UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 AND 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000
--------------
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 0-5392
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
VIRGINIA 54-0832816
-------- ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5250 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
P.O. BOX 5147
SPRINGFIELD, IL 62705
---------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
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 [ ]
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of April
30, 2000, was 54,533.
<PAGE>
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(The "Company")
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 1. Financial Information................................................3
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................................3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999....3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended
March 31, 2000 and 1999.................................................4
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Period ended
March 31, 2000..........................................................5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended
March 31, 2000 and 1999.................................................6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................7
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS..................................................12
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK........16
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION..................................................17
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.................................................17
ITEM 2. CHANGE IN SECURITIES..............................................17
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES...................................17
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS...............17
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.................................................17
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS..........................................................17
SIGNATURES....................................................................18
2
<PAGE>
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, December 31,
ASSETS 2000 1999
--------------- ---------------
Investments:
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities at amortized cost
(market $134,928,802 and $142,675,019) $ 137,699,512 $ 144,751,111
Investments held for sale:
Fixed maturities, at market
(cost $50,288,127 and $31,415,026) 48,823,892 30,191,357
Equity securities, at market
(cost $ 2,886,315 and $2,886,315) 3,159,628 2,165,556
Mortgage loans on real estate at amortized cost 13,751,254 15,483,772
Investment real estate, at cost,
net of accumulated depreciation 6,131,392 6,255,569
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt 0 1,550,000
Policy loans 13,852,684 14,151,113
Other long-term investments 1,040,066 906,278
Short-term investments 2,106,062 2,200,000
--------------- ---------------
226,564,490 217,654,756
Cash and cash equivalents 13,554,098 19,767,463
Investment in parent 350,000 350,000
receivable from affiliate, net 128,387 154,618
Accrued investment income 3,347,242 3,418,299
Reinsurance receivables:
Future policy benefits 35,825,603 36,117,010
Policy claims and other benefits 3,943,154 3,806,382
Cost of insurance acquired 16,264,158 16,555,596
Deferred policy acquisition costs 9,202,026 9,777,536
Costs in excess of net assets purchased,
net of accumulated amortization 8,048,262 8,152,229
Income taxes receivable:
Current 402,452 422,816
Deferred 1,299,959 1,029,986
Property and equipment,
net of accumulated depreciation 2,764,219 2,814,601
Other assets 765,534 853,731
--------------- ---------------
Total assets $ 322,459,584 $ 320,875,023
=============== ===============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Policy liabilities and accruals:
Future policy benefits $ 252,237,483 $ 252,490,695
Policy claims and benefits payable 2,516,467 2,773,309
Other policyholder funds 1,599,643 1,627,341
Dividend and endowment accumulations 14,020,881 14,269,574
Notes payable 14,864,193 14,864,193
Other liabilities 6,215,918 4,204,410
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities 291,454,585 290,229,522
--------------- ---------------
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries 1,474,004 1,485,165
--------------- ---------------
Shareholders' equity: Common stock - $1 par value per share.
Authorized 62,500 shares - 54,538 shares issued after
deducting treasury shares of 947 54,538 54,538
Additional paid-in capital 51,875,721 51,875,721
Accumulated deficit (21,225,597) (20,854,588)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (1,173,667) (1,915,335)
--------------- ---------------
Total shareholders' equity 29,530,995 29,160,336
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 322,459,584 $ 320,875,023
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
3
<PAGE>
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended
March 31, March 31,
2000 1999
----------------- -----------------
Revenues:
<S> <C> <C>
Premiums and policy fees $ 6,227,229 $ 7,047,130
Reinsurance premiums and policy fees (890,081) (1,039,619)
Net investment income 4,224,386 3,633,479
Realized investment gains and (losses), net 224,681 16,343
Other income 32,385 28,676
----------------- -----------------
9,818,600 9,686,009
Benefits and other expenses:
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses:
Life 6,541,376 6,486,421
Reinsurance benefits and claims (906,102) (995,505)
Annuity 296,949 345,578
Dividends to policyholders 269,720 356,979
Commissions and amortization of deferred
policy acquisition costs 948,432 1,141,360
Amortization of cost of insurance acquired 291,438 235,191
Operating expenses 2,685,721 2,039,613
Interest expense 330,002 356,722
----------------- -----------------
10,457,536 9,966,359
Loss before income taxes and minority interest (638,936) (280,350)
Income tax credit 249,609 154,018
Minority interest in (income) loss of
consolidated subsidiaries 18,318 (22,262)
----------------- -----------------
Net loss $ (371,009) $ (148,594)
================= =================
Basic (loss) on earnings per share from continuing
operations and net income $ (6.80) $ (2.72)
================= =================
Diluted (loss) on earnings per share from continuing
operations and net income $ (6.80) $ (2.72)
================= =================
Basic weighted average shares outstanding 54,538 54,539
================= =================
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 54,538 54,539
================= =================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
4
<PAGE>
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
For the Period ended March 31,2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Common stock
Balance, beginning of year $ 54,538
Issued during year 0
Purchase treasury shares 0
------------------
Balance, end of period 54,538
------------------
Additional paid-in capital
Balance, beginning of year 51,875,721
Issued during year 0
Purchase treasury shares 0
------------------
Balance, end of period 51,875,721
------------------
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
Balance, beginning of year (20,854,588)
Net loss (371,009) $ (371,009)
------------------ ------------------
Balance, end of period (21,225,597)
------------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of year (1,915,335)
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized appreciation on securities 741,668 741,668
------------------ ------------------
Comprehensive income $ 370,659
==================
Balance, end of period (1,173,667)
------------------
Total shareholder's equity, end of period $ 29,530,995
==================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
5
<PAGE>
FIRST COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended
March 31, March 31,
2000 1999
-------------- --------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash flows from operating activities:
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss $ (371,009)$ (148,594)
Adjustments to reconcile net income 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 62,209 131,525
Realized investment (gains) losses, net (224,681) (16,343)
Policy acquisition costs deferred (117,000) (165,000)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 692,510 807,663
Amortization of cost of insurance acquired 291,438 235,191
Amortization of costs in excess of net
assets purchased 100,916 110,916
Depreciation 113,920 125,519
Minority interest (18,318) 22,262
Change in accrued investment income 71,057 (66,366)
Change in reinsurance receivables 154,635 47,631
Change in policy liabilities and accruals (643,718) (902,899)
Charges for mortality and administration of
universal life and annuity products (2,636,712) (2,704,943)
Interest credited to account balances 1,573,793 1,717,828
Change in income taxes payable (249,609) (170,492)
Change in indebtedness (to) from affiliates, net 26,231 (179,064)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net 2,099,930 67,895
-------------- --------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 925,592 (1,087,271)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold and matured:
Fixed maturities held for sale 0 630,000
Fixed maturities sold 0 0
Fixed maturities matured 7,023,517 7,444,589
Mortgage loans 1,812,518 1,623,458
Real estate 1,897,742 75,616
Policy loans 848,313 849,532
Other long-term investments 66,212 0
Short-term 160,000 241,800
-------------- --------------
Total proceeds from investments sold and matured 11,808,302 10,864,995
Cost of investments acquired:
Fixed maturities held for sale (18,858,793) (10,572,284)
Fixed maturities 0 0
Equity securities 0 (161,256)
Mortgage loans (80,000) (1,944,280)
Real estate (74,116) (308,615)
Policy loans (549,884) (796,109)
Other long-term investments (200,000) 0
Short-term (66,062) (1,500,192)
-------------- --------------
Total cost of investments acquired (19,828,855) (15,282,736)
Purchase of property and equipment (36,968) (48,545)
-------------- --------------
Net cash used in investing activities (8,057,521) (4,466,286)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Policyholder contract deposits 3,608,133 4,160,118
Policyholder contract withdrawals (2,687,941) (3,375,231)
Purchase of stock of affiliates (1,628) 0
-------------- --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 918,564 784,887
-------------- --------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (6,213,365) (4,768,670)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 19,767,463 25,752,842
-------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 13,554,098 $ 20,984,172
============== ==============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
6
<PAGE>
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 ("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, 1999.
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 March 31, 2000, the parent, significant subsidiaries and affiliates of First
Commonwealth Corporation were as depicted on the following organizational chart.
United Trust Group, Inc. ("UTG") is the ultimate controlling company. UTG owns
80% of First Commonwealth Corporation ("FCC"), 100% of Roosevelt Equity
Corporation (REC) and 100% of North Plaza of Somerset, Inc ("North Plaza"). FCC
owns 100% of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("UG"). UG owns 86% of
Appalachian Life Insurance Company ("APPL") and APPL owns 100% of Abraham
Lincoln Insurance Company ("ABE").
7
<PAGE>
2. INVESTMENTS
As of March 31, 2000, fixed maturities and fixed maturities held for sale
represented 82% of total invested assets. As prescribed by the various state
insurance department statutes and regulations, the insurance companies'
investment portfolio is required to be invested 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 value. 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 March 31, 2000, 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.
3. NOTES PAYABLE
At both March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999, the Company had $14,864,193 in
long-term debt outstanding, respectively. The debt is comprised of the following
components:
03/31/00 12/31/99
------------- -------------
Nonaffiliated senior debt $ 25,000 $ 25,000
Affiliated subordinated 20 yr. Notes 3,431,094 3,431,094
Other affiliated notes payable 11,408,099 11,408,099
------------- -------------
$ 14,864,193 $ 14,864,193
============= =============
A. Nonaffiliated senior debt
The senior debt is through National City Bank 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 National City Bank from
time to time as its "base lending rate." The base rate at March 31, 2000 was
9.00%. Interest is paid quarterly. The principal balance of $25,000 will be
payable on or before the debt maturity date of May 8, 2005, and is being
maintained to keep the Company's credit relationship with National City Bank in
place.
The credit agreement contains certain covenants with which the Company must
comply. These 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.
B. Affiliated subordinated debt
The 20-year notes are payable to the Company's ultimate parent UTG, and bear
interest at the rate of 8 1/2% per annum payable semi-annually, with a lump sum
principal payment due June 16, 2012.
8
<PAGE>
C. Other affiliated notes payable
All other affiliated notes payable of FCC are due to its parent, UTG.
In December 1993 and May 1995 FCC borrowed $700,000 and $300,000, respectively.
Both 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 November 1997, FCC borrowed $1,000,000 to facilitate the prepayment of a May
1998 principal payment due on the senior debt. The note bears interest at the
rate of 1% over the prime rate of interest as published in the Wall Street
Journal, with interest payments due quarterly and principal due upon maturity of
the note on November 8, 2006.
In November 1998, FCC borrowed $2,608,099 to facilitate a prepayment of
principal on its former subordinated 10-year debt. The note bears interest at
the rate of 7.50%, with interest payments due quarterly and principal due upon
maturity of the note on December 31, 2005. In addition, FCC borrowed $6,300,000
to facilitate the prepayment of principal on the senior debt. This note bears
interest at the rate of 9/16% over the prime rate of interest as published in
the Wall Street Journal, with interest payments due quarterly and principal due
upon maturity of the note on December 31, 2006.
In December 1998, FCC borrowed $500,000 to facilitate an additional prepayment
of principal on its former subordinated 10-year debt. The note bears interest at
the rate of 7.50%, with interest payments due quarterly and principal due upon
maturity of the note, on March 31, 2004.
Scheduled principal reductions on the Company's debt for the next five years is
as follows:
Year Amount
----------------------- ---------------------
2000 $ 0
2001 0
2002 0
2003 0
2004 500,000
4. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
UTG and FCC established a deferred compensation plan during 1993 pursuant to
which an officer or agent of FCC or affiliates of UTG, could defer a portion of
their income over the next two and one-half years in return for a deferred
compensation payment payable at the end of seven years in the amount equal to
the total income deferred plus interest at a rate of approximately 8.5% per
annum and a stock option to purchase shares of common stock of UTG. At the
beginning of the deferral period an officer or agent received an immediately
exercisable option to purchase 2,300 shares of UTG common stock at $17.50 per
share for each $25,000 ($10,000 per year for two and one-half years) of total
income deferred. The option expires on December 31, 2000. A total of 105,000
options were granted in 1993 under this plan. As Of March 31, 2000, no options
were exercised. In the first quarter of 2000, the Company paid deferred
compensation owed to four officers totalling $840,000. At March 31, 2000 and
December 31, 1999, the Company held a liability of $443,399 and $1,283,399,
respectively, relating to this plan. At March 31, 2000, UTG common stock had a
market price of $8.125 per share.
The following information applies to deferred compensation plan stock options
outstanding at March 31, 2000:
Number outstanding 105,000
Exercise price $17.50
Remaining contractual life 3/4 year
9
<PAGE>
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during each year, retroactively adjusted to give effect to all stock
splits, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128.
The computation of diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per
share since the Company has no dilutive instruments outstanding.
6. 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 the 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. Mandatory
assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium tax
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 is 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.
7. OTHER CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE
On a cash basis, the Company paid $255,325 and $244,928 in interest expense
during the first quarter of 2000 and 1999, respectively. The Company paid $0 and
$16,474 in federal income tax during the first quarter of 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
8. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions that at times may
exceed federally insured limits. The Company maintains its primary operating
cash accounts with First Southern National Bank, an affiliate of First Southern
Funding, LLC, the largest shareholder of UTG. One of these accounts holds
approximately $5,000,000 for which there are no pledges or guarantees outside
FDIC insurance limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such
accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash
and cash equivalents.
10
<PAGE>
9. ACCOUNTING AND LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS
The FASB has issued SFAS 133 entitled, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities, which is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999. SFAS 137 was subsequently issued to defer the
effective date of SFAS 133 to be effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS 133 requires that an entity recognize
all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial
position and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are
met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a specific type of exposure
hedge. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on
the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The adoption
of SFAS 133 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position
or results of operations, since the Company has no derivative or hedging type
investments.
10. RESIGNATION OF BOARD CHAIRMAN
The Boards of Directors of United Trust Group, Inc. and each of its affiliates
accepted the resignation of Larry E. Ryherd as Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief Executive Officer effective March 27, 2000.
Mr. Jesse T. Correll was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer of each of the companies. Mr. Correll has assumed this
role for no compensation.
Mr. Correll is Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of First
Southern Funding, LLC and First Southern Bancorp, Inc., an affiliate of First
Southern Funding, LLC. First Southern Bancorp, Inc. owns First Southern National
Bank, which operates out of 14 locations in central Kentucky. Mr. Correll is
United Trust Group, Inc.'s largest shareholder through his ownership control of
First Southern Funding, LLC and its affiliates.
Mr. Ryherd has 28 months remaining on an employment contract with the Company at
the end of March 2000. No settlement or resolution among the parties involved
has been reached as to the remaining period of Mr. Ryherd's contract. As such, a
charge of $933,333 was incurred in first quarter 2000 for the remainder of this
contract.
11
<PAGE>
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 consolidated
results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and capital resources.
This analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this report. The Company
reports financial results on a consolidated basis. The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of FCC and its subsidiaries at March 31, 2000.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Any forward-looking statement contained herein or in any other oral or written
statement by the company or any of its officers, directors or employees is
qualified by the fact that actual results of the company may differ materially
from any such statement due to the following important factors, among other
risks and uncertainties inherent in the company's business:
1. Prevailing interest rate levels, which may affect the ability of the
company to sell its products, the market value of the company's investments
and the lapse ratio of the company's policies, notwithstanding product
design features intended to enhance persistency of the company's products.
2. Changes in the federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the
relative tax advantages of the company's products.
3. Changes in the regulation of financial services, including bank sales and
underwriting of insurance products, which may affect the competitive
environment for the company's products.
4. Other factors affecting the performance of the company, including, but not
limited to, market conduct claims, insurance industry insolvencies, stock
market performance, and investment performance.
Results of Operations
- ---------------------
(a) Revenues
Premiums and policy fee revenues, net of reinsurance premiums and policy fees,
decreased 11% when comparing 2000 to 1999. The Company currently writes little
new traditional business, consequently, traditional premiums will decrease as
the amount of traditional business in-force decreases. Collected premiums on
universal life and interest sensitive products is not reflected in premiums and
policy revenues because Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP")
requires that premiums collected on these types of products be treated as
deposit liabilities rather than revenue. Unless the Company acquires a block of
in-force business or marketing changes its focus to traditional business,
premium revenue will continue to decline.
Net investment income increased 16% when comparing 2000 to 1999. During first
quarter of 2000, the Company received $552,000 in investment earnings from a
joint venture real estate development project which is in its latter stages. The
Company expects to receive a small amount of income from this property's final
disposition. The earnings from this activity represent approximately 15% of the
increase in investment income from the previous period.
The national prime rate is 1.25% higher in first quarter 2000 than it was in
first quarter 1999. This results in higher earnings on short-term funds as well
as on longer-term investments acquired. In 1999, the Company began investing
more of its funds in mortgage loans. This is the result of its affiliation with
First Southern Funding and its affiliates ("FSF"), which includes a bank. FSF
has been able to provide the Company with additional expertise and experience in
underwriting commercial and residential mortgage loans, which provide more
attractive yields than the traditional bond market while maintaining high
quality and low risk.
12
<PAGE>
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, which currently is the Company's primary sales
product. The Company monitors investment yields, and when necessary adjusts
credited interest rates on its insurance products to preserve targeted interest
spreads. It is expected that monitoring of the interest spreads by management
will provide the necessary margin to adequately provide for associated costs on
the insurance policies the Company currently has in force and will write in the
future. At the March 1999 Board of Directors meeting, the Board lowered
crediting rates one-half percent on all products that could be lowered. This
adjustment was in response to continued declines in interest rates in the
marketplace. The change will result in interest crediting reductions of
approximately $600,000 per year. Policy interest crediting rate changes become
effective on an individual policy basis on the next policy anniversary.
Therefore, it will take a full year from the time the change is determined for
the full impact of such change to be realized.
(b) Expenses
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses net of reinsurance benefits and claims,
are comparable in 2000 to 1999. Death benefit claims were $223,000 less than the
prior period. Policy claims vary from year to year and therefore, fluctuations
in mortality are to be expected and are not considered unusual by management.
Increases in reserves on interest sensitive business in force is lower than the
previous year due to the reduction in interest crediting rates approved by the
Board of Directors of the respective insurance subsidiaries in March of 1999.
Reserves continue to increase on in-force policies as the age of the insureds
increases.
Operating expenses increased 32% in 2000 compared to 1999. At the March 27, 2000
Board of Directors meeting, United Trust Group, Inc. and each of its affiliates
accepted the resignation of Larry E. Ryherd as Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ryherd has 28 months remaining on an
employment contract with the Company at the end of March 2000. No settlement or
resolution among the parties involved has been reached as to the remaining
period of Mr. Ryherd's contract. As such, a charge of $933,333 was incurred in
first quarter 2000 for the remainder of this contract. Additionally, the Company
accrued $73,500 in expenses in the first quarter 2000 related to severance costs
from the termination of two employees. Exclusive of the above accruals,
operating expenses declined 18% from the prior year primarily as the result of
lower salary and related employee costs. In March of 1999, the Company
determined it could no longer continue to support its fixed costs relating to
new business in light of the declining new business trend and no indication it
would reverse any time soon. It was determined these fixed costs should be
reduced to be commensurate with the level of new sales production activity then
being experienced. As such, in March 1999, seven employees of the Company
(approximately 8% of the total staff), were terminated due to lack of business
activity. In the fourth quarter of 1999, the Company transferred the policy
administration functions of its insurance subsidiary APPL from Huntington WV to
its Springfield, IL location. APPL policy administration was then converted to
the same computer system used to administer the other insurance subsidiaries.
Interest expense decreased 7% in 2000 compared to 1999. During 1998 and 1999,
FCC was able to replace much of its outside debt through intercompany borrowings
from UTG. This provides the Company with increased flexibility when it comes to
repayment options. At December 31, 1999, FCC had $25,000 of outside debt
remaining. This debt is anticipated to be repaid during second quarter of 2000.
At March 31, 2000, UTG had $5,892,969 of outside debt of its own. UTG is reliant
on cashflows from FCC through the servicing of the intercompany debt to service
the outside debt. Management believes the overall sources of cashflows available
to FCC will be more than sufficient to service this debt.
13
<PAGE>
(c) Net income
The Company had a net loss of $(371,009) in 2000 compared to $(148,594) in 1999.
Expense accruals relating to the employment agreement of Mr. Ryherd and
severance of terminated employees resulted in the decline in net income from the
previous year, which was partially offset by increased investment earnings
relating to the Company's joint venture real estate development project.
Financial Condition
- -------------------
The financial condition of the Company has changed very little since December
31,1999. Total shareholder's equity decreased approximately $371,000 as of March
31, 2000 compared to December 31, 1999.
Investments represent approximately 70% and 68% of total assets at March 31,
2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively. Accordingly, investments are the
largest asset group of the Company. 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 high quality low risk investments.
The liabilities are predominantly long-term in nature and therefore, the Company
invests in long-term fixed maturity investments that 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 March 31, 2000, 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. To
provide additional flexibility and liquidity, the Company has categorized all
fixed maturity investments acquired since the first quarter of 1999 as available
for sale. Securities originally classified as available for sale have since
matured, thus reducing the amount of securities carried in this category. It was
determined it would be in the Company's best financial interest to classify
these new purchases as available for sale to provide additional liquidity.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------
The Company has three principal needs for cash - the insurance companies'
contractual obligations to policyholders, the payment of operating expenses and
the servicing of its long-term debt. Cash and cash equivalents as a percentage
of total assets were 4% and 6% as of March 31, 2000, and December 31, 1999,
respectively. Fixed maturities as a percentage of total invested assets were 82%
and 80% as of March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999, 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 sufficient return to cover these
obligations. 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. To provide
additional flexibility and liquidity, the Company has categorized all fixed
maturity investments acquired in 1999 and 2000 as available for sale.
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.
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $925,592 and $(1,087,271) in
2000 and 1999, respectively. The net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities plus net policyholder contract deposits after the payment of
policyholder withdrawals equaled $1,845,784 in 2000 and $(302,384) in 1999.
Management utilizes this measurement of cash flows as an indicator of the
performance of the Company's insurance operations, since
14
<PAGE>
reporting regulations require cash inflows and outflows from universal life
insurance products to be shown as financing activities when reporting on cash
flows.
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $(8,057,521) and
$(4,466,286), for 2000 and 1999, respectively. The most significant aspect of
cash provided by (used in) investing activities are the fixed maturity
transactions. Fixed maturities account for 95% and 69% of the total cost of
investments acquired in 2000 and 1999, respectively. The Company has not
directed its investable funds to so-called "junk bonds" or derivative
investments.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $918,564 and $784,887 for 2000 and
1999, respectively. Policyholder contract deposits decreased 13% in 2000
compared to 1999. Policyholder contract withdrawals decreased 20% in 2000
compared to 1999. During first quarter of 1999, the Company had an unusually
large annuity contract surrender of approximately $400,000.
At March 31, 2000, the Company had a total of $14,864,193 in long-term debt
outstanding. The Company continues its plan to eliminate its outside debt.
During second quarter 2000, the Company anticipates repaying $1,500,000 to
$2,000,000 of its debt.
Since FCC is a holding company, funds required to meet its debt service
requirements and other expenses are primarily provided by its subsidiaries. On a
parent only basis, FCC's cash flow is dependent on revenues from management and
cost sharing arrangements with its subsidiaries and affiliates and its earnings
received on invested assets and cash balances. At March 31, 2000, 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 Company's insurance subsidiaries have maintained adequate
statutory capital and surplus and have not used surplus relief or financial
reinsurance, which have come under scrutiny by many state insurance departments.
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 insurance company is domiciled.
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, 1999, UG
had a statutory gain from operations of $3,535,018. At December 31, 1999, UG's
statutory capital and surplus amounted to $15,022,234. Extraordinary dividends
(amounts in excess of ordinary dividend limitations) require prior approval of
the insurance commissioner and are not restricted to a specific calculation. UG
paid an ordinary dividend of $2,000,000 to FCC on May 2, 2000.
The Company is not aware of any litigation that will have a material adverse
effect on the financial position of the Company. In addition, the Company does
not believe that the regulatory initiatives currently under consideration by
various regulatory agencies will have a material adverse impact on the Company.
The Company is not aware of any material pending or threatened regulatory action
with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Company does not
believe that any insurance guaranty fund assessments will be materially
different from amounts already provided for in the financial statements.
Management believes the overall sources of liquidity available will be
sufficient to satisfy its financial obligations.
Accounting and Legal Developments
- ---------------------------------
The FASB has issued SFAS 133 entitled, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities, which is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999. SFAS 137 was subsequently issued to defer the
effective date of SFAS 133 to be effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS 133 requires that an entity recognize
all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial
position and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are
met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a specific type of exposure
hedge. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on
the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The adoption
of SFAS 133 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position
or results of operations, since the Company has no derivative or hedging type
investments.
15
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Market risk relates, broadly, to changes in the value of financial instruments
that arise from adverse movements in interest rates, equity prices and foreign
exchange rates. The Company is exposed principally to changes in interest rates
which affect the market prices of its fixed maturities available for sale and
its variable rate debt outstanding. The Company's exposure to equity prices and
foreign currency exchange rates is immaterial.
Interest rate risk
The Company could experience economic losses if it were required to liquidate
fixed income securities available for sale during periods of rising and/or
volatile interest rates. The Company attempts to mitigate its exposure to
adverse interest rate movements through a staggering of the maturities of its
fixed maturity investments and through maintaining cash and other short term
investments to assure sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations and to
address reinvestment risk considerations.
Tabular presentation
The following table provides information about the Company's long term debt that
is sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table presents principal cash
flows and related weighted average interest rates by; expected maturity dates.
The Company has no derivative financial instruments or interest rate swap
contracts.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 2000
Expected maturity date
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Thereafter Total Fair value
Long term debt
Fixed rate 0 0 0 0 500,000 6,039,193 6,539,193 5,956,307
Avg. int. rate 0 0 0 0 7.5% 8.07% 8.02%
Variable rate 0 0 0 0 0 8,325,000 8,325,000 8,325,000
Avg. int. rate 0 0 0 0 0 9.67% 9.67%
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
NONE
ITEM 2. CHANGE IN SECURITIES.
NONE
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
NONE
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
NONE
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
NONE
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
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,
1999.
17
<PAGE>
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: May 10, 2000 By /s/ James E. Melville
- -------------------- -------------------------
James E. Melville
President, Chief Operating Officer
and Director
Date: May 10, 2000 By /s/ Theodore C. Miller
- -------------------- --------------------------
Theodore C. Miller
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-2000
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 48,823,892
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 137,699,512
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 183,752,694
<EQUITIES> 3,159,628
<MORTGAGE> 13,751,254
<REAL-ESTATE> 6,131,392
<TOTAL-INVEST> 226,564,490
<CASH> 13,554,098
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 39,768,757
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 9,202,026
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 322,459,584
<POLICY-LOSSES> 0
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 0
<POLICY-OTHER> 252,237,483
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 18,136,991
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 14,864,193
0
0
<COMMON> 54,538
<OTHER-SE> 29,476,457
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 322,459,584
5,337,148
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 4,224,386
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 224,681
<OTHER-INCOME> 32,385
<BENEFITS> 6,201,943
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 948,432
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 3,307,161
<INCOME-PRETAX> (638,936)
<INCOME-TAX> 249,609
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (371,009)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (371,009)
<EPS-BASIC> (6.80)
<EPS-DILUTED> (6.80)
<RESERVE-OPEN> 0
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 0
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 0
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 0
</TABLE>
