Item 1. Business
IDS Certificate Company (IDSC) is incorporated under the laws of Delaware. Its principal executive offices are located in the IDS Tower, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its telephone number is (612) 671-3131. American Express Financial Corporation (formerly know as IDS Financial Corporation), a Delaware corporation, IDS Tower 10, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440-0010, owns 100% of the outstanding voting securities of IDSC. As of January 1, 1995, IDS Financial Corporation changed its name to American Express Financial Corporation. American Express Financial Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company (American Express), a New York Corporation, with headquarters at American Express Tower, World Financial Center, New York, New York.
IDSC is a face-amount certificate investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). IDSC is in the business of issuing face-amount certificates. Face-amount certificates issued by IDSC entitle the certificate owner to receive, at maturity, a stated amount of money and interest or credits declared from time to time by IDSC, in its discretion.
IDSC is continuously engaged in new product development. IDSC currently offers seven certificates to the public: "IDS Future Value Certificate", "IDS Cash Reserve Certificate", "IDS Flexible Savings Certificate" (formerly "IDS Variable Term Certificate"), "IDS Installment Certificate", "IDS Stock Market Certificate", "IDS Investors Certificate" and "IDS Special Deposits". The IDS Special Deposits is only offered for sale in England and is not registered for sale in the United States. All certificates are currently sold without a sales charge. The IDS Installment Certificate, the IDS Flexible Savings Certificate, the IDS Stock Market Certificate, the IDS Investors Certificate and the IDS Special Deposits currently bear surrender charges for premature surrenders. All of the above described certificates, except the IDS Special Deposits, are distributed pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial Advisors Inc. (formerly known as IDS Financial Services Inc.), an affiliate of IDSC. With respect to the IDS Investors Certificate and the IDS Stock Market Certificate, American Express Financial Advisors Inc., in turn, has Selling Agent Agreements with American Express Bank International (AEBI), a subsidiary of American Express, and Coutts & Co. (USA) International (Coutts), a subsidiary of NatWest PLC, for selling the certificates. American Express Financial Advisors Inc. also distributes the IDS Stock Market Certificate. With respect to the IDS Special Deposits, IDSC has a Marketing Agreement with American Express Bank Ltd. (AEB), a subsidiary of American Express, for marketing the certificate. IDSC's board of directors has approved a Distribution Agreement with American Express Service Corporation (AESC) under which AESC could distribute IDS Stock Market Certificate and potentially other IDS certificates through a direct marketing channel of distributions, but there is no assurance that IDS certificates will be so distributed. AEBI and Coutts are Edge Act corporations organized under the provisions of Section 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act. American Express Financial Advisors Inc. has entered into a consulting agreement with AEBI under which AEBI provides consulting services related to any selling agent agreements between American Express Financial Advisors Inc. and other Edge Act corporations.
IDSC also offers one certificate in connection with certain employee benefit plans available to eligible American Express Financial Corporation employees, financial advisors and retirees. This certificate is called the Series D-1 Investment Certificate.
Except for the IDS Investors Certificate and the IDS Special Deposits, all of the certificates are available as qualified investments for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), or 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement plans.
The specified maturities of the certificates range from four to twenty years. Within that maturity period, most certificates have terms ranging from three to thirty-six months. Interest rates change and certificate owners can surrender their certificates without penalty at term end.
The IDS Future Value Certificate is a single payment certificate on which IDSC guarantees interest in advance for a 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10-year maturity, at the buyer's option.
The IDS Cash Reserve Certificate is a single pay certificate that permits additional investments and on which IDSC guarantees interest in advance for a three-month term.
The IDS Flexible Savings Certificate is a single payment certificate that permits a limited amount of additional payments and on which IDSC guarantees interest in advance for a term of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months, and potentially other terms, at the buyer's option.
The IDS Installment Certificate is an installment payment certificate that declares interest in advance for a three-month period and offers bonuses in the third through sixth years for regular investments.
The IDS Stock Market Certificate is a single payment certificate that offers the certificate owner the opportunity to have all or part of his/her interest tied to stock market performance, as measured by a broad stock market index, with return of principal guaranteed by IDSC. After the first term, the holder can also choose to earn a fixed rate of interest. In addition to being sold to clients of American Express Financial Advisors Inc. pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with American Express Financial Advisors Inc., this certificate is sold by AEBI and Coutts under Selling Agent Agreements with American Express Financial Advisors Inc. to AEBI's clients and certain of Coutts' clients, respectively, who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States.
The IDS Investors Certificate is a single payment certificate that generally permits additional payments within 15 days of term renewal. Interest rates are guaranteed in advance by IDSC for a term of 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24 or 36 months, at the buyer's option. This certificate is currently sold by AEBI and Coutts, through Selling Agent Agreements with American Express Financial Advisors Inc., only to AEBI's clients and certain of Coutts' clients, respectively, who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States.
The IDS Special Deposits is a single payment certificate that generally permits additional payments within 15 days of term renewal. Interest rates are guaranteed in advance by IDSC for a term of 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24 or 36 months, at the buyer's option. This certificate is currently marketed by AEB in the London office, through a Marketing Agreement with IDSC, only to AEB's clients who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States. This certificate is not registered for sale in the United States.
IDSC is by far the largest issuer of face-amount certificates in the United States. However, such certificates compete with many other investments offered by banks, savings and loan associations, mutual funds, broker-dealers and others, which may be viewed by potential clients as offering a comparable or superior combination of safety and return on investment. In particular, some of IDSC's products are designed to be competitive with the types of investment offered by banks and thrifts. Since IDSC's face-amount certificates are securities, their offer and sale are subject to regulation under federal and state securities laws. IDSC's certificates are backed by its qualified assets on deposit and are not insured by any governmental agency or other entity.
For all of the certificates, except for the IDS Investors Certificate and the IDS Special Deposits, IDSC's current policy is to re-evaluate the certificate rates weekly to respond to marketplace changes. For the IDS Investors Certificate and the IDS Special Deposits, IDSC's current policy is to re-evaluate the rates on a daily basis. For each product, IDSC refers to an independent index to set the rates for new sales. Except for IDS Special Deposits, IDSC must set the rates for an initial purchase of the certificate within a specified range of the rate from such index. For renewals, IDSC uses such rates as an indication of the competitors' rates, but is not required to set rates within a specified range.
For the IDS Flexible Savings Certificate, IDS Future Value Certificate, IDS Cash Reserve Certificate and the IDS Series D-1 Investment Certificate, the published rates of the BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 Market Averagetm for various length bank certificates of deposit are used as the guide in setting rates. For the IDS Installment Certificate, the average interest rate for money market deposit accounts, as published by the BANK RATE MONITOR Top 25 Market Average (the BRM Average), is used as a guide in setting rates. For the IDS Investors Certificate and IDS Special Deposits, the published average rates for comparable length dollar deposits available on an interbank basis, referred to as the London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR), are used as a guide in setting rates. To compete with popular short-term investment vehicles such as certificates of deposit, money market certificates and money market mutual funds that offer comparable yields, liquidity and safety of principal, IDSC offers the IDS Cash Reserve Certificate and the IDS Flexible Savings Certificate. The yields and features on these products are designed to be competitive with such short-term products. The IDS Investors Certificate and IDS Special Deposits also compete with short-term products but use LIBOR rates. The IDS Future Value Certificate has certain features similar to those of zero coupon bonds and is intended to compete with that type of investment as well as with intermediate to long-term certificates of deposit. The IDS Installment Certificate is intended to help clients save systematically and may compete with passbook savings and NOW accounts. The IDS Stock Market Certificate is designed to offer interest tied to a major stock market index and principal guaranteed by IDSC. Certain banks offer certificates of deposit that have features similar to the Stock Market Certificate.
IDSC's gross income is derived principally from interest and dividends generated by its investments. IDSC's net income is determined by deducting from such gross income its provision for certificate reserves, and other expenses, including taxes, the fee paid to American Express Financial Corporation for advisory and other services, the distribution fees paid to American Express Financial Advisors Inc., and marketing fees paid to AEB.
The following table shows IDSC's certificate payments received and certificate surrenders for the three years ended December 31, 1995:
1995 1994 1993 Single Payment Certificates ($ in millions) Non-Qualified Payments through American Express Financial Advisors Inc. $1,090.0 $ 802.4 $ 581.5 AEBI, AEB and Coutts 429.4 436.0 243.0 Surrenders through American Express Financial Advisors Inc. 662.0 753.6 882.8 AEBI, AEB and Coutts 292.0 429.2 395.3 Qualified Payments through American Express Financial Advisors Inc. 236.0 264.9 166.8 Surrenders through American Express Financial Advisors Inc. 205.5 238.5 276.7
Installment Payment Certificates - through American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
Non-Qualified Payments 109.5 107.6 108.2 Surrenders 112.4 116.6 103.6 Qualified Payments 1.9 2.9 3.9 Surrenders 4.8 7.8 8.0 In 1995, approximately 25% of single payment certificate payments were through AEBI, AEB and Coutts and approximately 14% of single payment certificate payments and 2% of installment certificate payments were of tax-qualified certificates for use in IRAs, 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement plans.
The certificates offered by American Express Financial Advisors Inc. are sold pursuant to a distribution agreement which is terminable on 60 days' notice and is subject to annual approval by IDSC's Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not "interested persons" of American Express Financial Advisors Inc. or IDSC as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. The agreement provides for the payment of distribution fees to American Express Financial Advisors Inc. for services provided thereunder. American Express Financial Advisors Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation. For the distribution of the IDS Investors Certificate, American Express Financial Advisors Inc., in turn, has Selling Agent Agreements with AEBI and Coutts. For marketing IDS Special Deposits, IDSC has a Marketing Agreement with AEB. These agreements are terminable upon 60 days' notice and subject to annual review by the directors who are not "interested persons" of American Express Financial Advisors Inc. or IDSC.
IDSC receives advice, statistical data and recommendations with respect to the acquisition and disposition of securities for its portfolio from American Express Financial Corporation, under an investment management agreement which is subject to annual renewal by IDSC's Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not "interested persons" of American Express Financial Corporation or IDSC.
IDSC is required to maintain "qualified investments" meeting the standards of Section 28(b) of the 1940 Act. The amortized cost of said investments must be at least equal to IDSC's net liabilities on all outstanding face-amount certificates plus $250,000. IDSC's qualified assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, first mortgage loans on real estate, U.S. government and government agency securities, municipal bonds, corporate bonds, preferred stocks and other securities meeting specified standards. IDSC is subject to annual examination and supervision by the State of Minnesota, Department of Commerce (Banking Division).
Distribution fees on sales of certain certificates are deferred and amortized over the estimated lives of the related certificates, which is approximately 10 years. Upon surrender, unamortized deferred distribution fees are charged against income. Thus, these certificates must remain in effect for a period of time to permit IDSC to recover such costs.
Item 2.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Registrant has no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business.Item 4.

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters
There is no market for the Registrant's common stock since it is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation and, indirectly, of American Express. Frequency and amount of dividends declared during the past two years are as follows:
Dividend Payable Date Cash
For year ended December 31, 1995: $ None
Dividend Payable Date Cash
For year ended December 31, 1994: February 10, 1994 $12,400,000 May 10, 1994 12,400,000 August 10, 1994 12,400,000 December 29, 1994 3,000,000 Total $40,200,000
Restriction on the Registrant's present or future ability to pay dividends:
Certain series of installment certificates outstanding provide that cash dividends may be paid by IDSC only in calendar years for which additional credits of at least 1/2 of 1% on such series of certificates have been authorized by IDSC. This restriction has been removed for 1996 and 1997 by action of IDSC on additional credits in excess of this requirement.
Appropriated retained earnings resulting from the predeclaration of additional credits to IDSC's certificate holders are not available for the payment of dividends by IDSC. In addition, IDSC will discontinue issuance of certificates subject to the predeclaration of additional credits and will make no further predeclaration as to outstanding certificates if at any time the capital and unappropriated retained earnings of IDSC should be less than 5% of net certificate reserves (certificate reserves less certificate loans). At December 31, 1995, the capital and unappropriated retained earnings amounted to 5.65% of net certificate reserves. Item 6.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Summary of selected financial information
The following selected financial information has been derived from the audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements and the related notes to financial statements. Also see Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional comments.
See notes to financial statements.
Notes to Financial Statements ($ in thousands unless indicated otherwise)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies
Nature of business
IDS Certificate Company (IDSC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation (Parent), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company. IDSC is registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("the 1940 Act") and is in the business of issuing face-amount investment certificates. The certificates issued by IDSC are not insured by any government agency. IDSC's certificates are sold primarily by American Express Financial Advisors Inc.'s (an affiliate) field force operating in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. IDSC's Parent acts as investment advisor for IDSC.
IDSC currently offers eight types of certificates with specified maturities ranging from four to twenty years. Within their specified maturity, most certificates have interest rate terms of one to thirty-six months. In addition, one type of certificate has interest tied, in whole or in part, to any upward movement in a broad-based stock market index. Except for two types of certificates, all of the certificates are available as qualified investments for Individual Retirement Accounts or 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement plans.
IDSC's gross income is derived primarily from interest and dividends generated by its investments. IDSC's net income is determined by deducting from such gross income its provision for certificate reserves, and other expenses, including taxes, the fee paid to Parent for investment advisory and other services, and the distribution fees paid to American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
Described below are certain accounting policies that are important to an understanding of the accompanying financial statements.
Basis of financial statement presentation
The accompanying financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. IDSC uses the equity method of accounting for its wholly owned unconsolidated subsidiary, which is the method prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for issuers of face-amount certificates. Certain amounts from prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the year then ended. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair values of financial instruments
The fair values of financial instruments disclosed in the notes to financial statements are estimates based upon current market conditions and perceived risks, and require varying degrees of management judgment.
Preferred stock dividend income
IDSC recognizes dividend income from cumulative redeemable preferred stocks with fixed maturity amounts on an accrual basis similar to that used for recognizing interest income on debt securities.
Securities
Cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. IDSC has defined cash and cash equivalents as cash in banks and highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at acquisition and are not interest rate sensitive.
Debt securities that IDSC has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost. Debt securities IDSC does not have the positive intent to hold to maturity, as well as all marketable equity securities, are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on securities classified as available for sale are carried, net of deferred income taxes, as a separate component of stockholder's equity.
The basis for determining cost in computing realized gains and losses on securities is specific identification. When there is a decline in value that is other than temporary, the securities are carried at estimated realizable value with the amount of adjustment included in income.
First mortgage loans on real estate
Mortgage loans are carried at amortized cost, less reserves for losses, which is the basis for determining any realized gains or losses.
Certificates
Investment certificates may be purchased either with a lump-sum payment or by installment payments. Certificate holders are entitled to receive at maturity a definite sum of money. Payments from certificate holders are credited to investment certificate reserves. Investment certificate reserves accumulate at specified percentage rates. Reserves also are maintained for advance payments made by certificate holders, accrued interest thereon, and for additional credits and accrued interest thereon. On certificates allowing for the deduction of a surrender charge, the cash surrender values may be less than accumulated investment certificate reserves prior to maturity dates. Cash surrender values on certificates allowing for no surrender charge are equal to certificate reserves. The payment distribution, reserve accumulation rates, cash surrender values, reserve values and other matters are governed by the 1940 Act.
Deferred distribution fee expense
On certain series of certificates, distribution fees are deferred and amortized over the estimated lives of the related certificates, which is approximately 10 years. Upon surrender, unamortized deferred distribution fees are charged against income.
Federal income taxes
IDSC's taxable income or loss is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of American Express Company. IDSC provides for income taxes on a separate return basis, except that, under an agreement between Parent and American Express Company, tax benefits are recognized for losses to the extent they can be used in the consolidated return. It is the policy of Parent and its subsidiaries that Parent will reimburse a subsidiary for any tax benefits recorded.
2. Deposit of assets and maintenance of qualified assets
A) Under the provisions of its certificates and the 1940 Act, IDSC was required to have qualified assets (as that term is defined in Section 28(b) of the 1940 Act) in the amount of $3,619,188 and $2,895,226 at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. IDSC had qualified assets of $3,838,482 at Dec. 31, 1995 and $3,040,416 at Dec. 31, 1994, excluding net unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale securities of $45,265 at Dec. 31, 1995 and net unrealized depreciation of $35,627 at Dec. 31, 1994.
Qualified assets are valued in accordance with such provisions of Minnesota Statutes as are applicable to investments of life insurance companies. Qualified assets for which no provision for valuation is made in such statutes are valued in accordance with rules, regulations or orders prescribed by the SEC. These values are the same as financial statement carrying values, except for debt securities classified as available for sale and all marketable equity securities, which are carried at fair value in the financial statements but are valued at amortized cost for qualified asset and deposit maintenance purposes.
B) Pursuant to provisions of the certificates, the 1940 Act, the central depositary agreement and to requirements of various states, qualified assets of IDSC were deposited as follows:
The assets on deposit at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994 consisted of securities having a deposit value of $3,435,074 and $2,659,676, respectively; mortgage loans of $229,554 and $252,263, respectively; and other assets of $14,081 and $28,016, respectively. Mortgage loans on deposit include an affiliated mortgage loan.
American Express Trust Company is the central depositary for IDSC. See note 7C.
3. Investments in securities
A) Fair values of investments in securities represent market prices and estimated fair values when quoted prices are not available. Estimated fair values are determined by IDSC using established procedures, involving review of market indexes, price levels of current offerings and comparable issues, price estimates and market data from independent brokers and financial files. The procedures are reviewed annually. IDSC's vice president - investments reports to the board of directors on an annual basis regarding such pricing sources and procedures to provide assurance that fair value is being achieved.
The following is a summary of securities held to maturity and securities available for sale at Dec. 31, 1995 and Dec. 31, 1994.
The amortized cost and fair value of securities held to maturity and available for sale, by contractual maturity, at Dec. 31, 1995, are shown below. Cash flows will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
Sales of held-to-maturity securities, due to significant credit deterioration, during the years ended Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, were as follows:
During the year ended Dec. 31, 1995, securities with an amortized cost and fair value of $111,967 and $116,882, respectively, were reclassified from held to maturity to available for sale. The reclassification was made on Dec. 4, 1995, as a result of IDSC adopting the FASB Special Report, "A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."
B) Investments in securities with fixed maturities comprised 90% and 84% of IDSC's total invested assets at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Securities are rated by Moody's and Standard & Poors (S&P), or by Parent's internal analysts, using criteria similar to Moody's and S&P, when a public rating does not exist. A summary of investments in securities with fixed maturities by rating of investment is as follows:
Of the securities rated Aaa/AAA, 92% at Dec. 31, 1995 and 88% at Dec. 31, 1994 are U.S. Government Agency mortgage-backed securities that are not rated by a public rating agency. Approximately 11% at Dec. 31, 1995 and 17% at Dec. 31, 1994 of other securities with fixed maturities are rated by Parent's internal analysts. At Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994 no one issuer, other than U.S. Government Agency mortgage-backed securities, is greater than 1% of IDSC's total investment in securities with fixed maturities.
C) IDSC reserves freedom of action with respect to its acquisition of restricted securities that offer advantageous and desirable investment opportunities. In a private negotiation, IDSC may purchase for its portfolio all or part of an issue of restricted securities. Since IDSC would intend to purchase such securities for investment and not for distribution, it would not be acting as a distributor if such securities are resold by IDSC at a later date.
The fair values of restricted securities are determined by the board of directors using the procedures and factors described in paragraph A of note 3.
In the event IDSC were to be deemed to be a distributor of the restricted securities, it is possible that IDSC would be required to bear the costs of registering those securities under the Securities Act of 1933, although in most cases such costs would be borne by the issuer of the restricted securities.
4. Investments in first mortgage loans on real estate
As of Jan. 1, 1995, IDSC adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan" (SFAS No. 114), as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures" (SFAS No. 118). The adoption of the new rules did not have a material impact on IDSC's results of operations or financial condition.
SFAS No. 114 applies to all loans except for smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment. Impairment is measured as the excess of the loan's recorded investment over its present value of expected principal and interest payments discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the fair value of collateral. The amount of the impairment is recorded in a reserve for loss on mortgage loans.
Based on management's judgment as to the ultimate collectibility of principal, interest payments received are either recognized as income or applied to the recorded investment in the loan until it has been recovered.
The reserve for loss on mortgage loans is maintained at a level that management believes is appropriate to absorb estimated credit losses in the mortgage loan portfolio. The level of the reserve account is determined based on several factors, including historical experience, expected future principal and interest payments, estimated collateral values, and current and anticipated economic and political conditions. Management regularly evaluates the adequacy of the reserve for loss on mortgage loans.
At Dec. 31, 1995, IDSC's recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans was $1,004 and the reserve for loss on that amount was $611. During 1995, the average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans was $1,052.
IDSC recognized $53 of interest income related to impaired mortgage loans for the year ended Dec. 31, 1995.
There were no changes in the reserve for loss on mortgage loans of $611 during the year ended Dec. 31, 1995.
At Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, approximately 6% and 9%, respectively, of IDSC's invested assets were first mortgage loans on real estate.
A summary of first mortgage loans by region and by type of real estate is as follows:
The carrying amounts and fair values of first mortgage loans on real estate are as follows at Dec. 31. The fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using market interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.
At Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, there were no commitments for fundings of first mortgage loans. If there were any commitments, IDSC employs policies and procedures to ensure the creditworthiness of the borrowers and that funds will be available on the funding date. IDSC's first mortgage loan fundings are restricted to 75% or less of the market value of the real estate at the time of the loan funding. 5. Certificate reserves
Reserves maintained on outstanding certificates have been computed in accordance with the provisions of the certificates and Section 28 of the 1940 Act. The average rates of accumulation on certificate reserves at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994 were:
A) There is no minimum rate of accrual on these reserves. Interest is declared periodically, quarterly or annually, in accordance with the terms of the separate series of certificates.
B) On certain series of single payment certificates, additional interest is predeclared for periods greater than one year. At Dec. 31, 1995, $18,878 of retained earnings had been appropriated for the predeclared additional interest, which represents the difference between certificate reserves on these series, calculated on a statutory basis, and the reserves maintained per books.
C) Certain series of installment certificates guarantee accrual of interest on advance payments at an average of 3.13%. IDSC has increased the rate of accrual to 4.85% through April 30, 1997. An appropriation of retained earnings amounting to $50 has been made, which represents the estimated additional accrual that will result from the increase granted by IDSC.D) IDS Stock Market Certificate enables the certificate holder to participate in any relative rise in a major stock market index without risking loss of principal. Generally the certificate has a term of 12 months and may continue for up to 14 successive terms. The reserve balance at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994 was $211,093 and $263,494, respectively.
E) The carrying amounts and fair values of certificate reserves consisted of the following at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994. Fair values of certificate reserves with interest rate terms of one year or less approximated the carrying values less any applicable surrender charges.
The fair values for other certificate reserves are determined by a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates currently offered for certificates with similar remaining terms, less any applicable surrender charges.
6. Dividend restriction
Certain series of installment certificates outstanding provide that cash dividends may be paid by IDSC only in calendar years for which additional credits of at least one-half of 1% on such series of certificates have been authorized by IDSC. This restriction has been removed for 1996 and 1997 by action of IDSC on additional credits in excess of this requirement.
7. Fees paid to Parent and affiliated companies ($ not in thousands)
A) The basis of computing fees paid or payable to Parent for investment advisory and services is:
The investment advisory and services agreement with Parent provides for a graduated scale of fees equal on an annual basis to 0.75% on the first $250 million of total book value of assets of IDSC, 0.65% on the next $250 million, 0.55% on the next $250 million, 0.50% on the next $250 million and 0.45% on the amount in excess of $1 billion. The fee is payable monthly in an amount equal to one-twelfth of each of the percentages set forth above. Excluded from assets for purposes of this computation are first mortgage loans, real estate and any other asset on which IDSC pays a service fee.
B) The basis of computing fees paid or payable to American Express Financial Advisors Inc. (an affiliate) for distribution services is:Fees payable to American Express Financial Advisors Inc. on sales of IDSC's certificates are based upon terms of agreements giving American Express Financial Advisors Inc. the exclusive right to distribute the certificates covered under the agreements. The agreements provide for payment of fees over a period of time. The aggregate fees payable under the agreements per $1,000 face amount of installment certificates and $1,000 purchase price of single payments, and a summary of the periods over which the fees are payable, shown by series are:
Fees on Cash Reserve and Flexible Savings (formerly Variable Term) certificates are paid at a rate of 0.25% of the purchase price at the time of issuance and 0.25% of the reserves maintained for these certificates at the beginning of the second and subsequent quarters from issue date.
Fees on the Investors Certificate are paid at an annualized rate of 1% of the reserves maintained for the certificates. Fees are paid at the end of each term on certificates with a one, two or three-month term. Fees are paid each quarter from date of issuance on certificates with a six, 12, 24 or 36-month term.
Fees on the Stock Market Certificate are paid at a rate of 1.25% of the purchase price on the first day of the certificate's term and 1.25% of the reserves maintained for these certificates at the beginning of each subsequent term.
(a) At the end of the sixth through the 10th year, an additional fee is payable of 0.5% of the daily average balance of the certificate reserve maintained during the sixth through the 10th year, respectively.
C) The basis of computing depositary fees paid or payable to American Express Trust Company (an affiliate) is:
A transaction consists of the receipt or withdrawal of securities and commercial paper and/or a change in the security position. The charges are payable quarterly except for maintenance, which is an annual fee. D) The basis for computing fees paid or payable to American Express Bank Ltd. (an affiliate) for the distribution of the IDS Special Deposits certificate on an annualized basis is:
1.25% of the reserves maintained for the certificates on an amount from $100,000 to $249,000, 0.80% on an amount from $250,000 to $499,000, 0.65% on an amount from $500,000 to $999,000 and 0.50% on an amount $1,000,000 or more. Fees are paid at the end of each term on certificates with a one, two or three-month term. Fees are paid at the end of each quarter from date of issuance on certificates with a six, 12, 24 or 36-month term.
8. Income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) as shown in the statement of operations for the three years ended Dec. 31, consists of:
Income tax expense (benefit) differs from that computed by using the U.S. Statutory rate of 35%. The principal causes of the difference in each year are shown below:
Deferred income taxes result from the net tax effects of temporary differences. Temporary differences are differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in differences between income for tax purposes and income for financial statement purposes in future years. Principal components of IDSC's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of Dec. 31, are as follows.
9. Derivative financial instruments
IDSC enters into transactions involving derivative financial instruments as an end user (nontrading). IDSC uses these instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, including hedging specific transactions. IDSC manages risks associated with these instruments as described below.
Market risk is the possibility that the value of the derivative financial instrument will change due to fluctuations in a factor from which the instrument derives its value, primarily an interest rate or a major market index. IDSC is not impacted by market risk related to derivatives held because derivatives are largely used to manage risk and, therefore, the cash flows and income effects of the derivatives are inverse to the effects of the underlying hedged transactions.
Credit exposure is the possibility that the counterparty will not fulfill the terms of the contract. IDSC monitors credit exposure related to derivative financial instruments through established approval procedures, including setting concentration limits by counterparty, reviewing credit ratings and requiring collateral where appropriate. The majority of IDSC's counterparties to the interest rate caps are rated A or better by nationally recognized rating agencies. The counterparties to the call options are five major broker/dealers.
The notional or contract amount of a derivative financial instrument is generally used to calculate the cash flows that are received or paid over the life of the agreement. Notional amounts do not represent market risk or credit exposure and are not recorded on the balance sheet.
Credit exposure related to derivative financial instruments is measured by the replacement cost of those contracts at the balance sheet date. The replacement cost represents the fair value of the instrument, and is determined by market values, dealer quotes or pricing models.
IDSC's holdings of derivative financial instruments were as follows at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994.
The fair values of derivative financial instruments are based on market values, dealer quotes or pricing models. The interest rate caps expire on various dates from 1996 to 1997. The options expire in 1996.
Interest rate caps and options are used to manage IDSC's exposure to rising interest rates. These instruments are used primarily to protect the margin between the interest rate earned on investments and the interest rate accrued to related investment certificate holders.
The interest rate caps are quarterly reset caps and IDSC earns interest on the notional amount to the extent the London Interbank Offering Rate exceeds the reference rates specified in the cap agreements. These reference rates range from 4% to 9%. The cost of these caps of $3,362 at Dec. 31, 1995 is being amortized over the terms of the agreements on a straight line basis and is included in other qualified assets. The amortization, net of any interest earned, is included in investment expenses.
IDSC offers a series of certificates which pay interest based upon the relative change in a major stock market index between the beginning and end of the certificates' term. The certificate holders have the option of participating in the full amount of increase in the index during the term (subject to a specified maximum) or a lesser percentage of the increase plus a guaranteed minimum rate of interest. As a means of hedging its obligations under the provisions of these certificates, IDSC purchases and writes call options on the major market index. The options are cash settlement options, that is, there is no underlying security to deliver at the time the contract is closed out.
The option contracts are less than one year in term. The premiums paid or received on these index options are reported in other qualified assets or other liabilities, as appropriate, and are amortized into investment expenses over the life of the option. The intrinsic value of these index options is also reported in other qualified assets or other liabilities, as appropriate. The unrealized gains and losses related to the changes in the intrinsic value of these options are recognized currently in provision for certificate reserves.
Following is a summary of open option contracts at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994.
10. Fair values of financial instruments
IDSC is required to disclose fair value information for most on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate that value. The carrying value of certain financial instruments such as trade receivables and payables approximates the fair value. Non-financial instruments, such as deferred distribution fees, are excluded from required disclosure. IDSC's off-balance sheet intangible assets, such as IDSC's name and future earnings of the core business are also excluded. IDSC's management believes the value of these excluded assets is significant. The fair value of IDSC, therefore, cannot be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented.
A summary of fair values of financial instruments as of Dec. 31, is as follows:
NOTES:
(a) The classification "residential" includes single dwellings only. Residential multiple dwellings are included in "apartment and business".
(b) Real estate taxes and easements, which in the opinion of the Company are not undue burden on the properties, have been excluded from the determination of "prior liens".
(c) In this schedule III, carrying amount of mortgage loans represents unpaid principal balances plus unamortized premiums less unamortized dicounts and allowance for loss.
(d) Interest in arrears for less than three months has been disregarded in computing the total amount of principal subject to delinquent interest. The amounts of mortgage loans being forclosed are also included in amounts subject to delinquent interest.
(e) Information as to interest due and accrued at the end of the period is shown by type of mortgage loan. Information as to interest due and accrued for the various classes within the types of mortgage loans is not readily available and the obtaining thereof would involve unreasonable effort and expense.
The Company does not accrue interest on loans which are over three months delinquent.
(f) Information as to interest income by type and class of loan has been omitted because it is not readily available and the obtaining thereof would involve unreasonable effort and expense. In lieu thereof, the average gross interest rates (exclusive of amort- tization of discounts and premiums) on mortgage loans held at December 31, 1995 are shown by type and class of loan.
The average gross interest rates on mortgage loans held at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 are summarized as follows:
1995 1994 1993 First mortgages: ----- ----- ----- Insured by Federal Housing Administration 0.000% 7.186% 7.076% Partially guaranteed under Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, as amended 0.000 8.000 8.000 Other 8.901 8.884 9.055 ----- ----- -----
Combined average 8.901% 8.884% 9.055% ===== ===== =====
(g) Following is a reconciliation of the carrying amount of mortgage loans for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
1995 1994 1993 ---- ---- ---- [S] [C] [C] [C] Balance at beginning of period $ 253,968 $ 281,865 $ 233,796 Additions during period: New loans acquired: Nonaffiliated companies 9,000 0 59,183 Allowance for loss transferred to real estate 0 350 530 Allowance for loss reversed 0 0 220 Amortization of discount/premium 0 51 90 ---------- ---------- ----------
Total additions 9,000 401 60,023 ---------- ---------- ---------- 262,968 282,266 293,819 ---------- ---------- ---------- Deductions during period: Collections of principal 29,533 28,298 5,908 Cost of mortgages sold 41 0 6,046 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total deductions 29,574 28,298 11,954 ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance at end of period $ 233,394 $ 253,968 $ 281,865 ========== ========== ==========
(h) The aggregate cost of mortgage loans for federal income tax purposes at December 31, 1995 was $234,005.
(i) At December 31, 1995, an allowance for loss of $611 is recorded which represents the amount of impairment on mortgage loans.