was approximately $1.7 billion. EquiTrust has been 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. In addition, we have entered into other types of reinsurance contracts including indemnity reinsurance and financing arrangements. Should any of these reinsurers fail to meet the obligations assumed under such contracts, we remain liable with respect to the liabilities ceded. We may experience volatility in net income due to accounting standards for derivatives. Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (‘‘SFAS’’) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (‘‘SFAS 133’’), as amended, all of our 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 certain revenues and expenses we report for our index annuity business as follows: (cid:127) We must mark to market the call options purchased to fund the annual index credits on our index annuities based upon quoted market prices from related counterparties. We record the Page 15 of 53 change in fair value of these options as a component of our revenues. 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, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the change in fair value of derivatives was $(60.0) million, $183.8 million and $(18.0) million, respectively. (cid:127) Under SFAS 133, the contractual obligations for future annual index credits are treated as a ‘‘series of embedded derivatives’’ over the expected life of the applicable contracts. Policy liabilities for index annuities are equal to the sum of the ‘‘host’’ (or guaranteed) component and the embedded derivative component for each index annuity policy. The host value is established at inception of the contract and accreted over the policy’s life at a constant rate of interest. We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values. Increases or decreases in the fair value of embedded derivatives generally correspond to increases or decreases in equity market performance and changes in the risk free interest rates used to discount the excess of the projected policy contract values over the projected minimum guaranteed contract values. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income as ‘‘Interest credited to account balances’’ represent amounts credited to policy liabilities pursuant to SFAS No. 97, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments (‘‘SFAS 97’’) which include index credits through the most recent policy anniversary. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income as ‘‘Change in fair value of embedded derivatives’’ equal the change in the difference between policy benefit reserves for index annuities determined under SFAS 133 and SFAS 97 at each balance sheet date. The change in fair value of embedded derivatives related to our index annuities included in the consolidated statements of income was $(67.9) million, $166.3 million and $26.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, 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 $75.7 million, $9.6 million and $12.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as a result of the application of SFAS 133. The application of SFAS 133 in future periods to our index annuity business may cause substantial volatility in our reported net income. 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 experienced rapid growth since our formation in December 1995. For the year ended December 31, 2007, our deposits from sales of new annuities were $2.1 billion. Our work force has grown from approximately 65 employees and 4,000 independent agents as of December 31, 1997 to approximately 290 employees and 52,000 independent agents as of December 31, 2007. We intend to continue to grow by recruiting new independent agents, increasing the productivity of our existing Page 16 of 53 agents, expanding our insurance distribution network, developing new products, expanding into new product lines, 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 and cost 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) Wendy L. Carlson, General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer; (cid:127) John M. Matovina, Vice Chairman; (cid:127) Debra J. Richardson, Senior Vice President; (cid:127) Kevin R. Wingert, President of American Equity Life; (cid:127) James R. Gerlach, Executive Vice President; and (cid:127) Terry A. Reimer, Executive Vice President. 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, 2007. We must attract and retain such marketers and agents to sell our products. Insurance companies compete vigorously for productive agents. We 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 Page 17 of 53 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, financing arrangements 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 50 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 NAIC continually reexamine existing laws and regulations, and may impose changes in the future. Our life insurance subsidiaries are subject to the NAIC’s RBC 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 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. Page 18 of 53 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 a qualified retirement plan. The 2001 Act implemented 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 Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’), 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. Although we do not believe that these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of 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 ‘‘bbb-’’ rating from A.M. Best Company 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 Page 19 of 53 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 not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. American Equity Life has received financial strength ratings of ‘‘A-’’ (Excellent) 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 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 control 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 requires us to provide an annual report on our internal control over financial reporting, including an assessment as to whether or not our internal control over financial reporting is effective. We are also required to have our auditors opine on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have discovered, and may in the future discover areas of our internal control that need remediation. If we determine that our remediation has been ineffective, or we identify additional material weaknesses in our internal control 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 Page 20 of 53 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 lease approximately 60,000 square feet for our principal offices in West Des Moines, Iowa, under an operating lease that expires in 2011. We also lease approximately 6,000 square feet for our office in Pell City, Alabama, pursuant to an operating lease that expires on December 31, 2008. 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 SEC, FINRA, 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. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we received a formal request for information from the SEC concerning our acquisition of American Equity Investment Service Company on September 2, 2005. The SEC advised us that the request should not be construed as an adverse reflection on American Equity or any other person, nor should it be interpreted as an indication that American Equity or any other person has violated any law. We are cooperating with the SEC’s request for information. 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. We are currently a defendant in several purported class action lawsuits alleging improper sales practices and similar claims as described below. It is often not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses with any degree of certainty. The lawsuits referred to below are in very preliminary stages and we do not have sufficient information to make an assessment of the plaintiffs’ claims for liability or damages nor has the court decided whether a class will be certified or the size of the class and class period. The plaintiffs are seeking undefined amounts of damages or other relief, including punitive damages, which are difficult to quantify and cannot be estimated based on the information currently available. We do not believe that these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, 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. We are a defendant in two cases seeking class action status, including (i) Stephens v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, et. al., in the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, San Francisco, California (complaint filed November 29, 2004) (the ‘‘SLO Case’’) and (ii) In Re: American Equity Annuity Practices and Sales Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division (complaint filed September 7, 2005) (the ‘‘Los Angeles Case’’). The plaintiff in the SLO Case seeks to represent a national class of individuals who either purchased their annuity from us through a co-defendant marketing organization or who purchased one of a defined set of particular annuities issued by us. We have filed an opposition to a motion to certify the class and the motion is set for hearing on March 18, 2008. We are vigorously defending both the issue of class action status of the lawsuit as well as the underlying allegations, which include misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of a state law regarding unfair competition and other claims. Page 21 of 53 The Los Angeles Case is a consolidated action involving several lawsuits filed by individuals and is seeking class action status for a national class of purchasers of annuities issued by us. The allegations generally attack the suitability of sales of deferred annuity products to persons over the age of 65. We are vigorously defending against both class action status as well as the underlying claims which include misrepresentation and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, among others. Recently we settled two of our lawsuits including (i) Panter v. Tackett, et. al, in the Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky (first amended complaint filed February 2003) (the ‘‘Kentucky Settlement’’) and (ii) State of Minnesota, Attorney General v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, in the District Court for the Fourth Judicial District, Minnesota (complaint filed April 26, 2007) (the ‘‘Minnesota Settlement’’). The Kentucky Settlement includes all persons who, during the period from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2007, purchased an annuity from us sold by a co-defendant marketing organization and its affiliates. Persons who purchased living trusts from this marketing group are also within the settlement class. The settlement includes (i) general policy relief in the form of an annuitization bonus of 2.4% which will be added to the contract values of class members who elect to annuitize their annuity over the greater of 10 years or life; (ii) individual claim review relief through a claim review process which provides class members an opportunity to receive individualized relief based on an evaluation of individual factual and legal issues, such as reliance, causation and damages. As a part of the individual relief, class members who were 79 or older at the time of purchase of their annuity may elect to receive enhanced penalty-free withdrawals over a period of time. The court entered its order of preliminary approval of the settlement on February 25, 2008, and notice was sent to class members on March 7, 2008. Any class member who wishes to opt out of the Kentucky Settlement, or those who wish to file written objections to the settlement terms, must do so by April 18, 2008. A fairness hearing will be held on June 3, 2008. The effect of this settlement is immaterial to our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Minnesota Settlement, which was approved by the court on February 7, 2008, requires us to make specified enhancements to our suitability review program in which applications received for annuities from persons residing in Minnesota will be evaluated under slightly different criteria than the criteria utilized in our review program for sales in other states. In addition, Minnesota residents who purchased annuities from us during the period from January 1, 2001 to February 7, 2008 and who were age 65 or older at the time of the purchase may file individual claims through a claim review process conducted jointly by the Minnesota Attorney General and us. Claimants who provide information demonstrating that the annuities they purchased were unsuitable or that misrepresentations of important terms and conditions were made at time of sale, will be offered the opportunity to receive a refund of their contract value without imposition of surrender charges and with interest on their premium deposits calculated at 4.15% per annum. The effect of this settlement is immaterial to our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders None. Page 22 of 53 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (‘‘NYSE’’) under the symbol AEL. The following table sets forth the high and low prices of our common stock as quoted on the NYSE. 2007 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006 First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High Low $14.07 $13.97 $12.55 $11.25 $14.34 $14.60 $12.55 $13.44 $12.17 $11.37 $ 9.51 $ 8.09 $12.76 $10.66 $10.07 $11.90 As of December 31, 2007, there were approximately 13,300 holders of our common stock. In 2007 and 2006, we paid an annual cash dividend of $0.06 and $0.05, 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. 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 note 11 to our audited consolidated financial statements. There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during 2007. Page 23 of 53 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The following table sets forth issuer purchases of equity securities for the quarter ended December 31, 2007. (b) Average Price Paid per Announced Period (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased(1) October 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007 . . . . . . . November 1, 2007 through November 30, 2007 . . . December 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 257,052 51,989 309,041 (1) Activity in this table represents the following items: Share (or Unit)(1) — $8.83 9.41 $8.93 Units) (d) Maximum Number (or (c) Total Number of Approximate Shares (or Dollar Value) of Shares (or Purchased as Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs Plans or Programs Part of Publicly 286,740 10,029,688 9,977,699 — 257,052 51,989 309,041 We have a Rabbi Trust, the NMO Deferred Compensation Trust, which purchases our common shares to fund the amount of shares earned by our agents under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan. We have a share repurchase program under which we are authorized to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of our common stock. Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2007. Page 24 of 53 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 audited 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. 2007 Year ended December 31, 2005 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2004 2006 2003 Consolidated Statements of Income Data: Revenues Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums . . . . . Annuity product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Realized gains (losses) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 12,623 45,828 719,916 (3,882) (59,985) $ 13,622 39,472 677,638 1,345 183,783 $ 13,578 25,686 554,118 (7,635) (18,029) $ 15,115 22,462 428,385 943 28,696 $ 13,686 20,452 357,295 6,946 52,525 Total revenues Benefits and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714,500 915,860 567,718 495,601 450,904 Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits . . . . Interest credited to account balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 and other interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . Other operating costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,419 560,209 11,708 (67,902) 16,221 22,520 15,926 56,330 48,230 8,808 404,269 24,793 151,057 20,382 21,354 32,931 94,923 40,418 8,504 299,254 12,225 31,087 16,324 14,145 11,280 68,109 35,896 10,151 298,399 10,635 (8,567) 2,358 9,609 3,148 67,867 32,520 11,824 242,543 5,532 66,801 2,713 7,661 1,278 47,450 25,794 Total benefits and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671,661 798,935 496,824 426,120 411,596 Income before income taxes and minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,839 13,863 28,976 — 116,925 41,440 75,485 — 70,894 25,402 45,492 2,500 69,481 40,611 28,870 (453) 39,308 13,505 25,803 363 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 28,976 $ 75,485 $ 42,992 $ 29,323 $ 25,440 Per Share Data: Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends declared per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ $ 0.51 0.50 0.06 $ $ $ 1.34 1.27 0.05 $ $ $ 1.09 0.99 0.04 $ $ $ 0.77 0.71 0.02 $ $ $ 1.45 1.21 0.01 2007 As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2005 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2004 2006 2003 Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy benefit reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Data: Book value per share(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return on equity(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Life subsidiaries’ statutory capital and surplus . . . . . . . Life subsidiaries’ statutory net gain from operations before income taxes and realized capital gains (losses) Life subsidiaries’ statutory net income . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,394,372 14,711,780 268,339 268,330 611,635 $14,990,123 13,207,931 266,383 268,489 595,066 $14,042,794 12,237,988 281,043 230,658 519,358 $11,087,288 9,807,969 283,375 173,576 305,543 $8,962,841 8,315,874 46,115 116,425 263,716 $ 10.94 $ 4.8% 52,077 990,801 41,473 17,010 10.60 13.6% $ 9.35 12.8% $ 7.97 10.3% $ 7.19 28.3% 52,001 992,478 95,217 89,875 51,744 686,841 112,498 40,534 45,940 608,930 93,640 47,711 42,239 374,587 45,822 25,404 (a) 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. Shares outstanding include shares held by rabbi trusts and exclude unallocated shares held by our employee stock ownership plan—see note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements. (b) 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 25 of 53 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, 2007 and 2006, and our consolidated results of operations for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our audited 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; and (cid:127) the risk factors or uncertainties listed from time to time in our private placement memorandums or filings with the SEC. Overview We specialize in the sale of individual annuities (primarily deferred annuities) and, to a lesser extent, we also sell life insurance policies. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (‘‘GAAP’’), premium collections for deferred annuities are reported as deposit liabilities instead of as revenues. Similarly, cash payments to policyholders are reported as decreases in the liabilities for policyholder account balances and not as expenses. 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. Page 26 of 53 Earnings from products accounted for as deposit liabilities are primarily generated from the excess of net investment income earned over the interest credited or the cost of providing index credits to the policyholder, or the ‘‘investment spread’’. Our investment spread is summarized as follows: Average yield on invested assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of money: Aggregate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of money for index annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average crediting rate for fixed rate annuities: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 6.11% 6.14% 6.18% 3.50% 3.41% 3.70% 3.51% 3.28% 3.38% Annually adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multi-year rate guaranteed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.28% 3.25% 3.32% 4.14% 4.81% 5.56% Investment spread: Aggregate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed rate annuities: 2.61% 2.73% 2.48% 2.60% 2.86% 2.80% Annually adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multi-year rate guaranteed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.83% 2.89% 2.86% 1.97% 1.33% 0.62% The cost of money for index annuities and average crediting rates for fixed rate annuities are computed based upon policyholder account balances and do not include 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 strategy, expenses we incur to fund the annual index credits and where applicable, minimum guaranteed interest credited. 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 policyholder 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 interest rates credited to policyholders and 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 Page 27 of 53 and certain adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Fair values for primarily all of our securities are determined using quoted market prices from third parties. For fixed maturity securities that are not actively traded, fair values are estimated 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 changes in market interest rates and 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 estimated fair values 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 recovery; (cid:127) consideration of rating agency actions; and (cid:127) changes in cash flows of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. In addition, where our intent was to retain the investment to allow for recovery, but our intent changes due to changes or events that could not have been reasonably anticipated, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. 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. Unrealized losses may be recognized in future periods through a charge to earnings, 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 28 of 53 At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position were as follows: Number of Positions Amortized Cost Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2007 Fixed maturity securities, available for sale: United States Government full faith and credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate securities, public utilities and redeemable preferred stocks: Finance, insurance, and real estate . . . . Manufacturing, construction and mining Utilities and related sectors . . . . . . . . . . Wholesale/retail trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Services, media and other . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage and asset-backed securities . . . . Fixed maturity securities, held for investment: United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities, available for sale . . . . . . . . December 31, 2006 Fixed maturity securities, available for sale: United States Government full faith and credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate securities, public utilities and redeemable preferred stocks: Finance, insurance, and real estate . . . . Manufacturing, construction and mining Utilities and related sectors . . . . . . . . . . Wholesale/retail trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Services, media and other . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage and asset-backed securities . . . . Fixed maturity securities, held for investment: United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities, available for sale . . . . . . . . 1 49 53 31 32 17 23 40 $ 18,695 $ (1,708) $ 16,987 2,231,910 (30,090) 2,201,820 368,455 207,948 181,665 82,492 124,664 495,284 (36,328) (12,659) (10,087) (4,018) (6,538) (24,746) 332,127 195,289 171,578 78,474 118,126 470,538 246 $3,711,113 $(126,174) $3,584,939 78 1 79 27 2 73 28 21 23 13 9 31 $4,910,611 75,401 $(133,206) $4,777,405 65,263 (10,138) $4,986,012 $(143,344) $4,842,668 $ 90,812 $ (17,915) $ 72,897 $ 939 $ (38) $ 901 2,997,612 (83,986) 2,913,626 215,525 137,307 125,280 64,738 55,754 426,292 (8,631) (5,444) (4,428) (1,981) (1,979) (18,508) 206,894 131,863 120,852 62,757 53,775 407,784 200 $4,023,447 $(124,995) $3,898,452 88 6 $5,025,501 $(256,912) $4,768,589 $ 24,526 $ (626) $ 23,900 Page 29 of 53 The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2007 and 2006, 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, 2007 Due after one year through five years . . . . . . . . . . Due after five years through ten years . . . . . . . . . . Due after ten years through twenty years . . . . . . . . Due after twenty years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities . . . . . December 31, 2006 Due after one year through five years . . . . . . . . . . Due after five years through ten years . . . . . . . . . . Due after ten years through twenty years . . . . . . . . Due after twenty years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities . . . . . Available-for-sale Held for investment Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value $ 293,221 594,676 1,093,594 1,234,338 $ 285,886 564,439 1,077,890 1,186,186 $ — $ — 680,124 4,305,888 — — 665,816 4,176,852 3,215,829 495,284 3,114,401 470,538 4,986,012 — 4,842,668 — $3,711,113 $3,584,939 $4,986,012 $4,842,668 $ 56,075 371,683 2,048,092 1,121,305 $ 55,348 355,800 1,996,703 1,082,817 $ — $ — 348,413 4,677,088 — — 342,104 4,426,485 3,597,155 426,292 3,490,668 407,784 5,025,501 — 4,768,589 — $4,023,447 $3,898,452 $5,025,501 $4,768,589 The following is a description of the factors causing the unrealized losses by investment category as of December 31, 2007: United States Government full faith and credit and United States Government sponsored agencies: These securities are relatively long in duration, making the value of such securities very sensitive to changes in market interest rates. The unrealized losses on these securities at December 31, 2007 are due to changes in the general level of interest rates from the date of purchase. The decrease in unrealized losses at December 31, 2007 compared to December 31, 2006 is due to a decrease in the general level of interest rates. Corporate securities, public utilities, and redeemable preferred stocks: The unrealized losses in finance, insurance and real estate are due to a decline in the housing market and issues related to subprime mortgages. Securities that have significant exposure to subprime mortgages are experiencing larger price declines than other financial related securities. Securities that have more exposure to subprime include investment banks, mono-line insurers and reinsurance companies. Manufacturing, construction and mining is also suffering from the current distressed environment in the housing market related to issues surrounding subprime mortgages. Mortgage and asset-backed securities: At December 31, 2007, we had no exposure to subprime mortgage-backed securities and limited exposure to ‘‘Alt-A’’ mortgage-backed securities. All securities we own are in the highest rated tranche of the pool in which they are structured and are not subordinated to any other tranche in the pool. Our ‘‘Alt-A’’ mortgage-backed securities are comprised of 16 securities with a total fair value of $184.3 million with agency ratings of Aaa, of which 58% is in Aaa super senior tranches and the remainder is in Aaa tranches. The unrealized losses on mortgage Page 30 of 53 and asset-backed securities are primarily due to changes in interest rates and spread widening. While we do not have any exposure to subprime mortgage-backed securities, the subprime problem has caused spreads to widen across the mortgage-backed securities market. Equity securities: The unrealized loss on equity securities, which includes exposure to REITS, investment banks and finance companies, is primarily due to the decline in the housing market and subprime mortgage problems. Where the decline in market value is attributable to changes in market interest rates and not credit quality, we do not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired because we have the intent and ability to hold these investments until a recovery of amortized cost, which may be maturity. We do not consider securities to be other than temporarily impaired where the market decline is attributable to factors such as market volatility, liquidity, spread widening and credit quality where we anticipate a recovery of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security and have the intent and ability to hold until recovery or maturity. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the fair value of investments we owned that were non-investment grade was $87.5 million and $105.5 million, respectively. Non-investment grade securities represented 1.0% and 1.2% at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, of the fair value of our fixed maturity securities. The net unrealized losses on investments we owned that were non-investment grade at December 31, 2007 and 2006, were $10.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively. The unrealized losses on such securities at December 31, 2007 and 2006 represented 4.2% and 1.3%, 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 amortized cost 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 as we have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity or until a market recovery is realized. At December 31, 2007, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities on the watch list are as follows (dollars in thousands): General Description Corporate bonds: Amortized Cost Unrealized Losses Estimated Months Below Amortized Cost Fair Value Reinsurance company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer staple company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,035 4,965 9,759 $ (4,910) (1,365) (2,111) $10,125 3,600 7,648 Mortgage-backed securities: FHA/VA loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,799 (1,180) 1,619 Common & preferred stock: 28 29 19 30 Finance, insurance and real estate companies . . . . . . 15,685 (5,587) 10,098 6 - 11 $48,243 $(15,153) $33,090 Our analysis of these securities and their credit performance at December 31, 2007 is as follows: This reinsurance company announced a majority sale of the company in March 2007 and received a significant capital infusion. In August 2007, this company announced that subprime asset-backed securities represented 28% of its total investment portfolio. We have determined that an other than temporary impairment was not necessary as the company’s capitalization and liquidity have significantly improved due to the capital infusion and the exposure to subprime asset-backed securities have limited loss exposure as they are mainly higher rated tranches. Page 31 of 53 This home builder has implemented several initiatives to respond to the current imbalance in housing supply and demand such as reductions in direct costs, overhead expenses and acquisition of land along with a focus on sales and marketing efforts to reduce unsold home inventory. We have determined an other than temporary impairment was not necessary as the company’s liquidity has improved and unsold home inventory has decreased. Increases in the cost of commodity raw ingredients along with non-recurring write-offs related to the refinancing of debt and improper accounting treatments decreased this consumer staple company’s capital during 2007. We have determined an other than temporary impairment was not necessary as the company’s liquidity has improved due to new credit facilities, proceeds from the sale of one plant used to pay down debt and the intended sale of another plant. The mortgage-backed security consists of a pool of loans originated through the Federal Housing Authority (‘‘FHA’’) and Department of Veteran Affairs (‘‘VA’’). The FHA insurance and VA guarantees cover a significant percent of any losses incurred as a result of borrower defaults which enhances the credit levels for this pool of loans comparable to prime-quality residential mortgage-backed securities. We have determined that an other than temporary impairment was not necessary as current credit support by the FHA and VA is adequate to sustain projected losses. The decline in market value of the finance, insurance and commercial real estate securities is related to concerns over their access to capital to enable them to execute their business plans. We have determined that other than temporary impairments were not necessary as recent market actions by the Federal Reserve signal an improving credit environment that will support their business plans. The securities on the watch list are current with respect to payments of principal and interest. We concluded that we have the intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value and that there were no other than temporary impairments on these securities at December 31, 2007. We took write downs on certain securities that we concluded had an other than temporary impairment during 2007, 2006 and 2005 of $4.4 million, $1.3 million and $9.5 million, respectively. We also realized losses on the sale of certain securities during 2007, 2006 and 2005 of $0.7 million, $3.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The following is a discussion of each security for which we have taken write downs or sold at a material loss during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The discussion excludes securities sold at a loss which were deemed immaterial. During 2007, we wrote down one security in the media industry by $3.9 million which subsequent to the completion of a leveraged buyout had a significant increase in leverage combined with declining circulation and advertising revenues. During 2006, we wrote down two securities in the automotive industry by $1.3 million due to deterioration in the issuer’s operations and several downgrades of the issuer’s credit rating. These securities were sold in 2006 subsequent to the write down at approximately their cost basis. During 2005, we wrote down the common stock of this issuer by $0.6 million based upon our assessment that this security would remain in an unrealized loss position for a significant period of time. We sold this security in 2006 at its cost basis. During 2006, we sold two asset-backed securities backed by leases on airplanes concurrent with our decision to write down these securities due to continuing problems in the airline industry and deterioration of the underlying collateral which resulted in decreases in the amount of expected principal and interest payments. The write down/realized loss on these securities was $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. We had previously written down these securities by $2.7 million during 2005 and $7.8 million during 2001 - 2003 due to deterioration in the underlying collateral. Page 32 of 53 During 2005, a security backed by the senior notes of a media company declined in value following an announcement of a change in future business strategy and the potential for share buybacks. We wrote this security down by $0.4 million during 2005 and sold it during 2006 at its cost basis. During 2005, we wrote down an asset-backed security of a major U.S. airline by $5.8 million due to the uncertainty of recovery of all future principal and interest payments subsequent to the airline’s bankruptcy filing. We sold this security in 2006 at a value in excess of its amortized cost. During 2005, we sold two asset-backed securities backed by installment sales contracts secured by manufactured homes and liens on real estate concurrent with our decision to write down these securities due to continuing increases in the default rates and deterioration of the underlying collateral. The write down/realized loss on these securities was $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. We had previously written down these securities by $11.3 million during 2004 and $6.9 million during 2003 due to increases in default rates, deterioration of the underlying collateral and credit rating downgrades. 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. For each of the securities discussed above that were sold at a loss, there were changes or events that could not have been reasonably anticipated resulting in a decline in credit quality which occurred shortly before the sale. This led to the decision to sell the securities at a loss concurrent with the decision that an 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 securities until recovery in value. 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. The carrying value of impaired loans is reduced by the establishment of a valuation allowance, changes to which are recognized as realized gains or losses on investments. There were no valuation allowances at December 31, 2007 and 2006. Interest income on impaired loans is recorded on a cash basis. Derivative Instruments—Index Products We offer a variety of index annuities with crediting strategies linked to the S&P 500 Index and other equity and bond market indices. These products allow policyholders to earn index credits based upon an 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 annuity contract value is equal to the premiums paid plus any premium bonus, if applicable, 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 the recognized index or benchmark. Some products apply an overall limit, or ‘‘cap’’, on the amount of annual interest the policyholder may earn in any one contract year. In addition, some of the products have an ‘‘asset fee’’ which is deducted from the annual interest to be credited. For products with asset fees, if the annual appreciation in the index does not exceed the asset fee, the policyholder’s index Page 33 of 53 credit is zero. Participation rates, caps and asset fees may be adjusted annually subject to contractual limitations. We purchase one-year call options on the applicable indices as an investment to provide the income needed to fund the annual index credits on the index products. New one-year options are purchased at the outset of each contract year. We purchase call options weekly and daily based upon new and renewing index account values during the applicable week or day, 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 at the expiration of the one-year option 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 No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (‘‘SFAS 133’’). 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 investment spread on our index business. Participation rates, caps and asset fees are determined by option costs. All our index products permit us to modify participation rates, 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. Under SFAS 133, all of our derivative instruments associated with our index products, including certain derivative instruments embedded in the index annuity contracts, are recognized in the balance sheet at their fair values and changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings. This impacts certain revenues and expenses we report for our index business as follows: (cid:127) We must mark to market the call options purchased 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. The change in fair value of derivatives includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term or upon early termination and the changes in fair value for open positions. (cid:127) Under SFAS 133, the contractual obligations for future annual index credits are treated as a ‘‘series of embedded derivatives’’ over the expected life of the applicable contracts. Policy liabilities for index annuities are equal to the sum of the ‘‘host’’ (or guaranteed) component and the embedded derivative component for each index annuity policy. The host value is established at inception of the contract and accreted over the policy’s life at a constant rate of interest. We estimate the fair value of the embedded derivative component at each valuation date by (i) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (ii) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates. The projections of policy contract values are based on our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth and future policy decrements. Our best estimate assumptions for future policy growth include assumptions for the expected index credit on the next policy anniversary date which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options we will purchase in the future to fund index credits beyond the next policy anniversary. The projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for policy decrements as were used to project policy contract values. Increases or decreases in Page 34 of 53 the fair value of embedded derivatives generally correspond to increases or decreases in the fair values of the call options purchased to fund the annual index credits and changes in the risk free interest rates used to discount the excess of the projected policy contract values over the projected minimum guaranteed contract values. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income as ‘‘Interest credited to account balances’’ represent amounts credited to policy liabilities pursuant to SFAS 97 which include index credits through the most recent policy anniversary. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income as ‘‘Changes in fair value of embedded derivatives’’ equal the change in the difference between policy benefit reserves for index annuities under SFAS 133 and SFAS 97 at each balance sheet date. In general, the change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives will not correspond to the change in fair value of the purchased call options because the purchased call options are one year options while the options valued in the embedded derivatives represent the rights of the contract holder to receive index credits over the entire period the index annuities are expected to be in force, which typically exceeds 10 years. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements 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. Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements totaled $1.9 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For annuity products, these costs are being amortized generally in proportion to expected gross profits from investments and, to a lesser extent, from surrender charges. Current and future period gross profits/margins for index annuities also include the impact of amounts recorded for the change in fair value of derivatives and the change in fair value of embedded derivatives. Current period amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of realized investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products are revised. 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. Revisions are made based on historical results and our best estimates of future experience. There were no changes in our estimated future gross profits in 2007 and 2005 that resulted in adjustments to the combined balance of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. The impact of unlocking during 2006 was a $0.6 million decrease in amortization of deferred sales inducements and a $0.3 million increase in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. The impact of unlocking was primarily due to the impact of actual surrender experience on certain older business and changes in the estimates of future surrender experience on such business, offset in part by a reduction in the estimate of future projected policy maintenance expenses. Page 35 of 53 If estimated gross profits for all future years on business in force at December 31, 2007 were to increase by a reasonably likely amount of 10%, our combined balance for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements at December 31, 2007 would increase by $35.8 million. Correspondingly, a reasonably likely 10% decrease in estimated gross profits for all future years would results in a $40.2 million decrease in the combined December 31, 2007 balances. Deferred Income Tax Assets As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had $75.8 million and $73.8 million, respectively, of net deferred income tax assets. The realization of these assets is primarily based upon estimates of future taxable income, which requires management judgment. The realization of deferred income tax assets related to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities is also based upon management’s intent to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value and not realize the unrealized loss. Based upon expectations 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, 2007 Annuity deposits by product type collected during 2007, 2006 and 2005, were as follows: Product Type Index Annuities: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) Index Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,578,347 515,229 $1,160,467 626,791 $1,780,092 908,868 Fixed Rate Annuities: Single-Year Rate Guaranteed . . . . . . . . . . . Multi-Year Rate Guaranteed . . . . . . . . . . . 2,093,576 1,787,258 2,688,960 45,948 5,158 51,106 76,164 6,544 82,708 193,288 12,807 206,095 Total before coinsurance ceded . . . . . . . . . . . Coinsurance ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,144,682 1,779 1,869,966 2,859 2,895,055 4,688 Net after coinsurance ceded . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,142,903 $1,867,107 $2,890,367 Net annuity deposits after coinsurance increased 15% during 2007 compared to 2006, and decreased 35% during 2006 compared to 2005. We attribute the increase in 2007 to the reinstatement of our A.M. Best Company financial strength rating to A- (Excellent) from B++ (Very Good) on August 3, 2006, certain product initiatives and agent incentives introduced in 2007 and more rational pricing from certain competitors. We attribute the decrease in 2006 to the flat to inverted yield curve interest rate environment that existed throughout the year which made fixed income alternatives such as certificates of deposit more attractive, the impact of FINRA’s notice to members on the sale of index annuities which has created confusion and impediments to sales of index annuities by annuity sales agents who are dual licensed to sell both insurance and securities products and highly competitive pricing from certain competitors. Our A.M. Best Company financial strength rating is a key element of our competitive position in the index and fixed rate annuity market. The outlook for our current rating is stable. We believe this rating upgrade has enhanced our competitive position and improved our prospects for sales increases in future periods. However, the degree to which this rating upgrade will effect future sales is unknown. Page 36 of 53 Net income decreased 62% to $29.0 million in 2007, and increased 76% to $75.5 million in 2006, from $43.0 million in 2005. In general, net income has been increasing each year due to the growth in the volume of business in force and increases in the investment spread earned on our annuity liabilities. Our investment spread measured on a percentage basis declined in 2007 to 2.61% from 2.73% in 2006 due to a higher average cost of money for index annuities. This higher average cost of money generally resulted from increases in the cost of options purchased to fund the index credits on the index annuities which was attributable to increased equity market volatility throughout 2007. See Overview. The comparability of the amounts is impacted by (i) realized gains (losses) on investments, (ii) the impact of the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business and contingent convertible senior notes, and (iii) the consolidation of the Service Company in 2005 prior to its acquisition on September 2, 2005 under FSP FIN 46(R)-5. We estimate that these items increased (decreased) net income as follows: Realized gains (losses) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . Application of SFAS 133 to index annuity business . . . Application of SFAS 133 to contingent convertible Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) $ (1,688) $ (32,727) 427 (4,352) $(2,653) (5,054) senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (624) 6,076 (2,706) Consolidation of Service Company under FSP FIN 46(R)-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — (3,240) Realized gains and losses on investments fluctuate from year to year based upon changes in the interest rate and economic environment and the timing of the sale of investments or the recognition of other than temporary impairments. Amounts attributable to the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business fluctuate based upon changes in the fair values of call options purchased to fund the annual index credits for index annuities and changes in the risk-free interest rates used to discount the embedded derivative liability. The significant increase in the impact from this item for 2007 is attributable to the overall decline in the equity markets during 2007 and declines in the risk-free interest rates used to discount the embedded derivative liability. Changes in the amounts attributable to the application of SFAS 133 to our contingent convertible senior notes are discussed below under change in fair value of embedded derivatives and interest expense on notes payable. As discussed in note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements, we acquired the Service Company on September 2, 2005 and consolidated it as a wholly-owned subsidiary effective as of that date. Prior to the acquisition, we had an implicit variable interest in the Service Company and consolidated it under FSP FIN 46(R)-5. The reduction in net income for 2005 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 us. Annuity product charges (surrender charges assessed against policy withdrawals) increased 16% to $45.8 million in 2007, and 54% to $39.5 million in 2006, from $25.7 million in 2005. These increases were principally due to increases in policy withdrawals subject to surrender charges due to growth in the volume and aging of the business in force. The increase for 2006 was also due in part to the flat to inverted yield curve interest rate environment that existed throughout the year. Withdrawals from annuity and single premium universal life policies subject to surrender charges were $325.5 million, $270.3 million and $179.3 million for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The average surrender charge collected on withdrawals subject to a surrender charge was 14.0%, 14.5% and 14.2% for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Net investment income increased 6% to $719.9 million in 2007 and 22% to $677.6 million in 2006 from $554.1 million in 2005. These increases were principally attributable to the growth in our annuity Page 37 of 53 business and corresponding increases in our invested assets, offset by decreases in the average yield earned on investments. Average invested assets excluding derivative instruments (on an amortized cost basis) increased 13% to $12.5 billion at December 31, 2007 and 31% to $11.1 billion at December 31, 2006 compared to $10.5 billion at December 31, 2005, while the average yield earned on average invested assets was 6.11%, 6.14% and 6.18% for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The declines in the yield earned on average invested assets are attributable to an overall decline in yield on the mix of assets owned in the respective periods. See Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Realized gains (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 through earnings in recognition of an other than temporary impairment. Realized gains and 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 or the recognition of other than temporary impairments. See note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements for a summary of the components of realized gains (losses) on investments for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. See Financial Condition— Investments for additional discussion of write downs of the fair values of securities for other than temporary impairments and securities sold at a material loss for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Change in fair value of derivatives (principally call options purchased to fund annual index credits on index annuities) is affected by the performance of the indices upon which our options are based and the aggregate cost of options purchased. The components of change in fair value of derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are set forth as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) Call options: Gain on option expiration or early termination . Increase (decrease) in unrealized gain/loss . . . . . Interest rate swaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 183,488 (242,199) (1,274) $ 61,846 121,833 104 $ 4,554 (22,523) (60) $ (59,985) $183,783 $(18,029) The differences between the change in fair value of derivatives between years are primarily due to the performance of the indices upon which our call options are based. A substantial portion of our call 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, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 S&P 500 Index Point-to-point strategy . . . . . . . Monthly average strategy . . . . . Monthly point-to-point strategy Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate and U.S. Treasury indices . . . . 6.9% – 24.4% 1.4% – 16.0% 1.6% – 14.9% 1.2% – 14.1% 1.1% – 9.1% 0.0% – 9.9% 0.0% – 18.8% 0.0% – 12.7% 0.9% – 12.0% 2.6% – 8.8% 0.0% – 5.9% 1.2% – 7.7% Page 38 of 53 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 costs 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 and market volatility which affects option pricing. The increases in market volatility experienced during 2007 have resulted in increased option costs. We have partially mitigated these increases through adjustments to participation rates, caps and asset fees. See Critical Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments—Index Products. Interest credited to account balances increased 39% to $560.2 million in 2007 and 35% to $404.3 million in 2006 from $299.3 million in 2005. The components of interest credited to account balances are summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Index credits on index policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest credited (including changes in minimum (Dollars in thousands) $219,586 $403,416 $ 95,020 guaranteed interest for index annuities) . . . . . . . 156,793 184,683 204,234 $560,209 $404,269 $299,254 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 strategies. Total proceeds received upon expiration or gains recognized upon early termination of the call options purchased to fund the annual index credits were $392.1 million, $214.3 million and $88.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decreases in interest credited were due to reductions in the account balances receiving a fixed rate of interest and decreases in interest crediting rates on several of our products. A significant factor in the reductions in interest credited on fixed rate annuities is the reduced interest on multi-year rate guarantee annuities. A significant amount of these annuities were sold in 2001 with an initial rate guaranteed for the first five policy years. We experienced surrenders of these policies upon expiration of this initial guaranteed interest during 2006 and reduced the crediting rates on those policies that remained in force. The average amount of annuity liabilities outstanding (net of annuity liabilities ceded under coinsurance agreements) increased 12% to $11.9 billion in 2007 and 19% to $10.6 billion in 2006 from $8.9 billion in 2005. Amortization of deferred sales inducements decreased 53% to $11.7 million in 2007 and increased 103% to $24.8 million in 2006 from $12.2 million in 2005. In general, amortization of deferred sales inducements has been increasing each year due to growth in our annuity business and the deferral of sales inducements incurred with respect to sales of premium and interest bonus annuity products. Bonus products represented 86%, 77% and 68% of our total annuity deposits during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The anticipated increase in amortization from these factors has been affected by amortization associated with the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business. The application of SFAS 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. The change in fair value of the embedded derivatives will not correspond to the change in fair value of the derivatives (purchased call options) because the purchased call 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 gross profit adjustments resulting from the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business decreased amortization by $23.4 million, Page 39 of 53 $2.9 million and $3.2 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Excluding these amounts, amortization of deferred sales inducements would have been $35.1 million, $27.7 million and $15.4 million for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. See Critical Accounting Policies—Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements. The comparisons between years are also affected by amortization associated with realized gains (losses) on investments. The gross profit adjustments from net realized gains (losses) on investments decreased amortization by $0.3 million and $0.8 million in 2007 and 2005, respectively, and increased amortization by $0.2 million in 2006. Change in fair value of embedded derivatives was a decrease of $67.9 million during 2007 compared to increases of $151.1 million in 2006 and $31.1 million in 2005. The components of change in fair value of derivatives are summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) Index annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contingent convertible senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . $(67,902) $166,285 — (15,228) $ 26,461 4,626 $(67,902) $151,057 $ 31,087 The changes related to the embedded derivatives within our index annuities resulted from (i) changes in the expected index credits on the next policy anniversary dates, which are related to the change in fair value of the call options purchased to fund these index credits discussed above in change in fair value of derivatives; (ii) changes in discount rates used in estimating future option costs; and (iii) the growth in the host component of the embedded derivative. See Critical Accounting Policies— Derivative Instruments—Index Products. The conversion option embedded within our contingent convertible senior notes was required to be bifurcated and recorded at fair value in accordance with SFAS 133 beginning December 15, 2005 due to an insufficient number of authorized shares. See notes 1 and 7 to our audited consolidated financial statements. Effective June 8, 2006, this conversion option is no longer required to be bifurcated and recorded at fair value upon shareholder approval of an increase of authorized shares. The changes in the fair value of the conversion option embedded within these notes for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 coincide with the changes in the per share price of our common stock during the periods of time during 2006 and 2005 that the conversion option was required to be bifurcated. Interest expense on notes payable decreased 20% to $16.2 million in 2007 and increased 25% to $20.4 million in 2006 from $16.3 million in 2005. These changes were primarily due to a decrease in the amortization of the discount on our contingent convertible senior notes to $1.1 million in 2007 and an increase to $4.7 million in 2006 from $0.6 million in 2005. This discount was created in the fourth quarter of 2005 when the conversion option embedded in our contingent convertible senior notes was bifurcated from the host instrument, and adjusted when the derivative was unbifurcated from the host instrument on June 8, 2006. See note 7 to our audited consolidated financial statements. Interest expense on subordinated debentures increased 5% to $22.5 million in 2007 and 51% to $21.4 million in 2006 from $14.1 million in 2005. These increases were primarily due to the issuance of additional subordinated debentures of $41.2 million and $56.7 million during 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase for 2006 was also due to an increases in the weighted average interest rate on the outstanding subordinated debentures which were 8.32%, 8.35% and 7.38% for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The weighted average interest rates for 2007 and 2006 have increased from 2005 because substantially all of the subordinated debentures issued during 2004 - 2006 have a floating rate of interest based upon the three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus an applicable margin. See Financial Condition—Liabilities. Page 40 of 53 Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements decreased 52% to $15.9 million in 2007 and increased 192% to $32.9 million in 2006 from $11.3 million in 2005. The decrease in 2007 was principally due to a decrease in the borrowings outstanding, offset by changes in the weighted average interest rates on amounts borrowed. The increase in 2006 was principally due to an increase in the borrowings outstanding and in the weighted average interest rates on amounts borrowed. Average borrowings outstanding were $301.9 million, $628.0 million and $318.8 million during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively and weighted average interest rates were 5.27%, 5.24% and 3.54% for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs decreased 41% to $56.3 million in 2007 and increased 39% to $94.9 million in 2006 from $68.1 million in 2005. In general, amortization has been increasing each year due to the growth in our annuity business and the deferral of policy acquisition costs incurred with respect to sales of annuity products. The anticipated increase in amortization from these factors has been affected by amortization associated with the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business. As discussed above, the application of SFAS 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. The gross profit adjustments resulting from the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business decreased amortization by $52.3 million, $6.7 million, and $9.1 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Excluding these amounts, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs would have been $108.6 million, $101.6 million and $77.2 million for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The comparisons between years are also affected by amortization associated with realized gains (losses) on investments. The gross profit adjustments from net realized gains (losses) on investments decreased amortization by $0.9 million and $2.7 million in 2007 and 2005, respectively, and increased amortization by $0.5 million in 2006. Other operating costs and expenses increased 19% to $48.2 million in 2007 and 13% to $40.4 million in 2006 from $35.9 million in 2005. The increase in 2007 was principally attributable to increases in legal fees related to the defense of ongoing litigation of $6.0 million and $1.2 million in costs related to the development of an electronic document database. The increase in 2006 was principally attributable to an increase of $2.5 million in risk charges related to our reinsurance agreements with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America and an increase of $1.9 million in salaries and related cost of employment due to growth in our annuity business, offset by a decrease of $1.7 million in legal fees. Income tax expense decreased 67% to $13.9 million in 2007 and increased 63% to $41.4 million in 2006 from $25.4 million in 2005. The changes in income tax expense were principally due to the increase or decrease in income before income taxes. The effective tax rates were 32.4%, 35.4% and 35.8% for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2007 was less than the applicable statutory federal income tax rate of 35% and the preceding years primarily due to state income tax benefits attributable to losses in the non-life subgroup. 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 and government-sponsored agency securities and corporate securities rated Page 41 of 53 investment grade by established nationally recognized rating organizations or in securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated. 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. The carrying value of investments increased to $12.6 billion at December 31, 2007 compared to $11.4 billion at December 31, 2006 as a result of the growth in our annuity business discussed above. At December 31, 2007, the fair value of our available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities was $129.2 million less than the amortized cost of those investments, compared to $120.6 million at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2007, the amortized cost of our fixed maturity securities held for investment exceeded the fair value by $142.9 million, compared to $256.9 million at December 31, 2006. The decrease in net unrealized investment losses at December 31, 2007 compared to December 31, 2006 was principally related to a decrease in the general level of interest rates. The composition of our investment portfolio is summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands): 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,364,505 87,412 1,953,894 204,657 427 82.2% 9,305,175 45,512 0.7% 15.5% 1,652,757 381,601 1.6% 419 — December 31, 2007 2006 Carrying Amount Percent Carrying Amount Percent $ 19,882 0.2% $ 2,746 — 8,208,909 146,525 1,084,550 188,054 65.1% 7,966,485 137,461 1.1% 643,850 8.6% 135,933 1.5% 75,353 641,232 0.6% 5.1% 67,883 350,817 70.0% 1.2% 5.6% 1.2% 0.6% 3.1% 81.7% 0.4% 14.5% 3.4% — $12,610,895 100.0% $11,385,464 100.0% Page 42 of 53 The table below presents our total fixed maturity securities by NAIC designation and the equivalent ratings of the nationally recognized securities rating organizations (dollars in thousands). December 31, 2007 2006 NAIC Rating Agency Carrying Amount Percent Carrying Amount Percent 1 2 3 4 5 6 Aaa/Aa/A . . . . . . . . . . . Baa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caa and lower . . . . . . . In or near default . . . . . $ 9,361,755 915,259 53,784 20,310 13,397 — 90.3% $8,643,440 8.8% 556,218 88,896 0.5% 12,022 0.3% — 0.1% 4,599 — 92.9% 6.0% 0.9% 0.1% — 0.1% $10,364,505 100.0% $9,305,175 100.0% Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location, and loan size. Our mortgage lending policies include limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to reduce our risk of default. As of December 31, 2007, there were no delinquencies or defaults in our commercial mortgage loan portfolio and no impaired loans requiring a valuation allowance. The commercial mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows (dollars in thousands): 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, 2007 2006 Carrying Amount Percent Carrying Amount Percent $ 458,418 133,662 310,244 45,618 141,264 344,800 356,334 163,554 23.5% $ 6.8% 15.9% 2.3% 7.2% 17.7% 18.2% 8.4% 364,977 115,930 267,808 43,228 132,085 299,373 290,592 138,764 22.1% 7.0% 16.2% 2.6% 8.0% 18.1% 17.6% 8.4% $ 1,953,894 100.0% $ 1,652,757 100.0% $ 586,109 108,667 438,214 453,654 115,758 105,431 146,061 30.0% $ 5.6% 22.4% 23.2% 5.9% 5.4% 7.5% 508,093 78,147 389,534 381,248 71,510 91,190 133,035 30.7% 4.7% 23.6% 23.1% 4.3% 5.5% 8.1% $ 1,953,894 100.0% $ 1,652,757 100.0% Page 43 of 53 Our derivative instruments primarily consist of call options purchased to provide the income needed to fund the annual index credits on our index annuity products. See Critical Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments. Liabilities Our liability for policy benefit reserves increased to $14.7 billion at December 31, 2007 compared to $13.2 billion at December 31, 2006, 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). The amounts outstanding under repurchase agreements at December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $257.2 million and $386.0 million, respectively. 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 $301.9 million, $628.0 million and $318.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on amounts due under repurchase agreements was 5.27%, 5.24% and 3.54% for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, 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. We repurchased $20.4 million of the notes in February 2008. 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 $14.47 which represents a conversion rate of 69.1 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 audited 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. Page 44 of 53 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 FIN 46, we do not consolidate our subsidiary trusts and record our subordinated debt obligations to the trusts and our equity investments in the trusts. See note 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, 2007 and 2006: 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 . . . . American Equity Capital Trust XII . . . December 31, 2007 2006 (Dollars in thousands) $ 23,483 $ 23,203 75,396 75,517 27,840 27,840 12,372 12,372 10,830 10,830 20,620 20,620 15,470 15,470 20,620 20,620 20,620 20,620 41,238 41,238 $268,330 $268,489 Interest Rate Due Date September 30, 2029 June 1, 2047 April 29, 2034 January 8, 2034 8% 5% *LIBOR + 3.90% *LIBOR + 4.00% *LIBOR + 3.75% December 14, 2034 *LIBOR + 3.75% December 15, 2034 *LIBOR + 3.65% *LIBOR + 3.65% September 15, 2035 December 15, 2035 April 7, 2036 8.595% *LIBOR + 3.50% June 15, 2035 *—three month London Interbank Offered Rate The interest rate for Trust XI is fixed at 8.595% for 5 years until December 15, 2010 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 2007, 2006 and 2005, 9,333 shares, 14,000 shares and 5,667 shares of these trust preferred securities converted into 34,567 shares, 51,849 shares and 20,988 shares, respectively, of our common stock. The remaining 746,671 shares of these trust preferred securities not held by a subsidiary are convertible into 2,765,390 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 Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. During the fourth quarter of 2006, we entered into four interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of our subordinated debentures. The terms of the interest rate swaps provide that we pay a fixed rate of interest and receive a floating rate of interest on a notional amount totaling $80.0 million. The interest rate swaps are not effective hedges under SFAS 133. Therefore, we record the interest rate swaps at fair value with the changes in fair Page 45 of 53 value and any net cash payments received or paid included in the change in fair value of derivatives in our consolidated statements of income. Details regarding the interest rate swaps are as follows (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2007 2006 Maturity Date April 29, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 15, 2009 . . . . . . . . . September 15, 2010 . . . . . . . . . April 7, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notional Amount $20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Receive Rate Pay Rate Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value *LIBOR *LIBOR *LIBOR(a) *LIBOR(a) 4.94% $ (274) 4.93% (440) 5.19% (348) 5.23% (405) $(1,467) $ 56 41 (8) (15) $ 74 (a)—subject to a floor of 4.25% During the fourth quarter of 2006, we entered into a $150 million revolving line of credit with eight banks. The amount outstanding under this revolving line of credit at December 31, 2007 was $5.0 million. See note 7 to our audited consolidated financial statements for additional details concerning the terms of the revolving line of credit. At December 31, 2007, one of our subsidiaries had $8.2 million outstanding under a credit agreement with a third party. Quarterly payments in amounts ranging from $1.1 million to $1.3 million are payable over the next eight quarters with interest computed at a fixed rate of 11.2%. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2007 include $1.7 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. Stockholders’ Equity During 2007, we purchased 299,552 shares of our common stock under a share repurchase program approved by our board of directors in November 2007. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase up to 10,000,000 shares of our common stock. During 2007 and 2006, the NMO Deferred Compensation Trust (NMO Trust) purchased 359,489 and 1,052,065 shares of our common stock at a total cost of $4.4 million and $12.7 million, respectively. These shares are treated as treasury stock and are held by the NMO Trust 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. During 2006 and 2005, we issued 19,500 shares of our common stock in each year to an agent’s beneficiaries in settlement of the agent’s deferred compensation arrangement. During 2005, certain officers and directors exercised subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock with respect to 2,151,375 shares. The subscription rights had an exercise price of $5.33 per share and the tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from the exercise of the subscription rights was $4.7 million. 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. Page 46 of 53 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, 2007, approximately 98% of our annuity liabilities were subject to penalty upon surrender, with a weighted average remaining surrender charge period of 10.2 years and a weighted average surrender charge rate of 13.7%. 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, 2007 included $4.6 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 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 $150 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 capital and surplus at the preceding December 31. For 2008, up to approximately $99.1 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 $159.6 million of statutory earned surplus at December 31, 2007. 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 426% at December 31, 2007. Page 47 of 53 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, 2007 and 2006 and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 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, 2007. Payments Due by Period Total Less Than 1 year 1 - 3 Years 4 - 5 Years After 5 Years (Dollars in thousands) Annuity and single premium universal life products(1) . . . . . . . $17,663,032 $1,274,130 $4,233,768 $2,633,056 $ 9,522,078 Notes payable, including interest payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501,313 18,512 31,701 27,300 423,800 Subordinated debentures, including interest payments(2) . . . . . . . . . . Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage loan funding . . . . . . . . . . 899,097 3,114 36,860 20,579 964 36,860 41,159 1,636 — 41,159 361 — 796,200 153 — Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,103,416 $1,351,045 $4,308,264 $2,701,876 $10,742,231 (1) Amounts shown in this table are projected payments through the year 2027 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. (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 February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, (‘‘SFAS 159’’). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option is elected shall be reported in net income. SFAS 159 also requires additional disclosures that are intended to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities and between assets and liabilities in the financial statements of an entity that selects different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective beginning on January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact SFAS 159 will have on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (‘‘SFAS 157’’), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the required disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 also provides guidance regarding the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. For assets and liabilities that are measured at Page 48 of 53 fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition, the reporting entity shall disclose information that enables financial statement users to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. For recurring fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, the reporting entity shall disclose the effect of the measurements on earnings for the period. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS 157 is effective beginning on January 1, 2008. We are continuing to evaluate SFAS 157 but do not believe it will have a material impact on our consolidated 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. Sales of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position are subject to other than temporary impairment considerations including our stated intent to hold until recovery. 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 fair value of our investments, and the amount of interest we pay on our floating rate subordinated debentures. Our floating rate trust preferred securities issued by Trust III, IV, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI (beginning on December 31, 2010) and XII bear interest at the three month LIBOR plus 3.50% - 4.00%. Our outstanding balance of floating rate trust preferred securities was $144.5 million at December 31, 2007, of which $80 million had been swapped to fixed rates (see note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements). The profitability of most of our products depends on the spreads between interest yield on investments and rates credited on insurance liabilities. We have the ability to adjust crediting rates (participation rates, annual income caps or asset fee rates for index annuities) on substantially all of our annuity liabilities 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 Page 49 of 53 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, 2007, we estimate that the fair value of our fixed maturity securities would decrease by approximately $308.3 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 $43.3 million in the accumulated other comprehensive loss and a decrease to stockholders’ equity. 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. See Financial Condition—Liquidity for Insurance Operations for a further discussion of the liquidity risk. At December 31, 2007, 80% of our fixed income securities have call features and 16% were subject to call redemption. Another 61% will become subject to call redemption through December 31, 2008. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we received $131.3 million and $27.8 million, 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 (participation rates, annual income caps or asset fees for index annuities) on most of our annuity liabilities to maintain the spread at our targeted level. At December 31, 2007, approximately 98% of our annuity liabilities are subject to annual adjustment of the applicable crediting rates at our discretion, limited by minimum guaranteed crediting rates specified in the policies. 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, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Page 50 of 53 annual index credits to policyholders on their anniversaries were $403.4 million, $219.6 million and $95.0 million, respectively. Proceeds received at expiration or gains recognized upon early termination of these options related to such credits were $392.1 million, $214.3 million and $88.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The difference between proceeds received at expiration or gains recognized upon early termination 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. We manage this risk 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-44. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures (a) 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 due to the identification of a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as described below, the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2007 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. (b) 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. 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 risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Page 51 of 53 The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 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 has determined that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, due to the identification of a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to our accounting for policy benefit reserves for index annuities. Specifically, as of December 31, 2007, our newly implemented controls to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data to calculate policy benefit reserves for index annuities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (‘‘SFAS’’) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (‘‘SFAS 133’’), and policies to monitor the effectiveness of controls within the process for calculating policy benefit reserves for index annuities had not operated for a sufficient period of time to conclude as to their effectiveness. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of management’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page F-2. (c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2007, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. These changes consist of implementation of an automated calculation of the policy benefit reserves pursuant to SFAS 133 that eliminates the need to transfer data manually between spreadsheets, the addition of an actuarial resource with SFAS 133 expertise, and the addition of activities to monitor the effectiveness of controls over the calculation of policy benefit reserves by internal audit. While management believes that the proper controls have been implemented as of December 31, 2007, additional documentation, testing and time is needed to be able to conclude that this material weakness has been remediated. Item 9B. Other Information There is no information required to be disclosed on Form 8-K for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 which has not been previously reported. 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 5, 2008 to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2007. PART III Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules PART IV 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 52 of 53 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, 2008. 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 Title (Capacity) Date /s/ D.J. NOBLE D.J. Noble /s/ WENDY L. CARLSON Wendy L. Carlson /s/ TED M. JOHNSON Ted M. Johnson /s/ ALEX M. CLARK Alex M. Clark /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/ A.J. STRICKLAND, III A.J. Strickland, III /s/ HARLEY A. WHITFIELD Harley A. Whitfield /s/ KEVIN R. WINGERT Kevin R. Wingert Chairman of the Board and President, (Principal Executive Officer) March 14, 2008 Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel (Principal Financial Officer) March 14, 2008 Vice President—Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) March 14, 2008 Director March 14, 2008 Director March 14, 2008 Director March 14, 2008 Director March 14, 2008 Director March 14, 2008 Director March 14, 2008 Director March 14, 2008 Director March 14, 2008 Page 53 of 53 (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, 2007, 2006, AND 2005 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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-9 F-11 F-46 F-47 F-52 F-53 F-1 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 sheets of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules listed in the Index on page F-1. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (Item 9A(b)). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management has identified and included in its assessment a material weakness in the Company’s F-2 internal control over accounting for policy benefit reserves for index annuities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2007 consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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. Also in our opinion, because of the effect of the aforementioned material weakness on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Our opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 05-01, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges in Insurance Contracts, effective January 1, 2007, Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement 109, effective January 1, 2007, and in 2006 the Company adopted Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in the Current Year Financial Statements. /s/ KPMG LLP Des Moines, Iowa March 14, 2008 F-3 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31, 2007 2006 Assets Investments: Fixed maturity securities: Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2007—$5,120,268; 2006—$4,297,182) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,008,772 $ 4,177,029 Held for investment, at amortized cost (fair value: 2007—$5,212,815; 2006—$4,871,237) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,355,733 5,128,146 Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2007—$105,155; 2006—$46,000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage loans on real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87,412 1,953,894 204,657 427 45,512 1,652,757 381,601 419 Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,610,895 11,385,464 Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coinsurance deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred policy acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes recoverable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,888 1,698,153 77,348 1,272,108 588,473 75,806 24,990 27,711 29,949 1,841,720 68,323 1,088,890 427,554 73,831 4,526 69,866 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,394,372 $14,990,123 F-4 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31, 2007 2006 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities: Policy benefit reserves: Traditional life and accident and health insurance products . . . . . . . . . Annuity products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other policy funds and contract claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts due under repurchase agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 109,570 14,602,210 120,186 268,339 268,330 257,225 156,877 $ 93,632 13,114,299 128,579 266,383 268,489 385,973 137,702 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,782,737 14,395,057 Stockholders’ equity: Common stock, par value $1 per share, 125,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 2007—53,556,002 shares (excluding 3,329,718 treasury shares); 2006—53,500,926 shares (excluding 2,664,448 treasury shares) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unallocated common stock held by ESOP; 2007—629,565 shares . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53,556 387,302 (6,781) (38,929) 216,487 611,635 53,501 389,644 — (38,769) 190,690 595,066 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,394,372 $14,990,123 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements F-5 (This page has been left blank intentionally.) AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Revenues: Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums . . . . . . Annuity product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Realized gains (losses) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 12,623 45,828 719,916 (3,882) (59,985) $ 13,622 39,472 677,638 1,345 183,783 $ 13,578 25,686 554,118 (7,635) (18,029) Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714,500 915,860 567,718 Benefits and expenses: Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits . . . . . Interest credited to account balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,419 560,209 11,708 (67,902) 16,221 22,520 15,926 56,330 48,230 8,808 404,269 24,793 151,057 20,382 21,354 32,931 94,923 40,418 8,504 299,254 12,225 31,087 16,324 14,145 11,280 68,109 35,896 Total benefits and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671,661 798,935 496,824 Income before income taxes and minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,839 13,863 28,976 — 116,925 41,440 75,485 — 70,894 25,402 45,492 2,500 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 28,976 $ 75,485 $ 42,992 Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 0.51 0.50 $ $ 1.34 1.27 $ $ 1.09 0.99 Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands): Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56,760 59,848 56,243 60,421 39,333 44,513 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) Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Unallocated Common Other Stock Held Comprehensive Retained Earnings Loss by ESOP Total Stockholders’ Equity $36,769 $217,384 $ — $(19,269) $ 70,659 $305,543 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 42,992 42,992 (8,037) — — — — — — — — — (8,037) 34,955 160 222 163,524 — (1,621) 16,575 (1,621) (27,306) — — 112,030 5,848 — 519,358 5,848 13,830 — 75,485 75,485 (11,463) — — — — — — — — — — — — — (11,463) 64,022 398 210 (1,580) (12,960) 4,497 — (2,673) 4,116 (2,673) (38,769) 190,690 595,066 Balance at December 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . Comprehensive income: Net income for year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 — — 21 20 — — 139 202 less issuance expenses of $9,896 . . . . . . . . . 14,950 148,574 Exercise of 2,176,349 management subscription rights and stock options, including excess income tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends on common stock ($0.04 per share) . Balance at December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . Cumulative adjustment—SAB 108 . . . . . . . . . Reclassification of equity awards . . . . . . . . . . Comprehensive income: Net income for year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in net unrealized investment gains/ losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conversion of $420 of subordinated debentures Issuance of 19,500 shares of common stock . . . Settlement of option agreement, including excess income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquisition of 1,073,365 shares of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of 566,845 shares of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends on common stock ($0.05 per share) . 2,176 — 53,936 — — 14,399 — 380,698 — 13,830 — — 52 19 — — — 346 191 (1,580) (1,073) — (11,887) 4,497 567 — 3,549 — Balance at December 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . 53,501 389,644 F-7 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Comprehensive income: Net income for the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in net unrealized investment gains/ Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Unallocated Common Other Stock Held Comprehensive Retained Earnings Loss by ESOP Total Stockholders’ Equity $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 28,976 $ 28,976 losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conversion of $280 of subordinated debentures Acquisition of 674,759 shares of common stock . Acquisition of 650,000 shares of common stock by ESOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allocation of 20,435 shares of common stock by ESOP, including excess income tax benefits . . Share-based compensation, including excess income tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of 72,489 shares of common stock under compensation plans, including excess income tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net issuance of 622,779 shares of common stock under stock option and warrant agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends on common stock ($0.06 per share) . 35 (675) 245 (6,479) — — — 72 4,097 425 623 — (623) — — (7,001) (7) 220 — — — — — — — (160) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (160) 28,816 280 (7,154) (7,001) 213 4,097 497 — (3,179) — (3,179) Balance at December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . $53,556 $387,302 $(6,781) $(38,929) $216,487 $611,635 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-8 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 $ 28,976 $ 75,485 $ 42,992 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . Annuity 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 . . . . . . . . . Amortization of discount on contingent convertible notes . . Provision for depreciation and other amortization . . . . . . . . Amortization of discounts and premiums on investments . . . Realized losses (gains) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ESOP compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in accrued investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in income taxes recoverable/payable . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in other policy funds and contract claims . . . . . . . . Change in other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560,209 11,708 (45,828) (67,902) 8,450 (235,821) 56,330 1,067 1,380 (255,328) 3,882 59,985 (1,890) 3,995 209 (9,025) (20,464) 1,820 (8,393) (10,059) 404,269 24,793 (39,472) 151,057 10,776 (205,586) 94,923 4,841 1,846 (248,746) (1,345) (183,783) 21,296 4,497 — (8,739) (2,697) (3,518) 2,192 (45,032) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . . . . . . . . . 83,301 57,057 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233,645 28,147 18,559 166,996 445,337 386,896 — 58,095 132,902 246,409 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 . . . . . . . . . . . (975,322) (547,789) — (176,169) (13,879) (464,022) (239,719) (57) (378) (78,606) (468,133) (328,201) (8) (697) 299,254 12,225 (25,686) 31,087 8,863 (325,424) 68,109 — 2,002 (188,463) 7,635 18,029 (31,990) — — (14,713) (10,383) (2,727) 31,977 59,617 (17,596) 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) Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (958,283) (617,711) (2,359,625) F-9 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . Acquisition of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Settlement of option agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from issuance of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checks in excess of cash balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 $ 2,144,682 198,136 $ 1,869,966 190,198 $2,895,055 163,980 (1,318,296) — 5,000 (4,110) (1,631,241) (1,782) — (4,095) (992,482) (2,042) — (6,958) (128,748) — (14,154) — 251 353 (16,014) (3,179) 863,921 (11,061) 29,949 (10,724) 40,000 (12,960) (514) 2,812 2,424 36,797 (2,673) 131,822 55,000 — — 4,781 175,539 — (1,621) 478,208 2,423,074 (82,446) 112,395 45,853 66,542 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 18,888 $ 29,949 $ 112,395 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for: Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 53,208 35,964 $ 68,490 20,029 $ 41,119 62,993 Non-cash operating activity: Deferral of sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168,003 133,701 163,646 Non-cash financing activities: Conversion of subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trusts for common equity securities of the subsidiary trust . . . . . . . . 280 — 398 160 1,238 1,730 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-10 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 50 states and the District of Columbia at December 31, 2007. 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 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. In the first quarter of 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46(R)-5, Implicit Variable Interests under FIN 46 (‘‘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 FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (‘‘FIN 46’’). There was no cumulative effect on January 1, 2003 due to the adoption of FSP FIN 46(R)-5. 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. A $2.5 million dividend distribution to the Company’s chairman by the Service Company preceding this acquisition is recorded in the 2005 consolidated statement 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (‘‘GAAP’’) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the 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, policy benefit reserves and accruals, valuation of derivatives, including embedded derivatives on index reserves and contingent convertible senior notes, other than temporary impairment of investments and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. It is reasonably possible that actual experience could differ from the estimates and assumptions utilized. Reclassifications Certain items appearing in the 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. F-11 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) 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 assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Fair values, as reported herein, of fixed maturity and equity securities are based on the latest quoted market prices from third parties, or for those fixed maturity securities not readily marketable, yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics are used. 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 consolidated 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. Unrealized gains and losses are included directly in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes and certain adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements. Dividends are recognized when declared. Mortgage loans on real estate are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts. Interest income is recorded when earned. 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. The carrying value of impaired loans is reduced by the establishment of a valuation allowance, changes to which are recognized as realized gains or losses on investments. There were no valuation allowances at December 31, 2007 and 2006. Interest income on impaired loans is recorded on a cash basis. 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 and changes in market interest rates. 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 through earnings. 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 based on the trade date. The Company would recognize impairment of securities due to changing of interest rates only if the Company no F-12 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) longer had the ability to hold the securities until recovery or maturity. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other than temporary due to credit deterioration 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 recovery; (cid:127) consideration of rating agency actions; and (cid:127) changes in cash flows of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. Derivative Instruments Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (‘‘SFAS’’) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (‘‘SFAS 133’’), all of the Company’s 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. 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 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 permit the Company to change annual participation rates, caps, and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums. By adjusting participation rates, caps or asset fees, the Company can generally manage option costs 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, 2007, 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 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 F-13 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) 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. On 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 the consolidated statements of income. Effective June 8, 2006, this conversion option was no longer required to be bifurcated and accounted for as a derivative. The changes in the fair value of the conversion option embedded in these notes coincide with the changes in the Company’s common stock price during the periods of time during 2006 and 2005 that the conversion option was required to be bifurcated. Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original 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 that vary with and are directly related to the production of new business are not expensed when incurred but instead are capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs or deferred sales inducements. Deferred policy acquisition costs consist primarily of commissions and certain costs of policy issuance. Deferred sales inducements consist of first-year premium and interest bonuses credited to policyholder account balances. For annuity products, these capitalized 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. That amortization is adjusted retrospectively through an unlocking process when estimates of current or future gross profits/margins (including the impact of realized gains/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 and equity 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 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 index annuities are equal to the sum of the fair value of the embedded index options, accumulated index credits and the host contract reserve computed using a method similar to that used for annuity products. Future policy benefit reserves for other annuity F-14 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, interest crediting rates for these products ranged from 3.4% to 11.5%. 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 (2007— $0.3 million; 2006—$0.1 million; and 2005—$0.2 million) are reported as a reduction of traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums in the consolidated statements of income. 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 realization of deferred income tax assets primarily depends on generating future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. The realization of deferred income tax assets related to unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity and equity securities is also based upon the Company’s intent to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value and not realize the unrealized loss. If future taxable income is not generated as expected or if unrealized losses on available for sale securities are realized, deferred income tax assets may need to be written off. Stockholders’ Equity On November 19, 2007, the Company’s board of directors approved a share repurchase program. The Company is authorized to repurchase up to 10 million shares of its common stock. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had repurchased 299,552 shares under this program at a cost of $2.6 million. F-15 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) 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 2005, certain officers and directors exercised subscription rights to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock with respect to 2,151,375 shares. The subscription rights had an exercise price of $5.33 per share and the tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from the exercise of the subscription rights was $4.7 million. Recognition of Premium Revenues and Costs Revenues for annuity products include surrender charges assessed against policyholder account balances during the period. Expenses related to annuity products include interest credited to policyholder account balances and the change in fair value of embedded derivatives within index anuity contracts. 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, including the change in the fair value of derivatives for call options related to the business ceded under coinsurance agreements (see note 5), benefits, losses and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. Premiums and Deposits by Product Type The Company markets index annuities, fixed rate annuities and life insurance. In connection with its reinsured group life business, the Company also collects renewal premiums on certain 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 2007, 2006 and 2005, by product category were as follows: Product Type Index Annuities: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) Index Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,577,417 514,925 $1,159,035 626,018 $1,777,825 907,711 2,092,342 1,785,053 2,685,536 Fixed Rate Annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Life Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accident and Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,561 12,332 291 82,054 13,318 304 204,831 13,077 501 $2,155,526 $1,880,729 $2,903,945 F-16 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) One national marketing organization through which the Company markets its products accounted for more than 10% of the annuity deposits and insurance premium collections during 2007 and 2006, representing 13% and 14% of the annuity deposits and insurance premiums collected, respectively. 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 representing 15% and 11% of the annuity deposits and insurance premiums collected. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders. Other comprehensive income excludes net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income which merely represent transfers from unrealized to realized gains and losses. These amounts totaled $(3.9) million, $1.4 million and $(7.6) million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, 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 $(2.2) million in 2007, $0.9 million in 2006 and $(5.0) million in 2005. Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Statement of Position 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts (‘‘SOP 05-1’’) issued by the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements on internal replacements of insurance contracts other than those specifically described in SFAS No. 97, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occurs by 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. There was no impact on the consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of SOP 05-1. Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments (‘‘SFAS 155’’), which amends SFAS 133 and SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities (‘‘SFAS 140’’). SFAS 155 simplifies the accounting for certain derivatives embedded in other financial instruments by allowing them to be accounted for as a whole if the holder elects to account for the whole instrument on a fair value basis. SFAS 155 also clarifies and amends certain other provisions of SFAS 133 and SFAS 140. SFAS 155 was effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to a remeasurement event beginning on January 1, 2007. There was no impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (‘‘FIN 48’’). FIN 48 creates a single model to address uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. Under FIN 48, a tax position can F-17 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) be recognized in the financial statements if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities who have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company’s policy is to record the interest and penalties on tax obligations on the income tax expense line on the consolidated statements of income. There was no impact of adopting FIN 48 to the consolidated financial statements. In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (‘‘SAB 108’’), to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB 108 required an entity to quantify misstatements using a balance sheet and income statement approach and to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. SAB 108 was effective for years ending after November 15, 2006. SAB 108 allowed a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2006 for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance of SAB 108. The Company adopted the provisions of SAB 108 and recorded a $5.8 million cumulative adjustment to the January 1, 2006 retained earnings for items discussed below. These errors were considered immaterial under the Company’s previous method of evaluating misstatements. The Company adjusted its beginning retained earnings for 2006 by $1.8 million related to the amortization of debt issue costs, discount on debt and discount on certain investments, which were incorrectly being amortized on a straight line basis versus using the effective interest method. These differences had accumulated over a period of years beginning in 1999. The Company also adjusted its beginning retained earnings for 2006 by $4.0 million for a correction of the calculation of its index annuity reserves in accordance with SFAS 133 net of the effects of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements and taxes. This difference had accumulated over a period of years beginning in 2003. The Company corrected the portion of the errors discussed above that arose during the prior quarters of 2006 in the fourth quarter of 2006 increasing net income by $1.7 million in the fourth quarter. The effect on the first and third quarters of 2006 was to decrease net income by $1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and is immaterial. New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (‘‘SFAS 159’’). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option is elected shall be reported in net income. SFAS 159 also requires additional disclosures that are intended to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities and between assets and liabilities in the financial statements of an entity that selects different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective beginning on January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact SFAS 159 will have on the consolidated financial statements. F-18 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (‘‘SFAS 157’’), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the required disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 also provides guidance regarding the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. For assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition, the reporting entity shall disclose information that enables financial statement users to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. For recurring fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, the reporting entity shall disclose the effect of the measurements on earnings for the period. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS 157 is effective beginning on January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS 157 will have on the consolidated 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 from third parties, or for securities which are not actively traded, yield data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics are used. Equity securities: Quoted market prices. Mortgage loans on real estate: Discounted expected cash flows using interest rates currently being offered for similar loans. Derivative instruments: Quoted market prices from 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 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 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 F-19 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Continued) 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. The following sets forth a comparison of the fair values and carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments: December 31, 2007 2006 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,008,772 5,355,733 87,412 1,953,894 204,657 427 18,888 1,698,153 $5,008,772 5,212,815 87,412 1,981,078 204,657 427 18,888 1,492,095 $ 4,177,029 5,128,146 45,512 1,652,757 381,601 419 29,949 1,841,720 $ 4,177,029 4,871,237 45,512 1,677,846 381,601 419 29,949 1,588,465 Liabilities Annuity benefit reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts due under repurchase 14,711,780 268,339 268,330 12,576,011 253,712 261,558 13,207,931 266,383 268,489 11,138,257 317,172 272,491 agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257,225 257,225 385,973 385,973 F-20 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. Investments At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and equity securities were as follows: December 31, 2007 Fixed maturity securities: Available for sale: Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in thousands) Estimated Fair Value 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 $ 21,460 2,957,071 152,741 1,119,879 132,442 75,611 661,064 $ 130 1,596 1,120 7,058 118 199 4,457 $ (30,090) (7,336) (42,387) (19,907) (457) (24,289) (1,708) $ 19,882 2,928,577 146,525 1,084,550 112,653 75,353 641,232 $5,120,268 $14,678 $(126,174) $5,008,772 Held for investment: United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities, available for sale: Non-redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,280,332 75,401 $5,355,733 $ 83,485 21,670 $ 105,155 December 31, 2006 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 $ 2,770 2,997,612 140,463 657,067 62,126 69,187 367,957 $ $ $ $ $ 426 — 426 48 124 172 14 1 484 4,137 142 13 51 $(133,206) $5,147,552 65,263 (10,138) $(143,344) $5,212,815 $ (14,700) $ (3,215) 68,833 18,579 $ (17,915) $ 87,412 $ (38) $ (83,986) (3,486) (17,354) (1,623) (1,317) (17,191) 2,746 2,913,627 137,461 643,850 60,645 67,883 350,817 Held for investment: United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities, available for sale: Non-redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,297,182 $ 4,842 $(124,995) $4,177,029 $5,052,858 75,288 $5,128,146 $ $ 31,514 14,486 46,000 $ $ $ $ 3 — 3 41 97 138 $(256,912) $4,795,949 75,288 — $(256,912) $4,871,237 $ $ (407) $ (219) 31,148 14,364 (626) $ 45,512 F-21 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. Investments (Continued) The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2007, 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 Estimated Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Due after one year through five years . . . . . . . . . . Due after five years through ten years . . . . . . . . . . Due after ten years through twenty years . . . . . . . . Due after twenty years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 416,270 790,569 1,810,608 1,366,146 $ 411,117 763,781 1,797,912 1,319,377 $ — $ — 815,124 4,540,609 — — 801,004 4,411,811 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities . . . . . 4,383,593 736,675 4,292,187 716,585 5,355,733 — 5,212,815 — $5,120,268 $5,008,772 $5,355,733 $5,212,815 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, 2007 and 2006: December 31, 2007 2006 (Dollars in thousands) Net unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(129,239) $(120,641) Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69,348 20,962 60,997 20,875 Net unrealized losses reported as accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (38,929) $ (38,769) F-22 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. Investments (Continued) The following table shows our investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities (consisting of 352 securities) have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2007: Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturity securities: Available for sale: United States Government full faith and credit . . . . . . $ 16,987 $ (1,708) $ — $ — $ 16,987 $ (1,708) United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . Public utilities . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate securities . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stocks . Mortgage and asset-backed 134,683 46,951 337,371 57,856 (317) (1,528) (10,526) (11,092) 2,067,137 44,605 365,796 43,015 (29,773) (5,808) (31,861) (8,815) 2,201,820 91,556 703,167 100,871 (30,090) (7,336) (42,387) (19,907) securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114,401 (1,336) 356,137 (23,410) 470,538 (24,746) $708,249 $(26,507) $2,876,690 $ (99,667) $3,584,939 $(126,174) Held for investment: United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stock . . Equity securities, available for sale: Non-redeemable preferred $ — $ 65,263 — $4,777,405 — (10,138) $(133,206) $4,777,405 65,263 — $(133,206) (10,138) $ 65,263 $(10,138) $4,777,405 $(133,206) $4,842,668 $(143,344) stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 63,785 9,112 $(14,700) (3,215) $ 72,897 $(17,915) $ $ — $ — — $ — $ — 63,785 9,112 $ (14,700) (3,215) — $ 72,897 $ (17,915) 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 long in duration, making the value of such securities very sensitive to changes in market interest rates. The unrealized losses on the Company’s mortgage and asset-backed securities are due to changes in interest rates and a widening of spreads across the mortgage-backed securities market due to the issues surrounding subprime mortgages. At December 31, 2007, the Company had no exposure to subprime mortgage-backed securities and limited exposure to ‘‘Alt-A’’ mortgage-backed securities. The Company’s ‘‘Alt-A’’ mortgage-backed securities are comprised of 16 securities with a total fair value of $184.3 million with agency ratings of Aaa, of which 58% is in Aaa super senior tranches and the remainder is in Aaa tranches. Approximately 96% of the unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities shown in the above table are on securities that are rated investment grade, defined as being in the highest two National Association of Insurance Commissioners (‘‘NAIC’’) designations. Approximately 4% of the unrealized F-23 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. Investments (Continued) 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 as discussed in note 1. 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: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Fixed maturity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage loans on real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $575,931 2,842 100,334 1,089 1,202 $602,689 5,428 114,246 915 466 $475,071 3,402 77,518 1,171 559 Less investment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 723,744 (3,828) 681,398 (3,760) 557,721 (3,603) Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $719,916 $677,638 $554,118 Proceeds from sales of available for sale fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $29.5 million, $350.2 million and $155.4 million, respectively. Scheduled principal repayments, calls and tenders for available for sale fixed maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $204.2 million, $36.7 million and $279.2 million, respectively. Calls of held for investment fixed maturity securities for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $28.2 million. There were no calls of held for investment fixed maturity securities for the year ended December 31, 2006. Calls of held for investment fixed maturity securities for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $1.3 billion. F-24 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. Investments (Continued) Net realized gains (losses) on investments for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows: Available for sale fixed maturity securities: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross realized gains Gross realized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writedowns (other than temporary impairments) . . . . $ 931 (88) (3,948) $ 4,628 (3,054) (1,337) $ 5,334 (3,642) (8,902) Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) Equity securities: Gross realized gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross realized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writedowns (other than temporary impairments) . . . . (3,105) 237 (7,210) 232 (574) (435) (777) 1,208 (100) — 1,108 135 — (560) (425) $(3,882) $ 1,345 $(7,635) Changes in net unrealized losses on investments for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) Fixed maturity securities held for investment carried at amortized cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $113,991 $(144,097) $(20,094) Investments carried at estimated fair value: Fixed maturity securities, available for sale . . . . Equity securities, available for sale . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,657 (17,255) $ (34,677) $(20,995) (2,679) 2,726 (8,598) (31,951) (23,674) 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,351 87 14,317 6,171 11,639 4,328 — — (330) 8,438 20,488 15,637 Decrease in net unrealized losses on investments carried at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (160) $ (11,463) $ (8,037) F-25 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. Investments (Continued) The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio totaled $2.0 billion and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, with commitments outstanding of $36.9 million at December 31, 2007. The portfolio consists of commercial mortgage loans collateralized by the related properties and diversified as to property type, location and loan size. The Company’s mortgage lending policies include limits on the amount that can be loaned to one borrower and other criteria to reduce the risk of default. As of December 31, 2007, there were no delinquencies or defaults in the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio. The commercial mortgage loan portfolio is summarized by geographic region and property type as follows (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2007 2006 Carrying Amount Percent Carrying Amount Percent Geographic distribution East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 458,418 133,662 Middle Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310,244 Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45,618 New England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141,264 Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344,800 South Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356,334 West North Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163,554 West South Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23.5% $ 364,977 115,930 6.8% 267,808 15.9% 43,228 2.3% 132,085 7.2% 299,373 17.7% 290,592 18.2% 138,764 8.4% 22.1% 7.0% 16.2% 2.6% 8.0% 18.1% 17.6% 8.4% Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,953,894 100.0% $1,652,757 100.0% Property type distribution Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 586,109 108,667 Medical Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438,214 Retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453,654 Industrial/Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115,758 Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105,431 Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146,061 Mixed use/other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.0% $ 508,093 78,147 5.6% 389,534 22.4% 381,248 23.2% 71,510 5.9% 91,190 5.4% 133,035 7.5% 30.7% 4.7% 23.6% 23.1% 4.3% 5.5% 8.1% Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,953,894 100.0% $1,652,757 100.0% At December 31, 2007 and 2006, fixed maturity securities and short-term investments with an amortized cost of $12.4 billion and $11.0 billion, respectively, 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) 3. Investments (Continued) At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the following investments in any person or its affiliates (other than bonds issued by agencies of the United States Government) exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity (dollars in thousands): Issuer Estimated Fair Value Amortized Cost December 31, 2007: FBL Capital Trust I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wells Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chase Mortgage Finance Corp. $65,263 66,255 61,295 $75,401 68,120 66,844 December 31, 2006: FBL Capital Trust I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75,288 75,288 4. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements Policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized are as follows: December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cumulative adjustment—SAB 108 . . . . . . . . . . Costs deferred during the year: Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy issue costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortized to expense during the year . . . . . . . . Effect of net unrealized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,088,890 — (Dollars in thousands) $ 977,015 (7,344) $713,021 — 227,474 8,347 (56,330) 3,727 196,877 8,709 (94,923) 8,556 316,538 8,886 (68,109) 6,679 Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,272,108 $1,088,890 $977,015 Sales inducements deferred and amortized are as follows: December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cumulative adjustment—SAB 108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Costs deferred during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortized to expense during the year . . . . . . . . . . Effect of net unrealized losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $315,848 (2,963) 133,701 (24,793) 5,761 $427,554 — 168,003 (11,708) 4,624 $159,467 — 163,646 (12,225) 4,960 Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $588,473 $427,554 $315,848 F-27 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 5. Reinsurance and Policy Provisions Coinsurance The Company has entered into two coinsurance agreements with EquiTrust Life Insurance Company (‘‘EquiTrust’’), covering 70% of certain of the Company’s index and fixed rate 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 is no longer ceded to EquiTrust. The business reinsured under these agreements is not eligible for recapture before the expiration of 10 years. Coinsurance deposits (aggregate policy benefit reserves transferred to EquiTrust under these agreements) were $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company remains liable to policyholders with respect to the policy liabilities ceded to EquiTrust should EquiTrust fail to meet the obligations it has coinsured. None of the coinsurance deposits with EquiTrust are deemed by management to be uncollectible. The balance due under these agreements to EquiTrust was $23.7 million and $45.5 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and represents the fair value of call options held by the Company to fund index credits related to the ceded business and cash due to or from EquiTrust related to monthly settlements of policy activity. Amounts ceded to EquiTrust under these agreements are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) Consolidated Statements of Income Annuity product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10,515 283 $ 11,186 18,477 $ 10,798 $ 29,663 Interest credited to account balances . . . . . . . . . . . Change in fair value of embedded derivatives . . . . . Other operating costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 79,126 (14,041) 1,820 $ 65,643 17,796 1,969 $ $ 9,440 (6,583) 2,857 $ 67,773 (3,557) 2,028 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Annuity deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash payments to policyholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 66,905 $ 85,408 $ 66,244 $ (1,779) $ (2,859) $ (4,688) 168,668 193,057 199,915 $198,136 $190,198 $163,980 Financing Arrangements 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 financing arrangements under 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 F-28 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 5. Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Continued) transaction became effective September 30, 2003 (the ‘‘2003 Hannover Transaction’’) and the third transaction became effective October 1, 2005 (the ‘‘2005 Hannover Transaction’’). 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 $13.2 million in 2007, $12.4 million in 2006 and $11.6 million in 2005. The 2002 Hannover Transaction was recaptured on December 31, 2007 at which time the statutory surplus benefit had been reduced to zero. The remaining statutory surplus benefit of $6.8 million under the 2003 Hannover Transaction will be reduced to zero during 2008 at which time the Company will recapture the risks ceded under that agreement. Risk charges attributable to the 2002 and 2003 Hannover Transactions were $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $1.8 million during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 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 risks reinsured under this agreement may be recaptured as of the end of any quarter beginning October 1, 2008. 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 6.0% of the weighted average reserve credit. The reserve credit recorded on a statutory basis by American Equity Life was $68.6 million and $69.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Risk charges attributable to the 2005 Hannover Transaction were $4.1 million, $3.8 million and $0.7 million during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 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 annuity, life and accident and health insurance products by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. 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. 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. During 2007, the Company entered into reinsurance agreements with Ace Tempest Life Reinsurance Ltd and Hannover to cede 50% to each of the risk associated with the Company’s life income benefit on certain annuities issued beginning in 2007. The amounts ceded under these agreements were immaterial as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007. F-29 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6. Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with all its subsidiaries. The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands) Consolidated statements of income: Current income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,753 (1,890) $20,144 21,296 $ 57,391 (31,989) Total income tax expense included in consolidated statements of income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,863 41,440 25,402 Stockholders’ equity: Expense (benefit) relating to: Change in net unrealized investment losses . . . . . Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cumulative adjustment—SAB 108 . . . . . . . . . . . (87) (251) — (6,171) (2,812) 3,503 (4,328) (4,781) — Total income tax expense included in consolidated financial statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,525 $35,960 $ 16,293 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: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Income before income taxes and minority interests . . Income tax expense on income before income taxes (Dollars in thousands) $116,925 $42,839 $70,894 and minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,994 $ 40,924 $24,813 Tax effect of: State income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (968) (163) 296 220 803 (214) Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,863 $ 41,440 $25,402 Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32.4% 35.4% 35.8% 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 F-30 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6. Income Taxes (Continued) taxable amounts, respectively, in future years. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2007 and 2006, are as follows: Deferred income tax assets: Policy benefit reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net unrealized losses on available for sale fixed maturity securities and equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed maturity and equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2007 2006 (Dollars in thousands) $ 643,392 $ 538,028 20,962 — 11,850 14,319 5,500 20,875 1,778 10,070 10,390 5,038 Gross deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 696,023 586,179 Deferred income tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts due to reinsurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convertible senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (594,258) (6,158) (12,170) (3,861) (3,770) (479,252) (10,030) (9,033) (11,457) (2,576) Gross deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (620,217) (512,348) Net deferred income tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 75,806 $ 73,831 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 in 2007 or 2006 nor was there any change in the valuation allowance in 2007, 2006 or 2005. As discussed in note 1, there was no impact of adopting FIN 48 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and there are no material income tax contingencies requiring recognition in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2004. At December 31, 2007, the Company has non-life net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax purposes of $34.5 million which expire beginning in 2012 through 2027. 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 F-31 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (Continued) 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 these notes was bifurcated from the host instrument due to an insufficient number of authorized shares of the Company and accounted for as a derivative at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income. A debt discount of $81.6 million was created upon the bifurcation of the embedded derivative. The fair value of the conversion option was $85.6 million on December 31, 2005. Effective June 8, 2006, this conversion option was no longer required to be bifurcated and marked to market upon shareholder approval of an increase of authorized shares of the Company. The unbifurcation of the embedded derivative resulted in adjusting the debt discount to $6.5 million. The amortization of the discount was $1.1 million, $6.4 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The net increase (decrease) in the carrying amount of the contingent convertible notes was $(15.2) million and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and is included as a component of the change in fair value of embedded derivatives. The carrying value of the contingent convertible senior notes was $255.1 million and $254.1 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, 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 $14.47. This represents a conversion rate of approximately 69.1 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 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. F-32 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. Notes Payable and Amounts Due Under Repurchase Agreements (Continued) 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 Company reacquired $20.4 million of the notes during February 2008 from a holder and will recognize an immaterial loss related to the extinguishment of these notes. 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 included 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 $14.47. During 2006, the Company entered into a $150 million revolving line of credit agreement with eight banks. The revolving period of the facility will be five years. The applicable interest rate will be floating at LIBOR plus 0.80% or the greater of prime rate or federal funds rate plus 0.50%, as elected by the Company. The amount outstanding under the revolving line of credit was $5.0 million at December 31, 2007. There was no amount outstanding under the revolving line of credit at December 31, 2006. Under this agreement, the Company is required to maintain a minimum risk-based capital ratio at American Equity Life, a maximum ratio of debt to total capital, minimum consolidated net worth and a minimum cash coverage ratio. As part of its investment strategy, the Company enters into 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 $301.9 million, $628.0 million, $318.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on amounts due under repurchase agreements was 5.27%, 5.24% and 3.54% for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company, through the Service Company, had $8.2 million and $12.3 million outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006 under a credit agreement with a third party. Quarterly payments in amounts ranging from $1.1 million to $1.3 million are payable over the next eight quarters with interest computed at a fixed rate of 11.2%. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2007 and 2006 include $1.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of restricted cash under the terms of the credit agreement. F-33 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 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. American Equity Life 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, American Equity Life 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 were capped and interest expense computed at a 9% imputed interest rate. American Equity Life paid renewal commissions to the Service Company of $6.0 million, $6.1 million and $17.0 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The payment of renewal commissions by American Equity Life to the Service Company is eliminated in consolidation. 9. Subordinated Debentures The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary trusts (not consolidated under FIN 46R) 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 F-34 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 9. Subordinated Debentures (Continued) securities. Following is a summary of subordinated debt obligations to the trusts at December 31, 2007 and 2006: 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 . . American Equity Capital Trust XII . December 31, 2007 2006 (Dollars in thousands) $ 23,483 $ 23,203 75,396 75,517 27,840 27,840 12,372 12,372 10,830 10,830 20,620 20,620 15,470 15,470 20,620 20,620 20,620 20,620 41,238 41,238 $268,330 $268,489 Interest Rate Due Date September 30, 2029 June 1, 2047 April 29, 2034 January 8, 2034 December 14, 2034 December 15, 2034 June 15, 2035 8% 5% *LIBOR + 3.90% *LIBOR + 4.00% *LIBOR + 3.75% *LIBOR + 3.75% *LIBOR + 3.65% *LIBOR + 3.65% September 15, 2035 December 15, 2035 April 7, 2036 8.595% *LIBOR + 3.50% * — three month London Interbank Offered Rate The interest rate for Trust XI is fixed at 8.595% for 5 years until December 15, 2010 and then is floating based upon the three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3.65%. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company entered into four interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk associated with the floating rate component on certain of its subordinated debentures. The terms of the interest rate swaps provide that the Company pays a fixed rate of interest and receives a floating rate of interest on a notional amount totaling $80.0 million. The interest rate swaps are not effective hedges under SFAS 133. Therefore, the Company records the interest rate swaps at fair value with the change in fair value and any net cash payments received or paid included in the change in fair value of derivatives in the consolidated statements of income. Details regarding the interest rate swaps are as follows (dollars in thousands): Maturity Date April 29, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 15, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 15, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 7, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (a) — subject to a floor of 4.25% December 31, 2007 2006 Notional Amount $20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Receive Rate Pay Rate Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value *LIBOR *LIBOR *LIBOR(a) *LIBOR(a) 4.94% $ (274) (440) 4.93% (348) 5.19% (405) 5.23% $(1,467) $ 56 41 (8) (15) $ 74 F-35 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 9. Subordinated Debentures (Continued) 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 2007, 2006 and 2005, 9,333 shares, 14,000 shares and 5,667 shares of these trust preferred securities converted into 34,567 shares, 51,849 shares and 20,988 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively. The remaining 746,671 shares of these trust preferred securities not held by a subsidiary are convertible into 2,765,390 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 6.8%). 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 Company adopted SAB 108 on January 1, 2006 (see note 1) and made a correction to amortize the discount on this debt instrument from the straight line method to the effective interest method. The cumulative adjustment to this debt instrument on January 1, 2006 was $3.1 million and is included in the SAB 108 cumulative adjustment. 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. 10. Retirement and Share-based 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 a percentage of their annual salary (up to a maximum contribution of $15,500 in 2007, $15,000 in 2006 and $14,000 in 2005) 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, 2007, 2006 and 2005. 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, 2007 and 2006, these individuals have earned, and the Company has reserved for future issuance, 446,433 and 423,011 shares of common stock, respectively, pursuant to these arrangements. The Company has incurred share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 under these arrangements. The Company has deferred compensation agreements with certain officers whereby these individuals may defer certain bonus compensation which is deposited into the American Equity Officer Rabbi Trust (Officer Rabbi Trust). The amounts deferred are invested in assets at the direction of the employee. The assets of the Officer Rabbi Trust are included in the assets of the Company and a corresponding deferred compensation liability is recorded. The deferred compensation liability is recorded at the fair market value of the assets in the Officer Rabbi Trust with the change in fair value included as a component of compensation expense. The deferred compensation liability related to these F-36 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Continued) agreements was $1.0 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. During 2007 and 2006, the Officer Rabbi Trust purchased 15,718 shares of common stock of the Company at a cost of $0.1 million and 21,300 shares of common stock of the Company at a cost of $0.3 million, respectively. The Officer Rabbi Trust held 37,018 shares of common stock of the Company at December 31, 2007, which are treated as treasury shares. 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. The NMO Deferred Compensation Plan was effective until December 31, 2006 at which time it was suspended. 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, 2006 and 2005, agents earned the right to receive 223,078 shares and 373,511 shares, respectively. These shares will be distributed at the end of the vesting and deferral period of 9 years. The Company recognizes commission expense and an increase to additional paid-in capital as share-based compensation when the awards vest. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, agents vested in 226,566 shares, 277,368 shares and 437,098 shares of common stock, respectively, and the Company recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $2.4 million, $4.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively, under these plans. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the total number of undistributed vested shares under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan was 3,023,279 and 2,763,861, respectively. These shares are included in the computation of earnings per share and earnings per share—assuming dilution. The total number of unvested shares that potentially may be vested in by agents in the future under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan was 247,120 and 518,853 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company has a Rabbi Trust, the NMO Deferred Compensation Trust (the ‘‘NMO Trust’’) which has purchased shares of the Company’s common stock to fund the amount of vested shares 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 common stock held in the NMO Trust is treated as treasury stock. The NMO Trust purchased 359,489 shares and 1,052,065 shares of common stock of the Company during 2007 and 2006 at a cost of $4.4 million and $12.7 million, respectively. The NMO Trust did not purchase any common stock of the Company during 2005. The number of shares held by the NMO Trust at December 31, 2007 and 2006 was 2,993,148 and 2,643,148, respectively. During 2006, the Company reclassified a $13.8 million obligation for equity awards from other liabilities to additional paid-in capital to properly reflect the awards as equity-classified awards. This reclassification increased stockholders’ equity by $13.8 million and had no impact on net income. The Company did not consider the error material to prior periods. The Company had a Stock Option and Warrant Agreement with Mr. Noble (owner of 3.6% of its outstanding common stock at December 31, 2007) 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 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 that were exercised in 2007. 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 F-37 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Continued) 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 was repayable in five equal annual installments of principal and interest, each of which was forgiven pursuant to the terms of the agreement. 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. At December 31, 2007, the Company had no shares of common stock available for future grant under the 1996 Stock Option Plan, 712,463 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. Changes in the number of stock options outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows: Number of Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share Total Exercise Price (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) $23,426 3,466,162 378 31,000 (10) (1,000) (214) (37,250) $ 6.76 12.19 10.00 5.75 3,458,912 20,500 (426,700) (580,845) 2,471,867 15,000 (12,850) (1,023,000) 6.82 12.20 5.42 4.47 7.65 11.44 10.93 4.88 9.62 23,580 250 (2,312) (2,599) 18,919 172 (140) (4,989) $13,962 Outstanding at January 1, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding at December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled/Settled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding at December 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding at December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . 1,451,017 F-38 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Continued) The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007: Range of Exercise Prices Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Vested Number of Awards Remaining Life (yrs) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Number of Awards Remaining Life (yrs) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share $ 3.33 - $ 5.33 . . . . . . . $ 7.33 - $ 9.16 . . . . . . . $ 9.49 - $11.46 . . . . . . . $11.88 - $14.34 . . . . . . . 24,900 473,330 925,287 27,500 $ 3.33 - $14.34 . . . . . . . 1,451,017 1.00 4.12 5.09 8.31 4.77 $ 5.33 8.32 10.31 12.68 9.62 24,900 473,330 920,287 27,500 1,446,017 1.00 4.12 5.07 8.31 4.75 $ 5.33 8.32 10.31 12.68 9.62 The aggregate intrinsic value for both stock options outstanding and vested awards at December 31, 2007 was $0.3 million. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $0.4 million, $4.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Intrinsic value for stock options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock as of the reporting date. Cash received from stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $0.4 million, $2.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from the exercise of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $0.1 million, $1.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The fair value for each stock option granted during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Average risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average expected life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.11% 0% 4.86% 0% 4.84% 0% 3.75 years 10 years 10 years 27.0% 27.4% 23.4% Share-based compensation during the year ended December 31, 2005 was determined under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. The following table provides supplemental information for the year ended December 31, 2005 as if share-based F-39 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Continued) compensation had been computed under SFAS No. 123R, Share Based Payment (dollars in thousands, except per share data): Net income, as reported—numerator for earnings per common share . . . . . Deduct: Total share-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effect . . $42,992 (888) Net income, pro forma—numerator for earnings per common share, pro forma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,104 Interest related to convertible subordinated debentures (net of income tax benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,202 Numerator for earnings per common share -assuming dilution, pro forma . . $43,306 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ $ $ 1.09 1.07 0.99 0.97 During 2007, the Company established the Independent Insurance Agent Stock Option Plan. Under this plan, agents of American Equity Life may receive grants of options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock based upon their individual sales during 2007. The plan authorizes grants of options to agents for up to 2,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company recognizes commission expense and an increase to additional paid-in capital as share-based compensation equal to the fair value of the options as they are earned. The fair value of the options are estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model until the grant date, at which time the options are included as permanent equity in accordance with EITF 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock. The assumptions used for estimating the fair value of the options were an average risk free rate of 3.21%, dividend yield of 0%, average expected life of 33⁄4 years and volatility of 28%. For the year ended December 31, 2007, American Equity Life’s agents earned 577,150 options and the Company recorded commission expense (capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs) of $1.3 million. There were no grants under this plan during 2007. The Company established the American Equity Investment Employee Stock Ownership Plan (‘‘ESOP’’) effective July 1, 2007. The principal purpose of the ESOP is to provide each eligible employee with an equity interest in the Company. Employees become eligible once they have completed a minimum of six months of service. Employees become 100% vested after two years of service. The Company’s contribution to the ESOP is determined by the Board of Directors. In August 2007, the Company issued a loan to the ESOP in the amount of $7.0 million to purchase 650,000 shares of common stock of the Company from David J. Noble, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The loan is to be repaid over a period of 20 years with annual interest payments due on December 31 of each year. Principal payments in the amount of $1.8 million are due on December 31, 2012, 2017, and 2022 with the final principal payment due on August 31, 2027. The loan is eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The shares purchased by the ESOP were pledged as collateral for this debt and are reported as unallocated common stock held by the ESOP, a contra-equity account in stockholders’ equity. When shares are committed for release, the F-40 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Continued) shares become outstanding for earnings per share computations. For each plan year in which a payment or prepayment of principal or interest is made, the Company will release from the pledge the number of shares determined under the principal and interest method. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares are recorded as a reduction in retained earnings and are credited to employee accounts. Dividends on unallocated shares held by the ESOP will be used to repay indebtedness. As of December 31, 2007, there were 20,435 shares committed for release and compensation expense of $0.2 million was recognized in 2007. The fair value of 629,565 unreleased shares was $5.2 million at December 31, 2007. 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 2008, American Equity Life can pay dividends to the Company of $99.1 million, without prior approval from regulatory authorities. Statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities for the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries differ from GAAP. Combined net income for the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices was $17.0 million, $89.9 million and $40.5 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and total statutory capital and surplus of the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries was $990.8 million and $992.5 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Calculations using the NAIC formula at December 31, 2007, 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 3.3 times. 12. Commitments and Contingencies The Company leases its home office space and certain equipment under various operating leases. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 totaled $1.4 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. At December 31, 2007, the aggregate future minimum lease payments are $3.1 million. The following represents payments due by period for operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2007 (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31: 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $964 883 753 225 136 153 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 liability established by the Company for future assessments related to the insolvency of London Pacific Life and Annuity Company was $1.0 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. 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 F-41 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 12. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued) claims. The Company is currently a defendant in several purported class action lawsuits alleging improper sales practices and similar claims as described below. It is often not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings or to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses with any degree of certainty. The lawsuits referred to below are in very preliminary stages and the Company does not have sufficient information to make an assessment of the plaintiffs’ claims for liability or damages nor has the court decided whether a class will be certified or the size of the class and class period. The plaintiffs are seeking undefined amounts of damages or other relief, including punitive damages, which are difficult to quantify and cannot be estimated based on the information currently available. The Company does not believe that these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that such litigation, or any future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. The Company is a defendant in two cases seeking class action status, including (i) Stephens v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, et. al., in the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, San Francisco, California (complaint filed November 29, 2004) (the ‘‘SLO Case’’) and (ii) In Re: American Equity Annuity Practices and Sales Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division (complaint filed September 7, 2005) (the ‘‘Los Angeles Case’’). The plaintiff in the SLO Case seeks to represent a national class of individuals who either purchased their annuity from the Company through a co-defendant marketing organization or who purchased one of a defined set of particular annuities issued by the Company. The Company has filed its opposition to a motion to certify the class and the motion is set for hearing on March 18, 2008. The Company is vigorously defending both the issue of class action status of the lawsuit as well as the underlying allegations, which include misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of a state law regarding unfair competition and other claims. The Los Angeles Case is a consolidated action involving several lawsuits filed by individuals and is seeking class action status for a national class of purchasers of annuities issued by the Company. The allegations generally attack the suitability of sales of deferred annuity products to persons over the age of 65. The Company is vigorously defending against both class action status as well as the underlying claims which include misrepresentation and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, among others. Recently the Company settled two of its lawsuits including (i) Panter v. Tackett, et. al, in the Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky (first amended complaint filed February 2003) (the ‘‘Kentucky Settlement’’) and (ii) State of Minnesota, Attorney General v. American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, in the District Court for the Fourth Judicial District, Minnesota (complaint filed April 26, 2007) (the ‘‘Minnesota Settlement’’). The Kentucky Settlement includes all persons who, during the period from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2007, purchased an annuity from the Company sold by a co-defendant marketing organization and its affiliates. Persons who purchased living trusts from this marketing group are also within the settlement class. The settlement includes (i) general policy relief in the form of an annuitization bonus of 2.4% which will be added to the contract values of class members who elect to annuitize their annuity over the greater of 10 years or life; (ii) individual claim review relief through a claim review process which provides class members an opportunity to receive individualized relief based on an evaluation of individual factual and legal issues, such as reliance, causation and damages. As a part of the individual relief, class members who were 79 or older at the time of purchase of their annuity may elect to receive enhanced penalty-free F-42 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 12. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued) withdrawals over a period of time. The court entered its order of preliminary approval of the settlement on February 25, 2008, and notice was sent to class members on March 7, 2008. Any class member who wishes to opt out of the Kentucky Settlement, or those who wish to file written objections to the settlement terms, must do so by April 18, 2008. A fairness hearing will be held on June 3, 2008. The effect of this settlement is immaterial to the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Minnesota Settlement, which was approved by the court on February 7, 2008, requires the Company to make specified enhancements to its suitability review program in which applications received for annuities from persons residing in Minnesota will be evaluated under slightly different criteria than the criteria utilized in the Company’s review program for sales in other states. In addition, Minnesota residents who purchased annuities from the Company during the period from January 1, 2001 to February 7, 2008 and who were age 65 or older at the time of the purchase may file individual claims through a claim review process conducted jointly by the Minnesota Attorney General and the Company. Claimants who provide information demonstrating that the annuities they purchased were unsuitable or that misrepresentations of important terms and conditions were made at time of sale, will be offered the opportunity to receive a refund of their contract value without imposition of surrender charges and with interest on their premium deposits calculated at 4.15% per annum. The effect of this settlement is immaterial to the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. F-43 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per common share and earnings per common share—assuming dilution: Numerator: Net income—numerator for earnings per common share . . . . Interest on convertible subordinated debentures Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) $ 28,976 $ 75,485 $ 42,992 (net of income tax benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,052 1,068 1,202 Numerator for earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30,028 $ 76,553 $ 44,194 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding(1) . . . . . . . . . Effect of dilutive securities: 56,759,985 56,242,780 39,332,980 Convertible subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock options and management subscription rights . . . . . . Deferred compensation agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,774,830 313,464 — 2,816,374 944,322 417,904 2,854,678 1,480,392 844,766 Denominator for earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59,848,279 60,421,380 44,512,816 Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 0.51 0.50 $ $ 1.34 1.27 $ $ 1.09 0.99 (1) Weighted average common shares outstanding include shares vested under the NMO Deferred Compensation Plan and exclude unallocated shares held by the ESOP. Options to purchase shares of our common stock that were outstanding during the respective periods indicated but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares are as follows: Period Number of Shares Range of Exercise Prices Year ended December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 934,787 17,000 10,000 $9.67 - $14.34 $12.79 - $14.34 $12.08 - $12.85 F-44 AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 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) 2007 Premiums and product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 12,051 169,358 Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 579 Realized gains (losses) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . (8,522) Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173,466 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,927 Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.18 Earnings (loss) per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.17 Earnings (loss) per common share—assuming dilution . 2006 Premiums and product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 11,124 162,385 Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (42) Realized gains (losses) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,328 Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222,795 Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,973 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.07 Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.07 Earnings per common share—assuming dilution . . . . . $ 14,643 175,719 17 98,986 289,365 20,604 0.36 0.35 $ 13,951 169,182 331 (61,582) 121,882 42,911 0.77 0.71 $ 15,920 183,732 325 (10,709) 189,268 3,443 0.06 0.06 $ 14,069 173,272 (273) 72,280 259,348 9,417 0.17 0.16 $ 15,837 191,107 (4,803) (139,740) 62,401 (4,998) (0.09) (0.08) $ 13,950 172,799 1,329 123,757 311,835 19,184 0.34 0.32 Earnings 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 per common share amounts may not equal the earnings per common share for the year. The differences between the change in fair value of derivatives for each quarter primarily correspond to the performance of the indices upon which the Company’s call options are based. The comparability of net income (loss) is impacted by the application of SFAS 133 to our index annuity business as follows: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Quarter ended 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(5,148) 4,758 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $(12,143) (9,418) $3,852 460 $(19,288) (152) Changes in the fair value of the conversion option embedded within our contingent convertible senior notes reduced net income by $16.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and increased net income by $26.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. See note 1 for discussion of the impact on net income of correcting certain errors that arose during the prior quarters of 2006 in the fourth quarter of 2006. F-45 Schedule I—Summary of Investments—Other Than Investments in Related Parties AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY December 31, 2007 Column A Column B Column C Column D Type of Investment Fixed maturity securities: Available for sale Amortized Cost(1)(2) Fair Value Amount at which shown in the balance sheet(2) (Dollars in thousands) United States Government full faith and credit . . . . . . . United States Government sponsored agencies . . . . . . . Public utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mortgage and asset-backed securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 21,460 2,957,071 152,741 1,119,879 132,442 736,675 $ 19,882 2,928,577 146,525 1,084,550 112,653 716,585 $ 19,882 2,928,577 146,525 1,084,550 112,653 716,585 5,120,268 5,008,772 5,008,772 Held for investment . . . . . . . United States Government sponsored agencies Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,280,332 75,401 5,147,552 65,263 5,280,332 75,401 5,355,733 5,212,815 5,355,733 Total fixed maturity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,476,001 $10,221,587 10,364,505 Equity securities, available for sale: Non-redeemable preferred stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83,485 21,670 Total equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105,155 $ $ 68,833 18,579 87,412 Mortgage loans on real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,953,894 204,657 427 Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,740,134 68,833 18,579 87,412 1,953,894 204,657 427 $12,610,895 (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-46 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 fair value (amortized cost: 2007—$35,000; 2006—$50,000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity securities of subsidiary trusts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receivable from subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal income tax recoverable (from subsidiaries) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in and advances to subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2007 2006 $ 2,854 $ 8,614 34,867 8,179 420 14,660 3,765 14,231 48,664 8,175 680 10,514 2,632 16,362 78,976 1,064,432 95,641 1,025,045 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,143,408 $1,120,686 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities: Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 260,128 268,390 3,255 $ 254,061 268,549 3,010 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stockholders’ equity: Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unallocated common stock held by ESOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531,773 525,620 53,556 387,302 (6,781) (38,929) 216,487 53,501 389,644 — (38,769) 190,690 Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611,635 595,066 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,143,408 $1,120,686 See accompanying note to condensed financial statements. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. F-47 Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY) Condensed Statements of Income (Dollars in thousands) Revenues: Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends from subsidiary trusts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment advisory fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Surplus note interest from subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest on notes receivable from Service Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . Realized loss on transfer of bonds to subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 $ 3,070 684 17,527 4,080 — (164) (1,274) $ 11,313 615 15,934 4,080 — (5,272) 104 $ 8,521 429 13,131 4,080 839 — (60) 23,923 26,774 26,940 14,996 18,691 14,100 22,520 21,354 — (15,228) 5,873 6,245 14,145 4,626 5,038 37,909 Total expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,761 30,690 Loss before income taxes, equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries and minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (19,838) (8,153) (3,916) 552 (10,969) (5,241) Loss before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries and minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (11,685) 40,661 Income before minority interests in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minority interest 28,976 — (4,468) 79,953 75,485 — (5,728) 51,220 45,492 2,500 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 28,976 $ 75,485 $ 42,992 See accompanying note to condensed financial statements. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. F-48 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 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrual of discount on contingent convertible notes . . . . . . . . . . . Minority interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Realized loss on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrual of discount on debenture issued to subsidiary trust . . . . . . Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ESOP compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivable from subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receivable from Service Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal income tax recoverable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 $ 28,976 $ 75,485 $ 42,992 178 (4) (40,661) 581 (3) (79,953) — (15,228) 4,841 — 5,272 113 294 — 3,851 1,067 — 164 121 270 14 (1,554) 466 — (4,146) 1,953 245 (432) — (3,386) (452) 1,098 (7,919) 790 (17) (51,220) 4,626 — 2,500 — 522 — — (2,066) 370 4,217 (4,689) (105) 381 (1,699) Net cash used in operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (12,911) Investing activities Capital contributions to subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquisition of fixed maturity securities—available for sale . . . . . . . . . Sales, maturities or repayments of fixed maturity securities— Available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchases of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (30,050) (50) — (50,055) (89,525) (154,923) 14,836 — 14,786 — (29) 29,873 (407) (80,134) (214,982) See accompanying note to condensed financial statements. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. F-49 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, 2007 2006 2005 Financing activities Financing fees incurred and deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment to redeem stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquisition of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits realized from share-based compensation plans . . . . Proceeds from issuance of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ — $ (1,782) $ (2,018) — 55,000 — — 1,515 175,539 (1,621) — 40,000 (2,700) — 87 2,635 (2,673) 5,000 — — (9,636) 7 353 (3,359) (7,635) (5,760) 8,614 35,567 228,415 (52,486) 61,100 11,734 49,366 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,854 $ 8,614 $ 61,100 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash paid during the year for interest: Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,655 22,403 $ 13,650 20,218 $ 13,650 13,074 Non-cash investing activity: Fixed maturity security contributed to subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 204,833 15,000 Non-cash financing activity: Conversion of subordinated debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures issued to subsidiary trust for common equity securities of the subsidiary trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 — 398 160 1,238 1,730 See accompanying note to condensed financial statements. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. F-50 Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Continued) AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY (PARENT COMPANY) Note to Condensed Financial Statements December 31, 2007 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 (Parent Company). In the Parent Company financial statements, its investment in and advances to subsidiaries 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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. See notes 7 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of the Parent Company’s notes payable and subordinated debentures payable to subsidiary trusts. F-51 Schedule III—Supplementary Insurance Information AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Deferred policy acquisition costs Future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses Other policy claims and benefits payable Unearned premiums (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2007: Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,272,108 $14,711,780 $ — $120,186 As of December 31, 2006: Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,088,890 $13,207,931 $ — $128,579 As of December 31, 2005: Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 977,015 $12,237,988 $ — $126,387 Column A Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Premium revenue Net investment income Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Other operating expenses (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2007: Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,451 $719,916 $512,434 $56,330 $102,897 Year ended December 31, 2006: Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $53,094 $677,638 $604,155 $94,923 $ 99,857 Year ended December 31, 2005: Life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,264 $554,118 $346,444 $68,109 $ 82,271 See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. F-52 Schedule IV—Reinsurance AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Ceded to other companies Assumed from other companies Percent of amount assumed to net Net amount Gross amount (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2007: Life insurance in force, at end of year . . . . $2,493,420 $ 2,011 $ 87,381 $2,578,790 3.39% Insurance premiums and other considerations: Annuity and single premium universal life product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 56,343 $10,515 $ — $ 45,828 —% Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,739 161 1,045 12,623 $ 68,082 $10,676 $ 1,045 $ 58,451 8.28% 1.78% Year ended December 31, 2006: Life insurance in force, at end of year . . . . $2,542,997 $ 1,748 $ 96,876 $2,638,125 3.67% Insurance premiums and other considerations: Annuity and single premium universal life product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50,658 $11,186 $ — $ 39,472 —% Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,512 61 1,171 13,622 $ 63,170 $11,247 $ 1,171 $ 53,094 8.60% 2.20% Year ended December 31, 2005: Life insurance in force, at end of year . . . . $2,722,017 $ 1,327 $109,289 $2,829,979 3.86% Insurance premiums and other considerations: Annuity and single premium universal life product charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 35,126 $ 9,440 $ — $ 25,686 —% Traditional life and accident and health insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,301 155 1,432 13,578 10.55% $ 47,427 $ 9,595 $ 1,432 $ 39,264 3.65% See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. F-53 Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. (a) Exhibits: Exhibit No. 3.1 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 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 Description Articles of Incorporation, including Articles of Amendment**++ 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 Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee## Guarantee Agreement dated December 22, 2004, between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee## Indenture dated December 6, 2004 between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and US Bank, as trustee## 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++++++++++++ 4.27 4.28 4.29 4.30 4.31 4.32 9 10.1 10.1-A 10.1-B 10.1-C 10.1-D 10.2 10.3 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.10-A 10.10-B 10.11 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*** Indenture dated February 15, 2006 between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee**** Guarantee Agreement dated February 15, 2006 between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee**** Amended and Restated Indenture dated July 7, 2006 between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee***** Amended and Restated Guarantee Agreement dated July 7, 2006 between American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, 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 James M. Gerlach dated June 6, 1996* (a) (b) Terry A. Reimer dated November 11, 1996* (c) David S. Mulcahy dated December 31, 1997* 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++++++ 10.12 10.13 10.13-A 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 12.1 21.2 23.1 31.1 31.2 32.1 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# 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++++++++ 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, as 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# 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++++++++++++ 2005 Coinsurance and Yearly Renewable Term Reinsurance Agreement dated October 1, 2005, between American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company and Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America**** Amendment I to 2005 Coinsurance and Yearly Renewable Term Reinsurance Agreement dated October 1, 2005, between American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company and Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America**** Amendment II to 2005 Coinsurance and Yearly Renewable Term Reinsurance Agreement dated October 1, 2005, between American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company and Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America**** Credit Agreement dated November 20, 2006 among American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, KeyBank National Association and LaSalle Bank National Association****** American Equity Investment Life Holding Company Independent Insurance Agent Stock Option Plan******* Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Subsidiaries of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company 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 32.2 * ** 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 Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1999 Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2000 Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2000 Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2001 Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2001 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 Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005 *** Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2006 **** Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2006 ***** Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2006 ****** Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007 ******* 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 ## Exhibit 12.1 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 Consolidated income before income taxes and minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 42,839 $116,925 $ 70,894 $ 69,481 $ 39,308 Interest credited to account balances and amortization of deferred sales inducements . Interest expense on notes payable . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense on subordinated debentures . . Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements and other interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest portion of rental expense . . . . . . . . . . 571,917 16,221 22,520 429,062 20,382 21,354 311,479 16,324 14,145 309,034 2,358 9,609 248,075 2,713 7,661 15,926 468 32,931 431 11,280 388 3,148 344 1,278 314 Consolidated earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $669,891 $621,085 $424,510 $393,974 $299,349 Interest credited to account balances and amortization of deferred sales inducements . Interest expense on notes payable . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense on subordinated debentures . . Interest expense on amounts due under repurchase agreements and other interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest portion of rental expense . . . . . . . . . . $571,917 16,221 22,520 $429,062 20,382 21,354 $311,479 16,324 14,145 $309,034 2,358 9,609 $248,075 2,713 7,661 15,926 468 32,931 431 11,280 388 3,148 344 1,278 314 Combined fixed charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $627,052 $504,160 $353,616 $324,493 $260,041 Ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed charges 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 Ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed charges, both excluding interest credited to account balances and amortization of deferred sales inducements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.8 2.6 2.7 5.5 4.3 Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM The Board of Directors American Equity Investment Life Holding Company We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (No. 333-148681, No. 333-129694, No. 333-123862 and No. 333-113630) on Form S-3 and the Registration Statement (No. 333-127001) on Form S-8 of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries (the Company) of our report dated March 14, 2008, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, and all related financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, which report appears in the December 31, 2007 annual report on Form 10-K of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company. Our report dated March 14, 2008, expresses our opinion that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 because of the effect of a material weakness on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria and contains an explanatory paragraph that states that a material weakness exists at December 31, 2007, in the Company’s internal control over accounting for policy benefit reserves for index annuities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Our report dated March 14, 2008, also contains an explanatory paragraph that states the Company has adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 05-01, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges in Insurance Contracts, effective January 1, 2007, Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement 109, effective January 1, 2007, and in 2006 the Company adopted Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in the Current Year Financial Statements. Des Moines, Iowa March 14, 2008 /s/ KPMG LLP CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Exhibit 31.1 I, D.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)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we 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; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, 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 control over financial reporting. Date: March 14, 2008 By: /s/ D.J. NOBLE D.J. Noble, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Exhibit 31.2 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)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we 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; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, 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 control over financial reporting. Date: March 14, 2008 By: /s/ WENDY L. CARLSON Wendy L. Carlson, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive 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, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about 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, 2008 By: /s/ D.J. NOBLE D.J. Noble, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) 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 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, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about 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, 2008 By: /s/ WENDY L. CARLSON Wendy L. Carlson, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive Officer) (This page has been left blank intentionally.) (This page has been left blank intentionally.) 4176_cover.qxp 4/9/2008 2:37 PM Page 2 F rom the day we opened the doors, American Equity adopted the eagle as our mascot. The majestic bird inspires many responses and feelings—patriotism, freedom, soaring, promise, strength and fortitude. Back from the brink of extinction, the eagle is the quintessential American symbol of success and a fitting analogy for what American Equity does: Provide our customers with financial safety and protection now so that they can soar in the future. 4176_cover.qxp 4/10/2008 9:41 AM Page 1 AEL-AR-07 5000 Westown Parkway • West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 515.221.0002 (cid:129) 888.221.1234 www.american-equity.com 2007 ANNUAL REPORT & FORM 10-K 

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