SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
Commission File Number 1-8538
ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.
-----------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE 73-1165000
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
110 WEST SEVENTH STREET, SUITE 300, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102
- ----------------------------------------------------- -----------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
817-878-3300
---------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)
WESTBRIDGE CAPITAL CORP.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former Name, Address and Former Fiscal Year, if changed since Last Report)
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 whether the Registrant has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
YES X NO___
Common Stock - Par Value $.01 6,500,000 Shares Outstanding at May 7, 1999
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PAGE NO.
<S> <C>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ascent Assurance, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
at March 31, 1999.................................................................................... 3
Westbridge Capital Corp. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
at December 31, 1998................................................................................. 4
Westbridge Capital Corp. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998................................................... 5
Westbridge Capital Corp. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998................................................... 6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements................................................... 7
ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General................................................................................................ 14
Business Overview...................................................................................... 14
Operating Results...................................................................................... 15
Financial Condition.................................................................................... 17
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Statutory Capital and Surplus......................................... 19
Year 2000.............................................................................................. 22
Forward-Looking Statements............................................................................. 23
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K....................................................................... 25
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
MARCH 31, 1999
------------------
(in thousands,
ASSETS except share
data)
<S> <C>
Investments:
Fixed Maturities:
Available-for-sale, at market value (amortized cost $113,116) $ 116,352
Equity securities, at market 2,275
Other investments 516
Short-term investments 7,789
------------------
Total Investments 126,932
Cash 2,210
Accrued investment income 2,169
Receivables from agents, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,125 8,182
Deferred policy acquisition costs 15,039
Deferred tax asset, net 7,347
Other assets 7,916
------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 169,795
==================
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Policy liabilities and accruals:
Future policy benefits $ 54,738
Claim reserves 41,068
------------------
Total policy liabilities and accruals 95,806
Accounts payable and other liabilities 18,541
Notes payable 5,088
------------------
Total Liabilities 119,435
------------------
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock 23,257
------------------
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock ($.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized;
6,500,000 shares issued) 65
Capital in excess of par value 27,038
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax -
Retained earnings -
------------------
Total Stockholders' Equity 27,103
------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 169,795
==================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WESTBRIDGE CAPITAL CORP.
(NOW, ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Audited)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
-----------------------
(in thousands, except
ASSETS share data)
<S> <C>
Investments:
Fixed Maturities:
Available-for-sale, at market value (amortized cost $119,167) $ 122,864
Equity securities, at market 2,575
Other investments 598
Short-term investments 5,393
-----------------------
Total Investments 131,430
Cash 278
Accrued investment income 2,372
Receivables from agents, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,176 9,860
Deferred policy acquisition costs 14,177
Other assets 11,624
-----------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 169,741
=======================
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Liabilities:
Policy liabilities and accruals:
Future policy benefits $ 53,871
Claim reserves 44,116
-----------------------
Total policy liabilities and accruals 97,987
Accounts payable and other liabilities 14,807
Accrued interest and dividends payable 11,377
Notes payable 6,192
Senior subordinated notes, net of unamortized discount, due 2002 19,523
Convertible subordinated notes, due 2004 70,000
-----------------------
Total Liabilities 219,886
-----------------------
Redeemable Preferred Stock 11,935
-----------------------
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity:
Common stock ($.10 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized;
7,035,809 shares issued) 703
Capital in excess of par value 37,641
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax 3,911
Deficit (104,335)
-----------------------
Total Stockholders' Deficit (62,080)
-----------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT $ 169,741
=======================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WESTBRIDGE CAPITAL CORP.
(NOW, ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------------------
1999 1998
---------------- ---------------
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Premiums:
First-year $ 3,121 $ 7,031
Renewal 26,827 30,408
---------------- ---------------
29,948 37,439
Net investment income 2,562 3,166
Fee and service income 4,039 4,062
Net realized gain on investments 41 262
---------------- ---------------
36,590 44,929
---------------- ---------------
BENEFITS, CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Benefits and claims 21,799 28,436
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs 1,194 1,235
Commissions 5,002 9,491
General and administrative expenses 6,635 7,008
Taxes, licenses and fees 1,059 1,288
Interest expense on notes payable 119 292
Interest expense on debt retired/canceled 507 1,888
Reorganization expense - 1,016
---------------- ---------------
36,315 50,654
---------------- ---------------
Income (loss) before income taxes 275 (5,725)
Income tax (expense) benefit (67) 759
---------------- ---------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 208 $ (4,966)
================ ===============
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.03 $ (0.88)
================ ===============
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING 7,032 6,195
================ ===============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WESTBRIDGE CAPITAL CORP.
(NOW, ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
-----------------------------------------
1999 1998
--------------- ----------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ 208 $ (4,966)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by (used for) operating activities:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 1,194 1,235
Decrease in receivables from agents 1,678 2,592
Addition to deferred policy acquisition costs (2,056) (714)
Increase in other assets (1,007) (1,193)
Increase in accounts payable and other liabilities 2,247 457
Increase in deferred income taxes, net (1,070) -
Other, net 1,308 (291)
--------------- ----------------
Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Operating Activities 2,502 (2,880)
--------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from investments sold:
Fixed maturities, called or matured 2,215 3,254
Fixed maturities, sold 4,904 4,227
Other investments, sold or matured 139 65
Cost of investments acquired (5,851) (3,955)
Other (873) (159)
--------------- ----------------
Net Cash Provided By Investing Activities 534 3,432
--------------- ----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Retirement of senior subordinated debentures (15,167) -
Issuance of notes payable 911 1,375
Repayment of notes payable (2,015) (2,496)
Issuance of preferred stock 15,167 -
--------------- ----------------
Net Cash Used For Financing Activities (1,104) (1,121)
--------------- ----------------
Increase (decrease) In Cash During Period 1,932 (569)
Cash at Beginning Of Period 278 1,030
--------------- ----------------
Cash at End Of Period $ 2,210 $ 461
=============== ================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.
(FORMERLY, WESTBRIDGE CAPITAL CORP.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
NOTE 1 - REORGANIZATION EFFECTIVE MARCH 24, 1999
On September 16, 1998, Westbridge Capital Corp. ("Westbridge") commenced its
reorganization by filing a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the
United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of
Delaware (the "Bankruptcy Court"), along with a disclosure statement (as
amended, the "Disclosure Statement") and a proposed plan of reorganization (as
amended, the "Plan"). The filing of the Disclosure Statement and Plan culminated
months of negotiations between Westbridge and an ad hoc committee (the
"Creditors' Committee") of holders of its 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002
(the "Senior Notes") and its 7-1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 (the
"Convertible Notes"). The Disclosure Statement was approved by entry of an order
by the Bankruptcy Court on October 30, 1998. Following the approval of the Plan
by the holders of allowed claims and equity interests, the Bankruptcy Court
confirmed the Plan on December 17, 1998. The Plan became effective March 24,
1999 (the "Effective Date").
On the Effective Date, Westbridge's certificate of incorporation and by-laws
were amended and restated in their entirety and pursuant thereto, Westbridge
changed its corporate name to "Ascent Assurance, Inc." ("Ascent"). References
herein to the "Company" shall mean for all periods on or prior to March 31,
1999, Westbridge and its subsidiaries, and for all periods on or after the close
of business on March 31, 1999, Ascent and its subsidiaries. Pursuant to the
Plan, the Company's Board of Directors was reconstituted as of the Effective
Date into a classified board consisting of six directors (with two directors in
each class), three of which were appointed by Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation ("CSFB"), then Westbridge's largest creditor, one of which was
appointed by the Creditors' Committee and two of which were appointed by the
Company. Until June 24, 1999, the holders of the New Preferred Stock (as defined
below) have the right to designate one additional director.
The following summary of the Plan omits certain information set forth in the
Plan. Any statements contained herein concerning the Plan are not necessarily
complete, and in each such instance reference is made to the Plan, a copy of
which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 of Westbridge's Current Report
on Form 8-K which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 29, 1998. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such
reference.
The Plan provided for the recapitalization of certain old debt and equity
interests in Westbridge and the issuance of new equity securities and warrants.
Key terms of the Plan included the following:
CANCELLATION OF EXISTING SECURITIES. Pursuant to the Plan, the following
securities of Westbridge were canceled as of the Effective Date: (i) $23.3
million aggregate principal amount and all accrued and unpaid interest on, the
Senior Notes, (ii) $77.3 million aggregate principal amount and all accrued and
unpaid interest on, the Convertible Notes, (iii) $13.2 million aggregate
liquidation preference of and all accrued and unpaid dividends on, Westbridge's
Series A Convertible Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Old Preferred
Stock"), (iv) Westbridge's Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Old
Common Stock"), (v) all outstanding warrants to purchase Old Common Stock, (vi)
all outstanding unexercised stock options to purchase Old Common Stock, and
(vii) all unvested grants of restricted Old Common Stock.
<PAGE>
NEW EQUITY CAPITAL STRUCTURE. Pursuant to Ascent's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, the total number of shares of capital stock Ascent
has the authority to issue is 30,040,000, consisting of 30,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "New Common Stock") and 40,000
shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, all of which are designated
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "New Preferred Stock").
DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE PLAN
CASH DISTRIBUTION
To the holders of Senior Notes other than CSFB, cash payments totaling
approximately $15.2 million, which are equal to the total Allowed 11%
Senior Note Claims (as defined in the Plan) held by creditors other
than CSFB, are being distributed subject to completion of the exchange
of securities as contemplated by the Plan. In order to provide the
Company with sufficient funds to make the cash distribution to the
holders of the Allowed 11% Senior Notes under the Plan, an affiliate of
CSFB (the "CSFB Affiliate") purchased all of the shares of the New
Preferred Stock which were not otherwise distributed under the Plan.
ISSUANCE OF NEW SECURITIES
Pursuant to the Plan and the purchase of New Preferred Stock, 6,500,000
shares of New Common Stock and 23,257 shares of New Preferred Stock
were issued, subject to the completion of the exchange requirements as
contemplated by the Plan, on the Effective Date as follows:
* To holders of general unsecured claims and Convertible Notes as
of December 10, 1998, 6,077,500 shares, and to management at the
Effective Date, 32,500 shares, or in aggregate 94% of the New
Common Stock issued on the Effective Date. Holders of general
unsecured claims and Convertible Notes received their first
distribution of shares in partial satisfaction and discharge of
their allowed claims in April 1999. The remaining shares of New
Common Stock are being held for future distributions to such
holders pending the final resolution of disputed claims.
* To holders of Old Preferred Stock as of December 10, 1998,
260,000 shares, or 4%, of the New Common Stock issued on the
Effective Date and Warrants ("New Warrants") to purchase an
additional 277,505 shares, or 2%, of the New Common Stock issued
on the Effective Date, on a fully diluted basis.
* To holders of Old Common Stock as of December 10, 1998, 130,000
shares, or 2%, of the New Common Stock issued on the Effective
Date and New Warrants to purchase an additional 693,761 shares, or
5%, of the New Common Stock issued on the Effective Date, on a
fully diluted basis. Fractional shares of New Common Stock will
not be issued in connection with the Plan. As a result of this
provision, certain holders of Old Common Stock received no
distribution of New Common Stock or New Warrants under the Plan.
* To the CSFB Affiliate, in respect of the Senior Notes owned by
CSFB as of December 10, 1998, 8,090 shares of New Preferred Stock
which, together with the 15,167 additional shares of New Preferred
Stock purchased by the CSFB Affiliate as described above, are
convertible into 4,765,165 shares of the New Common Stock. As a
result of the New Preferred Stock received by the CSFB Affiliate,
together with the 3,093,998 shares of New Common Stock received by
the CSFB Affiliate in respect of the Convertible Notes owned by
CSFB, the CSFB Affiliate beneficially owns approximately 56.6% of
the New Common Stock on an as converted basis, assuming the
exercise of all New Warrants and issuance of New Common Stock
reserved under the 1999 Stock Option Plan as discussed below. The
New Preferred Stock has a stated value of $1,000 per share and a
cumulative annual dividend rate of $102.50 per share payable in
January of each year in cash or by the issuance of additional
shares of New Preferred Stock. The New Preferred Stock is
convertible at any time into 204.8897 shares of New Common Stock
at an initial conversion price of $4.88 per share of New Common
Stock, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.
RESERVATION OF ADDITIONAL NEW COMMON STOCK
* In connection with the New Warrants described above, 971,266
shares of New Common Stock have been reserved for issuance upon
the exercise of New Warrants. The New Warrants are exercisable at
an initial exercise price of $9.04 per share of New Common Stock,
subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, and will expire on
March 24, 2004.
* Pursuant to the Plan, up to 1,251,685 shares, or 10%, of the
fully diluted number of shares of New Common Stock issued and
outstanding on the Effective Date have been reserved for issuance
to employees and directors, and up to 387,119 shares, or 3%, of
the fully diluted number of shares of New Common Stock issued on
the Effective Date have been reserved for issuance to the
Company's marketing agents under the Company's 1999 Stock Option
Plan, which is subject to shareholder approval.
NOTE 2 - FRESH START ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES EFFECTIVE MARCH 31, 1999 FOR ASCENT
BASIS OF PRESENTATION. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the
instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include
all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. Financial statements
prepared in accordance with GAAP require the use of management estimates. In the
opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals)
considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Certain
reclassifications have been made to 1998 amounts in order to conform to 1999
financial statement presentation. Operating results for the three months ended
March 31, 1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the year ending December 31, 1999. The financial statements should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
FRESH START ADJUSTMENTS. In accordance with the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants' Statement of Position 90-7 ("SOP 90-7"), "Financial
Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code," Ascent
adopted fresh start reporting effective March 31, 1999. Fresh start reporting
requires the new reporting entity created on the reorganization effective date
to determine a reorganization book value. The reorganization book value is
allocated to the fair value of assets and liabilities similar to the purchase
method of accounting under APB 16. As a result of the application of fresh start
reporting, the consolidated financial statements of Ascent issued subsequent to
the adoption of fresh start reporting will not be comparable with those of
Westbridge prepared before adoption of fresh start reporting, including the
historical consolidated financial statements of Westbridge in this quarterly
report.
Ascent's reorganization book value was determined with the assistance of its
financial advisors. The significant factors used in the determination of
reorganization book value were analyses of industry, economic and overall market
conditions, historical and projected performance of the Company, and certain
financial analyses, including discounted future cash flows.
<PAGE>
The effects of the Plan and fresh start reporting on the Company's consolidated
balance sheet as of March 31, 1999 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WESTBRIDGE Issue New Issue New Fresh Start ASCENT
03/31/1999 Preferred (a) Common (b) Adjustments(c) 03/31/1999
-------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total investments $ 126,932 $ $ $ $ 126,932
Cash 2,210 2,210
Accrued investment income 2,169 2,169
Agent receivables, net 8,182 8,182
Deferred policy acquisition costs 15,039 15,039
Deferred tax asset, net 1,070 6,277 7,347
Other assets 13,504 (3,088) (2,500) 7,916
-------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------
Total assets $ 169,106 $ - $ (3,088) $ 3,777 $ 169,795
============== ============== ================ ================= ==============
LIABILITIES, PREFERRED STOCK & EQUITY
Policy liabilities and accruals $ 95,806 $ $ $ $ 95,806
Accounts payable and accruals 18,790 (249) 18,541
Notes payable 5,088 5,088
Accrued dividends 1,304 (1,304) -
Accrued interest 10,518 (3,257) (7,261) -
Senior Notes, net 19,523 (19,523) -
Convertible Notes 70,000 (70,000) -
-------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------
Total liabilities 221,029 (22,780) (78,565) (249) 119,435
Old Preferred Stock 11,935 (11,935) -
New Preferred Stock 23,257 23,257
-------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------
Total preferred stock 11,935 23,257 (11,935) - 23,257
Old Common Stock 703 (703) -
New Common Stock 65 65
Capital in excess of par value 37,641 91,138 (101,741) 27,038
Accumulated other comprehensive -
income, net of tax 1,925 (1,925) -
Retained earnings (deficit) (104,127) (477) (3,088) 107,692 -
-------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------
Total equity (63,858) (477) 87,412 4,026 27,103
-------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------
Total liabilities, preferred
stock and equity $ 169,106 $ - $ (3,088) $ 3,777 $ 169,795
============== ============== ================ ================= ==============
</TABLE>
(a) Reflects issuance of 23,257 shares of New Preferred Stock to CFSB for $15.2
million in cash and exchange of Senior Notes held by CSFB, including
accrued interest, for $8.1 million. Includes simultaneous retirement of
Senior Notes held by holders other than CSFB, including accrued interest,
for $15.2 million and write-off of unamortized debt discount of $0.5
million.
(b) Reflects issuance of 6,500,000 shares of New Common Stock in exchange for
Convertible Notes, Old Preferred Stock, Old Common Stock and settlement of
general unsecured claims. Includes 32,500 shares of New Common Stock issued
to management on the Effective Date, and includes write-off of
unamortized debt issuance costs of $3.1 million.
(c) Reflects adjustments to record assets and liabilities at fair market value
and to set retained earnings to zero.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENTS. The Company's fixed maturity portfolio is classified as
available-for-sale and is carried at estimated market value. Equity securities
(common and nonredeemable preferred stocks) are also carried at estimated market
value. With the application of fresh start reporting, the Company's marketable
securities book values under GAAP were adjusted to equal the market values of
such securities at March 31, 1999. Accordingly, the stockholders' equity section
of Ascent's condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 1999 reflects a
zero balance in accumulated other comprehensive income. Changes in aggregate
unrealized appreciation or depreciation on fixed maturity and equity securities
subsequent to March 31, 1999 will be reported directly in stockholders' equity,
net of applicable deferred income taxes and, accordingly, will have no effect on
current operations.
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS ("DPAC"). Policy acquisition costs consisting
of commissions and other policy issue costs, which vary with and are primarily
related to the production of new business, are deferred and amortized over
periods not to exceed the estimated premium-paying periods of the related
policies. Also included in DPAC is the cost of insurance purchased on acquired
business. The amortization of these costs is based on actuarially estimated
future premium revenues, and the amortization rate is adjusted periodically to
reflect actual experience. Projected future levels of premium revenue are
estimated using assumptions as to interest, mortality, morbidity and withdrawals
consistent with those used in calculating liabilities for future policy
benefits. No changes were made to DPAC assumptions for purposes of fresh start
accounting.
FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS. Liabilities for future policy benefits not yet incurred
are computed primarily using the net level premium method including actuarial
assumptions as to investment yield, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals,
persistency and other assumptions which were appropriate at the time the
policies were issued. Assumptions used are based on the Company's experience as
adjusted to provide for possible adverse deviation. These estimates are
periodically reviewed and compared with actual experience. If it is determined
that future experience will probably differ significantly from that previously
assumed, the estimates are revised and any adjustments reflected in current
operations. No changes were made to such actuarial assumptions for purposes of
fresh start accounting.
CLAIM RESERVES. Claim reserves represent the estimated liabilities on claims
reported plus claims incurred but not yet reported. These liabilities are
subject to the impact of future changes in claim experience. As estimates are
revised, any adjustments are reflected in current operations. No changes were
made to claim reserve estimates for purposes of fresh start accounting.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Company records income taxes based on the asset and
liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities
and assets for the expected future tax consequence of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The
tax effect of future taxable temporary differences (liabilities) and future
deductible temporary differences (assets) are separately calculated and recorded
when such differences arise. A valuation allowance, reducing any recognized
deferred tax asset, must be recorded if it is determined that it is more likely
than not that such deferred tax asset will not be realized. The deferred tax
asset at March 31, 1999 is net of a valuation allowance of approximately $16.9
million related principally to net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") of
Ascent's operating subsidiaries.
In connection with its reorganization, the Company realized a non-taxable gain
from the extinguishment of certain indebtedness for tax purposes, since the gain
results from a reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code. However, the Company is
required to reduce certain tax attributes of the holding company, including (i)
NOLs, (ii) certain tax credits and (iii) tax bases in assets in an amount equal
to such a gain on extinguishment.
<PAGE>
NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")
EPS for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 is computed based upon
the capital structure of Westbridge prior to the Effective Date of the Plan.
Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income attributable to common shareholders
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding ("average shares")
during the period. To obtain net income attributable to common shareholders for
EPS computations, preferred stock dividends are deducted from net income. As the
accrual of preferred stock dividends was suspended on September 16, 1998, no
preferred stock dividends were deducted in the computation of EPS for the three
months ended March 31, 1999. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of
average shares that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common
stock were converted or exercised. For both the three months ended March 31,
1999 and 1998, the impact of common stock options and convertible notes were
anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation of EPS. The following
table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted EPS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended March 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1999 1998
-------------------- --------------------
(Amounts in 000's, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) $ 208 $ (4,966)
Preferred stock dividends - (471)
-------------------- --------------------
Income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 208 $ (5,437)
==================== ====================
Average weighted shares outstanding 7,032 6,195
==================== ====================
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $ .03 $ (0.88)
==================== ====================
</TABLE>
NOTE 4 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Company's other comprehensive income consists of the unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of marketable securities held net of tax. Comprehensive loss, net
of related tax, is as follows, in thousands:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended March 31,
-----------------------------------------
1999 1998
----------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) $ 208 $ (4,966)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Unrealized holding (loss) gain arising during period,
net of tax (1,959) 117
Less: reclassification adjustment for gain on sales of
fixed maturity and equity securities included in net
income (loss), net of tax (27) (170)
----------------- ------------------
Comprehensive loss, net of tax $ (1,778) $ (5,019)
================= ==================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NOTE 5 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the normal course of its business operations, the Company is involved in
various claims and other business related disputes. In the opinion of
management, the Company is not a party to any pending litigation the disposition
of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial position or its results of operations.
In connection with the approval and effectiveness of the Plan, the Company
settled a putative class action complaint brought on behalf of purchasers of the
Company's securities during the period October 31, 1996 through October 31,
1997.
NOTE 6 - IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 1997, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee ("AcSEC") issued
Statement of Position ("SOP") 97-3, "Accounting by Insurance and Other
Enterprises for Insurance-Related Assessments," which provides guidance on
accounting for insurance-related assessments. The Company adopted SOP 97-3 on a
prospective basis effective January 1, 1999. The adoption of SOP 97-3 did not
have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, liquidity or
financial position.
In March 1998, AcSEC issued SOP 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," which requires capitalization of
certain costs after the date of adoption in connection with developing or
obtaining software for internal use. The Company adopted SOP 98-1 on a
prospective basis effective January 1, 1999. The adoption of SOP 98-1 did not
have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, liquidity or
financial position.
In 1998, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") adopted
the Codification of Statutory Accounting Principles guidance, which will replace
the current Accounting Practices and Procedures manual as the NAIC's primary
guidance on statutory accounting. The NAIC is now considering amendments to the
Codification guidance that would also be effective upon implementation. The NAIC
has recommended an effective date of January 1, 2001. The Codification provides
guidance for areas where statutory accounting has been silent and changes
current statutory accounting in certain areas. It is not known whether the
insurance departments of the state of domicile of the Company's Insurance
Subsidiaries will adopt the Codification or whether those insurance departments
will make any changes to that guidance. The Company does not expect Codification
guidance, if adopted, to materially impact statutory surplus. However, the
actual effect of adoption could differ as changes are made to the Codification
guidance, prior to its recommended effective date of January 1, 2001.
<PAGE>
ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
In connection with its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on March
24, 1999, Westbridge Capital Corp. ("Westbridge") changed its corporate name to
"Ascent Assurance, Inc." ("Ascent"). References herein to the "Company" shall
mean for all periods on or prior to March 31, 1999, Westbridge and its
subsidiaries, and for all periods on or after the close of business on March 31,
1999, Ascent and its subsidiaries. For additional information regarding the
reorganization and adoption of fresh start accounting, see Notes 1 and 2 to the
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included at Part 1, Item I.
The following discussion provides management's assessment of financial condition
at March 31, 1999 as compared to December 31, 1998 and results of operations for
the three months ended March 31, 1999 as compared to March 31, 1998 for the
Company. This discussion updates the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's 1998 Report on
Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction therewith. Statements contained in
this analysis and elsewhere in this document that are not based on historical
information are forward-looking statements and are based on management's
projections, estimates and assumptions. Management cautions readers regarding
its forward-looking statements (see "Forward-Looking Statements").
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The Company derives its revenue primarily from premiums from its accident and
health insurance products and, to a significantly lesser extent, from fee and
service income, income earned on invested assets and gains on the sales or
redemptions of invested assets. The product lines currently marketed and
underwritten by the Company's insurance subsidiaries are Medical Expense
products and Specified Disease products. Medical Expense products are generally
designed to reimburse insureds for eligible expenses incurred for hospital
confinement, surgical expenses, physician services, outpatient services and the
cost of medicines. Specified Disease products include indemnity policies for
hospital confinement and convalescent care for treatment of specified diseases
and "event specific" policies, which provide fixed benefits or lump sum payments
upon diagnoses of certain types of internal cancer or other catastrophic
diseases. Historically, the Company's insurance subsidiaries have also
underwritten a significant amount of Medicare Supplement products. The
underwriting of Medicare Supplement products was curtailed due to the relatively
low margins for these products. Fee and service income is generated from (i)
commissions received by the Company for sales of managed care and senior
products underwritten primarily by unaffiliated managed care organizations, (ii)
telemarketing services, and (iii) printing services.
<PAGE>
OPERATING RESULTS
The following table presents the Company's results of operations and key
operating ratios:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
--------------------------------------
1999 1998
---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Total premiums $ 29,948 $ 37,439
---------------- ----------------
Benefits and claims 21,799 28,436
Commissions 2,390 6,519
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 1,194 1,235
General and administrative expense 5,479 5,702
Taxes licenses and fees 1,059 1,288
---------------- ----------------
Total underwriting expenses 31,921 43,180
---------------- ----------------
UNDERWRITING RESULTS (1,973) (5,741)
---------------- ----------------
Fee and service income 4,039 4,062
Fee and service expenses (3,768) (4,278)
---------------- ----------------
FEE AND SERVICE RESULTS 271 (216)
---------------- ----------------
Net investment income 2,562 3,166
Net realized gain on investments 41 262
Interest expense on notes payable (119) (292)
Interest expense on debt retired/canceled (507) (1,888)
Reorganization expense - (1,016)
---------------- ----------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 275 (5,725)
Income tax (expense) benefit (67) 759
---------------- ----------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 208 $ (4,966)
================ ================
UNDERWRITING RATIOS
Benefits and claims 72.8% 76.1%
Commissions 8.0% 17.4%
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 4.0% 3.3%
General and administrative expenses 18.3% 15.2%
Taxes, licenses and fees 3.5% 3.4%
</TABLE>
OVERVIEW. Pre-tax income increased by $6.0 million for the first quarter of 1999
as compared to first quarter of 1998. A $3.8 million improvement in underwriting
results, a $1.4 million decline in interest expense on debt retired/canceled on
March 24, 1999 and a $1 million decline in reorganization expenses were the
principal contributors to the improvement in pre-tax income. See below for a
discussion of the principal components of underwriting results and net
investment income.
<PAGE>
PREMIUMS. Premium revenue, in thousands, for each major product line is set
forth below:
Three Months Ended March 31,
1999 1998
-------- -------
Medical Expense:
First-year ................................. $ 2,797 $ 5,710
Renewal .................................... 11,285 12,326
------- -------
Subtotal .............................. 14,082 18,036
------- -------
Specified Disease:
First-year ................................. 297 543
Renewal .................................... 7,268 7,724
------- -------
Subtotal .............................. 7,565 8,267
------- -------
Medicare Supplement:
First-year ................................. 27 756
Renewal .................................... 8,134 10,195
------- -------
Subtotal .............................. 8,161 10,951
------- -------
Other .......................................... 140 185
------- -------
Total Premium Revenue ............... $29,948 $37,439
======= =======
Premiums decreased $7.5 million, or 20.1%, in the first quarter of 1999 as
compared to the first quarter of 1998 due to a decrease in first-year premiums
of $3.9 million, or 55.8%, and a decrease in renewal premiums of $3.6 million,
or 11.9%. The decrease in first-year premiums was comprised of a decrease in
Medical Expense premiums of $2.9 million, or 50.9%; a decrease in Medicare
Supplement premiums of $0.7 million, or 97.4%; and a decrease in Specified
Disease premiums of $0.2 million, or 42.3%. In general, first-year premiums
declined due to the restructuring of the Company's marketing operations which
included the introduction of new products.
The decrease in renewal premiums was comprised of a decrease in Medicare
Supplement premiums of $2.1 million, or 20.6%; a decrease in Medical Expense
premiums of $1.0 million, or 8.3%; and a decrease in Specified Disease premiums
of $0.5 million, or 5.8%. Renewal premiums declined due to implementation of
rate increases on less profitable blocks of business which resulted in decreased
persistency.
BENEFITS AND CLAIMS. Benefits and claims are comprised of (1) claims paid, (2)
changes in claim reserves for claims incurred (whether or not reported), and (3)
changes in future policy benefit reserves. The 3.3 percentage point decrease in
the ratio of benefits and claims to premium improved underwriting results by
approximately $1.0 million in the first quarter of 1999 as compared to 1998. The
improvement is attributable to premium rate increases and lower persistency on
less profitable blocks of business.
COMMISSIONS. The 9.4 percentage point decrease in the ratio of commissions to
premium improved underwriting results by approximately $2.8 million in the first
quarter of 1999 as compared to 1998. The improvement in the commission ratio
reflects the aforementioned decrease in first-year premiums which carry a higher
commission rate and the consolidation of the Company's marketing structure from
fragmented general agency operations into a single career agency force in
mid-1998.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE. General and administrative expenses are
semi-variable with premium as a number of infrastructure costs are fixed. The
3.1 percentage point increase in the ratio of general and administrative
expenses to premium in the first quarter of 1999 as compared to 1998 is
principally attributable to the decline in premium volume in the first quarter
of 1999.
NET INVESTMENT INCOME. Net investment income decreased by $0.6 million, or 19%,
for the first quarter of 1999 as compared to 1998 due to a 12% decrease in
average invested assets and decreased interest income from agent receivables.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
INVESTMENTS. The following table summarizes the Company's fixed maturity
securities, excluding short-term investments and certificates of deposit. All of
the Company's fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and
are carried at estimated market value. Estimated market value represents the
closing sales prices of marketable securities. Investments in the debt
securities of corporations are principally in publicly-traded bonds.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 1999 December 31, 1998
---------------- -------------------
Market Market
FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES Value % Value %
- ------------------------------------------- -------- ------ -------- ------
(in thousands) (in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government and governmental
agencies and authorities (except
mortgage-backed) ...................... $ 11,271 9.7 $ 11,776 9.6
Finance .................................. 31,525 27.1 31,919 26.0
Public utilities ......................... 12,745 11.0 13,421 10.9
Mortgage-backed .......................... 7,349 6.3 8,110 6.6
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions .......................... 1,543 1.3 1,586 1.3
All other corporate bonds ................ 51,919 44.6 56,052 45.6
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total fixed maturity securities ....... $116,352 100.0 $122,864 100.0
======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
The following table indicates by rating the composition of the Company's fixed
maturity securities portfolio, excluding short-term investments and certificates
of deposit. Ratings are the lower of those assigned primarily by Standard &
Poor's and Moody's, when available, and are shown in the table using the
Standard & Poor's rating scale. Unrated securities are assigned ratings based on
the applicable National Association of Insurance Commissioner's ("NAIC")
designation or the rating assigned to comparable debt outstanding of the same
issuer. NAIC 1 fixed maturity securities have been classified as "A" and NAIC 2
fixed maturity securities have been classified as "BBB".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 1999 December 31, 1998
------------------- ----------------------
COMPOSITION OF FIXED MATURITY Market Market
SECURITIES BY RATING Value % Value %
- ----------------------------------- --------- ------ ---------- ------
(in thousands) (in thousands)
RATINGS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment grade:
U.S. Government and agencies $ 17,677 15.2 $ 19,886 16.2
AAA 2,902 2.5 2,289 1.9
AA 9,685 8.3 11,058 9.0
A 40,382 34.7 38,397 31.2
BBB 42,237 36.3 47,045 38.3
Non-Investment grade:
BB 1,317 1.1 2,118 1.7
B and below 2,152 1.9 2,071 1.7
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total fixed maturity securities $116,352 100.0 $122,864 100.0
======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The scheduled contractual maturities of the Company's fixed maturity securities,
excluding short-term investments and certificates of deposit, at March 31, 1999
and December 31, 1998 are shown in the table below. Expected maturities may
differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call
or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 1999 December 31, 1998
------------------- ------------------
COMPOSITION OF FIXED MATURITY Market Market
SECURITIES BY MATURITY Value % Value %
- ------------------------------------- -------- ------ --------- -----
(in thousands) (in thousands)
SCHEDULED MATURITY
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less $ 712 0.6 $ 1,889 1.5
Due after one year through five years 37,503 32.2 32,254 26.2
Due after five years through ten years 37,550 32.3 41,959 34.2
Due after ten years 33,238 28.6 38,652 31.5
Mortgage-backed securities 7,349 6.3 8,110 6.6
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total fixed maturity securities $116,352 100.0 $122,864 100.0
======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
CLAIM RESERVES. Claim reserves are established for benefit payments which have
already been incurred by the policyholder but which have not been paid by the
Company. Claim reserves totaled $41.1 million at March 31, 1999 as compared to
$44.1 million at December 31, 1998. The process of estimating claim reserves
involves the active participation of experienced actuarial consultants with
input from the underwriting, claims, and finance departments. The inherent
uncertainty in estimating claim reserves is increased when significant changes
occur. Examples of such changes include: (1) changes in economic conditions; (2)
changes in state or federal laws and regulations, particularly insurance reform
measures; (3) changes in production sources for existing lines of business; and
(4) writings of significant blocks of new business. Because claim reserves are
estimates, management monitors reserve adequacy over time, evaluating new
information as it becomes available and adjusting claim reserves as necessary.
Such adjustments are reflected in current operations.
Management considers many factors when setting reserves including: (1)
historical trends; (2) current legal interpretations of coverage and liability;
(3) loss payments and pending levels of unpaid claims; and (4) product mix.
Based on these considerations, management believes that adequate provision has
been made for the Company's claim reserves. Actual claims paid may deviate,
perhaps substantially, from such reserves.
FUTURE POLICY BENEFIT RESERVES. Future policy benefit reserves are established
by the Company for benefit payments that have not been incurred but which are
estimated to be incurred in the future. Future policy benefit reserves totaled
$54.7 million at March 31, 1999 as compared to $53.9 million at December 31,
1998. Future policy benefit reserves are calculated according to the net level
premium reserve method and are equal to the discounted present value of the
Company's expected future policyholder benefits minus the discounted present
value of its expected future net premiums. These present value determinations
are based upon assumed fixed investment yields, the age of the insured(s) at the
time of policy issuance, expected morbidity and persistency rates, and expected
future policyholder benefits.
In determining the morbidity, persistency rate, claim cost and other assumptions
used in determining the Company's future policy benefit reserves, the Company
relies primarily upon its own benefit payment history and upon information
developed in conjunction with actuarial consultants and industry data. The
Company's persistency rates have a direct impact upon its policy benefit
reserves because the determinations for this reserve are, in part, a function of
the number of policies in force and expected to remain in force to maturity. If
persistency is higher or lower than expected, future policyholder benefits will
also be higher or lower because of the different than expected number of
policies in force, and the policy benefit reserves will be increased or
decreased accordingly.
In accordance with GAAP, the Company's actuarial assumptions are generally
fixed, and absent materially adverse benefit experience, they are not generally
adjusted. The Company monitors the adequacy of its policy benefit reserves on an
ongoing basis by periodically analyzing the accuracy of its actuarial
assumptions. The adequacy of the Company's policy benefit reserves may also be
impacted by the development of new medicines and treatment procedures which may
alter the incidence rates of illness and the treatment methods for illness and
accident (such as out-patient versus in-patient care) or prolong life
expectancy. Changes in coverage provided by major medical insurers or government
plans may also affect the adequacy of the Company's reserves if, for example,
such developments had the effect of increasing or decreasing the incidence rate
and per claim costs of occurrences against which the Company insures. An
increase in either the incidence rate or the per claim costs of such occurrences
could result in the Company needing to post additional reserves, which could
have a material adverse effect upon its business, financial condition or results
of operations.
LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND STATUTORY CAPITAL AND SURPLUS
ASCENT. Ascent's principal assets consist of the capital stock of its operating
subsidiaries and invested assets. Accordingly, Ascent's sources of funds are
primarily comprised of dividends from its operating subsidiaries, advances and
management fees from non-insurance subsidiaries, and tax payments under a tax
sharing agreement among Ascent and its subsidiaries. As of March 31, 1999,
Ascent held approximately $8.9 million in unrestricted cash and invested assets.
Dividends paid by the insurance subsidiaries are determined by and subject to
the regulations of the insurance laws and practices of the insurance departments
of their respective state of domicile. National Foundation Life Insurance
Company ("NFL"), a Delaware domestic company, may not declare or pay dividends
from any source other than earned surplus without the Delaware Insurance
Commissioner's approval. The Delaware Insurance Code defines earned surplus as
the amount equal to the unassigned funds as set forth in NFL's most recent
statutory annual statement including surplus arising from unrealized gains or
revaluation of assets. Delaware insurance companies may generally pay ordinary
dividends or make distributions of cash or other property within any twelve
month period with a fair market value equal to or less than the greater of 10%
of surplus as regards policyholders as of the preceding December 31 or the net
gain from operations for the twelve month period ending on the preceding
December 31. During 1999, NFL is precluded from paying dividends without the
prior approval of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner, as its December 31, 1998
earned surplus was negative. Further, NFL has agreed to obtain prior approval
for any future dividends.
National Financial Insurance Company ("NFIC") and American Insurance Company of
Texas ("AICT"), Texas domestic companies, may make dividend payments from
surplus profits or earned surplus arising from its business. The Texas Insurance
Code defines earned surplus as unassigned surplus excluding any unrealized
gains. Texas life insurance companies may generally pay ordinary dividends or
make distributions of cash or other property within any twelve month period with
a fair market value equal to or less than the greater of 10% of surplus as
regards policyholders as of the preceding December 31 or the net gain from
operations for the twelve month period ending on the preceding December 31. Any
dividend exceeding the applicable threshold is considered extraordinary and
requires prior approval of the Texas Insurance Commissioner. NFIC's and AICT's
earned surplus at December 31, 1998 was negative, and as such, each company is
precluded from paying dividends during 1999 without the prior approval of the
Texas Insurance Commissioner.
Freedom Life Insurance Company ("FLICA"), a Mississippi domestic company, may
make dividend payments only from its actual net surplus computed as required by
law in its statutory annual statement. Mississippi life insurance companies may
generally pay ordinary dividends or make distributions of cash or other property
within any twelve month period with a fair market value not exceeding the lesser
of 10% of surplus as regards policyholders as of the preceding December 31 or
the net gain from operations for the twelve month period ending on the preceding
December 31. Any dividend exceeding the applicable threshold amount requires
prior approval of the Mississippi Insurance Commissioner. FLICA is precluded
from paying dividends to NFL during 1999 without the prior approval of the
Mississippi Insurance Commissioner as it recorded a net loss from operations for
the year ended December 31, 1998.
Generally, all states require insurance companies to maintain statutory capital
and surplus that is reasonable in relation to their existing liabilities and
adequate to their financial needs. Delaware, Texas and Mississippi also maintain
discretionary powers relative to the declaration and payment of dividends based
upon an insurance company's financial position. In light of the statutory losses
incurred by the insurance subsidiaries during 1997 and 1998, Ascent does not
expect to receive any dividends from its insurance subsidiaries for the
foreseeable future. In addition, as discussed further below, the insurance
subsidiaries may require capital contributions from Ascent to maintain adequate
statutory capital and surplus.
INSURANCE SUBSIDIARIES. The primary sources of cash for the insurance
subsidiaries are premiums and income on invested assets. Additional cash is
periodically provided by capital contributions from Ascent and from the sale of
short-term investments and could, if necessary, be provided through the sale of
long-term investments and blocks of business. The insurance subsidiaries'
primary uses for cash are benefits and claims, commissions, general and
administrative expenses, and taxes, licenses and fees.
During the three months ended March 31, 1998, the insurance subsidiaries
experienced adverse loss ratios and declining persistency on certain old Medical
Expense and Medicare Supplement products. The insurance subsidiaries have
developed new insurance products with more stringent underwriting procedures and
lower agent commissions. In addition, the insurance subsidiaries are
implementing rate increases to the extent approved by state regulatory
authorities or offering higher deductible benefit options on certain old lines
of business in order to mitigate the effect of adverse claims experience on such
old lines. The insurance subsidiaries also implemented a policyholder retention
program designed to mitigate the impact of declining persistency on such old
lines receiving rate increases. However, the Company expects that the insurance
subsidiaries will continue to incur operating losses on these old lines of
business (i) until such time as the necessary rate increases can be fully
implemented and realized, and (ii) until sales of new products reach targeted
production levels. Although reported loss ratios improved for the three months
ended March 31, 1999, there can be no assurance that the impact of any
additional rate increases approved will result in consistent profitability on
such old lines, or that targeted production levels will be reached and
sustained. For the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, the insurance
subsidiaries received capital contributions totaling approximately $.4 million
and $1.1 million, respectively, from Ascent. To the extent that the insurance
subsidiaries experience further statutory operating losses, additional capital
may be required.
In December 1992, the NAIC adopted the Risk-Based Capital for Life and/or Health
Insurers Model Act ("the Model Act"). The Model Act provides a tool for
insurance regulators to determine the levels of statutory capital and surplus an
insurer must maintain in relation to its insurance and investment risks and
whether there is a need for possible regulatory attention. The Model Act (or
similar legislation or regulation) has been adopted in states where the
insurance subsidiaries are domiciled. The Model Act provides four levels of
regulatory attention, varying with the ratio of the insurance company's total
adjusted capital (defined as the total of its statutory capital and surplus,
asset valuation reserve and certain other adjustments) to its risk-based capital
("RBC"). If a company's total adjusted capital is less than 100 percent but
greater than or equal to 75 percent of its RBC, or if a negative trend (as
defined by the NAIC) has occurred and total adjusted capital is less than 125
percent of RBC (the "Company Action Level"), the company must submit a
comprehensive plan aimed at improving its capital position to the regulatory
authority proposing corrective actions. If a company's total adjusted capital is
less than 75 percent but greater than or equal to 50 percent of its RBC (the
"Regulatory Action Level"), the regulatory authority will perform a special
examination of the company and issue an order specifying the corrective actions
that must be followed. If a company's total adjusted capital is less than 50
percent but greater than or equal to 35 percent of its RBC (the "Authorized
Control Level"), the regulatory authority may take any action it deems
necessary, including placing the company under regulatory control. If a
company's total adjusted capital is less than 35 percent of its RBC (the
"Mandatory Control Level"), the regulatory authority must place the company
under its control. The NAIC's requirements are effective on a state by state
basis if, and when, they are adopted by the regulators in the respective states.
The Insurance Departments of the States of Delaware and Mississippi have each
adopted the NAIC's Model Act. At March 31, 1999, total adjusted capital for NFL,
a Delaware domiciled company, and FLICA, a Mississippi domiciled company,
exceeded the respective Company Action Levels.
The Texas Department of Insurance ("TDI") has adopted its own RBC requirements,
the stated purpose of which is to require a minimum level of statutory capital
and surplus to absorb the financial, underwriting and investment risks assumed
by an insurer. Texas' RBC requirements differ from those adopted by the NAIC in
two principal respects: (i) they use different elements to determine minimum RBC
levels in their calculation formulas and (ii) they do not stipulate "Action
Levels" (like those adopted by the NAIC) where corrective actions are required.
However, the Commissioner of the TDI does have the power to take similar
corrective actions if a company does not maintain the required minimum level of
statutory capital and surplus. NFIC and AICT are domiciled in Texas and must
comply with Texas RBC requirements. At March 31, 1999, AICT's RBC exceeded the
minimum level prescribed by the TDI; however, NFIC's RBC was below the minimum
level prescribed by the TDI.
As a result of the statutory losses sustained by the Insurance Subsidiaries
during 1997 and 1998, material transactions are subject to approval by the
department of insurance in each domiciliary state.
CONSOLIDATED. The Company's consolidated net cash provided by (used for)
operations totaled $2.5 million and ($2.9) million for the first quarter of 1999
and 1998, respectively. The $5.4 million improvement in cash flow from
operations was primarily attributable to the Company generating net income from
operations of $0.2 million for first quarter of 1999 compared with a net
operating loss of $5.4 million for 1998.
Net cash provided by investing activities for the first quarter of 1999 and 1998
totaled $0.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The decrease in net cash
provided by investment activities for 1999 was primarily the result of the
decrease in net cash required to fund operating activities for the comparable
period for 1998.
Net cash used for financing activities totaled $1.1 million and $3.5 million for
the first quarter of 1999 and 1998, respectively. In the ordinary course of
operations, financing activities remained relatively unchanged between 1999 and
1998 and relate primarily to the net borrowings and repayments associated with
the Company's receivables financing program. Cash used for financing activities
for 1999 included approximately $15.2 million of cash receipts and corresponding
outflows related to the issue of the New Preferred Stock and retirement of the
Senior Notes.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company advances commissions on policies
written by its general agencies and their agents. The Company is reimbursed for
these advances from the commissions earned over the respective policy's life. In
the event that policies lapse prior to the time the Company has been fully
reimbursed, the general agency or the individual agents, as the case may be, are
responsible for reimbursing the Company for the outstanding balance of the
commission advance. The Company finances the majority of its obligations to make
commission advances through Ascent Funding, Inc. ("AFI") (formerly, Westbridge
Funding Corp.), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ascent. On June 6, 1997,
AFI entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with LaSalle
National Bank ("LaSalle"). This Credit Agreement provides AFI with a three-year,
$20.0 million revolving loan facility (the "Receivables Financing"), the
proceeds of which are used to purchase agent advance receivables from the
insurance subsidiaries and certain affiliated marketing companies. AFI's
obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by liens upon substantially
all of AFI's assets. Under this commission advancing program, the Company's
receivables from subagents totaled approximately $8.2 million and approximately
$5.1 million was outstanding under the Credit Agreement at March 31, 1999. The
Credit Agreement terminates on June 5, 2000, at which time the outstanding
principal and interest thereunder will be due and payable. Ascent has guaranteed
AFI's obligations under the Credit Agreement, and has pledged all of the issued
and outstanding shares of the capital stock of AFI, NFL and NFIC as collateral
for that guaranty (the "Guaranty Agreement"). Ascent's obligations under the
Guaranty Agreement continued following confirmation of the Plan. On the
Effective Date, the Guaranty Agreement was amended and all events of default
thereunder were cured. As of March 31, 1999, there were no events of default
under the Credit or Guaranty Agreements.
YEAR 2000
The Company has initiated an enterprise-wide program designed to determine
whether all of its Information Technology ("I/T"), such as computer systems and
related software applications, and non-I/T systems, such as facsimile machines
and copy machines, will function properly as the millennium (the "Year 2000")
approaches. The Year 2000 problem is pervasive and complex as virtually every
computer operation will be affected in some way by the rollover of the two-digit
year value to 00. The issue is whether computer systems will properly recognize
date-sensitive information when the year changes to 2000. Systems that do not
properly recognize such information could generate erroneous data or cause a
system to fail.
The Company is highly reliant upon computer systems and software, as are many of
the Company's principal businesses with which it interacts. The Company's
ability to service its policyholders and agents is dependent upon accurate and
timely transaction reporting. Transaction reporting in turn is dependent upon
the Company's highly complex interdependent computer hardware, software,
telecommunications and desktop applications, and the information obtained from
its critical business partners.
The Company's overall Year 2000 remediation effort has focused on preparing the
computer systems, infrastructure and facilities for the Year 2000. The following
phases encompass the Year 2000 plan: (i) assessment of all internal and external
business critical systems, including I/T and non-I/T systems, (ii) remediation
or upgrading of business critical systems, (iii) testing of remediated and
updated systems, (iv) implementation of remediated and updated systems, and (v)
contingency planning.
The Company has engaged certain outside vendors and dedicated certain employees
on a full time basis to help in the full array of its Year 2000 efforts. This
includes system assessment and monitoring advice, actual code remediation,
communication and consultation with critical business partners and testing
resources.
Under the Company's enterprise-wide remediation program, the most effective I/T
systems solution was to purchase a new, more modern, Year 2000 compliant
policyholder and claim administration system. This replacement effort is well
underway and targeted for implementation in November of 1999.
<PAGE>
The Company has also completed the assessment of its non-I/T systems and is
currently remediating and upgrading those systems. The non-I/T systems have been
prioritized to remediate critical systems early in 1999 and non-critical systems
later in the year.
Another significant component of the Company's enterprise-wide remediation
effort is to determine whether critical business partners and vendors are Year
2000 compliant. The assessment and testing of the Year 2000 readiness of these
critical business partners and vendors have been integrated with the Company's
I/T and non-I/T Year 2000 system strategies. As a part of this process, the
Company has written letters and corresponded with its outside vendors and
critical business partners to determine whether they are also prepared for the
Year 2000.
The Company's contingency plan is to make the existing I/T systems, which are to
be replaced, Year 2000 compliant. This effort is currently in the remediation
and testing phases of the project and is scheduled to be completed during the
third quarter of 1999. The Company's contingency plan has identified and
prioritized the Year 2000 exposures within the existing I/T systems. By
remediating these I/T exposures on a priority basis, the Company is working to
limit its Year 2000 contingency risk to lower priority I/T exposures in the
event that the Company's most reasonably likely worst case Year 2000 scenario
were to occur.
The most reasonably likely worst case Year 2000 scenario would be that certain
functions within the Company's existing I/T systems would incorrectly process
policy information such as policy paid-to-dates, premium billings, commissions
and claims. This scenario could have a material, adverse impact on the Company's
ability to conduct its business.
The Company expects to incur approximately $4.0 to $5.0 million in total charges
related to computer hardware and software, infrastructure, and facilities
enhancements necessary to prepare for the Year 2000, of which a portion may be
capitalized. For the three months ended March 31, 1999, the Company incurred
approximately $0.8 million in expenses related to systems planning and
consulting efforts associated with the development of the Company's Year 2000
remediation plans. Inception to date, the Company has incurred costs of $1.4
million. The majority of the Company's Year 2000 costs relate to computer
hardware and software purchases and consulting fees, which will occur primarily
in the second quarter of 1999.
The Company expects its Year 2000 program to be completed in a timely manner;
however, the Year 2000 computer problem creates risk for the Company from
unforeseen problems in its own computer systems and from third parties with whom
the Company deals on financial transactions. Such potential, unforeseen problems
in the Company's and/or third parties' computer systems could have a material,
adverse impact on the Company's ability to conduct its business.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor"
for forward-looking statements. The preceding statements and certain other
statements contained in Part 1, Item 1 - Financial Statements and Part 1, Item 2
- - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operation and Financial
Condition, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are
based on the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and members
of its senior management team. While the Company believes that its expectations
are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its
business and operations, prospective investors are cautioned that any such
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and involve
risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from
those contemplated by such forward-looking statements.
<PAGE>
Important factors known to management that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this
Report include, but are not limited to:
* the effect of economic and market conditions
* further adverse developments with respect to the Company's liquidity
position or operations of the Company's various businesses
* actions that may be taken by insurance regulatory authorities
* adverse developments in the timing or results of the Company's current
strategic business plan
* the difficulty in controlling health care costs and integrating new
operations
* the ability of the Company to realize anticipated general and
administrative expense savings and overhead reductions from system
replacement initiatives
* the ability of management to return the Company's operations to
profitability
* and the possible negative effects of prospective health care reform.
Additional factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from
those contemplated within this report can also be found in the Company's reports
to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form 8-K during 1999 and
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. Subsequent written or oral
statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are
expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this
Report and those in the Company's reports previously filed with the SEC. Copies
of these filings may be obtained by contacting the Company or the SEC.
<PAGE>
ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.
(FORMERLY, WESTBRIDGE CAPITAL CORP.)
PART II
ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) EXHIBITS:
The following exhibits are filed herewith. Exhibits incorporated by reference
are indicated in the parentheses following the description.
2.1 First Amended Plan of Reorganization of Westbridge Capital Corp. Under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated as of October 30, 1998
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on
September 21, 1998).
2.2 Amended Disclosure Schedule Accompanying the First Amended Plan of
Reorganization of Westbridge Capital Corp. under Chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company's
Form 8-K filed on September 21, 1998).
2.3 Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order confirming the First
Amended Plan of Reorganization of Westbridge Capital Corp. dated October
30, 1998, as modified (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the
Company's Form 8-K filed on December 29, 1998).
3.1 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on March 24, 1999
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-A filed
on March 25, 1999).
3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, effective as of March 24, 1999
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 8-A filed
on March 25, 1999).
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
to the Company's Form 8-A filed on March 25, 1999).
4.2 Form of Warrant Certificate, included in the Form of Warrant Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 8-A filed
on March 25, 1999).
4.3 Form of Warrant Agreement dated as of March 24, 1999, between the Company
and LaSalle National Bank, as warrant agent (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Form 8-A filed on March 25, 1999).
4.4 Form of Preferred Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1998).
10.1 First Amendment to Guaranty Agreement dated as of March 24, 1999 between
Westbridge Capital Corp. in favor of LaSalle National Bank(incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1998).
10.2 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 24, 1999 between the
Company and Special Situations Holdings, Inc. - Westbridge (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1998).
10.3 1999 Stock Option Plan dated as of March 24, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to the Company's Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April
30, 1999).
27.1* Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule, (included in electronic filing only).
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The Registrant filed a Report on Form 8-K dated March 25, 1999 in response
to Item 5, Other Events, to report its emergence on March 24, 1999 from the
Chapter 11 Case commenced on September 16, 1998.
* Filed Herewith
<PAGE>
FORM 10-Q
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ASCENT ASSURANCE, INC.
/S/ PATRICK J. MITCHELL
-----------------------
Patrick J. Mitchell
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/S/ CYNTHIA B. KOENIG
-----------------------
Cynthia B. Koenig
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Dated at Fort Worth, Texas
May 14, 1999
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