SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 AND 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 1997 Commission File No. 0-5392
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
5250 South Sixth Street
P.O. Box 5147
Springfield, IL 62705
Address of principal executive offices, including zip code
Virginia 54-0832816
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer
Incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (217) 241-6300
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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Shares outstanding at October 31, 1997:
54,560
Common stock, par value $1 per share
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FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
(The "Company")
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I: Financial Information 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30,
1997 and December 31, 1996 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
nine months and three months ended September 30,
1997 and 1996 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 10
Part II - Other Information 15
Item 5. Other information 15
Item 6. Exhibits 15
Signatures 16
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PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, December 31,
ASSETS 1997 1996
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Investments:
Fixed maturities at amortized cost
(market $188,585,275 and $181,815,225 $ 185,352,214 $ 179,535,861
Investments held for sale:
Fixed maturities, at market
(cost $1,836,015 and $1,984,661) 1,834,388 1,961,166
Equity securities, at market
(cost $ 2,741,632 and $2,086,159) 2,783,623 1,794,405
Mortgage loans on real estate at amortized cost 10,010,243 11,022,792
Investment real estate, at cost,
net of accumulated depreciation 10,375,617 10,268,490
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt,
at cost, net of accumulated depreciation 3,856,946 3,846,946
Policy loans 14,211,585 14,438,120
Short term investments 400,000 400,000
228,824,616 223,267,780
Cash and cash equivalents 11,018,807 16,801,288
Investment in parent 350,000 350,000
Accrued investment income 3,861,563 3,424,546
Reinsurance receivables:
Future policy benefits 37,994,606 38,745,093
Policy claims and other benefits 3,619,571 3,856,124
Other accounts and notes receivable 841,264 894,321
Cost of insurance acquired 19,099,400 19,886,494
Deferred policy acquisition costs 17,195,379 18,162,356
Costs in excess of net assets purchased,
net of accumulated amortization 9,291,387 9,624,135
Other assets 1,438,098 1,626,987
TOTAL ASSETS $ 333,534,691 $ 336,639,124
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Policy liabilities and accruals:
Future policy benefits $ 254,174,738 $ 252,718,388
Policy claims and benefits payable 2,236,479 3,193,806
Other policyholder funds 2,552,358 2,784,967
Dividend and endowment accumulations 14,451,638 13,647,676
Income taxes payable:
Current 0 60,044
Deferred 2,742,802 3,043,775
Notes payable 18,241,602 18,999,853
Indebtedness to affiliates, net 3,677 36,933
Other liabilities 3,305,442 5,088,785
TOTAL LIABILITIES 297,708,736 299,574,227
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries 1,618,292 1,586,246
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock - $1 par value per share. Authorized
62,500 shares - 54,560 and 59,920 shares issued
after deducting treasury shares of 930 and 930 54,560 59,920
Additional paid-in capital 51,875,699 52,406,190
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
of investments held for sale 117,072 (305,715)
Accumulated deficit (17,839,668) (16,681,744)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 34,207,663 35,478,651
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 333,534,691 $ 336,639,124
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FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
1997 1996 1997 1996
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Revenues:
Premium income $ 7,217,037 $ 7,836,950 $ 23,360,291 $ 25,514,821
Reinsurance premium (1,384,230) (1,303,035) (3,511,544) (3,666,681)
Other considerations 862,654 866,137 2,677,994 2,628,275
Other considerations
paid to reinsurers (56,067) (51,853) (152,179) (132,530)
Net investment income 3,689,445 4,000,172 11,388,249 11,902,155
Realized investment gains
and (losses), net (108,832) (37,858) (136,196) (286,592)
Other income (433) 18,688 63,358 102,731
10,219,574 11,329,201 33,689,973 36,062,179
Benefits and other expenses:
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses:
Life 5,890,748 8,734,001 19,256,571 21,342,604
Reinsurance benefits
and claims (481,468) (1,295,335) (1,447,716) (2,071,038)
Annuity 410,813 393,033 1,162,166 1,231,629
Dividends to
policyholders 922,224 954,909 3,074,230 3,230,396
Commissions and amortization
of deferred policy
acquisition costs 1,229,006 861,196 3,286,329 3,388,220
Amortization of cost of
insurance acquired 299,210 402,773 848,156 1,300,627
Operating expenses 2,432,709 3,326,744 7,737,114 9,328,278
Interest expense 404,253 425,708 1,209,858 1,288,018
11,107,495 13,803,029 35,126,708 39,038,734
Loss before income taxes
and minority interest (887,921) (2,473,828) (1,436,735) (2,976,555)
Credit for income taxes 139,988 316,522 300,973 1,070,276
Minority interest in
gain of consolidated
subsidiaries (14,441) (5,302) (22,162) (49,235)
Net loss $ (762,374)$ (2,162,608) $ (1,157,924) $ (1,955,514)
Net loss per
common share $ (13.97)$ (36.09) $ (20.25) $ (32.64)
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 54,560 59,919 57,171 59,919
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FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
September 30, September 30,
1997 1996
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Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (1,157,924)$ (1,955,514)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided by (used in)operating
activities net of changes in assets and
liabilities resulting from the sales and
purchases of subsidiaries:
Amortization/accretion of fixed maturities 460,743 665,950
Realized investment (gains) losses, net 136,196 286,592
Policy acquisition costs deferred (557,000) (1,477,000)
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs 1,523,977 1,612,529
Amortization of cost of insurance acquired 848,156 1,300,627
Amortization of costs in excess of net
assets purchased 332,748 335,998
Depreciation 352,074 378,668
Minority interest 22,162 49,235
Change in accrued investment income (437,017) (485,477)
Change in reinsurance receivables 987,040 46,135
Change in policy liabilities and accruals 844,478 4,196,964
Charges for mortality and administration of
universal life and annuity products (7,996,086) (7,681,478)
Interest credited to account balances 5,432,922 5,423,499
Change in income taxes payable (361,017) (1,091,151)
Change in indebtedness (to)
from affiliates, net (33,256) 113,992
Change in other assets and liabilities, net (1,768,234) 295,129
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities (1,370,038) 2,014,698
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold and matured:
Fixed maturities held for sale 0 704,583
Fixed maturities sold 0 0
Fixed maturities matured 8,186,791 19,168,548
Equity securities 105,261 8,990
Mortgage loans 1,146,863 1,858,246
Real estate 510,806 2,886,187
Policy loans 3,799,553 2,985,381
Short term 400,000 400,000
Total proceeds from investments sold and matured 14,149,274 28,011,935
Cost of investments acquired:
Fixed maturities held for sale 0 0
Fixed maturities (14,301,690) (26,559,403)
Equity securities (710,387) 0
Mortgage loans (134,314) (488,188)
Real estate (937,268) (837,866)
Policy loans (3,573,018) (3,334,865)
Short term (400,000) (300,000)
Total cost of investments acquired (20,056,677) (31,520,322)
Net cash used in investing activities (5,907,403) (3,508,387)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Policyholder contract deposits 14,069,987 17,339,900
Policyholder contract withdrawals (11,280,925) (12,033,894)
Payment for fractional shares from
reverse stock split (535,851) 0
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 0 400,000
Payments of principal on notes payable (758,251) (1,523,475)
Net cash provided by financing activities 1,494,960 4,182,531
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents (5,782,481) 2,688,842
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 16,801,288 11,979,637
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 11,018,807 $ 14,668,479
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FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by
First Commonwealth Corporation ("FCC") and its consolidated
subsidiaries (the "Company") pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not be
misleading, it is suggested that these consolidated financial
statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto presented in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for
the year ended December 31, 1996.
The information furnished reflects, in the opinion of the Company, all
adjustments (which include only normal and recurring accruals)
necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the
periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of operating results to be expected for the year
or of the Company's future financial condition.
At September 30, 1997, the parent, significant subsidiaries and
affiliates of First Commonwealth Corporation were as depicted on the
following organizational chart.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
United Trust, Inc. ("UTI") is the ultimate controlling company. UTI owns
53% of United Trust Group ("UTG") and 33.3% of United Income, Inc. ("UII").
UII owns 47% of UTG. UTG owns 79.4% of First Commonwealth Corporation
("FCC") and FCC owns 100% of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG").
UG owns 100% of United Security Assurance Company ("USA"). USA owns 83.9%
of Appalachian Life Insurance Company ("APPL") and APPL owns 100% of Abraham
Lincoln Insurance Company ("ABE").
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2. FIXED MATURITIES
As of September 30, 1997, fixed maturities and fixed maturities held for
sale represented 82% of total invested assets. As prescribed by the
various state insurance department statutes and regulation, the insurance
companies' investment portfolio is required to be invested primarily in
investment grade securities to provide ample protection for
policyholders. The Company does not invest in so-called "junk bonds" or
derivative investments. The liabilities of the insurance companies are
predominantly long term in nature and therefore, the companies invest
primarily in long term fixed maturity investments. The Company has
analyzed its fixed maturity portfolio and reclassified those securities
expected to be sold prior to maturity as investments held for sale. The
investments held for sale are carried at market. Management has the
intent and ability to hold its fixed maturity portfolio to maturity
and as such carries these securities at amortized cost. As of
September 30, 1997, the carrying value of fixed maturity securities in
default as to principal or interest was immaterial in the context
of consolidated assets or shareholder's equity.
3. MORTGAGE LOANS AND REAL ESTATE
The Company holds approximately $10,010,000 in mortgage loans and
$14,493,000 in real estate holdings, including real estate acquired in
satisfaction of debt, which represent 4% and 6% of total invested
assets of the Company, respectively. All mortgage loans held by the
Company are first position loans. The Company has $343,000 in
mortgage loans net of a $10,000 reserve allowance, which are in
default or in the process of foreclosure representing approximately 3% of
the total portfolio.
Letters are sent to each mortgagee when the loan becomes 30 or more
day's delinquent. Loans 90 days or more delinquent are placed on a non-
performing status and classified as delinquent loans. Reserves for loan
losses on delinquent loans are established based on management's
analysis of the loan balances and what is believed to be the realizable
value of the property should foreclosure take place. Loans are placed on
a non-accrual status based on a quarterly case by case analysis of the
likelihood of repayment.
The following tables show the distribution of mortgage loans and real
estate by type.
Mortgage loans Amount % of Total
FHA/VA $ 295,499 3%
Commercial $ 1,594,734 16%
Residential $ 8,120,010 81%
Real Estate Amount % of Total
Home Office $ 2,944,138 20%
Commercial $ 2,279,630 16%
Residential development $ 5,042,643 37%
Foreclosed real estate $ 3,846,945 27%
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4. NOTES PAYABLE
At September 30, 1997, the Company has $18,242,000 in notes payable.
Notes payable is comprised of the following components:
Senior debt $ 7,900,000
Subordinated 10 yr. Notes 4,907,000
Subordinated 20 yr. Notes 4,035,000
Other notes payable 1,400,000
$ 18,242,000
The senior debt is through First of America Bank - Illinois NA and is
subject to a credit agreement. The debt bears interest at a rate
equal to the "base rate" plus nine-sixteenths of one percent. The Base
rate is defined as the floating daily, variable rate of interest determined
and announced by First of America Bank from time to time as its "base
lending rate." The base rate at September 30, 1997 was 8.5%.
Interest is paid quarterly. Principal payments of $1,000,000 are due in
May of each year beginning in 1997, with a final payment due May 8, 2005.
On November 8, 1997 the Company prepaid the May 1998 principal payment.
The credit agreement contains certain covenants with which the Company must
comply. The covenants contain provisions common to a loan of this type
and include such items as; a minimum consolidated net worth of FCC to be no
less than 400% of the outstanding balance of the debt; Statutory capital
and surplus of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company be maintained at
no less than $6,500,000; an earnings covenant requiring the sum of the pre-
tax earnings of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company and its
subsidiaries (based on Statutory Accounting Practices) and the after-tax
earnings plus non-cash charges of FCC (based on parent only GAAP
practices) shall not be less than two hundred percent (200%) of the
Company's interest expense on all of its debt service. The Company is in
compliance with all of the covenants of the agreement and does not
foresee any problem in maintaining compliance in the future.
United Income, Inc. and United Trust, Inc. owned a participating
interest of $700,000 and $300,000 respectively of the previous senior
debt. At the date of refinance, these obligations were converted from
participations of senior debt to promissory notes. These notes bear
interest at the rate of 1% above the variable per annum rate of
interest most recently published by the Wall Street Journal as the
prime rate. Interest is payable quarterly with principal due at
maturity on May 8, 2006.
In February 1996, FCC borrowed $400,000 from affiliates to provide
additional cash for liquidity. The notes bear interest at the rate of 1%
over prime as published in the Wall Street Journal, with interest payments
due quarterly and principal due upon maturity of the note on June 1, 1999.
The subordinated debt was incurred June 16, 1992 as a part of an
acquisition. The 10-year notes bear interest at the rate of 7 1/2% per
annum, payable semi-annually beginning December 16, 1992. These notes
provide for principal payments equal to 1/20th of the principal balance
due with each interest installment beginning December 16, 1997, with a
final balloon payment due June 16, 2002. In June 1997, the Company
refinanced $204,267 of its subordinated 10-year notes to subordinated 20-
year notes bearing interest at the rate of 8.75%. The repayment terms of
these notes are identical to the original subordinated 20-year
notes. The 20-year notes bear interest at the rate of 8 1/2% per
annum, on $3,530,000 and 8.75% per annum on $505,000, payable semi-
annually with a lump sum principal payment due June 16, 2012.
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Scheduled principal reductions on the Company's debt for the next five
years are as follows:
Year Amount
1997 $ 0
1998 1,517,000
1999 1,917,000
2000 1,517,000
2001 1,517,000
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The insurance industry has experienced a number of civil jury verdicts
which have been returned against life and health insurers in the
jurisdictions in which the Company does business involving the insurers'
sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise
agents, and other matters. Some of the lawsuits have resulted in the award
of substantial judgments against the insurer, including material amounts of
punitive damages. In some states, juries have substantial discretion in
awarding punitive damages in these circumstances.
Under insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurance companies
doing business in a participating state can be assessed up to prescribed
limits for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent or failed insurance
companies. Although the Company cannot predict the amount of any future
assessments, most insurance guaranty fund laws currently provide that an
assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer's
financial strength. Those mandatory assessments may be partially recovered
through reduction in future premium taxes in some states. The Company does
not believe such assessments will be materially different from amounts
already provided for in the financial statements.
The Company and its subsidiaries are named as defendants in a number of
legal actions arising primarily from claims made under insurance policies.
Those actions have been considered in establishing the Company's
liabilities. Management and its legal counsel are of the opinion that the
settlement of those actions will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
6. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT REGARDING PENDING CHANGE IN CONTROL OF UNITED
TRUST, INC.
On April 14, 1997, United Trust, Inc. and United Income, Inc. formally
terminated their stock purchase agreement contract with LaSalle Group, Inc.
("LaSalle"), whereby LaSalle was to acquire certain authorized but unissued
shares of UTI and UII and additional outstanding shares in privately
negotiated transactions so that LaSalle would own not less than 51% of the
outstanding common stock of UTI and indirectly control 51% of UII.
LaSalle had not performed its obligations under the terms of the contract,
and the Company felt it should be free to negotiate with other interested
parties in becoming an equity partner.
7. REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
On May 13, 1997, FCC effected a 1 for 400 reverse stock split. Fractional
shares received a cash payment on the basis of $0.25 for each old share.
The Company maintained a significant number of shareholder accounts with
less than $100 of market value of stock. The reverse stock split enabled
these smaller shareholders to receive cash for their shares without
incurring broker costs and will save the Company administrative costs
associated with maintaining these accounts. Prior period numbers have been
restated to give effect of the reverse split.
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ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The purpose of this section is to discuss and analyze the Company's
financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of
operations, which reflect the performance of the Company. The
information in the consolidated financial statements and related notes
should be read in conjunction with this section.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have three principal
needs for cash - the insurance companies' contractual obligations to
policyholders, the payment of operating expenses and servicing of its long-
term debt. Cash and cash equivalents as a percentage of total assets
were 3.3% and 5.0% as of September 30, 1997, and December 31, 1996,
respectively. Fixed maturities as a percentage of total invested
assets were 81% and 80% as of September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996,
respectively.
Future policy benefits are primarily long-term in nature and
therefore, the Company's investments are predominantly in long term
fixed maturity investments such as bonds and mortgage loans which
provide a sufficient return to cover these obligations. Most of the
insurance company assets, other than policy loans, are invested in fixed
maturities and other investments, substantially all of which are readily
marketable. Although there is no present need or intent to dispose of such
investments, the life companies could liquidate portions of their
investments if such a need arose. The Company has the ability and intent
to hold these investments to maturity; consequently, the Company's
investment in long term fixed maturities is reported in the financial
statements at their amortized cost.
Many of the Company's products contain surrender charges and other
features which reward persistency and penalize the early withdrawal of
funds. With respect to such products, surrender charges are generally
sufficient to cover the Company's unamortized deferred policy
acquisition costs with respect to the policy being surrendered.
Consolidated operating activities of the Company produced cash flows of
$( 1,370,000) and $2,015,000 for the first nine months of 1997 and
1996, respectively. The net cash (used in) or provided by operating
activities plus net policyholder contract deposits after the payment of
policyholder withdrawals, equaled $1,276,000 for the first nine months of
1997 and $4,529,000 for the first nine months of 1996. Management uses this
measurement of cash flows as an indicator of the performance of the
Company's insurance operations, since reporting regulations require
cash inflows and outflows from universal life insurance products to be
shown as financing activities. Dollar volume of new business production
is down 40% when comparing the first nine months of 1997 to the first
nine months of 1996. New business production suffered in 1997 from a
combination of the uncertainty generated by the pending change of
control of the Company (See Note 6), and modifications to certain
products in the Company's life insurance portfolio. The modifications
to the products were necessary to meet new regulations adopted by state
insurance departments. The modifications to the products required
retraining of the Company's agency force.
Net cash used in investing activities was $5,907,000 and $3,508,000 for
the first nine months of 1997 and 1996, respectively. The most
significant aspect of net cash used in investing activities, are the
fixed maturity transactions. Fixed maturities account for 71% and 84% of
the total cost of investments acquired for the first nine months of 1997
and 1996, respectively. The Company has not directed its investable
funds to so-called "junk bonds" or derivative investments.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,495,000 and
$4,183,000 for the first nine months of 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Policyholder contract deposits decreased 19% for the first nine months of
1997 compared to the first nine months of 1996. The decrease is due to
the decline in new business production. Policyholder contract withdrawals
decreased 6% for the first nine months of 1997 compared to the first nine
months of 1996.
On May 8, 1996, FCC refinanced its senior debt of $8,900,000. The
refinancing was completed through First of America Bank - Illinois NA and
is subject to a credit agreement. The refinanced debt bears interest
at a rate equal to the "base rate" plus nine-sixteenths of one percent.
The Base rate is defined as the floating daily, variable rate of interest
determined and announced by First of America Bank from time to time as
its "base lending rate". The base rate at September 30, 1997 was 8.5%.
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Interest is paid quarterly and principal payments of $1,000,000 are due in
May of each year beginning in 1997, with a final payment due May 8,
2005. The Company satisfied its $1,000,000 principal obligation for
1997 by prepaying $500,000 on November 8, 1996 and a payment of $500,000
on May 8, 1997. On November 8, 1997, the Company prepaid the May 1998
principal payment.
On a parent only basis, FCC's cash flow is dependent on revenues from its
life insurance subsidiaries from management and cost sharing
arrangements and through dividends. At September 30, 1997,
substantially all of the consolidated shareholders equity represents net
assets of its subsidiaries. Cash requirements of FCC primarily relate to
servicing its long-term debt. The payment of cash dividends to
shareholders is not legally restricted. However, insurance company
dividend payments are regulated by the state insurance department
where the company is domiciled. UG's dividend limitations are
described below.
Ohio domiciled insurance companies require five days prior
notification to the insurance commissioner for the payment of an
ordinary dividend. Ordinary dividends are defined as the greater of: a)
prior year statutory earnings or b) 10% of statutory capital and surplus.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, UG had a statutory gain from
operations of $8,006,000. At December 31, 1996, UG's statutory
capital and surplus amounted to $10,227,000. Extraordinary dividends
(amounts in excess of ordinary dividend limitations) require prior approval
of the insurance commissioner and are not restricted to a specific
calculation.
Management believes the overall sources of liquidity available will be
sufficient to satisfy its financial obligations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR-TO-DATE 1997 COMPARED TO 1996:
(a) REVENUES
Premium income, net of reinsurance premium, decreased 9% when
comparing the first nine months of 1997 to the first nine months of
1996. The Company's primary product is the "Century 2000" universal life
insurance product. Universal life and interest sensitive life insurance
products contribute only the risk charge to premium income, however
traditional insurance products contribute all monies received to premium
income. Since the Company does not actively market traditional life
insurance products, it is expected that premium income will continue
to decrease in future periods as a result of expected lapses of business
in force.
Other considerations, net of reinsurance, increased approximately 1%
compared to one year ago. Other considerations consist of
administrative charges on universal life and interest sensitive life
insurance products. The insurance in force relating to these types of
products continues to increase as marketing efforts focus on universal life
insurance products.
Net investment income decreased 4% when comparing the first nine
months of 1997 to 1996. The decrease is the result of a smaller
invested asset base from one year ago. During the fourth quarter
1996, the Company transferred approximately $22,000,000 in assets as part
of a coinsurance agreement with First International Life Insurance
Company ("FILIC"). The Company has invested excess cash and financing
activities generated through sales universal life insurance products.
The Company's investments are generally managed to match related
insurance and policyholder liabilities. The comparison of investment
return with insurance or investment product crediting rates
establishes an interest spread. The minimum interest spread between
earned and credited rates is 1% on the "Century 2000" universal life
insurance product, the Company's primary product. The Company
monitors investment yields, and when necessary adjusts credited
interest rates on its insurance products to preserve targeted spreads. It
is expected that the monitoring of the interest spreads by
management will provide the necessary margin to adequately provide for
associated costs on insurance policies the Company has in force and will
write in the future.
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(b) EXPENSES
Life benefits, net of reinsurance benefits and claims, increased 8% in the
first nine months of 1997 compared to 1996. The decrease in life benefits
is attributed to a decrease in mortality. There is no single event that
caused mortality to decrease. Policy claims vary from year to year and
therefore, fluctuations in mortality are to be expected and are not
considered unusual by management. The Company experienced a decline of
40% in dollar volume of new business production. This decline results in
less of an increase in reserves from new business as compared to the
previous year.
Amortization of cost of insurance acquired decreased $452,000 for the
first nine months of 1997 compared to 1996. The decrease is
attributed partially to the coinsurance agreement with First
International Life Insurance Company ("FILIC") as of September 30,
1996. Under the terms of the agreement, UG ceded to FILIC
substantially all of its paid-up life insurance policies. Paid-up life
insurance generally refers to a non-premium paying life insurance policy.
Cost of insurance acquired is amortized in relation to expected
future profits, including direct charge-offs for any excess of the
unamortized asset over the projected future profits. The Company did
not have any charge-offs during the periods covered by this report.
Operating expenses decreased 17% when comparing the first nine months of
1997 to the first nine months of 1996. The decrease in operating expenses
is attributed to the settlement of certain litigation in the fourth
quarter of 1996. The Company incurred elevated legal fees in the
previous year due to the litigation. Operating expenses were further
reduced from a restructuring of the home office personnel completed in
late 1996.
(c) NET LOSS
The Company had a net loss of $1,158,000 for the first nine months of 1997
compared to a net loss of $1,956,000 for the first nine months of 1996.
The improvement for the current period is primarily due to the decrease in
operating expenses.
THIRD QUARTER 1997 COMPARED TO THIRD QUARTER 1996:
(a) REVENUES
Premium income, net of reinsurance premium, decreased 11% when
comparing third quarter of 1997 to 1996. The Company's primary
product is the "Century 2000" universal life insurance product.
Universal life and interest sensitive life insurance products
contribute only the risk charge to premium income, however traditional
insurance products contribute all monies received to premium income.
Since the Company does not actively market traditional life insurance
products, it is expected that premium income will continue to decrease in
future periods as a result of expected lapses of business in force.
Other considerations, net of reinsurance, decreased slightly compared
to one year ago. Other considerations consist of administrative
charges on universal life and interest sensitive life insurance
products. The insurance in force relating to these types of products
continues to increase as marketing efforts focus on universal life
insurance products.
Net investment income decreased 8% when comparing third quarter of 1997
to 1996. The decrease is the result of a smaller invested asset base from
one year ago. During the fourth quarter 1996, the Company transferred
approximately $22,000,000 in assets as part of a coinsurance
agreement with First International Life Insurance Company ("FILIC").
The Company's investments are generally managed to match related
insurance and policyholder liabilities. The comparison of investment
return with insurance or investment product crediting rates
establishes an interest spread. The minimum interest spread between
earned and credited rates is 1% on the "Century 2000" universal life
insurance product, the Company's primary product. The Company
monitors investment yields, and when necessary adjusts credited
interest rates on its insurance products to preserve targeted spreads. It
12
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is expected that the monitoring of the interest spreads by
management will provide the necessary margin to adequately provide for
associated costs on insurance policies the Company has in force and will
write in the future.
(b) EXPENSES
Life benefits, net of reinsurance benefits and claims, decreased 27% in
third quarter of 1997 compared to 1996. The decrease in life benefits
is due to the decrease in new business production. Mortality decreased
$363,000 in third quarter of 1997 compared to 1996. There is no single
event that caused mortality to decrease. Policy claims vary from year to
year and therefore, fluctuations in mortality are to be expected and are
not considered unusual by management.
Amortization of cost of insurance acquired decreased 26% for third
quarter of 1997 compared to 1996. The decrease is attributed
partially to the coinsurance agreement with First International Life
Insurance Company ("FILIC") as of September 30, 1996. Under the terms of
the agreement, UG ceded to FILIC substantially all of its paid-up life
insurance policies. Paid-up life insurance generally refers to a non-
premium paying life insurance policy. Cost of insurance acquired is
amortized in relation to expected future profits, including direct charge-
offs for any excess of the unamortized asset over the projected future
profits. The Company did not have any charge-offs during the periods
covered by this report.
Operating expenses decreased 27% when comparing third quarter of 1997
compared to 1996. The decrease in operating expenses is attributed to the
settlement of certain litigation in the fourth quarter of 1996. The Company
incurred elevated legal fees in the previous year due to the litigation.
Operating expenses were further reduced from a restructuring of the home
office personnel completed in late 1996.
(c) NET LOSS
The Company had a net loss of $762,000 for third quarter of 1997
compared to $2,163,000 for third quarter of 1996. The improvement is due
to the decrease in operating expenses.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Shareholder's equity decreased 4% as of September 30, 1997 compared to
December 31, 1996. The decrease is due to the Company buying treasury
shares. Other changes to occur to the balance sheet is a decrease in cash
and cash equivalents and the corresponding increase in fixed
maturities. Future policy benefits increased as expected due to the
aging in force business.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries are regulated by insurance
statutes and regulations as to the type of investments that they are
permitted to make and the amount of funds that may be used for any one type
of investment. In light of these statutes and regulations and the
Company's business and investment strategy, the Company generally seeks to
invest in United States government and government agency securities and
corporate securities rated investment grade by established nationally
recognized rating organizations.
The liabilities are predominantly long term in nature and therefore, the
Company invests in long term fixed maturity investments, which are reported
in the financial statements at their amortized cost. The Company has
the ability and intent to hold these investments to maturity;
consequently, the Company does not expect to realize any significant
loss from these investments. The Company does not own any derivative
investments or "junk bonds". As of September 30, 1997, the carrying value
of fixed maturity securities in default as to principal or interest was
immaterial in the context of consolidated assets or shareholders'
equity. The Company has identified securities it may sell and
classified them as "investments held for sale". Investments held for
sale are carried at market, with changes in market value charged
directly to shareholders' equity.
13
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FUTURE OUTLOOK
The Company operates in a highly competitive industry. In connection with
the development and sale of its products, the Company encounters
significant competition from other insurance companies, many of which have
financial resources or ratings greater than those of the Company.
The insurance industry is a mature industry. In recent years, the
industry has experienced virtually no growth in life insurance sales,
though the aging population has increased the demand for retirement
savings products. Management believes that the Company's ability to
compete is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to attract and
retain agents to market its insurance products and its ability to develop
competitive and profitable products.
14
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
PROPOSED MERGER OF UNITED TRUST, INC. AND UNITED INCOME, INC.
On March 25, 1997, the Board of Directors of UTI and UII voted to
recommend to the shareholders a merger of the two companies. Under the
Plan of Merger, UTI would be the surviving entity with UTI issuing one
share of its stock (after its reverse stock split of one share for each
ten shares) for each share held by UII shareholders (after its reverse
stock split of one share for every 14.2857 shares).
UTI stock currently trades on NASDAQ. The reverse stock split
increased the price at which the Company's stock trades, enabling it to
meet new NASDAQ requirements regarding eligibility to remain listed.
UTI owns 53% of United Trust Group, Inc., an insurance holding
company, and UII owns 47% of United Trust Group, Inc. Neither UTI nor UII
have any other significant holdings or business dealings. The Board of
Directors of each company thus concluded a merger of the two companies
would be in the best interests of the shareholders. The merger will
result in certain cost savings, primarily related to costs associated with
maintaining a corporation in good standing in the states in which it
transacts business.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
10 (a) Employment agreement dated as of July 31, 1997, between Larry E.
Ryherd and First Commonwealth Corporation.
10 (b) Employment agreement dated as of July 31, 1997, between James E.
Melville and First Commonwealth Corporation.
10 (c) Employment agreement dated as of July 31, 1997, between George E.
Francis and First Commonwealth Corporation. Agreements containing
the same terms and conditions excepting title and current salary
were also entered into by Joseph H. Metzger, Brad M. Wilson,
Theodore C. Miller, Michael K. Borden, and Patricia G. Fowler.
The Company hereby incorporates by reference the exhibits as reflected in
the Index to Exhibits of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
15
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Date: November 12, 1997 By /s/ James E. Melville
James E. Melville
President, Chief Operating
Officer and Director
Date: November 12, 1997 By /s/ Theodore C. Miller
Theodore C. Miller
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
16
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into this
31st day of July, 1997 by and between First Commonwealth
Corporation, a Virginia Corporation (the "Company") and Larry E.
Ryherd ("Executive").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the business of selling and
administering insurance; and
WHEREAS, the Executive is experienced in the management and
operations of insurance business; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive in the
capacity, and on the terms as set forth herein, and the Executive
desires to be employed by the Company in such position and on the
terms and subject to the conditions herein contained; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereby acknowledge that notwithstanding any
other communication whether written or oral, this Employment Agreement
is intended to set forth the complete understanding of the parties
with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company as of and
from the date hereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the
respective covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereby agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE. The Company hereby
employs the Executive and the Executive accepts employment as
President/Chief Executive Officer of the Company. During the terms of
this Employment Agreement, the Executive will devote all of his business
time and energy to performing his duties on behalf of the Company. In
addition to his duties as President/Chief Executive Officer, the
Executive agrees to perform such duties as from time to time may be
assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). In
the performance of such duties, the executive will at all times serve
the Company faithfully and to the best of his ability under the
direction and control of the Board. If the Executive is elected or
appointed to additional or substitute offices or positions with the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, he agrees to accept
and serve in that position.
2. TERM. The term of employment under this Employment Agreement
will be for a period of sixty (60) consecutive months from the date
hereof, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided.
3. COMPENSATION. So long as the Executive is employed by the
Company pursuant to this Employment Agreement, the Executive will be
entitled to the following compensation and fringe benefits:
3.1. SALARY. For all services rendered by the Executive
pursuant to this Employment Agreement, the Company will pay to the
Executive, an annual salary of $400,000, less any
compensation received by reason of Executive's participation as
a director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates. Such salary will be payable in equal bi-monthly
installments or at such other frequency as will be consistent with
the Company's normal payroll practices with other employees
in effect from time to time. Payments of salary will be
subject to normal employee withholding and other tax deductions.
The parties acknowledge that the annual salary is a base salary
and annual consideration shall be given to granting Executive
a bonus based on factors such as: inflation, increase in the
scope of duties and extraordinary achievements.
3.2. FRINGE BENEFITS. The Executive will be entitled to
participate in the fringe benefit programs of the Company, in
existence from time to time (including any pension plan, bonus
program, group life and medical insurance programs and medical
expense reimbursement plans), as determined by the Board, and as
are made available to employees of like status to the
Executive on a comparable basis, and according to the rules and
regulations of such programs adopted by the Company from time to
time.
3.3. EXPENSES. Upon presentation of supporting
documentation as may reasonably be satisfactory to the
Company, the Company will pay or reimburse the Executive for all
reasonable travel, entertainment, and other business expenses
actually incurred by the Executive during the term of this
Employment Agreement in the performance of his services and
duties; provided, however, that the type and amount of expenses
will be consistent with expense reimbursement policies
adopted from time to time, formally or informally by the Company.
Any expense beyond such authorization must be specifically
authorized in advance by the president. In the event of a
dispute between the Company and the Executive as to the nature of
such expenses, the decision of the president will be binding. If
an income tax deduction (Federal, state or local) is disallowed
to the Company for any part of such expense payments, the
Executive agrees to repay the Company the amount of the expense
reimbursement to the Executive paid by the Company upon demand by
the Company.
4. TERMINATION. The Executive's employment with the Company may
be terminated and this Employment Agreement canceled upon the following
terms and conditions.
4.1. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. During the terms of this
Employment Agreement, the Executive's employment may be
terminated immediately, with or without written or oral
notice, by the Company for "Cause" (as hereinafter defined). If
the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated for
"Cause" all compensation described in paragraphs 3.1 through
3.3 of this Employment Agreement will terminate as of the date of
such termination of employment. Termination for "Cause" is
limited to the following grounds: (i)misappropriation of
funds, embezzlement, or willful and material damage of or to any
material property of the Company, or defrauding or attempting to
defraud the Company; (ii) conviction of any crime (whether or
not involving the Company) which constitutes a felony in the
jurisdiction involved; (iii) malfeasance or non-feasance in the
performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder; (iv) failure
or refusal by the Executive to perform his duties in the best
interests of the Company and in accordance with the directions
given by the Board, the chairman of the board or the president
of the Company; or (v) a material breach by the Executive, in
the sole opinion of the Company, or any of the provisions of this
Employment Agreement; which breach continues after notice of the
breach, either oral or written, from the Company to the
Executive. Upon termination of the Executive for "Cause",
theCompany will pay the Executive's salary and other benefits,
including reimburse the Executive for authorized expenses
incurred, through the date of termination of the Executive's
employment. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
foregoing will be the Company's only obligations and total
liability to the Executive for termination of the Executive's
employment for "Cause".
4.2. TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. The Company may
terminate the Executive without cause at any time by providing the
Executive thirty (30) days prior written notice of
termination. Upon termination without cause, the Company will
continue to pay the Executive compensation in the amount equal to
the Executive's then salary for the remainder of the term of this
Employment Agreement as if Executive had not been terminated,
plus any bonuses which the Executive would have been entitled to
had the Executive not been terminated, and reimburse the
Executive for authorized expenses incurred through the date of
termination of the Executive's employment. The Company will also, if
required by law, allow the Executive to continue any medical and
hospitalization plan and/or insurance at the Executive's sole
cost and responsibility. The Executive acknowledges and agrees
that the foregoing will be the Company's only obligations and total
liability to the Executive for termination of the Executive's
employment without cause.
4.3. VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION. The Executive may
voluntarily resign prior to the expiration of this Employment
Agreement, upon providing the Company with at least fifteen (15)
days' prior written notice. Upon the effective date of the
Executive's resignation, the Company will pay the Executive's
salary and other benefits, including reimbursement for authorized
expenses incurred, through the effective date of the Executive's
resignation. The Company will also, if required by law, allow the
Executive to continue any medical and hospitalization plans and/or
insurance at the Executive's sole cost and responsibility. The
Executive acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing will be
the Company's only obligations and total liability to the
Executive for termination of the Executive's employment due
to the Executive's voluntary resignation.
4.4. TERMINATION UPON DEATH. The Executive's employment
will be terminated automatically upon the Executive's death. As
the result of the Executive's death, the Company will pay to the
Executive's estate a death benefit equal to the Executive's
salary through the end of the month in which the Executive's
death occurs, plus reimbursement for authorized expenses incurred
by the Executive prior to his death. The Executive acknowledges
and agrees that the foregoing will be the Company's only
obligations and total liability to the Executive for termination
of the Executive's employment due to the Executive's death.
4.5. TERMINATION UPON DISABILITY. The Company may, upon
30 days prior written notice to the Executive, terminate the
Executive's employment effective as of the date specified in the
notice, if, due to any medical or psychological disability the
Executive is not able to perform his customary services and
duties for 30 continuous business days or 45 noncontinuous
business days within a 90-day period (the "Disability
Period"). The Company may retain a physician of its choice to
examine the Executive and to render a medical opinion to the
Company as to the Executive's medical or psychological
disability. The Executive consents to examination by such
physician, and further agrees that the opinion of such
physician will be binding upon both the Executive and the
Company. Upon termination of the Executive's employment due to
disability, the Company will pay to the Executive an amount
equivalent to three months salary as termination compensation, and
if required by law, allow the Executive to continue any medical
or hospitalization plan and/or insurance at the Executive's
sole cost and responsibility. The Executive will receive full
compensation for any period of temporary illness or
disability. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
foregoing will be the Company's only obligations and total
liability to the Executive fore termination of the Executive's
employment due to disability.
4.6. RETURN OF MATERIALS. Upon the termination of the
Executive's employment, irrespective of the time, manner or
reason of termination, the Executive will immediately
surrender and deliver to the Company all originals and all
copies of reproductions of books, records, summaries, lists,
computer software, and other tangible data and information, and
every form and every kind, relating to the Confidential
Information (as defined in Section 5 of this Employment
Agreement) and all other property belonging to the Company. The
prior and full performance by the Executive of the provisions
of this Section 4.6 is a condition to the payment by the Company
to the Executive of any compensation set forth in this Employment
Agreement.
5. NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY
INFORMATION. The Executive may not during the term of his
employment with the Company or any time thereafter, directly or
indirectly, copy, use, or disclose to any person or business any
"Confidential Information" (as defined below) except for the
benefit of the Company in connection with the performance of his
duties and in accordance with any guidelines or policies which
might be adopted from time to time by the Company. In addition, the
Executive will use his best efforts to cause all persons over whom he
has supervisory control to use, maintain and protect all "Confidential
Information" in a confidential manner and as a valuable asset of
the Company. As used in this Employment Agreement, "Confidential
Information" means trade secrets and other proprietary information and
data concerning the business of the Company, its subsidiaries and
affiliates (the "FCC Companies"), regardless of whether protectable
by law, including, but not limited to, information concerning the
names and addresses of any of the FCC Companies' policyholders and
prospective policyholders, any of the FCC Companies' operation manuals,
accounts, the names of employees and agents and their respective
duties, the names of reinsurance providers, financial data, pricing
lists and policies, profits or losses, product or service development
and all such similar information, all of which would not readily be
available to the Executive except for the Executive's employment
relationship with the Company. The Executive acknowledges that such
information and similar data is not generally known to the trade, is
of a confidential nature, is an asset of the Company, and to
preserve the Company's good will, must be kept strictly confidential
and used only in the conduct of its business. The provisions of this
Section will survive the termination of this Employment Agreement for
any reason.
6. INTERFERENCE WITH EXTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS. The
Executive agrees that, as a result of the Confidential Information, he
will receive, come in contact with, create, or have access to during
the term of his employment with the Company, and the Company's
customer relationships he will be exposed to, the Executive will
not, directly or indirectly (through any corporation which he is a
director, officer, consultant, agent or other relationship) during
the term of his employment service, perform or otherwise manage
insurance companies or insurance related businesses.
7 INTERFERENCE WITH INTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS. The
Executive agrees that, as a result of the Confidential Information he
will receive, come into contact with, create or have access to during
the term of his employment with the Company, and the Company's
employee and independent contractor relationships he will be exposed
to, the Executive will not, directly or indirectly (through any
corporation in which he is a director, officer, consultant, agent,
or other relationship), during the term of his employment interfere
with the Company's relationship with, or endeavor to entice away
from the Company or any of the FCC Companies or, directly or
indirectly, contact any person, firm or entity employed by, retained
by or associated with the Company or any of the FCC Companies, to
induce any such person, firm or entity, to leave the service of the
Company or any of the FCC Companies and provide the same or
substantially the same work as performed for the Company or any of
the FCC Companies to the Executive or to any other person, firm, or
entity.
8 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The Executive consents and agrees that
if he violates any of the provisions of Section 5 through 7 hereof,
the Company would sustain irreparable harm and, therefore in addition
to any other remedy at law or in equity the Company may have under this
Employment Agreement, the Company will be entitled to apply to any
court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction restraining the
Executive from committing or continuing any such violation of any
provisions of Section 5 through 7 of this Employment Agreement.
9. MISCELLANEOUS.
9.1 NOTICES. All notices and other communications
required or desire to be given to or in connection with this
Employment Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed
effectively given upon personal delivery three days after
deposit in the United States mail sent by certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one day after
delivery to an overnight delivery service which retains
records of deliveries, to the parties at the addresses set
forth below or such other address as either party may
designate in like manner.
A. If to the Company:
First Commonwealth Corporation
5250 South Sixth Street
Springfield, Illinois 62703
B. If to the Executive:
Mr. Larry E. Ryherd
12 Red Bud Run
Springfield, Illinois 62707
9.2 GOVERNING LAW. This Employment Agreement will be
governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Illinois.
9.3 SEVERABILITY. If any provision contained in this
Employment Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a
court of competent jurisdiction, such provision will be severed
herefrom in such invalidity or unenforceability will not effect
any other provision of this Employment Agreement, the balance of
which will remain in and have its intended full force and effect;
provided, however, if such invalid or unenforceable provisions
may be modified so is to be valid and enforceable as a matter of
law, such provision will be deemed to have been modified so as to
be valid and enforceable to the maximum extent committed by law.
9.4 MODIFICATION. This Employment Agreement may not be
changed, modified, discharged, or terminated except by a
writing signed by all the parties hereto.
9.5 FULLING BINDING. This Employment Agreement will be
binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and
their respective successors, assigns and personal
representative; provided, however, that this Employment
Agreement is assignable by the Company with the prior consent,
either oral or written, of the Executive.
9.6 HEADINGS. The numbers, headings, titles, or
designations to the various sections are not a part of this
Employment Agreement, but are for convenience of reference
only, and do not and will not be used to define, limit or
construe the contents of this Employment Agreement or any part
thereof.
9.7 WAIVER. By execution of this Employment Agreement,
the Executive hereby waives and relinquishes any and all
rights, benefits and entitlements to which he may hereafter have
under any other contract with the Company or any of its corporate
parents, subsidiaries or affiliates prior to the date hereof;
excepting that certain agreement dated April 15, 1993 pertaining
to a deferred compensation payment and options to purchase stock of
UTI.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Employment Agreement on the date first above written.
EXECUTIVE: COMPANY:
First Commonwealth Corporation, a
Virginia corporation.
By: Larry E. Ryherd By:
Larry E. Ryherd Title:
ATTEST:
By:
Title:
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into this
31st day of July, 1997 by and between First Commonwealth
Corporation, a Virginia Corporation (the "Company") and James E.
Melville ("Executive").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the business of selling and
administering insurance; and
WHEREAS, the Executive is experienced in the management and
operations of insurance business; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive in the
capacity, and on the terms as set forth herein, and the Executive
desires to be employed by the Company in such position and on the
terms and subject to the conditions herein contained; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereby acknowledge that notwithstanding any
other communication whether written or oral, this Employment Agreement
is intended to set forth the complete understanding of the parties
with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company as of and
from the date hereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the
respective covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereby agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE. The Company
hereby employs the Executive and the Executive accepts employment
as Senior Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of the
Company. In addition to his duties as Senior Executive Vice
President/Chief Financial Officer, the Executive agrees to perform such
duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors
of the Company (the "Board"). In the performance of such duties, the
executive will at all times serve the Company faithfully and to
the best of his ability under the direction and control of the Board.
If the Executive is elected or appointed to additional or substitute
offices or positions with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates, he agrees to accept and serve in that position. The
parties acknowledge that as of the current date, such duties
require the Executive to work approximately 25 hours per week.
The Executive agrees that he will make himself available to work full
time with the understanding that such increase in time spent will be
considered by the Board in determining his annual bonus, if any.
2. TERM. The term of employment under this Employment
Agreement will be for a period of sixty (60) consecutive months from
the date hereof, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided.
3. COMPENSATION. So long as the Executive is employed by
the Company pursuant to this Employment Agreement, the Executive will
be entitled to the following compensation and fringe benefits:
3.1. SALARY. For all services rendered by the Executive
pursuant to this Employment Agreement, the Company will pay to the
Executive, an annual salary of $238,200, less any
compensation received by reason of Executive's participation as
a director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates. Such salary will be payable in equal bi-monthly
installments or at such other frequency as will be consistent with
the Company's normal payroll practices with other employees
in effect from time to time. Payments of salary will be
subject to normal employee withholding and other tax deductions.
The parties acknowledge that the annual salary is a base salary
and annual consideration shall be given to granting Executive
a bonus based on factors such as: inflation, increase in the
scope of duties and extraordinary achievements.
3.2. FRINGE BENEFITS. The Executive will be entitled to
participate in the fringe benefit programs of the Company, in
existence from time to time (including any pension plan, bonus
program, group life and medical insurance programs and medical
expense reimbursement plans), as determined by the Board, and as
are made available to employees of like status to the
Executive on a comparable basis, and according to the rules and
regulations of such programs adopted by the Company from time to
time. Executive will be granted eight weeks vacation each year.
3.3. EXPENSES. Upon presentation of supporting
documentation as may reasonably be satisfactory to the
Company, the Company will pay or reimburse the Executive for all
reasonable travel, entertainment, and other business expenses
actually incurred by the Executive during the term of this
Employment Agreement in the performance of his services and
duties; provided, however, that the type and amount of expenses
will be consistent with expense reimbursement policies
adopted from time to time, formally or informally by the Company.
Any expense beyond such authorization must be specifically
authorized in advance by the president. In the event of a
dispute between the Company and the Executive as to the nature of
such expenses, the decision of the president will be binding. If
an income tax deduction (Federal, state or local) is disallowed
to the Company for any part of such expense payments, the
Executive agrees to repay the Company the amount of the expense
reimbursement to the Executive paid by the Company upon demand by
the Company.
3.4. PURCHASE OF UNITED TRUST GROUP NOTE. The Company or
one of its affiliates will on August 1, 1997 purchase the
$116,344.90 note of United Trust Group held by Melville for its
then current principal balance plus accrued interest.
4. TERMINATION. The Executive's employment with the Company
may be terminated and this Employment Agreement canceled upon the
following terms and conditions.
4.1. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. During the terms of this
Employment Agreement, the Executive's employment may be
terminated immediately, with or without written or oral
notice, by the Company for "Cause" (as hereinafter defined). If
the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated for
"Cause" all compensation described in paragraphs 3.1 through
3.3 of this Employment Agreement will terminate as of the date of
such termination of employment. Termination for "Cause" is
limited to the following grounds: (i) misappropriation of
funds, embezzlement, or willful and material damage of or to any
material property of the Company, or defrauding or attempting to
defraud the Company; (ii) conviction of any crime (whether or
not involving the Company) which constitutes a felony in the
jurisdiction involved; (iii) malfeasance or non-feasance in the
performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder; (iv) failure
or refusal by the Executive to perform his duties in the best
interests of the Company and in accordance with the directions
given by the Board, the chairman of the board or the president
of the Company; or (v) a material breach by the Executive, in
the sole opinion of the Company, or any of the provisions of this
Employment Agreement; which breach continues after notice of the
breach, either oral or written, from the Company to the
Executive. Upon termination of the Executive for "Cause", the
Company will pay the Executive's salary and other benefits,
including reimburse the Executive for authorized expenses
incurred, through the date of termination of the Executive's
employment. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
foregoing will be the Company's only obligations and total
liability to the Executive for termination of the Executive's
employment for "Cause".
4.2. TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. The Company may
terminate the Executive without cause at any time by providing the
Executive thirty (30) days prior written notice of
termination. Upon termination without cause, the Company will
continue to pay the Executive compensation in the amount equal to
the Executive's then salary for the remainder of the term of this
Employment Agreement as if Executive had not been terminated,
plus any bonuses which the Executive would have been entitled to
had the Executive not been terminated, and reimburse the
Executive for authorized expenses incurred through the date of
termination of the Executive's employment. The Company will also, if
required by law, allow the Executive to continue any medical and
hospitalization plan and/or insurance at the Executive's sole
cost and responsibility. The Executive acknowledges and agrees
that the foregoing will be the Company's only obligations and total
liability to the Executive for termination of the Executive's
employment without cause.
4.3. VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION. The Executive may
voluntarily resign prior to the expiration of this Employment
Agreement, upon providing the Company with at least fifteen (15)
days' prior written notice. Upon the effective date of the
Executive's resignation, the Company will pay the Executive's
salary and other benefits, including reimbursement for authorized
expenses incurred, through the effective date of the Executive's
resignation. The Company will also, if required by law, allow
the Executive to continue any medical and hospitalization plans
and/or insurance at the Executive's sole cost and responsibility.
The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing will
be the Company's only obligations and total liability to the
Executive for termination of the Executive's employment due
to the Executive's voluntary resignation.
4.4. TERMINATION UPON DEATH. The Executive's employment
will be terminated automatically upon the Executive's death. As
the result of the Executive's death, the Company will pay to the
Executive's estate a death benefit equal to the Executive's
salary through the end of the month in which the Executive's
death occurs, plus reimbursement for authorized expenses incurred
by the Executive prior to his death. The Executive acknowledges and
agrees that the foregoing will be the Company's only obligations
and total liability to the Executive for termination of the
Executive's employment due to the Executive's death.
4.5. TERMINATION UPON DISABILITY. The Company may, upon 30
days prior written notice to the Executive, terminate the
Executive's employment effective as of the date specified in the
notice, if, due to any medical or psychological disability the
Executive is not able to perform his customary services and
duties for 30 continuous business days or 45 noncontinuous
business days within a 90-day period (the "Disability
Period"). The Company may retain a physician of its choice to
examine the Executive and to render a medical opinion to the
Company as to the Executive's medical or psychological
disability. The Executive consents to examination by such
physician, and further agrees that the opinion of such
physician will be binding upon both the Executive and the
Company. Upon termination of the Executive's employment due to
disability, the Company will pay to the Executive an amount
equivalent to three months salary as termination compensation, and
if required by law, allow the Executive to continue any medical
or hospitalization plan and/or insurance at the Executive's
sole cost and responsibility. The Executive will receive full
compensation for any period of temporary illness or
disability. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
foregoing will be the Company's only obligations and total
liability to the Executive for termination of the Executive's
employment due to disability.
4.6. RETURN OF MATERIALS. Upon the termination of the
Executive's employment, irrespective of the time, manner or
reason of termination, the Executive will immediately
surrender and deliver to the Company all originals and all
copies of reproductions of books, records, summaries, lists,
computer software, and other tangible data and information, and
every form and every kind, relating to the Confidential
Information (as defined in Section 5 of this Employment
Agreement) and all other property belonging to the Company. The
prior and full performance by the Executive of the provisions
of this Section 4.6 is a condition to the payment by the Company
to the Executive of any compensation set forth in this Employment
Agreement.
5. NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY
INFORMATION. The Executive may not during the term of his
employment with the Company or any time thereafter, directly or
indirectly, copy, use, or disclose to any person or business any
"Confidential Information" (as defined below) except for the
benefit of the Company in connection with the performance of his
duties and in accordance with any guidelines or policies which
might be adopted from time to time by the Company. In addition, the
Executive will use his best efforts to cause all persons over whom he
has supervisory control to use, maintain and protect all "Confidential
Information" in a confidential manner and as a valuable asset of
the Company. As used in this Employment Agreement, "Confidential
Information" means trade secrets and other proprietary information and
data concerning the business of the Company, its subsidiaries and
affiliates (the "FCC Companies"), regardless of whether protectable
by law, including, but not limited to, information concerning the
names and addresses of any of the FCC Companies' policyholders and
prospective policyholders, any of the FCC Companies' operation manuals,
accounts, the names of employees and agents and their respective
duties, the names of reinsurance providers, financial data, pricing
lists and policies, profits or losses, product or service development
and all such similar information, all of which would not readily be
available to the Executive except for the Executive's employment
relationship with the Company. The Executive acknowledges that such
information and similar data is not generally known to the trade, is
of a confidential nature, is an asset of the Company, and to
preserve the Company's good will, must be kept strictly confidential
and used only in the conduct of its business. The provisions of this
Section will survive the termination of this Employment Agreement for
any reason.
6. INTERFERENCE WITH EXTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS. The
Executive agrees that, as a result of the Confidential Information, he
will receive, come in contact with, create, or have access to during
the term of his employment with the Company, and the Company's
customer relationships he will be exposed to, the Executive will
not, directly or indirectly (through any corporation which he is a
director, officer, consultant, agent or other relationship) during
the term of his employment service, perform or otherwise manage
insurance companies or insurance related businesses.
7. INTERFERENCE WITH INTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS. The
Executive agrees that, as a result of the Confidential Information he
will receive, come into contact with, create or have access to during
the term of his employment with the Company, and the Company's
employee and independent contractor relationships he will be exposed
to, the Executive will not, directly or indirectly (through any
corporation in which he is a director, officer, consultant, agent,
or other relationship), during the term of his employment interfere
with the Company's relationship with, or endeavor to entice away
from the Company or any of the FCC Companies or, directly or
indirectly, contact any person, firm or entity employed by, retained
by or associated with the Company or any of the FCC Companies, to
induce any such person, firm or entity, to leave the service of the
Company or any of the FCC Companies and provide the same or
substantially the same work as performed for the Company or any of
the FCC Companies to the Executive or to any other person, firm, or
entity.
8. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The Executive consents and agrees that
if he violates any of the provisions of Section 5 through 7 hereof,
the Company would sustain irreparable harm and, therefore in addition
to any other remedy at law or in equity the Company may have under this
Employment Agreement, the Company will be entitled to apply to any
court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction restraining the
Executive from committing or continuing any such violation of any
provisions of Section 5 through 7 of this Employment Agreement.
9. MISCELLANEOUS.
9.1 NOTICES. All notices and other communications
required or desire to be given to or in connection with this
Employment Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed
effectively given upon personal delivery three days after
deposit in the United States mail sent by certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one day after
delivery to an overnight delivery service which retains
records of deliveries, to the parties at the addresses set
forth below or such other address as either party may
designate in like manner.
A. If to the Company:
First Commonwealth Corporation
5250 South Sixth Street
Springfield, Illinois 62703
B. If to the Executive:
Mr. James E. Melville
2957 Battersea Point
Springfield, Illinois 62704
9.2 GOVERNING LAW. This Employment Agreement will be
governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Illinois.
9.3 SEVERABILITY. If any provision contained in this
Employment Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by
a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision will be
severed herefrom in such invalidity or unenforceability will
not effect any other provision of this Employment Agreement,
the balance of which will remain in and have its intended full
force and effect; provided, however, if such invalid or
unenforceable provisions may be modified so is to be valid and
enforceable as a matter of law, such provision will be deemed
to have been modified so as to be valid and enforceable to the
maximum extent committed by law.
9.4 MODIFICATION. This Employment Agreement may not be
changed, modified, discharged, or terminated except by a
writing signed by all the parties hereto.
9.5 FULLY BINDING. This Employment Agreement will be
binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and
their respective successors, assigns and personal
representative; provided, however, that this Employment
Agreement is assignable by the Company with the prior consent,
either oral or written, of the Executive.
9.6 HEADINGS. The numbers, headings, titles, or
designations to the various sections are not a part of this
Employment Agreement, but are for convenience of reference
only, and do not and will not be used to define, limit or
construe the contents of this Employment Agreement or any part
thereof.
9.7 WAIVER. By execution of this Employment Agreement,
the Executive hereby waives and relinquishes any and all
rights, benefits and entitlements to which he may hereafter
have under any other contract with the Company or any of its
corporate parents, subsidiaries or affiliates prior to the
date hereof; excepting that certain agreement dated April 15,
1993 pertaining to a deferred compensation payment and options
to purchase stock of UTI.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Employment Agreement on the date first above written.
EXECUTIVE: COMPANY:
First Commonwealth Corporation, a
Virginia corporation.
By: James E. Melville By:
James E. Melville Title:
ATTEST:
By:
Title:
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into
this 31st day of July, 1997 by and between First Commonwealth
Corporation, a Virginia Corporation (the "Company") and George E.
Francis ("Executive").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the business of selling and
administering insurance; and
WHEREAS, the Executive is experienced in the management and
operations of insurance business; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive in the
capacity, and on the terms as set forth herein, and the Executive
desires to be employed by the Company in such position and on the
terms and subject to the conditions herein contained; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereby acknowledge that notwithstanding
any other communication whether written or oral, this Employment
Agreement is intended to set forth the complete understanding of
the parties with respect to the employment of the Executive by the
Company as of and from the date hereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the
respective covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereby agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE. The Company
hereby employs the Executive and the Executive accepts
employment as Senior Vice President of the Company. During the
terms of this Employment Agreement, the Executive will devote all
of his business time and energy to performing his duties on behalf
of the Company. In addition to his duties as Senior Vice President,
the Executive agrees to perform such duties as from time to time
may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the
"Board"). In the performance of such duties, the executive will
at all times serve the Company faithfully and to the best of his
ability under the direction and control of the Board. If the
Executive is elected or appointed to additional or substitute
offices or positions with the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or affiliates, he agrees to accept and serve in that position.
2. TERM. The term of employment under this Employment
Agreement will be for a period of thirty six (36) consecutive months
from the date hereof, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter
provided.
3. COMPENSATION. So long as the Executive is employed by
the Company pursuant to this Employment Agreement, the Executive
will be entitled to the following compensation and fringe benefits:
3.1. SALARY. For all services rendered by the Executive
pursuant to this Employment Agreement, the Company will pay to
the Executive, an annual salary of $126,200, less any
compensation received by reason of Executive's participation
as a director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates. Such salary will be payable in equal bi-monthly
installments or at such other frequency as will be consistent
with the Company's normal payroll practices with other
employees in effect from time to time. Payments of salary
will be subject to normal employee withholding and other tax
deductions. The parties acknowledge that the annual salary is
a base salary and annual consideration shall be given to
granting Executive salary increases based on factors such as:
inflation, increase in the scope of duties and extraordinary
achievements.
3.2. FRINGE BENEFITS. The Executive will be entitled to
participate in the fringe benefit programs of the Company, in
existence from time to time (including any pension plan, bonus
program, group life and medical insurance programs and medical
expense reimbursement plans), as determined by the Board, and
as are made available to employees of like status to the
Executive on a comparable basis, and according to the rules
and regulations of such programs adopted by the Company from
time to time.
3.3. EXPENSES. Upon presentation of supporting
documentation as may reasonably be satisfactory to the
Company, the Company will pay or reimburse the Executive for
all reasonable travel, entertainment, and other business
expenses actually incurred by the Executive during the term of
this Employment Agreement in the performance of his services
and duties; provided, however, that the type and amount of
expenses will be consistent with expense reimbursement
policies adopted from time to time, formally or informally by
the Company. Any expense beyond such authorization must be
specifically authorized in advance by the president. In the
event of a dispute between the Company and the Executive as to
the nature of such expenses, the decision of the president
will be binding. If an income tax deduction (Federal, state
or local) is disallowed to the Company for any part of such
expense payments, the Executive agrees to repay the Company
the amount of the expense reimbursement to the Executive paid
by the Company upon demand by the Company.
4. TERMINATION. The Executive's employment with the Company
may be terminated and this Employment Agreement canceled upon the
following terms and conditions.
4.1. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. During the terms of this
Employment Agreement, the Executive's employment may be
terminated immediately, with or without written or oral
notice, by the Company for "Cause" (as hereinafter defined).
If the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated
for "Cause" all compensation described in paragraphs 3.1
through 3.3 of this Employment Agreement will terminate as of
the date of such termination of employment. Termination for
"Cause" is limited to the following grounds: (i)
misappropriation of funds, embezzlement, or willful and
material damage of or to any material property of the Company,
or defrauding or attempting to defraud the Company; (ii)
conviction of any crime (whether or not involving the Company)
which constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved; (iii)
malfeasance or non-feasance in the performance by the
Executive of his duties hereunder; (iv) failure or refusal by
the Executive to perform his duties in the best interests of
the Company and in accordance with the directions given by the
Board, the chairman of the board or the president of the
Company; or (v) a material breach by the Executive, in the
sole opinion of the Company, or any of the provisions of this
Employment Agreement; which breach continues after notice of
the breach, either oral or written, from the Company to the
Executive. Upon termination of the Executive for "Cause", the
Company will pay the Executive's salary and other benefits,
including reimburse the Executive for authorized expenses
incurred, through the date of termination of the Executive's
employment. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
foregoing will be the Company's only obligations and total
liability to the Executive for termination of the Executive's
employment for "Cause".
4.2. TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. The Company
may terminate the Executive without cause at any time by
providing the Executive thirty (30) days prior written
notice of termination. Upon termination without cause, the
Company will continue to pay the Executive compensation in the
amount equal to the Executive's then salary for the remainder
of the term of this Employment Agreement as if Executive
had not been terminated, plus any bonuses which the
Executive would have been entitled to had the Executive not
been terminated, and reimburse the Executive for
authorized expenses incurred through the date of termination
of the Executive's employment. The Company will also, if
required by law, allow the Executive to continue any medical
and hospitalization plan and/or insurance at the
Executive's sole cost and responsibility. The Executive
acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing will be the
Company's only obligations and total liability to the
Executive for termination of the Executive's employment
without cause.
4.3. VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION. The Executive may
voluntarily resign prior to the expiration of this Employment
Agreement, upon providing the Company with at least fifteen
(15) days' prior written notice. Upon the effective date of
the Executive's resignation, the Company will pay the
Executive's salary and other benefits, including reimbursement
for authorized expenses incurred, through the effective date
of the Executive's resignation. The Company will also, if
required by law, allow the Executive to continue any medical
and hospitalization plans and/or insurance at the Executive's
sole cost and responsibility. The Executive acknowledges and
agrees that the foregoing will be the Company's only
obligations and total liability to the Executive for
termination of the Executive's employment due to the
Executive's voluntary resignation.
4.4. TERMINATION UPON DEATH. The Executive's
employment will be terminated automatically upon the
Executive's death. As the result of the Executive's death, the
Company will pay to the Executive's estate a death benefit
equal to the Executive's salary through the end of the month
in which the Executive's death occurs, plus reimbursement
for authorized expenses incurred by the Executive prior to his
death. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing
will be the Company's only obligations and total liability
to the Executive for termination of the Executive's employment
due to the Executive's death.
4.5. TERMINATION UPON DISABILITY. The Company may,
upon 30 days prior written notice to the Executive, terminate
the Executive's employment effective as of the date specified
in the notice, if, due to any medical or psychological
disability the Executive is not able to perform his customary
services and duties for 30 continuous business days or
45 noncontinuous business days within a 90-day period
(the "Disability Period"). The Company may retain a physician
of its choice to examine the Executive and to render a
medical opinion to the Company as to the Executive's
medical or psychological disability. The Executive
consents to examination by such physician, and further agrees
that the opinion of such physician will be binding upon
both the Executive and the Company. Upon termination
of the Executive's employment due to disability, the Company
will pay to the Executive an amount equivalent to three months
salary as termination compensation, and if required by law,
allow the Executive to continue any medical or
hospitalization plan and/or insurance at the Executive's
sole cost andresponsibility. The Executive will receive full
compensation for any period of temporary illness or
disability. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
foregoing will be the Company's only obligations and total
liability to the Executive for termination of the Executive's
employment due to disability.
4.6. RETURN OF MATERIALS. Upon the termination of the
Executive's employment, irrespective of the time, manner or
reason of termination, the Executive will immediately
surrender and deliver to the Company all originals and all
copies of reproductions of books, records, summaries, lists,
computer software, and other tangible data and information,
and every form and every kind, relating to the Confidential
Information (as defined in Section 5 of this Employment
Agreement) and all other property belonging to the Company.
The prior and full performance by the Executive of the
provisions of this Section 4.6 is a condition to the payment
by the Company to the Executive of any compensation set forth
in this Employment Agreement.
5. NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY
INFORMATION. The Executive may not during the term of his
employment with the Company or any time thereafter, directly or
indirectly, copy, use, or disclose to any person or business any
"Confidential Information" (as defined below) except for the
benefit of the Company in connection with the performance of his
duties and in accordance with any guidelines or policies which
might be adopted from time to time by the Company. In addition,
the Executive will use his best efforts to cause all persons over
whom he has supervisory control to use, maintain and protect all
"Confidential Information" in a confidential manner and as a
valuable asset of the Company. As used in this Employment
Agreement, "Confidential Information" means trade secrets and other
proprietary information and data concerning the business of the
Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates (the "FCC Companies"),
regardless of whether protectable by law, including, but not
limited to, information concerning the names and addresses of any
of the FCC Companies' policyholders and prospective policyholders,
any of the FCC Companies' operation manuals, accounts, the names of
employees and agents and their respective duties, the names of
reinsurance providers, financial data, pricing lists and policies,
profits or losses, product or service development and all such
similar information, all of which would not readily be available to
the Executive except for the Executive's employment relationship
with the Company. The Executive acknowledges that such information
and similar data is not generally known to the trade, is of a
confidential nature, is an asset of the Company, and to preserve
the Company's good will, must be kept strictly confidential and
used only in the conduct of its business. The provisions of this
Section will survive the termination of this Employment Agreement
for any reason.
6. INTERFERENCE WITH EXTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS. The
Executive agrees that, as a result of the Confidential Information,
he will receive, come in contact with, create, or have access to
during the term of his employment with the Company, and the
Company's customer relationships he will be exposed to, the
Executive will not, directly or indirectly (through any corporation
which he is a director, officer, consultant, agent or other
relationship) during the term of his employment service, perform or
otherwise manage insurance companies or insurance related
businesses.
7. INTERFERENCE WITH INTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS. The
Executive agrees that, as a result of the Confidential Information
he will receive, come into contact with, create or have access to
during the term of his employment with the Company, and the
Company's employee and independent contractor relationships he will
be exposed to, the Executive will not, directly or indirectly
(through any corporation in which he is a director, officer,
consultant, agent, or other relationship), during the term of his
employment interfere with the Company's relationship with, or
endeavor to entice away from the Company or any of the FCC
Companies or, directly or indirectly, contact any person, firm or
entity employed by, retained by or associated with the Company or
any of the FCC Companies, to induce any such person, firm or
entity, to leave the service of the Company or any of the FCC
Companies and provide the same or substantially the same work as
performed for the Company or any of the FCC Companies to the
Executive or to any other person, firm, or entity.
8. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The Executive consents and agrees
that if he violates any of the provisions of Section 5 through 7
hereof, the Company would sustain irreparable harm and, therefore
in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity the Company may
have under this Employment Agreement, the Company will be entitled
to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction
restraining the Executive from committing or continuing any such
violation of any provisions of Section 5 through 7 of this
Employment Agreement.
9. MISCELLANEOUS.
9.1 NOTICES. All notices and other communications
required or desire to be given to or in connection with this
Employment Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed
effectively given upon personal delivery three days after
deposit in the United States mail sent by certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one day after
delivery to an overnight delivery service which retains
records of deliveries, to the parties at the addresses set
forth below or such other address as either party may
designate in like manner.
A. If to the Company:
First Commonwealth Corporation
5250 South Sixth Street
Springfield, Illinois 62703
B. If to the Executive:
Mr. George E. Francis
3201 Eagle Watch Drive
Springfield, Illinois 62707
9.2 GOVERNING LAW. This Employment Agreement will be
governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Illinois.
9.3 SEVERABILITY. If any provision contained in this
Employment Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by
a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision will be
severed herefrom in such invalidity or unenforceability will
not effect any other provision of this Employment Agreement,
the balance of which will remain in and have its intended full
force and effect; provided, however, if such invalid or
unenforceable provisions may be modified so is to be valid and
enforceable as a matter of law, such provision will be deemed
to have been modified so as to be valid and enforceable to the
maximum extent committed by law.
9.4 MODIFICATION. This Employment Agreement may not be
changed, modified, discharged, or terminated except by a
writing signed by all the parties hereto.
9.5 FULLING BINDING. This Employment Agreement will be
binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and
their respective successors, assigns and personal
representative; provided, however, that this Employment
Agreement is assignable by the Company with the prior consent,
either oral or written, of the Executive.
9.6 HEADINGS. The numbers, headings, titles, or
designations to the various sections are not a part of this
Employment Agreement, but are for convenience of reference
only, and do not and will not be used to define, limit or
construe the contents of this Employment Agreement or any part
thereof.
9.7 WAIVER. By execution of this Employment Agreement,
the Executive hereby waives and relinquishes any and all
rights, benefits and entitlements to which he may hereafter
have under any other contract with the Company or any of its
corporate parents, subsidiaries or affiliates prior to the
date hereof; excepting that certain agreement dated April 15,
1993 pertaining to a deferred compensation payment and options
to Purchase stock of UTI.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Employment Agreement on the date first above written.
EXECUTIVE: COMPANY:
First Commonwealth Corporation, a
Virginia corporation.
By: George E. Francis By:
George E. Francis Title:
ATTEST:
By:
Title:
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1997 SEP-30-1996
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 1,834,388 2,470,934
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 185,352,214 197,280,865
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 188,585,275 197,404,996
<EQUITIES> 2,783,623 1,799,001
<MORTGAGE> 10,010,243 12,721,704
<REAL-ESTATE> 14,232,563 14,354,723
<TOTAL-INVEST> 228,824,616 246,214,400
<CASH> 11,018,807 14,668,479
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 41,614,177 15,194,775
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 36,294,779 39,321,129
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 333,534,691 358,463,434
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<POLICY-OTHER> 256,411,217 253,079,086
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 17,003,996 16,291,805
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 18,241,602 19,499,853
0 0
0 0
<COMMON> 54,560 59,920
<OTHER-SE> 69,832,439 36,487,244
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 333,534,691 338,463,434
19,848,747 21,848,140
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 11,388,249 11,902,155
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> (136,196) (286,592)
<OTHER-INCOME> 2,589,173 2,598,476
<BENEFITS> 22,045,251 23,733,591
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 4,134,485 4,688,847
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 8,946,972 10,616,296
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,436,735) (2,976,555)
<INCOME-TAX> 300,973 1,070,276
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (1,157,924) (1,955,514)
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,157,924) (1,955,514)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (20.25) (32.64)
<EPS-DILUTED> (20.25) (32.64)
<RESERVE-OPEN> 0 0
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