CITIZENS INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 13, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 13, 2025
CIA$4.13+0.2%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-14.
0000024090-24-000031
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-13.
0000024090-25-000018
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 159 previous paragraphs and 152 current paragraphs.
93 unchanged; 45 reworded; 8 added; 15 removed; 6 previous and 6 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (8)
Current report
•Companies who are local to a particular jurisdiction and sell local currency policies. Because the insureds reside in this country, they may have more trust for a local company.
Current report
Additionally, the actuarial assumptions that underlie our reserves are based upon our best estimates of mortality, lapses, morbidity and discount rates. Our results will be affected to the extent there is a variance between our actuarial assumptions and actual experience. Domestic growth in the Life Insurance segment has significantly expanded in the last 2 years. Our current profitability is affected by the level of reserves we have to hold for this new business, and how closely actual experience matches our actuarial assumptions. The actuarial assumptions that underlie our reserves are based upon our best estimates and are inherently more difficult to predict for a new product line. Actuarial assumptions are continually monitored and updated at least annually to reflect overall experience as well as emerging trends.
Current report
Lower than expected policyholder retention can negatively affect our business operations and liquidity.
Current report
We are licensed in and subject to regulation in Puerto Rico,43 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Each of these jurisdictions have their own licensing and other requirements to do business in such jurisdiction. Failure to comply with all of these rules and regulations could cause us to lose a license, have a license suspended, or subject us to large fines, all of which would negatively impact our ability to do business.
Current report
•as a last resort, the regulator may take over the subsidiary
Current report
In March of 2024, Citizens and the Colorado Division of Insurance entered into a capital maintenance agreement that specifies that Citizens will infuse capital as needed to ensure that CICA Domestic's RBC remains above 350%. Any required capital contribution could negatively impact our capital resources and liquidity.
Current report
•Inflation, recession, an increase in unemployment rates or declines in consumer confidence could lead people to conserve cash, thereby causing a decrease in new sales and renewal premiums, or an
Current report
We collect, maintain and use information, including proprietary and personally identifiable information ("PII"), of our applicants, policyholders, independent agents and others. As part of our normal business operations, we engage third-party providers, such as companies who print and mail our policies and premium notices, data programmers, marketing companies, and agents, who may also collect, store, access, process, and transmit this PII. Various federal and state laws, as well as laws of the countries in which our policyholders reside, address the use and disclosure of PII.
Removed paragraphs (15)
Previous report
•Locally operated companies with local currency policies. We compete with companies formed and operated in the country in which our foreign insureds reside.
Previous report
In addition, from time to time, companies enter and exit the markets in which we operate, thereby increasing competition at times when there are new entrants. We may lose business to competitors offering competitive products at lower prices, or for other reasons.
Previous report
There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively in any of our markets. If we do not, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be materially adversely affected.
Previous report
Pricing accuracy depends upon our ability to project future losses based on historical loss experience, including policyholder retention. Unanticipated increases in early policyholder withdrawals or surrenders or elections by policyholders to receive lump sum payouts at maturity could negatively impact liquidity.
Previous report
Our actual claims losses may exceed our reserves for claims and we may be required to establish additional reserves, which in turn may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Previous report
We maintain reserves to cover our estimated exposure for claims relating to our issued insurance policies. Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of exposure, but instead represent our best estimates using actuarial and statistical procedures. Reserve estimates are refined as experience develops, and adjustments to reserves are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the period in which such estimates are updated. Because establishing reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates of future losses, future developments may require us to increase policy benefit reserves, which restricts our use of cash to the extent of such increased reserves and increases expenses, negatively affecting our results of operations and financial condition in the periods in which such increases occur.
Previous report
In August 2023, in order to comply with the requirements of the Bermuda regulators to transfer our international business to CICA International in Puerto Rico, Citizens and CICA International entered into a Keep Well Agreement, as described in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources. If CICA International's minimum capital level falls below certain thresholds as set forth in the agreement, Citizens may have to contribute capital to CICA Bermuda, which could negatively impact our capital resources and liquidity.
Previous report
capital and reduces the excess capital available. As discussed above, management is investigating various options in order to reduce both regulatory capital and liquidity risk should the capital required to support this growth exceed current resources. Citizens may have to contribute capital to CICA Domestic to maintain the required RBC ratio.
Previous report
Citizens and our insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive governmental regulation in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. The rules and regulations to which we are subject may change and impose greater restrictions on our business, which could increase our costs of doing business, restrict the conduct of our business, increase capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries and negatively impact our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
Previous report
In the U.S., we are primarily subject to regulation at the state-level. Insurance company regulation is generally designed to protect the interests of policyholders, with substantially less protections to shareholders of the regulated insurance companies or their holding companies. To that end, all the U.S. states in which we do business have insurance regulatory agencies with broad legal powers with respect to licensing companies to transact business, mandating capital and surplus requirements, regulating claims practices, approving service agreements between a holding company and its operating subsidiary, restricting companies' ability to enter and exit markets, approving
Previous report
product forms and to a lesser extent, rates, and restricting or prohibiting the payment of dividends by our subsidiaries to us.
Previous report
Non-compliance with laws or regulations related to customer and consumer privacy and information security, including a failure to ensure that our business associates with access to sensitive customer and consumer information maintain its confidentiality, could materially adversely affect our reputation and business operations.
Previous report
The collection, maintenance, use, disclosure and disposal of personally identifiable information by our insurance subsidiaries are highly regulated. Applicable laws and rules are subject to change by legislation or administrative or judicial interpretation. Various state laws address the use and disclosure of personally identifiable information to the extent they are more restrictive than those contained in the privacy and security provisions in the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Noncompliance with any privacy laws, whether by us or by one of our business associates, could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and results of operations and could result in material fines and penalties, various forms of damages, consent orders regarding our privacy and security practices, adverse actions against our licenses to do business, and injunctive relief.
Previous report
The failure of our information technology and/or disaster recovery systems for any reason could cause significant interruptions or malfunctions in our or our customers’ operations and result in the loss, theft, or failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to our customers. Such a failure could harm our reputation, subject us to regulatory sanctions, legal claims, and increased expenses, and lead to a loss of customers and revenues.
Reworded paragraphs (45)
Previous wording
A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF OUR REVENUE IS GENERATED FROM INSURANCE PRODUCTS SOLD OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. WHILE OUR PRODUCTS ARE PRICED AND PAID FOR IN U.S. DOLLARS, OUR FOREIGN BUSINESS MAY SUBJECT US TO SEVERAL RISKS.
Current wording
A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF OUR REVENUE IS GENERATED FROM INSURANCE PRODUCTS SOLD OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES, WHICH SUBJECTS US TO SEVERAL RISKS.
Previous wording
International Regulatory Risks. A substantial majority of our direct insurance premiums, approximately 70% at December 31, 2023, are from policyholders in foreign countries, primarily those in Latin America and the Pacific Rim. As described in Part I, Item 1, Business, these policies are issued by our Puerto Rico subsidiary, CICA International, which is licensed as an international insurer in Puerto Rico. Our products are sold by independent consultants who are located in the foreign countries in which the policies are sold. Generally, the foreign countries in which we offer insurance products require either us and/or our independent consultants to obtain a license or register to conduct insurance business in that country. Some of these countries also require that local regulatory authorities approve the terms and rates of any insurance product sold to residents of that country. Some of these countries have laws that state that their residents may not purchase life insurance from us or a consultant may not sell life insurance on our behalf unless we become qualified to do business in that country or unless our policies receive prior approval from their insurance regulators. Others have a "consumption abroad" model where their residents may purchase unregistered products only if they are outside of their country when the purchase is made. Other than Puerto Rico and formerly Bermuda, we have never registered to do business in these countries or sought to have our international products approved by a governmental authority.
Current wording
International Regulatory Risks. A substantial majority of our direct insurance premiums, approximately 67% at December 31, 2024, are from policyholders in foreign countries, primarily those in Latin America and the Pacific Rim. As described in Part I. Item 1. Business, these policies are issued by our Puerto Rico subsidiary, CICA International, which is licensed as an international insurer in Puerto Rico. Our products are sold by independent consultants who are located in the foreign countries in which the policies are sold. Generally, the foreign countries in which we offer insurance products require either us and/or our independent consultants to obtain a license or register to conduct insurance business in that country. Some of these countries also require that local regulatory authorities approve the terms and rates of any insurance product sold to residents of that country. Some of these countries have laws that state that their residents may not purchase life insurance from us or a consultant may not sell life insurance on our behalf unless we become qualified to do business in that country or unless our policies receive prior approval from their insurance regulators. Others have a "consumption abroad" model where their residents may purchase unregistered products only if they are outside of their country when the purchase is made. We do not register to do business in these countries (i.e., we are non-admitted) nor do we seek to have our international products approved by any governmental authority.
Previous wording
We have sought to mitigate the risks described above by, among other things, not locating any of our offices or assets in these foreign countries or jurisdictions, and selling policies only through independent consultants rather than our own employees. We rely on our independent consultants to comply with laws applicable to them in marketing and servicing our insurance products in their respective countries. There is no assurance that these precautionary measures, practices and policies will partially or entirely mitigate the risks associated with the potential application of foreign laws to our sales of insurance policies in our foreign markets. Although the Company believes that these foreign regulators do not have jurisdiction over the Company and that any actions, including fines, may be unenforceable against the Company, any regulatory action could otherwise absorb Company time and resources (including independent consultants) away from its business operations or the Company may choose to pay such fines in order to do business in a particular country. Alternatively, the Company may determine that the risks associated with a particular market and its regulatory environment outweigh the benefits of conducting further business in that market and discontinue doing business there.
Current wording
We have sought to mitigate the risks described above by, among other things, not locating any of our offices or assets in these foreign countries or jurisdictions, and selling policies only through independent consultants rather than our own employees. We also try to mitigate risks by relying on laws that allow citizens of some countries to buy insurance abroad or by reverse solicitation. We rely on our independent consultants to comply with laws applicable to them in marketing and servicing our insurance products in their respective countries. There is no assurance that these precautionary measures, practices and policies will partially or entirely mitigate the risks associated with the potential application of foreign laws to our sales of insurance policies in our foreign markets. Although the Company believes that these foreign regulators do not have jurisdiction over the Company and that any actions, including fines, may be unenforceable against the Company, any regulatory action could otherwise
Previous wording
We face significant competition in our international markets. If we are unable to compete effectively in these markets, our business, results of operations and profitability may be adversely affected.
Current wording
We face significant competition in our international markets. If we are unable to compete effectively for customers or distributors in these markets, our business, results of operations and profitability may be adversely affected.
Previous wording
We experience considerable competition for sales of our policies, primarily from the following sources, many of which have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have:
Current wording
We experience considerable competition for sales of our policies, primarily from the following types of companies, many of which have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have:
Previous wording
•Offshore companies with U.S. dollar-denominated policies. We face direct competition from companies that operate in the same manner as we do in our international markets;
Current wording
•Companies that operate in the same manner as we do and sell similar U.S. dollar-denominated products;
Previous wording
•Foreign companies with locally operated subsidiaries that are registered in those countries and offer both local jurisdiction-regulated products in local currency and offshore U.S. dollar-denominated policies. This arrangement creates competition in that the U.S. dollar-denominated policies are cross-sold with high-need local insurance policies such as health insurance; and
Current wording
•Companies that are foreign to a particular jurisdiction, but register locally operated subsidiaries. These companies may offer both local jurisdiction-regulated products in local currency and regulated or offshore U.S. dollar-denominated policies. This arrangement creates a competitive advantage for these companies because they can cross-sell the U.S. dollar-denominated policies through established distributors who sell high-need local insurance policies, such as health insurance; and
Previous wording
Since we rely on independent consultants for distribution of our products in foreign markets, regulation and licensing requirements imposed upon our Company may impact our ability to attract and retain effective sales representatives, who may choose to distribute products of our competitors.
Current wording
We rely on a small number of foreign agencies, who recruit their own independent consultants, for distribution of our international products. The fact we are not a local or admitted company, regulations or licensing requirements imposed upon our Company or these consultants, may impact our ability to attract and retain effective sales representatives, who may choose to distribute products of our competitors.
Previous wording
The insurance industry is highly vulnerable to money laundering. Money laundering in the insurance industry typically involves the exploitation of various products and mechanisms to obscure the origins of illicit funds. One common method is through the purchase of insurance policies, such as life insurance, with the use of dirty money. Criminals may overpay premiums, surrender policies prematurely, or make fictitious claims to cycle the illicit funds back as legitimate payout. To combat global financial crime, governments and international authorities implement a range of anti-money laundering and countering of terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regulations that impact the insurance sector. Penalties for compliance failures can include heavy fines.
Current wording
The insurance industry is highly vulnerable to money laundering. Money laundering in the insurance industry typically involves the exploitation of various products and mechanisms to obscure the origins of illicit funds. One common method is through the purchase of insurance policies, such as life insurance, with the use of these illicit funds. Criminals may overpay premiums, surrender policies prematurely, or make fictitious claims to cycle the illicit
Previous wording
BECAUSE MOST OF OUR REVENUE DERIVES FROM COLLECTION OF PREMIUMS ON OUR PRODUCTS, OUR OVERALL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DEPENDS UPON THE ACCURACY OF OUR PRODUCT PRICING AND ABILITY TO MANAGE PRICING ADEQUACY. DIFFERENCES IN ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, IMPROPER EVALUATION OF UNDERWRITING RISK, MISMANAGEMENT OF CLAIMS, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTS COULD CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER FROM OUR ASSUMPTIONS, WHICH WOULD REDUCE OUR MARGINS AND THUS NEGATIVELY AFFECT OUR PROFITABILITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
Current wording
BECAUSE MOST OF OUR REVENUE DERIVES FROM COLLECTION OF PREMIUMS ON OUR PRODUCTS AND OUR LARGEST EXPENSE IS PAYMENT OF INSURANCE BENEFITS, OUR OVERALL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DEPENDS UPON THE ACCURACY OF THE ASSUMPTIONS THAT UNDERLIE OUR PRODUCT PRICING. DIFFERENCES IN ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, IMPROPER EVALUATION OF UNDERWRITING RISK, MISMANAGEMENT OF CLAIMS, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTS WOULD CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER FROM OUR ASSUMPTIONS, WHICH WOULD REDUCE OUR MARGINS, INCREASE OUR RESERVES AND REMEASUREMENT LOSS, NEGATIVELY AFFECTING OUR PROFITABILITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
Previous wording
The Company’s financial results largely depend on the Company’s ability to underwrite and set premiums accurately for the risks it faces. Failure to adequately underwrite health risks (i.e., to charge lower premiums than should be charged based on an individual’s health or to accept risks of extremely unhealthy individuals) or other types of risks (e.g., political risks) could negatively impact profitability as we could pay higher benefits than our products are priced for.
Current wording
The Company’s financial results largely depend on the Company’s ability to underwrite and set premiums accurately for the risks it faces. Failure to adequately underwrite health risks (i.e., to charge lower premiums than should be charged based on an individual’s health or to accept risks of extremely unhealthy individuals) or other types of risks (e.g., politically exposed risks) could negatively impact profitability as we could pay higher benefits than our products are priced for.
Previous wording
Historically, we have fully underwritten most of our products in order to properly evaluate risk. For many of our newer products, primarily in the U.S., we utilize a “simplified” underwriting process. Simplified issue life insurance uses a simple form of underwriting. Applicants must answer some health-related questions but do not have to take a life insurance medical exam. The underwriting decision is based on questions answered on the application and may be supplemented with additional medical claims history and lab data information.
Current wording
Historically, we have fully underwritten most of our products in order to properly evaluate risk. For many of our newer products, primarily in the U.S., we utilize a “simplified” underwriting process where applicants generally must answer some health-related questions, but do not have to take a life insurance medical exam or submit supporting documentation. The underwriting decision is based on questions answered on the application and may be supplemented with additional medical claims history and lab data information that we get from third parties.
Previous wording
The Company’s failure to pay claims fairly, accurately, and in a timely manner, or to deploy claims resources appropriately, could result in unanticipated costs, lead to material litigation, undermine customer goodwill and the Company’s reputation in the marketplace, impair its brand image and, as a result, materially and adversely affect its competitiveness, financial results, prospects, and liquidity.
Current wording
The Company’s failure to pay claims fairly, accurately, and in a timely manner, to recognize fraudulent claims, or to deploy claims resources appropriately, could result in unanticipated costs, lead to material litigation or regulatory fines, undermine customer goodwill and the Company’s reputation in the marketplace, impair its brand image and, as a result, materially and adversely affect its competitiveness, financial results, prospects, and liquidity.
Previous wording
Higher than expected policyholder claims related to unforeseen events may negatively impact our premium revenues, increase our benefits and expense costs and increase our reinsurance costs, thus negatively affecting our financial condition.
Current wording
Higher than expected policyholder claims related to unforeseen events may negatively impact our premium revenues and increase our benefits and expense costs, thus negatively affecting our financial condition.
Previous wording
Our life and health insurance products are particularly exposed to risks of catastrophic mortality, such as a pandemic or other events that result in a large number of deaths. In addition, the occurrence of such an event in a concentrated geographic area could have a severe disruptive effect on our workforce and business operations. The likelihood and severity of such events cannot be predicted and are difficult to estimate. In such an event, the impact to our operations could have a material adverse impact on our ability to conduct business and on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if those problems affect employees performing operational tasks and supporting computer-based data processing, or destroy the capability to transmit, store, and retrieve valuable data. In addition, in the event that a significant number of our management were unavailable following a disaster, the achievement of our strategic objectives could be negatively impacted.
Current wording
Our life and health insurance products are particularly exposed to risks of catastrophic mortality, such as a pandemic or other events that result in a large number of policyholder claims. In addition, the occurrence of such an event in a concentrated geographic area could have a severe disruptive effect on our workforce and business operations. The likelihood and severity of such events cannot be predicted and are difficult to estimate. In such an event, the impact to our operations could have a material adverse impact on our ability to conduct business and on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if those problems affect employees performing operational tasks and supporting computer-based data processing, or destroy the capability to transmit, store, and retrieve valuable data. In addition, in the event that a significant number of our management were unavailable following a disaster, the achievement of our strategic objectives could be negatively impacted.
Previous wording
A primary liquidity concern is the risk of unanticipated or extraordinary early policyholder withdrawals or surrenders. Some of our insurance policies include provisions, such as surrender charges, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals. However, early withdrawal and surrender levels may differ from anticipated levels for a variety of reasons, including changes in economic conditions, changes in policyholder behavior or financial needs, changes in relationships with our independent consultants, efforts by foreign governments to tax policyholders or increases in surrenders among policies that have been in force for more than fifteen years and are no longer subject to surrender charges. These changes in surrender activity may result in remeasurement gains or losses which could increase volatility in our results of operations.
Current wording
A primary liquidity concern is the risk of unanticipated or extraordinary early policyholder withdrawals or surrenders. Some of our insurance policies include provisions, such as surrender charges, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals. However, early withdrawal and surrender levels may differ from anticipated levels for a variety of reasons, including changes in economic conditions, changes in policyholder behavior or financial needs, changes in relationships with our independent consultants, efforts by foreign governments to tax policyholders or increases in surrenders of policies that no longer remain subject to surrender charges. These changes in surrender activity may result in remeasurement gains or losses which could increase volatility in our results of operations.
Previous wording
forced to obtain third-party financing. The availability of such financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as market conditions, the availability of credit in general or more specifically in the insurance industry, the strength or weakness of the capital markets, the volume of trading activities, our credit capacity, and the perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects if we incur large realized or unrealized investment losses or if the level of business activity declines due to a market downturn. Therefore, if we are forced to sell our investments on unfavorable terms or obtain financing with unfavorable terms, it could have an adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
If we experience unanticipated early withdrawal or surrender activity or greater than expected lump sum distributions of endowment maturities and we do not have sufficient cash flow from our insurance operations to support payment of these benefits, we may have to sell our investments in order to meet our cash needs or be forced to obtain third-party financing. The availability of such financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as market conditions, the availability of credit in general or more specifically in the insurance industry, the strength or weakness of the capital markets, the volume of trading activities, our credit capacity, and the perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects if we incur large realized or unrealized investment losses or if the level of business activity declines due to a market downturn. Therefore, if we are forced to sell our investments on unfavorable terms or obtain financing with unfavorable terms, it could have an adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
As part of our overall risk management and capital management strategies, we purchase reinsurance for certain risks underwritten by our various insurance subsidiaries. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of reinsurance. Any decrease in the amount of reinsurance will increase our risk of loss and may impact the level of capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries, and any increase in the cost of reinsurance will, absent a decrease in the amount of reinsurance, reduce our results of operations. Accordingly, we may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance or may be unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms, which may adversely affect our ability to write future business, result in the assumption of more risk with respect to the policies we issue, and increase our capital requirements. The collectability of our reinsurance recoverable is primarily a function of the solvency of the individual reinsurers. We cannot provide assurance that our reinsurers will pay the reinsurance recoverable owed to us or that they will pay these recoverables on a timely basis. The insolvency of a reinsurer or the inability or unwillingness of a reinsurer to comply with the terms of a reinsurance contract may have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Current wording
As part of our overall risk management and capital management strategies, we purchase reinsurance for certain risks. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of reinsurance. Any decrease in the amount of reinsurance will increase our risk of loss and may impact the level of capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries, and any increase in the cost of reinsurance will, absent a decrease in the amount of reinsurance, reduce our results of operations. Accordingly, we may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance or may be unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms, which may adversely affect our ability to write future business, result in the assumption of more risk with respect to the policies we issue, and increase our capital requirements. The collectability of our reinsurance recoverable is primarily a function of the solvency of the individual reinsurers. We cannot provide assurance that our reinsurers will pay the reinsurance recoverable owed to us or that they will pay these recoverables on a timely basis. The insolvency of a reinsurer or the inability or unwillingness of a reinsurer to comply with the terms of a reinsurance contract may have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Previous wording
THE DISTRIBUTION OF OUR PRODUCTS THROUGH INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS AND AGENCIES REDUCES OUR CONTROL OVER SALES AND DISTRIBUTION AND THUS SUBJECTS US TO CERTAIN RISKS THAT COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR REVENUES, OUR IN-FORCE BUSINESS, AND OUR BENEFITS AND EXPENSE COSTS.
Current wording
THE DISTRIBUTION OF OUR PRODUCTS THROUGH INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS AND AGENCIES REDUCES OUR CONTROL OVER SALES AND DISTRIBUTION AND THUS SUBJECTS US TO CERTAIN RISKS THAT COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR REVENUES, OUR IN-FORCE BUSINESS, OUR BENEFITS AND EXPENSE COSTS OR OUR REPUTATION.
Previous wording
sell our products, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA"), which governs how our agents can contact customers or potential customers via telephone and text. While we expect our agents to comply with their contractual obligations to us and laws such as the TCPA, we have limited control over how they conduct their business. If violations, such as TCPA violations, were attributed to us, we could incur significant fines and if attributed to our agents, may cause them to stop selling our products.
Current wording
As described above in Part I. Item 1. Business - Regulation, insurance regulators focus on market conduct, i.e., the way we sell our products. In the United States, there are several insurance regulations and federal laws that limit how we sell our products, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA"), which governs how our agents can contact customers or potential customers via telephone and text. While we expect our agents to comply with their contractual obligations to us and laws such as the TCPA, we have limited control over how they conduct their business. If violations, such as TCPA violations, were attributed to us, we could incur significant fines and if attributed to our agents, may cause them to stop selling our products. Additionally, improper conduct by the agents who sell our products could negatively impact our business reputation.
Previous wording
In addition to the legal risks related to our international operations discussed above in this Item 1A, Risk Factors, we are subject to risks related to the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we are domiciled and registered to do business, including Puerto Rico and various U.S. states. The material risks are described below.
Current wording
In addition to the legal risks related to our international operations discussed above in this Item 1A, Risk Factors, we are subject to risks related to the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we are domiciled and registered to do business, including Puerto Rico and various U.S. jurisdictions. These material risks are described below.
Previous wording
CICA International is registered in Puerto Rico and is subject to regulation by the Puerto Rico Office of the Insurance Commissioner ("OIC"). As a Puerto Rico International Insurer, CICA International is governed by Chapter 61 of the Puerto Rico Insurance Code. Additionally, CICA International must comply with other laws and regulations of Puerto Rico, most of which apply to our domestic subsidiaries as well, including U.S. federal laws such as the Bank Secrecy Act.
Current wording
In the U.S., we are primarily subject to regulation at the state-level. CICA International is registered in Puerto Rico and is subject to regulation by the Puerto Rico Office of the Insurance Commissioner ("OIC"). As a Puerto Rico International Insurer, CICA International is governed by Chapter 61 of the Puerto Rico Insurance Code. Additionally, CICA International must comply with other laws and regulations of Puerto Rico, most of which apply to our domestic subsidiaries as well, including U.S. federal laws such as the Bank Secrecy Act.
Previous wording
The OIC and most U.S. insurance regulatory authorities have broad discretion to grant, renew, suspend and revoke licenses and approvals, and could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities, including acquisitions of other insurance companies, require us to add capital to our insurance subsidiaries, or fine us. If we are unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals, or if our insurance business is determined not to comply fully with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations and their interpretations, our revenues, results of operations and financial condition and our reputation could be materially adversely affected.
Current wording
The OIC and most U.S. insurance regulatory authorities have broad discretion to grant, renew, suspend and revoke licenses and product approvals. Failure to comply with a complex landscape of rules and regulations that apply to us could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or result in substantial penalties. If we are unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals, or if our insurance business is determined not to comply fully with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations and their interpretations, our revenues, results of operations and financial condition and our reputation could be materially adversely affected.
Previous wording
•requiring Citizens to enter into a guaranty or other agreement to contribute capital to such subsidiary under certain circumstances; or
Current wording
•requiring Citizens to enter into a guaranty or other agreement to contribute capital to such subsidiary under certain circumstances;
Previous wording
•requiring the applicable insurance company to stop selling new business;
Current wording
•requiring the applicable insurance company to stop selling new business; or
Previous wording
all of which could have a material and adverse impact on the Company’s competitiveness, operational flexibility, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
all of which could have a material and adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
In our CICA Domestic business, we pay advance commissions on some of our insurance products, meaning we pay an agent their commission immediately upon sale of a policy, rather than "as earned", or when premiums are received by us. Because of this, another liquidity concern is the risk that rapid growth in first year sales of these products could create a significant increase in commission payments, which increases expenses and thus reduces our statutory capital until the commissions are recouped from premiums paid. CICA Domestic sales have increased significantly since the third quarter of 2023 and continue to grow rapidly. To mitigate this risk and strain on capital, we may seek options, such as reinsurance or loans at the holding company level (from the Credit Facility or otherwise) that would allow us to reduce the liquidity risk should CICA Domestic's required commission payments exceed current resources. If we are unable to purchase reinsurance protection in amounts that we consider sufficient or unable to borrow money to contribute capital to CICA Domestic, we could be exposed to cash flow strain. For CICA Domestic, commission advances are non-admitted assets, which increases required regulatory
Current wording
In our CICA Domestic business, we pay advance commissions on some of our insurance products, meaning we pay an agent a portion of their first year commission immediately upon sale of a policy, rather than "as earned", or when premiums are received by us. On a statutory basis, commission advances are non-admitted assets, which means that our expenses are increased and our statutory capital reduced until the commissions are recouped from premiums paid. This could cause us to have to contribute extra capital to CICA Domestic to maintain the required level of capital and surplus. Additionally, rapid growth in first year sales of these products creates a significant increase in commission payments, which reduces our available cash, negatively affecting our liquidity. We may seek options, such as loans at the holding company level (from the Credit Facility or otherwise) that would allow us to reduce the liquidity risk should CICA Domestic's commission payments exceed current resources or require additional capital contributions from Citizens. If we are unable to borrow money to contribute capital to CICA Domestic, we could be exposed to cash flow strain.
Previous wording
Except to the extent that we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, claims of our subsidiaries' creditors, including policyholders, have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of the subsidiaries over the claims of other creditors (including us) and shareholders. If any of our subsidiaries become insolvent, liquidates or otherwise reorganizes, our policyholders will have a priority to receive the assets of such subsidiary and Citizens may have no rights to receive cash or other assets of such subsidiaries.
Current wording
Because a primary goal of insurance regulations is to protect policyholders, claims of our subsidiaries' creditors, including policyholders, have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of the subsidiaries over the claims of other creditors (including us) and Citizens' shareholders. If any of our subsidiaries become insolvent, liquidates or otherwise reorganizes, our policyholders will have a priority to receive the assets of such subsidiary and Citizens may have no rights to receive cash or other assets of such subsidiaries.
Previous wording
If our internal sources of liquidity prove to be insufficient to cover our holding company operations, we may have to sell investments earlier than we want to sell them or in less than favorable market conditions, or we may have to seek external sources of capital. Out of an abundance of caution, in May 2021, we entered into a Credit Facility with Regions Bank. See Part IV, Item 15, Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, herein, for a description of the Credit Facility. To date, we have not utilized the Credit Facility, but if internal sources of capital are not sufficient to meet our operating needs, we may need to utilize the Credit Facility or increase the borrowing availability under the Credit Facility. We may also need to raise capital through issuing our stock. Borrowing money, increasing our borrowing availability under the Credit Facility or obtaining financing for even a small amount of capital could be challenging or expensive in unfavorable market conditions and during periods of economic uncertainty. The availability of financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, and the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of our financial prospects. Raising capital in unfavorable market conditions could increase our interest expense or negatively impact our shareholders through dilution of their common stock ownership of the Company.
Current wording
If our internal sources of liquidity prove to be insufficient to cover our holding company operations, we may have to sell investments earlier than we want to sell them or in less than favorable market conditions, or we may have to seek external sources of capital. In May 2024, we renewed our Credit Facility with Regions Bank for an additional three years. See Part IV. Item 15. Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, herein, for a description of the Credit Facility. To date, we have not utilized the Credit Facility, but if internal sources of capital are not sufficient to meet our operating needs, we may need to utilize the Credit Facility or increase the borrowing availability under the Credit Facility. Borrowing money, increasing our borrowing availability under the Credit Facility or obtaining financing for even a small amount of capital could be challenging or expensive in unfavorable market conditions and during periods of economic uncertainty. The availability of financing
Previous wording
Our consolidated financial statements are subject to the application of GAAP in the U.S., which is periodically revised and/or expanded. Accordingly, we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by recognized authoritative bodies, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). Updates or revisions, including underlying assumptions, projections, estimates or judgments/interpretations by management, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the required adoption of new accounting standards may result in significant incremental costs associated with initial implementation and ongoing compliance. See Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained herein for additional information regarding accounting updates.
Current wording
Our consolidated financial statements are subject to the application of GAAP in the U.S., which is periodically revised and/or expanded. Accordingly, we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by recognized authoritative bodies, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). Updates or revisions, including underlying assumptions, projections, estimates or judgments/interpretations by management, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the required adoption of new accounting standards may result in significant incremental costs associated with initial implementation and ongoing compliance. See Part IV. Item 15. Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained herein for additional information regarding accounting updates.
Previous wording
A.M.Best reviews CICA Domestic and publishes its financial strength rating as an indicator of our ability to fulfill our contractual obligations. This rating is important to maintaining public confidence in our insurance products. A downgrade or other negative action by A.M. Best with respect to the financial strength rating of CICA Domestic
Current wording
A.M. Best reviews CICA Domestic and publishes its financial strength rating as an indicator of our ability to fulfill our contractual obligations. This rating is important to maintaining public confidence in our insurance products. A downgrade or other negative action by A.M. Best with respect to the financial strength rating of CICA Domestic could negatively affect us by limiting or restricting the ability of CICA Domestic to attract independent insurance agencies to distribute our products or reduce the attractiveness of our products to consumers.
Previous wording
INVESTMENT INCOME IS A MATERIAL PORTION OF OUR TOTAL REVENUES. CHANGING FINANCIAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS MARKET VOLATILITY, CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES, OR INFLATION MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR REVENUES, OUR RESULTS OF OPERATION AND OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.
Current wording
INVESTMENT INCOME IS A MATERIAL PORTION OF OUR TOTAL REVENUES. CHANGING FINANCIAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS MARKET VOLATILITY, CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES, OR INFLATION MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR REVENUES, OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.
Previous wording
•Inflation, a potential recession, as well as declines in consumer confidence or increase in unemployment rates, could lead to a conservation of cash and decline in the volume of new sales and renewal premiums, or increased surrenders and lapses, and therefore to a decline in our premium revenue or increase in benefit expenses paid out.
Current wording
increase in surrenders and lapses, which would cause a decline in our premium revenue or increase in benefit expenses paid out.
Previous wording
•The decision of whether to record a credit loss impairment is determined by our assessment of the financial condition and prospects of a particular issuer, projections of future cash flows and recoverability as well as our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery or maturity. There can be no assurance that we have accurately assessed the level of impairments taken. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments and additional impairments may need to be taken in the future. Any event reducing the value of our securities on an other than temporary basis may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Current wording
•We are subject to credit risk in our investment portfolio. Defaults by third parties in the payment or performance of their obligations under these securities could reduce our investment income or result in the recognition of realized losses. Additionally, downgrades in the bonds in our portfolio may result in the recognition of credit related allowances and cause us to reduce the carrying value of our investment portfolio. Any event reducing the value of our securities on an other than temporary basis may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition. The decision of whether to record a credit loss impairment is determined by our assessment of the financial condition and prospects of a particular issuer, projections of future cash flows and recoverability as well as our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery or maturity. There can be no assurance that we have accurately assessed the level of impairments taken.
Previous wording
◦Our fixed maturity investment portfolio is primarily invested in callable securities. As interest rates have declined and remained ultra-low over the past decade, many of these securities were called and we have had to reinvest in lower interest rate bonds, leading to reduced net investment income and low yields.
Current wording
◦Our fixed maturity investment portfolio is primarily invested in callable securities. As interest rates remained ultra-low for a decade until 2022, many of these securities were called and we had to reinvest in lower interest rate bonds, leading to reduced net investment income and low yields.
Previous wording
THE COMPANY RELIES ON OUR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, AND THE DATA MAINTAINED WITHIN THOSE SYSTEMS, TO MANAGE MANY ASPECTS OF OUR BUSINESS. CYBERSECURITY RISKS, THE FAILURE OF OUR SYSTEMS TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND/OR THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY, INTEGRITY, AND AVAILABILITY OF POLICYHOLDER AND CLAIMS DATA, INCLUDING PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION, COULD RESULT IN A MATERIALLY ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, REPUTATION, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Current wording
THE COMPANY RELIES ON OUR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, AND THE DATA MAINTAINED WITHIN THOSE SYSTEMS, TO MANAGE MANY ASPECTS OF OUR BUSINESS. CYBERSECURITY RISKS, THE FAILURE OF OUR SYSTEMS TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND/OR THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY, INTEGRITY, AND AVAILABILITY OF POLICYHOLDER AND CLAIMS DATA, INCLUDING
Previous wording
We must maintain and enhance our existing information systems and develop and integrate new information systems to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and changing customer preferences in a cost-effective manner. If we do not maintain adequate systems, we could experience adverse consequences, including inadequate information on which to base pricing, underwriting and reserve decisions, regulatory problems, failure to meet prompt payment obligations, increases in administrative expenses and loss of customers. Our failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems, or our failure to consolidate our existing systems could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
Our policyholder administration system allows us to administer almost all of our business, including issuing policies, crediting premiums to such policies, and payment of commissions to our agents. We must maintain and enhance our existing system and develop and integrate new information systems in a cost-effective manner to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and changing customer preferences. If we do not maintain adequate systems, we could experience adverse consequences, including inability to accept new applications or issue new products, inadequate information on which to base pricing, underwriting and reserve decisions, regulatory problems, failure to meet prompt payment obligations, increases in administrative expenses and loss of customers. Our failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems, or our failure to consolidate our existing systems could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
Some of our information technology systems and software are mainframe-based, legacy-type systems that require an ongoing commitment of resources to maintain current standards. Our systems utilize proprietary code requiring highly skilled personnel. Due to the unique nature of our proprietary operating environment, we could have difficulty finding personnel with the skills required to provide ongoing system maintenance and development as we seek to keep pace with changes in our products and business models, information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and policyholder needs.
Current wording
Our primary policy administration system is a mainframe-based, legacy-type system that requires an ongoing commitment of resources to maintain current standards. Our system utilizes proprietary code requiring highly skilled personnel. Due to the unique nature of our proprietary operating environment, we could have difficulty finding personnel with the skills required to provide ongoing system maintenance and development as we seek to keep pace with changes in our products and business models, information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards and policyholder needs.
Previous wording
A cyber attack or other security breach could disrupt our operations, result in the unauthorized disclosure or loss of confidential data, damage our reputation or relationships, and expose us to significant financial and legal liability, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Current wording
A cyber attack or other security breach could result in the unauthorized disclosure or loss of confidential data, damage our reputation or relationships, and expose us to significant financial and legal liability, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Previous wording
We store confidential information about our business and our policyholders, independent marketing firms, and independent agents, consultants and others on our information technology systems, including proprietary and personally identifiable information. As part of our normal business operations, we use this information and engage third-party providers, including outsourcing, cloud computing, and other business partners, that store, access, process, and transmit such information on our behalf. We devote significant resources and employ security measures to help protect our information technology systems and confidential information, and we have programs in place to detect, contain, and respond to information security incidents. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we and our third-party providers may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, hardware, software, or applications we develop or procure from third parties or through open source solutions may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise our information security. Unauthorized parties, whether within or outside our company, may disrupt or gain access to our systems, or those of third parties with
Current wording
We devote significant resources and employ security measures to help protect our information technology systems and confidential information, including PII, and we have programs in place to detect, contain, and respond to cyber security incidents. We also have a stringent process to analyze the systems of our third-party vendors and partners who may collect and/or have access to our PII. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we and our third-party providers may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, hardware, software, or applications we develop or procure from third parties or through open source solutions may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise our information security. Unauthorized parties, whether within or outside our company, may disrupt or gain access to our systems, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through human error, misfeasance, fraud, trickery, or other forms of deceit, including break-ins, use of stolen credentials, social engineering, phishing, or other cyber attacks, computer viruses, malicious codes, and similar means of unauthorized and destructive tampering.
Showing the first 40 of 45 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged current paragraphs (6)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
absorb Company time and resources (including independent consultants) away from its business operations or the Company may choose to pay such fines in order to do business in a particular country. Alternatively, the Company may determine that the risks associated with a particular market and its regulatory environment outweigh the benefits of conducting further business in that market and discontinue doing business there.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
funds back as legitimate payout. To combat global financial crime, governments and international authorities implement a range of anti-money laundering and countering of terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regulations that impact the insurance sector. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties or heavy fines.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, and the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of our financial prospects. We may also need to raise capital through issuing our stock. Raising capital in unfavorable market conditions could increase our interest expense or negatively impact our shareholders through dilution of their common stock ownership of the Company.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION, COULD RESULT IN A MATERIALLY ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, REPUTATION, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
An information technology systems failure could also interfere with our ability to comply with financial reporting and other regulatory requirements, exposing us to potential disciplinary action by regulators.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Insurance laws in the jurisdictions in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled require regulatory actions for certain transactions, such as a merger or acquisition of our Company, that our shareholders might consider in their
Rearranged previous paragraphs (6)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
If we experience unanticipated early withdrawal or surrender activity or greater than expected lump sum distributions of endowment maturities and we do not have sufficient cash flow from our insurance operations to support payment of these benefits, we may have to sell our investments in order to meet our cash needs or be
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
As described above in Item 1, Business, Regulation, insurance regulators focus on market conduct, i.e., the way we sell our products. In the United States, there are several insurance regulations and federal laws that limit how we
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
could negatively affect us by limiting or restricting the ability of CICA Domestic to attract independent insurance agencies to distribute our products or reduce the attractiveness of our products to consumers.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•We are subject to credit risk in our investment portfolio. Defaults by third parties in the payment or performance of their obligations under these securities could reduce our investment income or result in the recognition of realized losses. Additionally, downgrades in the bonds in our portfolio may result in the recognition of credit related allowances and cause us to reduce the carrying value of our investment portfolio. This could negatively affect our stockholders' equity.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
whom we do business, through human error, misfeasance, fraud, trickery, or other forms of deceit, including break-ins, use of stolen credentials, social engineering, phishing, or other cyber attacks, computer viruses, malicious codes, and similar means of unauthorized and destructive tampering.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
As mentioned above, a significant portion of our Class A common stock has been purchased under the SIP by foreign holders of life insurance policies. The Class A common stock sold under the SIP is registered with the SEC