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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
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FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT
(MARK ONE)
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/X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,1999
OR
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/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______________ TO ______________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-8804
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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SOUTH CAROLINA 57-0672136
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS employer identification no.)
incorporation or organization)
1501 LADY STREET (P.O. BOX 1) COLUMBIA, S.C. 29201(2)
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code (803) 748-2000
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /X/ No / /
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. / /
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held
by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 10, 2000, based on the closing
sale price of the registrant's common stock, par value $1.00 per share, as
reported on NASDAQ on such date: $13,704,947.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of
March 10, 2000: 7,831,398.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's proxy statement in connection with the annual
meeting of shareholders to be held May 10, 2000 are incorporated by reference
into Part III.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Table of Contents............................................................ i
Abbreviations................................................................ ii
PART I
Item 1. Business.................................................... 1
Item 2. Properties.................................................. 9
Item 3. Legal Proceedings........................................... 9
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......... 10
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
Security Holder Matters..................................... 11
Item 6. Selected Financial Data..................................... 12
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................... 13
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data................. 26
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure.................................... 63
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons
of the Registrant........................................... 64
Item 11. Executive Compensation...................................... 65
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management.................................................. 66
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............. 66
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on
Form 8-K.................................................... 66
Signatures................................................................... 70
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i
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ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations used in the text have the meaning set forth
below unless the context requires otherwise:
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AFS.......................................... America's Flood Services, Inc.
CIC.......................................... Catawba Insurance Company
FASB......................................... Financial Accounting Standards Board
FEMA......................................... Federal Emergency Management Administration
GAAP......................................... Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Graward...................................... Graward General Companies, Inc.
IBNR......................................... Incurred-But-Not-Reported
INS.......................................... Insurance Network Services, Inc.
Innovative................................... The Innovative Company
JUA.......................................... Joint Underwriting Association
LAE.......................................... Loss Adjustment Expenses
MGA.......................................... Managing General Agent
NAIC......................................... National Association of Insurance
Commissioners
NC Facility.................................. North Carolina Reinsurance Facility
NFIP......................................... National Flood Insurance Plan
PBP.......................................... Premium Budget Plan, Inc.
QualSure..................................... QualSure Insurance Corporation
RBC.......................................... Risk Based Capital
SAP.......................................... Statutory Accounting Principles
SBIG......................................... The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. (also the
"Company" or "Seibels Bruce")
SBC.......................................... Seibels, Bruce & Company
SCAAIP....................................... South Carolina Associated Auto Insurers Plan
SCIC......................................... South Carolina Insurance Company
SC Facility.................................. South Carolina Reinsurance Facility
Universal.................................... Universal Insurance Company
WYO.......................................... Write-Your-Own
</TABLE>
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
CORPORATE PROFILE AND DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
Tracing its roots to 1869, The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. ("Seibels Bruce" or
the "Company") is a provider of automobile, flood and other property and
casualty insurance products. The Company is committed to providing quality
customer service, building strong agent relationships, developing and
capitalizing on territorial knowledge and fostering the creativity and
innovation of its people.
The Company's primary business unit is its nonstandard automobile operation,
which includes its Nashville, North Carolina and South Carolina voluntary
automobile operations as well as its non-risk bearing activities as a servicing
carrier for the South Carolina Reinsurance Facility ("SC Facility"), the South
Carolina Associated Auto Insurers Plan ("SCAAIP") and the North Carolina
Reinsurance Facility ("the NC Facility"). This business boasts operations
spanning 11 states. In South Carolina, home of the Company's corporate
headquarters, the Company is the only insurance provider with a presence in all
three components of the nonstandard automobile market--the SC Facility, the
SCAAIP and the voluntary market.
Complementing the Company's nonstandard automobile operation is its flood
operations, which now extend well beyond simply writing flood insurance for the
National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP") in 46 states. The Company also offers
flood zone determinations, excess flood insurance, flood compliance tracking
services and claims supervision and adjusting services.
Commercial lines and homeowners insurance round out its product lines and
further complement the Company's other business units by enabling its agents to
bundle its products for a more complete insurance portfolio.
The Company seeks to balance fee-based operations with selective risk
underwriting to increase the Company's value for its shareholders, agents and
employees by pursuing maximum growth with limited risk exposure.
Net (loss) income by business segment is as follows for 1999 and 1998:
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1999 1998
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Automobile............................................... $(12,865) $ (814)
Flood.................................................... 2,377 24
Commercial............................................... 698 (2,090)
All other................................................ 2,254 (14)
-------- -------
$ (7,536) $(2,894)
======== =======
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See Note 13 in Part II, Item 8 for information on each segment.
For fiscal 1999, Seibels Bruce posted a net loss of $7,536 or ($.99) per
share, compared with a net loss of $2,894 or ($0.39) per share in 1998.
Fiscal year 1999 was a disappointing year for the Company. In its
nonstandard automobile operations, Seibels Bruce relocated its Universal
Insurance Company ("UIC") operations back to Winston-Salem, North Carolina after
an unsuccessful consolidation attempt with our Nashville subsidiary. With the
relocation completed, the Company has seen an improvement in premium volume
produced in its North Carolina operations. The Company also has implemented more
stringent underwriting guidelines and has taken action resulting from agent
profitability reviews in its Nashville operation to improve loss ratios and has
reduced operating expenses. The Company has begun to see the benefits of these
actions in January
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and February 2000. In its South Carolina automobile line of business, the
Company saw tremendous voluntary premium growth related to the change in the
South Carolina law (Act 154), which went into effect March 1, 1999. In its flood
business, Seibels Bruce continued to expand its book of business and offer flood
zone determinations through its West Coast operation, America's Flood
Services, Inc. ("AFS"). Seibels Bruce, through its reinsurance structure, made
commercial lines catastrophe neutral. Even with all of the hurricane activity
this year, commercial lines managed to produce a small profit.
The following table sets forth the sources of the Company's direct and net
written premiums for the year ended December 31, 1999 and 1998:
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1999
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AUTO FLOOD COMMERCIAL ALL OTHER TOTALS
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct written premium..... $119,928 $34,355 $14,318 $5 $168,606
Net written premium........ 47,700 49 (1,530) 2 46,221
======== ======= ======= == ========
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1998
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AUTO FLOOD COMMERCIAL ALL OTHER TOTALS
-------- -------- ---------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct written premium..... $132,788 $32,754 $15,585 $447 $181,574
Net written premium........ 22,554 (19) 9,251 440 32,226
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Sources of premium result from contractual processing with the SC Facility,
South Carolina voluntary business, Universal Insurance Company ("Universal") in
North Carolina, Graward General Companies, Inc. ("Graward") in Tennessee, flood
business, commercial business and runoff book premiums. Net written premium
under the Commercial segment resulted from the unearned premium portfolio
transfer associated with its 90% quota share reinsurance agreement effective
March 1999.
Nonstandard Automobile
The net losses experienced in 1999 are primarily related to the Company's
automobile business. High loss and expense ratios in the Company's Nashville
operation, coupled with an unsuccessful attempt to consolidate it with the
Company's North Carolina operations, caused significant losses for both
operations. Furthermore, extreme growth and high loss ratios typically
associated with a new and growing book of business resulted in significant
losses in the Company's South Carolina voluntary automobile business.
NASHVILLE OPERATIONS
During 1999, Seibels Bruce moved its North Carolina operations back to
Winston-Salem, North Carolina after an attempt to consolidate it with the
Nashville operations. After the separation, the Nashville operation was left
with excess capacity and staffing large enough to handle a $70 million premium
base while the operation was producing only $24 million in written premiums. In
the third quarter of 1999, the Company began cutting its payroll and
renegotiated its facilities lease to give up approximately 10,000 square feet of
space. Other cost control measures and activities consolidations were also
implemented to further reduce the Nashville operation's expense ratios.
Concurrent with these measures, the Company began a critical profitability
review of the Nashville operation's book of business that resulted in a
reduction of authorized independent agents and more stringent underwriting
guidelines. These measures were designed to improve the profitability of a core
book of business. While the above actions were implemented in 1999, the full
benefit of the changes and cost control measures will not be realized until the
first quarter of 2000.
NORTH CAROLINA OPERATIONS
With the relocation of the North Carolina operations back to Winston-Salem,
North Carolina, the Company began to repair damaged relationships with agents
and their clients who had suffered poor
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customer service during the consolidation efforts. This operation incurred
approximately $2 million in expenses related to the move to Nashville and the
subsequent move back to Winston-Salem. The Company has been very pleased with
the response to our relocation and look forward to a profitable year in 2000 in
the North Carolina market. This book of business is much more seasoned than
either the Nashville or South Carolina automobile books and normally produces a
more favorable loss ratio.
SOUTH CAROLINA OPERATIONS
The Company's strength in the South Carolina nonstandard automobile market
is based on the Company's history as a servicing carrier for the SC Facility
since its creation in 1974. Seibels Bruce continues to build its voluntary
nonstandard automobile business, a program launched in 1997. In October 1998,
Seibels Bruce announced that it had been selected as one of two insurance
servicing carriers that will make up the nonstandard automobile SCAAIP. As the
SC Facility is run off, SCAAIP will provide insurance to drivers unable to
obtain coverage in the voluntary market. This selection distinguishes Seibels
Bruce as the only insurance company to participate in all three segments of the
South Carolina nonstandard automobile insurance market.
The losses experienced in the South Carolina operations source primarily
from two factors. First, the Company wrote approximately $22 million in
voluntary nonstandard automobile insurance during the ten months since the
runoff of the SC Facility began on March 1, 1999. Such rapid growth customarily
strains earnings as it takes time for earned premiums to build to the level of
written premiums and, thus, support the Company's overhead. Secondly, and as is
typically associated with a rapidly growing premium base, the South Carolina
book of business experienced higher than average loss and general expense ratios
caused by a lower earned premium base, acceptance of higher insurance risks and
the front-end staffing and facilities growth required for a growing premium
base. The Company is currently in the process of reviewing this entire book of
business and implementing cost containment measures designed to improve existing
loss and general expense ratios.
Flood
Seibels Bruce's other core product line, flood operations, experienced
substantial growth again in 1999. The Company's written premiums for flood in
1999 increased at a rate nearly doubling that of the NFIP. Seibels Bruce added
to its experienced flood sales force and was able to acquire several large books
of flood business from independent agents throughout the nation. This was
achieved by expanding the Company's product lines and services available to the
independent agents.
The Company's flood product line includes flood insurance, excess flood
insurance, flood zone determinations, claims processing and compliance tracking
services. The Company's basic flood insurance products are underwritten by the
NFIP, a federal government program that sets the policy rates, bears the risks
and pays the claims. Seibels Bruce, working with independent agents throughout
the United States, issues the policies and processes the claims. NFIP policies
cover up to $250,000 in damage per home; however, this level of coverage is
inadequate for many larger homes. Excess flood insurance provides coverage for
larger, more expensive homes. The Company's excess flood products allow it to
insure homes up to the full replacement value. Seibels Bruce receives
additional, non risk-bearing income since it acts as a broker of this product,
and allows the Company to improve relationships with its agents by offering a
broader product portfolio.
Other flood related products the Company offers, through AFS, are flood zone
determinations and flood zone mapping services. These services are provided
primarily to mortgage originators to determine whether or not homes are located
in flood zones and require flood insurance. These services allow the Company to
offer more complete services to agents and institutions, provide the Company
with an even stronger presence in the flood market and expand the channels of
distribution for the Company's complementary products.
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Claims processing has been a major revenue and earnings component for
Seibels Bruce over the past several years and is a weather-dependent piece of
the Company's flood operations. Whereas most property and casualty insurance
companies suffer risk-based losses during hurricanes and floods, Seibels Bruce
benefits strongly as a fee-based processor of claims for the NFIP. The addition
of AFS gives the Company a presence for flood claims processing on both coasts,
an important element of diversification and scale for weather-dependent
operations.
Insurance Adjusting
The Company's premium concentration in the catastrophe heavy Southeast led
to the 1996 creation of a catastrophe adjusting business, Insurance Network
Services ("INS"), to manage the Company's internal claims volume. INS currently
offers three services: catastrophe claims handling for hurricanes, tornadoes,
hailstorms, earthquakes and floods; catastrophe claims supervision; and ordinary
claims adjusting. These services expand the Company's business opportunities by
complementing its core flood operations and by allowing it to adjust claims for
other insurance companies. INS' operations assisted the Company in adjusting
claims from Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd and Irene in 1999. The Company's experience
in processing flood claims led to the award of two statewide windstorm
contracts, a strong indication of its growing presence in the catastrophe claims
adjusting market.
Commercial Lines
In 1998, Seibels Bruce accomplished its major strategic initiative in
commercial lines--converting from a managing general agent ("MGA") role to
retaining risk for commercial policies. The transition was a success, and
Seibels Bruce retained more than 75 percent of the policies it had originally
underwritten as an MGA. This is largely attributable to the long-standing
relationships Seibels Bruce has developed with the commercial lines agents that
sell its products.
Commercial lines represents an important diversification for Seibels Bruce,
further rounding out its product lines and enabling the agents to bundle Seibels
Bruce's products for a more complete insurance portfolio. This diversification
makes Seibels Bruce more attractive to agents, makes it easier for them to work
with the Company and enables them to better serve their customers.
The commercial lines operation was profitable in 1999, despite all of the
hurricane activity. These results were largely due to an effective reinsurance
structure implemented after the operation incurred significant losses and claims
activity from Hurricane Bonnie in 1998.
Reinsurance
The Company currently reinsures 75% of its nonstandard automobile business
through a quota share reinsurance agreement entered into during the fourth
quarter of 1999. This type of reinsurance is designed to increase the capacity
of the Company to write new and renewal business. The Company cedes a portion of
the premiums to the reinsurers, net of a ceding commission, and collects the
same portion of claims payments from the reinsurers. The lead reinsurers for the
automobile business are Scandinavia Re and NAC Re.
In March 1999, the Company entered into a 90% quota share reinsurance
arrangement with Erie Re for its commercial lines. The Company also carries
facultative and umbrella reinsurance on commercial lines.
Before suspending underwriting operations in the first half of 1995, the
Company reinsured a portion of its risks. Business was ceded principally to
reduce the Company's exposure on large individual risks and to provide
protection against large catastrophic occurrences. The Company's principal
reinsurer under the prior agreements, in terms of the amount of reinsurance
recoverable on incurred losses, is Swiss Reinsurance American Corporation.
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Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to
policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in
losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its
reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar
geographic regions, activities, or economic characteristics of the reinsurer to
minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvency.
In its capacity as a servicing carrier, the Company issues policies for
automobile and flood insurance and then reinsures 100% of these risks with the
SC Facility and the NFIP. While the amount of reinsurance recoverable under
these arrangements is significant, the Company believes these balances from the
SC Facility and the NFIP are fully collectable.
Investment and Investment Results
The Company's cash and investments were as follows at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
ASSET VALUES % ASSET VALUES %
------------ -------- ------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government, government agencies and
authorities........................... $15,135 25.4 $34,786 54.1
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions.......................... 381 0.7 635 1.0
Corporate bonds......................... 16,059 26.9 4,274 6.7
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Total debt securities................. 31,575 53.0 39,695 61.8
Cash & short term investments........... 26,722 44.8 23,141 36.0
Equity securities....................... 1,317 2.2 1,306 2.0
Other long term investments............. -- -- 108 0.2
------- ----- ------- -----
Total cash and investments............ $59,614 100.0 $64,250 100.0
======= ===== ======= =====
</TABLE>
Asset values represent market values at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company invested
$1.4 million in Sunshine State Holding Company. This investment was a
combination of $0.8 million in equity and $0.6 million in loans. As its equity
investment exceeds 20% of the equity of Sunshine State Holding Company; the
Company's equity in the undistributed earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate
are included in current earnings.
The following table sets forth the consolidated investment results for the
three years ended December 31:
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<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total investments (1).................. $60,531 $58,015 $49,921
Net investment income.................. $ 2,835 $ 3,271 3,121
Average yield.......................... 4.7% 5.6% 6.3%
Net realized investments (losses)
gains................................ $ (91) $ 85 $ 218
</TABLE>
(1) Average of the aggregate invested amounts (market values) as of the
beginning of the year, March 31, June 30, September 30, and year-end.
Regulation
STATE REGULATION. Insurance companies are subject to supervision and regulation
in the jurisdictions in which they transact business. Such supervision and
regulation relate to numerous aspects of an insurance company's business and
financial condition. The primary purpose of such supervision and regulation is
the protection of policyholders. The extent of such regulation varies but
generally derives from state statutes which delegate regulatory, supervisory and
administrative authority to state insurance departments. Accordingly, the state
insurance departments have the authority to establish standards of solvency
which
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must be met and maintained by insurers, license insurers and agents; and to
approve policy forms. State insurance departments also conduct periodic
examinations of the affairs of insurance companies and require the filing of
annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of insurance
companies.
Most states have enacted legislation that regulates insurance holding
company systems, including acquisitions, dividends, the terms of surplus notes,
the terms of affiliate transactions and other related matters. Four of the
Company's insurance subsidiaries are domiciled in the state of South Carolina
and are principally regulated by the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
Universal is domiciled in North Carolina and is principally regulated by the
North Carolina Department of Insurance. Kentucky Insurance Company ("KIC"),
formerly a subsidiary of Catawba Insurance Company ("CIC"), is domiciled in
Kentucky and is principally regulated by the Kentucky Department of Insurance.
KIC was sold to an unrelated party in October 1999 resulting in a realized gain
of approximately $243.
Insurance companies are required to file detailed annual statements with the
state insurance regulators in each of the states in which they conduct business
and their business and accounts are subject to examination by such regulators at
any time. In addition, these insurance regulators periodically examine the
insurer's financial condition, adherence to statutory accounting principles, and
compliance with insurance department rules and regulations. South Carolina,
North Carolina and Kentucky insurance laws, rather than federal bankruptcy laws,
would apply to the liquidation or reorganization of any of the Company's
insurance companies. An examination of South Carolina Insurance Company
("SCIC"), and its subsidiary companies, Consolidated American Insurance Company,
CIC, Universal, and Investors National Life Insurance Company of South Carolina
as of December 31, 1998 was completed during 1999 with no material findings.
The South Carolina Department of Insurance has placed a minimum statutory
capital and surplus requirement on SCIC. These surplus requirements are in
excess of that required by each state's insurance statutes. At December 31,
1999, SCIC's statutory capital and surplus was in excess of the required
minimum. The Company is working with the South Carolina and North Carolina
Departments of Insurance on an intercompany pooling arrangement whereby the
property and casualty insurance subsidiaries would share proportionately in
their pooled net underwriting gain or loss. The pooling arrangement would
further assist the Company's management in evaluating its statutory operations,
simplify the Company's organizational structure and eliminate the additional
surplus requirements of the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
NAIC GUIDELINES. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC")
has adopted Risk-Based Capital ("RBC") requirements for property and casualty
insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in
relation to investment and insurance risks such as asset quality, asset and
liability matching, loss reserve adequacy, and other business factors. The RBC
formula is used by state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to
identify, for the purpose of initiating regulatory action, insurance companies
that are potentially inadequately capitalized. Compliance is determined by the
ratio of the Company's regulatory total adjusted capital to its company action
level RBC (as defined by the NAIC). Companies which fall below the company
action level RBC are required to disclose plans to remedy the situation. As of
December 31, 1999, all of the insurance subsidiaries have ratios in excess of
the level which would prompt regulatory action.
Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from Insurance Subsidiaries
The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries.
As a holding company, the primary sources of cash needed to meet its
obligations, including principal and interest payments on outstanding debt, are
dividends and other permitted payments, including management fees, from its
subsidiaries and affiliates.
South Carolina and North Carolina insurance laws and regulations require a
domestic insurer to report any action authorizing distributions to shareholders
and material payments from subsidiaries and
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affiliates at least 30 days prior to distribution or payment except in limited
circumstances. Additionally, those laws and regulations provide the Department
of Insurance with the right to disapprove and prohibit distributions meeting the
definition of an "Extraordinary Dividend" under applicable statutes and
regulations.
The South Carolina Insurance Holding Company Regulatory Act provides that,
without prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of South
Carolina, dividends within any 12-month period may not exceed the greater of
(i) 10% of a domestic insurer's surplus as regarding policyholders as shown in
the insurer's most recent annual statement or (ii) a domestic insurer's net
income, not including realized capital gains or losses as shown in the insurer's
most recent annual statement. Furthermore, dividends may only be paid out of
positive earned surplus unless approved by the Commissioner. As of December 31,
1999, SCIC had negative earned surplus.
The North Carolina Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act provides
that, without prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of
North Carolina, dividends within any 12-month period may not exceed the lessor
of (i) 10% of a domestic insurer's surplus as regarding policyholders as of the
preceding December 31 or (ii) the net income, not including realized capital
gains, for the 12-month period ending the preceding December 31. For 2000, no
dividends are available from Universal to the Company.
Payment of cash dividends by the Company is at the discretion of its Board
of Directors and is based on its earnings, financial condition, capital
requirements, and other relevant factors. If the ability of SCIC and the
Company's other insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments
to the Company is materially restricted by regulatory requirements, it could
affect the Company's ability to service its debt and/or pay dividends. In
addition, no assurance can be given that North Carolina or South Carolina will
not adopt statutory provisions more restrictive than those currently in effect.
Required Participation
STATE RESIDUAL MARKET PLAN. Most states in which the Company's property and
casualty insurance group writes business have collective pools, underwriting
associations, reinsurance facilities assigned risk plans and/or other types of
residual market plans, the largest being the SC Facility and the NC Facility,
pursuant to which coverages not normally available in the voluntary market are
shared by all companies writing that type of business in that state.
Participation is usually based on the ratio of the Company's share of the
voluntary market in a given state.
SOUTH CAROLINA AUTOMOBILE. The SC Facility is an unincorporated, non-profit
administrative state sponsored plan. The SC Facility provides a mechanism for
the insurance companies doing business in the state of South Carolina to cede
mandated, high-risk coverages under automobile policies to the SC Facility and
to share the cost of those coverages ceded. Every insurer authorized to write
automobile liability insurance in South Carolina is required to participate in
the SC Facility. When policyholders whose premiums have been ceded to the SC
Facility incur a loss, the member company which issued the policy adjusts the
loss and subsequently is reimbursed for the loss and loss adjustment expenses
("LAE") by the SC Facility. The SC Facility has also created a pool of
"Designated Agents", which are agencies usually comprised of a single
independent agent who lost his or her access to the voluntary automobile market.
Designated Agents are assigned to one of the SC Facility's servicing carriers.
Prior to October 1, 1996, the cession or retention of physical damage was
dictated by whether or not the risk was "pointed" or "clean". Only clean risk
physical damage could be ceded to the SC Facility prior to October 1, 1996.
Effective October 1, 1996, however, physical damage was removed from the
mandate, and the SC Facility agreed to accept any physical damage, pointed or
clean, provided that SC Facility-filed premium rates were used.
In 1997, the South Carolina State General Assembly passed legislation which
transforms the SC Facility into the SCAAIP, a Joint Underwriting Association
("JUA"), effective March 1, 1999. As of March 1, 1999, insurance companies could
no longer cede new business to the SC Facility. Non-servicing
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Carriers continued to cede renewals to the SC Facility until October 1, 1999 and
Servicing Carriers may continue to cede renewals to the SC Facility until
March 1, 2002. All renewals ceded after March 1, 1999 must be ceded at the rate
level approved for the SC Facility. The new JUA began accepting business on
March 1, 1999. The initial rate level for the JUA is approximately 150% of the
current SC Facility rate. The legislation allowed the current Designated Agents
to receive voluntary contracts without jeopardizing their Designated Agent
Status.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM. FEMA's Federal Insurance Administration
manages the NFIP. The NFIP regulations established the "Financial
Assistance/Subsidy Arrangement" pursuant to which the NFIP Administrator and the
private sector insurers participate in the Write-Your-Own ("WYO") Program. Under
the WYO Program, insurers which are parties to a Financial Assistance/Subsidy
Arrangement may issue, in the NFIP name, a Standard Flood Insurance Policy, the
form and substance of which is approved by the NFIP Administrator. Insurers are
responsible for all aspects of service, including policy issuance, endorsements
and renewals of policies and adjustments of claims brought under the policies,
and the NFIP Administrator monitors the performance levels of all insurers
participating in the WYO Program.
The Company is required to furnish FEMA such summaries and analyses of
information, including claims information, as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended.
Competition and Other Factors
The Company operates in highly competitive industry markets. Many of its
competitors have greater financial resources and higher ratings from A. M. Best
than the Company. In general, the Company competes with both large national
writers and smaller regional companies in each state in which it operates. These
competitors include other companies that, like the Company, serve the agency
market as well as companies that sell insurance directly to policyholders.
Direct writers may have certain competitive advantages over agency writers,
including increased name recognition, increased customer base loyalty, and,
potentially, reduced acquisition costs.
NONSTANDARD AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE BUSINESS. The Company is one of three servicing
carriers for the SC Facility and one of three servicing carriers for the JUA.
The Company competes with the major carriers for nonstandard voluntary
automobile business. The nonstandard automobile insurance business is price
sensitive and certain competitors of the Company have, from time to time,
decreased their prices in an apparent attempt to gain market share. Although the
Company's pricing is inevitably influenced to some degree by that of its
competitors, management of the Company believes that it is generally not in its
best interest to match such price decreases; choosing instead to compete on the
basis of underwriting criteria and superior service to its agents and insureds.
Effective March 1, 1999, the SC Facility began a three-year transition
period into the SCAAIP. The Company believes that one result of the transition
will be that the SC Facility's rates will increase to a level that will trigger
a voluntary exit from the SC Facility by customers able to obtain more
attractive rates in the voluntary market. In this event, the Company feels there
will be an opportunity to attract those customers to its nonstandard automobile
insurance products, and, eventually, into standard and preferred automobile
products. In particular, the Company believes its Designated Agent
relationships, its underwriting data and experience with the SC Facility and
knowledge of the South Carolina automobile insurance market will allow it to
obtain additional business.
Competition in the North Carolina market is driven not only by price, but
also by premium financing. The North Carolina market is sensitive to the down
payment required on a nonstandard automobile policy. The Company, through its
subsidiary Premium Budget Plan ("PBP"), offers down payments similar to those of
its competitors.
FLOOD PROGRAM. Factors influencing the choice of a competitor over the Company
include a competitor's ability to offer homeowners or other property products to
agents, and a competitor's ability to increase
8
<PAGE>
commission rates and on-line policy issuance capability. The Company has been
impacted by not having a homeowners product to complement its flood insurance,
especially in Florida. Thus, the Company has signed a joint marketing agreement
with Sunshine State Insurance Company, which gives the Company's agents access
to a homeowners product.
Effective January 21, 2000, three of the Company's insurance subsidiaries
made a combined investment totaling $4,900 in the common stock of QualSure
Holding Corporation, representing a combined ownership interest of 30.625%.
QualSure Holding Corporation owns 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of
QualSure Insurance Corporation ("QualSure), a homeowners take out insurance
company domiciled in the state of Florida, and QualSure Underwriting
Agencies, Inc., a managing general agent for QualSure Insurance Corporation.
QualSure was formed to take out approximately 44,000 homeowners policies from
the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association and approximately 40,000
homeowners policies from the Florida Residential Property & Casualty Joint
Underwriting Association. In connection with this investment, INS entered into a
Claims Administration Services Agreement with QualSure to adjudicate all of its
claims for a fee based upon subject earned premium. The Company believes this is
an excellent investment that capitalizes upon its considerable experience in
claims adjudication and provides a substantial source of additional fee-based
income to supplement its risk bearing operations.
COMMERCIAL LINES. As the Company resumed writing risk-bearing commercial
business in 1998, new competitive factors arose. The Company continued, and will
continue, to focus on small businesses in developing its "Main Street" book of
business, but competition in this market is intense. The Company will be
competing with large national and regional carriers, many with higher A.M. Best
ratings than the Company, which influences the decisions of many commercial
insurance customers. In addition, companies offering workers' compensation
coverage may reap some competitive advantage. The Company is reinsuring its book
of business with A+ rated carriers in an attempt to minimize the effects of not
having its own rating. The Company is also investigating certain niche markets
in which it believes the competition will be less and the lack of an A.M. Best
rating will have little impact.
Employees
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries employed a
total of 516 and 544 employees, respectively. The Company believes that its
relationship with its employees is good.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Columbia, South Carolina headquarters, containing approximately 141,000
square feet of occupied space, is owned by the Company and used primarily by its
property and casualty insurance operations. The Winston-Salem, North Carolina
office houses Universal. That office contains approximately 18,000 square feet
and is leased through 2005. Graward is located in Nashville, Tennessee. That
office consists of approximately 20,000 square feet and is leased through 2002.
AFS is located in Rancho Cordova, California. AFS leases approximately 5,200
square feet with the lease expiring in 2002. Some additional premises are leased
by the Company in locations in which it operates. Management believes that these
facilities are sufficient for the Company's current and foreseeable future
needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company was served with a complaint dated November 19, 1997 by Norwest
Financial Resources, Inc. ("Norwest") that claimed indemnification from Premium
Service Corporation of Columbia ("Premium") and Seibels, Bruce & Company ("SBC")
pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of July 2, 1993 by and among
Premium, SBC and Norwest. The indemnification claim relates to certain loans of
Premium which later were discovered to be incorrectly recorded as realizable
assets. Management is vigorously defending this complaint and believes the
Company has no liability in the case. This complaint was filed in the state of
South Carolina in the Richland County Court of Common Pleas.
9
<PAGE>
CIC was served with a complaint dated November 7, 1997 by the Municipal
Association of South Carolina which claimed it has potential deficiency of
approximately $1.75 million with respect to certain South Carolina municipality
taxes. Management and legal counsel believe CIC has basis for non-payment of
such amounts. This complaint was filed in the state of South Carolina in the
Richland County Court of Common Pleas, Fifth Judicial Circuit.
On May 1, 1998, the Company completed its acquisition of Graward. In
completing the Final Balance Sheet in accordance with the related purchase
agreement, the Company identified purchase price adjustments totaling
approximately $6 million that it believes were known to certain of the sellers,
but were not disclosed to the Company during its due diligence process. The
purchase agreement provides methods for resolving the differences as to the
appropriate adjustments to the purchase price. On December 18, 1998 the sellers
filed a demand for arbitration regarding the parties dispute over the purchase
price adjustments. Thereafter, the parties reached tentative agreement regarding
some, but not all, of the disputed purchase price adjustments. The parties then
agreed to limit the scope of the arbitration to a determination whether an
adjustment was required for the way in which the sellers had previously
accounted for LAE at Graward. On February 7, 2000, the arbitration panel ruled
that the Company was not entitled to the requested $1.08 million purchase price
adjustment on the LAE issue, although the panel left open the question of
whether a new independent audit of Graward's 1997 financial statements could
result in such an adjustment. The Company is continuing to evaluate its options
regarding the arbitration ruling. Management continues to believe that the
purchase price will be adjusted in its favor based on subsequent negotiation
and/or litigation with the sellers of Graward.
On March 1, 2000, the Company received a demand from Generali-U.S. Branch
("Generali") for arbitration of claims arising under the April 1995 Agency
Agreement between Generali and Graward. Generali seeks to recover approximately
$7.64 million plus interest, costs, disbursements, and attorneys' fees. The
Company has not yet responded to this demand.
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various other lawsuits
generally arising in the normal course of their insurance and ancillary
businesses. The Company does not believe that the eventual outcome of such suits
will have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations
of the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders by the Company during
the fourth quarter of 1999.
10
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER
MATTERS
(a) Market Information
The Company's common stock is quoted and traded on the National Association
of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (NASDAQ) under the symbol
"SBIG." The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing bid
prices as reported on NASDAQ. Such bid prices represent inter-dealer quotations,
without retailer mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily
represent actual transactions. On March 10, 2000, the last reported bid price of
the common stock on NASDAQ was $1.75 per share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 HIGH LOW
- ---- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
First quarter (through March 10, 2000)...................... $2.00 $1.50
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 HIGH LOW
- ---- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
First quarter............................................... $3.75 $2.75
Second quarter.............................................. $6.13 $3.25
Third quarter............................................... $5.63 $2.94
Fourth quarter.............................................. $2.88 $1.56
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 HIGH LOW
- ---- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
First quarter............................................... $8.38 $7.00
Second quarter.............................................. $8.38 $6.88
Third quarter............................................... $7.31 $3.88
Fourth quarter.............................................. $4.88 $3.19
</TABLE>
(b) Holders
There were approximately 2,714 shareholders of record as of March 10, 2000.
This number does not include beneficial owners holding shares through nominee or
"street" names.
(c) Dividends
There have been no dividends declared by the Company on its common stock
during the past 5 years, and the Board of Directors does not presently intend to
pay any cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future. The Company is
a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. As a holding
company, the primary sources of cash needed to meet its obligations, including
principal and interest payments on outstanding debt, are dividends and other
permitted payments, including management fees, from its subsidiaries and
affiliates. SCIC and Universal are regulated as to their payment of dividends by
their respective state of domicile's insurance laws. The Company's payment of
cash dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is based on
its earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, and other relevant
factors. See Note 9 of Notes to Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8).
The Company has 50,000 shares of $0.625 Cumulative, Convertible, Redeemable,
Nonvoting Special Preferred Stock and 220,000 shares of Cumulative, Convertible,
Redeemable, Nonvoting Special Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at
December 31, 1999 and 1998. The special stocks pay quarterly dividends at an
annual rate of $0.625 per share and $0.62 per share, respectively. The Company
paid a total of $168, $160 and $11 in special stock dividends in 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively. See Note 9 of Notes to Financial Statements (Part II, Item
8).
11
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected historical financial data for each of the five years
ended December 31, 1999 is derived from the audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company. The selected data should be read in conjunction with
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes
included elsewhere herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total cash and investments.............. $ 59,614 $ 64,250 $ 51,793 $ 42,944 $ 50,641
Total assets............................ 254,803 295,563 234,618 220,472 224,005
Total debt.............................. 14,986 16,250 3,036 -- 2,476
Special stock........................... 2,700 2,700 2,200 -- --
Shareholders' equity.................... 26,557 35,588 37,544 23,791 10,187
Shareholders' equity per share.......... 3.39 4.58 4.86 3.86 2.44
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues
Insurance:
Commission & service income........... $ 45,652 $ 49,298 $ 44,105 $ 46,419 $ 49,572
Property & casualty premiums earned... 53,344 22,762 6,580 7,186 10,384
Credit life premiums earned........... -- 13 156 478 890
Net investment and other interest
income................................ 4,220 4,645 3,887 3,807 4,330
Realized gains (losses), net............ 338 54 529 (14) 164
Policy fees and other income............ 4,779 4,645 112 151 843
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues...................... $108,333 $ 81,417 $ 55,369 $ 58,027 $ 66,183
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
(Loss) income before effect of change in
accounting principle.................... $ (7,536) $ (2,293) $ 4,003 $ 5,176 $ 1,152
Effect of change in accounting
principle............................... -- (601) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net (loss) income......................... $ (7,536) $ (2,894) $ 4,003 $ 5,176 $ 1,152
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Basic (loss) earnings per share before
change in accounting principle.......... $ (0.99) $ (0.31) $ 0.57 $ 1.05 $ 0.28
Basic (loss) earnings per share effect of
change in accounting principle.......... -- (0.08) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Basic (loss) earnings per share after
change in accounting principle.......... $ (0.99) $ (0.39) $ 0.57 $ 1.05 $ 0.28
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted (loss) earnings per share before
change in accounting principle.......... $ (0.99) $ (0.31) $ 0.55 $ 0.94 $ 0.27
Diluted (loss) earnings per share effect
of change in accounting principle....... -- (0.08) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Diluted (loss) earnings per share after
change in accounting principle.......... $ (0.99) $ (0.39) $ 0.55 $ 0.94 $ 0.27
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
(See Item 7 and Notes to Financial Statements included under Item 8).
12
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The selected financial data and consolidated financial statements and
related notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the following
discussion as they contain important information for evaluation of the Company's
financial condition and operating results.
OVERVIEW
The Company is a provider of automobile, flood and other property and
casualty insurance products. The Company is committed to providing quality
customer service, building strong agent relationships, developing and
capitalizing on territorial knowledge and fostering the creativity and
innovation of its people.
The Company's primary business unit is its nonstandard automobile operation,
which includes its Nashville, North Carolina and South Carolina voluntary
automobile operations as well as its non-risk bearing activities as a servicing
carrier for the SC Facility, the SCAAIP and the NC Facility. This business
boasts operations spanning 11 states. In South Carolina, the Company is the only
insurance provider with a presence in all three components of the nonstandard
automobile market--the SC Facility, the SCAAIP and the voluntary market.
Complementing the Company's nonstandard automobile operation is its flood
operations, which now extend well beyond simply writing flood insurance for the
NFIP in 46 states. The Company also offers flood zone determinations, excess
flood insurance, flood compliance tracking services and claims supervision and
adjusting services.
Commercial lines and homeowners insurance round out its product lines and
further complement the Company's other business units by enabling its agents to
bundle its products for a more complete insurance portfolio.
The Company seeks to balance fee-based operations with selective risk
underwriting to increase the Company's value for its shareholders, agents and
employees by pursuing maximum growth with limited risk exposure.
Net (loss) income by business segment is as follows for 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Automobile....................................... $(12,865) $ (814) $6,755
Flood............................................ 2,377 24 1,685
Commercial....................................... 698 (2,090) (3,995)
All other........................................ 2,254 (14) (442)
-------- ------- ------
$ (7,536) $(2,894) $4,003
======== ======= ======
</TABLE>
Nonstandard Automobile
The net losses experienced in 1999 are primarily related to the Company's
automobile business. High loss and expense ratios in the Company's Nashville
operation, coupled with an unsuccessful attempt to consolidate it with the
Company's North Carolina operations, caused significant losses for both
operations. Furthermore, extreme growth and high loss ratios typically
associated with a new and growing book of business resulted in significant
losses in the Company's South Carolina voluntary automobile business.
South Carolina Operations
Premium-based fees under the Company's contract with the SC Facility are
8.90% of gross premiums written plus commissions paid to agents. The Company is
responsible for paying all costs of processing the policies. The Company also
receives income on the claims it pays on behalf of the SC Facility in the amount
of 10.98% of the gross paid claims. The Company is responsible for paying all
costs to process
13
<PAGE>
these claims, including adjusting expenses. However, the SC Facility does
reimburse the Company in full for legal expenses associated with processing
these claims.
In accordance with Act 154, the SC Facility began its planned runoff
effective March 1, 1999, at which time no new business was accepted into the SC
Facility. Effective October 1, 1999, voluntary renewals were no longer accepted
by the SC Facility. However, servicing carriers can still cede renewals to the
SC Facility until March 1, 2002, at which time final runoff of the SC Facility
will commence.
Act 154 provides to South Carolina drivers the most significant changes in
automobile insurance in twenty-five years. Act 154 capped recoupment at 10% of
the liability premium, offers greater flexibility to insurance companies to
match the rate they charge to the risk drivers present and created the SCAAIP to
provide insurance to drivers who find it difficult to obtain coverage in the
private market. The SC Facility will be replaced with the SCAAIP, which is
designed to provide insurance to the highest risk insureds at self-sustaining
rates. The Company also writes voluntary nonstandard auto insurance for those
drivers who do not renew in the SC Facility or who are referred to the SCAAIP.
The Company also writes retained physical damage and liability coverage in
South Carolina on a voluntary basis. While the Company has been writing
nonstandard automobile insurance in South Carolina on a voluntary basis since
1997, the premium volume has been small in comparison to the writings in 1999.
North Carolina Nonstandard Automobile Operations
In December 1997, the Company purchased Universal. SCIC had written business
in North Carolina for many years. With the purchase of Universal, the Company
combined its North Carolina operations. The use of two companies in the state,
each rating in two tiers, is a great advantage to the nonstandard automobile
operations.
Physical damage coverage is retained on voluntary business in North
Carolina, as the NC Facility does not reinsure this coverage. Liability
coverage, however, is reinsured 100% in the NC Facility. Companies ceding
liability coverage to the NC Facility receive an expense allowance for
processing the business and a claims allowance for adjusting the claims on that
business. Every company that transacts business in North Carolina is a member of
the NC Facility. SCIC is also a member of the Board of Governors of the NC
Facility. Both Universal and SCIC write physical damage coverage and voluntary
liability coverage in addition to the liability coverage ceded to the NC
Facility.
Nashville Operations
The Company's Nashville subsidiary operates in Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana,
Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. All of its business is
retained physical damage and liability coverage on nonstandard automobile. The
Company has been working to reduce expenses and improve the loss ratio
associated with this book of business.
Flood
The Company's other core product line, flood operations, experienced
substantial growth again in 1999. The Company's written premiums for flood in
1999 increased at a rate nearly doubling that of the NFIP. Seibels Bruce added
to its experienced flood sales force and was able to acquire several large books
of flood business from independent agents throughout the nation. This was
achieved by expanding the Company's product lines and services available to the
independent agents.
As a servicing carrier for the NFIP, the Company recognizes income for the
policies it processes in the amount of 31.7% (prior rate of 31.6% was increased
0.10% in October 1999) of gross premiums written. The Company is responsible for
paying all costs associated with processing the policies, including a commission
to the independent agent. The Company also receives a fee on the claims that it
pays on these policies in the amount of 3.3% of incurred claims. The Company is
reimbursed for the allocated LAE associated with these claims according to a
standard fee schedule.
14
<PAGE>
In addition, the Company's flood product line now includes flood insurance,
excess flood insurance, flood zone determinations, claims processing and
compliance tracking as discussed. The Company's basic flood insurance products
are underwritten by the NFIP, a federal government program that sets the policy
rates, bears the risks and pays the claims. Seibels Bruce, working with
independent agents throughout the United States, issues the policies and
processes the claims. NFIP policies cover up to $250,000 in damage per home;
however, this level of coverage is inadequate for many larger homes. Excess
flood insurance provides coverage for larger, more expensive homes. The
Company's excess flood products allow it to insure homes up to the full
replacement value. For the Company's agents, this product allows them to expand
their customer base to include more affluent individuals. Seibels Bruce, for its
part, receives additional, non risk-bearing income since it acts as a broker of
this product. It also improves the Company's agent relationships by offering a
broader product portfolio.
To further leverage the Company's leadership position, in March 1998, it
acquired AFS. Headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California, AFS provides flood
zone determinations, flood insurance and flood compliance tracking. AFS's
existing book of flood business concentrated on the West Coast is a
counterbalance to Seibels Bruce's East Coast business. AFS's flood operations
are primarily fee based, providing an additional balance to the Company's
risk-based operations.
Flood zone determinations and flood zone mapping are services provided
primarily to mortgage originators, for determining whether homes are located in
flood zones and require flood insurance. These capabilities, through AFS, allow
the Company to offer more complete services to agents and institutions, provide
it with an even stronger presence in the flood market and expand the channels of
distribution for the Company's products.
Commercial Lines
Prior to February 1998, the Company derived revenues from its role as a
commercial lines MGA for an unaffiliated insurance company. While the Company
performed all services and paid all costs (including the independent agents'
commissions) related to administering and processing policies and claims, the
policies were written on behalf of the unaffiliated insurance company. The
Company's financial statements reflect commission income as a percentage of
premiums written but do not reflect the premiums written or associated claims
incurred in 1997. Beginning in February 1998, as the commercial policies
renewed, the Company began to retain the risk.
In 1998, the Company accomplished its major strategic initiative in
commercial lines--converting from a MGA role to retaining risk for commercial
policies. The transition was a success, and Seibels Bruce retained more than
75 percent of the policies it had originally underwritten as an MGA. This is
largely attributable to the long-standing relationships the Company has
developed with the commercial lines agents that sell its products.
Commercial lines represents an important diversification for the Company,
further rounding out its product lines and enabling the agents to bundle the
Company's products for a more complete insurance portfolio. This diversification
makes the Company more attractive to agents, makes it easier for them to work
with the Company and enables them to better serve their customers.
The commercial lines operation was profitable in 1999, despite all of the
hurricane activity. These results were largely due to an effective reinsurance
structure implemented after the operation incurred significant losses and claims
activity from Hurricane Bonnie in 1998.
Insurance Adjusting
The Company's premium concentration in the catastrophe heavy Southeast led
to the 1996 creation of a catastrophe adjusting business, INS, to manage the
Company's internal claims volume. INS currently offers three services:
catastrophe claims handling for hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, earthquakes
and
15
<PAGE>
floods; catastrophe claims supervision; and ordinary claims adjusting. These
services expand the Company's business opportunities by complementing its core
flood operations and by allowing it to adjust claims for other insurance
companies. INS' operations assisted the Company in adjusting claims from
Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd and Irene in 1999. The Company's experience in
processing flood claims led to the award of two statewide windstorm contracts, a
strong indication of its growing presence in the catastrophe claims adjusting
market.
Runoff
The Company continues to maintain reserves and pay significant claims with
respect to its runoff operations. These operations consist primarily of general
liability policies that include contractors' liability and environmental
coverages primarily in California and commercial (including workers'
compensation) and personal lines policies in the Southeast. The runoff of claims
on these policies created substantial losses to the Company over the past
10 years. In addition, the Company's runoff segment contains the management of
runoff reserves from prior business in the 1980's and runoff from a nonstandard
homeowners MGA book of business in Kentucky and Tennessee entered into in early
1997. The Company discontinued writing new business in this MGA book of business
in October of 1998.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
COMMISSION AND SERVICE INCOME
Commission and service income for the year ended December 31, 1999 decreased
$3.6 million, or 7.3%, to $45.7 million from $49.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998. The automobile and commercial segments experienced declines
of $5.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to the runoff of the SC
Facility. Offsetting these decreases was an increase in the flood segment of
$2.8 million resulting from increased storm-related activities and services.
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY PREMIUMS EARNED
Property and casualty premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 1999
increased $30.5 million, or 134.4%, to $53.3 million from $22.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 1998. This increase is due to a $31.6 million increase
in nonstandard automobile premiums offset by a $0.8 million decrease in
commercial multi-peril premiums. The increase in nonstandard automobile earned
premiums is a result of the Company's continued emphasis on premium growth
during 1999 in addition to an entire year of sustained premium growth from
Graward, which was acquired in May 1998, versus only seven comparable months
during 1998. The decrease in commercial multi-peril earned premiums is a result
of the unearned premium portfolio transfer associated with its 90% quota share
reinsurance agreement effective March 1999. The remaining change in property and
casualty premiums earned is attributable to a $0.3 million decrease in earned
premium in the Company's runoff operation.
CREDIT LIFE PREMIUMS EARNED
There were no credit life premiums earned for the year ended December 31,
1999 as this operation is nearing completion of its runoff.
NET INVESTMENT AND OTHER INTEREST INCOME
Net investment and other interest income for the year ended December 31,
1999 decreased 9.1%, or $0.4 million, to $4.2 million from $4.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 1998. This decrease is due to a $4.6 million reduction
in the Company's total cash and investments to fund operations and service its
debt. Furthermore, the Company's average investment yield decreased to 4.7% in
1999 from 5.6% for 1998 due primarily to the Company's conservative investment
portfolio consisting of significant investments in obligations of the U.S.
Government and government agencies and authorities.
16
<PAGE>
REALIZED GAINS
Realized gains for the year ended December 31, 1999 consists of a gain on
the sale of one of the Company's insurance subsidiaries, KIC, of $0.2 million
and a gain on the sale of one of the Company's vacant buildings of
$0.2 million. These gains were offset by losses of $0.1 million related to the
write off of certain leasehold improvements of the Nashville operation
associated with the renegotiation of its lease for office space.
POLICY FEES AND OTHER INCOME
Policy fees and other income for the year ended December 31, 1999 increased
2.9%, or $0.2 million, to $4.8 million from $4.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998. This increase is due primarily to a full year of operations
with Graward, which was acquired in May 1998, versus only seven months of
operations during 1998.
LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
Property and casualty losses and loss adjustment expenses for the year
ending December 31, 1999 increased $20.7 million, or 81.8%, to $46.0 million
from $25.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1998. This increase is due to
the Company's higher than expected losses on the increased premiums earned in
1999.
POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Policy acquisition costs increased $23.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999 compared to 1998, or 230.4%. Policy acquisition costs for the
year ended December 31, 1999 were $33.7 million, as compared to the year ended
December 31, 1998 of $10.2 million. The Company attributes this increase to the
costs associated with the underwriting activities necessary to generate earned
premium.
OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Other operating costs and expenses for the year ended December 31, 1999
decreased $11.9 million or, 25.4%, to $34.9 million from $46.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 1998. This decrease is due to significant one-time
charges incurred and expensed in 1998, including $1.0 million associated with
Year 2000 remediation and legal expenses; as well as, approximately
$2.0 million in other unusual charges. In addition, cost control measures
designed to reduce the Company's operating expense ratios were implemented in
the third quarter of 1999.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
COMMISSION AND SERVICE INCOME
Commission and service income for the year ended December 31, 1998 increased
$5.2 million or 11.8% to $49.3 million from $44.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997. Of this increase, $2.3 million relates to flood premium-based
fees on a $6.9 million increase in flood written premiums while $0.7 million
relates to flood claim-based fees and $1.3 million relates to flood zone
determinations. Fees generated by acting as an MGA for another insurance company
decreased $4.3 million as that contract was terminated in February 1998.
However, this was more than offset by a $5.2 million increase in various state
facility premium and claim-based fees.
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY PREMIUMS EARNED
Property and casualty premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 1998
increased $16.2 million, or 245.9% to $22.8 million from $6.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997. This increase is due to a $14 million increase in
nonstandard automobile premiums and a $2.2 million increase in commercial
multi-peril premiums. The increase in nonstandard automobile earned premiums is
a result of
17
<PAGE>
re-entering the voluntary market in South Carolina, the purchase of Universal in
December 1997 and the purchase of Graward in May 1998. The increase in
commercial multi-peril earned premiums is a result of switching from a MGA
status to a retained risk status in February 1998.
CREDIT LIFE PREMIUMS EARNED
Net credit life premiums earned decreased $0.1 million in 1998 compared to
1997 as the Company continues to runoff its life company operations.
NET INVESTMENT AND OTHER INTEREST INCOME
Net investment and other interest income for the year ended December 31,
1998 increased 19.5% or $0.8 million to $4.6 million from $3.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997. This increase is due to a $12.5 million increase
in 1998 in cash and investments. The average investment yield for the Company
remained at 5.9% for the year.
REALIZED GAINS
The decrease in realized gains of $0.5 million is primarily attributable to
a nonrecurring gain of sale of one of the Company's buildings of $0.3 million
during 1997.
POLICY FEES AND OTHER INCOME
Policy fees and other income for the year ended December 31, 1998 increased
4,047.3% or $4.5 million to $4.6 million from $0.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997. This increase is almost entirely due to policy fee income
generated by Graward which was acquired in May 1998.
LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
Property and casualty losses and loss adjustment expenses for the year
ending December 31, 1998 increased $16.5 million, or 185.8% to $25.3 million
from $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. This increase is due to
the Company's re-entry into the retained risk business. Of this amount,
$0.5 million relates to hurricane related losses.
POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Policy acquisition costs increased $9.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998 compared to 1997, or 746.9%. The Company attributes this
increase to the costs associated with the underwriting activities necessary to
generate earned premium.
OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Other operating costs and expenses for the year ended December 31, 1998
increased $5.7 million, or 13.9% to $46.8 million from $41.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997. This increase is due to the operating costs
associated with the new acquisitions, AFS and Graward. In addition, the Company
has experienced $0.5 million in Year 2000 remediation expenses, $0.5 million in
legal expenses related to an arbitration case and approximately $2.0 million
related to other one-time charges.
LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES
Loss and LAE reserves are estimates at a given point in time of the amount
of claims that the insurer expects to pay claimants plus investigation and
litigation costs, based on facts and circumstances then known. It can be
expected that the ultimate liability in each case will differ from such
estimates. During the loss settlement period, additional facts regarding
individual claims may become known and, consequently, it becomes necessary to
refine and adjust existing estimates of liability.
18
<PAGE>
The liability for losses on direct business is determined using case-basis
evaluations and statistical projections. The liabilities determined under these
procedures are reduced, for GAAP purposes, by an estimated amount to be received
through salvage and subrogation. The resulting liabilities represent the
Company's estimate of the net cost of all unpaid losses and LAE incurred through
December 31 of each year. These estimates may be affected by the frequency
and/or severity of future claims. These estimates are continually reviewed and,
as experience develops and new information becomes known, the liability is
adjusted as necessary.
The anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating
liabilities for losses and LAE. While anticipated price increases due to
inflation are considered, an increase in average severity of claims may be
caused by a number of factors that vary with the individual type of policy
written. Future average severity is projected based on historical trends as
adjusted for changes in underwriting standards, policy provisions, and general
economic trends.
These anticipated trends are monitored based on actual developments and are
modified as necessary. The Company does not discount its loss and LAE reserves.
The following table presents, on a GAAP basis, a three-year analysis of
losses and LAE, net of ceded reinsurance recoverable, with the net liability
reconciled to the gross liability as reported in the Company's financial
statements:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Liability for losses and LAE at the
beginning of the year:
Gross liability per balance sheet......... $ 119,976 $114,770 $ 132,152
Ceded reinsurance recoverable, classified
as an asset............................. (83,654) (75,616) (84,725)
--------- -------- ---------
Net liability............................. 36,322 39,154 47,427
--------- -------- ---------
Reserves acquired in purchase of
Universal................................. -- -- 2,655
--------- -------- ---------
Provision for losses and LAE for claims
occurring in the current year............. 47,250 24,450 12,202
(Decrease) increase in estimated losses and
LAE for claims occurring in prior years... (1,240) 819 (3,362)
--------- -------- ---------
46,010 25,269 8,840
--------- -------- ---------
Losses and LAE payments for claims occurring
during
Current year.............................. 30,827 18,398 8,845
Prior years............................... 11,672 9,703 10,923
--------- -------- ---------
42,499 28,101 19,768
--------- -------- ---------
Liability for losses and LAE at the end of
the year:
Net liability............................. 39,833 36,322 39,154
Ceded reinsurance recoverable, classified
as an asset............................. 74,017 83,654 75,616
--------- -------- ---------
Gross liability per balance sheet......... $ 113,850 $119,976 $ 114,770
========= ======== =========
</TABLE>
The ceded reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and LAE,
classified as an asset, includes $66.4 million, $94.4 million and $97.6 million
at the end of 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, of balances recoverable from
the SC Facility, the NC Facility and the NFIP.
19
<PAGE>
The difference between the year-end net liability for losses and LAE
reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance
with GAAP and that in accordance with SAP was as follows for the years ended
December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Net liability on a SAP basis as filed in annual
statement............................................. $ 40,741 $ 36,952
Established salvage and subrogation recoveries recorded
on a cash basis for SAP and on an accrual basis for
GAAP.................................................. (908) (630)
-------- --------
Net liability on a GAAP basis, at year end.............. 39,833 36,322
Ceded reinsurance recoverable classified as an asset.... 74,017 83,654
-------- --------
Gross liability on a GAAP basis, at year end............ $113,850 $119,976
======== ========
</TABLE>
The following table reflects the loss and LAE development for 1999 and 1998
on a GAAP basis:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNPAID LOSSES RE-ESTIMATED AS CUMULATIVE
AND LAE OF ONE YEAR LATER DEFICIENCY
------------- ----------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999: Gross liability.................................. $113,850
Less reinsurance recoverable..................... 74,017
--------
Net liability.................................... $ 39,833
========
1998: Gross liability.................................. $119,976 $121,199 $(1,223)
Less reinsurance recoverable..................... 83,654 81,998 1,656
-------- -------- -------
Net liability.................................... $ 36,322 $ 39,201 $(2,879)
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
The following analysis reflects loss and LAE development on a SAP basis, net
of ceded reinsurance recoverable, for a ten year period for retained business
only for year ended December 31 (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Liability for unpaid losses
and LAE (SAP)............ $122 $114 $112 $118 $120 $80 $62 $48 $39 $36 $40
Cumulative liability paid
through..................
One year later........... $ 78 $ 77 $ 63 $ 30 $ 65 $26 $16 $ 9 $11 $ 6
Two years later.......... 121 116 50 84 86 42 29 17 11
Three years later........ 145 93 91 102 99 52 35 17
Four years later......... 115 125 104 112 108 58 35
Five years later......... 139 135 111 120 114 58
Six years later.......... 147 140 117 125 114
Seven years later........ 151 146 122 126
Eight years later........ 156 151 122
Nine years later......... 160 151
Ten years later.......... 160
Liability re-estimated as
of:
One year later........... $135 $136 $119 $129 $138 $85 $63 $45 $40 $39
Two years later.......... 150 147 124 139 144 87 62 45 40
Three years later........ 156 151 134 151 143 85 62 45
Four years later......... 159 161 145 149 141 85 62
Five years later......... 168 172 143 150 141 85
Six years later.......... 180 171 145 149 141
Seven years later........ 178 173 145 149
Eight years later........ 181 173 145
Nine years later......... 182 173
Ten years later.......... 182
Cumulative (deficiency)
redundancy............... $(60) $(59) $(33) $(31) $(21) $(5) $-- $ 3 $(1) $(3)
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== === === === === ===
</TABLE>
The preceding table presents the development of balance sheet liabilities on
a SAP basis for 1989 through 1999. The top line of the preceding table shows the
initial estimated liability on a SAP basis. This liability represents the
estimated amount of losses and LAE for claims arising in years that are unpaid
at the balance sheet date, including losses that have been incurred but not yet
reported. The next portion of the table reflects the cumulative payments made
for each of the indicated years as they have developed through time. This table
has been adjusted for a modification made to 1994 paid losses on a GAAP basis
not recorded for statutory net losses incurred. On a statutory basis, the
modification is a reclassification only and has no effect on income.
In evaluating this information, it should be noted each amount includes the
effects of all changes in amounts for prior periods. This table does not present
accident or policy year development data, which readers may be more accustomed
to analyzing. Conditions and trends that have affected development of the
liability in the past may not necessarily occur in the future. Accordingly, it
may not be appropriate to extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based
on this table.
A part of the Company's reserve for losses and LAE is set aside for
environmental, pollution, and toxic tort claims. These claims relate to business
written by the Company's previously owned West Coast operation prior to 1986. On
June 7, 1994, the Company settled a dispute relative to approximately 400 of
these claims. Any future liability on these claims is limited to 50% of the
direct loss and LAE paid. The
21
<PAGE>
Company's obligation does not begin until the other company involved in the
settled dispute pays, subsequent to the settlement date, a total of $20 million
in losses and LAE. As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, $13.8 million and
$8.7 million, respectively, of claims payments have been made by the other
company since the settlement date.
Of the remaining environmental, pollution and toxic tort claims, the
following activity took place during 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Pending, January 1.......................................... 43 47
New claims advised.......................................... 4 10
Claims settled.............................................. 3 14
-- --
Pending, December 31........................................ 44 43
== ==
</TABLE>
The policies corresponding to these claims were written on a direct basis.
The Company has excess of loss reinsurance with company retention through 1980
of $100 and $500 after that date. The claims are reserved as follows as of
December 31, 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Case reserves.............................................. $3,196 $ 4,243
IBNR reserves.............................................. 3,193 3,950
LAE reserves............................................... 1,083 1,900
------ -------
Total...................................................... $7,472 $10,093
====== =======
</TABLE>
The claims involve four Superfund sites, eight asbestos or toxic claims, two
underground storage tanks and 30 miscellaneous clean-up sites. For this direct
business there are usually several different insurers participating in the
defense and settlement of claims made against the insured. Costs and settlements
are pro-rated by either time on the risk or policy limits.
In estimating the liability for reported and estimated losses and LAE
related to environmental and construction defect claims, management considers
facts currently known along with current laws and coverage litigation.
Liabilities are recognized for known claims (including the cost of related
litigation) when sufficient information has been developed to indicate the
involvement of a specific insurance policy and management can reasonably
estimate its liability. In exposures on both known and unasserted claims,
estimates of the liabilities are reviewed and updated continually. The potential
development of losses is restricted by policy limits.
Because only 44 claims remain open as of December 31,1999, the exposure to
significant additional development is less than when the claims were less
mature. In addition, the likelihood of new claims being asserted for
construction liability is lessened by the expiration of statutes of limitations
since the last policy expired over ten years ago.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity relates to the Company's ability to produce sufficient cash to
fulfill contractual obligations, primarily to policyholders. Sources of
liquidity include service fee income, premium collections, policy fees,
investment income and sales and maturities of investments. The principal uses of
cash are payments of claims, interest and operating expenses. Cash outflows can
be variable because of the uncertainties regarding settlement dates for
liabilities for unpaid losses and because of the potential for large losses.
Accordingly, the Company maintains investment and reinsurance programs generally
intended to avoid the forced sale of investments to meet claims obligations.
22
<PAGE>
Net cash used in operations totaled $1.0 million for 1999, compared to net
cash provided of $8.0 million in 1998 and a net cash use of $2.4 million in
1997. Significant sources and uses of cash flows from operating activities
included uses of $10.0 million due to a decrease in unearned premiums, of which
$7.1 million related to retained business. The decrease was due to a quota share
reinsurance contract entered into in the fourth quarter of 1999 whereby the
Company ceded 75 percent of its unearned premium portfolio from its nonstandard
automobile operations. Another significant use of funds was related to balances
due other insurance companies, which decreased by $18.6 million in 1999. The
decrease was due to the Company not reinsuring its automobile lines until late
in the fourth quarter and running off the prior reinsurance contract, which
expired in April 1999. A decrease in the unpaid loss and loss adjustment
expenses used $6.1 million as a result of the Company's efforts to settle aged
claims. Significant sources of funds resulted from a reduction in reinsurance
recoverable on losses and LAE of $21.1 million due to the Company's running off
old automobile reinsurance contracts and the SC Facility switching to monthly
reimbursements due the Company for its premium processing and claims
adjudication services. An additional $6.6 million and $1.2 million of cash was
provided from collections of premiums and agents' balances receivable and
premium notes receivable, respectively, due to the Company's increased
collections efforts.
Investing activities in 1999 provided cash in the amount of $5.8 million. A
major source of funds from investing activities came from the sale of one of the
Company's insurance subsidiaries, KIC. KIC was sold in the fourth quarter for
$3.1 million. The Company also sold a vacant building it owned in the third
quarter for $433. Proceeds from investments sold or matured totaling
$20.3 million were partially used to purchase new investments totaling
$16.6 million. The Company purchased property and equipment totaling
$1.5 million for the year.
In its investment strategy, the Company attempts to match the average
duration of the investment portfolio with the approximate duration of its
liabilities. Total cash and investments at December 31, 1999 and 1998 were
$59.6 million and $64.3 million, respectively. All debt securities are
considered available for sale and are carried at market value as of
December 31, 1999 and 1998. The weighted-average maturity of the fixed income
investments as of December 31, 1999 was approximately 1.57 years. The duration
was lowered significantly as the Company received a $10.0 million cash payment
on December 31, 1999 from the South Carolina Reinsurance Facility. Average net
investment yields on the Company's cash and investments were 4.7% in 1999 and
5.6% in 1998.
Financing activities in 1999 used $1.2 million, primarily attributable to
the repayment of debt issued in 1998 to fund the purchases of AFS and Graward.
The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries.
As a holding company, the primary sources of cash needed to meet its
obligations, including principal and interest payments on outstanding debt, are
dividends and other permitted payments, including management fees, from its
subsidiaries and affiliates.
South Carolina and North Carolina insurance laws and regulations require a
domestic insurer to report any action authorizing distributions to shareholders
and material payments from subsidiaries and affiliates at least 30 days prior to
distribution or payment except in limited circumstances. Additionally, those
laws and regulations provide the Department of Insurance with the right to
disapprove and prohibit distributions meeting the definition of an
"Extraordinary Dividend" under applicable statutes and regulations.
The South Carolina Insurance Holding Company Regulatory Act provides that,
without prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of South
Carolina, dividends within any 12-month period may not exceed the greater of
(i) 10% of a domestic insurer's surplus as regarding policyholders as shown in
the insurer's most recent annual statement or (ii) a domestic insurer's net
income, not including realized capital gains or losses as shown in the insurer's
most recent annual statement. Furthermore,
23
<PAGE>
dividends may only be paid out of positive earned surplus unless approved by the
Commissioner. As of December 31, 1999, SCIC had negative earned surplus.
The North Carolina Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act provides
that, without prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of
North Carolina, dividends within any 12-month period may not exceed the lessor
of (i) 10% of a domestic insurer's surplus as regarding policyholders as of the
preceding December 31 or (ii) the net income, not including realized capital
gains, for the 12-month period ending the preceding December 31. For 2000, no
dividends are available from Universal to the Company.
Payment of cash dividends by the Company is at the discretion of its Board
of Directors and is based on its earnings, financial condition, capital
requirements, and other relevant factors. If the ability of SCIC and the
Company's other insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments
to the Company is materially restricted by regulatory requirements, it could
affect the Company's ability to service its debt and/or pay dividends. In
addition, no assurance can be given that North Carolina or South Carolina will
not adopt statutory provisions more restrictive than those currently in effect.
The volume of premiums that the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries
may prudently write is based in part on the amount of statutory net worth as
determined in accordance with applicable insurance regulations. The NAIC has
adopted RBC requirements for property and casualty insurance companies to
evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment
and insurance risks such as asset quality, asset and liability matching, loss
reserve adequacy, and other business factors. The RBC formula is used by state
insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify, for the purpose of
initiating regulatory action, insurance companies that are potentially
inadequately capitalized. Compliance is determined by the ratio of the Company's
regulatory total adjusted capital to its company action level RBC (as defined by
the NAIC). Companies which fall below the company action level RBC are required
to disclose plans to remedy the situation. As of December 31, 1999, all of the
insurance subsidiaries have ratios in excess of the level which would prompt
regulatory action.
UTILIZATION OF NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
The Company has unused tax operating loss carryforwards and capital loss
carryforwards of $102.9 million for income tax purposes. However, due to "change
in ownership" events that occurred in June 1998, January 1997, and January,
1995, the Company's use of the net operating loss carryforwards are subject to
maximum limitations in future years of approximately $2.2 million per year. Net
operating loss carryforwards available for use in 2000 are approximately
$10.9 million due to losses incurred in 1998 and 1999 after the change in
ownership event occurred and carryover of previous years' unused limitations.
The Company has determined, based on its recent earnings history, that a
valuation allowance should be maintained against the deferred tax asset at
December 31, 1999 and 1998.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
In 1997, the Company initiated a company-wide program (the "Compliance
Program") to identify and address issues associated with the ability of its
date-sensitive information, policy and claims processing systems and other
equipment to properly recognize the Year 2000 in order that the Company would
not suffer any business interruptions as a result of the century change on
January 1, 2000. As well as reviewing internal compliance issues, a program was
initiated to review all arrangements with third party vendors, as well as
non-information technology providers, with which the Company does business.
RESULTS OF THE YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
The Company experienced no significant problems or business interruptions
resulting from Year 2000 or leap year issues. In addition, none of the Company's
significant vendors or reinsurers reported any significant problems or business
interruptions resulting from Year 2000 or leap year issues.
24
<PAGE>
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
The Company estimates that it spent approximately $956 on its Year 2000
compliance and remediation efforts. These costs included approximately $571 in
outside consultants, approximately $150 of internal resources, approximately
$135 of AS/400 rental charges while remediation was completed on the Company's
AS/400 and approximately $100 related to a new phone switch for the Company's
Winston-Salem, North Carolina location.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Some of the statements discussed or incorporated by reference in this annual
report on Form 10-K are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding
management's current knowledge, expectations, estimates, beliefs and
assumptions. All forward-looking statements included in this document or
incorporated by reference are based on information available to the Company on
the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such
forward-looking statements. Results may differ materially because of both known
and unknown risks and uncertainties which the Company faces. Factors which could
cause results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include,
but are not limited to:
- the effects of economic conditions and conditions which affect the market
for property and casualty insurance, including, but not limited to,
interest rate fluctuations and flood zone determination services;
- the effects and impact of laws, rules and regulations which apply to
insurance companies;
- geographic concentrations of loss exposure, causing revenues and
profitability to be subject to prevailing regulatory, demographic and
other conditions in the area in which the Company operates;
- the availability of reinsurance and the ability of the Company's
reinsurance arrangements to balance the geographical concentrations of the
Company's risks;
- the impact of competition from new and existing competitors, which
competitors may have superior financial and marketing resources than the
Company;
- restrictions on the Company's ability to declare and pay dividends;
- the fact that the Company has experienced, and can be expected in the
future to experience, storm and weather-related losses, which may result
in a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations,
financial condition and cash flows;
- the uncertainty associated with estimating loss reserves, and the adequacy
of such reserves, capital resources and other financial items;
- the outcome of certain litigation and administrative proceedings involving
the Company;
- control of the Company by a principal shareholder, which shareholder has
the ability to exert significant influence over the policies and affairs
of the Company;
- the possibility that the Company will be unable to meet its cash flow
requirements; the Company has suffered losses in recent years and the
Company may continue to experience losses in the future;
- risks the Company faces in diversifying the services it offers and
entering new markets; and
- other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's Securities
and Exchange Commission filings.
25
<PAGE>
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the actual results will conform
to the forward-looking statements discussed or incorporated by reference in this
annual report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 7A. MARKET RISK
The Company has no material investments in market risk sensitive
instruments.
The Company has variable-rate debt based upon the LIBOR or the prime
interest rate, as described in Note 5 in Item 8, Part II.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING
PAGE).
26
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders of
The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Seibels
Bruce Group, Inc. (the Parent Company--a South Carolina corporation) and
subsidiaries (collectively the "Company"), as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1999. These financial statements and the schedules referred to
below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Seibels
Bruce Group, Inc. and subsidiaries, as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1999 in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
As explained in Note 1 to the financial statements, effective January 1,
1998, the Company adopted the provisions of SOP 97-3, "Accounting by Insurance
and Other Enterprises for Insurance Related Assessments", and changed its method
of accounting for its participation in the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The Schedules I, II, III, IV, V and VI
listed in Part IV, Item 14 are presented for purposes of complying with the
Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the basic
financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing
procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements, and in our
opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be
set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Columbia, South Carolina,
March 28, 2000.
27
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and investments:
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at market (cost of
$32,180 at 1999 and $38,788 at 1998).................... $ 31,575 $ 39,695
Equity securities, at market (cost of $1,317 at 1999 and
$1,306 at 1998)......................................... 1,317 1,306
Cash and short-term investments........................... 26,722 23,141
Other long-term investments............................... -- 108
-------- --------
Total cash and investments............................ 59,614 64,250
Accrued investment income................................... 835 880
Premiums and agent's, balances recievable, net.............. 8,156 14,728
Premium notes receivable, net............................... 3,435 4,606
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment
expenses.................................................. 18,528 29,972
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses.................................................. 74,017 83,654
Property and equipment, net................................. 5,421 6,028
Prepaid reinsurance premiums--ceded business................ 56,724 59,619
Deferred policy acquisition costs........................... 1,373 2,472
Goodwill.................................................... 19,876 20,892
Other assets................................................ 6,824 8,462
-------- --------
Total assets.......................................... $254,803 $295,563
======== ========
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Reported and estimated losses and claims--retained
business................................................ $ 34,733 $ 28,950
--ceded business...... 67,904 74,746
Adjustment expenses--retained business.................... 5,100 7,372
--ceded business........................ 6,113 8,908
Unearned premiums--retained business........................ 5,796 12,919
--ceded business........................... 56,724 59,619
Balances due other insurance companies...................... 20,460 39,024
Debt........................................................ 14,986 16,250
Other liabilities and deferred items........................ 13,730 9,487
-------- --------
Total liabilities..................................... 225,546 257,275
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SPECIAL STOCK, no par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding 220,000 shares of cumulative $0.62,
convertible, redeemable, nonvoting
special preferred stock, redemption value $2,200.......... 2,200 2,200
Issued and outstanding 50,000 shares of cumulative $0.625,
convertible, redeemable, nonvoting
special preferred stock, redemption value $500............ 500 500
-------- --------
Total special stock................................... 2,700 2,700
-------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 17,500,000 shares in
1999 and 1998, issued and
outstanding 7,831,398 and 7,773,075 shares in 1999 and
1998, respectively........................................ 7,831 7,773
Additional paid-in-capital.................................. 61,988 61,861
Accumulated other comprehensive income...................... (605) 907
Accumulated deficit......................................... (42,657) (34,953)
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity............................ 26,557 35,588
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.......... $254,803 $295,563
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
28
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(DOLLARS AND WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING SHOWN IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER
SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Commission & service income................................. $ 45,652 $ 49,298 $ 44,105
Premiums earned:
Property & casualty....................................... 53,344 22,762 6,580
Credit life............................................... -- 13 156
Net investment income....................................... 2,835 3,271 3,121
Other interest income....................................... 1,385 1,374 766
Realized gains, net......................................... 338 54 529
Policy fees and other income................................ 4,779 4,645 112
--------- -------- --------
Total revenue........................................... 108,333 81,417 55,369
--------- -------- --------
Expenses
Property & casualty:
Losses & loss adjustment expenses....................... 46,010 25,269 8,840
Policy acquisition costs................................ 33,721 10,222 1,207
Credit life benefits...................................... -- (46) 70
Interest expense.......................................... 1,216 981 89
Other operating costs & expenses.......................... 34,885 46,823 41,114
Restructuring charge...................................... -- 546 --
--------- -------- --------
Total expenses.......................................... 115,832 83,795 51,320
--------- -------- --------
(Loss) income from operations, before provision (benefit)
for income taxes and effect of change in accounting
principle................................................. (7,499) (2,378) (4,049)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes........................ 37 (85) 46
--------- -------- --------
(Loss) income before effect of change in accounting
principle................................................. (7,536) (2,293) 4,003
Effect of change in accounting principle.................... -- (601) --
--------- -------- --------
Net (loss) income........................................... (7,536) (2,894) 4,003
Other Comprehensive Income:
Change in value of marketable securities, less
reclassification adjustment of $(91), $85 and $218 for
net (losses) gains included in net (loss) income in
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively....................... (1,512) 860 583
--------- -------- --------
Comprehensive (loss) income................................. $ (9,048) $ (2,034) $ 4,586
========= ======== ========
Basic (loss) earnings per share before change in accounting
principle:
Net (loss) income......................................... $ (0.99) $ (0.31) $ 0.57
========= ======== ========
Weighted average shares outstanding....................... 7,774 7,763 7,002
========= ======== ========
Diluted (loss) earnings per share before change in
accounting principle:
Net (loss) income......................................... $ (0.99) $ (0.31) $ 0.55
========= ======== ========
Weighted average shares outstanding....................... 7,774 7,763 7,274
========= ======== ========
Basic (loss) earnings per share after change in accounting
principle:
Net(loss) income.......................................... $ (0.99) $ (0.39) $ 0.57
========= ======== ========
Weighted average shares outstanding....................... 7,774 7,763 7,002
========= ======== ========
Diluted (loss) earnings per share after change in accounting
principle:
Net (loss) income......................................... $ (0.99) $ (0.39) $ 0.55
========= ======== ========
Weighted average shares outstanding....................... 7,774 7,763 7,274
========= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
29
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common stock outstanding:
Beginning of year......................................... $ 7,773 $ 7,731 $ 6,168
Stock issued in connection with offering.................. -- -- 1,428
Stock issued under stock option plans..................... 58 42 135
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $ 7,831 $ 7,773 $ 7,731
======== ======== ========
Additional paid-in-capital:
Beginning of year......................................... $ 61,861 $ 61,665 $ 54,050
Stock issued in connection with offering.................. -- -- 7,175
Stock issued under stock option plans..................... 127 196 440
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $ 61,988 $ 61,861 $ 61,665
======== ======== ========
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Beginning of year......................................... $ 907 $ 47 $ (536)
Change during the year.................................... (1,512) 860 583
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $ (605) $ 907 $ 47
======== ======== ========
Accumulated deficit:
Beginning of year......................................... $(34,953) $(31,899) $(35,891)
Net (loss) income for the year............................ (7,536) (2,894) 4,003
Special stock dividend.................................... (168) (160) (11)
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $(42,657) $(34,953) $(31,899)
======== ======== ========
Total shareholders' equity.............................. $ 26,557 $ 35,588 $ 37,544
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
30
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income......................................... $ (7,536) $ (2,894) $ 4,003
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash
(used in) provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs....... 33,721 10,222 1,207
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary......... (11) (392) --
Depreciation and amortization........................... 2,552 2,115 856
Net realized loss (gain) on sale of investments......... 91 (85) (218)
Net realized (gain) loss on sale of property and
equipment.............................................. (186) 31 (311)
Realized gain on sale of subsidiary..................... (243) -- --
Stock issued as compensation............................ -- -- 81
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income............................. (21) (95) 72
Premiums and agents' balances receivable, net......... 6,572 5,838 1,165
Premium notes receivable, net......................... 1,171 (1,373) 194
Reinsurance recoverable on losses and loss adjustment
expenses............................................. 21,081 (7,766) 27,972
Prepaid reinsurance premiums - ceded business......... 2,895 (9,017) 964
Deferred policy acquisition costs..................... (32,622) (11,129) (1,006)
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses............ (6,126) 5,206 (34,899)
Unearned premiums..................................... (10,018) 18,178 (2,831)
Balances due other insurance companies................ (18,564) 1,964 3,383
Income taxes payable.................................. -- (41) 24
Other, net............................................ 6,229 (2,743) (3,015)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities.......................................... (1,015) 8,019 (2,359)
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold or matured................. 20,343 31,542 4,262
Cost of investments acquired.............................. (16,565) (28,495) (1,554)
Proceeds from property and equipment sold................. 499 40 665
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (1,506) (1,392) (1,074)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash transferred
of $3,382............................................... 3,072 -- --
Cost of purchased subsidiary.............................. -- (5,598) --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities.......................................... 5,843 (3,903) 2,299
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of capital stock................................. 185 238 575
Net (repayment) issuance of debt, net of related financing
costs................................................... (1,264) 10,025 (2,849)
Dividends paid............................................ (168) (160) (11)
Proceeds from stock offerings............................. -- -- 8,603
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities.......................................... (1,247) 10,103 6,318
-------- -------- --------
Net increase in cash and short term investments............. 3,581 14,219 6,258
Cash and short term investments, beginning of year.......... 23,141 8,922 2,664
-------- -------- --------
Cash and short term investments, end of year................ $ 26,722 $ 23,141 $ 8,922
-------- -------- --------
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid............................................. $ 1,076 $ 922 $ 61
Income taxes paid......................................... -- 39 21
======== ======== ========
Non-cash investing activities:
Acquisition:
Cash paid, net of cash acquired of $4,111............... $ -- $ (5,598) $ --
Issuance of debt........................................ -- (2,700) --
Preferred stock issued.................................. -- (500) (2,200)
Assets acquired......................................... -- 17,563 36,831
Liabilities assumed..................................... -- (27,247) (37,224)
-------- -------- --------
Goodwill................................................ $ -- $(18,482) $ (2,593)
-------- -------- --------
Stock issued for consulting services/compensation......... $ -- $ -- $ 81
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
31
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION
The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. ("SBIG", or the "Company") provides
automobile, flood, and other property and casualty insurance services and
products to customers located primarily in the southeastern United States. In
1999, premiums earned became the Company's largest source of revenue. Prior to
1999, the Company's largest source of revenues was derived from its role as one
of three servicing carriers for the South Carolina Reinsurance Facility (the "SC
Facility"), a state-sponsored plan for insuring South Carolina drivers outside
of the voluntary market, which began runoff effective March 1, 1999. The Company
also continues to be a leading provider, and is an original participant, in the
National Flood Insurance Program (the "NFIP"), a flood insurance program
administered by the federal government. As a servicing carrier for the SC
Facility and the NFIP, the Company receives commissions and fees, but retains no
underwriting risk. Prior to February 1, 1998, the Company provided other
fee-based services in its capacity as a managing general agent ("MGA") for
commercial insurance policies underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.
The Company also receives fee-based income from its catastrophe and automobile
claims adjusting services and liability runoff management services. The
Company's premium concentration in the catastrophe heavy Southeast led to the
creation of a catastrophe adjusting business, Insurance Network Services
("INS"), to manage the Company's internal claims volume. INS currently offers
three services: catastrophe claims handling for hurricanes, tornadoes,
hailstorms, earthquakes and floods; catastrophe claims supervision; and ordinary
claims adjusting.
In 1997, the Company began marketing and underwriting nonstandard automobile
insurance on a risk-bearing basis. In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company
purchased The Innovative Company ("Innovative") and its subsidiaries Universal
Insurance Company ("Universal") and Premium Budget Plan, Inc. ("PBP"). Universal
is a nonstandard automobile insurance company domiciled in North Carolina.
Universal receives commission and service income for a large portion of its
business which it cedes to the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility ("NC
Facility"). The NC Facility is a state sponsored plan for insuring North
Carolina drivers outside of the voluntary market. PBP is a premium finance
company incorporated in North Carolina. Only one month's operations of
Innovative is included in the financial statements for 1997. On July 1, 1998,
Innovative (the holding company only) was merged into the Company.
In the first quarter of 1998, the Company purchased America's Flood
Services, Inc. ("AFS") located in California. AFS offers fee-based flood zone
determinations and compliance tracking services. In the second quarter of 1998,
the Company acquired Graward General Companies, Inc. ("Graward") located in
Tennessee. Graward acts as an MGA for the Company, offering nonstandard
automobile insurance in the Southeast and Midwest. In the fourth quarter of
1998, the Company was awarded fifty percent of the business, as a servicing
carrier, of the South Carolina Associated Auto Insurers Plan ("SCAAIP"), a joint
underwriting association which was effective March 1, 1999. The SC Facility
began its planned runoff effective March 1, 1999, at which time no new business
was accepted into the SC Facility. Effective October 1, 1999, voluntary renewals
were no longer accepted by the SC Facility. However, servicing carriers can
still cede renewals to the SC Facility until March 1, 2000, at which time final
runoff of the SC Facility will commence. The SCAAIP will survive the SC Facility
and offers the Company access to additional fee-based revenue with no
underwriting risk.
32
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include
the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the
current year presentation.
OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS PLAN
The net losses experienced in 1999 are primarily related to the Company's
automobile business, which includes the Company's Nashville and North Carolina
operations, South Carolina voluntary automobile operations, the SC Facility and
the NC Facility. High loss and expense ratios in the Company's Nashville
operation, coupled with an unsuccessful attempt to consolidate it with the
Company's North Carolina operations, caused losses for both operations.
Furthermore, significant growth and high loss ratios resulted in significant
losses in the Company's South Carolina voluntary automobile business.
The Company is faced with a variety of challenges in 2000. The nonstandard
automobile market continues to be intensely competitive, keeping downward
pressure on insurance rates. In addition, the SC Facility will continue its
runoff began in March 1999, which will have an adverse affect on the Company's
commission and service income opportunities. From a regulatory and compliance
standpoint, the Company's primary insurance subsidiary, South Carolina Insurance
Company ("SCIC") is subject to a minimum statutory capital and surplus
requirement placed by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Further, the
Company's credit facility stipulates that the Company demonstrate compliance
with a number of affirmative and negative covenants on a quarterly basis.
Significant financial covenants include minimum statutory capital and surplus
levels, ratios of debt to total capitalization and cash flow coverage. The
Company's statutory capital and surplus was in excess of the required minimum
and the Company was either in compliance with, or had obtained waivers of
non-compliance for, all credit facility covenants at December 31, 1999. However,
the challenges facing the Company in 2000 have a significant impact on the
Company's ability to maintain its regulatory and debt compliance position.
The Company is working with the South Carolina and North Carolina
Departments of Insurance on an intercompany pooling arrangement whereby the
property and casualty insurance subsidiaries would share proportionately in
their pooled net underwriting gain or loss. The proposed pooling arrangement and
related statutory restructuring would further assist the Company's management in
managing its statutory operations, simplify the Company's statutory structure
and eliminate the additional surplus requirements of the South Carolina
Department of Insurance.
To mitigate the losses experienced during 1999, the Company has taken
several significant actions. The North Carolina operation has been moved back to
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The North Carolina operations incurred
approximately $2 million in expenses related to the move to Nashville and the
subsequent move back to Winston-Salem. After the move of the North Carolina
operations back to North Carolina, the Nashville operation was left with excess
capacity and staffing. In the third quarter of 1999, the Company began cutting
its payroll and renegotiated its facilities lease to give up excess space. Other
cost control measures and activities consolidations were also implemented to
further reduce the Nashville operation's expense ratios. Concurrent with these
measures, the Company began a critical profitability review of the Nashville
operation's book of business that resulted in a reduction of authorized
independent agents and more stringent underwriting guidelines. These measures
were designed to improve
33
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
the profitability of a core book of business. While the actions were implemented
in 1999, the full benefit of the changes and cost control measures will not be
realized until the first quarter of 2000.
In the opinion of management, the relocation of the North Carolina
operations back to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has allowed the Company to
repair damaged relationships with agents and their clients who had suffered poor
customer service during the consolidation efforts.
The losses experienced in the South Carolina operations source primarily
from two factors. First, the Company wrote approximately $22 million in
voluntary nonstandard automobile insurance during the ten months since the
runoff of the SC Facility began on March 1, 1999. This rapid growth negatively
affected earnings due to the front-end staffing and facilities growth required
for a growing premium base. Secondly, the South Carolina book of business
experienced higher than average loss ratios caused by the growing book's lower
earned premium base and acceptance of higher insurance risks. The Company is
currently in the process of reviewing this entire book of business and
implementing cost containment measures designed to improve existing loss and
general expense ratios.
As more fully discussed in Note 8, effective January 21, 2000, three of the
Company's insurance subsidiaries collectively acquired a 30.625% equity
ownership interest in QualSure Holding Corporation, the holding company parent
of QualSure Insurance Corporation, a homeowners take out insurance company
domiciled in the state of Florida. In connection with this investment, INS
entered into a Claims Administration Services Agreement with QualSure Insurance
Corporation to adjudicate all of its claims for a fee based upon subject earned
premium. The Company believes this is an excellent investment that capitalizes
upon its considerable experience in claims adjudication and provides a
substantial source of additional fee-based income to supplement its risk bearing
operations.
While the Company does face considerable challenges in 2000, management is
of the opinion that the actions taken to mitigate the losses experienced in 1999
will be effective and that it will be able to maintain compliance with existing
capital and surplus, debt and operational requirements.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates, although, in the opinion of the management, such differences would
not be significant.
CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Cash and short-term investments consists of cash on hand, time deposits and
commercial paper. Short-term investments have an original maturity of three
months or less and are considered to be cash equivalents.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities",
investments in debt and equity securities are classified
34
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. The Company currently
holds all securities as available-for-sale, and reports them at fair value, with
subsequent changes in value reflected as unrealized investment gains and losses
credited or charged directly to accumulated other comprehensive income included
in shareholders' equity. The fair values of the Company's cash and short-term
investments approximate carrying values due to the short-term nature of those
instruments.
The fair values of debt securities and equity securities were determined
from nationally quoted market rates. The fair market value of certain municipal
bonds is assumed to be equal to amortized cost where no market quotations exist.
Premiums and agents' balances receivable are carried at historical cost
which approximates fair value as a result of timely collections and evaluations
of recoverability with a provision for uncollectable amounts.
Debt is carried at its outstanding balance which approximates fair value as
a result of its variable market rate of interest.
INCOME TAXES
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities
are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases. This method also requires the
recognition of future tax benefits such as net operating loss carryforwards to
the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes
the enactment date.
STOCK SPLIT
In April 1997, the Company executed a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of its
issued and outstanding common stock. All references in the financial statements,
the notes thereto and other references to number of shares or earnings per share
have been adjusted for this transaction.
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY PREMIUMS
Property and casualty premiums are reflected in income when earned as
computed on a monthly pro-rata basis. Written premiums and earned premiums have
been reduced by reinsurance placed with other companies, including amounts
related to business produced as a servicing carrier.
PREMIUM NOTES RECEIVABLE
The Company offers premium financing arrangements which require a down
payment and payment of the remaining balance in equal installments over the
policy term.
35
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
CREDIT LIFE PREMIUMS
Credit life premiums are reflected in income when earned as computed on a
monthly pro-rata basis for level term premiums and on a sum-of-the-digits method
for decreasing term premiums.
COMMISSION AND SERVICE INCOME AND POLICY FEES
Commission and service income is predominately derived from servicing
carrier and managing general agent activities. The commission income related to
producing and underwriting the business is recognized in the period in which the
business is written. Service income and policy fees related to claims processing
are recognized on an accrual basis as earned.
POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Policy acquisition costs attributable to property and casualty operations
represent that portion of the cost of writing business that varies with, and is
primarily related to, the production of business. Such costs are deferred and
charged against income as the premiums are earned. The deferral of policy
acquisition costs is subject to the application of recoverability tests to each
primary line or source of business based on past and anticipated underwriting
results. The deferred policy acquisition costs that are not recoverable from
future policy revenues, if any, are expensed. The Company considers anticipated
investment income in determining whether premium deficiencies exist.
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
The liability for property and casualty unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses includes:
(1) An accumulation of case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of
the accounting period.
(2) Estimates of incurred-but-not-reported losses based upon past experience and
current circumstances.
(3) Estimates of allocated, as well as unallocated, loss adjustment expense
liabilities determined by applying percentage factors to the unpaid loss
reserves, with such factors determined on a by-line basis based on past
results of paid loss expenses to paid losses.
(4) The deduction of estimated amounts recoverable from salvage, subrogation,
and second injury funds.
(5) Estimated losses for reinsurance ceded and assumed.
Management, in conjunction with the Company's consulting actuaries, performs
a complete review of the above components of the Company's loss reserves to
evaluate the adequacy of such reserves. Management believes the reserves, which
approximate the amount determined by independent actuarial reviews, are
sufficient to prevent prior years' losses from adversely affecting future
periods; however, establishing reserves is an estimation process and adverse
developments in future years may occur and would be recorded in the year so
determined.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
In accordance with SFAS 128, "Earnings Per Share", the Company measures
earnings per share at two levels: basic earnings per share and diluted earnings
per share. Basic per share data is calculated by
36
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
dividing (loss) income allocable to common stockholders by the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted per share data is
calculated by dividing (loss) income allocable to common stockholders by the
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, as adjusted for
the potentially dilutive effects of stock options and/or convertible preferred
stock, unless common equivalent shares are antidilutive (see Note 10).
ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTABLE ACCOUNTS
The Company routinely evaluates the collectibility of receivables and has
established an allowance for uncollectable accounts for agents' balances and
direct billed balances receivable, other receivables, and premium notes
receivable in the amount of approximately $3,697 and $2,935 at December 31, 1999
and December 31, 1998, respectively.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment is stated at cost and, for financial reporting
purposes, depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives
of the assets. For income tax purposes, accelerated depreciation methods are
used. Depreciation expense includes amortization of assets held under capital
leases which is computed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill and deferred loan costs.
Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid to acquire a company over the fair
value of its net assets, reduced by amortization and any subsequent valuation
adjustments. The Company amortizes goodwill using the straight-line method over
a period not to exceed 40 years. Deferred loan costs are the costs associated
with issuing long term debt. The costs are amortized over the life of the debt.
Intangible assets are continually evaluated to determine if a portion of the
remaining balance may not be recoverable. If circumstances suggest that their
value may be impaired and the write-down would be material, an assessment of
recoverability is performed and any impairment is recorded through a valuation
allowance with a corresponding charge recorded in the income statement.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS Statement No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income". This statement establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive
income is a measure of all non-owner changes in equity of an entity and includes
net income (loss) plus changes in certain assets and liabilities that are
reported directly in equity.
OTHER INTEREST INCOME
Other interest income includes interest received on reinsurance balances
withheld, agents' balances receivable, balances due from the SC Facility and the
SCAAIP, and financing of premium notes receivable.
37
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of SOP 97-3,
"Accounting by Insurance and Other Enterprises for Insurance-Related
Assessments", and recorded it as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle of $601. As a result, the Company's participation in the North
Carolina Facility is no longer being treated as assumed reinsurance and all
amounts assumed from the NC Facility have been eliminated. The NC Facility is
now treated as an assessment organization. The effect of the change in
accounting principle was a reduction of $.08 per share on both a basic and
diluted basis. Below are the pro forma (loss) earnings per share for the twelve
months ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, assuming the change in
accounting principle was applied retroactively:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Net (loss) income....................................... $ (2,293) $ 3,544
Earnings per common share:
Basic................................................. $ (0.31) $ 0.51
Diluted............................................... $ (0.31) $ 0.49
</TABLE>
RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
During the second quarter of 1998, the Company recorded a pre-tax
restructuring charge of $546 related to the consolidation of its automobile and
claims operations. The charges relate to employee severance and other
termination benefits incurred in connection with moving the processing of the
Company's automobile insurance business from Winston-Salem, North Carolina to
Nashville, Tennessee and from the consolidation of claims management and staff
positions in the Columbia, South Carolina office. All liabilities associated
with the restructuring were paid in 1998.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
During the first quarter of 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for Costs of
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." SOP 98-1 requires
capitalization of computer software costs that meet certain criteria. The
statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The
Company adopted SOP 98-1 effective January 1, 1999. SOP 98-1 did not have a
material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This statements establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities.
It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or
liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value.
This statement could increase volatility in earnings and other comprehensive
income. The effective date of this statement was amended by SFAS No. 137 and, as
amended, is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 2000. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 133 effective January 1, 2001.
SFAS No. 133 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
38
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 2 INVESTMENTS
Investments in debt and equity securities are considered available-for-sale
securities and are carried at market value at December 31, 1999 and 1998.
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value.
Unrealized gains and losses on debt and equity securities are credited or
charged directly to accumulated other comprehensive income and included in
shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses on investments included in the
results of operations are determined using the "identified certificate" cost
method. Realized (losses) gains and the change in unrealized losses and gains on
investments are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEBT EQUITY
SECURITIES SECURITIES OTHER TOTAL
---------- ---------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Realized:
1999.................................. $ (91) $ -- $ -- $ (91)
1998.................................. $ 85 $ -- $ -- $ 85
1997.................................. $ 12 $ 227 $(21) $ 218
Change in unrealized:
1999.................................. $(1,512) $ -- $ -- $(1,512)
1998.................................. $ 893 $ (47) $ 14 $ 860
1997.................................. $ 581 $ 8 $ (6) $ 583
</TABLE>
Net accretion of bond discount and amortization of bond premium charged to
income for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was not significant.
Unrealized gains and losses reflected in equity are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross unrealized gains............................ $ 24 $ 925 $ 202
Gross unrealized losses........................... (629) (18) (155)
------- ------- ------
Net unrealized (loss) gain........................ $ (605) $ 907 $ 47
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
Proceeds from sales of debt and equity securities and the related realized
gains and losses are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Proceeds from sales............................... $20,343 $31,542 $4,262
Gross realized gains.............................. $ 2 $ 97 $ 235
Gross realized losses............................. $ 93 $ 12 $ 17
</TABLE>
Excluding investments in the U.S. Government, government agencies and
authorities, no investments exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity at
December 31, 1999.
There were no non-income producing debt securities for the 12 months ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. Debt securities with an amortized cost of
$23 million at December 31, 1999 and $25 million at December 31, 1998, were on
deposit with regulatory authorities.
39
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 2 INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
The amortized cost and estimated market values of investments in debt and
equity securities were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
DECEMBER 31, 1999 COST GAINS LOSSES MARKET VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government, government agencies and
authorities..................................... $15,343 $ 18 $(226) $15,135
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions.................................... 375 6 -- 381
Corporate bonds................................... 16,462 -- (403) 16,059
------- ---- ----- -------
Total debt securities......................... 32,180 24 (629) 31,575
Equity securities................................. 1,317 -- -- 1,317
------- ---- ----- -------
Total......................................... $33,497 $ 24 $(629) $32,892
======= ==== ===== =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
DECEMBER 31, 1998 COST GAINS LOSSES MARKET VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government, government agencies and
authorities..................................... $33,941 $859 $ (14) $34,786
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions.................................... 594 41 -- 635
Corporate bonds................................... 4,253 25 (4) 4,274
------- ---- ----- -------
Total debt securities......................... 38,788 925 (18) 39,695
Equity securities................................. 1,306 -- -- 1,306
Other long-term investments....................... 108 -- -- 108
------- ---- ----- -------
Total......................................... $40,202 $925 $ (18) $41,109
======= ==== ===== =======
</TABLE>
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers
may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties. The
amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities at December 31,
1999, by contractual maturity, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
COST VALUE
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less................................... $ 2,363 $ 2,357
Due after one year through five........................... 19,791 19,479
Due after five years through ten.......................... 4,988 4,828
Due after ten years....................................... 5,038 4,911
------- -------
Total..................................................... $32,180 $31,575
======= =======
</TABLE>
40
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 2 INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
Investment income as of December 31 consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Debt securities..................................... $2,415 $2,474 $2,253
Equity securities................................... -- 97 8
Short-term investments.............................. 432 699 855
Other............................................... 86 56 39
------ ------ ------
Total investment income......................... 2,933 3,326 3,155
Investment expenses................................. (98) (55) (34)
------ ------ ------
Net investment income........................... $2,835 $3,271 $3,121
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
NOTE 3 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DESCRIPTION LIFE IN YEARS 1999 1998
- ----------- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Land......................................... -- $ 975 $ 1,054
Buildings.................................... 10-40 3,921 4,210
Data processing equipment and software....... 3-7 9,273 7,845
Furniture and equipment...................... 3-10 8,918 9,161
-------- --------
23,087 22,270
Accumulated depreciation..................... (17,666) (16,242)
-------- --------
$ 5,421 $ 6,028
======== ========
</TABLE>
Depreciation expense charged to operations was $1.8 million in 1999,
$1.5 million in 1998 and $0.9 million in 1997.
NOTE 4 DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Policy acquisition costs incurred and amortized to income on property and
casualty business were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred at beginning of year........................... $ 2,472 $ 1,565
-------- --------
Costs incurred and deferred during year
Commissions and brokerage............................. 24,467 8,347
Taxes, licenses and fees.............................. 4,893 1,113
Other................................................. 3,262 1,669
Total............................................... 32,622 11,129
-------- --------
Amortization charges to income during year.............. (33,721) (10,222)
-------- --------
Deferred at end of year................................. $ 1,373 $ 2,472
======== ========
</TABLE>
41
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 5 DEBT
Debt consisted of the following as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Credit facility with lending institution.................. $12,286 $13,550
Subordinated convertible notes payable.................... 2,700 2,700
------- -------
$14,986 $16,250
======= =======
</TABLE>
Effective March 31, 1998 the Company entered into a $15,000,000 credit
facility (the "Facility") with a major lending institution for the purpose of
financing its acquisitions activity and other general corporate purposes.
Security for the Facility includes substantially all of the Company's assets.
Principal payments are due quarterly beginning March 1999 with a final payment
of all remaining principal and accrued interest due in June 2004. Accrued
interest is payable monthly on the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility
and is calculated, at the Company's discretion, using a pre-determined spread
over LIBOR or the prime interest rate of the lending institution. The effective
interest rate was 8.94% on December 31, 1999 and was 8.31% on December 31, 1998.
The Credit Facility is secured by a lien on the assets of the Company.
The Credit Facility stipulates that the Company demonstrate compliance with
a number of affirmative and negative covenants on a quarterly basis. Significant
financial covenants include minimum statutory capital and surplus levels, ratios
of debt to total capitalization and cash flow coverage. As of December 31, 1999,
the Company was either in compliance with, or had obtained waivers of
non-compliance for, all covenants.
On May 1, 1998, the Company issued subordinated convertible notes payable
(the "Notes") (See Note 8). The Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 5% per
annum. The entire principal amount due under the Notes is payable in full on
December 31, 2004, provided, however, that if certain outstanding debt is paid
in full and proper notice, as defined, is given, the Notes will become payable
six months after such debt is paid in full. However, in no event will the Notes
become payable earlier than April 1, 2003. At the election of the holder of the
Notes, the Notes may be converted into 300,000 shares of common stock on the
maturity date, provided however, that proper notice, as defined, has been given
of such election.
Scheduled maturities of the debt are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2000........................................................ $ 1,626
2001........................................................ 2,439
2002........................................................ 2,530
2003........................................................ 2,530
2004........................................................ 5,861
-------
$14,986
=======
</TABLE>
NOTE 6 INCOME TAXES
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return which includes
all subsidiaries. A formal tax-sharing agreement has been established by the
Company with its subsidiaries.
42
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 6 INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The Company uses the liability method in accounting for income taxes. A
reconciliation of the income tax (benefit) provision to that computed by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate to (loss) income before income
taxes is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal income tax (benefit) provision at statutory
rates............................................ $(2,550) $(809) $ 1,377
Increase (decrease) in taxes due to:
Tax exempt interest income....................... (12) (18) (2)
Dividends received deduction..................... -- -- (3)
Overaccrual from prior year...................... -- (85) --
Limitation of net operating loss carryforward due
to changes in control.......................... 523 -- --
Changes in valuation allowances:
Utilization of net operating loss................ -- -- (1,339)
Reduction due to limitation of net operating
loss........................................... 1,872 751 --
Other.............................................. 204 76 13
------- ----- -------
Tax provision (benefit)...................... $ 37 $ (85) $ 46
======= ===== =======
</TABLE>
The provision for income taxes on income from operations consists primarily
of current income taxes resulting from alternative minimum tax. The change in
deferred amounts has been offset by the valuation allowance.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 1999 and 1998 are
comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 TAX EFFECT 1998 TAX EFFECT
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred acquisition costs..................... $ 467 $ 840
Property and equipment......................... 145 57
Net unrealized investing gains................. -- 287
Other 169 106
-------- --------
Total deferred tax liabilities............... 781 1,290
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards............... (12,833) (10,961)
Net unrealized investment losses............... (206) --
Insurance reserves............................. (1,562) (2,957)
Bad debts...................................... (1,262) (998)
Other.......................................... (149) (316)
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets.................... (16,012) (15,232)
Valuation allowance.............................. 15,231 13,942
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liabilities..................... $ -- $ --
======== ========
</TABLE>
43
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 6 INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The Company has determined, based on its recent earnings history, that a
valuation allowance should be maintained against the deferred tax asset at
December 31, 1999 and 1998.
The Company has unused tax operating loss carryforwards and capital loss
carryforwards of $102.9 million for income tax purposes. However, due to "change
in ownership" events that occurred in June 1998, January 1997, and
January 1995, the Company's use of the net operating loss carryforwards are
subject to maximum limitations in future years of approximately $2.2 million per
year. Net operating loss carryforwards available for use in 2000 are
approximately $10.9 million due to losses incurred in 1998 and 1999 after the
change in ownership event occurred and carryover of previous years' unused
limitations.
The years of expiration of the tax carryforwards are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET
OPERATING CAPITAL
YEAR OF EXPIRATION LOSS LOSS
- ------------------ --------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
2000...................................................... $ -- $824
2001...................................................... -- 13
2004...................................................... 12,825 119
2006...................................................... 20,411 --
2007...................................................... 31,931 --
2009...................................................... 19,342 --
2010...................................................... 3,918 --
2011...................................................... 1,764 --
2012...................................................... 690 --
2018...................................................... 3,988 --
2019...................................................... 7,043 --
-------- ----
$101,912 $956
======== ====
</TABLE>
NOTE 7 PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
A part of the Company's reserve for losses and loss adjusting expenses
("LAE") is set aside for environmental, pollution, and toxic tort claims. These
claims relate to business written by the Company's previously owned West Coast
operation prior to 1986. On June 7, 1994, the Company settled a dispute relative
to approximately 400 of these claims. Any future liability on these claims is
limited to 50% of the direct loss and LAE paid. The Company's obligation does
not begin until the other company involved in the settled dispute pays,
subsequent to the settlement date, a total of $20 million in losses and LAE. As
of December 31, 1999 and 1998, $13.8 million and $8.7 million, respectively, of
claims payments have been made by the other company since the settlement date.
44
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 7 PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
(CONTINUED)
Of the remaining environmental, pollution and toxic tort claims, the
following activity took place during 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Pending, January 1.......................................... 43 47
New claims advised.......................................... 4 10
Claims settled.............................................. 3 14
-- --
Pending, December 31........................................ 44 43
== ==
</TABLE>
The policies corresponding to these claims were written on a direct basis.
The Company has excess of loss reinsurance with company retention through 1980
of $100 and $500 after that date. The claims are reserved as follows as of
December 31, 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Case reserves.............................................. $3,196 $ 4,243
IBNR reserves.............................................. 3,193 3,950
LAE reserves............................................... 1,083 1,900
------ -------
Total...................................................... $7,472 $10,093
====== =======
</TABLE>
The claims involve four Superfund sites, eight asbestos or toxic claims, two
underground storage tanks and 30 miscellaneous clean-up sites. For this direct
business there are usually several different insurers participating in the
defense and settlement of claims made against the insured. Costs and settlements
are pro-rated by either time on the risk or policy limits.
In estimating the liability for reported and estimated losses and adjustment
expenses related to environmental and construction defect claims, management
considers facts currently known along with current laws and coverage litigation.
Liabilities are recognized for known claims (including the cost of related
litigation) when sufficient information has been developed to indicate the
involvement of a specific insurance policy and management can reasonably
estimate its liability. In exposures on both known and unasserted claims,
estimates of the liabilities are reviewed and updated continually. The potential
development of losses is restricted by policy limits.
Because only 44 claims remain open as of December 31,1999, the exposure to
significant additional development is less than when the claims were less
mature. In addition, the likelihood of new claims being asserted for
construction liability is lessened by the expiration of statutes of limitations
since the last policy expired over ten years ago.
45
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 7 PROPERTY AND CASUALTY UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE
(CONTINUED)
Losses incurred are reduced by recoveries made and estimated to be made from
reinsurers based on projected ultimate losses. Such amounts also include
substantial amounts related to the business produced as a servicing carrier.
Estimated reinsurance recoveries are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Losses incurred............................................. $142,968 $147,316 $100,182
Loss adjustment expenses.................................... 4,776 7,122 4,380
-------- -------- --------
Total..................................................... $147,744 $154,438 $104,562
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes net property and casualty losses and loss
adjustment expenses incurred:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred...... $ 193,754 $ 179,707 $ 113,402
Estimated reinsurance loss recoveries on incurred losses.... (147,744) (154,438) (104,562)
--------- --------- ---------
$ 46,010 $ 25,269 $ 8,840
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Liability for losses and LAE at the beginning of the year:
Gross liability per balance sheet......................... $119,976 $114,770 $132,152
Ceded reinsurance recoverable, classified as an asset..... (83,654) (75,616) (84,725)
-------- -------- --------
Net liability............................................. 36,322 39,154 47,427
-------- -------- --------
Reserves acquired in purchase of Universal.................. -- -- 2,655
-------- -------- --------
Provision for losses and LAE for claims occurring in the
current year.............................................. 47,250 24,450 12,202
(Decrease) increase in estimated losses and LAE for claims
occurring in prior years.................................. (1,240) 819 (3,362)
-------- -------- --------
46,010 25,269 8,840
-------- -------- --------
Losses and LAE payments for claims occurring during:
Current year.............................................. 30,827 18,398 8,845
Prior years............................................... 11,672 9,703 10,923
-------- -------- --------
42,499 28,101 19,768
-------- -------- --------
Liability for losses and LAE at the end of the year:
Net liability............................................. 39,833 36,322 39,154
Ceded reinsurance recoverable, classified as an asset..... 74,017 83,854 75,616
-------- -------- --------
Gross liability per balance sheet......................... $113,850 $119,976 $114,770
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
46
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 8 SALE, MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
Effective January 21, 2000, three of the Company's insurance subsidiaries
made investments totaling $4,900 in the common stock of QualSure Holding
Corporation, representing a combined ownership interest of 30.625%. QualSure
Holding Corporation owns 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of QualSure
Insurance Corporation ("QualSure), a homeowners take out insurance company
domiciled in the state of Florida, and QualSure Underwriting Agencies, Inc., a
managing general agent for QualSure Insurance Corporation. QualSure was formed
to take out approximately 44,000 homeowners policies from the Florida Windstorm
Underwriting Association and approximately 40,000 homeowners policies from the
Florida Residential Property & Casualty Joint Underwriting Association. In
connection with this investment, INS entered into a Claims Administration
Services Agreement with QualSure to adjudicate all of its claims for a fee based
upon subject earned premium.
Effective October 14, 1999, the Company sold Kentucky Insurance Company, one
of its insurance company subsidiaries to an unrelated party for a gain of
$243,000 calculated as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Assets sold:
Bonds..................................................... $2,778
Cash and short-term investments........................... 3,382
Accrued investment income................................. 66
------
6,226
Liabilities transferred..................................... (15)
------
6,211
Proceeds from sale.......................................... 6,454
------
Realized gain............................................... $ 243
======
</TABLE>
The operations of Kentucky Insurance Company generated income of $113, $4
and $171 during 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Effective May 1, 1998, the Company acquired all of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock of Graward. Consideration in the transaction
included cash of $7.5 million and Subordinated Convertible Notes ("Notes") with
a principal amount of $2.7 million (See Note 5). The Company accounted for the
transaction as a purchase. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the
assets was $16.2 million. The Company has delivered to the sellers of Graward, a
final balance sheet as required under the purchase agreement (See Note 15(e)).
The final balance sheet identifies purchase price adjustments totaling
approximately $6 million which the Company believes are valid reductions in the
resolution of the purchase price and expects an eventual reduction in the
purchase price and a resulting reduction in the goodwill recorded above.
Interest accruals and payments on the notes were suspended after the delivery of
the final balance sheet.
Effective March 31, 1998, the Company acquired all of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock of AFS. Consideration in the transaction
included cash of $2.1 million and 50,000 shares of $0.625 Cumulative,
Convertible, Redeemable, Nonvoting Special Preferred Stock (See Note 9) of the
Company. The Company accounted for the transaction as a purchase. The excess
purchase price over the fair value of the assets was $2.3 million.
47
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 8 SALE, MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
Effective December 1, 1997, the Company acquired all of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock of Innovative, including its subsidiaries,
Universal and PBP. Consideration in the transaction consisted of 220,000 shares
of Cumulative, Convertible, Redeemable, Nonvoting Special Preferred Stock of the
Company. The Company accounted for the transaction as a purchase and repaid
$1.8 million of debt due the shareholders of Innovative out of cash and liquid
investments. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the assets was
$2.6 million. On July 1, 1998, Innovative was merged into the Company. The Board
of Directors of the Company approved the Plan of Merger (the "Plan") on
February 10, 1998. The Plan did not require approval of the shareholders of
either company. The capital stock of Innovative was cancelled and no cash,
securities or other consideration of any kind was issued or paid for the shares.
The results of operations in the consolidated financial statements of the
Company include the following number of months of operations of the Companies
acquired above:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Graward.................................................... 12 8 0
AFS........................................................ 12 9 0
Universal and PBP.......................................... 12 12 1
-- -- --
</TABLE>
The following pro forma unaudited consolidated results of operation for 1998
and 1997 give affect to the acquisitions as though they had occurred at the
beginning of the year they were acquired. The dividends on the preferred stock
and interest of the notes have been considered.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................................. $89,133 $85,945
Net (loss) income......................................... $(3,968) $ 1,740
Basic Earnings Per Share.................................. $ (0.51) $ 0.25
Diluted Earnings Per Share................................ $ (0.51) $ 0.24
</TABLE>
NOTE 9 SPECIAL STOCK AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
SPECIAL STOCK
On March 31, 1998, the Company issued 50,000 shares of $0.625 Cumulative,
Convertible, Redeemable, Nonvoting Special Preferred Stock ("$0.625 Special
Stock") in connection with its acquisition of AFS. The Company determined the
value of the $0.625 Special Stock at the issuance date to be $500. The $0.625
Special Stock pays quarterly dividends at an annual rate of $0.625 per share.
The Company paid $31 and $23 in special stock dividends in 1999 and 1998,
respectively. On or after August 15, 2000, but prior to August 15, 2002, the
Company, at its option, may redeem in whole or in part the $0.625 Special Stock
at a price of $15.00 per share. On August 15, 2002, the Company must redeem any
remaining shares at a rate of $10.00 per share. On or after August 15, 2000, but
prior to August 15, 2002, holders of the shares have the right to convert each
share of the $0.625 Special Stock into 1.25 shares, or a total of 62,500 shares,
of the Company's common stock.
48
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 9 SPECIAL STOCK AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS (CONTINUED)
On December 1, 1997, the Company issued 220,000 shares of Cumulative,
Convertible, Redeemable, Nonvoting Special Preferred Stock ("Special Stock") in
connection with an acquisition. The Company determined the value of the Special
Stock at the issuance date to be $2,200. The Special Stock pays quarterly
dividends at an annual rate of $0.62 per share. The Company paid $137 in Special
Stock dividends in 1999 and 1998. On or after August 15, 2000, but prior to
August 15, 2002, the Company, at its option, may redeem in whole or in part the
Special Stock at a price of $15.00 per share. On August 15, 2002, the Company
must redeem any remaining shares at a rate of $10.00 per share. On or after
August 15, 2000, but prior to August 15, 2002, holders of the shares have the
right to convert each share of the Special Stock into 1.25 shares, or a total of
275,000 shares, of the Company's common stock.
DIVIDEND RESTRICTION
The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries.
As a holding company, the primary sources of cash needed to meet its
obligations, including principal and interest payments on outstanding debt, are
dividends and other permitted payments, including management fees, from its
subsidiaries and affiliates.
The South Carolina Insurance Holding Company Regulatory Act provides that,
without prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of South
Carolina, dividends within any 12-month period may not exceed the greater of
(i) 10% of a domestic insurer's surplus as regarding policyholders as shown in
the insurer's most recent annual statement or (ii) a domestic insurer's net
income, not including realized capital gains or losses as shown in the insurer's
most recent annual statement. Furthermore, dividends may only be paid out of
positive earned surplus unless approved by the Commissioner. As of December 31,
1999, SCIC had an accumulated deficit.
The North Carolina Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act provides
that, without prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of
North Carolina, dividends within any 12-month period may not exceed the lessor
of (i) 10% of a domestic insurer's surplus as regarding policyholders as of the
preceding December 31 or (ii) the net income, not including realized capital
gains, for the 12-month period ending the preceding December 31. For 2000, no
dividends are available from Universal to the Company.
49
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 10 EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table shows the computation of per share earnings:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCOME SHARES SHARE
(NUMERATOR) (DENOMINATOR) AMOUNT
----------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
For the year ended 1999:
Net loss................................... $(7,536)
Less: Preferred stock dividends............ (168)
-------
Basic and diluted EPS:
Income available to common
stockholders........................... $(7,704) 7,774,361 $(0.99)
======= ========= ======
For the year ended 1998:
Net loss................................... $(2,894)
Less: Preferred stock dividends............ (160)
-------
Basic and diluted EPS:
Income available to common
stockholders........................... $(3,054) 7,763,252 $(0.39)
======= ========= ======
For the year ended 1997:
Net loss................................... $ 4,003
Less: Preferred stock dividends............ (11)
-------
Basic EPS:
Income available to common
stockholders........................... 3,992 7,001,552 $ 0.57
======
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible preferred stock.............. 11 23,356
Options.................................. -- 249,063
======= =========
Diluted EPS:
Income available to common stockholders
plus assumed conversion................ $ 4,003 7,273,971 $ 0.55
======= ========= ======
</TABLE>
NOTE 11 STATUTORY REPORTING
The Company's insurance subsidiaries' assets, liabilities and results of
operations have been reported on the basis of GAAP, which varies from statutory
accounting practices ("SAP") prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities. Prescribed statutory accounting practices are found in a variety of
publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"),
state laws and regulations, as well as through general practices. The principal
differences between SAP and GAAP, are that under SAP: (1) certain assets that
are not admitted assets are eliminated from the balance sheet, (2) acquisition
costs for policies are expensed as incurred, while they may be deferred and
amortized over the estimated life of the policies under GAAP, (3) no provision
is made for deferred income taxes and (4) valuation allowances are established
against investments. Each of the Company's insurance subsidiaries must file with
applicable state insurance regulatory authorities an "Annual Statement" which
reports, among other items, net income (loss) and shareholders' equity (called
"surplus as regards policyholders" in property and casualty reporting).
50
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 11 STATUTORY REPORTING (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation between GAAP net (loss) income and statutory net (loss)
income of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries is as follows for the
year ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
GAAP (loss) income................................ $(7,536) $(2,894) $ 4,003
Increase (decrease) due to:
Decrease (increase) in deferred policy
acquisition costs............................. 1,099 (892) 201
(Increase) decrease in salvage/subrogation
recoverable................................... (278) (246) 139
GAAP-only items and other non-statutory
subsidiaries.................................. 4,673 (848) 2,497
Intercompany dividends.......................... -- -- 32,947
Excess of SAP over GAAP gain on sale of
subsidiary.................................... 663 -- 450
Other, net...................................... (20) (685) 52
------- ------- -------
Statutory net (loss) income....................... $(1,399) $(5,565) $40,289
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
A reconciliation between GAAP shareholders' equity and statutory capital and
surplus, at December 31, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
GAAP shareholders' equity........................ $26,557 $35,588 $37,544
Increase (decrease) due to:
Deferred policy acquisition costs.............. (1,373) (2,472) (1,580)
Non-statutory companies' shareholders'
equity....................................... 3,742 (1,013) (165)
Adjustments to premiums and loss reserves...... (908) (1,819) (1,903)
Allocation of Seibels Bruce & Company
expenses..................................... -- -- 192
Assets nonadmitted for statutory surplus....... (1,504) (3,745) --
------- ------- -------
Statutory surplus................................ $26,514 $26,539 $34,088
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Net income and shareholders' equity of the credit life insurance subsidiary
as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices are as follows
for the year ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income....................................... $ 81 $ 191 $ 203
Shareholders' equity ("surplus as regards
policyholders")................................ $ 4,800 $ 2,708 $ 4,511
</TABLE>
NOTE 12 BENEFIT AND STOCK OPTION PLANS
STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK OPTION PLANS
During the first quarter of 1996, the Company issued to a group of investors
stock options expiring December 31, 2000 to acquire 408,750 shares of
unregistered common stock at the greater of the price of
51
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 12 BENEFIT AND STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
$10.00 per share or the book value at the date of exercise. These shares were
registered effective March 17, 1997.
In the third quarter of 1996, the Company issued to a different group of
investors stock options expiring December 31, 2000 to acquire 781,250 shares of
unregistered common stock at the greater of the price of $8.00 or the book value
at the date of exercise. These shares were registered effective March 17, 1997.
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company granted a warrant to purchase
up to 57,971 shares of common stock in connection with its Credit Facility (See
Note 5).
The Company currently has three plans under which stock options and
incentive stock may be granted to employees, non-employee directors, consultants
and active independent agents of the Company. Under the plans for employees and
independent agents, stock options expire five (5) years from the date of grant.
Under the plan for non-employee directors, the options expire ten (10) years
from the date of grant. Each plan is administered by a committee appointed by
the Board of Directors.
The 1996 Stock Option Plan for Employees (the "Employees Plan") became
effective on November 1, 1995. The Employees Plan has reserved 2,500,000 shares
of the Company's common stock for issuance under the plan as options and
incentive stock to employees and consultants of the Company. Activity in the
Employee Plan is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares under options outstanding, beginning
of year.................................... 1,053,480 766,215 582,169
Granted during the year...................... 333,295 776,112 332,517
Exercised during the year.................... -- (19,446) (9,375)
Canceled or expired during the year.......... (80,216) (469,401) (139,096)
--------- --------- --------
Shares under options outstanding, end of
year....................................... 1,306,559 1,053,480 766,215
========= ========= ========
Shares under options exercisable, end of
year....................................... 831,187 472,199 324,718
========= ========= ========
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 12 BENEFIT AND STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
All grants made under the Employees Plan have exercise prices no lower than
the market price at the date of grant. At December 31, 1999, 1,006,567 shares of
the Company's common stock have been reserved for future grants. The following
table summarizes options outstanding and exercisable by price range as of
December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
---------------------------------- --------------------------------
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
RANGE OF REMAINING AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL LIFE EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------------- ----------- ---------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 2.20--$4.40 314,922 4.0 $ 3.39 134,392 $ 3.38
$ 4.40--$6.60 72,376 1.9 $ 6.04 59,127 $ 6.27
$ 6.60--$8.80 479,996 3.1 $ 7.38 240,010 $ 7.34
$ 8.80--$11.00 347,254 2.2 $ 9.50 321,929 $ 9.46
$11.00--$13.20 1,025 1.3 $12.00 1,025 $ 12.00
$15.40--$17.60 44,949 1.7 $16.00 36,808 $ 16.00
$19.80--$22.00 44,949 1.7 $22.00 36,808 $ 22.00
$42.50 1,088 1.0 $42.50 1,088 $ 42.50
--------- --- ------ -------- ---------
1,306,559 2.9 $ 7.71 831,187 $ 8.48
========= === ====== ======== =========
</TABLE>
The 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the Directors Plan)
became effective June 15, 1995, with 250,000 shares of the Company's common
shares reserved for grants. Under the Directors Plan, all non-employee directors
holding office on June 15 of each year are granted 1,250 options to purchase the
Company's common stock. The exercise price of the options is the market value on
the date of grant. On June 15, 1997,1998 and 1999, 12,500 shares were granted at
exercise prices of $7.19, $7.00 and $4.75, respectively.
The 1995 Stock Option Plan for Independent Agents (the Agents Plan) became
effective December 21, 1995, with 125,000 common shares of the Company's stock
reserved for grants. Activity in Agents Plan is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares under options outstanding, beginning of
year............................................. 36,205 36,516 54,125
Granted during the year............................ 13,120 9,400 5,526
Exercised during the year.......................... -- -- (2,749)
Canceled or expired during the year................ -- (9,711) (20,386)
------ ------ -------
Shares under options outstanding, end of year...... 49,325 36,205 36,516
====== ====== =======
</TABLE>
Options granted during 1997, 1998 and 1999 were granted at average exercise
prices of $6.37, $6.97 and $4.68, respectively. At December 31, 1999, 71,426
shares of the Company's common stock have been reserved for future grants.
The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has
been recognized for the stock option plans. Had compensation costs for the
Company's three stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at
the grant date for awards in 1999, 1998, and 1997 consistent with the provisions
of SFAS No. 123,
53
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 12 BENEFIT AND STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
the Company's net (loss) income and (loss) earnings per share would have been as
indicated below (in thousands except per share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net (loss) income -- as reported.................. $(7,536) $(2,894) $4,003
Net (loss) income -- pro forma.................... $(8,053) $(3,432) $3,016
Diluted earnings per share -- as reported......... $ (0.99) $ (0.39) $ 0.55
Diluted earnings per share -- pro forma........... $ (1.04) $ (0.46) $ 0.41
</TABLE>
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999
---------------------------------------------
EMPLOYEE PLAN DIRECTORS PLAN AGENTS PLAN
-------------- -------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expected Dividend Yield.......................... 0% 0% 0%
Expected Stock Price Volatility.................. 71.62% 71.62% 71.62%
Risk-Free Interest Rate.......................... 5.75% 6.00% 5.78%
Expected Life of Options......................... 2.71 years 10 years 5 years
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998
---------------------------------------------
EMPLOYEE PLAN DIRECTORS PLAN AGENTS PLAN
-------------- -------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expected Dividend Yield.......................... 0% 0% 0%
Expected Stock Price Volatility.................. 52.75% 52.75% 52.75%
Risk-Free Interest Rate.......................... 5.39% 5.39% 5.39%
Expected Life of Options......................... 5 years 10 years 5 years
</TABLE>
OTHER BENEFIT PLANS
The Company sponsors the South Carolina Insurance Company Employees'
Profit-Sharing and Savings Plan (the Plan), which provides both a profit-sharing
and a 401(k) element for the employees of the Company, its subsidiaries and
affiliates. As of December 31, 1999, the amount of assets available in the Plan,
based on information currently available, was $12,936.
The profit-sharing element of the Plan covers all full-time employees who
have met minimum eligibility requirements. There were no contributions to this
part of the Plan in 1999.
Under the 401(k) element of the Plan, employees may elect to have a portion
of their salary withheld from pre-tax wages for investment in the Plan, subject
to limitations imposed by IRS regulations. The Company matches 50% of the first
6% of the employee's contribution to the Plan. The Company's contributions to
the Plan on behalf of the participating employees was $271, $68 and $72 in 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Company currently provides certain health care and life insurance
benefits for certain retired employees. The projected future cost of providing
post-retirement benefits is reflected as an expense as employees render services
instead of when the benefits are paid. The net transition obligation is being
recorded as a charge against income on a prospective basis as part of the future
annual benefit cost. Post-retirement benefit expense was approximately $115 in
1999, $90 in 1998 and $77 in 1997.
54
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 12 BENEFIT AND STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year..................... $ 722 $ 575
Service cost.............................................. 7 6
Interest Cost............................................. 65 50
Plan participants' contributions.......................... 32 61
Actuarial loss............................................ 162 126
Benefits paid............................................. (66) (96)
------ ------
Total benefit obligation, end of year..................... $ 922 $ 722
====== ======
Fair value of plan assets................................. -- --
====== ======
Funded status of plan..................................... $ 922 $ 722
Unrecognized actuarial loss............................... (256) (106)
Unrecognized net transition obligation.................... (408) (439)
------ ------
Net obligation............................................ $ 258 $ 177
====== ======
Weighted-average discount rate............................ 7.75% 6.75%
====== ======
</TABLE>
The weighted-average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost
of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) was 6% for 1999, 7% for
1998 and 8% for 1997 and is assumed to decrease to a 5% ultimate trend (5% in
1998 and 1997) with a duration to ultimate trend of 2 years (three years in 1998
and four years in 1997). The health care cost trend rate assumption has an
effect on the amounts reported. For example, increasing the assumed health care
cost trend rates by one percentage point each year would increase the
post-retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1999 by $4.
NOTE 13 SEGMENT REPORTING
SFAS No.131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information" requires public enterprises to report financial and descriptive
information about its reportable operating segments, and the determination of
those segments in a manner consistent with the way in which management regularly
reviews the business and formulates decisions.
55
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 13 SEGMENT REPORTING (CONTINUED)
The reportable segments were determined based on management's internal
reporting approach, which is focused on product line and complementary
coverages. The reportable segments are comprised of Automobile, Flood,
Commercial and All Other. The Automobile segment includes all personal lines
components of retained risk nonstandard automobile, NC Facility and SC Facility
operations. The Flood segment contains all flood operations including NFIP,
flood zone determinations, excess flood and flood compliance tracking, as well
as the complementary homeowners product line and the Company's insurance
adjusting business. The Commercial segment includes all commercial operations,
as well as the commercial automobile activity for the NC Facility and SC
Facility. The All Other segment includes the runoff operations of the Company.
The results of the reportable segments are included as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOBILE FLOOD COMMERCIAL ALL OTHER TOTAL
---------- -------- ---------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Commission and service income............... $ 25,303 $19,270 $1,079 $ -- $45,652
Property and casualty premiums earned....... 49,984 27 3,172 161 53,344
Investment and other income................. 6,296 914 140 1,987 9,337
-------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Total revenues............................ 81,583 20,211 4,391 2,148 108,333
-------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Expenses:
Losses & loss adjustment expenses........... 47,749 401 1,500 (3,640) 46,010
Other....................................... 46,687 17,431 2,193 3,511 69,822
-------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Total expenses............................ 94,436 17,832 3,693 (129) 115,832
-------- ------- ------ ------- -------
(Loss) income from operations before
provision for income taxes................ (12,853) 2,379 698 2,277 (7,499)
Provision for income taxes.................. 12 2 -- 23 37
-------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Net (loss) income........................... $(12,865) $ 2,377 $ 698 $ 2,254 $(7,536)
======== ======= ====== ======= =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOBILE FLOOD COMMERCIAL ALL OTHER TOTAL
---------- -------- ---------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total assets............................... $114,735 $51,602 $14,343 $74,123 $254,803
======== ======= ======= ======= ========
Liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses...... $ 47,037 $12,596 $ 2,919 $51,298 $113,850
Unearned premium......................... 32,381 23,121 7,009 9 62,520
Other liabilities........................ 22,143 9,959 2,768 14,306 49,176
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total liabilities........................ $101,561 $45,676 $12,696 $65,613 $225,546
======== ======= ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
56
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 13 SEGMENT REPORTING (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
---------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOBILE FLOOD COMMERCIAL ALL OTHER TOTAL
---------- -------- ---------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Commission and service income.............. $30,960 $16,458 $ 1,893 $ (13) $ 49,298
Property and casualty premiums earned...... 18,337 (34) 3,976 483 22,762
Investment and other income................ 5,991 14 655 2,697 9,357
------- ------- ------- ------ --------
Total revenues........................... 55,288 16,438 6,524 3,167 81,417
------- ------- ------- ------ --------
Expenses:
Losses & loss adjustment expenses.......... 20,759 837 2,249 1,424 25,269
Other...................................... 35,290 15,552 6,394 1,290 58,526
------- ------- ------- ------ --------
Total expenses........................... 56,049 16,389 8,643 2,714 83,795
------- ------- ------- ------ --------
(Loss) income from operations before
provision (benefit) for income taxes
before change in accounting principle.... (761) 49 (2,119) 453 (2,378)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes....... 53 25 (29) (134) (85)
------- ------- ------- ------ --------
(Loss) income from operations, before
change in accounting principle........... (814) 24 (2,090) 587 (2,293)
Effect of change in accounting principle... -- -- -- (601) (601)
------- ------- ------- ------ --------
Net (loss) income.......................... $ (814) $ 24 $(2,090) $ (14) $ (2,894)
======= ======= ======= ====== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
---------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOBILE FLOOD COMMERCIAL ALL OTHER TOTAL
---------- -------- ---------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total assets............................... $153,074 $35,449 $16,360 $90,680 $295,563
======== ======= ======= ======= ========
Liabilities:
Losses & loss adjustment expenses
reserves............................... $ 47,008 $ 9,955 $ 3,949 $59,064 $119,976
Unearned premium......................... 52,696 13,135 6,707 -- 72,538
Other liabilities........................ 33,540 7,767 3,585 19,869 64,761
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total liabilities...................... $133,244 $30,857 $14,241 $78,933 $257,275
======== ======= ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
57
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 13 SEGMENT REPORTING (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOBILE FLOOD COMMERCIAL ALL OTHER TOTAL
---------- -------- ---------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Commission and service income............... $25,986 $12,811 $ 5,317 $ (9) $44,105
Property and casualty premiums earned....... 5,647 -- 41 892 6,580
Investment and other income................. 994 -- 701 2,989 4,684
------- ------- -------- ------ -------
Total revenues............................ 32,627 12,811 6,059 3,872 55,369
======= ======= ======== ====== =======
Expenses:
Losses & loss adjustment expenses........... 5,979 658 425 1,778 8,840
Other....................................... 19,902 10,477 9,618 2,483 42,480
------- ------- -------- ------ -------
Total expenses............................ 25,881 11,135 10,043 4,261 51,320
------- ------- -------- ------ -------
Income (loss) from operations before
(benefit) provision for income taxes...... 6,746 1,676 (3,984) (389) 4,049
(Benefit) provision for income taxes........ (9) (9) 11 53 46
======= ======= ======== ====== =======
Net income (loss) $ 6,755 $ 1,685 $ (3,995) (442) $ 4,003
======= ======= ======== ====== =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOBILE FLOOD COMMERCIAL ALL OTHER TOTAL
---------- -------- ---------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total assets............................... $121,510 $28,139 $12,987 $71,892 $234,618
======== ======= ======= ======= ========
Liabilities:
Losses & loss adjustment expenses
reserves............................... $ 59,680 $ 2,918 $ 7,572 $44,600 $114,770
Unearned premium......................... 24,936 11,428 3,410 14,567 54,341
Other liabilities........................ 15,200 -- 1,546 9,017 25,763
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total liabilities...................... $ 99,816 $14,346 $12,528 $68,184 $194,874
======== ======= ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 14 REINSURANCE
The Company's property and casualty insurance operations include a retained
risk component and a servicing carrier component. A significant percentage of
the risk business is ceded through several reinsurance programs including
pro-rata and excess of loss. In its servicing carrier operation, premiums are
ceded entirely to the applicable state's reinsurance facility or to the NFIP. A
reconciliation of direct to net premiums, on both a written and an earned basis
is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
WRITTEN EARNED WRITTEN EARNED WRITTEN EARNED
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct............... $ 168,606 $ 177,749 $ 181,574 $ 163,485 $ 108,395 $ 109,277
Assumed.............. 4,863 5,233 9,831 6,920 5,386 5,529
Ceded................ (127,248) (129,638) (159,179) (147,643) (107,155) (108,226)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net.................. $ 46,221 $ 53,344 $ 32,226 $ 22,762 $ 6,626 $ 6,580
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
58
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 14 REINSURANCE (CONTINUED)
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to
policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in
losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its
reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar
geographic regions, activities, or economic characteristics of the reinsurer to
minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvency. Amounts
due from reinsurance companies are for the following amounts for unearned
premiums, unpaid losses and LAE, and paid losses and LAE:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Unearned premiums......................................... $56,724 $59,619
Unpaid losses and LAE..................................... 74,017 83,654
Paid losses and LAE....................................... 18,528 29,972
</TABLE>
A summary of the Company's reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
and LAE, as well as its prepaid reinsurance premiums at December 31, 1999 is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REINSURANCE PREPAID
RECOVERABLE REINSURANCE
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
South Carolina Reinsurance Facility................... $30,843 $10,077
North Carolina Reinsurance Facility................... 23,153 4,783
National Flood Insurance Program...................... 12,375 22,933
Swiss Reinsurance Corp................................ 6,639 4
Eric Insurance Exchange............................... 3,724 4,490
Insurance Corporation of Hannover..................... 2,902 84
GE Reinsurance Company................................ 2,801 85
Dorinco Reinsurance Company........................... 2,546 70
Hartford Fire Insurance Company....................... 1,709 45
First Excess and Reinsurance Company.................. 1,273 37
Gerling Global Reinsurance Company of America......... 1,051 87
Seandinevian Reinsurance.............................. -- 9,221
NACRE................................................. -- 4,610
All others............................................ 3,529 198
------- -------
Totals.............................................. $92,545 56,724
======= =======
</TABLE>
The Company believes that the balances due from the SC Facility, the NC
Facility and the NFIP are fully collectable due to the governmental agency's
ability to assess policyholders and member companies for deficiencies. The
remaining recoverables due from nonaffiliated reinsurance companies have also
been deemed fully collectable by the Company.
With respect to credit concentrations, most of the Company's business
activity is with agents and policyholders located within the southeastern United
States. There are no other material credit concentrations related to premiums
receivable, agents' balances, and premium notes receivable.
59
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 15 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) The Company and its subsidiaries lease office space, computer equipment
and automobiles under several operating leases that expire at various times.
Lease expense amounted to $1,584, 1,543 and $425 in 1999, 1998 and 1997
respectively. Approximate minimum future lease payments under these operating
leases at December 31, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2000................................................ $1,464
2001................................................ 1,202
2002................................................ 1,085
2003................................................ 589
2004................................................ 575
Thereafter.......................................... 564
------
Total............................................. $5,479
======
</TABLE>
(b) A contingent liability exists with respect to reinsurance placed with
other companies (See Note 14).
(c) The Company was served with a complaint dated November 19, 1997 by
Norwest Financial Resources, Inc. ("Norwest") that claimed indemnification
against the Company pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of
July 2, 1993 by and among Premium Service Corporation of Columbia ("Premium"),
Seibels, Bruce & Company and Norwest. The indemnification claim relates to
certain loans of Premium which later were discovered to be incorrectly recorded
as realizable assets. Management believes the Company has no liability in the
case.
(d) Catawba was served with a complaint dated November 7, 1997 by the
Municipal Association of South Carolina which claimed it has potential
deficiency of approximately $1.75 million with respect to certain South Carolina
municipality taxes. Management and legal counsel believe Catawba has basis for
non-payment of such amounts.
(e) On May 1, 1998, the Company completed its acquisition of Graward. In
completing the Final Balance Sheet in accordance with the related purchase
agreement, the Company identified purchase price adjustments totaling
approximately $6 million that it believes were known to certain of the sellers,
but were not disclosed to the Company during its due diligence process. The
purchase agreement provides methods for resolving the differences as to the
appropriate adjustments to the purchase price. On December 18, 1998 the sellers
filed a demand for arbitration regarding the parties dispute over the purchase
price adjustments. Thereafter, the parties reached tentative agreement regarding
some, but not all, of the disputed purchase price adjustments. The parties then
agreed to limit the scope of the arbitration to a determination whether an
adjustment was required for the way in which the sellers had previously
accounted for loss adjustment expenses at Graward. On February 7, 2000, the
arbitration panel ruled that the Company was not entitled to the requested
$1.08 million purchase price adjustment on the loss adjustment expenses issue,
although the panel left open the question of whether a new independent audit of
Graward's 1997 financial statements could result in such an adjustment. The
Company is continuing to evaluate its options regarding the arbitration ruling.
Management continues to believe that the purchase price will be adjusted in its
favor based on subsequent negotiation and/or litigation with the sellers of
Graward.
60
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE)
NOTE 15 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
(f) On March 1, 2000, the Company received a demand from Generali-U.S.
Branch ("Generali") for arbitration of claims arising under the April 1995
Agency Agreement between Generali and Graward. Generali seeks to recover
approximately $7.64 million plus interest, costs, disbursements, and attorneys'
fees. The Company has not yet responded to this demand.
(g) The Company and its subsidiaries are party to various other lawsuits
generally arising in the normal course of their insurance and ancillary
businesses. The Company does not believe that the eventual outcome of such suits
will have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations
of the Company.
NOTE 16 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Mr. John C. West, chairman emeritus of the Company's Board of Directors, is
of counsel to the law firm of Bethea, Jordan & Griffin. Bethea, Jordan & Griffin
has been retained by the Company to perform legal services. During the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company paid a total of $1,
$40 and $40 to Bethea, Jordan & Griffin respectively.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company
paid a total of $350, $522 and $483 to SADISCO Corporation ("SADISCO")
respectively. Of which, in 1999, 1998, and 1997, $73, $54 and $96 respectively
was for salvage and disposal services provided to the Company in the ordinary
course of business and $277, $468 and $387 respectively was for reimbursement of
expenses advanced by SADISCO on behalf of the Company in connection with such
services. Charles H. Powers, chairman of the Company's Board of Directors and
member of the Board of Director's Compensation Committee, is the owner and
operator of SADISCO.
61
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly information for the years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH
1999 QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
- ---- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commission & service income............ $12,425 $ 9,992 $11,595 $ 11,640
Property & casualty and credit life
premiums earned...................... 10,530 12,229 16,003 14,582
Net investment income.................. 730 648 686 771
Other income........................... 1,541 1,312 1,633 1,678
Net realized gain...................... -- 11 189 138
Net income (loss)...................... 1,915 (2,819) 3 (6,635)
======= ======== ======= ========
Basic earnings (loss) per share........ $ 0.25 $ (0.36) $ 0.00 $ (0.86)
Diluted loss per share................. 0.25 (0.36) 0.00 (0.86)
======= ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
During the first and second quarters of 1999, commission and service income
continued a decline that began in the fourth quarter of 1998 due to further
decreases in written premium for the SC Facility. The SC Facility began its
planned runoff effective March 1, 1999, at which time no new business was
accepted into the SC Facility. Effective October 1, 1999, voluntary renewals
were no longer accepted by the SC Facility. However, servicing carriers can
still cede renewals to the SC Facility until March 1, 2000, at which time final
runoff of the SC Facility will commence. Commission and service income showed
significant increases in the third and fourth quarters of 1999 over the second
quarter of 1999 due to a significant increase in hurricane-related claims for
the SC Facility, the NC Facility and the NFIP.
Premiums earned continued the upward trend experienced throughout 1998 for
the first three quarters of 1999 due to the Company's planned growth of its
nonstandard automobile and commercial lines programs. Largely contributing to
this premium growth is a full nine months of operations with its affiliated
Managing General Agent (Graward) in 1999 versus a partial year of operations in
1998. Premiums earned decreased during the fourth quarter of 1999 due to the
Company's shift of focus from overall premium growth to strengthening the
quality of its existing of business. The net losses experienced in the fourth
quarter of 1999 are primarily related to the Company's automobile business. High
loss and expense ratios in the Company's Nashville operations, coupled with an
unsuccessful attempt to consolidate two of the automobile operations, caused
significant losses in both the Nashville and North Carolina operations.
Furthermore, extreme growth and high loss ratios typically associated with a new
book of business caused significant losses in the Company's South Carolina
voluntary automobile business. Several initiatives were undertaken during the
fourth quarter of 1999, all of which were designed to improve existing loss and
underwriting expense ratios. These initiatives include an agent profitability
review, more stringent underwriting guidelines, and implementation of
underwriting expense cost control measures.
62
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Included in the third quarter net realized gain is the realized gain on the
sale of one of the Company's buildings of $206. During the fourth quarter of
1999, the Company sold one of its insurance company subsidiaries, realizing a
gain of $243.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH
1998 QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
---- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commission & service income............................ $ 11,139 $12,261 $13,114 $ 12,784
Property & casualty and credit life premiums earned.... 2,705 4,265 6,901 8,904
Net investment income.................................. 716 829 973 753
Other income........................................... 1,342 1,024 2,609 1,044
Net realized (loss)gain................................ (25) 23 41 15
Restructuring charge................................... -- (546) -- --
Effect of change in accounting principle............... (601) -- -- --
Net loss............................................... (1,138) (297) (142) (1,317)
======== ======= ======= ========
Basic loss per share................................... $ (0.15) $ (0.04) $ (0.02) $ (0.18)
Diluted loss per share................................. (0.15) (0.04) (0.02) (0.18)
======== ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
Commission and service income grew during the first three quarters of 1998
due to an increase in storm related claims. During the fourth quarter of 1998,
commission and service income decreased slightly due to a decrease in written
premiums for the SC Facility. Premiums earned continued to increase throughout
1998 due to the Company's nonstandard automobile program and commercial lines
premium writings. During the second quarter of 1998, the Company booked a
$0.5 million restructuring charge related to the consolidation of its automobile
and claims operations. Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SOP 97-3,
"Accounting by Insurance and Other Enterprises for Insurance-Related
Assessments", and recorded it as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle of $0.6 million. As a result, the Company's participation in the NC
Facility is no longer being treated as assumed reinsurance and all amounts
assumed from the NC Facility have been eliminated. The NC Facility is now
treated as an assessment organization. Net income decreased during 1998 in
comparison with 1997 due to several one time charges, the gradual build up of
earned premiums for the Company's new commercial lines book of business, and
losses from the Company's runoff.
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company purchased AFS for
$2.6 million, consisting of $2.1 million in cash and $0.5 million in cumulative,
convertible, redeemable, nonvoting, special preferred stock (see Notes 5, 8 and
9). During the second quarter of 1998, the Company acquired Graward for a
tentative purchase price of $10.3 million, consisting of $7.5 million in cash
and $2.7 million in subordinated convertible notes (see Notes 5, 8 and 9).
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Inapplicable.
63
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, AND CONTROL PERSONS OF THE
REGISTRANT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- -------- --------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Steven M. Armato..................... 48 Vice President of Human Resources of certain
subsidiaries since 1993. Employed by the Company since
April 1981.
Michael A. Culbertson................ 51 President of Insurance Network Services, Inc. and
Insurance Services Group, Inc. since 1999 and Vice
President of certain subsidiaries since December 1995.
Also holds the position of Director of certain
subsidiaries of the Company. Previously held position of
Senior Vice President of the Company from 1995-1999 and
Vice President of Claims from June 1993 until June 1995.
Employed by the Company in various claims capacities
since December 1974.
Wayne A. Fletcher.................... 48 Vice President and Director of Business Development for
certain subsidiaries since 1997. From 1994 to 1997, Mr.
Fletcher served as President of Bankers Underwriters,
Inc., a subsidiary of Banker's Insurance Group. Prior to
1994, Mr. Fletcher spent a year as Assistant to the
President of the California-based American Sterling
Corporation. From 1985 to 1993, he created and developed
National Flood Services. Mr. Fletcher has served in
various insurance-related capacities for the U.S.
government, including managing the Federal Crop
Insurance Program.
Stephen T. Harding................... 38 Vice President for certain subsidiaries since April 1998
after joining the Company in 1996 as South Carolina
Reinsurance Facility Underwriting and Customer Service
Manager. Mr. Harding was previously employed by GEICO
from 1988 to 1996.
Kenneth W. Marter.................... 38 Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of the Company
and certain subsidiaries since July 1998. Mr. Marter had
served as Controller since December 1997 and Director of
Finance since November 1996. Previously, Mr. Marter was
Director of Finance with Air South Airlines, Inc. from
July 1994 to October 1996. He was employed by the
University of South Carolina from August 1992 to June
1994.
Matthew P. McClure................... 30 General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company
and certain subsidiaries since July 1998. Elected Vice
President in 1999. Also serves as a Director for certain
subsidiaries. Previously served as Assistant Secretary
and Legal Counsel since November 1996. Prior to joining
the Company, Mr. McClure was Manager of Financial
Planning with Air South Airlines, Inc. from July 1995 to
May 1996 and employed by the South Carolina Fifth
Judicial Circuit solicitor from May 1993 to July 1995.
</TABLE>
64
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- -------- --------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Bryan D. Rivers...................... 31 Controller of the Company and certain subsidiaries since
June 1999. Prior to joining Seibels Bruce Mr. Rivers was
employed for eight years by Arthur Andersen LLP in
Columbia, South Carolina. While with Arthur Andersen
LLP, Mr. Rivers served as the Company's Audit Senior for
two years and then as Audit Manager for two years. Mr.
Rivers is a Certified Public Accountant.
R. Thomas Savage, Jr................. 53 R. Thomas Savage, Jr., joined Seibels Bruce in July 1998
as Chief Financial Officer and assumed the position of
acting President and Chief Executive Officer in
September 1998. He was voted President and Chief
Executive Officer in May 1999. Previously, he served for
six years as Chief Financial Officer of Unisun Insurance
Company in Charleston South Carolina after serving as
its Treasurer for seven years. Before joining Unisun,
Savage, a Certified Public Accountant, was with KPMG
LLP, serving in their tax advisory services division,
and with Integon Property and Casualty Corporation, as
Controller. All of the aforementioned insurance
companies' core business mirror those of Seibels
Bruce--regional carriers specializing in nonstandard
automobile and flood with agency books of commercial
lines and homeowners property and casualty business.
Prior experience also includes service on the board of
directors of the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility and
a variety of roles for the South Carolina Reinsurance
Facility and the National Flood Insurance Program.
Richard A. Shaffer................... 55 Director of Commercial Lines for certain subsidiaries
since 1997. Previously, Mr. Shaffer was employed with
CNA Insurance Company with emphasis in commercial and
personal lines.
</TABLE>
Pursuant to Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information relating to
Directors of the Company required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from
the Company's definitive proxy statement which is to be filed pursuant to
Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999.
For information pertaining to Executive Officers of the Company, as required
by Instruction 3 of Paragraph (b) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K. Refer to the
"Executive Officers of the Registrant" section of Part I of this document.
Pursuant to Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information relating to
compliance with Section 16(a) required by Item 10 is incorporated to by
reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement which is to be filed
pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal
year ended December 31, 1999.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Pursuant to Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information required by Item
11 is incorporated by reference for the Company's definitive proxy statement
which is to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of
the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
65
<PAGE>
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Pursuant to Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information required by Item
12 is incorporated by reference from the company's definitive proxy statement
which is to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of
the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information required by Item
13 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement
which is to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of
the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) AND (2) LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
The following consolidated financial statements of The Seibels Bruce
Group, Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Item 8:
Report of Independent Public Accountants--Arthur Andersen LLP
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998.
Consolidated Statements of Operations--Years ended December 31, 1999,
December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity--Years ended
December 31, 1999, December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Years ended December 31, 1999,
December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997.
The notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8
pertain both to the consolidated financial statements listed above and the
condensed financial information of the registrant included in Schedule 3 under
Item 14.
The following financial statement schedules are included in item 14(d):
Schedule I--Summary of Investments Other than Investments in Related Parties
Schedule II--Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Schedule III--Supplementary Insurance Information
Schedule IV--Reinsurance
Schedule V--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule VI--Supplemental Information Concerning Property/Casualty Insurance
Operations
All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements required by
Article 7 of Regulation S-X are not required under the related instructions or
are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
(a)(3) LIST OF EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as restated,
dated February 12, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to
the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 3.1, for the year
ended December 31, 1998.
</TABLE>
66
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
3.2 By-laws of the Registrant, as amended and restated, dated
February 4, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 3.2, for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
4.1 The rights of the Company's equity security holders are
defined in the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Articles of
the Company's Articles of Incorporation, incorporated herein
by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.1,
for the year ended December 31, 1998. See Exhibit 3.1.
4.2 Form of the Certificate of the Company's Common Stock, par
value $1.00 per share, incorporated herein by reference to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on From S-2 (File
No. 333-24081).
10.1 South Carolina Insurance Company Employee's Profit Sharing
and Savings Plan, dated June 30, 1992, as amended January 4,
1993, incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report
on Form 10-K(10)(9)-9, for the year ended December 31, 1992.
Amendments dated June 2, 1993, April 21, 1994, July 1, 1994,
July 1, 1995, July 1, 1996 and September 26, 1997,
incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on
Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.1, for the year ended December 31,
1997. Amendment dated March 16, 1998, incorporated herein by
reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.1,
for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.2 Stock Purchase Agreement, date January 29, 1996, by and
between the Registrant and Charles H. Powers and Walker S.
Powers, and amendment thereto, incorporated herein by
reference to submission DEF 14-A, filing date May 10, 1996,
file number 000-08804, accession number
0001005150-96-000127, accepted May 9, 1996.
10.3 Stock Option Agreement, dated January 30, 1996, by and
between the Registrant and Charles H. Power, Walker S.
Powers and Rex and Jane Huggins, incorporated herein by
reference to submission DEF 14-A, filing date May 10, 1996,
file number 000-008804, accession number
0001005150-96-00127, accepted May 9, 1996.
10.4 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 28, 1996, by and
between the Registrant and Fred C. Avent, Frank H. Avent and
PepsiCo of Florence, incorporated herein by reference to
submission Form S-2, filing date October 15, 1996, file
number 333-14123, accession number 0000276380-96-00017,
accepted October 15, 1996.
10.5 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 28, 1996, by and
between Registrant and Junius DeLeon Finklea, Joseph K.
Newsom, Sr., Mark J. Ross, Larry M. Brice, J. Howard Stokes,
Winston W. Godwin, IRA and Peter D. and Vera C. Hyman,
incorporated herein by reference to submission Form S-2,
filing date October 15, 1996, file number 333-14123,
accession number 0000276380-96-00017, accepted October 15,
1996.
10.6 Stock Option Purchase Agreement, dated November 20, 1997, by
and between the Registrant; Charles H. Powers, Walker S.
Powers and Rex and Jane Huggins; and High Ridge Capital LLC,
incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on
Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.6, for the year ended December 31,
1997.
10.7 Stock Option Purchase Agreement, dated November 20, 1997, by
and between the Registrant; Charles H. Powers, Walker S.
Powers and Rex and Jane Huggins; and High Ridge Capital
Partners Limited Partnership, incorporated herein by
reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.7,
for the year ended December 31, 1997.
10.8 The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan for
Employees, dated November 1, 1995, incorporated herein by
reference to submission DEF 14-A, filing date May 10, 1996,
file number 000-08804, accession number
0001005150-96-000127, accepted May 9, 1996, as amended by
the Amendment thereto, effective October 8, 1998,
incorporated herein by reference to submission Form S-8,
filing date October 9, 1998, file number 333-65537,
accession number 0001047469-98-036917, accepted October 9,
1998.
</TABLE>
67
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
10.9 The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan for
Independent Agents, dated June 14, 1996, incorporated herein
by reference to submission DEF 14-A, filing date May 10,
1996, file number 000-08804, accession number
0001005150-96-000127, accepted May 9, 1996.
10.10 The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors, dated June 14, 1996, incorporated
herein by reference to submission DEF 14-A, filing date May
10, 1996, file number 000-08804, accession number
0001005150-96-000127, accepted May 9, 1996. Amendment dated
November 11, 1999.
10.11 Agreement, dated October 1, 1994, by and between Catawba
Insurance Company and the SC Facility, incorporated herein
by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit
10.12, for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.12 Managing General Agent Agreement, dated January 1, 1996, by
and between Seibels Bruce & Company and Agency Specialty of
Kentucky, Inc. and Generali--US Branch, incorporated herein
by reference to the Annual Report, Exhibit 10.13, for the
year ended December 31, 1996. (Portions of this exhibit have
been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential
treatment.)
10.13 Termination Agreement, dated August 27, 1997, by and between
Seibels Bruce & Company and Agency Specialty of Kentucky,
Inc. and Generali--US Branch, incorporated herein by
reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.13,
for the year ended December 31, 1997.
10.14 Arrangement, dated October 1, 1996, by and between Catawba
Insurance Company, Kentucky Insurance Company and South
Carolina Insurance Company and The United States of America
Federal Emergency Management Agency, incorporated herein by
reference to the Annual Report, Exhibit 10.14, for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
10.15 Joint Underwriting Association contract, dated October 13,
1998, by and between South Carolina Insurance Company and
the South Carolina Associated Auto Insurers Plan,
incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on
Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.15, for the year ended December 31,
1998.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule (electronic filing only).
28.1 Schedule P of Annual Report on Form 10-K/405 for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1999, incorporated herein by
reference to Form SE, dated March 30, 2000.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last
quarter of the period covered by this report.
(c) and (d) Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
</TABLE>
The applicable exhibits and financial statement schedules are included
immediately after the signature pages.
For the purpose of complying with the amendments to the rules governing
Form S-8 (effective July 13, 1990) under the Securities Act of 1933, the
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows, which undertaking shall be
incorporated by reference into registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-8
Numbers 333-14135, 333-15457, 2-70057, 2-83595, 33-34973, 33-43618, 33-43601,
and 2-48782, as amended.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
68
<PAGE>
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer
or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
69
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. (Registrant)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ CHARLES H. POWERS
------------------------------------------------------------
Charles H. Powers
Chairman of the Board and Director
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ R. THOMAS SAVAGE, JR.
------------------------------------------------------------
R. Thomas Savage, Jr.
President and CEO and CFO
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ FRANK H. AVENT
------------------------------------------------------------
Frank H. Avent
Director
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ A. CRAWFORD CLARKSON, JR.
------------------------------------------------------------
A. Crawford Clarkson, Jr.
Director
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ SUSIE H. VANHUSS, PH D.
------------------------------------------------------------
Susie H. VanHuss, Ph D.
Director
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ CLAUDE E. MCCAIN
------------------------------------------------------------
Claude E. McCain
Director
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ KENNETH A. PAVIA
------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth A. Pavia
Director
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ JOHN P. SEIBELS
------------------------------------------------------------
John P. Seibels
Director
</TABLE>
70
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ GEORGE R.P. WALKER, JR.
------------------------------------------------------------
George R.P. Walker, Jr.
Director
Date: March 14, 2000 By /s/ BRYAN D. RIVERS
------------------------------------------------------------
Bryan D. Rivers
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
</TABLE>
71
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS
IN RELATED PARTIES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE
MARKET SHEET
COST VALUE VALUE
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
DEBT SECURITIES*
Bonds:
U.S. Government and government agencies and
authorities........................................... $15,343 $15,135 $15,135
State, municipalities and political subdivisions........ 375 381 381
Corporate bonds......................................... 16,462 16,059 16,059
------- ------- -------
32,180 31,575 31,575
EQUITY SECURITIES
Common stocks--Banks, trusts and insurance companies...... 1,317 1,317 1,317
CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS............................. 26,722 26,722 26,722
------- ------- -------
$60,219 $59,614 $59,614
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
* Debt securities are classified as debt securities available for sale and are
valued at market.
72
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and short-term investments........................... $ 127 $ 395
Investment in subsidiary companies*....................... 39,591 44,746
Other investments......................................... 1,317 1,260
Property and equipment, net............................... 498 242
Intercompany receivables*................................. 1,605 6,246
Other assets.............................................. 593 1,626
-------- --------
Total assets............................................ $ 43,731 $ 54,515
======== ========
LIABILITIES
Notes payable............................................. $ 12,286 $ 13,550
Intercompany payable*..................................... 1,997 2,240
Other liabilities......................................... 191 437
-------- --------
Total liabilities....................................... 14,474 16,227
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SPECIAL STOCK, no par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding 220,000 shares of cumulative $0.62,
convertible, redeemable, nonvoting, special preferred
stock, redemption value $2,200.......................... 2,200 2,200
Issued and outstanding 50,000 shares of cumulative $0.625,
convertible, redeemable, nonvoting, special preferred
stock, redemption value $500............................ 500 500
-------- --------
Total special stock..................................... 2,700 2,700
-------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 17,500,000 shares
in 1999 and 1998, issued and outstanding 7,831,398 and
7,773,075 shares in 1999 and 1998, respectively......... 7,831 7,773
Additional paid-in-capital................................ 61,988 61,861
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................... (605) 907
Accumulated deficit....................................... (42,657) (34,953)
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity.............................. 26,557 35,588
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............ $ 43,731 $ 54,515
======== ========
</TABLE>
* Eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
73
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II (CONTINUED)--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(DOLLARS AND WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING SHOWN IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER
SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Management fees*.......................................... $ 2,268 $ 1,253 $ --
Other..................................................... 44 590 177
------- ------- ------
Total revenues.......................................... 2,312 1,843 177
------- ------- ------
Expenses:
Interest.................................................. 1,100 865 99
Other..................................................... 1,124 1,058 37
------- ------- ------
Total expenses.......................................... 2,224 1,923 136
------- ------- ------
Income (loss) before tax benefit and equity in undistributed
(loss) income of subsidiaries............................. 88 (80) 41
Tax benefit................................................. (587) (85) (18)
------- ------- ------
Income before equity in undistributed (loss) income of
subsidiaries.............................................. 675 5 59
Equity in undistributed (loss) income of subsidiaries*...... (8,211) (2,899) 3,944
------- ------- ------
Net (loss) income........................................... $(7,536) $(2,894) $4,003
======= ======= ======
Basic earnings per share:
Net (loss) income......................................... $ (0.99) $ (0.39) $ 0.57
Weighted average shares outstanding....................... 7,774 7,763 7,002
======= ======= ======
Diluted earnings per share:
Net (loss)income.......................................... $ (0.99) $ (0.39) $ 0.55
Weighted average shares outstanding....................... 7,774 7,763 7,274
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
* Eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
74
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II (CONTINUED)--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common stock outstanding:
Beginning of year......................................... $ 7,773 $ 7,731 $ 6,168
Stock issued in connection with offering.................. -- -- 1,428
Stock issued under stock option plans..................... 58 42 135
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $ 7,831 $ 7,773 $ 7,731
======== ======== ========
Additional paid-in capital:
Beginning of year......................................... $ 61,861 $ 61,665 $ 54,050
Stock issued in connection with offering.................. -- -- 7,175
Stock issued under stock option plans..................... 127 196 440
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $ 61,988 $ 61,861 $ 61,665
======== ======== ========
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Beginning of year......................................... $ 907 $ 47 $ (536)
Change during the year.................................... (1,512) 860 583
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $ (605) $ 907 $ 47
======== ======== ========
Accumulated deficit:
Beginning of year......................................... $(34,953) $(31,899) $(35,891)
Net (loss) income for the year............................ (7,536) (2,894) 4,003
Preferred stock dividend.................................. (168) (160) (11)
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $(42,657) $(34,953) $(31,899)
======== ======== ========
Total shareholders' equity.............................. $ 26,557 $ 35,588 $ 37,544
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
75
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II (CONTINUED)--
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income......................................... $(7,536) $ (2,894) $ 4,003
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed loss (income) of
subsidiaries........................................ 8,154 2,507 (3,944)
Depreciation and amortization......................... 245 62 --
Net realized gain on sale of property and equipment... (11) (4) --
Changes in assets and liabilities..................... 5,579 (2,445) (3,649)
------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities... 6,431 (2,774) (3,590)
------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from property and equipment sold................. 12 4 --
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (420) (124) --
Purchases of investments.................................. -- (300) (1,054)
Cost of/additional investment in subsidiaries............. (5,044) (9,812) (1,653)
------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities................. (5,452) (10,232) (2,707)
------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of capital stock................................. 185 238 9,178
Issuance of debt, net of repayments....................... (1,264) 13,060 (2,849)
Dividends paid............................................ (168) (160) --
------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities... (1,247) 13,138 6,329
------- -------- --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and short-term
investments............................................... (268) 132 32
Cash and short term-investments, beginning of year........ 395 263 231
------- -------- --------
Cash and short term-investments, end of year.............. $ 127 $ 395 $ 263
======= ======== ========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid............................................. $ 1,076 $ 922 $ 61
Income taxes paid......................................... -- 39 21
======= ======== ========
Noncash investing activities:
Acquisition:
Cash paid, net of cash acquired........................... $ -- $ (5,598) $ --
Issuance of debt.......................................... -- (2,700) --
Preferred stock issued.................................... -- (500) (2,200)
Assets acquired........................................... -- 17,563 36,831
Liabilities assumed....................................... -- (27,247) (37,224)
------- -------- --------
Goodwill.................................................. $ -- $(18,482) $ (2,593)
======= ======== ========
Stock issued for consulting services/compensation........... $ -- $ -- $ 81
======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
76
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE III- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUTURE POLICY NET BENEFITS,
DEFERRED BENEFITS, INVESTMENT CLAIMS, LOSSES
POLICY CLAIMS, LOSSES INCOME (1) AND
ACQUISITION AND LOSS UNEARNED PREMIUM AND OTHER SETTLEMENT
COSTS EXPENSES PREMIUMS REVENUE INCOME EXPENSES
----------- -------------- -------- -------- ---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
Property and casualty
insurance...................... $1,373 $113,850 $62,520 $53,344 $3,287 $46,010
Credit life insurance............ -- 31 -- -- 170 --
Commission and service
activities..................... -- -- -- -- 3,059 --
Other............................ -- -- -- -- 2,483 --
------ -------- ------- ------- ------ -------
Total.......................... $1,373 $113,881 $62,520 $53,344 $8,999 $46,010
====== ======== ======= ======= ====== =======
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
Property and casualty
insurance...................... $2,472 $119,976 $72,538 $22,762 $3,362 $25,269
Credit life insurance............ -- 68 22 13 278 (46)
Commission and service
activities..................... -- -- -- -- 3,283 --
Other............................ -- -- -- -- 2,367 --
------ -------- ------- ------- ------ -------
Total.......................... $2,472 $120,044 $72,560 $22,775 $9,290 $25,223
====== ======== ======= ======= ====== =======
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
Property and casualty
insurance...................... $1,565 $114,770 $54,341 $ 6,580 $3,248 $ 8,840
Credit life insurance............ 15 117 41 156 256 70
Commission and service
activities..................... -- -- -- -- 421 --
Other............................ -- -- -- -- 74 --
------ -------- ------- ------- ------ -------
Total.......................... $1,580 $114,887 $54,382 $ 6,736 $3,999 $ 8,910
====== ======== ======= ======= ====== =======
<CAPTION>
AMORTIZATION OF
DEFERRED POLICY
ACQUISITION OTHER OPERATING PREMIUMS
COSTS EXPENSES (1) WRITTEN
--------------- --------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
Property and casualty
insurance...................... $33,721 $15,637 $46,221
=======
Credit life insurance............ -- --
Commission and service
activities..................... -- 10,201
Other............................ -- 9,047
------- -------
Total.......................... $33,721 $34,885
======= =======
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
Property and casualty
insurance...................... $10,222 $29,081 $32,226
=======
Credit life insurance............ 15 54
Commission and service
activities..................... -- 8,240
Other............................ -- 9,448
------- -------
Total.......................... $10,237 $46,823
======= =======
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
Property and casualty
insurance...................... $ 1,207 $31,453 $ 6,626
=======
Credit life insurance............ -- 113
Commission and service
activities..................... -- --
Other............................ -- 9,548
------- -------
Total.......................... $ 1,207 $41,114
======= =======
</TABLE>
(1) Allocations of net investment income and other operating expenses are based
on a number of assumptions and estimates. Results would change if different
methods were applied.
77
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE IV--REINSURANCE
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE
CEDED TO ASSUMED OF AMOUNT
GROSS OTHER FROM OTHER ASSUMED TO
AMOUNT* COMPANIES COMPANIES NET AMOUNT NET AMOUNT
-------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
Credit life insurance in force.......... $ 203 $ -- $ -- $ 203 0.0%
======== ======== ====== ======= ====
Premiums earned:
Property/casualty insurance........... $177,749 $129,638 $5,233 $53,344 9.8%
Credit life insurance................. -- -- -- -- --
Accident/health insurance............. -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- ------ ------- ====
Total............................... $177,749 $129,638 $5,233 $53,344
======== ======== ====== =======
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
Credit life insurance in force.......... $ 489 $ -- $ -- $ 489 0.0%
======== ======== ====== ======= ====
Premiums earned:
Property/casualty insurance........... $163,485 $147,643 $6,920 $22,762 30.4%
Credit life insurance................. 13 -- -- 13 --
Accident/health insurance............. -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- ------ ------- ====
Total............................... $163,498 $147,643 $6,920 $22,775
======== ======== ====== =======
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
Credit life insurance in force.......... $ 1,466 $ -- $ -- $ 1,466 0.0%
======== ======== ====== ======= ====
Premiums earned:
Property/casualty insurance........... $109,277 $108,226 $5,529 $ 6,580 84.0%
Credit life insurance................. 51 -- -- 51 --
Accident/health insurance............. 105 -- -- 105 --
-------- -------- ------ ------- ====
Total............................... $109,433 $108,226 $5,529 $ 6,736
======== ======== ====== =======
</TABLE>
* Includes amount written as designated carrier for two state sponsored
automobile facilities, a homeowners' residual market and the WYO National
Flood Insurance Program.
78
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE V--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OF BALANCE AT END
YEAR ADDITIONS DEDUCTIONS OF YEAR
------------ --------- ---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
Allowance for uncollectable:
Agents' balances receivable................... $2,694 $1,806 $1,236 $3,264
Other receivables............................. -- -- -- --
Premium notes receivable...................... 241 192 -- 433
====== ====== ====== ======
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
Allowance for uncollectable:
Agents' balances receivable................... $ 957 $2,885* $1,148 $2,694
Other receivables............................. 63 -- 63 --
Premium notes receivable...................... 301 15 75 241
====== ====== ====== ======
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
Allowance for uncollectable:
Agents' balances receivable................... $ 669 $2,016 $1,728 $ 957
Other receivables............................. 79 29 45 63
Premium notes receivable...................... 75 226 -- 301
====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
* Includes $1,889 acquired with the purchase of Graward.
79
<PAGE>
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE
OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS SHOWN IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RESERVES FOR DISCOUNT,
UNPAID IF ANY, NET
DEFERRED CLAIMS AND DEDUCTED INVESTMENT
POLICY CLAIM IN INCOME
ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENTS COLUMN UNEARNED EARNED AND OTHER
COSTS EXPENSES C* PREMIUMS PREMIUMS INCOME
----------- ------------ --------- --------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended
December 31, 1999.............. $1,373 $113,850 $ -- $62,520 $53,344 $3,287
====== ======== ==== ======= ======= ======
Year Ended
December 31, 1998.............. $2,472 $119,976 $ -- $72,538 $26,762 $3,362
====== ======== ==== ======= ======= ======
Year Ended
December 31, 1997.............. $1,565 $114,770 $ -- $54,341 $ 6,580 $3,248
====== ======== ==== ======= ======= ======
<CAPTION>
CLAIMS AND CLAIM
ADJUSTMENTS
EXPENSES
INCURRED RELATED AMORTIZATION
TO: OF DEFERRED PAID CLAIMS
------------------- POLICY AND CLAIM
CURRENT PRIOR ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENTS PREMIUMS
YEAR YEARS COSTS EXPENSES WRITTEN
-------- -------- ------------ ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended
December 31, 1999.............. $47,250 $ (1,240) $33,721 $42,499 $46,221
======= ======== ======= ======= =======
Year Ended
December 31, 1998.............. $24,450 $ 819 $10,222 $28,101 $32,226
======= ======== ======= ======= =======
Year Ended
December 31, 1997.............. $12,202 $ (3,362) $ 1,207 $19,768 $ 6,626
======= ======== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
* The Company does not discount loss and LAE reserves.
80
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.10
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
THE SEIBELS BRUCE GROUP, INC.
1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
THIS AMENDMENT (the "Amendment"), made effective as of November 11, 1999, to
The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc.'s (the "Company") 1995 Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors (the "Plan"), is hereinafter set forth:
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company established the Plan to attract, retain and compensate
highly qualified individuals who are not employees of the Company for service
as members of the Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best
interests of the Company to eliminate the six month period in which directors
may exercise options after termination of service as a director;
NOW, THEREFORE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH Section 10(a) of the Plan, the Plan is
hereby amended as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS.
(a) Section 6(d) of the Plan is hereby amended by replacing it in
its entirety with the following:
"(d) TERMINATION OF SERVICE. In the event of the termination
of service on the Board by the holder of any option, other
than for Cause as set forth in paragraph (e) hereof, each of
the then outstanding options of such holder will continue to
become exercisable in accordance with Section 6(c) above and
shall expire on their stated expiration date."
(b) Section 6(e) of the Plan is hereby amended by replacing it in
its entirety with the following:
"(e) CAUSE. In the event of the termination of service on
the Board by the holder of any option for Cause, the then
outstanding options of such holder shall be cancelled
immediately upon termination and any rights under the Plan
shall be forfeited. Cause shall mean (i) the engaging in
criminal conduct which is injurious to the Company, monetarily
or otherwise, (ii) the conviction of, pleading guilty to,
pleading "no contest" to, or confessing to any felony, pleading
"no contest" to, or confessing to any misdemeanor which
impairs the ability to perform the duties as a member of the
Board, (iii) the engaging in a fraudulent act relating to the
business of the Company or otherwise to the damage or
prejudice of the Company or any affiliate of the Company
or in conduct or activities damaging to the property,
business or reputation of the Company or any affiliate of the
Company, all as determined by the non-affected members of
the Board, (iv) any negligent act or malfeasance which is
injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise or (v) any
other activity that is deemed in good faith by the Board
to be detrimental to the Company."
SECTION 2. CONTINUATION.
The Plan, as amended by this Amendment, shall continue in full force and
effect in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 3. APPLICATION.
The amendments contained in Section 1 of this Amendment No. 1 shall apply to
all options that are issued and exercisable under the Plan as of November 11,
1999.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. has caused this Amendment
to be executed in its name and on its behalf by a corporate officer and
attested, all as of the date first written above.
The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc.
By: /s/ R. Thomas Savage, Jr.
-----------------------------------
Name: R. Thomas Savage, Jr.
---------------------------------
Title: President and CEO
---------------------------------
<PAGE>
Exhibit 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT
The following is a listing of all subsidiaries of The Seibels Bruce
Group, Inc. as of December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SUBSIDIARY
Agency Specialty of Kentucky, Inc. Kentucky
America's Flood Services, Inc. California
Catawba Insurance Company South Carolina
Consolidated American Insurance Company South Carolina
FLT Plus, Inc. South Carolina
Graward General Companies, Inc. Tennessee
Investors National Life Insurance Company of South Carolina South Carolina
Policy Finance Company South Carolina
Premium Budget Plan, Inc. North Carolina
Seibels, Bruce & Company South Carolina
Seibels Bruce Service Corporation South Carolina
Seibels Bruce Specialty, Inc. South Carolina
South Carolina Insurance Company South Carolina
Universal Insurance Company North Carolina
</TABLE>
The financial statements of these subsidiaries are included in the
Registrant's consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated March 28, 2000, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of The Seibels Bruce Group,
Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1999 into the Company's previously filed Registration Statements
(File S-8 Nos. 333-14135, 333-15457, 2-70057, 2-83595, 33-34973, 33-43618,
33-43601, and 2-48782).
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Columbia, South Carolina,
March 28, 2000.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 7
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1999
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 31,575
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 0
<EQUITIES> 1,317
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 32,892
<CASH> 26,722
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 18,528
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 1,373
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 254,803
<POLICY-LOSSES> 113,850
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 62,520
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 14,986
2,700
0
<COMMON> 7,831
<OTHER-SE> 18,726
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 254,803
53,344
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,835
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 338
<OTHER-INCOME> 51,816
<BENEFITS> 46,010
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 33,721
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 36,101
<INCOME-PRETAX> (7,499)
<INCOME-TAX> 37
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (7,536)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (7,536)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.99)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.99)
<RESERVE-OPEN> 36,322
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 47,250
<PROVISION-PRIOR> (1,240)
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> (30,827)
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> (11,672)
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 39,833
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> (2,879)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Exhibit 28.1
(28.1) Information from reports furnished to state insurance regulatory
authorities. The attached exhibit includes the Company's Schedule P as
prepared for its 1999 Annual Statements which have been provided to state
regulatory authorities. The schedules have been prepared on a statutory basis.
Schedule P as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission has been
omitted from this copy. (They are available upon request by writing the
address shown on the cover of this document.)
