NEWS
Kansas City Life Announces Fourth Quarter 2006 Results
March 1, 2007
Kansas City, Mo. – Kansas City Life's 2006 results reflect solid earnings and continued financial strength. Net income increased 2% to $36.9 million for the year, and earnings per share improved to $3.11 from $3.03 in 2005. The growth in earnings primarily stemmed from reduced benefit costs and improved net investment income. Net income and earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $10.1 million and $0.86, respectively.
The Company continues to emphasize the growth of its individual life insurance business. Kansas City Life's commitment to growing this business has resulted in improved recruiting of new general agents and agents in its Individual Insurance Segment. In addition to growing sales through the Company's traditional general agency distribution system, Kansas City Life was pleased to begin a new relationship in 2006 with American Republic Insurance Company. These agents are now afforded the opportunity to provide Kansas City Life products to their clients. Kansas City Life believes that life insurance is unequalled as a means of providing protection and is dedicated to promoting the sale of life insurance at a reasonable cost to meet the needs of individuals and their families.
Renewal premiums increased 1% for the year, but new premiums declined primarily due to lower sales of immediate annuities. Renewal deposits declined due to lower receipts of fixed deferred and variable annuities, while new universal life and variable universal life deposits grew 1% and 7%, respectively, in 2006.
The Company benefited from lower investment expenses and $5.6 million in net realized investment gains for the year. In spite of slightly higher interest rates during 2006, the investment environment remains challenging. However, the Company continues to benefit from a diversified mix of high-quality investments.
Total benefit costs declined by $5.9 million or 2% in 2006 versus the prior year. This improvement was net of a $6.2 million or 5% increase in death benefits paid. Partially offsetting the increase in death benefits was the favorable impact of reinsurance from insurers with whom the Company cedes mortality risk. Interest credited to policyholder account balances declined which also helped lower total benefit costs.
The Company has recorded steady earnings in recent years and added significantly to its capital position. Based upon the Company's good earnings experience and strong balance sheet, the Board of Directors recognized the opportunity to reward shareholders at a meeting on January 29, 2007, as two dividends were declared. Consistent with recent quarters, a dividend of $0.27 per share was declared. In addition, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $2.00 per share. Both dividends were paid on February 13, 2007 to shareholders of record as of February 8, 2007.
The Company has long been committed to providing present and future financial security to its policyholders and shareholders. The Company has maintained this position in a highly competitive industry for 111 years through superior relationships, an array of competitive products, solid earnings and a strong capital position. Kansas City Life provides Security Assured, a commitment and a promise that has been developed, honed and guarded over the years. This promise is the basis for both the Company's rich tradition and commitment to growth and success in the future. Kansas City Life looks forward to the continued opportunity to serve you in 2007.
Kansas City Life Insurance Company (NASDAQ: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company's primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. The Company's revenues were $448.4 million in 2006, and assets and life insurance in force were $4.5 billion and $31.3 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2006. The Company and its affiliates operate in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Please refer to the Company's Form 10-K at www.kclife.com.
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Kansas City Life Insurance Company Condensed Consolidated Income Statement (amount in thousands, except share data) |
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Quarter Ended December 31 |
Year Ended December 31 |
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| 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | |
| (Unaudited) | ||||
| Revenues | $113,674 | $117,398 | $448,404 | $449,528 |
| Net Income | $10,094 | $10,897 | $36,918 | $36,184 |
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Net income per share, basic and diluted |
$0.86 | $0.90 | $3.11 | $3.03 |
| Dividends paid | $0.27 | $0.27 | $1.08 | $1.08 |
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Average number of
shares outstanding |
11,871,267 | 11,920,206 | 11,883,830 | 11,923,831 |
Contact: Tracy W. Knapp, Chief Financial Officer, (816) 753-7299, Extension 8216