SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, for the transition period
from N/A to __________.
Commission File Number 0-16533
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania 23-2852984
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
2929 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number: (717) 569-5361
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock (no par value)
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X . No .
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers
pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein,
and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge,
in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the shares of Common Stock of the
Registrant held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant was
$57,223,414 at March 27, 1997. As of March 27, 1997, the
Registrant had 4,204,910 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
<PAGE>
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS.
THE COMPANY
General
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in May 1996 for the purpose of
serving as a holding company for Old Guard Insurance Company
("Old Guard"), Old Guard Fire Insurance Company ("Old Guard
Fire"), and Goschenhoppen-Home Insurance Company ("Goschenhoppen"
and collectively with Old Guard and Old Guard Fire, the
"Insurance Companies").
On February 11, 1997, the Company became a holding company
for the Insurance Companies upon the completion of the conversion
of the Insurance Companies from Pennsylvania mutual insurance
companies to Pennsylvania stock insurance companies and the
simultaneous acquisition of the capital stock of each of the
Insurance Companies by the Company pursuant to a Joint Plan of
Conversion adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Company and
the Insurance Companies on May 31, 1996, as amended and restated
on July 19, 1996 and January 10, 1997 (the "Plan").
On February 11, 1997, pursuant to the Plan, the Company
completed the sale of 4,204,910 shares of its common stock, no
par value per share (the "Common Stock") at the price of $10.00
per share in contemporaneous subscription and community offerings
(the "Offering") for gross proceeds of approximately $42,049,100,
including the Conversion of a $1.5 million surplus note into
Common Stock. The conversion of the Insurance Companies to stock
form, the issuance of capital stock of the Insurance Companies to
the Company and the Offering are collectively referred to herein
as the "Conversion."
The Company's executive offices are located at 2929 Lititz
Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601, and its main telephone
number is (717) 569-5361.
The Insurance Companies
Old Guard, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen are each
Pennsylvania-chartered insurance companies that converted from
mutual to stock form on February 11, 1997. The Insurance
Companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company and
operate as members of the Old Guard Insurance Group (the
"Group"), a group of insurance companies under common management.
The Group includes Neffsville Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
which was not a party to the Plan. The Insurance Companies are
property and casualty insurers of farms, small and medium-sized
businesses and residents primarily in rural and suburban
communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. The
Insurance Companies market farmowners, homeowners and
businessowners policies, as well as personal and commercial
automobile, workers' compensation and commercial multi-peril
coverages through approximately 1,600 independent agents.
The Insurance Companies operate under a reinsurance pooling
agreement pursuant to which all premium revenue, loss and loss
adjustment expense are ceded to Old Guard and a fixed percentage
of those items is retroceded by Old Guard to Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen. The allocation of pooled revenue and expense is
determined by the parties and is currently as follows: Old
Guard - 60%, Old Guard Fire - 29% and Goschenhoppen - 11%.
Investment income and investment gains and losses are not pooled.
In addition, Neffsville reinsures 90% of its book of business
with Old Guard Fire.
Old Guard. Old Guard was originally chartered in 1896. At
December 31, 1996, Old Guard had total assets of $116.2 million
(prior to the elimination of intercompany accounts in
combination) and equity of $23.8 million.
Old Guard Fire. Old Guard Fire was originally chartered in
1872. At December 31, 1996, Old Guard Fire had total assets of
$35.6 million (prior to the elimination of intercompany accounts
in combination) and equity of $11.0 million.
Goschenhoppen. Goschenhoppen was originally chartered in
1843. At December 31, 1996, Goschenhoppen had total assets of
$22.6 million (prior to the elimination of intercompany accounts
in combination) and equity of $4.2 million.
The foregoing data reflects the financial condition of the
Insurance Companies prior to completion of the Conversion. Upon
completion of the Conversion, the Company contributed
$9.0 million, $5.0 million and $2.0 million to Old Guard, Old
Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen, respectively.
The Insurance Companies are subject to examination and
comprehensive regulation by the Department. See "Business --
Regulation."
Strategy
The Company's principal strategies for the future are to:
-- Achieve geographic diversification of risk by
acquisition of other insurance companies or licensing
of the Insurance Companies in other jurisdictions with
reduced or different loss exposure;
-- Improve the mix of business by increasing commercial
writings and emphasizing casualty coverages in order to
enhance profitability and lessen the impact of property
losses on overall results; and
-- Improve efficiency and maintain the high level of
personal service delivered to agents and insureds
through continued enhancement of the Company's
management information systems (MIS).
Management has taken steps to implement each of these
strategies and views the Conversion as a critical component of
its strategic plan. The additional capital generated by the
Conversion will permit the Insurance Companies to accelerate
implementation of these strategies and the resulting holding
company structure will provide needed flexibility to achieve the
Company's goals.
Geographic Diversification. The Company's goal is to
achieve geographic diversification of risk outside Pennsylvania
to areas with reduced or different catastrophic loss exposure and
in which management believes insurers generally have been
permitted to manage risk selection and pricing without undue
regulatory interference. Concentration of property insurance in
Pennsylvania has caused the Insurance Companies to be susceptible
to localized catastrophic events primarily related to severe
weather. The Company expects to accomplish geographic
diversification principally through acquisition but expects also
to seek authority for the Insurance Companies to do business in
additional jurisdictions. The acquisition of an 80% interest in
First Delaware Insurance Company and the investment in New Castle
Mutual Insurance Company represent initial steps to diversify
geographically. See "Acquisition of First Delaware Insurance
Company" and "New Castle Insurance Company Investment" herein.
The Company plans to seek additional acquisitions outside
Pennsylvania. The Company is currently targeting for
acquisitions companies located in jurisdictions adjacent to its
current markets and in the upper Midwest. The Conversion
provided funds for cash acquisitions and the holding company
structure will facilitate the use of capital stock for
acquisitions as well. Insurance companies acquired may be added
to the existing reinsurance pool among the Insurance Companies.
The determination whether to add acquired companies to the
Insurance Companies' intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement
will be made on a case by case basis as acquisitions are
completed. Some of the factors considered in evaluating an
acquired company for possible inclusion in the reinsurance pool
will include the acquired company's capital position, the quality
of the book of business, reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses, settlement practices, the lines of business written,
existing reinsurance relationships, the level of control which
management of the Insurance Companies will have over the
operations of the acquired company, and rating considerations.
Diversification of Lines of Business. The Insurance
Companies have taken, and will continue to take, steps to
increase commercial and casualty premium volume, both to reduce
property loss exposure and to provide greater product
diversification from personal into commercial lines that may
provide a countercyclical balance to personal lines.
One such initiative was the introduction in the third
quarter of 1996 of new commercial multi-peril packages tailored
to specific business and industry segments chosen based on the
experience of the underwriting staff and market opportunities
available to existing agents. These packages should permit the
Insurance Companies to serve larger commercial accounts as well
as to sell accompanying workers' compensation and commercial
automobile coverages. Another initiative is the introduction of
tiered pricing for workers' compensation coverage through a
policy with more attractive pricing and the opportunity for
dividends. The acquisition of First Delaware Insurance Company,
which has a commercial book of business, will further the goal of
diversification into commercial lines.
Management believes that it has the opportunity to increase
the volume of casualty business by focused marketing to existing
agents, many of whom have traditionally associated the Insurance
Companies with farm-related property insurance and may not
identify and choose the Insurance Companies for their customers
as providers of casualty line products. For example, currently
less than 20% of the Insurance Companies' farm and homeowner
customers purchase auto policies from the Insurance Companies.
Management believes an increasing share of this market is
desirable and attainable given the existing relationships among
the Insurance Companies, its agents and its insureds.
The proceeds received by the Company in the Conversion
provides the additional surplus necessary to support
substantially increased commercial and casualty premium volume.
Service Capabilities. Management believes the Insurance
Companies have a strong reputation for personal attention to
agents and insureds. The Insurance Companies have undertaken a
program to enhance their MIS capabilities, with the goal of
improving efficiency, internal reporting and service to agents
and insureds, as well as facilitating acquisitions. The
Insurance Companies have been actively involved in the search,
review, selection, customization and testing of a new policy
processing software system since the second quarter of 1994. The
licensing rights for the new software system were acquired from
Strategic Data Systems, Inc., an insurance industry software
specialty company. The software system is a personal computer
database system designed to eliminate most paperwork required in
traditional systems. Claims, billing and accounting functions
are also fully integrated in the new software system. The
ability to operate multiple companies, maintain on-line remote
offices and enhancements in the quality and timeliness of
management information are additional benefits of the new
software system. Personal automobile is the first line of
business being phased into the new software system, and it is
expected to begin processing policies in early 1997. By 1999,
management of the Insurance Companies expects to integrate
homeowners, farmowners and commercial lines of business into the
new software system. This new MIS environment should permit a
greater volume of business to be processed by the same or fewer
number of staff and is fully capable for the year 2000. It will
also allow direct agent interface to enhance service to agents
and insureds and build upon the Insurance Companies' strong
reputation in this area.
First Delaware Insurance Company Acquisition
On February 14, 1997, Old Guard Investment Holding Company,
Inc. ("Old Guard Investment"), a subsidiary of the Company,
pursuant to an agreement with First Delaware Insurance Company
("First Delaware"), a Delaware insurance company, and
International Corporation ("IC"), First Delaware's sole
shareholder, acquired 80% of the capital stock of First Delaware.
The acquisition was made through a combination of (i) a
$1.5 million cash investment in First Delaware in exchange for a
number of shares of First Delaware common stock equal to
$1.5 million divided by 1.5 times the GAAP book value per share
of First Delaware as of December 31, 1996 and (ii) the purchase
from IC for cash of a number of additional shares of First
Delaware at a price per share equal to 1.5 times the GAAP book
value per share of First Delaware. Old Guard Investment now
holds 80% of the stock of First Delaware. The total acquisition
price equaled approximately $3.3 million.
At closing of the acquisition, Old Guard Investment and IC
executed a shareholder agreement that, among other things,
prohibits IC from transferring its remaining 20% interest in
First Delaware prior to December 31, 2003 to anyone other than
Old Guard Investment or an affiliate of Old Guard Investment.
The shareholder agreement also gives the parties certain "put"
and "call" rights prior to December 31, 2003 during specified
periods with respect to the remaining 20% of the common stock of
First Delaware held by IC at a purchase price of between 1 and
1.5 times then current GAAP book value per share. The exercise
price of the put or call varies depending upon the time period
when the put or call is exercised and is payable in cash or
Common Stock at the election of the party exercising the put or
call right. In addition, after December 30, 1999, IC can
relinquish its put right and extinguish Old Guard Investment's
call right in exchange for a payment from Old Guard Investment to
IC of 10% of the put price.
Following closing, the First Delaware Board of Directors was
expanded to consist of five members, three of whom were elected
by Old Guard Investment. David E. Hosler, the Chairman of the
Company, became Chairman of First Delaware. First Delaware and
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc. ("CIMI"), a subsidiary of
Old Guard Investment, also executed a management agreement
pursuant to which CIMI will provide management advice on
actuarial services, reinsurance purchasing, investment
management, management information systems, security custody
services, independent accounting/auditing services, human
resource services and employee benefits. In order to retain the
services of the two principals of First Delaware, First Delaware
entered into employment agreements acceptable to Old Guard
Investment with such principals.
The acquisition of First Delaware furthers the Company's
strategic goals of geographic and product line diversification
because First Delaware's business is principally commercial
lines, including surety business in the Delaware and Maryland
markets. The Insurance Companies intend to renew their current
commercial writings in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland
with First Delaware and support a planned expansion of First
Delaware into Virginia.
New Castle Insurance Company Investment
On December 23, 1996, Old Guard Investment executed an
Investment Agreement with New Castle Mutual Insurance Company
("New Castle"), a Delaware insurance company that is licensed in
Delaware and Pennsylvania and sells primarily homeowners and
other personal property and casualty lines through independent
agents. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Old Guard
Investment purchased a $1.0 million convertible surplus note.
Old Guard Investment, or an affiliate designated by Old Guard
Investment may be obligated to purchase, from time to time, up to
an additional $3.0 million of convertible surplus notes based on
cancellation of reinsurance or an increase in the ratio of net
premiums written to statutory surplus to an amount in excess of
2.9x. The surplus notes will bear interest payable monthly at a
floating rate equal to Dauphin Deposit Bank's base rate with a
maximum interest rate of 10%. All principal amounts under the
surplus notes will be due at maturity on January 1, 2007. The
initial $1.0 million investment was financed by drawing on a line
of credit which was repaid with the proceeds of the Offering.
The Investment Agreement contains customary representations,
warranties, covenants and conditions to subsequent closing.
The surplus notes will be convertible into common stock of
New Castle if, but only if, New Castle converts from mutual to
stock form. The surplus notes will be convertible into that
number of shares of common stock of New Castle equal to the
greater of (i) the principal balance of the surplus notes divided
by (A) the price at which a share of common stock of New Castle
is offered and sold in a mutual to stock conversion of New
Castle, if such an offering is made, or (B) the value assigned to
a share of New Castle common stock distributed to New Castle
policyholders in a mutual to stock conversion of New Castle, if
such a distribution is made, or (ii) the number of authorized
shares of common stock of New Castle multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is the principal amount of the surplus notes
and the denominator of which is the statutory surplus of New
Castle on the last day of the month immediately preceding a
mutual to stock conversion of New Castle. New Castle has
covenanted to use its best efforts to convert from mutual to
stock form within three years from the date of the initial
surplus note purchase.
The surplus note investment in New Castle furthers the
Company's strategic goal of geographic diversification because
New Castle's business is principally located in the Delaware
market.
Products
The Insurance Companies offer a variety of property and
casualty insurance products primarily designed to meet the
insurance needs of the rural and suburban communities in which
the Insurance Companies do business, including their agricultural
clients. The following tables set forth the direct premiums
written, net premiums earned, net loss ratios, expense ratios and
combined ratios by product line of the Insurance Companies for
the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of % of % of
1996 Total 1995 Total 1994 Total 1993 Total
---- ----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ---- -----
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct Premiums Written:
Farmowners .................. $16,365 20.6% $15,494 20.2% $16,080 20.7% $15,319 20.5%
Homeowners .................. 21,577 27.2 21,157 27.6 20,509 26.3 19,067 25.5
Businessowners and commercial
multi-peril ............... 10,577 13.3 11,083 14.4 10,587 13.6 10,367 13.9
Personal automobile ......... 18,617 23.5 16,810 21.9 15,928 20.5 13,376 17.9
Commercial automobile ....... 886 1.1 776 1.0 815 1.0 807 1.0
Workers' compensation ....... 5,912 7.4 5,432 7.1 5,562 7.1 6,312 8.4
Fire, allied, inland marine . 4,078 5.2 3,668 6.1 7,073 9.1 8,192 11.0
Other liability ............. 1,372 1.7 1,317 1.7 1,331 1.7 1,316 1.8
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Total ..................... $79,384 100.0% $76,737 100.0% $77,885 100.0% $77,885 100.0%
======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of % of % of % of
1996 Total 1995 Total 1994 Total 1993 Total
---- ----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ---- -----
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Premiums Earned
Farmowners .................. $ 9,907 18.5% $13,413 20.1% $13,315 21.0% $13,368 21.9%
Homeowners .................. 14,898 27.8 18,391 27.6 16,755 26.4 14,622 24.0
Businessowners and commercial
multi-peril ............... 7,078 13.2 8,828 13.2 8,387 13.2 8,548 14.0
Personal automobile ......... 12,766 23.8 14,459 21.7 12,521 19.8 11,402 18.7
Commercial automobile ....... 565 1.1 769 1.2 717 1.1 675 1.1
Workers' compensation ....... 3,564 6.6 4,233 6.4 4,266 6.7 4,394 7.2
Fire, allied, inland marine . 4,538 8.5 6,294 9.4 6,930 10.9 7,465 12.3
Other liability ............. 276 0.5 276 0.4 574 0.9 512 0.8
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Total ..................... $53,592 100.0% $66,663 100.0% $63,465 100.0% $60,986 100.0%
======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Loss Ratio
Farmowners .................. 94.2% 78.7% 8.8% 71.2%
Homeowners .................. 95.5 80.8 98.0 83.3
Businessowners and commercial
multi-peril ............... 76.5 62.2 47.8 51.6
Personal automobile ......... 82.5 90.4 70.9 73.2
Commercial automobile ....... 63.6 70.9 53.8 35.1
Workers' compensation ....... 45.7 43.0 58.3 74.3
Fire, allied, inland marine . 58.5 53.4 49.7 50.1
Other liability ............. 87.8 326.3 49.9 83.9
Total ..................... 82.8% 75.8% 73.2% 69.1%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expense Ratios
Farmowners .................. 46.4% 36.6% 34.1% 34.3%
Homeowners .................. 31.8 39.0 39.7 39.3
Businessowners and commercial
multiple peril ............ 57.1 41.2 36.4 36.1
Personal automobile ......... 20.4 22.6 24.0 24.5
Commercial automobile ....... 27.9 24.9 27.3 32.5
Workers' compensation ....... 21.4 23.6 25.7 29.1
Fire, allied, inland marine . 34.8 47.2 49.6 42.0
Other liability ............. 50.7 46.9 25.2 33.3
Total ..................... 34.7% 34.9% 34.8% 34.4%
Combined Ratios(2)
Farmowners .................. 138.7% 115.2% 112.8% 105.5%
Homeowners .................. 127.3 119.7 137.7 122.6
Businessowners and commercial
multiple peril ............ 133.6 103.4 84.1 87.7
Personal automobile ......... 102.9 113.1 94.8 97.7
Commercial automobile ....... 91.5 95.8 81.2 67.6
Workers' compensation ....... 67.1 66.7 84.1 103.4
Fire, allied, inland marine . 93.3 100.6 99.2 92.1
Other liability ............. 138.5 373.2 75.1 117.2
Total ..................... 117.5% 110.7% 108.0% 103.5%
Industry Combined Ratio ..... -- 106.4% 108.4% 106.9%
</TABLE>
__________
(1) Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and
American Re entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty
pursuant to which the Insurance Companies cede 20% of their
liability remaining after cessions of excess and
catastrophic risks through other reinsurance contracts. Pro
rata cessions of unearned premiums as of January 1, 1996 and
the transfer of premiums written during the year ended
December 31, 1996 accounts, in part, for the decline in net
premiums earned when the year ended December 31, 1996 is
compared to the year ended December 31, 1995.
(2) A combined ratio over 100% means that an insurer's
underwriting operations are not profitable.
Farmowners Policy
The farmowners policy, developed in 1975, is a flexible,
multi-line package of insurance coverages. As a result of its
flexible features, this product can be adapted to meet the needs
of a variety of agricultural and related businesses, including a
package designed for farmers with large dairy operations. The
farmowners policy combines property and liability insurance for
the farm owner, as well as owners of other agricultural related
businesses, such as nurseries and greenhouses. The largest
numbers of farmowners policies written by the Insurance Companies
are for dairy, beef, horse and crop farming risks. In general,
standing crops are not insured except under limited circumstances
but harvested and stored crops generally are insured.
Policyholders may select property damage coverages for specific
peril groups, such as basic perils that include fire and allied
lines, extended coverage and vandalism or broad form and special
perils. Personal liability coverage insures policyholders
against third party liability from accidents occurring on their
premises or arising out of their operations or from their
products. The farmowners policy contains a limited liability
extension of pollution-type coverage for damages caused to third
persons or their crops resulting from above-ground, off-premises
contamination, such as overspray of fertilizers and pesticides.
Homeowners Policy
The Insurance Companies' homeowners policy, introduced in
1963, is a multi-peril policy providing property and liability
coverages and optional inland marine coverage. The homeowners
policy is sold to provide coverage for the insured's principal
residence.
Businessowners and Commercial Multi-Peril
Businessowners. The Insurance Companies introduced a
businessowners policy in 1983 that provides property and
liability coverages to small businesses within its rural and
suburban markets. This product is marketed to six distinct
groups: (i) apartment owners with relatively small property-
based risks; (ii) condominium owners; (iii) landlords with
dwelling properties of up to four family units; (iv) mercantile
businessowners, such as florists, gift shops and antique dealers,
with property-based risks; (v) offices with owner and/or tenant
occupancies; and (vi) religious institutions consisting of
smaller, rural properties.
Commercial Multi-Peril. The Insurance Companies also issue
a number of commercial multi-peril policies providing property
and liability coverage to accounts that, because of their larger
size, do not meet the eligibility requirements for the
businessowners product. The Insurance Companies are working to
increase market penetration for this product because it includes
commercial liability risks that help to diversify exposures and
lessen the impact of property losses on overall results. One
such marketing initiative is the promotion of commercial multi-
peril packages targeted to the following businesses: (i) food
processing, (ii) retailing, (iii) manufacturing, (iv) metal
working, (v) offices, and (vi) service operations. These
packages are being written using existing policy forms and were
chosen based on the experience of the underwriting staff and
market opportunities available to existing agents. The packages
are of a type generally written by larger companies and should
permit the Insurance Companies to sell commercial packages as
well as accompanying workers' compensation and commercial
automobile coverages to larger accounts.
Personal Automobile
The Insurance Companies' personal automobile policy insures
individuals against claims resulting from injury and property
damage and can be marketed in conjunction with the Insurance
Companies' other products, such as the farmowners policy, the
businessowners policy or the homeowners policy.
Commercial Automobile
The Insurance Companies' commercial automobile policies are
generally marketed in conjunction with farmowners, businessowners
or commercial multi-peril policies. Commercial automobile is one
of the Insurance Companies' lower volume products.
Workers' Compensation
The Insurance Companies generally write workers'
compensation policies in conjunction with farmowners policies,
businessowners policies or other commercial packages. However,
the Insurance Companies may write stand-alone workers'
compensation policies. A recent initiative is tiered pricing for
workers' compensation coverage with the introduction of a policy
with more attractive pricing and the opportunity for dividends.
Fire, Allied, Inland Marine
Fire and allied lines insurance generally covers fire,
lightning and extended coverage. Inland marine coverage insures
merchandise or cargo in transit and business and personal
property. The Insurance Companies offer fire, allied and inland
marine insurance coverage only as endorsements available under
the Insurance Companies' other insurance products.
Other Liability
Umbrella Liability. The Insurance Companies write
commercial and personal line excess liability policies covering
business, farm and personal liabilities in excess of amounts
covered under the farmowners, homeowners, businessowners,
commercial multi-peril and automobile policies. Such policies
are available generally with limits of $1 million to $5 million.
The Insurance Companies do not generally market excess liability
policies to individuals and farmowners unless they also write an
underlying liability policy. However, the Insurance Companies
may write excess liability coverage for commercial accounts
without all underlying liability coverages.
Commercial General Liability. The Insurance Companies write
a stand-alone commercial general liability policy for certain
business situations that do not meet the criteria for liability
coverage under a farmowners, businessowners or commercial multi-
peril policy. The policy insures businesses against third party
liability from accidents occurring on their premises or arising
out of their operations or products. Most of the Insurance
Companies' products liability line is written as part of the
commercial general liability product.
Marketing
The Insurance Companies market their property and casualty
insurance products in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware through
independent agencies. These agencies collectively employ a force
of approximately 1,600 agents. The Insurance Companies manage
their agents through quarterly business reviews (with underwriter
participation) and establishment of benchmarks/goals for premium
volume. The Insurance Companies have managed a decline in the
number of agencies in recent years to eliminate low volume
agencies and reduce concentration in southern Pennsylvania. Most
of the Insurance Companies' independent agents represent multiple
carriers and are established residents of the rural and suburban
communities in which they operate. The Insurance Companies'
independent agents generally market and write the full range of
the Insurance Companies' products. The Insurance Companies
consider their relationships with agents to be good. As of
December 31, 1996, no agency accounted for over 5% of direct
premiums written.
The Insurance Companies emphasize personal contact between
their agents and the policyholders. The Insurance Companies
believe that their name recognition, policyholder loyalty and
policyholder satisfaction with agent and claims relationships are
the principal sources of new customer referrals, cross-selling of
additional insurance products and policyholder retention.
The Insurance Companies' policies are marketed exclusively
through their network of independent agents. The Insurance
Companies depend upon their agency force to produce new business
and to provide customer service. The network of independent
agents also serves as an important source of information about
the needs of the communities served by the Insurance Companies.
This information is utilized by the Insurance Companies to
develop new products and new product features.
Agency compensation is based on one of three compensation
plans. Each agency may elect: fixed base commission only, fixed
base commission with some opportunity for bonus commission based
on the agency's loss experience, or floating base commission
based on the agency's three year loss ratio with some opportunity
to earn bonus commission depending on the agency's one-year loss
experience.
The Insurance Companies' independent agencies are supervised
and supported by agent representatives, who are employees of the
Insurance Companies and who have principal responsibility for
recruiting agencies and training new agents. To support its
marketing efforts, the Insurance Companies develop and produce
print and radio advertising and hold seminars for agents.
Agencies are then able to purchase advertising (using prepared
materials) in local markets. The Insurance Companies and agent
representatives conduct training programs that provide both
technical training about products and sales training on how to
market insurance products.
The Insurance Companies provide personal computer software
to agencies that allows them to quote rates on homeowners,
farmowners, businessowners and personal auto. In addition, a
home page has been established on the Internet for the public
that is periodically updated with pertinent information about the
Insurance Companies and their products.
Underwriting
The Insurance Companies seek to write their commercial and
personal lines by evaluating each risk with consistently applied
standards. The Insurance Companies maintain information on all
aspects of their business that is regularly reviewed to determine
product line profitability. The Insurance Companies'
underwriters generally specialize in farm, personal or commercial
lines. Specific information is monitored with regard to
individual insureds that is used to assist the Insurance
Companies in making decisions about policy renewals or
modifications. The Insurance Companies' underwriters have an
average of over 14 years of experience as underwriters. The
Insurance Companies believe their extensive knowledge of local
markets is a key underwriting advantage.
The Insurance Companies rely on information provided by
their independent agents, who, subject to certain guidelines,
also act as field underwriters and pre-screen policy applicants.
The independent agents have the authority to sell and bind
insurance coverages in accordance with pre-established
guidelines. Agents' underwriting results are monitored and on
occasion agents with historically poor loss ratios have had their
binding authority removed until more profitable underwriting
results were achieved.
Claims
Claims on insurance policies written by the Insurance
Companies are usually investigated and settled by one of the
Insurance Companies' staff claims representatives who work in
teams led by a supervisor. Supervisors report to the claims
manager. The Insurance Companies' claims philosophy emphasizes
timely investigation, evaluation and fair settlement of claims,
while maintaining adequate case reserves and controlling claim
adjustment expenses. The claims philosophy is designed to
support the Insurance Companies marketing efforts by providing
prompt service and making the claims process a positive
experience for agents and policyholders.
Claims settlement authority levels are established for each
representative and claims manager based upon their level of
experience. Claims are typically reported by the agents. Multi-
line teams exist to handle all claims. Subrogation is
centralized in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania office. The claims
department is responsible for reviewing all claims, obtaining
necessary documentation, estimating the loss reserves and
resolving the claims. The Insurance Companies engage independent
appraisers and adjusters to evaluate and settle claims as claims
volume or specialized needs require.
The Insurance Companies attempt to minimize claims costs by
encouraging the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures.
Less than 3% of all claims result in litigation. Litigated
claims are assigned to outside counsel, who then work closely as
a team with a staff claims representative. Outside counsel must
comply with a formal litigation management plan and all bills are
audited.
Reinsurance
Reinsurance Ceded
In accordance with insurance industry practice, the
Insurance Companies reinsure a portion of their exposure and pay
to the reinsurers a portion of the premiums received on all
policies reinsured. Insurance is ceded principally to reduce net
liability on individual risks, to mitigate the effect of
individual loss occurrences (including catastrophic losses), to
stabilize underwriting results and to increase the Insurance
Companies' underwriting capacity.
Reinsurance can be facultative reinsurance or treaty
reinsurance. Under facultative reinsurance, each risk or portion
of a risk is reinsured individually. Under treaty reinsurance,
an agreed-upon portion of business written is automatically
reinsured. Reinsurance can also be classified as quota share
reinsurance or excess of loss reinsurance. Under quota share
reinsurance, the ceding company cedes a percentage of its
insurance liability to the reinsurer in exchange for a like
percentage of premiums less a ceding commission, and in turn will
recover from the reinsurer the reinsurer's share of all losses
and loss adjustment expenses incurred on those risks. Under
excess reinsurance, an insurer limits its liability to all or a
particular portion of the amount in excess of a predetermined
deductible or retention. Regardless of type, reinsurance does
not legally discharge the ceding insurer from primary liability
for the full amount due under the reinsured policies. However,
the assuming reinsurer is obligated to reimburse the ceding
company to the extent of the coverage ceded. The Company
generally places all of its reinsurance directly without the use
of brokers.
The Insurance Companies determine the amount and scope of
reinsurance coverage to purchase each year based upon their
evaluation of the risks accepted, consultations with reinsurance
representatives and a review of market conditions, including the
availability and pricing of reinsurance. For the year ended
December 31, 1996, the Insurance Companies ceded earned premiums
of $27.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 1995, the
Insurance Companies ceded to reinsurers $11.6 million of earned
premiums. The significant increase in ceded premiums for the
year ended December 31, 1996 reflects the new quota share
reinsurance treaty that was effective as of January 1, 1996 and
which is described herein.
The Insurance Companies' reinsurance arrangements are placed
with non-affiliated reinsurers, principally American Re, and are
generally renegotiated annually. Coverages described herein are
generally for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Except for certain excluded classes of property and losses
due to flood, the largest exposure retained by the Insurance
Companies on any one individual property risk is $150,000.
Excess reinsurance was provided on a treaty basis in layers as
follows: Individual property risks in excess of $150,000 are
covered on an excess of loss basis up to $500,000 per risk
pursuant to a reinsurance treaty with American Re and Munich-
American Reinsurance Company ("Munich Re"). Except for certain
excluded classes of property and losses due to flood and auto
physical damage, per risk property losses in excess of $500,000
but less than $2.0 million were reinsured on a proportional
treaty basis by American Re and Munich Re.
For 1996, individual casualty risks for most lines of
business, excluding umbrella liability, that were in excess of
$100,000 were covered on an excess of loss basis, up to $2.0
million per occurrence pursuant to a reinsurance treaty with
American Re. In addition, casualty losses arising from workers'
compensation claims were reinsured on a per occurrence and per
person treaty basis by various reinsurers up to $10.0 million.
Umbrella liability losses were reinsured by American Re on a 95%
quota share basis up to $1.0 million and a 100% quota share basis
in excess of $2.0 million up to $5.0 million with a ceding
commission of 27.5%.
Catastrophic reinsurance protects the ceding insurer from
significant aggregate loss exposure arising from a single event
such as windstorm, hail, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, riot,
blizzard, freezing temperatures or other extraordinary events.
For 1996, the Insurance Companies purchased layers of excess
treaty reinsurance for catastrophic property losses, under which
the Insurance Companies reinsured 97.5% of losses per occurrence
over $3.5 million up to a maximum of $10 million and 100% of the
losses between $13.5 million and $30 million per occurrence. The
Insurance Companies also had an underlying catastrophe and
aggregate excess of loss treaty reinsurance agreement with
American Re designed to protect against multiple events each of
which was below the $3.5 million retention under the primary
catastrophe reinsurance treaty. Under this agreement, losses
were reinsured to the extent of (i) (A) 95% of $1.5 million in
excess of $3.5 million on property catastrophe losses or
(B) aggregate net losses exceeding a 75% loss ratio in any
accident year up to the lesser of a 78.33% loss ratio or
$3.0 million, and (ii) 100% of losses in excess of $2.0 million
for winter storm losses during specified periods, up to a maximum
of $3.0 million. The Insurance Companies recovered under this
latter coverage provision for losses attributable to the January
1996 blizzard.
Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and
American Re entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty. Under
the terms of the treaty, the Insurance Companies ceded 20% of
their liability remaining after cessions of excess and
catastrophic risks through other reinsurance contracts. The
result of the quota share treaty was a pro rata sharing of risk
(80% of losses and loss adjustment expenses were borne by the
Insurance Companies and 20% by American Re) with both the
Insurance Companies and American Re benefiting from other excess
and catastrophe reinsurance. This treaty protected the Insurance
Companies' surplus from high frequency and low severity type
losses. The Insurance Companies paid American Re a reinsurance
premium equal to 20% of premiums collected net of other
reinsurance costs. Reinsurance premiums due American Re on the
quota share treaty were reduced by a ceding allowance equal to
35% of the reinsurance premium. This reinsurance treaty is
designed to stabilize underwriting results.
Quota share reinsurance may be used to moderate the adverse
impact of underwriting losses to the ceding company but also
decreases underwriting profits which would otherwise be retained
by the ceding company. The quota share reinsurance treaty
entered into by the Insurance Companies with American Re has had,
and will have, a material effect on the financial condition and
results of operations of the Insurance Companies during the term
of the reinsurance treaty.
The insolvency or inability of any reinsurer to meet its
obligations to the Insurance Companies could have a material
adverse effect on the results of operations or financial
condition of the Insurance Companies. American Re and Munich Re
are the Insurance Companies' major reinsurers. American Re and
Munich Re are both rated A+ (superior) by A.M. Best. The A+
rating is the second highest of A.M. Best's fifteen ratings. For
the years ended December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, the
Insurance Companies paid reinsurance premiums in an aggregate
amount of approximately $31.2 million and $6.9 million to
American Re, respectively, and $934,000 and $847,000 to Munich
Re, respectively. The Insurance Companies monitor the solvency
of reinsurers through regular review of their financial
statements and A.M. Best ratings. The Insurance Companies have
experienced no significant difficulties collecting amounts due
from reinsurers.
Loss and LAE Reserves
Property and Casualty Reserves. The Insurance Companies are
required by applicable insurance laws and regulations to maintain
reserves for payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses
("LAE") for both reported claims and for claims incurred but not
reported ("IBNR"), arising from the policies they have issued.
These laws and regulations require that provision be made for the
ultimate cost of those claims without regard to how long it takes
to settle them or the time value of money. The determination of
reserves involves actuarial and statistical projections of what
the Insurance Companies expect to be the cost of the ultimate
settlement and administration of such claims based on facts and
circumstances then known, estimates of future trends in claims
severity, and other variable factors such as inflation and
changing judicial theories of liability.
The estimation of ultimate liability for losses and LAE is
an inherently uncertain process and does not represent an exact
calculation of that liability. The Insurance Companies' reserve
policy recognizes this uncertainty by maintaining reserves at a
level providing for the possibility of adverse development
relative to the estimation process. The Insurance Companies do
not discount their reserves to recognize the time value of money.
When a claim is reported to the Insurance Companies, claims
personnel establish a "case reserve" for the estimated amount of
the ultimate payment. This estimate reflects an informed
judgment based upon general insurance reserving practices and on
the experience and knowledge of the estimator regarding the
nature and value of the specific claim, the severity of injury or
damage, and the policy provisions relating to the type of loss.
Case reserves are adjusted by the Insurance Companies' claims
staff as more information becomes available. It is the Insurance
Companies' policy to settle each claim as expeditiously as
possible.
The Insurance Companies maintain IBNR reserves to provide
for future reporting of already incurred claims and developments
on reported claims. The IBNR reserve is determined by estimating
the Insurance Companies' ultimate net liability for both reported
and IBNR claims and then subtracting the case reserves for
reported claims.
Each month, the Insurance Companies compute their estimated
ultimate liability using principles and procedures applicable to
the lines of business written. Such reserves are also considered
annually by the Insurance Companies' independent auditors in
connection with their audit of the Insurance Companies' combined
financial statements. However, because the establishment of loss
reserves is an inherently uncertain process, there can be no
assurance that ultimate losses will not exceed the Insurance
Companies' loss reserves. Adjustments in aggregate reserves, if
any, are reflected in the operating results of the period during
which such adjustments are made. As required by insurance
regulatory authorities, the Insurance Companies submit to the
various jurisdictions in which they are licensed a statement of
opinion by its appointed actuary concerning the adequacy of
statutory reserves. The results of these actuarial studies have
consistently indicated that reserves are adequate. Management of
the Insurance Companies does not believe the Insurance Companies
are subject to any material potential asbestos or environmental
liability claims.
Based on actuarial studies, the IBNR reserve provision was
increased at December 31, 1995 by $1.8 million and at
December 31, 1994 it was decreased by $2.3 million. Prior to
1995, the Insurance Companies had consistently shown loss reserve
redundancies. This led to the decrease in the IBNR reserve at
December 31, 1994. At December 31, 1995, it was determined that
the December 31, 1994 reserves were deficient. This deficiency
was primarily due to a change in the methodology for case
reserving for liability claims. The change was to reserve cases
at expected settlement value rather than at ultimate exposure
amounts. The 1995 actuarial study indicated that the reduction
in IBNR reserves coupled with the changes in case reserving
methodology may have been overstated. The majority of the
December 31, 1995 IBNR reserve strengthening was to correct
potential deficiencies in the reserves for the 1994 accident
year.
A table providing a reconciliation of beginning and ending
loss and LAE reserve balances of the Insurance Companies for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 as prepared in
accordance with GAAP is included in footnote 5 to the combined
financial statements included herein.
The following table shows the development of the
reserves for unpaid losses and LAE from 1986 through 1996 for the
Insurance Companies on a GAAP basis. The top line of the table
shows the liabilities at the balance sheet date, including losses
incurred but not yet reported. The upper portion of the table
shows the cumulative amounts subsequently paid as of successive
years with respect to the liability. The lower portion of the
table shows the reestimated amount of the previously recorded
liability based on experience as of the end of each succeeding
year. The estimates change as more information becomes known
about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years.
The redundancy (deficiency) exists when the reestimated liability
at each December 31 is less (greater) than the prior liability
estimate. The "cumulative redundancy (deficiency)" depicted in
the table, for any particular calendar year, represents the
aggregate change in the initial estimates over all subsequent
calendar years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Liability for unpaid losses and LAE
net of reinsurance recoverable . $9,124 $10,820 $14,097 $22,404 $25,477 $29,291 $34,895 $36,882 $32,810 $36,091 $34,515
Cumulative amount of liability
paid through:
One year later ................ 4,369 5,478 6,554 10,425 10,713 10,867 14,126 15,386 17,468 16,289 --
Two years later ............... 5,852 7,677 9,589 13,770 14,904 16,318 20,871 22,331 22,959
Three years later ............. 7,231 9,432 11,380 16,098 18,438 20,368 24,346 25,109
Four years later .............. 7,934 10,183 12,256 17,793 20,987 22,588 24,422
Five years later .............. 8,118 10,435 13,264 19,293 21,947 23,274
Six years later ............... 8,165 11,060 14,281 19,786 22,270
Seven years later ............. 8,577 11,654 14,646 20,112
Eight years later ............. 9,040 11,851 14,887
Nine years later .............. 9,199 12,059
Ten years later ............... 9,378
Liability estimated as of:
One year later ................ 8,062 10,875 15,787 22,120 10,713 28,404 32,099 31,363 35,252 36,648 --
Two years later ............... 8,265 12,623 15,747 22,060 14,904 28,052 28,821 32,503 34,000
Three years later ............. 9,448 12,632 15,570 21,416 18,438 26,143 28,165 31,375
Four years later .............. 9,595 12,371 15,237 21,696 20,987 25,467 27,740
Five years later .............. 9,451 11,968 15,367 20,969 21,947 25,153
Six years later ............... 8,953 11,993 15,338 20,911 23,488
Seven years later ............. 9,112 12,307 15,357 20,895
Eight years later ............. 9,486 12,312 15,298
Nine years later .............. 9,538 12,370
Ten years later ............... 9,611
Cumulative total redundancy
(deficiency) .................. (487) (1,550) (1,201) 1,509 1,989 4,138 7,155 5,507 (1,190) (557) --
Gross liability -- end of year .. 59,057 51,309 52,091 55,371
Reinsurance recoverables ........ 22,175 18,499 16,000 20,856
Net liability -- end of year .... 36,882 32,810 36,091 34,515
Gross reestimated liability --
latest ........................ 47,377 61,186 66,879
Reestimated reinsurance
recoverables -- latest ........ 16,002 27,186 30,229
Net reestimated liability --
latest ........................ 31,375 34,000 36,650
Gross cumulative (deficiency)
redundancy .................... 11,680 (9,877) (14,788)
</TABLE>
The following table is derived from the preceding table and
summarizes the effect of reserve reestimates, net of reinsurance,
on calendar year operations for the same ten-year period ended
December 31, 1996. The total of each column details the amount of
reserve reestimates made in the indicated calendar year and shows
the accident years to which the reestimates are applicable. The
amounts in the total accident year column on the far right
represent the cumulative reserve reestimates for the indicated
accident year(s).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cumulative
Deficiency
(Redundancy)
from
Effect of Reserve Reestimates on Calendar Year Operations Reestimates
Increase (Decrease) in Reserves for Calendar Year for each
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Accident Year
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accident Year
1986 .................... (1,062) 203 1,183 147 (144) (498) 159 374 52 73 487
1987 .................... (148) 565 (138) (117) 95 (134) (60) (47) (15) 1
1988 .................... (58) (49) 84 70 105 (343) 14 (117) (294)
1989 .................... (244) 117 (311) 150 (698) (77) 43 (1,020)
1990 .................... (323) 667 (389) (472) 30 (277) (764)
1991 .................... (910) (243) (710) (648) (21) (2,532)
1992 .................... (2,444) (1,369) 20 (111) (3,904)
1993 .................... (2,241) 1,796 (705) (1,150)
1994 .................... 1,302 (121) 1,181
1995 .................... 1,808 1,807
Total calendar year
effect ................ (1,062) 55 1,690 (284) (383) (887) (2,796) (5,519) 2,442 557 (6,187)
</TABLE>
Investments
All of the Insurance Companies' investment securities are
classified as available for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115.
An important component of the operating results of the
Insurance Companies has been the return on invested assets. The
Insurance Companies' investment objective is to maximize current
yield while maintaining safety of capital together with adequate
liquidity for its insurance operations. The Insurance Companies'
investments are managed by outside investment advisors.
Certain combined information concerning the Insurance
Companies' investments and their maturities is set forth in
Note 4 to the Financial Statements contained elsewhere herein.
The average duration of the Insurance Companies' fixed
maturity investments, excluding collateralized and asset backed
securities which are subject to paydown, as of December 31, 1996
was approximately 2.8 years. As a result, the market value of the
Company's investments may fluctuate significantly in response to
changes in interest rates. In addition, the Company may
experience investment losses to the extent its liquidity needs
require the disposition of fixed maturity securities in
unfavorable interest rate environments.
A.M. Best Rating
A.M. Best, which rates insurance companies based on factors
of concern to policyholders, currently assigns an "A-"
(Excellent) rating (its fourth highest rating category out of
15 categories) to the Insurance Companies as a group. A.M. Best
assigns "A" or "A-" ratings to companies which, in its opinion,
have demonstrated excellent overall performance when compared to
the standards established by A.M. Best. Companies rated "A" and
"A-" have a strong ability to meet their obligations to
policyholders over a long period of time. In evaluating a
company's financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews
the company's profitability, leverage and liquidity, as well as
the company's book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its
reinsurance, the quality and estimated market value of its
assets, the adequacy of its loss reserves, the adequacy of its
surplus, its capital structure, the experience and competency of
its management and its market presence. No assurance can be given
that A.M. Best will not reduce the Insurance Companies' current
rating in the future.
Competition
The property and casualty insurance market is highly
competitive. The Insurance Companies compete with stock
insurance companies, mutual companies, local cooperatives and
other underwriting organizations. Certain of these competitors
have substantially greater financial, technical and operating
resources than the Insurance Companies. The Insurance Companies'
ability to compete successfully in their principal markets is
dependent upon a number of factors, many of which (including
market and competitive conditions) are outside the Insurance
Companies' control. Many of the lines of insurance written by
the Insurance Companies are subject to significant price
competition. Some companies may offer insurance at lower premium
rates through the use of salaried personnel or other methods,
rather than through independent agents paid on a commission
basis, as the Insurance Companies do. In addition to price,
competition in the lines of business written by the Insurance
Companies is based on quality of the products, quality and speed
of service (including claims service), financial strength,
ratings, distribution systems and technical expertise.
Regulation
Insurance companies are subject to supervision and
regulation in the states in which they transact business. Such
supervision and regulation relates to numerous aspects of an
insurance company's business and financial condition. The
primary purpose of such supervision and regulation is the
protection of policyholders. The extent of such regulation
varies, but generally derives from state statutes which delegate
regulatory, supervisory and administrative authority to state
insurance departments. Accordingly, the authority of the state
insurance departments includes the establishment of standards of
solvency which must be met and maintained by insurers, the
licensing to do business of insurers and agents, the nature of
and limitations on investments, premium rates for property and
casualty insurance, the provisions which insurers must make for
current losses and future liabilities, the deposit of securities
for the benefit of policyholders, the approval of policy forms,
notice requirements for the cancellation of policies and the
approval of certain changes in control. State insurance
departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of
insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other
reports relating to the financial condition of insurance
companies.
Examinations are regularly conducted by the Department every
three to five years. The Department's last examinations of Old
Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire Company were as of December 31,
1991. The Department's last examination of Goschenhoppen was as
of December 31, 1994. These examinations did not result in any
adjustments to the financial position of any of the Insurance
Companies. In addition, there were no substantive qualitative
matters indicated in the examination reports that had a material
adverse impact on the operations of the Insurance Companies.
In addition to state-imposed insurance laws and regulations,
the NAIC has adopted risk-based capital ("RBC") requirements that
require insurance companies to calculate and report information
under a risk-based formula that attempts to measure statutory
capital and surplus needs based on the risks in a company's mix
of products and investment portfolio. Under the formula, a
company first determines its Authorized Control Level risk-based
capital ("ACL") by taking into account (i) the risk with respect
to the insurer's assets; (ii) the risk of adverse insurance
experience with respect to the insurer's liabilities and
obligations, (iii) the interest rate risk with respect to the
insurer's business; and (iv) all other business risks and such
other relevant risks as are set forth in the RBC instructions. A
company's "Total Adjusted Capital" is the sum of statutory
capital and surplus and such other items as the RBC instructions
may provide. The formula is designed to allow state insurance
regulators to identify potential weakly capitalized companies.
The requirements provide for four different levels of
regulatory attention. The "Company Action Level" is triggered if
a company's Total Adjusted Capital is less than 2.0 times its ACL
but greater than or equal to 1.5 times its ACL. At the Company
Action Level, the company must submit a comprehensive plan to the
regulatory authority which discusses proposed corrective actions
to improve the capital position. The "Regulatory Action Level"
is triggered if a company's Total Adjusted Capital is less than
1.5 times but greater than or equal to 1.0 times its ACL. At the
Regulatory Action Level, the regulatory authority will perform a
special examination of the company and issue an order specifying
corrective actions that must be followed. The "Authorized
Control Level" is triggered if a company's Total Adjusted Capital
is than 1.0 times but greater than or equal to 0.7 times its ACL,
and the regulatory authority may take action it deems necessary,
including placing the company under regulatory control. The
"Mandatory Control Level" is triggered if a company's Total
Adjusted Capital is less than 0.7 times its ACL, and the
regulatory authority is mandated to place the company under its
control. The Insurance Companies have never failed to exceed the
required levels of capital. There can be no assurance that the
capital requirements applicable to the business of the Insurance
Companies will not increase in the future.
The NAIC has also developed a set of eleven financial
ratios, referred to as the Insurance Regulatory Information
System (IRIS), for use by state insurance regulators in
monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. The
NAIC has established an acceptable range of values for each of
the eleven IRIS financial ratios. Generally, an insurance
company will become the subject of increased scrutiny when four
or more of its IRIS ratio results fall outside the range deemed
acceptable by the NAIC. The nature of increased regulatory
scrutiny resulting from IRIS ratio results outside the acceptable
range is subject to the judgment of the applicable state
insurance department, but generally will result in accelerated
review of annual and quarterly filings. Depending on the nature
and severity of the underlying cause of the IRIS ratio results
being outside the acceptable range, increased regulatory scrutiny
could range from increased but informal regulatory oversight to
placing a company under regulatory control. During the last
three years, each of the Insurance Companies reported results
outside the acceptable range for certain IRIS tests but none
reported four or more IRIS ratios outside the acceptable range.
The states in which the Insurance Companies do business
(Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware), have guaranty fund laws
under which insurers doing business in such states can be
assessed on the basis of premiums written by the insurer in that
state in order to fund policyholder liabilities of insolvent
insurance companies. Under these laws in general, an insurer is
subject to assessment, depending upon its market share of a given
line of business, to assist in the payment of policyholder claims
against insolvent insurers. The Insurance Companies make
accruals for their portion of assessments related to such
insolvencies when notified of assessments by the guaranty
associations.
Most states have enacted legislation that regulates
insurance holding company systems. Each insurance company in a
holding company system is required to register with the insurance
supervisory agency of its state of domicile and furnish
information concerning the operations of companies within the
holding company system that may materially affect the operations,
management or financial condition of the insurers within the
system. Pursuant to these laws, the respective insurance
departments may examine the Insurance Companies, the Company and
their respective insurance subsidiaries at any time, require
disclosure of material transactions by the Insurance Companies
and the Company and require prior approval of certain
transactions, such as "extraordinary dividends" from the
Insurance Companies to the Company.
All transactions within the holding company system affecting
the Insurance Companies, the Company and their respective
subsidiaries must be fair and equitable. Approval of the
applicable insurance commissioner is required prior to
consummation of transactions affecting the control of an insurer.
In some states, including Pennsylvania, the acquisition of 10% or
more of the outstanding capital stock of an insurer or its
holding company is presumed to be a change in control. In
addition, the Department's approval of the acquisition by the
Company of all of the common stock of the Insurance Companies
prohibits the Company from paying any dividends or making other
distributions to shareholders (i) other than from earnings of the
Insurance Companies or (ii) in excess of $500,000 per year for a
period of three years following the Conversion without the
approval of the Department. These laws also require notice to
the applicable insurance commissioner of certain material
transactions between an insurer and any person in its holding
company system and, in some states, certain of such transactions
cannot be consummated without the prior approval of the
applicable insurance commissioner.
Subsidiaries
In 1996, the Insurance Companies jointly owned all the
capital stock of Old Guard Investment, a Delaware corporation
(Old Guard, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen own 79.0%, 15.4% and
5.6% of Old Guard Investment, respectively). Old Guard
Investment owns all of the capital stock of Commonwealth
Insurance Managers, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation ("CIMI").
CIMI is a management company that employs and pays senior
management of the Insurance Companies. CIMI derives all its
revenues from management agreements with the Insurance Companies.
Old Guard Investment also owns 2929 Service Corp., a licensed
insurance agency that distributes products of the Insurance
Companies to customers whose agents are no longer in business or
no longer an agent for the Insurance Companies. 2929 Service
Corp. owns a 30% interest in Commonwealth Insurance Consultants,
Inc. ("CIC"). CIC provides certain consulting services to other
insurance companies, but its financial condition and results of
operations are immaterial to the Insurance Companies.
After completion of the Conversion, the Insurance Companies
transferred all of the capital stock of Old Guard Investment to
the Company and, as a result, Old Guard Investment became a
direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and CIMI and
2929 Service Corp. became second tier subsidiaries of the
Company. The Company also indirectly owns a 30% interest in CIC
through the Company's ownership of Old Guard Investment.
Employees
As of December 31, 1996, the total number of full-time
equivalent employees of the Insurance Companies was 188. None of
these employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement
and the Insurance Companies believe that employee relations are
good.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's and Insurance Companies' main offices are
located at 2929 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania in a
33,000 square foot facility owned by Old Guard Mutual. Old Guard
Fire owns a 25,000 square foot office facility near the main
office at 147 West Airport Road in Lancaster. Goschenhoppen
leases 7,500 square feet of office space in Quakertown,
Pennsylvania.
On February 21, 1997 Old Guard Investment purchased a
21,507 square foot facility situated on 8.07 acres of land
adjacent to the Company's headquarters. The purchase price was
$1.1 million. The parcel of land will allow expansion to include
an additional 50,000 square foot facility. The Company borrowed
$880,000 from an unaffiliated lender for the purchase of such
property. The mortgage loan is for a term of 15 years, carries a
20-year amortization schedule and bears interest at an annual
rate equal to the federal funds rate, plus 1.90% per annum. The
mortgage loan will be repaid in 180 consecutive monthly payments
of principal and interest and will be secured by the purchased
property. Old Guard Fire has listed the Airport Road facility
for sale.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Prior to completion of the Conversion, on November 22, 1996,
the Company and the Insurance Companies received an unsolicited
request from Donegal Group, Inc., a holding company of property
and casualty insurance companies located, like the Company and
the Insurance Companies, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
("Donegal") to merge with Donegal. Donegal is the largest local
competitor of the Insurance Companies. Donegal proposed that the
Company and the Insurance Companies amend the Plan to provide for
the merger of the Company into Donegal in exchange for an
aggregate payment of $27.5 million to all policyholders of the
Insurance Companies, or less than $200 per policyholder, assuming
equal distribution to all policyholders. Because the Donegal
proposal did not provide additional capital to the Insurance
Companies and was inconsistent with their strategic plan of
continued independence, the Boards of Directors of the Company
and the Insurance Companies determined that the request was
contrary to the best interests of the Insurance Companies and
declined to consider the request. The Department of Insurance of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania subsequently denied Donegal's
application to acquire Old Guard and Donegal has withdrawn its
acquisition proposal.
On January 7, 1997, the President of Donegal, Donald
Nikolaus, in his individual capacity as a policyholder of Old
Guard Mutual Insurance Company, filed in the Commonwealth Court
of Pennsylvania a Petition for Review of the approval of the Plan
by the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The suit was filed against the Insurance Department of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Honorable Linda Kaiser, the
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner, the Company and the
Insurance Companies. Mr. Nikolaus contends that the Pennsylvania
Insurance Company Mutual to Stock Conversion Act (the "Act"),
which was passed overwhelmingly by the Pennsylvania General
Assembly and which permits the Conversion, is constitutionally
defective for procedural reasons and because the Plan does not
provide for compensation to policyholders. Mr. Nikolaus asked
the Commonwealth Court to (1) declare the Act unconstitutional,
(2) enjoin the holding of the special meetings of policyholders
to vote upon the Plan (the "Special Meetings"), and (3) direct
the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to
rescind its approval of the Plan.
On February 7, 1997, the Commonwealth Court denied
Mr. Nikolaus' request to enjoin the holding of the Special
Meetings and the litigation is expected to proceed. Final
adjudication of the case by the Commonwealth Court could take a
year or more and the parties then could appeal any decision to
the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and possibly to the United States
Supreme Court. Such appeals, if made, could take an additional
two to four years. The Insurance Department of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, the Honorable Linda Kaiser, the Company and the
Insurance Companies, believing that the Act is constitutional,
intend to defend this action vigorously. Moreover, the Company
and the Insurance Companies believe that the Company and the
Insurance Companies will ultimately prevail on the merits of the
case. This belief results principally from (i) the existence of
court decisions which have consistently upheld the
constitutionality of a similar federal statutory provision
providing for the conversion to stock form of mutual savings and
loan associations pursuant to which over 1,000 mutual to stock
conversions have been completed, and (ii) a court decision
upholding the constitutionality of a similar Pennsylvania
statutory provision providing for the conversion to stock form of
a Pennsylvania mutual savings bank. However, no assurance can be
given that the Company and the Insurance Companies will
ultimately prevail on the merits.
On February 10, 1997, the Company, the Insurance Companies
and each of their respective directors were served with an eleven
count combination class action and derivative lawsuit, filed in
the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania against the Company, the Insurance Companies and
their directors (the "Class Action"). Two of the named
plaintiffs hold a policy in Old Guard Mutual and the other two
hold a policy in Goschenhoppen-Home. By filing the class action
portion of the lawsuit, these four policyholders purport to
represent all 141,000 policyholders of the Insurance Companies.
Seven of the eleven counts are similar to the claims by
Mr. Nikolaus challenging the constitutionality of the Act,
although certain counts advance a different theory alleging
unconstitutional impairment of contract. The remainder of the
class action claims assert theories regarding purported
violations of the Act, principally relating to the description of
the Plan in the proxy statement approved by the Insurance
Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and mailed to
policyholders. The derivative claim was brought against the
directors of Insurance Companies, purportedly on behalf of the
Insurance Companies, alleging breach of the fiduciary duty of
care in approving and implementing the Plan and the fiduciary
duty of loyalty, presumably in approving the stock-based
compensation plans which are contemplated by the Plan. The
stock-based compensation plans are expressly permitted by the Act
and were approved by the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania. The suit seeks such compensatory damages as may
be allowed by law, a declaration that the Plan violates the Act
and the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions and the
rights of the plaintiffs thereunder, and such other relief as the
court deems appropriate. The Company, the Insurance Companies
and their directors believe they have meritorious defenses to the
action and intend to defend this action vigorously. However, no
assurance can be given that the Company, the Insurance Companies
and the directors will ultimately prevail on the merits. In
addition, there can be no assurance that additional suits arising
out of, or related to, the Conversion will not be filed.
If the plaintiffs prevail in the litigation described above
or in similar additional litigation, the remedy a court would
grant or the amount of damages it might award is uncertain. A
court has broad discretion to fashion a fair and equitable remedy
in light of the nature of the constitutional or other violation,
the relative harm to the parties, and the public interest. In
some cases, relief is applied on a prospective basis only; in
other cases, relief is applied on a retroactive basis. No
prediction can be made concerning the remedy a court would
fashion or the amount of damages it might award. However, two of
the more far-reaching possibilities include:
- A requirement that the Company pay all purchasers of
common stock, either on a mandatory basis or at the
election of the purchaser, as damages or otherwise,
(i) the Purchase Price paid per share of common stock
acquired in the Conversion, plus interest, (ii) the
market value per share of common stock acquired, or
(iii) the greater of (i) or (ii), less, in each case,
any proceeds received by such purchaser from the sale
of the common stock. No assurance can be given that
the Company would have sufficient funds at that time to
honor any such obligation; or
- The Company could be required to pay or distribute to
all or some policyholders of the Insurance Companies,
either on a mandatory basis or at the election of the
policyholders, an amount equal to the surplus of the
Insurance Companies as of the date of the Conversion
(approximately $38 million), as damages or otherwise.
Such distribution could be required to be made in cash,
common stock or other debt or equity securities. No
assurance can be given that the Company would have
sufficient funds, or the capacity to borrow sufficient
funds, at that time to honor any such obligation. Any
required distribution of common stock or other equity
securities would materially dilute the interests of
existing holders of the common stock.
In the event that the Company could not honor its obligations
under any remedy imposed by a court, the Company could be forced
to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws and the Insurance
Companies could be deemed insolvent and seized by the Department
of Insurance. In addition, the existence of litigation could
have a material adverse impact on the market price of the common
stock during the pendency of the litigation and an adverse
determination of such litigation would have such a material
adverse effect.
The Insurance Companies are also parties to other litigation
in the normal course of business. Based upon information
presently available to them, the Insurance Companies' do not
consider any threatened or pending litigation to be material,
except as described above. However, given the uncertainties
attendant to litigation, there can be no assurance that the
Insurance Companies' results of operations and financial
condition will not be materially adversely affected by any
threatened or pending litigation.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
None.
<PAGE>
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.
The Company's Common Stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq
Stock Market under the symbol OGGI on February 18, 1997, after
completion of the Offering. Prior to the Offering, no shares of
Common Stock were issued or outstanding.
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on the Common
Stock.
Payment of dividends on the Common Stock is subject to
determination and declaration by the Company's Board of
Directors. Any dividend policy of the Company will depend upon
the financial condition, results of operations and future
prospects of the Company. In addition, the approval of the
Pennsylvania Department of Insurance (the "Department") of the
acquisition by the Company of all the common stock of the
Insurance Companies prohibits the Company from paying any
dividends or making other distributions to shareholders (i) other
than from earnings of the Insurance Companies, or (ii) in excess
of $500,000 per year for a period of three years following the
Conversion without the prior approval of the Department. At
present, the Company intends to pay an annual dividend of
$.10 per share. However, there can be no assurance that
dividends will be permitted to be paid under the terms of the
Department's approval order or, if paid initially, that they will
continue to be paid in the future. In addition, because the
Company initially will have no significant source of income other
than dividends from the Insurance Companies and earnings from
investment of the net proceeds of the Conversion retained by the
Company, the payment of dividends by the Company will depend
significantly upon receipt of dividends from the Insurance
Companies. The Department's approval of the Conversion was
subject to, among other things, the condition that for a period
of three years following the Conversion the Insurance Companies
may not declare or pay any dividend to the Company without the
prior approval of the Department. The Insurance Companies intend
to seek Department approval to pay dividends that, in the
aggregate, will permit the Company to pay an annual dividend of
$.10 per share. No assurance can be given, however, that the
Department will grant such approval. See "Business --
Regulation."
Except as described above, the Company is not subject to
regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to
shareholders. The Company is subject to the requirements of the
Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended, which
generally permits dividends or distributions to be paid as long
as, after making the dividend or distribution, the Company will
be able to pay its debts in the ordinary course of business and
the Company's total assets will exceed its total liabilities plus
the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential
rights upon dissolution of holders of stock with senior
liquidation rights if the Company were to be dissolved at the
time the dividend or distribution is paid.
<PAGE>
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Dollars In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Income Data:
Revenues:
Direct and assumed premiums written $ 82,109 $ 78,946 $ 78,110 $ 75,168 $ 75,543
Net premiums written 47,692 67,115 65,649 63,355 55,424
Net premiums earned 53,592 66,663 63,465 60,986 54,013
Net investment income 4,321 4,458 3,932 3,928 4,444
Net realized investment gains (losses) 1,385 1,011 476 1,758 1,444
Other income 321 274 266 244 264
Total revenues 59,619 72,406 68,139 66,916 60,165
Losses and Expenses:
Losses and LAE incurred 44,359 50,509 46,440 42,154 38,096
Other underwriting expenses 18,607 23,265 22,087 20,991 19,551
Total losses and expenses 62,966 73,774 68,527 63,145 57,647
Income before federal income taxes (3,347) (1,368) (388) 3,771 2,518
Federal income tax expense (benefit) (1,427) (684) (532) 383 122
Net (loss) income (1,920) $ (684) $ 144 $ 3,388 $ 2,396
========== ========== ========== ========= =========
Selected Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Total investments 84,131 $ 92,335 $ 82,879 $ 90,895 $ 80,826
Total assets 137,462 134,853 127,831 140,213 136,979
Line of credit outstanding 1,550 -- -- -- --
Subordinated debt 1,500 2,250 3,000 3,750 4,500
Total liabilities 98,451 93,956 91,300 100,359 100,366
Total equity 39,011 $ 40,897 $ 36,531 $ 39,854 $ 36,613
GAAP Ratios:
Loss and LAE ratio 82.8% 75.8% 73.2% 69.1% 70.5%
Underwriting expense ratio 34.7% 34.9% 34.8% 34.4% 36.2%
Combined ratio 117.5% 110.7% 108.0% 103.5% 106.7%
Statutory Data:
Statutory combined ratio 120.2% 107.9% 106.3% 99.5% 106.2%
Industry combined ratio 106.4% 108.4% 106.9% 115.7%
Statutory surplus $ 30,759 $ 32,249 $ 31,097 $ 31,487 $ 27,936
Ratio of annual statutory net premiums
written to statutory surplus 1.55x 2.15x 2.16x 2.10x 2.00x
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to Year Ended December 31,
1995
Premiums. The Insurance Companies increased direct premium
writings $2.6 million or 3.4% in 1996 as compared to 1995. This
increase in direct premiums written was concentrated in personal
automobile which grew 10.8%, workers compensation which grew
8.8%, and farmowners which grew 5.6%. The increase in automobile
and workers compensation reflect the Insurance Companies
continuing focus on increasing liability business in an effort to
balance the overall book of business between property and
liability exposures. The farmowners line increased due to
premium rate increases and reacquiring business lost in 1995 and
1994 due to pricing competition. Commercial multiple peril
direct premiums declined by 4.6% in 1996 as compared to 1995.
Farmowners, homeowners, and personal automobile direct writings
as a percentage of the total book of business were 20.0%, 26.3%,
and 22.7%, respectively, in 1996 as compared to 19.7%, 26.8%, and
21.3%, respectively, for 1995. A significant rate decrease in
workers compensation premium rates was implemented by the
Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Insurance Fund in late 1996.
This rate decrease will be adopted by all carriers in 1997 and
will likely decrease workers compensation premiums written for
the Insurance Companies. The decrease was driven by lower claim
costs arising out of reforms adopted in 1994-1995. The Insurance
Companies are attempting to offset this revenue loss by writing
workers compensation coverage through formal programs initiated
certain trade associations.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $22.6 million to
$34.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to
the year ended December 31, 1995. The increase in premiums ceded
was directly attributable to the effects of instituting a quota
share reinsurance treaty effective January 1, 1996 between the
Insurance Companies and American Re. Under the treaty, the
Insurance Companies cede 20% of all premiums, losses, and loss
adjustment expenses and receive a 35% ceding commission on the
ceded premium. Ceded premiums written and ceded premiums earned
under the treaty amounted to $20.1 million and $13.6 million,
respectively, for the year ending December 31, 1996. This
reinsurance treaty is designed to lessen the financial impact of
adverse loss experience and has had, and will continue to have, a
material effect on the financial condition and results of
operations of the Insurance Companies. The balance of the
increase in ceded premiums written was related to catastrophe
reinsurance (reinstatement premiums of $800,000) and a change in
methodology in determining risk cessions under the surplus
reinsurance treaty. This resulted in an increase in surplus
reinsurance cessions of approximately $1.1 million. For 1997,
the Insurance Companies anticipate reducing the quota share
reinsurance treaty from 20% to 15% and may replace the surplus
treaty with various excess of loss type reinsurance. In
addition, the Insurance Companies may seek to increase its per
risk retention on both property and casualty coverages.
Net premiums written decreased $19.4 million, or 28.9%, for
the year ended December 31, 1996 to $47.7 million from $67.1
million in 1995. For the same comparative periods, net premiums
earned decreased by $13.1 million, or 19.6%, to $53.6 million
from $66.7 million. The decreases in net premiums written and
net premiums earned were directly attributable to the effects of
instituting the quota share reinsurance treaty between the
Insurance Companies and American Re as well as the other factors
discussed above.
Net Investment Income. Cash and invested assets decreased
$10.7 million, or 10.6%, to $89.8 million on December 31, 1996
from $100.5 million on December 31, 1995. For the year ended
December 31, 1996, the yield on average cash and invested assets
was 4.5% compared to 4.7% for the year ended December 31, 1995.
The result of these changes was that net investment income
decreased $138,000, or 3.1%, to $4.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 from $4.5 million in 1995. Although the
December 31, 1996 cash and invested asset balance declined
substantially in comparison to December 31, 1995, the average
annual cash and invested balance for each of the years decreased
only slightly thus moderating the effect on net investment
income.
The Insurance Companies restructured their portfolios away from
preferred stock and toward common stock in 1996. At December 31,
1996, the Insurance Companies' preferred stock holdings as a
percentage of invested asset balances was 6.3% compared to 10% at
December 31, 1995, while common stock holdings as a percentage of
invested asset balances increased to 8.4% at December 31, 1996
compared to 4.7% at December 31, 1995. This restructuring
resulted in a 29.8% decrease in dividend income from preferred
stock and a 38.3% increase in dividend income from common stock
for the year ending December 31, 1996 compared to the year ending
December 31, 1995.
Net Realized Investment Gains. Net realized investment
gains were $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996
compared to $1.0 million in 1995. The adverse claims experience
of the first half of 1996 placed a severe burden on the Insurance
Companies' cash flow and, accordingly, certain investments in
bonds and preferred stocks were liquidated to meet cash needs.
In addition, the investment portfolio was restructured during
1996 as described above. Interest rate and general economic
conditions in 1996 also created capital gains opportunities.
Underwriting Results. For the year ended December 31, 1996
the Insurance Companies had an underwriting loss of $9.4 million
and a combined ratio of 117.5% compared to an underwriting loss
of $7.1 million and a combined ratio of 110.7% for the year ended
December 31, 1995. In both years the underwriting loss was
primarily attributable to severe weather in the Insurance
Companies' territory.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense. Net losses and loss
adjustment expenses incurred decreased by $6.2 million, or 12.2%,
to $44.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $50.5
million in 1995. Losses and loss adjustment expenses before
reinsurance on the quota share and aggregate excess of loss
treaties increased during 1996 due to substantial numbers of
insurance claims arising out of abnormally severe winter storms
during January, 1996. Net catastrophic losses arising directly
out of these storms amounted to $3.5 million In addition, non-
storm related losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $2.8
million for the 1996 compared to 1995 primarily because of
increases in winter, fire, and wind related claims. The
difference in non-storm related losses and loss adjustment
expenses between 1996 and 1995 was accentuated by exceptionally
favorable experience during the first nine months of 1995 as
compared to 1996. This difference was moderated by favorable
weather experienced in December, 1996 as compared to December,
1995. These net losses and loss adjustment expense increases for
1996 totaling $6.3 million, were reduced by implementation of the
20% quota share reinsurance treaty effective January 1, 1996
pursuant to which the Insurance Companies ceded $10.7 million of
losses and loss adjustment expenses during 1996. Also, the
Insurance Companies recovered reinsurance of $1.8 million from
their aggregate excess of loss reinsurer.
Loss and loss adjustment expenses were 82.8% of net premiums
earned for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to 75.8% in
1995. The impact of the catastrophic losses in 1996 on the loss
ratio was 6.5 percentage points.
Underwriting Expenses. Underwriting expenses decreased by
$4.6 million, or 20.0%, for the year ended December 31, 1996 to
$18.6 million from $23.3 million for 1995. The reduction is
primarily due to a $5.5 million reduction in amortization of
policy acquisition costs arising out of the implementation of the
quota share reinsurance treaty offset by a $900,000 increase in
operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 1996 the
Insurance Companies had an underwriting expense ratio of 34.7%
compared to 34.9% for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Federal Income Tax Expense. Federal income tax decreased
$743,000, resulting in a tax benefit of $1.4 million in 1996
compared to a $684,000 tax benefit in 1995. The decrease in
federal income tax expense is attributable to the decrease in
taxable income in 1996 compared to 1995 in addition to the
recognition of $128,000 in research and experimentation credit in
1996.
Net Income. Net income decreased $1.2 million to a $1.9
million loss in 1996 from a net loss of $684,000 in 1995
primarily as a result of the foregoing factors.
<PAGE>
Year Ended December 31, 1995 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 1994
Premiums. The Insurance Companies experienced a slight
increase in direct premiums written in 1995 of $102,000 that was
concentrated in personal automobile, which grew 5.5%, and
homeowners, which grew 3.2%. Farmowners and workers'
compensation direct premiums declined by 3.6% and 2.4%,
respectively. The increases in personal lines premiums were the
result of new business as well as modest rate increases.
Farmowners writings declined due to competitive rate pressures
and workers' compensation writings declined due to rate decreases
arising out of improvements in loss experience attributable to
legislative initiatives in 1993.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers decreased $1.4 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995 compared to the year ended
December 31, 1994. The decrease in premiums ceded in 1995 arose
from: (i) a $1.5 million reduction in catastrophe reinsurance
premiums due primarily to charges in 1994 for reinstatements of
coverage as well as a mid-term placement of an additional cover
in 1994, both of which arose directly as a result of 1994 winter
storm events, and (ii) a redetermination of the expected ultimate
premium rate for retrospectively rated casualty excess of loss
reinsurance coverage. This result was offset slightly by an
increase in certain pro rata cessions on farmowners business due
to revisions in the manner in which such business is classified
for reinsurance coverage purposes.
Net premiums written increased $1.5 million, or 2.2%, for
the year ended December 31, 1995 to $67.1 million from
$65.6 million in 1995. For the same comparative periods, net
premiums earned increased by $3.2 million, or 5.2%, to
$66.7 million from $63.5 million. The increase in net premiums
earned was the result of the previously discussed increase in
direct premiums written, the decrease in premiums ceded to
reinsurers and an increase in the change in unearned premiums of
$1.7 million.
Net Investment Income. Cash and invested assets increased
$10.3 million, or 11.4%, to $100.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995 from $90.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 1994. For the year ended December 31, 1995, the
yield on invested assets was 4.7% compared to 4.1% for the year
ended December 31, 1994. The net result of these changes was
that net investment income increased $526,000, or 15.4%, to
$4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 from
$3.9 million in 1994. Components of the increase in net
investment income arose from an increase in gross income from
fixed income securities of $785,000, or 21.4%, a decrease in
income from the preferred stock portfolio of $431,000 and a
decrease in investment expenses of $101,000. Income from the
common stock portfolio increased $134,000, and income from short-
term and other investments decreased by $63,000 accounting for
the balance of the increase in net investment income.
The increase in income from fixed income securities was
attributable to a shift in the portfolio from collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") to corporate obligations. The
corporate obligations provided slightly higher yields on a level
investment base. The CMOs experienced an increase in the rate of
principal repayment as interest rates fell during 1995 and
therefore became a less attractive utilization of investment
capital.
Limited cash flow in 1994 and early 1995, as well as
declines in short-term interest rates, caused short-term
investment income to decline by $74,000 in 1995 as compared to
1994.
The common stock portfolio, comprised primarily of growth
stocks, experienced an increase in dividend income due to the
favorable results of the equities comprising the portfolio. The
composition of the portfolio and general increases in dividend
rates provided the Insurance Companies with the aforementioned
increase in investment income from this segment of the portfolio.
Net Realized Investment Gains. Net realized investment
gains were $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1995
compared to $476,000 in 1994. The increase in investment gains
occurred as part of the previously discussed portfolio
restructuring; a similar shift in the composition of the
portfolio did not occur in 1994 and far fewer securities were
sold.
Underwriting Results. For the year ended December 31, 1995
the Insurance Companies had an underwriting loss of $7.1 million
and a combined ratio of 110.7% compared to an underwriting loss
of $5.1 million and a combined ratio of 108.0% for the year ended
December 31, 1994. In both years the underwriting loss was
primarily attributable to severe weather in the Insurance
Companies' territory.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Net losses and loss
adjustment expenses incurred increased by $4.1 million, or 8.8%,
to $50.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 from
$46.4 million in 1994. Loss and loss adjustment expenses were
75.8% of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 1995
compared to 73.2% in 1994.
Affecting losses and loss adjustment expenses in both 1995
and 1994 were several significant weather events that
individually resulted in increased property loss claims. In 1995
a series of localized wind storms produced $3.2 million of net
claims. Because none of these events met the definition of a
catastrophe under the Insurance Companies' catastrophe
reinsurance programs, no catastrophe reinsurance recovery was
made in 1995. The year 1994 produced the single most significant
claim event in the Insurance Companies' history. Winter snow and
ice storms produced nearly $19.2 million in gross claims. After
recoveries under catastrophe reinsurance programs, the Insurance
Companies incurred $3.1 million of net losses and loss adjustment
expenses from these winter storms. The respective impact of
these storms on the loss ratio was 4.8 percentage points and 4.9
percentage points for 1995 and 1994, respectively. For the five
year period preceding 1994 the Insurance Companies never had a
single event resulting in claims in excess of $2.7 million. The
1996 catastrophe reinsurance retention limit is $3.5 million.
Adjustments to loss reserves are made when analysis shows
that reserve levels were estimated higher or lower than is
necessary. Any adjustment to reserves is reflected as a charge
or addition to income in the period in which it is made. The
increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in
1995 was attributable to the adverse development of prior year
losses and loss adjustment expense reserves of $2.4 million;
favorable loss reserve development occurred in 1994 and reduced
losses and loss adjustment expenses by $5.5 million. The effect
of the adverse development in 1995 increased the loss and loss
adjustment expense ratio by 3.7 percentage points while the
favorable development in 1994 decreased the ratio by 8.7
percentage points. On an accident year basis the loss and loss
adjustment expense ratio was 72.1% in 1995 and 81.9% in 1994.
Underwriting Expenses. Underwriting expenses increased by
$1.2 million, or 5.3%, for the year ended December 31, 1995 to
$23.3 million from $22.1 million for 1994. This 5.3% increase in
underwriting expenses is attributable to increased policy
acquisition costs and closely parallels the associated 5.2%
increase in net premiums earned for the year ended December 31,
1995 compared to the year ended December 31, 1994. For the year
ended December 31, 1995 the Insurance Companies had an
underwriting expense ratio of 34.9% compared to 34.8% for the
year ended December 31, 1994.
Federal Income Tax Expense. Federal income tax expense
decreased $152,000, resulting in a tax benefit of $684,000 in
1995 compared to a $532,000 tax benefit in 1994. The decrease in
federal income tax expense is attributable to the decrease in
taxable income in 1995 compared to 1994 offset by a decrease in
tax exempt income of $644,000 for 1995 compared to 1994.
Net Income. Net income decreased $828,000 to a $684,000
loss in 1995 from net income of $144,000 in 1994 primarily as a
result of the foregoing factors.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, the principal sources of the Insurance
Companies' cash flow have been premiums, investment income,
maturing investments and proceeds from sales of invested assets.
In addition to the need for cash flow to meet operating expenses,
the liquidity requirements of the Insurance Companies relate
primarily to the payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses.
The short- and long-term liquidity requirements of the Insurance
Companies vary because of the uncertainties regarding the
settlement dates for liabilities for unpaid claims and because of
the potential for large losses, either individually or in the
aggregate.
The Insurance Companies and their subsidiaries have in place
unsecured lines of credit with local financial institutions under
which they may borrow up to an aggregate of $9.2 million. At
December 31, 1996, $1.55 million was outstanding on one of these
lines of credit, which has an annual interest rate equal to the
lending institutions' prime rate minus one-half percentage point.
Old Guard Investment borrowed this $1.55 million to finance its
initial investment in New Castle and First Delaware and
subsequently repaid the loan in 1997 after the completion of the
Conversion. In addition, at December 31, 1996, Old Guard Mutual
had a $1.5 million surplus note outstanding. The holder elected
to exchange the $1.5 million balance of the surplus note for
150,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company upon completion of
the Conversion.
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was
$(14.5) million was ($10.7) million, $4.9 million and
($2.9) million during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995,
and 1994, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by
operating activities during the year ended December 31, 1996 was
primarily attributable to the net loss for the period and an
increase in reinsurance recoverable. The increase in net cash
provided by operating activities in 1995 was primarily
attributable to the increase in net income and a decrease in
reinsurance recoverable. The increase in net cash used in
operating activities in 1994 was primarily attributable to a net
operating loss and an increase in reserves for losses and loss
adjustment expenses during 1994 compared to 1993, offset by an
increase in deferred policy acquisition costs.
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was
$7.4 million, ($3.3) million and $2.2 million during the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
increase in net cash provided by investing activities during the
year ended December 31, 1996 primarily resulted from a decrease
in the Insurance Companies' fixed-income securities. The
increase in net cash used in investing activities in 1995 as
compared to 1994 resulted primarily from the net increase in cash
available from the Company's operations during 1995. The
increase in net cash provided by investing activities in 1994
resulted primarily from the sale of fixed income and equity
securities materially exceeding the purchase of such securities.
In February 1996, Old Guard Investment and American
Technologies, Inc., a California based software lessor, entered
into a lease financing agreement in connection with the
acquisition by the Insurance Companies of a new policy processing
software system for approximately $2.5 million. See "Business --
Strategy." The terms of the lease financing agreement provide
for an aggregate lease facility up to $1.5 million. The implied
interest rate under the lease is 9.5%. As of December 31, 1996,
the lease facility was fully utilized. Under the terms of the
lease financing agreement, Old Guard Investment is required to
make payments of approximately $57,000 per month for 24 months.
The principal source of liquidity for the Company will be
dividend payments and other fees received from the Insurance
Companies. The Company's insurance subsidiaries, including the
Insurance Companies, will be restricted by the insurance laws of
the state of domicile as to the amount of dividends or other
distributions they may pay to the Company without the prior
approval of the state regulatory authority. Under Pennsylvania
law, the maximum amount that may be paid by each of the Insurance
Companies during any twelve-month period after notice to, but
without prior approval of, the Department cannot exceed the
greater of 10% of the Insurance Company's statutory surplus as
reported on the most recent annual statement filed with the
Department, or the net income of the Insurance Company for the
period covered by such annual statement.
The ESOP borrowed $4.0 million from an unaffiliated lender
and $100,000 from the Company to purchase 10% of the Common Stock
issued in the Conversion. The loans bear an 8.45% interest rate,
and will require the ESOP to make monthly payments of
approximately $49,000 for a term of 10 years. The loan will be
secured by the shares of Common Stock purchased, the earnings
thereon, and certain short-term securities. Shares purchased
with such loan proceeds will be held in a suspense account for
allocation among participants as the loan is repaid. The Company
expects to contribute sufficient funds to the ESOP to repay such
loan, plus such other amounts as the Company's Board of Directors
may determine in its discretion.
Effects of Inflation
The effects of inflation on the Insurance Companies are
implicitly considered in estimating reserves for unpaid losses
and loss adjustment expenses, and in the premium rate-making
process. The actual effects of inflation on the Insurance
Companies' results of operations cannot be accurately known until
the ultimate settlement of claims. However, based upon the
actual results reported to date, it is management's opinion that
the Insurance Companies' loss reserves, including reserves for
losses that have been incurred but not yet reported, make
adequate provision for the effects of inflation.
<PAGE>
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Boards of Directors and Policyholders
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary:
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Old
Guard Mutual Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company and
subsidiary (the Group) as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
related combined statements of income, changes in surplus and
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the
Group's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these combined financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined
financial position of the Group as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the combined results of their operations and their cash flows
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 15 to the combined financial statements, the
Group has completed a demutualization plan which has been
challenged by certain policyholders.
As discussed in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, the
Group changed its method of accounting for investments in 1994.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
One South Market Square
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
March 5, 1997
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
Combined Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Investments:
Fixed income securities, available for sale,
at fair value $ 69,905,076 $ 78,527,888
Preferred stocks, available for sale, at
fair value 5,281,426 9,230,609
Common stocks, available for sale, at fair
value 7,094,752 4,348,463
Other invested assets 1,849,811 228,304
Total investments 84,131,065 92,335,264
Cash and cash equivalents 5,668,369 8,153,125
Premiums receivable 6,373,236 6,313,635
Reinsurance recoverables and unearned premiums 22,601,333 10,274,527
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net 5,603,343 7,180,779
Accrued investment income 1,014,601 1,033,140
Deferred income taxes, net 2,132,600 1,234,685
Property and equipment, net 6,535,789 5,656,074
Receivable from affiliate 258,430 214,582
Issuance costs 958,484
Other assets 2,184,747 2,457,554
Total assets $137,461,997 $134,853,365
LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
Liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment
expenses 55,371,077 52,091,497
Unearned premiums 34,377,756 33,329,250
Accrued expenses 2,744,165 3,153,110
Capital lease obligations 1,521,443 509,194
Subordinated debt 1,500,000 2,250,000
Other liabilities 2,936,637 2,623,000
Total liabilities 98,451,078 93,956,051
Commitments and contingent liabilities
(Notes 9 and 12)
Surplus:
Unassigned surplus 36,985,415 38,905,128
Unrealized capital gains of securities,
net of deferred income taxes 2,025,504 1,992,186
Total surplus 39,010,919 40,897,314
Total liabilities and surplus $137,461,997 $134,853,365
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined
financial statements.
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
Combined Statements of Income
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Net premiums written $47,692,036 $67,114,947 $65,648,812
Change in unearned premiums 5,899,678 (451,523) (2,184,227)
Net premiums earned 53,591,714 66,663,424 63,464,585
Investment income, net of
expenses 4,320,797 4,458,438 3,932,458
Net realized investment gains 1,384,957 1,010,993 476,257
Other revenue 321,770 273,575 265,645
Total revenue 59,619,238 72,406,430 68,138,945
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment
expenses incurred 44,358,790 50,509,295 46,439,908
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs 12,076,183 17,610,525 17,036,383
Operating expenses 6,531,058 5,654,712 5,051,112
Total expenses 62,966,031 73,774,532 68,527,403
Loss before provision for income
taxes (3,346,793) (1,368,102) (388,458)
Income tax benefit (1,427,080) (684,531) (532,750)
Net income (loss) $(1,919,713) $ (683,571) $ 144,292
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined
financial statements.
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
Combined Statements of Changes in Surplus
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Unassigned surplus:
Balance, beginning of year $38,905,128 $39,588,699 $39,444,407
Net income (loss) (1,919,713) (683,571) 144,292
Balance, end of year 36,985,415 38,905,128 39,588,699
Unrealized capital gains (losses)
of securities, net of deferred
income taxes:
Balance, beginning of year 1,992,186 (3,057,253) 409,152
Cumulative effect of classifying
fixed income securities as
available for sale 629,225
Change in unrealized capital
gains (losses) of securities 33,318 5,049,439 (4,095,630)
Balance, end of year 2,025,504 1,992,186 (3,057,253)
Total surplus $39,010,919 $40,897,314 $36,531,446
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined
financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
Combined Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (1,919,713) $ (683,571) $ 144,292
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment 660,950 629,858 563,325
Amortization of premium 299,566 396,224 647,935
Net realized investment gain (1,384,958) (1,010,993) (476,257)
Net realized (gain) loss on sale of property and equipment (5,195) 21,285 381
Deferred income tax provision (benefit) (910,615) (661,728) (594,747)
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Premiums receivable (59,601) 191,931 350,611
Reinsurance receivable (12,326,806) 3,766,503 5,913,152
Deferred policy acquisition costs 1,577,436 (77,368) (644,443)
Accrued investment income 18,539 12,729 155,889
Other assets, excluding receivable for sale of security (757,012) 9,260 (134,883)
Receivable from affiliate (43,848) 170,883 (385,465)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses 3,279,580 782,070 (7,747,121)
Unearned premium 1,048,506 682,281 582,396
Accrued expenses (408,945) 336,131 (1,016,647)
Other liabilities, excluding payable for purchase of security and note payable 214,401 310,174 (284,262)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (10,717,715) 4,875,669 (2,925,844)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cost of purchases of fixed income securities, available for sale (23,847,070) (35,935,523) (27,873,564)
Proceeds from sales of fixed income securities, available for sale 29,737,935 32,594,494 19,345,631
Proceeds from maturities of fixed income securities, available for sale 2,225,000 865,000 1,475,000
Cost of equity securities acquired (4,015,036) (4,772,358) (1,235,743)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities 7,122,598 5,800,281 11,074,709
Change in receivable/payable for securities (423,768) 268,009 155,759
Cost of purchases of other invested assets (1,885,000) (50,000) (242,979)
Proceeds from sale of other invested assets 190,000 53,921
Cost of purchase of property and equipment (1,535,465) (2,405,430) (526,356)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 193,807 550
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 7,379,194 (3,251,720) 2,226,928
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of subordinated debt (750,000) (750,000) (750,000)
Proceeds from bank loan 1,550,000
Proceeds from capital lease funding 1,499,028
Payments on principal of capital lease (486,779)
Payment of issuance costs (958,484)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 853,765 (750,000) (750,000)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,484,756) 873,949 (1,448,916)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 8,153,125 7,279,176 8,728,092
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,668,369 $ 8,153,125 $ 7,279,176
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest $ 381,896 $ 265,861 $ 309,254
Income taxes $ (160,453) $ 203,674 $ 691,785
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined
financial statements.
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Basis of Combination:
The combined financial statements include the accounts of
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company (OGM), Old Guard Mutual
Fire Insurance Company (OGF) and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual
Insurance Company (GHM) and their subsidiary Old Guard
Investment Holding Company, Inc. (OGIHC). 2929 Service
Corporation and Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc. (CIMI)
are wholly owned subsidiaries of OGIHC. The companies
operate collectively as the Old Guard Insurance Group (the
Group). Management believes that presentation of combined
financial statements is the most meaningful given the
pending transaction described in footnote 15A
"Demutualization" and since the companies operate under
common management and, through a pooling agreement, share in
the premiums written and loss experience of each insurance
company.
Each of the insurance company members of the Group, as
described above, was a party to a joint application for
approval to convert from mutual to stock form of
organization which was approved by the Insurance Department
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Insurance Department)
on December 26, 1996. The approval granted the formation of
an insurance holding company, incorporated in Pennsylvania,
to purchase all of the authorized stock of OGM, OGF and GHM,
which converted from the mutual to the stock form of
organization on February 11, 1997 (see Note 15A). Until
completion of the conversion, the insurance holding company
did not engage in any significant operations and had no
assets or liabilities as of December 31, 1996, except as
noted in Note 15A.
The accompanying combined financial statements have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. All significant intercompany transactions have
been eliminated in combination.
Description of Business:
The Group sells personal, farmowners and commercial property
and casualty insurance in Pennsylvania, Delaware and
Maryland, with Pennsylvania comprising in excess of 95% of
the direct premiums written. The principal lines of
business are homeowners, farmowners, personal automobile and
commercial multi-peril which represent approximately 27%,
18%, 26% and 13%, respectively, of the net premiums written.
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost which
approximates market value. The Group considers all highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less
when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Investments:
Effective January 1, 1994, the Group adopted Financial
Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 115, "Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
(SFAS 115). Under SFAS 115 debt and marketable equity
securities must be classified as held-to-maturity, trading,
or available-for-sale. Due to periodic shifts in the
portfolio arising out of income tax and asset-liability
matching, as well as securities markets and economic
factors, management considers the entire portfolio of fixed
income securities as available-for-sale. Each new security
is evaluated at the time of purchase and reevaluated at each
balance sheet date. Available-for-sale securities are
carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses,
net of deferred income tax, reported as a separate component
of surplus. The cumulative effect as of January 1, 1994 of
adopting SFAS 115, representing the unrealized gains on
fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale,
net of deferred income tax, was to increase surplus by
$629,225.
Equity securities for all periods are stated at fair value
with changes in fair value, net of deferred income tax,
reflected in surplus. Realized gains and losses are
calculated on the specific identification basis.
The fair value of all investments is subject to various
market fluctuations which include changes in equity markets,
interest rate environment and general economic conditions.
Interest on fixed maturities and short-term investments is
credited to income as it accrues on the principal amounts
outstanding, adjusted for amortization of premiums and
accretion of discounts computed utilizing the effective
interest rate method.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Net:
Acquisition costs such as commissions, premium taxes and
certain other expenses which vary with and are directly
related to the production of business, are deferred and
amortized over the effective period of the related insurance
policies. The method followed in computing deferred policy
acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs
to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to
premiums to be earned, related investment income, loss and
loss adjustment expenses and certain other maintenance costs
expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. To the
extent that deferred policy acquisition costs are not
realizable, the deficiency is charged to income currently.
Property and Equipment, Net:
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated
depreciation. Property is depreciated on a straight-line
basis over the useful lives ranging from fifteen to fifty
years. Equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis
with useful lives of five to ten years. Computer software
is amortized on a straight-line basis over a useful life of
five years.
Premiums:
Premiums written are earned on a pro rata basis over the
terms of the respective policies. Unearned premiums
represent the unexpired portion of the policies in-force.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses include
amounts determined on the basis of claims adjusters'
evaluations, other estimates and estimates of losses
incurred but not reported, calculated using historical
experience. Any adjustments resulting from changes in
estimates are reflected in current operating results.
Estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation recoverable on
paid and unpaid losses are reflected as a reduction of
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses.
Income Taxes:
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," deferred
income taxes are accounted for using the liability method,
wherein deferred tax assets or liabilities are calculated on
the differences between the bases of assets and liabilities
for financial statement purposes versus tax purposes
(temporary differences) using enacted tax rates in effect
for the year in which the differences are expected to
reverse. Tax expense in the combined statements of income
is equal to the sum of taxes currently payable, including
the effect of the alternative minimum tax, if any, plus an
amount necessary to adjust deferred tax assets and
liabilities to an amount equal to period-end temporary
differences at prevailing tax rates.
The Group members file individual federal income tax
returns.
Reinsurance:
The Group cedes insurance to, and assumes insurance from,
unrelated insurers to limit its maximum loss exposure
through risk diversification.
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement No. 113, "Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance
of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts," reinsurance
receivables and unearned premiums are reported as assets,
and reserve liabilities are reported gross of reinsurance
credits.
Certain reinsurance contracts provide for retrospective rate
adjustments based on experience. Management estimates the
ultimate ceded premium based upon historical experience.
Any adjustments resulting from changes in estimates are
reflected in current operating results.
Assessments:
The Group's insurance members are subject to assessments in
the states in which each insurance company is licensed.
Assessments consist primarily of charges from the residual
markets and guaranty fund associations. The expense is
recognized upon notification.
Concentration of Credit Risk:
Financial instruments which potentially expose the Group to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and
short-term investments, premiums in course of collection,
investments and balances recoverable from reinsurers.
Insureds primarily consist of individuals and commercial and
agricultural businesses.
No one insured accounted for a significant amount of
premiums earned or premiums in course of collection in 1996
and 1995.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of the accompanying combined financial
statements requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the combined financial statements
and the results of their operations during the period. The
combined financial statements include estimates the most
significant of which are the net deferred tax asset, reserve
for losses and loss adjustment expenses, deferred policy
acquisition costs and reinsurance recoverables. Actual
results may differ from those estimates.
2. Statutory Information:
The Group's insurance companies which are domiciled in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, prepare their statutory
financial statements in accordance with accounting
principles and practices prescribed or permitted by the
Insurance Department. Prescribed statutory accounting
practices include state laws, regulations, and general
administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications
of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(NAIC). Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass
all accounting practices that are not prescribed; such
practices differ from state to state, may differ from
company to company within a state, and may change in the
future. Furthermore, the NAIC has a project to codify
statutory accounting practices, the result of which is
expected to constitute the only source of "prescribed"
statutory accounting practices. Accordingly, that project
will likely change the definitions of what comprise
prescribed versus permitted statutory accounting practices,
and may result in changes to the accounting policies that
insurance enterprises use to prepare their statutory
financial statements. The effects of any such changes are
not presently determinable and will not likely affect
financial statements prepared under generally accepted
accounting principles.
Risk based capital is designed to measure the acceptable
amount of capital an insurer should have based on the
inherent risks of the insurer's business. Insurers failing
to meet adequate capital levels may be subject to insurance
department scrutiny and ultimately rehabilitation or
liquidation. Based on established standards, OGM, OGF and
GHM maintain surplus in excess of prescribed risk based
capital requirements.
3. Statutory Surplus:
Statutory surplus and net income (loss), determined in
accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted
by the Insurance Department for the Group, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statutory Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss)
1996 1995 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OGM $19,155,368 $19,973,068 $ (658,740) $(128,349) $ 822,297
OGF 8,340,757 8,786,985 (534,143) (265,828) (207,295)
GHM 3,262,887 3,489,304 (207,441) 494,455 (344,470)
Other 15,168 20,503 21,136
$30,759,012 $32,249,357 $(1,385,156) $ 120,781 $ 291,668
</TABLE>
A reconciliation of the Group's statutory net income and
surplus to the Group's net income and surplus, under
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income:
Statutory net income $(1,385,156) $ 120,781 $ 291,668
GAAP adjustments:
Increase (decrease) in
deferred policy acquisition
costs (1,577,436) 77,368 644,443
Provision for deferred income
taxes 910,615 661,728 594,747
Other 132,264 (1,543,448) (1,386,566)
GAAP net income (loss) $(1,919,713) $ (683,571) $ 144,292
1996 1995 1994
Policyholders' surplus:
Statutory surplus $30,759,012 $32,249,357 $31,096,608
GAAP adjustments:
Deferred policy acquisition
costs 5,603,343 7,180,779 7,103,411
Deferred income taxes 2,132,600 1,234,685 3,181,157
Restoration of nonadmitted
assets 798,500 463,246 464,648
Unrealized gain (loss) on
securities 614,996 1,722,410 (4,316,013)
Elimination of excess of
statutory over statement
reserves liability 830,520 657,158 127,173
Elimination of statutory
unauthorized reinsurance 77,800
Reclassification of
subordinated debt (1,500,000) (2,250,000) (3,000,000)
Other (228,052) (360,321) 1,796,662
GAAP surplus $39,010,919 $40,897,314 $36,531,446
</TABLE>
Other includes adjustments as to the period of recognition
of income or expense items between statutory and GAAP
accounting.
The Group is required to maintain a minimum aggregate
surplus balance of approximately $9,825,000 on a statutory
basis of accounting to satisfy regulatory requirements.
4. Investments:
Net investment income, net realized investment gains and
change in unrealized capital gains (losses) on investment
securities are as follows for each of the three years ended
December 31:
Net investment income and net realized investment gains:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment income:
Fixed income securities $ 4,337,217 $ 4,457,884 $ 3,672,544
Preferred stocks 437,633 623,396 1,054,803
Common stocks 99,763 72,156 77,895
Cash and cash equivalents 418,695 474,136 408,821
Other 244,514 116,899 105,847
Gross investment income 5,537,822 5,744,471 5,319,910
Less investment expenses 1,217,025 1,286,033 1,387,452
Net investment income 4,320,797 4,458,438 3,932,458
Realized gains (losses):
Fixed income securities 1,079,958 543,696 204,493
Preferred stocks 413,326 73,156 131,509
Common stocks 141,673 268,080 140,255
Other (250,000) 126,061
Net realized investment gains 1,384,957 1,010,993 476,257
Net investment income and net
realized investment gains $ 5,705,754 $ 5,469,431 $ 4,408,715
</TABLE>
Change in unrealized capital gains (losses) of securities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed income securities $(1,309,607) $ 5,722,298 $(5,199,848)
Preferred stocks (62,807) 853,101 (736,763)
Common stocks 1,434,746 1,096,943 (264,265)
Other invested assets (16,314) (14,703)
Cumulative effect of accounting
change 953,371
46,018 7,657,639 (5,247,505)
Tax effect (12,700) (2,608,200) 1,781,100
$ 33,318 $ 5,049,439 $(3,466,405)
</TABLE>
The cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale
investment securities at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were as
follows:
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
1996 Cost(1) Appreciation Depreciation Fair Value
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities
and obligations of U.S.
Government corporations
and agencies $30,860,634 $ 15,716 $402,681 $30,473,669
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions 5,944,350 37,419 59,012 5,922,757
Corporate obligations 27,837,232 779,978 261,107 28,356,103
Collateralized mortgage
obligations 5,074,198 82,096 3,747 5,152,547
Total fixed income
securities 69,716,414 915,209 726,547 69,905,076
Equity securities:
Preferred stocks 5,105,816 250,326 74,716 5,281,426
Common stocks 4,350,503 2,768,163 23,914 7,094,752
Total available-
for-sale $79,172,733 $3,933,698 $825,177 $82,281,254
</TABLE>
(1) Original cost of equity securities; original cost of fixed
income securities adjusted for amortization of premium and
accretion of discount.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
1995 Cost(1) Appreciation Depreciation Fair Value
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities
and obligations of U.S.
Government corporations
and agencies $33,419,508 $ 155,894 $195,038 $33,380,364
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions 1,552,670 13,421 1,566,091
Corporate obligations 25,867,568 1,293,989 147,123 27,014,434
Collateralized mortgage
obligations 9,564,068 280,348 4,904 9,839,512
Other obligations 6,625,805 101,682 6,727,487
Total fixed income
securities 77,029,619 1,845,334 347,065 78,527,888
Equity securities:
Preferred stocks 8,992,192 348,611 110,194 9,230,609
Common stocks 3,038,960 1,392,647 83,144 4,348,463
Total available-
for-sale $ 89,060,771 $3,586,592 $540,403 $92,106,960
</TABLE>
(1) Original cost of equity securities; original cost of fixed
income securities adjusted for amortization of premium and
accretion of discount.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed income
securities at December 31, 1996 by contractual maturity are
shown below:
Amortized Estimated
Cost Fair Value
Due in one year or less $ 6,280,481 $ 6,238,100
Due after one year through five years 16,020,766 16,013,529
Due after five years through ten years 4,424,818 4,623,841
Due after ten years 11,426,237 11,512,503
Collateralized and asset backed
securities 31,564,112 31,517,103
$69,716,414 $69,905,076
Actual maturities may differ from contractual and
anticipated maturities because borrowers may have the right
to call or prepay obligations with or without call or
prepayment penalties.
Collateralized and asset-backed securities consist of
mortgage pass-through holdings and securities backed by
credit card receivables, auto loans and home equity loans.
These securities follow a structured principal repayment
schedule and are of high credit quality rated "AA" or better
by Standard & Poor's. These securities are presented
separately in the maturity schedule due to the inherent risk
associated with prepayment on early authorization. The
average duration of this portfolio is 2.8 years.
The gross realized gains and losses on investment securities
for each of the years ended December 31, are as follows:
1996 1995 1994
Gross realized gains $1,804,668 $ 2,995,584 $ 886,774
Gross realized losses (419,711) (1,984,591) (410,517)
Net realized gains $1,384,957 $ 1,010,993 $ 476,257
Insurance laws require that certain amounts be deposited
with various state insurance departments for the benefit and
protection of policyholders. The amortized cost of fixed
income securities on deposit with governmental authorities
was $616,067 and $501,095 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
5. Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses:
Activity in the reserve for losses and loss adjustment
expenses is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance as of January 1 $52,091,497 $51,309,427 $59,056,548
Less reinsurance recoverables 16,000,653 18,499,642 22,175,358
Net balance at January 1 36,090,844 32,809,785 36,881,190
Incurred related to:
Current year 43,801,765 48,067,295 51,958,607
Prior years 557,025 2,442,000 (5,518,699)
Total incurred 44,358,790 50,509,295 46,439,908
Paid related to:
Current year 29,648,916 29,970,071 35,196,027
Prior years 16,285,343 17,258,165 15,315,286
Total paid 45,934,259 47,228,236 50,511,313
Net balance as of December 31 34,515,375 36,090,844 32,809,785
Plus reinsurance recoverables 20,855,702 16,000,653 18,499,642
Balance at December 31 $55,371,077 $52,091,497 $51,309,427
</TABLE>
The changes in the reserve estimates for prior years are
primarily attributable to the paid and incurred loss
development experience across all lines of business.
The reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses reflect
management's best estimate of future amounts needed to pay
claims and related settlement costs with respect to insured
events which have occurred, including events that have not
been reported to the Group. In many cases, significant
periods of time, ranging up to several years, may elapse
between the occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of
the loss, and the payment of that loss. As part of the
process in determining these amounts, historical data is
reviewed and consideration is given to the impact of various
factors, such as legal developments, changes in social
attitudes, and economic conditions.
The Group has geographic exposure to catastrophic losses in
certain Mid Atlantic states. Catastrophes can be caused by
various events including hurricanes, windstorms,
earthquakes, hail, explosions, severe weather and fires, and
the incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently
unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a
function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the
area affected by the event and the severity of the event.
Most catastrophes are restricted to small geographic areas;
however, hurricanes and earthquakes may produce significant
damage in large, heavily populated areas. The Group
generally seeks to reduce its exposure to catastrophe
through individual risk selection and the purchase of
catastrophe reinsurance.
Management believes that its reserve for losses and loss
adjustment expenses are fairly stated, in accordance with
generally accepted actuarial principles and practices.
However, estimating the ultimate claims liability is a
complex and judgmental process inasmuch as the amounts are
based on management's informed estimates and judgments using
data currently available. As additional experience and data
become available regarding claim payments and reporting
patterns, legislative developments, and economic conditions,
the estimates are revised accordingly and the impact is
reflected currently in the Group's combined financial
statements.
6. Property and Equipment, Net:
Property and equipment consisted of the following at
December 31, 1996 and 1995:
1996 1995
Land $ 287,407 $ 287,407
Buildings and improvements 4,237,217 4,089,767
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 4,143,142 4,684,460
Total property and equipment 8,667,766 9,061,634
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization (4,292,782) (4,493,992)
4,374,984 4,567,642
Computer software in development 2,160,805 1,088,432
Property and equipment, net $ 6,535,789 $ 5,656,074
7. Reinsurance:
The Group maintains reinsurance agreements, which include
coverage for excess of loss and catastrophe loss and a quota
share treaty in 1996. These reinsurance programs mitigate
loss exposure from individually large losses and an
aggregation of losses arising from a single loss event. The
Group is contingently liable for reinsured claims if the
assuming reinsurers cannot meet their obligations under the
reinsurance agreements.
The following amounts represent the Group's reinsurance
activity with unrelated insurers for each of the three years
ended December 31:
1996 1995 1994
Ceded:
Premiums earned $27,468,375 $11,600,070 $13,062,659
Unearned premiums $ 8,417,500 $ 1,469,316 $ 1,238,558
Losses and loss
adjustment expenses
incurred $30,508,137 $ 6,897,673 $19,217,783
Assumed:
Premiums earned $ 142,423 $ 114,395 $ (11,610)
Unearned premiums $ 27,545 $ 22,431 $ 22,870
Losses and loss
adjustment expenses
incurred $ 180,604 $ 384,762 $ 83,347
Effective January 1, 1996 the Company executed a 20% quota
share reinsurance treaty with its primary reinsurer. The
treaty provides for a 35% flat ceding commission and is on
the net business written by the Company. This treaty is
intended to protect the Company from high frequency and low
severity type losses. Ceded premiums earned were
$13,647,111 and commissions on written premiums under this
treaty were $7,048,013 during 1996. Reinsurance recoverable
on paid and unpaid losses were $7,276,546 and $3,413,685,
respectively, at December 31, 1996.
The Group performs credit reviews of its reinsurers,
focusing on financial stability and commitment to the
reinsurance business. At December 31, 1996, the Group had a
reinsurance recoverable of approximately $20,896,000, net of
applicable ceded reinsurance payable, due from its principal
reinsurer, American Re-Insurance Company with an A.M. Best
rating of A+.
The ceded premiums subject to retrospective rate adjustments
were approximately $2,000,000, $1,600,000 and $1,100,000 for
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. No material adjustments
from amounts originally estimated have been recorded.
8. Subordinated Debt:
During 1989, OGM received an advance to surplus for
statutory purposes from a third party. Repayment of
principal began in April 1991 and continues annually through
1998 in the amount of $750,000 per year. Interest, at 9%,
is to be paid each December. Such repayments of principal
and payments of interest are subject to certain notification
and approval requirements of the Insurance Department.
Amounts not paid in accordance with the aforementioned
schedule will accrue interest at 9%. Certain additional
terms related to liquidation, merger or demutualization of
the Company provide for the principal to become due and
payable (see Note 15A). OGM paid interest of $174,021,
$224,877 and $309,025 under the obligation in 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.
9. Lines of Credit:
The insurance companies of the Group jointly maintain cash
management programs with a local financial institution. The
programs provide for draws by any member of the Group
against a line of credit in the event of overdrafts. The
line of credit is subject to a maximum of $2,250,000 and
bears interest at the prime rate. The Group must maintain
zero balances on the lines for one thirty-day period each
year and must meet certain demand deposit requirements. No
borrowings were outstanding under these arrangements during
the years or at December 31, 1996 and 1995.
During 1995, the insurance companies of the Group obtained a
$7,000,000 credit facility which provides for a five-year
term borrowing capacity at the prime interest rate less
1/2%. The credit facility is expected to be used in
connection with future acquisitions. During the year or at
December 31, 1996, $1,550,000 was outstanding under this
credit facility (see Note 15A).
10. Income Taxes:
The tax effect of significant temporary differences that
give rise to the Group's net deferred tax asset as of
December 31, is as follows:
1996 1995
Unearned premium $1,765,297 $1,815,247
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment
expenses 1,676,812 2,166,680
Alternative minimum tax credit
carryforward 565,204 324,356
Net operating loss carryforward 1,106,780 536,254
Other 417,375 211,823
Deferred tax asset 5,531,468 5,054,360
Deferred policy acquisition costs 1,905,137 2,441,465
Unrealized gain on investment securities 1,051,968 1,039,300
Depreciation and other 441,763 338,910
Deferred tax liability 3,398,868 3,819,675
Net deferred tax asset $2,132,600 $1,234,685
The net deferred tax asset has not been reduced by a
valuation allowance because management believes that, while
it is not assured, it is more likely than not that it will
generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize these
net excess tax deductions. The amount of the deferred tax
asset considered realizable, however, could be materially
reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable
income in the years in which the differences are expected to
reverse are not realized.
Actual income tax expense (benefit) differed from expected
tax expense (benefit), computed by applying the United
States federal corporate tax rate of 34% to income before
income taxes, for each of the three years ended December 31
as follows:
1996 1995 1994
Expected tax expense
(benefit) $(1,137,910) $(465,155) $(132,076)
Tax-exempt interest (9,380) (61,558) (227,249)
Dividends received
deduction (144,871) (161,764) (215,139)
Research and
experimentation credit (127,823)
Other (7,096) 3,946 41,714
Income tax benefit $(1,427,080) $(684,531) $(532,750)
The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes
for each of the three years ended December 31 are as
follows:
1996 1995 1994
Current federal income
tax expense (benefit) $ (516,465) $ (22,803) $ 61,997
Deferred federal income
tax (benefit) (910,615) (661,728) (594,747)
Income tax benefit $(1,427,080) $(684,531) $(532,750)
GHM has a net operating loss carryforward at December 31,
1996, of approximately $2,054,000. GHM's net operating loss
carryforwards expire $289,000 in 2007, $554,000 in 2008,
$780,000 in 2009 and $431,000 in 2011.
As of December 31, 1996, OGM had alternative minimum tax
credit carryforwards of approximately $303,000 available to
offset future tax liability.
11. Retirement Programs:
The Group has a discretionary noncontributory profit sharing
plan covering eligible employees. The Group's contribution
to the plan amounted to $268,043, $262,945 and $233,214 for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994,
respectively.
The Group also maintains a voluntary defined contribution
savings plan covering substantially all full-time employees.
The Group matches employee contributions up to 3% of
compensation. The Group's contribution to this plan
amounted to $158,784, $144,367 and $136,121 for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
12. Commitments and Contingencies:
In the event a property and casualty insurer, operating in a
jurisdiction where the Group also operated becomes or is
declared insolvent, state insurance regulations provide for
the assessment of other insurers to fund any capital
deficiency of the insolvent insurer. Generally, this
assessment is based upon the ratio of an insurer's voluntary
written premiums to total written premiums for all insurers
in that particular state. The Group charges these
assessments to income in the period in which it is notified.
The Group is not aware of any material assessments which
have not been recorded at December 31, 1996.
13. Fair Values of Financial Instruments:
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-
term investments and subordinated debt approximate their
fair value.
Fixed income securities, preferred stocks and common stocks
are reported at fair value as established by quoted market
prices on secondary markets as of the balance sheet dates.
14. Related Party Transactions:
Neffsville Mutual Fire Insurance Company (NMF) is affiliated
with the Group through common management and reinsurance
programs.
NMF is provided senior management services by CIMI for a fee
as determined under the management agreement. Management
fees recognized by CIMI during 1996 and 1995 were
approximately $55,600 and $45,000, respectively.
NMF maintains a quota share reinsurance agreement with OGF
whereby 90% of NMF's business was assumed by OGF during 1996
and 1995. The following summarizes the business ceded under
the intercompany reinsurance agreement as of and for each of
the years ended December 31:
1996 1995
Premiums written $ 2,577,252 $2,094,759
Premiums earned 2,577,252 2,094,759
Losses and loss adjustment expenses (1,424,207) (860,823)
Commissions (902,038) (837,904)
$ 251,007 $ 396,032
Reserve for losses and loss
adjustment expenses $ 305,440 $ 328,590
Receivable from NMF $ 258,430 $ 214,582
In July 1996, OGIHC executed a letter of understanding with
a Delaware domiciled property and casualty insurance
company. The letter provides for the Delaware insurance
company to secure insurance management services from CIMI
and pursue mutual to stock conversion and for the Group to
purchase a $1.0 million convertible surplus note and at its
discretion to purchase up to an additional $3.0 million of
convertible surplus notes. The agreement became effective
December 27, 1996.
15. Subsequent Events:
A. Demutualization:
On May 31, 1996, the individual Boards of Directors of the
OGM, OGF and GHM (collectively Insurance Companies) approved
a plan of conversion for changing the corporate form of the
individual Insurance Companies from the mutual form to the
stock form (conversion) and the simultaneous acquisition of
the capital stock of each of the individual Insurance
Companies by Old Guard Group, Inc. (OGGI), a newly formed
Pennsylvania corporation and the proposed holding company of
the Insurance Companies (demutualization plan). The
demutualization plan was approved by the Insurance
Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on
December 26, 1996.
In accordance with the demutualization plan, policyholders
as of May 31, 1996 were offered in January 1997, through a
subscription offering, the opportunity to purchase stock in
OGGI, the newly formed holding company. Pursuant to the
demutualization plan, a special meeting of the Insurance
Companies' policyholders was held on February 11, 1997, at
which time the Insurance Companies (i) converted from
Pennsylvania-chartered mutual insurance companies to a
Pennsylvania chartered stock insurance companies, and
(ii) simultaneously issued shares of capital stock of the
Insurance Companies to OGGI, in exchange for $16.0 million
of the net proceeds from the sale of common stock in OGGI
through the subscription offering as part of the
demutualization plan. The demutualization will be accounted
for as a simultaneous reorganization, recapitalization and
share offering which will not change the historical
accounting basis of the Insurance Companies' financial
statements.
Issuance costs represent amounts due to OGM from OGGI for
costs incurred related to the common stock offering of OGGI.
The issuance costs were reimbursed by OGGI to OGM in
February 1997 in conjunction with the closing of OGGI's
common stock offering.
The following table presents, on a pro forma basis, an
unaudited condensed combined balance sheet of OGGI at
December 31, 1996, giving effect to the conversion as if it
had occurred on that date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma Pro Forma
Combined Adjustments Combined
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total investments $ 84,131,065 $35,799,100 $119,930,165
Other assets 53,330,932 53,330,932
Total assets $137,461,997 $35,799,100 $173,261,097
Subordinated debt 1,500,000 (1,500,000) 0
Credit facility outstanding 1,550,000 (1,550,000) 0
Other liabilities 95,401,078 4,054,910 99,455,988
Total liabilities 98,451,078 1,004,910 99,455,988
Common stock 38,849,100 38,849,100
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership
Plan compensation (ESOP) (4,054,910) (4,054,910)
Unassigned surplus 36,985,415 36,985,415
Unrealized capital gains on
securities, net of deferred
income taxes 2,025,504 2,025,504
Total shareholders' equity 39,010,919 34,794,190 73,805,109
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $137,461,997 $35,799,100 $173,261,097
</TABLE>
The subordinated debt of $1,500,000 as of December 31, 1996
of OGM (see Note 8) was transferred to OGGI and the debt was
converted to common stock by the third party as part of the
demutualization plan.
The credit facility of $1,550,000 as of December 31, 1996
(see Note 9) of Group was repaid with proceeds from the
conversion.
Upon completion of the conversion, OGGI approved an ESOP for
the benefit of participating employees. The ESOP borrowed
funds in an amount sufficient to purchase 10% of the common
stock for $4,054,910.
B. Legal Challenges:
On January 7, 1997, a policyholder of the Company filed in
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania a Petition for Review of
the approval of the demutualization plan by the Insurance
Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to have
an injunction on preventing the special meeting of
policyholders from taking place on February 11, 1997. The
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled on February 7, 1997
that the special meeting of policyholders could take place.
The suit was filed against the Insurance Department of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Insurance
Commissioner, OGGI and the Insurance Companies. The
plaintiff is contending that the Pennsylvania Insurance
Company Mutual to Stock Conversion Act (Act) which permits
the demutualization plan is constitutionally defective for
procedural reasons and because the demutualization plan does
not provide for compensation to the policyholders. Final
adjudication of the case by the Commonwealth Court of
Pennsylvania could take a year or more.
The demutualization plan was completed as of February 11,
1997, however if the Act, or any portion of the Act, is
declared unconstitutional, the remedy the Court would grant
is uncertain.
If the plaintiffs prevail in the above litigation, the
remedy a court would grant or the amount of damages it might
award is uncertain. A court has broad discretion to fashion
a fair and equitable remedy in light of the nature of the
constitutional or other violation, the relative harm to the
parties, and the public interest. In some cases, relief is
applied on a prospective basis only; in other cases, relief
is applied on a retroactive basis. No prediction can be
made concerning the remedy a court would fashion or the
amount of damages it might award.
In the event that OGGI could not honor its obligations under
any remedy imposed by the Court, OGGI could be forced to
seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws and the Insurance
Companies could be deemed insolvent and seized by the
Department.
In addition, a class and derivative action was filed by two
policyholders, plaintiffs on February 7, 1997 in U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
challenging the demutualization plan and the Act that
permitted the conversion of the Insurance Companies. The
suit was filed against the Boards of Directors of the
Insurance Companies, the Insurance Companies and OGGI.
The plaintiffs demand judgment for themselves and for the
class and derivatively for the Insurance Companies and OGGI.
The plaintiff is contending that the demutualization plan
violates the rights of the plaintiffs and members of the
class under the United States and Pennsylvania constitution
and under the Act, and that the Act is unconstitutional as
applied by the demutualization plan. Final adjudication of
the case by the U.S. District court could take a year or
more.
On February 10, 1997, OGGI, the Insurance Companies and each
of their respective directors were served with an eleven
count combination class action and derivative lawsuit, filed
in the United States District Court for the Eastern District
of Pennsylvania against the Company, the Insurance Companies
and their directors (Class Action) by four policyholders.
By filing the class action portion of the lawsuit, these
four policyholders purport to represent all 141,000
policyholders of the Insurance Companies. Seven of the
eleven counts are similar to the claims of the January 7,
1997 suit challenging the constitutionality of the Act,
although certain counts advance a different theory alleging
unconstitutional impairment of contract. The remainder of
the class action claims assert theories regarding purported
violations of the Act, principally relating to the
description of the Plan in the proxy statement approved by
the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
and mailed to policyholders. The derivative claim was
brought against the directors of Insurance Companies,
purportedly on behalf of the Insurance Companies, alleging
breach of the fiduciary duty of care in approving and
implementing the Plan and the fiduciary duty of loyalty,
presumably in approving the stock-based compensation plans
which are contemplated by the Plan. The stock-based
compensation plans are expressly permitted by the Act and
were approved by the Insurance Department of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The suit seeks such
compensatory damages as may be allowed by law, a declaration
that the Plan violates the Act and the United States and
Pennsylvania Constitutions and the rights of the plaintiffs
thereunder, and such other relief as the court deems
appropriate.
C. Letter of Understanding:
In October 1996, OGIHC executed a letter of understanding
with a second Delaware domiciled property and casualty
insurance company (see Note 14) and its sole shareholder to
acquire 80% of the stock of the insurance company for
approximately $4.8 million. The letter also provides for
the insurance company to secure insurance management
services from CIMI. The agreement became effective
February 14, 1997 for $3.3 million for the acquisition of
80% of the stock of the insurance company.
D. Real Estate Acquisition:
OGIHC had an agreement prior to year end to purchase a
facility for approximately $1.1 million. This transaction
was completed on February 21, 1997.
16. Combined Quarterly Information (unaudited):
(in thousands)
1996
Fourth Third Second First
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
Net premiums earned $13,887 $13,398 $12,988 $13,319
Total revenues $14,668 $15,057 $14,961 $14,933
After-tax operating
income (loss), net of
realized investment
gains and losses $ 591 $ 160 $ (200) $(3,385)
Net income (loss) $ 628 $ 413 $ 187 $(3,148)
(in thousands)
1995
Fourth Third Second First
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
Net premiums earned $18,128 $16,214 $16,023 $16,298
Total revenues $19,641 $17,685 $17,550 $17,531
After-tax operating
income (loss), net of
realized investment
gains and losses $(1,838) $ 216 $ (611) $ 882
Net income (loss) $(1,600) $ 421 $ (403) $ 898
<PAGE>
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Policyholders
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary:
Our report on the combined financial statements of Old Guard
Mutual Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company and
subsidiary (the Group) is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
In connection with such audits of our financial statements, we
have also audited the related financial statement schedules
included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. These financial statements
schedules are the responsibility of the Group's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statement schedules based on our audits.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to
above, when considered in relation to the basic combined
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all
material respects, the information required to be included
therein.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
One South Market Square
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
March 5, 1997
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD INSURANCE GROUP
SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN
RELATED PARTIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
(000'S OMITTED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Column A Column B Column C Column D
Market Balance
Type of Investment Cost Value Sheet
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed Maturities:
Bonds:
United States Government and Government Agencies
and Authorities 35,426,857 35,092,974 35,092,974
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions 5,944,350 5,922,757 5,922,757
Convertibles and Bonds with Warrants Attached 6,459,765 6,802,528 6,802,528
All Other Corporate Bonds 21,885,442 22,086,817 22,086,817
Redeemable Preferred Stock 2,479,912 2,440,138 2,440,138
Total Fixed Maturities 72,196,326 72,345,214 72,345,214
Equity Securities:
Common Stocks:
Public Utilities 0 0 0
Banks, Trust and Insurance Companies 1,034,938 1,578,142 1,578,142
Industrial, Miscellaneous and All Other 3,315,565 5,516,610 5,516,610
Non-redeemable Preferred Stock (CONV) 2,625,904 2,841,288 2,841,288
Total Equity Securities 6,976,407 9,936,040 9,936,040
Other Long-Term Investments 1,798,425 1,849,811 1,849,811
Total Investments 80,971,158 84,131,065 84,131,065
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD INSURANCE GROUP
SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F
Percentage
Ceded to Assumed from of Amount
Gross Other Other Net Assumed to
Amount Companies Companies Amount Net
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 78,340,414 27,468,375 2,719,675 53,591,714 5.1%
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 76,054,340 11,600,070 2,209,154 66,663,424 3.3%
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 75,694,367 13,062,659 822,877 63,464,585 1.3%
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD INSURANCE GROUP
SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY &
CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F COLUMN G
RESERVE
DEFERRED FOR DISCOUNT
POLICY LOSSES IF ANY
ACQUI- AND DEDUCTED NET NET
AFFILIATION WITH SITION LOSS ADJ IN UNEARNED EARNED INVESTMENT
REGISTRANT COSTS EXPENSES COLUMN C PREMIUMS PREMIUMS INCOME
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1996 $5,603,343 $55,371,077 $0 $34,377,756 $53,591,714 $4,320,797
DECEMBER 31, 1995 $7,180,779 $52,091,497 $0 $33,329,250 $66,663,424 $4,458,438
DECEMBER 31, 1994 $7,103,411 $51,309,427 $0 $32,646,969 $63,464,585 $3,932,458
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN H COLUMN I COLUMN J COLUMN K
LOSSES AND LAE PAID LOSSES
INCURRED AND LOSS NET
AFFILIATION WITH CURRENT PRIOR AMOUNT ADJUSTMENT WRITTEN
REGISTRANT YEAR YEAR OF DPAC EXPENSES PREMIUMS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1996 $43,801,765 $ 557,025 $12,076,183 $45,934,259 $47,692,036
DECEMBER 31, 1995 $48,067,295 $ 2,442,000 $17,610,525 $47,228,236 $67,114,947
DECEMBER 31, 1994 $51,958,607 $(5,518,699) $17,036,383 $50,511,313 $65,648,812
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
The Board of Directors of the Company consists of James W.
Appel, John E. Barry, Luther R. Campbell, Jr., M. Scott Clemens,
David E. Hosler, Richard B. Neiley, Jr., G. Arthur Weaver and
Robert Wechter, each of whom presently serves as a director of
one or more of the Insurance Companies. The Board is divided
into three classes with directors serving for three-year terms
with approximately one-third of the directors being elected at
each annual meeting of shareholders, beginning with the first
annual meeting of shareholders following the Conversion. Messrs.
Campbell and Wechter have terms of office expiring at the first
annual meeting, Messrs. Appel, Clemens, and Weaver have terms of
office expiring at the annual meeting to be held one year
thereafter, and Messrs. Barry, Hosler, and Neiley have terms of
office expiring at the annual meeting to be held two years
thereafter.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding
the directors of the Company.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Age at Business Experience
December 31, Director for the Last Five Years;
1996 Since(1) Other Directorships
------------- ---------- ------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
James W. Appel ............ 52 1980 Director, the Company and the Insurance Companies;
Partner, Appel & Yost LLP (law firm); Vice
President, Aardvark Abstracting, Inc. (title
insurance agency).
John E. Barry ............. 71 1971 Director, the Company and Old Guard Fire; Retired
Representative, Hopper Soliday & Co., Inc.
(investment banking and brokerage firm); prior
thereto, Registered Representative, Hopper
Soliday & Co., Inc.
Luther R. Campbell, Jr. ... 68 1992 Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual and
Goschenhoppen; Partner, Campbell Rappold &
Yurasits LLP (C.P.A. firm); Director, Piel & Egan
P.C. (law firm); Member, First Union North
Advisory Board and First Union Lehigh Valley
Advisory Board; prior thereto, Director, First
Fidelity Bancorporation.
M. Scott Clemens .......... 49 1994 Director, the Company and Old Guard Mutual;
President/Owner, John T. Fretz Insurance Agency,
Inc.; prior thereto, Insurance Agent, P/C
Insurance Agency.
David E. Hosler ........... 46 1985 Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director, the Company; Chairman, President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director, the
Insurance Companies.
Richard B. Neiley , Jr. .. 70 1991 Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard
Fire and Goschenhoppen; Retired Insurance
Executive, Harleysville Insurance Group; prior
thereto Independent Insurance Consultant.
G. Arthur Weaver .......... 63 1966 Director, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire;
Insurance and Real Estate Agent, George A. Weaver,
Inc.; also, Director of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.
and Sovereign Bank, F.S.B.
Robert L. Wechter ......... 68 1956 Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual and Old
Guard Fire; Owner, Robert L. Wechter Insurance
Agency; prior thereto, Vice-President, Claims
Department, Old Guard Mutual.
- ------
<FN>
(1) Indicates year first elected as a director of one or more of the Insurance Companies. All members of
the Board of Directors of the Company have served as directors of the Company since its
incorporation.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Directors are paid an annual retainer of $10,000. Directors
who are employees of the Company are not paid an annual retainer
fee or other additional compensation for services performed in
their capacity as directors. Directors of Old Guard, Old Guard
Fire and Goschenhoppen receive an annual retainer of $5,400,
$2,400 and $900, respectively, and each director is entitled to
receive a minimum annual retainer of $2,600 regardless of the
number of boards on which he serves. Directors also receive up
to $150 for each committee meeting attended. Directors of the
Insurance Companies who receive a salary from the Insurance
Companies or their affiliates are not entitled to receive an
annual retainer or other additional compensation for services
rendered as directors or committee members.
Executive officers
The executive officers of the Company are elected annually
and hold office until their respective successors have been
elected and qualified or until death, resignation or removal by
the Board of Directors of the Company.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding
the executive officers of the Company.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Age at Executive
December 31, Officer Business Experience
Name 1996 Since(1) Title For the Last Five Years
- ------------------ --------------- ----------- ----------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
David E. Hosler .... 46 1980 Chairman of the Board, Chairman, President, Chief
President and Chief Executive Officer and
Executive Officer Director, the Company;
Chairman; President, Chief
Executive Officer and
Director, the Insurance
Companies.
Mark J. Keyser ..... 43 1991 Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer Treasurer, the Company and
the Insurance Companies.
Steven D. Dyer ..... 39 1991 Secretary and General Secretary and General
Counsel Counsel, Company and the
Insurance Companies.
Scott A. Orndorff .. 40 1993 Executive Vice Executive Vice President of
President Operations, the Company and
the Insurance Companies;
Vice President of Claims,
the Insurance Companies;
prior thereto, Vice
President of Claim
Operations, Gulf Insurance
Group.
Donald W. Manley ... 43 1986 Vice President Vice President of
Underwriting, the Company
and the Insurance Companies.
- ------
<FN>
(1) Indicates year first appointed as an executive officer of one or more of the Insurance Companies.
Each executive officer of the Company was first appointed on May 24, 1996.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The executive officers of the Company received no
compensation from the Company in 1996. The following table sets
forth information regarding the compensation of the Chief
Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Executive
Vice President of the Company for each of the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996. The amounts below represent
the aggregate compensation to such executive officers paid by
CIMI pursuant to CIMI's management agreements with the Insurance
Companies. No other executive officer of the Company received
compensation in excess of $100,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other All Other
Name and Annual Compen-
Principal Compen- sation
Position Year Salary(1) Bonus sation(2) (3)(4)
----------------------------- ------ ---------- --------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David E. Hosler, 1996 $188,386 $27,851 $-- $ 20,091
Chairman, President 1995 174,769 10,501 -- 16,370(5)
and Chief Executive Officer 1994 163,192 15,000 -- 16,053(5)
Mark J. Keyser, Chief Financial 1996 110,878 8,160 -- 9,261
Officer and 1995 101,539 8,000 -- 8,540
Treasurer 1994 95,962 15,000 -- 8,040
Scott A. Orndorff, 1996 98,144 10,368 -- 10,206
Executive Vice 1995 85,777 10,000 -- 7,466
President 1994 77,731 6,000 -- 8,552(6)
<FN>
- ------
(1) Includes amounts which were deferred pursuant to Old Guard's 401(k) plan. Under the 401(k) plan,
employees who elect to participate may elect to have earnings reduced and to cause the amount of
such reduction to be contributed to the 401(k) plan's related trust in an amount up to 12% of
earnings. Any employee who has completed 1 year of service and has worked 1,000 hours in a plan
year is eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.
(2) CIMI provided other benefits to the executive officers in connection with their employment. The
value of such personal benefits, which is not directly related to job performance, is not included
in the table above because the value of such benefits does not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10%
of the salary and bonus paid to any executive officer.
(3) Includes amounts contributed under a 401(k) plan for the benefit of the executive officer. Old Guard
will make a matching contribution equal to 100% of the employee's salary reduction up to a maximum
of 3% of the employee's salary.
(4) Includes amounts contributed under a Profit Sharing Plan for the benefit of the executive officer.
(5) Includes the amount of insurance premiums paid by the Insurance Companies with respect to a split
dollar term life insurance policy.
(6) Includes fair rental value of residential property owned by Old Guard.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Employment Agreements.
Chief Executive Officer. As of June 1, 1996, Mr. David E.
Hosler entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company and
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc. ("CIMI"). The Employment
Agreement has an initial three-year term and provides for
automatic annual one-year extensions commencing on June 1, 1997
and continuing on each June 1 thereafter unless the Company or
Mr. Hosler gives prior written notice of nonrenewal. Under the
Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler is entitled to receive an annual
base salary of not less than $180,000. In addition, Mr. Hosler is
entitled to participate in any other incentive compensation and
employee benefit plans that the Company maintains.
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Hosler's employment
for "Cause" as defined in the Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler
would be entitled to receive his accrued but unpaid base salary
and an amount for all accumulated but unused leave time. In the
event the Company terminates Mr. Hosler's employment without
Cause, Mr. Hosler would be entitled to receive an annual amount
equal to the greater of (i) his highest base salary received
during one of the two years immediately preceding the year in
which he is terminated, or (ii) his base salary in effect
immediately prior to his termination for the remainder of the
term of the Employment Agreement. In addition, Mr. Hosler would
be entitled to continuation annually during the remaining term of
the Employment Agreement, of (i) an amount equal to the higher of
the aggregate bonuses paid to him in one of the two years
immediately preceding the year in which he is terminated and
(ii) an amount equal to the sum of the highest annual
contribution made on his behalf (other than his own salary
reduction contributions) to each of the Company's tax qualified
and non- qualified defined contribution plans (as such term is
defined in Section 3(35) of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") in the year in which
he is terminated or in one of the two years immediately preceding
such year. Mr. Hosler would also be entitled to certain
retirement, health and welfare benefits.
In the event Mr. Hosler terminates his employment with the
Company with "Good Reason," as defined in the Employment
Agreement, Mr. Hosler would be entitled to receive the same
amounts and benefits he would receive if terminated without
Cause. In the event Mr. Hosler terminates his employment with the
Company without Good Reason, Mr. Hosler would be entitled to
receive his accrued but unpaid base salary until the date of
termination and an amount for all accumulated but unused leave
time.
In the event of Mr. Hosler's death or disability during the
term of his Employment, Mr. Hosler and his eligible dependents or
his spouse and her eligible dependents, as the case may be, would
be entitled to receive certain cash amounts and certain health
and welfare benefits.
In the event that Mr. Hosler is required to pay any excise
tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax
imposed under federal, state or local law) as a result of any
compensation and benefits received under the Employment Agreement
in connection with a change in control, the Company will pay to
Mr. Hosler an additional amount such that the net amount retained
by him, after the payment of such excise taxes (and any
additional income tax resulting from such payment by the
Company), equals the amount he would have received but for the
imposition of such taxes.
The Employment Agreement further provides that in the event
Mr. Hosler's employment is terminated for Cause or without Good
Reason prior to a "Change in Control," as defined in the
Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler may not, for a period of twelve
months after the date of termination, without the prior written
consent of the Company's Board of Directors, become an officer,
director or a shareholder or equity owner of 4.9% or more of any
entity engaged in the property and casualty insurance business
with its corporate headquarters located within fifty miles of
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In addition, during Mr. Hosler's
employment and for a period of 12 months following the
termination of his employment, except following a Change in
Control, Mr. Hosler may not solicit, endeavor to entice away from
the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise
interfere with the relationship of the Company or its
subsidiaries or affiliates with any person who is, or was within
the then most recent 12-month period, an employee or associate of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Other Named Executive Officers. As of June 1, 1996,
Mr. Mark J. Keyser, Steven D. Dyer, Scott A. Orndorff and
Donald W. Manley entered into Employment Agreements with the
Company and CIMI. The Employment Agreements have an initial
three-year term and provide for automatic annual one-year
extensions commencing on June 1, 1997 and continuing on each
June 1 thereafter. Under the Employment Agreements,
Messrs. Keyser, Dyer, Orndorff and Manley are entitled to receive
annual base salaries of not less than $106,080, $87,200, $94,000
and $86,400, respectively.
In the event the Company terminates an Executive Officer's
employment for "Cause," as defined in the Employment Agreement,
the executive would be entitled to receive his accrued but unpaid
base salary and an amount for all accumulated but unused leave
time.
In the event the Company terminates an Executive Officer's
employment without Cause, the Executive Officer would be entitled
to receive an amount equal to the greater of (i) his highest base
salary received during one of the two years immediately preceding
the year in which he is terminated, or (ii) his base salary in
effect immediately prior to his termination for the two-year
period, beginning with the date of termination. In addition, the
Executive Officer would be entitled to continuation, for two
years, of (i) an amount equal to the higher of the aggregate
bonuses paid to him in one of the two years immediately preceding
the year in which he is terminated and (ii) an amount equal to
the sum of the highest annual contribution made on his behalf
(other than his own salary reduction contributions) to each of
the Company's tax qualified and non-qualified defined
contribution plans (as such term is defined in Section 3(35) of
ERISA), in the year in which he is terminated or in one of the
two years immediately preceding such year. The Executive Officer
would also be entitled to certain retirement, health and welfare
benefits.
In the event the Executive Officer terminates his employment
with the Company with "Good Reason," as defined in the Employment
Agreement, the Executive Officer would be entitled to receive the
same amounts and benefits he would receive if terminated without
Cause. In the event the Executive Officer terminates his
employment with the Company without Good Reason, the Executive
Officer would be entitled to receive his accrued but unpaid base
salary and an amount for all accumulated but unused leave time.
In the event of the Executive Officer's death or disability
during the term of the Employment Agreement, the Executive
Officer and his eligible dependents or his spouse and her
eligible dependents, as the case may be, would be entitled to
receive certain cash amounts and certain health and welfare
benefits.
In the event that the Executive Officer is required to pay
any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any
similar tax imposed under federal, state or local law) as a
result of any compensation and benefits received under his
Employment Agreement in connection with a change in control, the
Company will pay to the Executive Officer an additional amount
such that the net amount retained by him, after the payment of
such excise taxes (and any additional tax resulting from such
payment by the Company), equals the amount he would have received
but for the imposition of such taxes.
The Employment Agreement for each Executive Officer further
provides that in the event the Executive Officer's employment is
terminated for Cause or he voluntarily terminates his employment
prior to a "Change in Control," as defined in the Employment
Agreement, the Executive Officer may not for a period of twelve
months after the date of termination, without the prior written
consent of the Company's Board of Directors, become an officer,
director or a shareholder or equity owner of 4.9% or more of any
entity engaged in the property and casualty insurance business
with its corporate headquarters located within fifty miles of
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In addition, during the Executive
Officer's employment and for a period of 12 months following the
termination of his employment, except following a Change in
Control, the Executive Officer may not solicit, endeavor to
entice away from the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or
otherwise interfere with the relationship of the Company or its
subsidiaries or affiliates with any person who is, or was within
the most recent 12-month period, an employee or associate of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT.
The following table sets forth information regarding the
number of shares of Common Stock owned by each of the directors
and the named executive officers of the Company, including each
such person's associates, and by all directors, and the named
executive officers as a group.
Total
Name Shares(1)
James W. Appel 1,400
John E. Barry 2,000
Luther R. Campbell, Jr. 2,800
M. Scott Clemens 8,500
David E. Hosler 40,000
Mark J. Keyser 10,000
Richard B. Neiley, Jr. 2,000
Scott A. Orndorff 10,000
G. Arthur Weaver 3,500
Robert L. Wechter 500
------
Total 80,700
____________
(1) Does not include shares that could be allocated to
participants in the ESOP, under which officers and other
employees will be allocated, in the aggregate, 10% of the
Common Stock issued in the Conversion.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
None.
<PAGE>
PART IV
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K.
(a) 1. Financial Statements.
The following combined financial statements are
included by reference in Part II, Item 8 hereof:
Report of Independent Accountants
Combined Balance Sheets.
Combined Statements of Income.
Combined Statements of Changes in Surplus.
Combined Statements of Cash Flows.
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
The following financial statement schedules are
included in Part II, Item 8 hereof:
Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other
than Investments in Related Parties
Schedule IV - Reinsurance
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information
Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance
Operations
3. Exhibits.
Number Title
2.1 Joint Plan of Conversion, dated as of May 31, 1996, as
amended and restated July 19, 1996, of Old Guard Mutual
Insurance Group, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance
Company and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Old Guard Group, Inc.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
3.2 Bylaws of Old Guard Group, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
4.1 Form of certificate evidencing shares of Old Guard
Group, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A
(File No. 000-21611) of Old Guard Group, Inc.)
10.1 Old Guard Group, Inc. - Management Recognition Plan*
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
10.2 Old Guard Group, Inc. - 1996 Stock Compensation Plan*
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
10.3 Old Guard Group, Inc. - Employee Stock Ownership Plan*
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
10.4 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and David E. Hosler* (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and Mark J. Keyser* (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.6 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and Steven D. Dyer* (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and Scott A. Orndorff* (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.8 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and Donald W. Manley* (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.9 Proportional Reinsurance Agreement for the year 1996,
dated January 1, 1996, between Old Guard Insurance
Company, Old Guard Fire Insurance Company and
Goschenhoppen-Home Insurance Company.* (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.10 Property and Casualty Quota Share Reinsurance
Agreement, between Old Guard Insurance Company, Old
Guard Fire Insurance Company, Goschenhoppen-Home
Insurance Company, Neffsville Mutual Fire Insurance
Company and American Re-Insurance Company.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
21 List of Subsidiaries of Old Guard Group, Inc.
27 Financial Data Schedule
________
* Denotes a compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
March 31, 1996 By /s/ David E. Hosler
David E. Hosler, Chairman,
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title
/s/ James W. Appel Director March 27, 1997
James W. Appel
/s/ John E. Barry Director March 27, 1997
John E. Barry
/s/ Luther R. Campbell, Jr. Director March 27, 1997
Luther R. Campbell, Jr.
/s/ M. Scott Clemens Director March 27, 1997
M. Scott Clemens
/s/ David E. Hosler Chairman of Board March 31, 1997
David E. Hosler and Director
/s/ Richard B. Neiley, Jr. Director March 31, 1997
Richard B. Neiley, Jr.
/s/ G. Arthur Weaver Director March 27, 1997
G. Arthur Weaver
Director March 31, 1997
Robert L. Wechter
/s/ Mark J. Keyser Chief Financial March 31, 1997
Mark J. Keyser Officer and
Treasurer
(Principal)
Financial Officer
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number Title
2.1 Joint Plan of Conversion, dated as of May 31, 1996, as
amended and restated July 19, 1996, of Old Guard Mutual
Insurance Group, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance
Company and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Old Guard Group, Inc.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
3.2 Bylaws of Old Guard Group, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
4.1 Form of certificate evidencing shares of Old Guard
Group, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A
(File No. 000-21611) of Old Guard Group, Inc.)
10.1 Old Guard Group, Inc. - Management Recognition Plan*
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
10.2 Old Guard Group, Inc. - 1996 Stock Compensation Plan*
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
10.3 Old Guard Group, Inc. - Employee Stock Ownership Plan*
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
10.4 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and David E. Hosler* (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and Mark J. Keyser* (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.6 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and Steven D. Dyer* (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and Scott A. Orndorff* (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.8 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard Group,
Inc. and Donald W. Manley* (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.9 Proportional Reinsurance Agreement for the year 1996,
dated January 1, 1996, between Old Guard Insurance
Company, Old Guard Fire Insurance Company and
Goschenhoppen-Home Insurance Company.* (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-12779 on Form S-1)
10.10 Property and Casualty Quota Share Reinsurance
Agreement, between Old Guard Insurance Company, Old
Guard Fire Insurance Company, Goschenhoppen-Home
Insurance Company, Neffsville Mutual Fire Insurance
Company and American Re-Insurance Company.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-12779 on
Form S-1)
21 List of Subsidiaries of Old Guard Group, Inc.
27 Financial Data Schedule
________
* Denotes a compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
Exhibit 21
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
List of Subsidiaries
Jurisdiction in
Name which Organized
Old Guard Insurance Company Pennsylvania
Old Guard Fire Insurance Company Pennsylvania
Goschenhoppen-Home Insurance Company Pennsylvania
First Delaware Insurance Company Delaware
Old Guard Investment Holding Company Delaware
2929 Service Corp. Pennsylvania
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc. Pennsylvania
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
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0
0
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53,592
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</TABLE>
