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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-15022
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 14-1681606
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
195 LAKE LOUISE MARIE ROAD, ROCK HILL, NEW YORK 12775-8000
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (914) 796-2100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class on which Registered
---------------------------- -----------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange
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.
[x] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock (Common Stock, $.01 par value)
held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $734,141,499 on March 18, 1998,
based on the closing sales price of the Common Stock on such date.
The aggregate number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, $.01 par value,
outstanding on March 18, 1998, was 34,025,631.
Documents incorporated by reference:
None
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"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF
1995: This Annual Report, on Form 10-K, contains forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which are not historical facts, and
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expected and projected. Such risks and uncertainties
include the following: general economic conditions and conditions specific to
the property and casualty insurance industry including its cyclical nature,
regulatory changes and conditions, rating agency policies and practices,
competitive factors, claims development and the impact thereof on loss reserves
and the Company's reserving policies, the adequacy of the Company's reinsurance
programs, developments in the securities markets and the impact on the Company's
investment portfolio, the success of the Company's acquisition program, changes
in generally accepted accounting principles and the risk factors listed from
time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the actual results will conform to
the forward-looking statements in the Annual Report.
------------------
PART I
Item 1. Business.
General
The Company is an insurance holding company which, through its direct or
indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Frontier Insurance Company ("Frontier
Insurance"), Medical Professional Liability Agency, Ltd. ("Med Pro"), Pioneer
Claim Management, Inc. ("Pioneer"), Frontier Pacific Insurance Company
("Frontier Pacific," formerly Contractors' Surety Company), Spencer Douglass
Insurance Associates ("SDIA"), United Capitol Holding Company ("United Capitol
Holding"), United Capitol Insurance Company ("United Capitol"), Olympic
Underwriting Managers, Inc. ("Olympic"), Fischer Underwriting Group, Inc.
("Fischer"), Environmental & Commercial Insurance Agency, Inc. ("ECI"), Regency
Financial Corporation ("Regency Financial"), Regency Insurance Company
("Regency") and Emrol Installment Premium Discount, Inc. ("Emrol"), Lyndon
Insurance Group, Inc. ("Lyndon"), Lyndon Property Insurance Company ("Lyndon
Property"), Lyndon Life Insurance Company ("Lyndon Life"), Gulfco Life Insurance
Company ("Gulfco"), Lyndon Southern Insurance Company ("Lyndon Southern"),
Lyndon General Agency ("Lyndon Agency") and Twin Mercury Life Insurance Company
("Twin Mercury"), (Western Indemnity Insurance Company ("Western"), and its 50%
ownership of Douglass/Frontier LLC ("Douglass/Frontier"), and Ward Insurance
Services ("Ward"), respectively, conducts business as a specialty insurer and
reinsurer, and performs claims adjusting and management services. Frontier
Insurance, the Company's principal property/casualty insurance company
subsidiary, was acquired by the Company in April 1986. Med Pro, which
underwrites the majority of the Company's medical and dental malpractice
programs, was acquired by the Company in June 1987. Pioneer, which performs
claims adjusting and claims management services for the Company's insurance
lines, was organized and commenced business in October 1989 as the successor
to a claims adjusting company. Frontier Pacific, the Company's California
property/casualty insurance company subsidiary, was acquired by Frontier
Insurance in October 1991 and changed its name from Contractors' Surety
Company in September 1993. SDIA was acquired by the Company in April 1994 and
is involved in placing and servicing license and permit bond business in
California and other western states. Douglass/Frontier was formed as a joint
venture (unconsolidated) in May 1995 and is involved in placing and servicing
bail bond business. United Capitol Holding, which was acquired by Frontier
Insurance in May 1996, through its subsidiaries, United Capitol, Olympic and
Fischer, conducts business as an excess and surplus lines property/casualty
insurer providing environmental and pollution liability coverages, and as an
underwriting management company for directors' and officers' liability and
property coverages. Regency Financial was organized by the Company in June 1996
to acquire Regency, a non-standard automobile insurer and Emrol, a premium
finance company, which were so acquired in September 1996. In February 1996,
the Company acquired a 33% ownership interest in Townsquare Title Insurance
Services, which owns United General Title Insurance Company ("United General").
In October 1996, the Company formed Frontier Financing Trust, a Delaware
statutory business trust, for the sole purpose of issuing certain convertible
preferred securities and investing the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount
of convertible subordinated debentures of the Company. The financial statements
of Frontier Financing Trust have been
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consolidated with those of the Company. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and
Capital Resources," and NOTE N of the NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS. Ward was formed as a joint venture (unconsolidated) in 1997 and is
involved in placing non-standard auto business in California. In April 1997, the
Company acquired a 19.9% ownership interest in Tera Mar Insurance Company, a
non-controlled foreign company, domiciled in the Cayman Islands. In July 1997,
the Company acquired a 25% ownership interest in American Country Holdings
(unconsolidated) which owns American Country Insurance Company. Also, in July
1997, the Company acquired Lyndon, which, through its subsidiaries provides
credit-related and specialty insurance products for financial institutions. In
December 1997, the Company acquired Western which is a specialty property/
casualty carrier in the health care area, writing both physician and hospital
coverages. Also, in December 1997, the Company acquired ECI , an underwriting
manager of environmental and omissions and construction specialties.
The Company's business strategy is to achieve an underwriting profit by
identifying niche markets and specialty insurance programs which it believes
afford favorable opportunities for profitability due to (i) limited potential
competition and (ii) the Company's innovative underwriting and value added
services, including coverage enhancements, risk management, loss control and
specialized claims management.
The Company currently underwrites in excess of 140 specialty insurance programs,
including (i) general liability, (ii) malpractice insurance for physicians,
dentists, psychiatrists, chiropractors and hospitals, (iii) surety (performance
bonds, bail bonds, customs bonds and license and permit bonds), (iv) specialty
personal lines, (v) credit related products, (vi) worker's compensation,
(vii) commercial earthquake and (viii) other miscellaneous lines. The Company's
alternative risk division underwrites excess workers compensation and excess
medical stop loss coverages, and provides custom designed insurance programs
through captive and rent-a-captive facilities for both the Company's workers'
compensation and other insurance lines.
Frontier Insurance is licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 50 states,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Frontier Pacific
is licensed as a property and casualty insurer in California, New York and
Nevada, United Capitol is licensed as a property and casualty writer in Arizona
and Wisconsin and is an approved excess and surplus lines insurer in 48 states,
Regency is licensed as a property and casualty writer in North Carolina and
South Carolina, Lyndon Property Insurance Company ("Lyndon Property") is
licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 47 states and the District of
Columbia, and Lyndon Life Insurance Company ("Lyndon Life") is licensed as a
life insurer in 48 states, District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
Western is licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 6 states. Frontier
Insurance, Frontier Pacific, United Capitol and Regency currently are rated
A-(Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best"), and Standard & Poor's
Insurance Rating Services ("S & P") has given Frontier Insurance, Frontier
Pacific and Lyndon Property an Insurer Claims-Paying Ability Rating of A+
(Good). Lyndon Property and Lyndon Life currently are rated B++ (Very Good) by
A.M. Best. A.M. Best's and S & P's ratings are based on an analysis of the
financial condition and operations of an insurance company as they relate to
the industry in general, are not designed for the protection of investors and
do not constitute recommendations to buy, sell or hold any security.
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The following chart provides examples of typical niche markets/programs
underwritten by the Company for specific types of customers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Customer Type Coverage/Line of Business Hypothetical Claim
- ------------- ------------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Doctors and dentists professional liability patient injured
Borrowers of financial credit related property damage to property taken
institutions as collateral
Social service agencies professional liability, client sues agency or
general liability, fire professional
Crane operators general liability crane damages a third
parties property
Alarm installers general liability house is burglarized
through faulty alarm installation
Small-construction contractors surety bonds electrician or plumber
fails to complete job
Self-Insured employers excess workers' compensation/ workers' compensation loss
employer's liability exceeds employer's self-insured
retention
Importers customs bonds importer fails to pay duty
Commercial property owners earthquake (difference in conditions) earthquake damages to building
or disrupts operations
</TABLE>
Insurance Lines
The following table sets forth the gross and net premiums by principal lines of
insurance written by the Company and the related percentages of the total such
premiums represented thereby for the year ended December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Premiums Written Net Premiums Written
---------------------- --------------------
Dollars Percentage Dollars Percentage
------- ---------- ------- ----------
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
General liability $170,951 29.1% $130,517 33.6%
Medical malpractice (including
dental malpractice and social services) 121,001 20.6 100,404 25.8
Surety 76,488 13.0 61,868 15.9
Specialty personal lines 75,613 12.8 35,070 9.0
Credit related products 45,454 7.8 12,676 3.3
Workers' compensation 24,911 4.2 7,346 1.9
Commercial earthquake 14,688 2.5 7,962 2.0
Other 58,529 10.0 33,173 8.5
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total $587,635 100.0% $389,016 100.0%
======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
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General Liability
The Company underwrites general liability coverages for day care centers, crane
operators, white water rafting, health and social services programs, pest
control operators, fire protection equipment dealers and installers, security
guards, excess workers' compensation/employer's liability for self-insured
employers, and a variety of other programs. Further, the Company underwrites
umbrella coverage up to $5 million over an underlying $1 million general
liability coverage. The Company's specialty insurance programs include
environmental policies covering enumerated hazards with stated policy limits.
Although the Company believes that such policies, together with the Company's
general, professional and other liability policies, do not subject the Company
to material exposure for environmental pollution claims, there can be no such
assurance in view of the expansion of liability for environmental claims in
recent litigation.
Medical Malpractice
The Company commenced underwriting medical malpractice insurance in 1981 under
programs developed for physicians with varied practices, which now include
part-time physicians, internists, physicians and other health care professionals
providing medical services to clients of social service care facilities (mental
health, home care, etc.), family practitioners, psychiatrists, chiropractors,
dermatologists, and other specialists. Physicians covered under the Company's
programs generally must be members of a national, state, or county society for
their particular specialty and must limit their practice to such specialty, or
be employed by a social services care facility, or be in practice or employed on
a part-time basis. The Company has implemented strict underwriting guidelines in
an attempt to screen-out undesirable risks and reduce its exposure. Medical
malpractice insurance is written by the Company on both an occurrence and a
claims made basis predominantly in New York, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Michigan and
through November 30, 1997, Florida. Effective December 1, 1997, the Company
sold its Florida medical malpractice business to the holding company of a
Florida domiciled insurance company and, subsequent to the sale, will not be
underwriting medical malpractice business in Florida. Additionally, the Company
underwrites a specialty program for physicians unable to obtain traditional
malpractice coverage as a result of excessive malpractice claims, professional
disciplinary proceedings and/or drug or alcohol abuse. Coverage under this
program is written with a deductible and is priced substantially higher than
the Company's standard medical malpractice programs.
At December 31, 1997, approximately 15,500 physicians were insured by the
Company, of whom 13,175, or 85%, were physicians who were members of 22 medical
associations which endorsed or approved the Company's medical malpractice
insurance program, 1,750, or 11.3% were physicians and other health care
professionals providing medical services covered by the Company's social
services care insurance program, and 575, or 3.2%, were employed as faculty
members at medical schools of the State University of New York ("SUNY"). Since
December 31, 1990, the number of SUNY physicians insured by the Company has
decreased by approximately 455, attributable to increased competition and other
factors, including a 1990 decision by the New York State Court of Claims
relating to SUNY physicians in favor of the Company. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Litigation with the State of New York."
Dental Malpractice
In August 1987, the Company commenced underwriting dental malpractice insurance
for dentists viewed by the Company as preferred risks. Dentists who practice
oral surgery or who utilize anesthesia to render their patients unconscious are,
among others, not viewed as preferred risks and, accordingly, are not eligible
for coverage. As with medical malpractice, the endorsement of related
professional organizations is a key element in marketing; the endorsement by the
Academy of General Dentistry in 1994 has proven especially beneficial. Dental
malpractice is written by the Company predominantly in New York and Ohio.
At December 31, 1997, approximately 6,100 dentists were insured by the
Company under its dental malpractice program.
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Surety
The Company directly underwrites surety bonds for small contractors, customs
bonds, contractor license bonds, bail bonds, license and permit bonds, and
workers' compensation bonds for self-insured employers.
Specialty Personal Lines
The Company underwrites personal lines coverage in specialty niches for
manufactured housing and non-standard automobile liability and physical damage.
Manufactured housing coverage is predominantly written in the southeastern
United States, primarily Florida, while non-standard coverage auto is written
in California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. In
1996, the Company began to assume, on a quota share basis, homeowner's insurance
underwritten by Omega Insurance Company.
Workers' Compensation
The Company underwrites workers' compensation coverage for jockeys, social
services programs and other specialty niches. Additionally, the Company assumes
workers' compensation business as a result of its required participation in the
National Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Pool and other residual market
mechanisms. During 1996, the Company established an alternative risk division
and commenced underwriting workers' compensation coverage in conjunction with
other programs, generally through a producer partner who assumes first dollar
risk through a captive or rent-a-captive vehicle.
Commercial Earthquake
In July 1995, the Company commenced underwriting difference in conditions
("DIC") commercial earthquake policies under an agreement with Associated
International Insurance Company ("Associated"), a subsidiary of Gryphon
Insurance Group. Pursuant to the agreement, which expired December 31, 1997, the
Company and Associated underwrote DIC commercial earthquake policies through a
companion carrier facility with combined limits of $7.5 million, with two-thirds
of the new and renewal policies being underwritten by Associated and one-third
by the Company. Effective January 1, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement
with American Custom Insurance Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Great American Insurance Company, to underwrite DIC property/commercial
earthquake policies under an arrangement similar to that which the Company had
with Associated. The Company's maximum limits under the new program are $5
million per occurrence. Under this arrangement, new and renewal policies
produced by American Custom are underwritten by the Company, either on a
one-to-one basis, or on a one-half-to-one basis, depending on the location of
the risk.
Credit-Related Products
The Company underwrites credit and auto-related insurance for borrowers through
financial institutions and auto dealers. Property and casualty insurance
products written by the Company include credit property, collateral protection,
inventory protection, involuntary unemployment, residual value and extended
warranty coverages. In addition, life insurance products written by the Company
include credit life and credit accident and health.
Other
The Company underwrites other lines of insurance, including commercial
multi-peril, inland marine and ocean marine, property, and excess of loss group
accident and health.
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Reinsurance
Reinsurance Assumed
The Company assumes reinsurance under reinsurance treaties and through mandatory
participation in various states' residual market pools and reinsurance
facilities. As part of its acquisition of Bankers Multiple Line Insurance
Company ("BMLIC") realtors' errors and omissions business, the Company reinsures
related policies issued by BMLIC until such time as the Company's realtors'
errors and omissions program is approved and can be written directly by the
Company. In 1996, the Company began to assume, on a quota share basis, mobile
homes and homeowners' insurance underwritten by Omega Insurance Company. In
January 1997, the Company entered into a series of reinsurance treaties with
Vesta Insurance Group and some of its subsidiaries to assume certain property
and liability insurance on a quota share basis. In June 1997, the Company began
to assume commercial auto liability insurance from Home State County Mutual
Company. In August 1995, the Company assumed a quota share portion of a pool
of environmental liability policies from Underwriters Reinsurance Company,
(the "URC Environmental Policies"); the related treaty currently is in run-off.
Reinsurance Ceded
Effective January 1, 1995, the Company entered into a coinsured aggregate excess
of loss reinsurance agreement with Zurich Reinsurance (North America), Inc.
("Zurich N.A."), previously, Centre Reinsurance Company of New York ("Centre
Re") covering accident years 1995, 1996 and 1997. Under the terms of the
agreement, Zurich N.A. provides reinsurance protection, up to a specified
maximum after all applicable underlying reinsurance has been exhausted, for
subject losses and allocated LAE in excess of a predetermined ratio of these
expenses to subject net premiums earned for a given accident year. The agreement
reinsures all lines of business, except the following: mobile home and
homeowners' policies effective on or after July 1, 1996, the URC Environmental
Policies, medical, dental and social service medical malpractice insurance
policies in excess of $1.0 million, realtors' errors and omissions insurance
policies, commercial earthquake policies effective on or after January 1, 1996,
workers' compensation policies issued by Americomp, alternative risk programs
and insurance policies written by Lyndon Property, United Capitol, Regency and
prior to January 1, 1997, license and permit surety bonds. The loss and
allocated LAE ratio above which the reinsurance provides coverage is 66.0%,
65.0% and 64.0% for accident years 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Effective July 15, 1995, the Company implemented a reinsurance program for its
DIC commercial earthquake policies through a per risk excess loss agreement and
four layers of catastrophe reinsurance. The Company retains $50,000 per risk and
$2.5 million per occurrence. The catastrophe layers attach at $2.5 million per
occurrence and allow for one full reinstatement per year after the limits have
been exhausted. The program provides for a maximum ceded loss of $37.5 million
per occurrence. Effective January 1, 1997, an additional $10.0 million of
catastrophe coverage was added, providing for a maximum ceded loss of $47.5
million.
Effective January 1, 1996, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement
(including clash coverage) with Medical Assurance, Inc., The Doctors' Insurance
Company, and Reliance Insurance Company, with respect to its medical malpractice
business. Under the terms of the agreement, reinsurance is provided for
occurrences involving multiple physicians for $3.0 million in excess of $2.0
million per occurrence, subject to an aggregate of $6.0 million.
Effective July 1, 1996, the Company entered into a catastrophe excess
reinsurance program with respect to its mobile home and homeowners' insurance.
The program currently is reinsured for $13.5 million in excess of $1.5 million
per occurrence.
The Company reinsures selected classes of its surety bond business with NAC
Reinsurance Corporation and Transatlantic Reinsurance Company through two excess
of loss agreements providing coverage for losses per principal of up to $10.0
million. The Company has a retention of $1.0
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million per principal with coinsurance percentages in all excess layers.
Effective April 1, 1997, the Company entered into a 30% quota share reinsurance
treaty, on a funds withheld basis, under which it cedes to Alpine Insurance
Company ("Alpine") insurance produced by an Alpine affiliate. Effective October
1, 1997, Alpine's participation was increased to 50%.
Effective in 1997, the Company reinsures its environmental liability with
various reinsurers through E.W. Blanch and Company.
The Company reinsures its marine, energy and commercial property insurance under
multiple layers of excess reinsurance. Coverage is provided up to $9.95 million
excess of $50,000 per occurrence, excess of an aggregate retention of $200,000
of loss occurrences in excess of $50,000.
In 1997, the Company implemented a catastrophe reinsurance program for business
underwritten by United Capitol, Frontier and Frontier Pacific for coverages
other than homeowners' and earthquake.
The majority of the Company's ceded business is reinsured by Zurich N.A., Swiss
Reinsurance America Corporation, John Hancock Life Mutual Insurance Co., and
its umbrella liability business by Munich American Reinsurance Company. During
1996, the Company reinsured a large workers` compensation program with the
Commercial Risk Re-Insurance Company.
Munich American Reinsurance Company is currently rated A+ (Superior), John
Hancock Life Mutual Insurance Co. is currently rated A++ (Superior), and Zurich
N.A. and Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation are currently rated A (Excellent)
by A.M. Best.
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The following table is a summary of the maximum amount of loss typically
retained and ceded by the Company's insurance subsidiaries as of December 31,
1997 (exclusive of facultative reinsurance and the Zurich N.A. stop loss
contract) for the types of coverage indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Maximum Retained Loss Maximum Ceded Loss
Per Occurrence/ Per Occurrence/
Risk/Principal Risk/Principal
--------------------- ------------------
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Property lines $ 500 $14,500
Casualty lines (excluding medical
malpractice, health specialties,
and social services) 1,000 9,000
Medical malpractice, health
specialties and social services 1,000 (1) 5,250
Workers' compensation 1,000 49,000
Surety 1,000 (3) 4,000 (3)
Custom bonds 7,500 (4) N/A
Umbrella liability 1,000 4,000
Group accident and health 450 550
Excess workers' compensation/
employers' liability 1,000 (5) 9,000 (5)
Earthquake 2,500 (2) 47,500 (2)
Homeowners 1,500 (6) 13,500 (6)
Ocean marine 250 9,750
Directors and officers liability 1,000 5,250
Commercial auto liability 250 1,750
Non-standard auto liability 25 75
</TABLE>
- --------------------
(1) For certain risks and policy years, the maximum retained loss per
occurrence is $.5 million. On a very limited basis, the maximum retained
loss per occurrence is $2 million.
(2) Amounts relate to the contract effective January 1, 1997, which catastrophe
layers in excess of $2.5 million are subject to a 5% coinsurance.
(3) Effective December 1, 1995, a layer of excess reinsurance was added for a
maximum limit of $10 million per principal on a direct basis, $2.1 million
on a net basis.
(4) Amount indicated is the maximum face amount (limit) on the bond issued,
which represents the value of goods being imported that are subject to U.S.
Customs duty. The actual exposure to the Company is the amount of any
unpaid duty on the goods imported, which is generally approximately 15% of
the face value of the goods, and any penalties associated with the late
payment of the duty.
(5) Subject to a catastrophe retention of $3 million per occurrence and a
maximum ceded loss of $40 million per occurrence.
(6) Excludes the effects of the Company's 5% retention of $13.5 million of
losses in excess of $1.5 million.
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Marketing
The Company relies on multiple distribution channels to market its insurance
products. Malpractice insurance and license and permit bonds are marketed both
directly through Company-owned agencies and by independent brokers and agents.
Bail bonds are marketed through a nationwide network of bail bondsmen by a
50%-owned subsidiary of the Company. Sales of the Company's other lines of
business are generated primarily by independent insurance agencies and insurance
brokerage firms.
The following tables set forth for the three years ended December 31, 1997, the
gross and net premiums written produced internally and by independent agencies
and brokerage firms, no one of which accounted for more than 5% of such
premiums:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Premiums Percent Premiums Percent Premiums Percent
Written of Total Written of Total Written of Total
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
GROSS PREMIUMS
Internal $ 79,772 13.6% $ 78,411 19.5% $ 56,118 21.2%
All others 507,863 86.4 324,388 80.5 208,196 78.8
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total $587,635 100.0% $402,799 100.0% $264,314 100.0%
======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
NET PREMIUMS
Internal $ 60,776 15.6% $ 56,511 18.1% $ 49,126 22.3%
All others 327,083 84.4 255,352 81.9 171,631 77.7
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total $389,016 100.0% $311,863 100.0% $220,757 100.0%
======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
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Operating Ratios
Statutory Combined Ratio
The statutory combined ratio is the traditional measure of underwriting
experience for insurance companies. Generally, if the statutory combined ratio
is below 100%, an insurance company has an underwriting profit and if it is
above 100%, the insurer has an underwriting loss.
The following table reflects the consolidated statutory loss ratios, expense
ratios and combined ratios of the Company's primary property and casualty
insurance operating subsidiaries, Frontier Insurance, Frontier Pacific, United
Capitol, Regency and, from July and December 1997, Lyndon Property and Western,
respectively, determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices,
together with the property and casualty industry-wide statutory combined ratios
after policyholders' dividends, as compiled by A.M. Best, for the years
indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-----------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loss ratio 65.2% 58.7% 60.0% 69.9% 66.4%
Expense ratio 35.7 32.2 31.1 28.2 27.8
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Combined ratio 100.9% 90.9% 91.1% 98.1% 94.2%
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Industry combined ratio after
policyholders' dividends 101.8%(1) 105.9% 106.4% 108.4% 106.9%
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated, actual not available
Premium-to-Surplus Ratio
While there are no statutory provisions governing premium-to-surplus ratios,
regulatory authorities regard this ratio as an important indicator since the
lower the ratio, the greater the insurer's ability to withstand abnormal loss
experience. Guidelines established by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners provide that an insurer's premium-to-surplus ratio is satisfactory
if it is below 3 to 1.
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The following table sets forth the ratio of net premiums written during the year
to policyholders' surplus at the end of the year for Frontier Insurance,
Frontier Pacific, United Capitol, Regency, Lyndon Property and Western for the
years indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Frontier Insurance:
Net premiums written
during the year $275,127 $255,446 $205,614 $179,058 $115,028
Policyholders' surplus
at end of year $276,390 $262,899 $171,362 $104,871 $101,418
Ratio .99/1 .97/1 1.20/1 1.71/1 1.13/1
Frontier Pacific:
Net premiums written
during the year $30,282 $32,040 $15,143 $8,230 $3,791
Policyholders' surplus
at end of year $31,171 $25,985 $17,155 $16,127 $15,108
Ratio .97/1 1.23/1 .88/1 .51/1 .25/1
United Capitol:
Net premiums written
during the year $40,793 $25,930 $10,981 $17,051 $17,708
Policyholders' surplus
at end of year $60,122 $53,355 $68,026 $61,750 $65,676
Ratio .68/1 .49/1 .16/1 .28/1 .27/1
Regency:
Net premiums written
during the year $4,942 $4,489 $4,441 $4,804 $5,587
Policyholders' surplus
at end of year $10,341 $5,105 $4,667 $4,521 $4,308
Ratio .48/1 .88/1 .95/1 1.06/1 1.30/1
Lyndon Property:
Net premiums written
during the year $45,167 $72,043 $(41,623) $(2,225) $27,145
Policyholders' surplus
at end of year $90,989 $71,104 $54,054 $90,762 $94,992
Ratio .50/1 1.01/1 (.77)/1 (.02)/1 .29/1
Western:
Net premiums written
during the year $32,064 $33,010 $34,635 $30,347 $19,252
Policyholders' surplus
at end of year $34,348 $50,000 $45,873 41,048 $40,484
Ratio .93/1 .66/1 .76/1 .74/1 .48/1
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Loss and LAE Reserves
Significant periods of time, ranging up to several years, may elapse between the
occurrence of an insured loss, the reporting of the loss to the Company and its
payment of such loss. Medical malpractice and general liability usually have a
much longer period of time between occurrence of a loss and payment than
property lines. To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses, the Company
establishes reserves, which are balance sheet liabilities representing estimates
of amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses with respect to insured
events that have occurred, including those not yet reported ("IBNR").
All claims are investigated, supervised and adjusted by personnel of the
Company, who select counsel and outside adjusting firms, if required, and
monitor the case and approve any settlement. Any payment in excess of $50,000
requires approval by an officer of the Company. The Company believes claims
management is critical to controlling the amount of paid losses and has an
internal staff of experienced claims adjusters and attorneys assigned
exclusively to managing and adjusting claims.
When a claim is reported, the Company's claims adjusting personnel establish a
formula case reserve, which is based on historical average claim costs, for the
estimated amount to be paid. As more pertinent information becomes available on
a claim, adjusting personnel change the reserve from a formula reserve to a case
basis reserve. This case basis reserve is an estimate of the amount of ultimate
payment which reflects the informed judgment of such personnel, based on the
Company's reserving practices and the experience and knowledge of such personnel
regarding the nature and value of the specific type of claim. Additionally,
reserves are established by the Company on an aggregate basis to provide for
IBNR losses and to maintain the overall adequacy of reserves. The Company also
establishes a related loss adjustment expense ("LAE") reserve on an aggregate
basis representing the estimated expense of settling claims, including legal and
other fees and general expenses of administering the claims adjustment process
with respect to reported and unreported losses. Virtually all of the Company's
LAE is classified as allocated LAE as a result of its method of handling claims
through Company personnel. The Company does not discount its reserves either on
the basis of generally accepted accounting practices ("GAAP") or statutory
accounting practices.
The reserves for losses and LAE are estimated using loss evaluations and
actuarial projections and represent estimates of the ultimate net cost of all
unpaid losses and LAE incurred through December 31 of each year. These estimates
are subject to the effects of trends in claims severity and frequency and are
continually reviewed. As part of this process, historical data is reviewed and
consideration is given to the anticipated impact of various factors, such as
legal developments, changes in social attitudes, and economic conditions,
including the effects of inflation and anticipated subrogation recoveries. As
experience develops and other data becomes available, these estimates are
revised, as required, resulting in increases or decreases in reserves for
insured events of prior years. Future adjustments, if any, will be reflected in
the results of operations in the period recognized.
13
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the beginning and ending
property and casualty loss and LAE reserve balances, net of reinsurance ceded,
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------
(amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net reserves for losses and LAE, beginning of year $373,606 $294,393 $263,202
Total acquired reserves 76,023 53,008 5,500
Incurred losses and LAE for claims relating to:
Current year 218,301 160,470 126,769
Prior years 13,287 (4,479) (7,514)
-------- -------- --------
Total incurred losses and LAE 231,588 155,991 119,255
-------- -------- --------
Loss and LAE payments for claims relating to:
Current year 50,665 27,626 13,057
Prior years 147,013 102,160 80,507
-------- -------- --------
Total payments 197,678 129,786 93,564
-------- -------- --------
Net reserves for losses and LAE, end of year 483,539 373,606 294,393
Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE 283,727 165,467 73,043
-------- -------- --------
Gross reserves for losses and LAE, end of year $767,266 $539,073 $367,436
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The Company's reserves for unpaid losses and LAE, net of related reinsurance
recoverable, at December 31, 1996 were increased in the following year by
approximately $13.3 million and at December 31, 1995 and 1994 were decreased in
the following year by approximately $4.5 million and $7.5 million, respectively,
for claims that had occurred on or prior to the balance sheet dates. No premiums
have been accrued as a result of the changes to prior-year loss and LAE
reserves.
The net $13.3 million increase in prior years' reserves in 1997 resulted from an
increase in the reserves attributed to reserve strengthening of $35 million.
Included in the net development was a decrease in prior year reserves in the
general liability line of business written by United Capitol.
The net $4.5 million decrease in prior years' reserves in 1996 was the result of
favorable claims development in the workers' compensation line of business.
Included in the net development was an increase in prior years' reserves of
approximately $13 million which was entirely offset by subrogation recoverables
recognized in connection with a favorable court ruling in 1995. See NOTE D of
the NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
The net $7.5 million decrease in the prior years' reserves in 1995 was the
result of favorable claims development on the general liability and workers'
compensation lines and to subrogation recoveries in the surety line of business
in excess of expectations. Included in the net development was an increase in
prior years' reserves of approximately $19 million which was entirely offset by
subrogation recoverables recognized in connection with a favorable court ruling
in 1995. See NOTE D of the NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
14
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The following table reflects the Company's property and casualty loss and LAE
reserve development, net of estimated subrogation recoverable through December
31, 1997, for each of the preceding the ten years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Reserves for unpaid
losses & LAE $43,813 $64,971 $92,384 $120,096 $161,263 $185,074 $216,486 $263,202 $294,393 $373,606 $483,539
Reserves reestimated
at December 31:
1 year later 46,385 67,486 93,419 119,875 162,121 188,387 230,360 255,689 289,914 386,893
2 years later 49,495 68,793 91,457 120,550 158,746 196,005 229,334 252,678 314,558 -
3 years later 50,890 66,532 91,527 115,310 163,537 191,401 214,712 282,016 - -
4 years later 49,694 66,656 86,508 114,790 154,217 172,654 234,172 - - -
5 years later 49,895 64,254 87,795 107,907 133,768 182,660 - - - -
6 years later 49,492 64,700 79,459 88,8031 42,630 - - - - -
7 years later 48,749 55,300 62,667 91,777 - - - - - -
8 years later 43,099 42,687 66,438 - - - - - - -
9 years later 32,391 45,492 - - - - - - - -
10 years later 34,115 - - - - - - - - -
Cumulative redundancy
(deficiency) 9,689 19,479 25,946 28,319 18,633 2,414 (17,686) (18,814) (20,165) (13,287)
Cumulative amount of
liability paid
through December 31:
1 year later 6,208 9,611 16,823 8,129 41,486 38,300 56,986 80,507 102,160 147,013
2 years later 12,946 20,006 13,230 35,864 62,175 74,113 113,471 148,513 195,052 -
3 years later 20,339 11,196 32,987 45,973 80,888 112,017 154,548 204,252 - -
4 years later 14,902 24,825 39,166 58,043 104,672 139,333 188,495 - - -
5 years later 24,426 30,919 50,406 74,659 122,863 161,417 - - - -
6 years later 27,766 39,664 61,276 86,405 137,059 - - - - -
7 years later 32,372 47,784 67,429 93,835 - - - - - -
8 years later 38,271 50,119 71,769 - - - - - - -
9 years later 39,567 53,676 - - - - - - - -
10 years later 41,956 - - - - - - -
Net reserve - December 31 $294,393 $373,606 $483,539
Reinsurance recoverables 73,043 165,467 283,727
-------- -------- --------
Gross reserve $367,436 $539,073 $767,266
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The loss and LAE reserves of Frontier Insurance, Frontier Pacific, United
Capitol, Lyndon Property, Western and Regency as reported in their Annual
Statements prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices and filed
with state insurance departments are identical with those reflected in the
Company's financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP included herein,
before elimination of inter-company transactions.
Investments
Funds, including reserve funds, are invested until required for the Company's
operations, subject to restrictions on permissible investments established by
applicable state insurance codes. The Company's investment strategy is to
maximize after-tax income while generally limiting investments to investment
grade securities with high liquidity. Prior to 1996, the Company's investment
portfolio was managed by Asset Allocation and Management Company ("Asset
Allocation") and General Re New England Asset Management, Inc.("New England"),
registered investment advisors that specialize in insurance company portfolio
management, pursuant to guidelines established by the Company. In 1996, the
Company hired a Chief Investment Officer and the core fixed income portfolio is
now being managed internally. Asset Allocation and New England provide
investment advisory and related services to the Company in asset classes such as
mortgage-backed securities, sinking fund preferred stocks, and other special
classes of securities.
15
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The following table contains information concerning the Company's investment
portfolio at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fair Amount Reflected Percent
Cost(1) Value on Balance Sheet of Total
---------- ------- ---------------- --------
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Available-for-sale securities
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. Government
corporations and agencies $ 69,561 $ 70,795 $ 70,795 6.5%
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions 283,064 292,046 292,046 26.6
Corporate securities 339,138 348,290 348,290 31.7
Mortgage-backed securities 361,777 368,609 368,609 33.5
---------- ---------- ---------- -----
Total fixed maturity securities 1,053,540 1,079,740 1,079,740 98.2
Equity securities 17,256 20,281 20,281 1.8
---------- ---------- ---------- -----
Total available-for-sale-securities $1,070,796 $1,100,021 $1,100,021 100.0%
========== ========== ========== =====
</TABLE>
- --------------------------
(1) Original cost of equity and short-term securities and, as to fixed
maturities, original cost reduced by repayments and adjusted for
amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts.
The following table sets forth a profile of the Company's fixed maturity
investment portfolio by rating at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount Reflected Percent
Fair on of
S&P/Moody's Rating(1) Value Balance Sheet Total
- -------------------- ----- ---------------- -------
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AAA/Aaa (including U.S. Treasuries of $42,110) $ 582,515 $ 582,515 54.0%
AA/Aa 180,252 180,252 16.7
A/A 227,086 227,086 21.0
BBB/Baa 73,194 73,194 6.8
All other 16,693 16,693 1.5
---------- ---------- -----
Total $1,079,740 $1,079,740 100.0%
========== ========== =====
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(1) Ratings are as assigned primarily by Standard & Poor's Corporation, with
remaining ratings as assigned by Moody's Investors Service Inc.
The following table sets forth the maturity profile of the Company's portfolio
of fixed maturity investments at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fair Amount Reflected Percent
Maturity Value on Balance Sheet of Total
- -------- ------- ---------------- --------
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less $ 27,243 $ 27,243 2.6%
Due after one year to five years 238,963 238,963 22.1
Due after five years to 10 years 190,645 190,645 17.7
Due after 10 years 254,280 254,280 23.5
Mortgage-backed securities 368,609 368,609 34.1
---------- ---------- -----
Total $1,079,740 $1,079,740 100.0%
========== ========== =====
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The following table summarizes the Company's investment results for the five
years ended December 31, 1997, calculated on the mean of total investments as of
the first and last day of each calendar quarter:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-----------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total net investment income $60,344 $38,933 $30,055 $22,975 $22,371
Average annual pre-tax yield 6.4% 6.4% 6.4% 6.6% 7.8%
Average annual after-tax yield 4.6% 4.8% 4.9% 5.4% 6.3%
Effective federal income tax rate
on total net investment income 26.9% 24.8% 23.7% 19.8% 19.3%
</TABLE>
Regulation
The Company's insurance companies are subject to varying degrees of regulation
and supervision in the jurisdictions in which they transact business under
statutes which delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to
state insurance commissioners. Such regulation generally is designed to protect
policyholders rather than investors and relates to such matters as the standards
of solvency which must be met and maintained; the licensing of insurers and
their agents; the nature of and examination of the affairs of insurance
companies, which includes periodic market conduct examinations by the regulatory
authorities; annual and other reports, prepared on a statutory basis, required
to be filed on the financial condition of insurers or for other purposes;
establishment and maintenance of reserves for unearned premiums and losses; and
requirements regarding numerous other matters. In general, Frontier Insurance,
Frontier Pacific, Lyndon Property, Regency, Western and United Capitol must file
all rates for insurance directly underwritten with the insurance department of
each state in which they operate on an admitted basis; reinsurance generally is
not subject to rate regulation. Medical malpractice rates in New York are
established by the New York State Insurance Department (the "Department").
Further, state insurance statutes typically place limitations on the amount of
dividends or other distributions payable by insurance companies in order to
protect their solvency. New York, the jurisdiction of incorporation of Frontier
Insurance, requires that dividends be paid only out of earned surplus and limits
the annual amount payable without the prior approval of the Department to the
lesser of 10% of policyholders' surplus or 100% of adjusted net investment
income. California, the jurisdiction of incorporation of Frontier Pacific,
currently limits the annual amount of dividends payable without the prior
approval of the California Insurance Department to the greater of 10% of
policyholders' surplus at the end of the previous calendar year or 100% of net
income for the previous calendar year. Wisconsin, the jurisdiction of
incorporation of United Capitol through December 31, 1997, precludes the
Company from paying dividends without prior approval of the Commissioner of
Insurance. North Carolina, the jurisdiction of incorporation of Regency, limits
the amount payable without prior approval and is limited to the lesser of 10%
of statutory surplus or net income. Missouri, the jurisdiction of incorporation
of Lyndon Property, currently limits the annual amount of dividends payable
without prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance to the lesser of 10%
of policyholders' surplus or net investment income. Texas the jurisdiction of
incorporation of Western, currently limits the annual amount of dividends
payable without prior approval of the Texas Insurance Department to the
greater of 10% of policyholders' surplus or 100% of new investment income.
Beginning January 1, 1998, Illinois, the jurisdiction of incorporation of
United Capitol restricts the maximum amount of dividends payable without
prior approval of the Director of Insurance.
The Company is also subject to statutes governing insurance holding company
systems in various jurisdictions. Typically, such statutes require the Company
to file information periodically with the state insurance regulatory
authorities, including information concerning its capital structure, ownership,
17
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
financial condition and general business operations. Under the terms of
applicable state statutes, any person or entity desiring to purchase more than a
specified percentage (commonly 10%) of the Company's outstanding voting
securities is required to obtain regulatory approval for the purchase. Article
15 of the New York Insurance Law relating to holding companies, to which the
Company is subject, requires, inter alia, disclosure of transactions between
Frontier Insurance and the Company or any of its subsidiaries, that such
transactions satisfy certain standards, including that they be fair, equitable
and reasonable and that certain material transactions be specifically
non-disapproved by the Department. Further, prior approval by the Department is
required of affiliated sales, purchases, exchanges, loans or extensions of
credit, or investments, any of which involve 5% or more of Frontier Insurance's
admitted assets as of the preceding December 31st. In addition, any documents
relating to the offering of securities by the Company, the proceeds of which
will be used for Frontier Insurance, must be approved by the Department. With
respect to Frontier Pacific, United Capitol, Lyndon Property, Western and
Regency, California, Wisconsin and Illinois, Missouri, Texas and North Carolina
law respectively, with respect to holding companies is substantially equivalent
to that of New York.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") has established
eleven financial ratios to assist state insurance departments in their oversight
of the financial condition of insurance companies operating in their respective
states. The NAIC calculates these ratios based on information submitted by
insurers on an annual basis and shares the information with the applicable state
insurance departments. The ratios relate to leverage, profitability, liquidity
and loss reserve development. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
In their ongoing effort to improve solvency regulation, the NAIC and individual
states have enacted certain laws and statutory financial statement reporting
requirements. For example, NAIC rules require audited statutory financial
statements as well as actuarial certification of loss and LAE reserves therein.
Other activities are focused on greater disclosure of an insurer's reliance on
reinsurance and changes in its reinsurance programs and tighter rules on
accounting for certain overdue reinsurance. In addition, the NAIC implemented
risk-based capital requirements for property and casualty insurance companies
commencing in 1995 (see below). These regulatory initiatives and the overall
focus on solvency may intensify the restructuring and consolidation of the
insurance industry. It is also possible that Congress may enact legislation
regulating the insurance industry. While the impact of these regulatory efforts
on the Company's operations cannot be quantified until enacted, the Company
believes it will be adequately positioned to compete in an environment of more
stringent regulation.
In 1994, the NAIC implemented a risk-based capital measurement formula to be
applied, commencing in 1995, to all property/casualty insurance companies, which
formula calculates a minimum required statutory net worth based on the
underwriting, investment, credit loss reserve and other business risks
applicable to the insurance company's operations. An insurance company that does
not meet threshold risk-based capital measurement standards could be required to
reduce the scope of its operations and ultimately could become subject to
statutory receivership proceedings. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Regulation."
Competition
The property and casualty insurance business is highly competitive, principally
in terms of price and extent of coverage. In New York State, there are three
major competitors, as well as a number of other insurers, writing medical
malpractice insurance for physicians, the Company's principal insurance program.
However, the Company benefits from the endorsement or approval of various
medical associations, many of whose physician members are insured by the
Company. Moreover, the Company's program, unlike those of its competitors, is
limited to specified classes of physicians. Dental malpractice coverage in all
jurisdictions is significantly more competitive than medical malpractice with
respect to rates and terms of coverage. Although the Company's underwriting
strategy is to underwrite specialty programs for niche markets, it nevertheless
encounters competition from carriers engaged in insuring risks in the broader
lines of business which encompass niche programs.
18
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Employees
The Company currently has 1,250 full-time employees, 6 of whom are executive
management, and 48 part-time employees. The Company is not a party to any
collective bargaining agreement and believes its relationship with its employees
to be good.
Item 2. Properties.
The Company owns a three-story office building at 195 Lake Louise Marie Road,
Rock Hill, New York, in which its executive offices and insurance operations for
Frontier Insurance are located. A 50,000 square foot addition is under
construction and is anticipated to be completed in April 1998. The Company also
owns a one-story building in Rock Hill, New York, which it uses for storage and
a portion of which is rented, an airplane and a hanger at a local airport.
The Company owns a one-story 6,000 sq. ft. building in Charlotte, North Carolina
where Regency Financial Corporation conducts its insurance operations.
The Company leases office space at eighteen locations in 12 states at an
aggregate monthly rental of approximately $205,000.
The Company believes that upon completion of the addition at Rock Hill, New
York, it will have adequate space for expansion of its existing operations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Shareholder Litigation"
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not applicable.
19
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Security
Holder Matters.
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol FTR. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the
Company's Common Stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, for each
calendar quarter during the periods indicated, as adjusted to reflect stock
dividends paid and stock splits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High Low
---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
1996:
First Quarter $15.06 $12.84
Second Quarter 19.00 15.07
Third Quarter 20.57 16.31
Fourth Quarter 19.94 18.13
1997:
First Quarter $22.31 $18.31
Second Quarter 32.75 21.56
Third Quarter 29.88 39.00
Fourth Quarter 39.25 20.00
1998:
First Quarter (through March 18, 1998) $26.38 $21.75
</TABLE>
On March 18,1998, the Company had approximately 1,406 holders of record of its
Common Stock, which did not include beneficial owners for shares registered in
nominee or street name.
During 1997, the Company declared one quarterly cash dividend of $.065 per
share and three quarterly cash dividends of $.07 per share, constituting the
twentieth consecutive quarterly cash dividends. (See "Business-Regulation" for
restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Company's insurance
subsidiaries.)
20
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data are derived from the Company's
consolidated financial statements. The data should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements, related notes, and other financial
information included elsewhere in this report.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income Statement Data: Year Ended December 31
- --------------------- -------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(in thousands, except per share dollar amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Gross premiums written $587,635 $402,799 $264,314 $198,892 $148,750
======== =================== ======== ========
Net premiums written $389,016 $311,863 $220,757 $187,288 $118,819
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net premiums earned $366,844 $265,989 $196,220 $156,755 $116,372
Net investment income 56,122 37,226 30,035 24,453 22,523
Realized capital gains (losses) 4,222 1,707 20 (1,478) (152)
Gross claims adjusting income 55 130 255 424
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues 427,188 304,977 226,405 179,985 139,167
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 234,568 155,991 119,255 110,918 77,581
Amortization of policy acquisition costs,
underwriting, and other expenses 134,929 88,080 62,975 47,737 31,293
Minority interest in income of
subsidiary trust 11,017 2,277
Interest expense 825 1,970 895
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total expenses 381,339 248,318 183,125 158,655 108,874
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes and
cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle 45,849 56,659 43,280 21,330 30,293
Income taxes 13,567 16,592 12,069 4,350 7,130
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Income before cumulative effect
of change in accounting principle 32,282 40,067 31,211 16,980 23,163
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting for income taxes 708
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net Income $32,282 $40,067 $ 31,211 $ 16,980 $ 23,871
======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Net income per share - basic (1) $1.04 $1.39 $1.09 $.59 $.95
===== ===== ===== ==== ====
Net income per share - diluted (1) $1.01 $1.36 $1.08 $.59 $.94
===== ===== ===== ==== ====
Cash dividends declared per share $ .28 $ .25 $ .24 $.23 $.20
===== ===== ===== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Balance Sheet Data: December 31
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total investments $1,249,455 $ 838,320 $552,714 $407,618 $343,591
Total assets 1,975,713 1,246,407 773,348 599,117 527,657
Liabilities for gross unpaid losses and
loss adjustment expenses 780,044 539,073 367,436 312,637 274,035
Total liabilities 1,355,305 810,880 543,615 408,853 341,963
Guaranteed preferred beneficial interest
in Company's convertible subordinated
debentures 166,703 166,953
Total shareholders' equity 453,705 268,574 229,733 190,264 185,694
Supplemental Diluted Earnings Per Share Data:
Realized capital gains (losses)-net of tax $.07 $.04 $(.03)
Cumulative effect of accounting change .03
Operating income .94 1.32 1.08 .62 .91
------ ----- ----- ----- -----
Net income $ 1.01 $1.36 $1.08 $ .59 $ .94
====== ===== ===== ===== =====
Book value $13.14 $9.08 $7.95 $6.59 $6.45
====== ===== ===== ===== =====
Statutory Combined Ratio 100.9% 90.9% 91.1% 98.1% 94.2%
GAAP Combined Ratio 101.0% 91.8% 92.7% 101.0% 93.2%
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends 4.7x 13.2x 39.1x N/A N/A
</TABLE>
(1) The earnings per share amounts prior to 1997 have been restated as required
to comply with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per
Share. For further discussion of earnings per share and the impact of Statement
128, SEE NOTE B to the NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
21
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this
report.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the Company's net premiums earned by principal
lines of insurance for the three years indicated and the dollar amount and
percentage of change therein from year to year:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Increase (Decrease)
------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31 1996 to 1997 1995 to 1996
-------------------------- --------------- -----------------
1997 1996 1995 Amount % Amount %
------ ------ ------ -------- --- -------- ---
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
General liability $113,333 $ 78,641 $ 50,026 $ 34,692 44.1 $28,615 57.2
Medical malpractice
(including dental
malpractice and social services) 109,583 105,217 88,295 4,366 4.1 16,922 19.2
Surety 56,379 51,368 39,756 5,009 9.8 11,613 29.2
Workers' compensation 6,724 7,025 10,320 (301) (4.3) (3,295) (31.9)
Commercial earthquake 7,545 8,257 249 (712) (8.6) 8,008 3,216.1
Specialty personal lines 29,109 3,368 n/a 25,741 764.3 n/a n/a
Credit related products 21,271 n/a n/a 21,271 n/a n/a n/a
Other 22,902 12,113 7,574 10,789 89.1 7,906 104.4
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total $366,844 $265,989 $196,220 $100,855 37.9 $69,769 35.6
======== ======== ======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth the expense components of the Company's combined
ratio calculated as a percentage of net premiums earned on the basis of
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP Combined Ratio") for the three
years indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Losses 45.9% 36.5% 45.6%
Loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") 19.7 22.2 15.2
----- ---- ----
Losses and LAE 65.6 58.7 60.8
Acquisition, underwriting, interest, and other expenses 35.4 33.1 31.9
----- ---- ----
GAAP Combined Ratio 101.0% 91.8% 92.7%
===== ==== ====
</TABLE>
Calendar Year 1997 Compared to Calendar Year 1996
A variety of factors accounted for the 37.9% growth in net premiums earned, the
principal factors being increases in the Company's core and new program business
and an inclusion of the results of United Capitol and Regency, which were
acquired in 1996, and Lyndon and, to a lesser extent Western, which were
acquired in 1997. This increase was partially offset by (i) a decrease in
workers' compensation, particularly the cotton gin program that the Company
discontinued during 1996, and (ii) a decrease in the workers' compensation
component of the social services programs due to price competition.
Net premiums earned for the general liability line increased primarily because
of increases in various programs, including continued growth in the social
services, artisans contractor, demolition contractors, and excess employers'
liability programs, and, the acquisition of United Capitol in May 1996. These
increases were partially offset by a decrease in net premiums earned in the
umbrella and crane operator liability programs.
22
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The increase in medical malpractice net premiums earned was primarily
attributable to an increase in the number of physicians insured in the programs
for psychiatrists and alternative risks, geographical expansion in Ohio, Texas,
Michigan and Illinois, growth in the dental program endorsed by the Academy
of General Dentistry, and the acquisition of Western on December 1, 1997,
partially offset by a decrease in Florida business due to rate increases, the
sale of the Florida medical malpractice business on December 1, 1997 and the
reclassification of certain medical malpractice business to the general
liability line of business.
Growth in surety net premiums earned was primarily attributable to expanded
writings of license and permit bonds, small contractors' bonds and miscellaneous
bonds.
Net premiums earned for the commercial earthquake program decreased marginally
as planned.
Net premiums earned for the workers' compensation line decreased primarily as a
result of decreases in the specialty niche programs for cotton gins and feed
lots and in social services programs due to price competition, partially offset
by increases in the alternative risk program which the Company initiated in
1996.
Net premiums earned for the specialty personal lines increased primarily due to
increased volume in the mobile homeowners' program and auto physical damage
insurance as a result of the acquisition of Regency and Lyndon.
Net premiums earned for the credit-related products increased as a result of the
acquisition of Lyndon.
Net premiums earned for the other lines of business increased primarily due to
increased volume of commercial package and ocean marine policies issued by the
Company.
Net investment income before realized capital gains and losses increased 50.8%
due principally to increases in invested assets resulting from the proceeds of
the Common Stock offering in August 1997, the Convertible Trust Originated
Preferred Securities ("Convertible TOPrS") offering in October 1996, cash inflow
from regular operations, and the contribution to net investment income resulting
from the acquisitions of Lyndon, United Capitol, Western and Regency, partially
offset by the interest charge on funds held by the Company for the benefit of
the reinsurer of the Company's aggregate excess of loss reinsurance contract.
Total net investment income increased 55.0% due to the aforementioned and a
147.3% increase in realized capital gains. The average annual pre-tax yield on
investments, excluding the charge for funds held under the aggregate excess loss
of reinsurance contract and realized capital gains and losses, was 6.4%,
unchanged from the previous year. The average annual after-tax yield on
investments, excluding the charge for funds held under the aggregate excess of
loss reinsurance contract and realized capital gains and losses, was 4.6% as
compared to 4.8% in the previous year.
Gross claims adjusting income has been eliminated as a separate item as claims
adjusting services provided to outside companies have essentially terminated.
Total revenues increased 40.1% as a result of the above.
Total expenses increased by 53.6%, compared to the 37.9% increase in net
premiums earned. Losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") increased at a
50.4% rate as a result of a 70.0% increase in losses and a 18.1% increase in
LAE. The increase in losses and LAE was disproportionate to that of net premiums
earned due to the $35 million reserve strengthening, predominantly in the
medical malpractice line of business for accident years prior to 1995, partially
offset by the aggregate excess of loss reinsurance contract which provides
coverage for losses and LAE in excess of 64% and 65% for the 1997 and 1996
accident years, respectively, which, together, resulted in a loss and LAE
component of the GAAP Combined Ratio 6.9 percentage points higher than in the
comparable 1996 period. The 18.1% increase in LAE resulted from a change in the
line of business mix to those having a higher percentage relationship of LAE to
losses and to the $35 million reserve strengthening of which $9.7 million was
allocated to LAE. The 53.2% increase in the amortization of policy acquisition
costs, underwriting and other expenses was attributable primarily to an
increase in direct commission expense resulting from growth in programs with
higher commission rates, increased staffing and marketing expenses related to
expansion, salary increases and the total expenses attributable to Lyndon,
United Capitol, Western and Regency, partially offset by the recognition of
$5.8 million of the amortization of the excess of net assets over the purchase
price associated with the Lyndon acquisition. The 46.4%
23
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
decrease in interest expense was primarily the result of the repayment and
termination of the line of credit in the fourth quarter of 1996, partially
offset by the interest expense associated with the draw-down of $62 million from
a revolving credit facility that the Company obtained on June 3, 1997. The
Company also incurred approximately $10.8 million of expenses in 1997
attributable to the Convertible TOPrS. As the non-claim related component of the
GAAP Combined Ratio increased at a greater rate than premiums earned , the
non-claim component was 2.3 percentage points higher than in the comparable 1996
period. The total GAAP Combined Ratio increased by 9.2 percentage points to 101%
as a result of the above.
The foregoing changes resulted in income before taxes of $45.8 million for the
year ended 1997, a 19.1% decrease from the comparable 1996 period. Net income
for the year decreased by $7.8 million or 19.4%.
Calendar Year 1996 Compared to Calendar Year 1995
A variety of factors accounted for the 35.6% growth in net premiums earned, the
principal factor being increases in the majority of the Company's core and new
program business, partially offset by a decrease in workers' compensation,
particularly the cotton gin program, and by the increased ceding of net premiums
earned under the Company's aggregate excess of loss reinsurance contract
effective January 1, 1996, pursuant to which 13.5% and 14% of net premiums
earned in 1996 and 1996, respectively, was ceded for all lines of business,
except certain classes of surety bonds, realtors' errors and omissions and all
of the net premiums earned by United Capitol and Regency.
The increase in medical malpractice net premiums earned was primarily
attributable to an increase in the number of physicians insured, principally
those associated with mental health, home care and other social service
organizations, growth in the programs for psychiatrists and alternative risks,
geographical expansion in Ohio, Texas, Michigan and Illinois, growth in the
dental program endorsed by the Academy of General Dentistry, and rate increases
in Florida.
Net premiums earned for the general liability line increased primarily because
of increases in various programs, including social services, alarms and guards,
demolition contractors, pest control, excess employer's liability and asbestos
abatement as a result of the acquisition of United Capitol in May 1996. These
increases were partially offset by a decrease in net premiums earned in the
umbrella and crane operator liability programs.
Growth in the surety net premiums earned continued in 1996, primarily
attributable to expanded writings of license and permit bonds, small contractors
bonds, miscellaneous bonds, custom bonds and bail bonds.
Net premiums earned for the workers' compensation line decreased primarily as a
result of decreases in the specialty niche program for cotton gins and feed lots
, decreases in the social services programs due to price competition, and a
lesser required participation in the National Workers' Compensation Reinsurance
Pools. These decreases were partially offset by increases in workers'
compensation from the alternative risk program which the Company initiated in
1996.
Net premiums earned for the commercial earthquake program increased primarily
due to the growth in the number of policies written in 1996 over the comparable
period in 1995, when the program was initiated.
Net premiums earned for the other lines of business increased primarily due to
increased volume in commercial package policies in the social services program,
and in the mobile homeowners program and auto physical damage business as a
result of the acquisition of Regency effective in June 1996. These increases
were partially offset by decreases in other miscellaneous small programs.
24
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Net investment income before realized capital gains and losses increased 23.9%
due principally to increases in invested assets resulting from the proceeds of
the issuance of Convertible Trust Originated Preferred Securities ("Convertible
TOPrS") in October 1996, cash inflow from regular operations, and the
contribution to net investment income by United Capitol and Regency, partially
offset by the interest charge on funds held by the Company for the benefit of
the reinsurer of the Company's aggregate excess of loss reinsurance contract.
Total net investment income increased 29.5% due to the aforementioned increase
in net investment income and an increase in realized capital gains. The average
annual pre-tax yield on investments, excluding the charge for funds held under
the aggregate excess of loss reinsurance contract and realized capital gains and
losses, was 6.4%, unchanged from the previous year. The average annual after-tax
yield on investments, excluding the charge for funds held under the aggregate
excess of loss reinsurance contract and realized capital gains and losses, was
4.8%, as compared to the previous year.
Gross claims adjusting income decreased 57.7% primarily as a result of a
decrease in claim services provided to outside companies, principally Markel
Corporation.
Total revenues increased 34.7% as a result of the above.
Total expenses increased by 35.6%, similar to the 35.6% increase in net premiums
earned. Losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") increased by 30.8% which
included a 8.5% increase in losses and a 97.5% increase in LAE. The increase in
losses was substantially lower than for net premiums earned as a result of a
one-time reallocation of loss reserves to LAE reserves, favorable reserve
development in accident years prior to 1996 for general liability and workers'
compensation and recoveries under the aggregate excess of loss reinsurance
contract which provides coverage for certain losses and LAE in excess of 65% of
the net premiums earned for the 1996 accident year, partially offset by higher
loss and LAE ratios for business written in 1996. The Company also increased
prior years' reserves by approximately $13 million, which was entirely offset by
an increase in the same amount of the subrogation recoverable recognized in
conjunction with the favorable December 1995 ruling in the New York Court of
Appeals, described in Note D of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Such increase in the subrogation recoverable resulted from further documentation
and verification in the second quarter of 1996 of claims already paid by the
Company and reserves held by the Company that the Company believes are
reimbursable by the State of New York. The 97.5% increase in LAE resulted from
the increase in loss and LAE ratios, a one-time reallocation of loss reserves to
LAE reserves, partially offset by a change in the line of business mix to those
having a lower percentage relationship of LAE to losses and the allocation of
recoveries under the aggregate excess of loss contract. Due to the
disproportionate relationship of losses and LAE to net premiums earned, the loss
and LAE component of the GAAP Combined Ratio was 2.1 percentage points lower
than in the comparable 1995 period. The 40% increase in the amortization of
policy acquisition costs, underwriting and other expenses was attributable
primarily to an increase in direct commission expense resulting from growth in
programs with higher commission rates, a decrease in reinsurance contingent
commissions, increased staffing and marketing expenses related to expansion, a
reduction in assessment recoveries from the Texas Workers' Compensation
Insurance Facility, and salary increases. The 120% increase in interest expense
was primarily the result of increased interest expense associated with the
borrowing under the line of credit. The Company also incurred approximately $2.3
million of expenses in 1996 associated with the Convertible TOPrS. See NOTE N of
the NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. As the non-claim related
component of the GAAP Combined Ratio increased at a greater rate than premiums
earned, the non-claim component was 1.2 percentage points higher than in the
comparable 1995 period. The total GAAP Combined Ratio decreased by .9 percentage
points to 91.8% as a result of the above.
The foregoing changes resulted in income before income taxes of $56.7 million
for the year ended 1996, a 30.9% increase from the comparable 1995 period. Net
income for the year increased by $8.9 million, or 28.4%.
25
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Asset Portfolio Review
At December 31, 1997, the Company's total assets of $ 1.98 billion were
comprised of the following: cash and investments, 63.9%; reinsurance
recoverables, 19.9%; premiums receivable and agents balances, 4.8%; deferred
expenses (policy acquisition costs and deferred federal income taxes), 4.3%;
home office building, property and equipment, 2.4%; and other assets, 4.7%.
The Company generally invests in securities with fixed maturities with the
objective of providing reasonable returns while limiting liquidity and credit
risk. As a result, its investment portfolio consists primarily of government and
governmental agency securities and high-quality marketable corporate securities
which are rated at investment grade levels. At December 31, 1997, the Company
held rated, or better-than-investment grade, fixed maturity debt securities with
a carrying amount of $1.06 billion, constituting 98.5% of the Company's fixed
maturity investments.
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company's fixed maturity securities included
mortgage-backed bonds of $368.6 million and $297.8 million, respectively, which
are subject to risks associated with variable prepayments of the underlying
mortgage loans. Prepayments cause those securities to have different actual
maturities than those expected at the time of purchase. Securities that have an
amortized cost greater than par that are backed by mortgages that prepay faster
than expected will incur a reduction in yield or loss, while securities that
have an amortized cost less than par that are backed by mortgages that prepay
faster than expected will generate an increase in yield or gain. The degree to
which a security is susceptible to either gains or losses is influenced by the
difference between its amortized cost and par, the relative sensitivity of the
underlying mortgages backing the assets to prepayments in a changing interest
rate environment and the repayment priority of the securities in the overall
securitization structure.
The Company limits the extent of its credit risk by purchasing securities that
are backed by stable collateral and by concentrating on securities with enhanced
priority in the securitization structure. Such securities with reduced risk
typically have a lower yield (but higher liquidity) than higher-risk
mortgage-backed bonds (i.e., mortgage-backed bonds structured to share in
residual cash flows or which cover interest only payments). At selected times,
higher-risk securities may be purchased if they do not compromise the safety of
the Company's general portfolio. There are negligible default risks in the
Company's mortgage-backed bond portfolio as the vast majority of these bonds are
either guaranteed by U.S. government-sponsored entities or are supported in the
securitization structure by junior securities resulting in the bonds having high
investment grade status.
The following table provides a profile of the Company's fixed maturity
investment portfolio by rating at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount Percent
Fair Reflected on of
S&P/Moody's Rating Value Balance Sheet Portfolio
------------------ ----- ------------- ---------
(Amounts in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AAA/Aaa (including U.S. Treasuries of $42,110) $ 582,515 $ 582,515 54.0%
AA/Aa 180,252 180,252 16.7
A/A 227,086 227,086 21.0
BBB/Baa 73,194 73,194 6.8
All other 16,693 16,693 1.5
---------- ---------- -----
Total $1,079,740 $1,079,740 100.0%
========== ========== =====
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
In December 1995, the Company reclassified all of its previously held securities
classified as held-to-maturity, to available-for-sale as permitted by the FASB's
Special Report, A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equities Questions and Answers. The
reclassification increased shareholders' equity by $2.75 million at December 31,
1995.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company is a holding company, receiving cash principally through sales of
equities, borrowings, and dividends from its subsidiaries, certain of which are
subject to dividend restrictions described in Note J of the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. The ability of insurance and reinsurance
companies to underwrite insurance and reinsurance is based on maintaining
liquidity and capital resources sufficient to pay claims and expenses as they
become due. The primary sources of liquidity for the Company's subsidiaries are
funds generated from insurance and reinsurance premiums, investment income,
commission and fee income, capital contributions from the Company and proceeds
from sales and maturities of portfolio investments. The principal expenditures
are for payment of losses and LAE, underwriting and other operating expenses,
commissions, and dividends to shareholders and policyholders.
The Company's subsidiaries maintain liquid operating positions and follow
investment guidelines that are intended to provide for an acceptable return on
investment while preserving capital, maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet
their obligations, and as to the Company's insurance subsidiaries, maintaining a
sufficient margin of capital and surplus to ensure their unimpaired ability to
write insurance and assume reinsurance.
Cash flow generated from operations for 1997, 1996, and 1995 was $95.1 million,
$116.5 million, and $105.0 million, respectively, amounts adequate to meet all
of the Company's obligations.
In May 1995, the Company and R. Spencer Douglas III ("Douglass") formed a
California limited liability corporation, Douglass/Frontier, LLC
("Douglass/Frontier"), a bail bond insurance agency to which the Company
contributed $2.4 million in cash and Douglass contributed the assets of his
wholly-owned existing bail bond agency. The Company and Douglass share equally
in the ownership of Douglass/Frontier.
On June 29, 1995, the Company obtained a 4 1/2 year, $35 million line of credit
facility from The Bank of New York, under which it borrowed $25 million at an
interest rate of 6.87% per annum, payable quarterly. In June and September 1996,
the Company borrowed an additional $4.2 million and $2.9 million from The Bank
of New York (outside of the line of credit) at annual interest rates of 6.125%
and 6.3125%, respectively, payable quarterly, due October 1996. In the fourth
quarter of 1996, the Company repaid all borrowings and terminated the facility.
As a result of a review by AM Best of Frontier Insurance Company's A-(Excellent)
rating, the Company agreed with AM Best to make a $45 million capital infusion
to Frontier Insurance Company by June 30, 1995 in order to fund its projected
growth and retain its A- rating. At June 30, 1995, the Company had completed the
$45 million capital infusion, utilizing a combination of funds previously held
by the Company and loan proceeds from The Bank of New York loan.
In November 1995, the Company acquired the realtors' errors and omissions book
of business from Bankers Multiple Line Insurance Company ("BMLIC") for $400,000.
The personnel of BMLIC involved in placing and servicing the acquired business
have become employees of the Company and will continue to operate from their
location in Louisville, Kentucky.
In May 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of United Capitol Holding
Company ("United Capitol Holding"), the direct or indirect parent of United
Capitol Insurance Company, United Capitol Managers, Inc. (renamed Olympic
Underwriting Mangers, Inc.) and Fischer Underwriting Group, Inc., for
27
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<PAGE>
$31.0 million. United Capitol Holding, through its subsidiaries, underwrites
specialty risks such as asbestos abatement, environmental liability and
directors' and officers' liability.
Effective September 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of Regency
Insurance Company and Emrol Premium Discount, Inc. in exchange for 476,174
shares of the Company's Common Stock. Regency underwrites non-standard
automobile insurance principally in North Carolina and Emrol finances premiums
primarily for policyholders of Regency.
In October 1996, the Company completed a $172.5 million offering of Convertible
TOPrS, issued through Frontier Financing Trust, a Delaware business trust formed
by Frontier for the purpose of the transaction. The Convertible TOPrS have a
dividend rate of 6 1/4% and are convertible into 2.1328 shares of the Company's
Common Stock, equivalent to a conversion price of $23.44 per share. See NOTE N
of the NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Net proceeds to the
Company from this offering were $166.9 million of which $32.1 million was
applied to repay bank debt, $60 million was contributed to the surplus of
Frontier Insurance and the remaining balance was available for general corporate
purposes.
During 1997 and 1996, the Company expended $9.5 million and $1.2 million,
respectively, in connection with the construction of an addition to its home
office building. The Company plans to occupy the addition in 1998 and will
expend approximately $3.4 million in additional funds to complete the facility.
On June 3, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of Lyndon Property and
its six subsidiaries, Lyndon Life Insurance Company, Twin Mercury Life
Insurance Company, Gulfco Life Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance
Company, Lyndon-DFS Warranty Services, Inc. and Lyndon General Agency of Texas,
Inc., for $92 million.
On June 3, 1997, the Company obtained a five-year $100 million revolving loan
credit facility from Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch and/or Cayman Islands
Branch, from which it borrowed $62 million at an initial floating interest rate
of 6.04%, based upon Eurodollar interest rates, payable quarterly, to fund a
portion of the $92 million purchase price of Lyndon. On August 21, 1997, the
Company repaid all borrowings under the credit facility. The credit facility
remains available to the Company and at December 31, 1997, no amounts were
borrowed under it by the Company.
In July 1997, the Company acquired a 25% interest in American Country Holdings
("ACH") for $8.9 million. ACH through its wholly-owned subsidiary, American
Country Insurance Company writes specialty insurance for the transportation
industry, predominantly taxi cabs.
In August 1997, the Company sold approximately 4.5 million shares of its Common
Stock in a public offering realizing net proceeds of approximately $144.5
million, of which $62 million was used to repay bank indebtedness, $78 million
was used for strategic acquisitions and $5 million was used for an additional
capital contribution to Regency.
In December 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of Western Indemnity
Insurance Company ("Western") for $48 million. Western is a specialized health
carrier, underwriting coverage for both physician and hospitals. Also, in
December 1997, the Company acquired Environmental and Commercial Insurance
Agency, Inc. ("ECI") for $4.5 million. ECI is an underwriting manager of
environmental errors and omissions and construction specialties, placing
the majority of its business written with United Capitol.
In March 1992, the Company commenced quarterly cash dividend payments. Cash
dividends declared in 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $8,200,000, $6,900,000, and
$6,200,000, respectively.
On November 10, 1994, the Company authorized a stock repurchase program to
purchase up to 1 million shares of its Common Stock at such times and prices as
the Company deems advantageous, in
28
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<PAGE>
compliance with SEC Rule 10b-18 at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board.
There is no commitment or obligation on the part of the Company to purchase any
particular number of shares, and the program may be suspended at any time at the
Company's discretion. The Company did not purchase any shares in 1997. In 1996,
the Company purchased 13,200 shares of its Common Stock at a cost of $134,000
pursuant to the program.
Reinsurance
Effective January 1, 1995, the Company entered into a stop loss reinsurance
contract with Zurich Reinsurance (North America), Inc. ("Zurich N.A."), formerly
Centre Reinsurance Company of New York ("Centre Re") for accident years'
commencing 1995. Under the agreement, Zurich N.A. provides reinsurance
protection within certain accident year and contract aggregate dollar limits for
losses and LAE in excess of a predetermined ratio of these expenses to net
premiums earned for a given accident year for all subject business. The loss and
LAE ratio above which the reinsurance provides coverage is 66%, 65%, and 64% for
accident years 1995 through 1997, respectively. The maximum amount recoverable
for an accident year is 175% of the reinsurance premium paid for the accident
year, or $162,500,000 in the aggregate for the three years.
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company entered into an Aggregate Excess of Loss
Reinsurance Agreement (Stop Loss) with Zurich N.A. for the 1998 and 1999
accident years. The new agreement includes selected progress underwritten by
United Capital, Western, and selected core programs of Frontier Insurance and
Frontier Pacific which were part of the original 1995-1997 Stop Loss Agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Zurich N.A. provides reinsurance protection
within certain contract aggregate dollar limits for losses and LAE in excess of
a predetermined ratio of these expenses to earned premiums for a given accident
year for subject insurance programs. The maximum amount recoverable for an
accident year is 240% of the reinsurance premium paid for the accident year or
$230,000,000 in the aggregate for the two years.
Litigation with the State of New York
In December 1990, the New York State Court of Claims rendered a decision in
favor of the Company holding that a State University of New York ("SUNY")
medical school faculty member engaged in the clinical practice of medicine at a
SUNY medical facility, corollary to such physician's faculty activities, was
within the scope of such physician's employment by SUNY and was protected
against malpractice claims arising out of such activity by the State of New York
and not under the Company's medical malpractice policy. The decision was
affirmed on appeal by the New York State Appellate Division in November 1991 and
not appealed by the State. In July 1992, the State of New York enacted
legislation eliminating medical school faculty members of SUNY engaged in the
clinical practice of medicine at a SUNY medical facility from indemnification by
the State with respect to malpractice claims arising out of such activity,
retroactive to July 1, 1991. In an opinion filed on September 3, 1993 the Court
of Claims of the State of New York held, inter alia, that the July 1992
legislation by the State of New York eliminating SUNY medical school faculty
members engaged in the clinical practice of medicine, as part of their
employment by SUNY, from indemnification by the State with respect to
malpractice claims arising out of such activity, was not to be applied
retroactively. This decision was affirmed by the New York State Appellate
Division in April 1994. Subsequently, in February 1995, the Appellate Division
granted leave to Frontier and the State of New York to have the issues of
Frontier's entitlement to recover its costs of defense and its costs of
settlement ruled on by the State's highest Court, the New York Court of Appeals.
In December 1995, the New York Court of Appeals ruled on this issue and
concluded that Frontier was entitled to recoveries from the State for such
medical malpractice claims. As a result of this decision, the Company believes
that it will benefit economically by not being ultimately responsible for
certain claims against SUNY physicians for whom it presently carries reserves is
entitled to reimbursement of certain claims previously paid; accordingly,
effective June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995, Frontier recorded subrogation
recoverables of approximately $13,000,000 and $19,000,000, respectively,
representing the amount of claims already paid and the reserves currently held
by Frontier on open cases that management believes are reimbursable by the State
of New York. In January 1997, the New York Court of Claims rendered a decision
granting summary judgement to the Company on three SUNY cases that were
previously paid by the Company. This decision has been appealed by the State of
New York. In January 1998, the New York Legislature approved a bill to eliminate
the right of SUNY physicians to obtain indemnification from New York State for
claims arising out of their clinical practice of medicine, retroactive to August
5, 1978, which bill was vetoed by the Governor in February 1998. Prior to the
veto, the Company's management and members of the offices of the Governor and of
the Attorney General held joint discussions for a comprehensive settlement of
the amount of reimbursement to which the Company is entitled from the State.
Discussions are continuing, but to date no resolution has been reached. To the
extent that the amount of the actual recovery varies, such difference will be
reported in the period recognized. The
29
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<PAGE>
Company is continuing to defend all SUNY faculty members against malpractice
claims that have been asserted and is maintaining reserves therefor adjusted for
the anticipated recoveries.
Regulation
In its ongoing effort to improve solvency regulation, the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") and individual states have enacted certain
laws and financial statement changes. The NAIC has adopted Risk-Based Capital
("RBC") requirements for property/casualty insurance companies to evaluate the
adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and
insurance risks such as asset quality, mortality and morbidity, asset and
liability matching, benefit and 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 potentially are inadequately capitalized. In addition,
the formula defines new minimum capital standards that supplement the current
system of low fixed minimum capital and surplus requirements on a state-by-state
basis. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of the enterprise's
regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized
control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger
points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of which requires
specific corrective action. The levels and ratios are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratio of Total Adjusted Capital to
Authorized Control Level RBC
Regulatory Event (Less Than or Equal to)
------------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C>
Company action level 2*
Regulatory action level 1.5
Authorized control level 1
Mandatory control level 0.7
</TABLE>
*Or, 2.5 with negative trend.
The ratios of total adjusted capital to authorized control level RBC for the
Company's insurance subsidiaries were all in excess of 3:1 at both December 31,
1997 and 1996.
The NAIC currently is in the process of recodifying statutory accounting
practices, the result of which is expected to constitute the only source of
"prescribed" statutory accounting practices. Accordingly, that project, which is
expected to be completed in 1998, will likely change, to some extent, prescribed
statutory accounting practices, and may result in changes in the Company's
insurance subsidiaries' statutory surplus.
The thrust of these regulatory efforts at all levels is to improve the solvency
of insurers. These regulatory initiatives, and the overall focus on solvency,
may intensify the restructuring and consolidation of the insurance industry.
While the impact of these regulatory efforts on the Company's operations cannot
be quantified until enacted, the Company believes it will be adequately
positioned to compete in an environment of more stringent regulation.
30
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Impact of Inflation
Property and casualty insurance premiums are established before the amount of
losses and LAE, or the extent to which inflation may affect such expenses, are
known. Consequently, the Company attempts, in establishing its premiums, to
anticipate the potential impact of inflation. However, for competitive and
regulatory reasons, the Company may be limited in raising its premiums
commensurate with anticipated inflation, in which event the Company, rather than
its insureds, would absorb inflation costs. Inflation also affects the rate of
investment return on the Company's investment portfolio with a corresponding
effect on the Company's investment income.
Impact of Year 2000
The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer hardware or software using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's
computer systems that are time-sensitive software may recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system
failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among
other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or
engage in similar normal business activities.
The Company's main application software system has been upgraded during 1998 and
is Year 2000 compliant. The Company has initiated formal communications with all
of its significant customers and vendors to determine the extent to which the
Company's business interface systems or leased software are vulnerable to those
third parties failure to remediate their own Year 2000 issues.
The Company will complete a formal Year 2000 plan by July of 1998 which will
detail all needed steps to achieve Year 2000 compliance and specify the time
frames for these steps. It's anticipated that all major processing systems will
be fully compliant by November 1998. The Company does not expect the costs of
the Year 2000 project to have a material impact on its financial position or
results of operations. The amount expensed in 1997 was immaterial.
Environmental Issues
The Company, through its subsidiary, United Capitol, in the ordinary course of
business, writes insurance on accounts which have hazardous, unique or unusual
risk characteristics. Since United Capitol's organization in 1986, its liability
policies have included an absolute pollution coverage exclusions, except for
policies providing pollution liability coverage to contractors involved in the
remediation of pre-existing pollution. In addition, United Capitol's product
liability and other primary general liability policies contain exclusions for
coverage of claims for bodily injury or property damage caused by exposure to
asbestos, other than for the policies providing coverage to asbestos abatement
contractors for third party claims alleging bodily injury or property damage as
a result of exposure to asbestos. Employees of the insured contractor and others
required to be in the abatement area are excluded from coverage.
Although the Company believes that such policies, together with the Company's
general, professional and other liability policies, do not subject it to
material exposure for environmental pollution claims, there can be no assurance
of the Company's continued protection in view of the expansion of liability for
environmental claims in recent litigation in the insurance industry.
31
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Shareholder Litigation
Following the Company's November 5, 1994 announcement of its third-quarter
financial results, the Company was served with seven purported class actions
alleging violations of federal securities laws by the Company and, in some
cases, by certain of its officers and directors. In September 1995, a pre-trial
order was signed which consolidated all actions in the Eastern District of New
York, appointed three law firms as co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs and set
forth a timetable for class certification motion practice and discovery. In
November 1995, plaintiffs served a consolidated amended complaint alleging
violations by the Company of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 and Rule 10(b)(5) thereunder, seeking to impose controlling person
liability on certain of the Company's officers and directors, and further
alleging insider sales all premised on negative financial information that
allegedly should have been publicly disclosed earlier. Plaintiffs seek an
unspecified amount in damages to be proven at trial, reasonable attorneys fees'
and expert witness costs. In April 1997, the Court certified the class.
Plaintiffs have subpoenaed documents and deposed outside auditors and analysts.
Plaintiffs have also taken depositions from current or former officers,
directors and employees of the Company. The Company believes the suit is without
merit, has retained special legal counsel to contest this suit vigorously and
believes that the Company's exposure to liability, if any, thereunder would not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
See List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on
Page F-1.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure.
None.
32
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
The following table lists each director and each executive officer of the
Company, together with their respective age and office(s) held:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Office
- ----------------------- --- -------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Walter A. Rhulen 66 President and Chairman of the Board (deceased January 31, 1998)
Harry W. Rhulen 34 President and Chairman of the Board
Suzanne Rhulen Loughlin 37 Exec. Vice President - Chief Administration Officer and Director
Peter H. Foley 50 Exec. Vice President - Mergers and Acquisitions
Mark H. Mishler 39 Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
Thomas J. Dietz 56 Vice President
Joseph P. Loughlin 38 Vice President - Chief Claims Officer
Richard F. Seyffarth 50 Vice President - Chief Investment Officer
James E. Kroh 54 Vice President - Human Resources
Joel Gelb 47 Vice President - Chief Information Officer
Peter L. Rhulen 59 Director
Lawrence E. O'Brien 57 Director
Douglas C. Moat 66 Director/Consultant
Alan Gerry 69 Director
</TABLE>
Walter A. Rhulen was the President and Chairman of the Board of the
Company since commencement of its operations in July 1986 and the President of
Frontier Insurance since 1976 until his death in January 1998.
Harry W. Rhulen, a director of the Company since October 1997, was
elected President and Chief Executive Officer in January 1998 and Chairman of
the Board in February 1998 following the illness and subsequent death of his
father, Walter A. Rhulen, the former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Harry Rhulen has been an employee of the
Company since June 1989, was elected a Vice President in June 1990, Executive
Vice President in October 1996 and Chief Operating Officer in May 1997.
Suzanne Rhulen Loughlin was elected Executive Vice President- Chief
Administrative Officer and Director in February 1998. Prior thereto, Ms.
Loughlin was the Managing Attorney of the Company's in-house law firm of Dubois,
Billig, Loughlin, Conaty and Weisman since 1992, and an employee of the Company
since January 1991.
Peter H. Foley was elected Executive Vice President of the Company in
October 1996, having been a Vice President of the Company since June 1995. Prior
thereto, Mr. Foley served as Vice President of Aegis Security Insurance Company
from September 1993 to June 1995, Executive Vice President and co-founder of
Connecticut Surety Insurance Company from May 1993 to September 1993, and Senior
Vice President of E.W. Blanch, Inc. from November 1991 to May 1993. Mr. Foley
has served in various executive officer positions in the insurance industry for
more than 22 years, and has served as principal of his own consulting firm.
Mark H. Mishler was elected Vice President -Chief Financial Officer of
the Company in May 1997, having been the Vice President - Finance and Treasurer
since October 1996, the Vice President and Controller of Frontier Insurance
Company since 1995 and an employee of the Company since 1987. Mr. Mishler has
more than 16 years experience in the insurance business.
Thomas J. Dietz has been a Vice President of the Company since July 1990
and the President of Med Pro since its inception in 1986. For more than five
years prior thereto, Mr. Dietz was a Vice President of Medical Quadrangle, Inc.,
an insurance agency which acted as a broker to the Company through February
1987. Mr. Dietz, a CPCU, has more than 30 years' experience in the insurance
business.
33
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Joseph P. Loughlin was elected Vice President - Chief Claims Officer in
February 1998 and has been the Corporate Secretary since 1993. Mr. Loughlin
served as a member of the in-house law firm of Dubois, Billig, Loughlin, Conaty
and Weisman since 1990, and as the Managing Attorney for the Company's legal
offices in Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando and a Vice President of Frontier Insurance
responsible for Medical Malpractice claims since January 1997.
Richard E. Seyffarth was elected Vice President - Chief Investment
officer in May 1997, having joined the Company in 1996. Prior thereto, Mr.
Seyffarth served as Vice President of Home Insurance Company for over seven
years.
James E. Kroh was elected Vice President - Human Resources of the Company
in May 1996, and joined the Company in 1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Kroh served for
in excess of five years as Vice President for PHICO Insurance Company.
Joel Gelb was elected Vice President - Chief Investment Officer in May
1997 having joined the Company earlier in the year. Prior thereto, Mr. Gelb
served in excess of five years as Vice President for Group Health Insurance.
Peter L. Rhulen has been a director of the Company since commencement of
its operations in July 1986. Mr. Rhulen was formerly Vice Chairman of
Markel/Rhulen, a position he held from October 1989 to September 1992. Mr.
Rhulen is also Vice Chairman of the Board of Metro Partners, Inc.
Lawrence E. O'Brien has been a director of the Company since June 1990
and a member of the Audit Committee since that date. Mr. O'Brien, a CPCU, is the
President of O'Brien Management Company, Inc., an insurance consulting firm, a
position he has held since January 1988, and was a co-founder and a director of
Underwriter Management Associates, a managing general insurance agency with
which he had been associated since its inception in 1983 until its sale in
September 1990. From 1976 to 1987, Mr. O'Brien was Executive Vice President of
Associated Risk Managers, a New York statewide affiliation of independent
insurance agents marketing specialized insurance programs.
Douglas C. Moat has been a director of the Company since August 1991 and
a member of the Audit Committee since that date and since February 1998 has been
a consultant to the Company under a two-year consulting agreement. Mr. Moat, a
JD, CLU, and FLMI, is Chairman of the Manhattan Group, Inc., an insurance and
financial services firm, and has over 40 years' experience in insurance and
financial services sales and management, including 13 years as a private
consultant. During his career, he has held positions as Executive Vice
President, The Home Group; Director - Financial Services Corporate Staff, ITT
Corp.; Vice President, USLIFE Corp., and President of USLIFE's mutual fund
subsidiary; Vice President, The Glens Falls Group and the National Life
Assurance Company of Canada. Mr. Moat is a member of the New York State Bar
Association, serves on several insurance and banking committees, and writes and
speaks extensively on insurance topics, often acting as an expert witness.
Alan Gerry was elected a director of the Company in March 1996. Mr. Gerry
was the founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Cablevision Industries Corporation, the eighth largest multiple cable system
operator in the United States until its merger with Time Warner Entertainment in
January 1996, and now acts as a private investor. Mr. Gerry was a founding
member of the Board of the Cable Alliance for Education and is a past President
of the New York State Cable Television Association.
----------------
Mr. Harry Rhulen and Ms. Suzanne Loughlin are brother and sister, Mr. Joseph
Loughlin is the husband of Suzanne Loughlin, and Mr. Peter Rhulen is their
uncle.
All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and
until their successors are elected and qualified. Officers are elected annually
and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, subject to rights, if any,
under contracts of employment.
34
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation earned by the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and its four other most highly compensated
executive officers and during the year ended December 31, 1997 and the two
preceding years.
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long-Term
------------------- Compensation
Name and Awards
Principal Salary Bonus ------ All Other
Position Year ($) ($) Options(#) Compensation($)(1)
- ---------------- ---- ---------- --------- ----------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Walter A. Rhulen 1997 519,000 200,000 -- 59,800
President 1996 500,000 415,500 -- 30,000
and Chairman 1995 500,000 296,900 -- 23,400
Thomas J. Dietz 1997 286,000 50,000 -- 25,900
Vice President 1996 250,000 75,000 -- 20,000
1995 215,000 35,400 -- 16,300
Peter H. Foley 1997 239,000 125,000 -- 22,400
Executive 1996 191,000 157,800 40,000(3) 17,000
Vice President 1995 77,900 45,300 22,000(4) 3,600
Harry W. Rhulen 1997 188,000 -- 14,000(2) 17,500
Executive 1996 125,000 65,000 -- 14,000
Vice President 1995 105,000 23,900 5,500(5) 10,000
Mark H. Mishler 1997 143,000 30,000 10,000(2) 16,300
Vice President, Treasurer 1996 106,000 60,000 -- 11,300
and Chief Financial Officer 1995 87,000 8,900 5,500(5) 6,700
</TABLE>
(1) Represents the allocable amount accrued for contribution by the Company to
its profit sharing plan and the allocable amount of the Company's
contribution to its 401K plan. The allocable amount accrued for
contribution to the Company's profit sharing plan for Messrs. W. Rhulen,
Dietz, Foley, H. Rhulen and Mishler was $36,624, $13,962, $13,507, $9,523
and $8,081, respectively, and the allocable amount contributed to the
Company's 401K Plan for Messrs. W. Rhulen, Dietz, Foley, H. Rhulen and
Mishler was $23,136, $11,900, $8,900, $8,000 and $8,222, respectively.
(2) Exercisable cumulatively at the rate of 25% of the underlying shares per
year, commencing May 22, 1998.
(3) Exercisable cumulatively at the rate of approximately 5% of the underlying
shares per year, commencing June 30, 1997.
(4) Exercisable cumulatively at the rate of 25% of the underlying shares per
year, commencing June 5, 1996.
(5) Exercisable cumulatively at the rate of 25% of the underlying shares per
year, commencing March 3, 1996.
-----------------
35
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The following table presents the value of unexercised options held at December
31, 1997 by the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table:
Options Value Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Value of
Number of Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Options Options
at Year-End(#) at Year-End($)*
Exercisable (E)/ Exercisable (E)/
Name Unexercisable (U) Unexercisable (U)
- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Walter A. Rhulen -- --
Thomas J. Dietz 148,500(E) 21,933(E)
Peter H. Foley 6,576(E) 61,655(E)
49,024(E) 276,468(U)
Harry W. Rhulen 214,626(E)(1) 124,811(E)
16,750(U) 36,969(U)
Mark H. Mishler 6,380(E) 74,880(E)
12,750(U) 36,969(U)
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Values are calculated by subtracting the exercise price from the fair
market value of the Common Stock at year-end.
(1) Includes 206,430 shares purchasable at $22.725 per share upon exercise of
options granted to Mr. Walter A. Rhulen, his father, and gifted to Mr.
Harry W. Rhulen by his father.
----------------
Mr. Harry W. Rhulen is the son of Mr. Walter A. Rhulen.
36
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common
Stock at December 31, 1997 by (i) each person known by the Company to own
beneficially five percent or more of such shares, (ii) each director, (iii) each
person named in the Summary Compensation Table under "Executive Compensation" on
page 32, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group, together with
their respective percentage ownership of the outstanding shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
----------------------------------------------------
Currently Acquirable Percent of
Name and Address Owned Within 60 Days(1) Outstanding
- ---------------- ----------- -------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Walter A. Rhulen (deceased January 31, 1998)... 1,883,084(3) -- 5.5
Peter L. Rhulen (2)............................ 1,791,500(4) -- 5.3
Lawrence E. O'Brien............................ 56,784 2,752 *
Douglas C. Moat................................ 8,526 2,752 *
Alan Gerry..................................... 30,000 -- *
Thomas J. Dietz................................ 135,138 148,500 *
Harry W. Rhulen................................ 137,104(5) 214,626(6) 1.0
Peter H. Foley................................. 1,997 6,576 *
Mark H. Mishler................................ -- 6,380 *
Denver Investment Advisors LLC
1225 - 17th Street, 26th Floor
Denver, CO 80202............................ 1,984,958(7) -- 5.8
Wellington Management Company
75 State Street
Boston, MA 02109............................. 2,994,141(8) -- 8.8
All directors and executive
officers as a group (9 persons) ............. 4,044,133 381,586 13.0
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Reflects number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of
options.
(2) Address is 195 Lake Louise Marie Road, Rock Hill, NY 12775-8000.
(3) Does not include 272,028 shares of Common Stock owned by the wife of the
late Walter A. Rhulen.
(4) Does not include 490,782 shares, 26,432 shares and 22,810 shares,
respectively, of Common Stock owned by three children of Mr. Peter L.
Rhulen, Mr. Rhulen's spouse and The Eileen and Peter Rhulen Foundation,
Inc. for which Mr Rhulen acts as President. Mr. Rhulen disclaims beneficial
ownership of such shares.
(5) Includes 8,076 and 1,054 shares owned by a daughter and son of Mr. Harry W.
Rhulen, respectively, for whom he acts as custodian under the Uniform Gifts
to Minors Act. Does not include 14,220 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr.
Rhulen's wife, as to which Mr. Rhulen disclaims beneficial ownership.
(6) Includes 206,500 shares purchasable at $22.725 per share upon exercise of
options granted to the late Mr. Walter A. Rhulen, his father, and gifted to
Mr. Harry W. Rhulen by his father.
(7) Information is from Schedule 13G, dated February 11, 1998, filed by Denver
Investment Advisors, LLC, which reflects shared dispositive power with
respect to 1,984,958 shares.
(8) Information is from a Schedule 13G, dated January 28, 1998, filed by
Wellington Management Company, which reflects shared dispositive power with
respect to 2,994,141 shares.
37
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Not applicable.
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) List of documents filed as part of this Report.
(1), (2) Financial Statements and Schedules.
See List of Financial Statements and Financial
Statement Schedules on page F-1.
(3) The list of exhibits required to be filed with this Report
is set forth in the Index to Exhibits herein.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
(c) Exhibits.
See Index to Exhibits
38
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 8, ITEM 14(a)(1) and (2), (c), and (d)
LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
ROCK HILL, NEW YORK
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FORM 10-K--ITEM 14(a)(1) AND (2)
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following consolidated financial statements and supplemental data of
Frontier Insurance Group, Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Item 8:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1997 and 1996...............................F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income--Years Ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.....................................................F-5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity--Three Years Ended
December 31, 1997....................................................................F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Years Ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.....................................................F-7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements........................................F-8
Supplemental Data--Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)........................F-35
</TABLE>
The following consolidated financial statement schedules of Frontier Insurance
Group, Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Item 14(a):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Schedule II--Condensed Financial Information of Registrant............................F-36
Schedule IV--Reinsurance..............................................................F-39
Schedule V --Valuation and Qualifying Accounts........................................F-40
Schedule VI--Supplemental Information Concerning
Property/Casualty Insurance Operations...................................F-41
</TABLE>
All other schedules for which provision is made in Article 7 of Regulation S-X
are not required under the related instructions, are inapplicable, or required
information is included in the consolidated financial statements, and therefore,
have been omitted.
F-1
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Frontier Insurance Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Frontier
Insurance Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. Our audits
also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item
14(a). These financial statements and schedules 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Frontier Insurance Group, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein.
/S/ Ernst & Young LLP
---------------------------------
New York, New York
March 24, 1998
F-2
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
-----------------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Investments--Note I:
Securities, available for sale--at fair value:
Fixed maturities (amortized cost:
1997--$1,053,540; 1996--$680,281) $1,079,740 $685,277
Equity securities (cost: 1997--$17,256;
1996--$13,871) 20,281 16,271
Limited investment partnerships 17,758
Equity investees 14,108 2,937
Short-term investments 117,568 133,835
---------- ----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 1,249,455 838,320
Cash 11,804 8,332
Agents' balances due, less
allowances for doubtful accounts
(1997--$2,146; 1996--$2,225) 69,889 50,558
Premiums receivable from insureds,
less allowances for doubtful accounts
(1997--$645; 1996--$60) 26,307 26,225
Net reinsurance recoverables, less allowances
for possible uncollectible amounts
(1997--$310; 1996--$517)--Note E 391,168 192,569
Accrued investment income 14,970 9,364
Federal income taxes recoverable 7,292 3,987
Deferred policy acquisition costs 55,634 32,871
Deferred federal income tax asset--Note F 29,045 27,620
Home office building, property and equipment--
at cost, less accumulated depreciation and
amortization (1997--$15,075; 1996--$11,184) 48,298 37,167
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization
(1997--$4,770; 1996--$3,808) 29,885 11,738
Other assets 41,966 7,656
---------- ----------
TOTAL ASSETS $1,975,713 $1,246,407
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS--Continued
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
-----------------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
Policy liabilities--Notes D and E:
Unpaid losses $ 635,719 $ 429,506
Unpaid loss adjustment expenses 144,325 109,567
Unearned premiums 404,042 185,728
---------- ----------
TOTAL POLICY LIABILITIES 1,184,086 724,801
Funds withheld under reinsurance contracts--Note E 111,879 64,065
Cash dividend payable to shareholders 2,375 1,904
Other liabilities 56,965 20,110
---------- ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,355,305 810,880
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--Note M
GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTEREST
IN COMPANY'S CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES--Note N 166,703 166,953
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY--Notes H, J, K and P
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share
(shares authorized and unissued: 1,000,000)
Common stock, par value $.01 per share
(shares authorized: 50,000,000,
shares issued: 1997--34,017,544;
1996--29,379,104) 340 294
Additional paid-in capital 367,914 221,837
Net unrealized gains--Notes F and I 20,238 4,807
Retained earnings 65,995 42,424
---------- ----------
SUBTOTAL 454,487 269,362
Less treasury stock--at cost (1997--90,450 shares;
1996--91,080 shares) 782 788
---------- ----------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 453,705 268,574
---------- ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $1,975,713 $1,246,407
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES--Note E
Premiums written $587,635 $402,799 $264,314
Premiums ceded (198,619) (90,936) (43,557)
-------- -------- --------
NET PREMIUMS WRITTEN 389,016 311,863 220,757
Increase in net unearned premiums (22,172) (45,874) (24,537)
-------- -------- --------
NET PREMIUMS EARNED 366,844 265,989 196,220
Net investment income 56,122 37,226 30,035
Realized capital gains 4,222 1,707 20
-------- -------- --------
TOTAL NET INVESTMENT
INCOME--Note I 60,344 38,933 30,055
Gross claims adjusting income--Note B 55 130
-------- -------- --------
TOTAL REVENUES 427,188 304,977 226,405
EXPENSES
Losses--Notes D and E 164,972 97,058 89,422
Loss adjustment expenses--Notes D and E 69,596 58,933 29,833
Amortization of policy acquisition
costs--Note B 83,586 57,540 42,258
Underwriting and other expenses 51,343 30,540 20,717
Minority interest in income of consolidated
subsidiary trust--Note N 11,017 2,277
Interest expense--Note G 825 1,970 895
-------- -------- --------
TOTAL EXPENSES 381,339 248,318 183,125
-------- -------- --------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 45,849 56,659 43,280
Income taxes--Note F
State 2,053 723 1,173
Federal 11,514 15,869 10,896
-------- -------- --------
TOTAL INCOME TAXES 13,567 16,592 12,069
-------- -------- --------
NET INCOME $ 32,282 $ 40,067 $ 31,211
======== ======== ========
PER SHARE DATA--Note B
Basic earnings per common share $ 1.04 $ 1.39 $ 1.09
======== ======== ========
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.01 $ 1.36 $ 1.08
======== ======== ========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING (in thousands):
Basic 31,086 28,906 28,624
Diluted 38,949 30,642 28,779
</TABLE>
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Three Years Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Additional Net Unrealized Total
Common Paid-in Gains(Losses) Retained Treasury Shareholders'
Stock Capital on Investments Earnings Stock Equity
------ ---------- -------------- -------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances at January 1, 1995 $260 $167,079 $(6,307) $29,886 $(654) $190,264
---- -------- ------- ------- ----- --------
Add (deduct):
Net income 31,211 31,211
Stock options exercised 378 378
Transfer of securities to available-for-sale
(net of tax) - Note B 2,753 2,753
Change in net unrealized losses on securities
available-for-sale (net of tax) 11,509 11,509
Cash dividends paid and accrued ($.24 per share) (6,248) (6,248)
Purchase of treasury stock (134) (134)
---- -------- ------- ------- ----- --------
Balances at December 31, 1995 260 167,457 7,955 54,849 (788) 229,733
Add (deduct):
Net income 40,067 40,067
Common stock dividend (10%) 28 45,208 (45,236)
Stock options exercised 2 1,101 1,103
Issuance of common stock related to acquisition 4 8,071 8,075
Change in net unrealized gains on securities
available-for-sale (net of tax) (3,148) (3,148)
Cash dividends paid and accrued ($.25 per share) (7,256) (7,256)
---- -------- ------- ------- ----- --------
Balances at December 31, 1996 294 221,837 4,807 42,424 (788) 268,574
Add (deduct):
Net income 32,282 32,282
Stock options exercised 1 1,582 1,583
Issuance of common stock related to
public offering 45 144,482 144,527
Change in net unrealized gains on
investments (net of tax) 15,431 15,431
Cash dividends paid and accrued
($.275 per share) (8,711) (8,711)
Reissuance of treasury stock 13 6 19
---- -------- ------- ------- ----- --------
Balances at December 31, 1997 $340 $367,914 $20,238 $65,995 $(782) $453,705
==== ======== ======= ======= ===== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
----------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 32,282 $ 40,067 $ 31,211
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Increase in policy liabilities 127,568 145,636 80,857
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance balances (26,953) (35,473) 5,403
Increase in agents' balances and premiums
receivable (12,796) (21,402) (8,825)
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs (20,318) (14,366) (5,584)
Increase in accrued investment income (7) (1,369) (2,380)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 2,800 2,279 (175)
Depreciation and amortization 7,417 3,687 2,384
Realized capital gains (4,222) (1,707) (20)
Other (10,627) (895) 2,110
--------- --------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 95,144 116,457 104,981
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities
available-for-sale 102,409 129,523 46,650
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities
held-to-maturity 12,534
Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities
of fixed maturities available-for-sale 108,768 191,888 77,999
Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities
of fixed maturities held-to-maturity 33,783
Proceeds from sales of equity securities 18,738 15,256 36,465
Purchases of fixed maturities available-for-sale (285,634) (430,713) (294,379)
Purchases of fixed maturities held-to-maturity (33,327)
Purchases of equity securities (21,396) (5,533) (4,559)
Purchases of wholly-owned subsidiaries,
net of cash acquired (138,293) (28,996)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments 26,673 (108,889) 5,534
Additions to home office building (9,511) (1,178) (2,568)
Purchases of property and equipment (5,162) (9,431) (328)
Purchases of limited investment partnerships (15,571)
Purchases of equity investees (10,303) (2) (2,400)
Other 176 430 (633)
-------- --------- ---------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (229,106) (247,645) (125,229)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from guaranteed preferred beneficial interest
in company's convertible subordinated debentures (455) 166,914
Proceeds from borrowings 62,000 7,100 25,000
Repayment of borrowings (62,000) (33,792)
Issuance of common stock 146,110 1,103 378
Cash dividends paid (8,240) (6,920) (6,243)
Reissue (purchase) of treasury stock 19 (134)
--------- --------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 137,434 134,405 19,001
--------- --------- ---------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 3,472 3,217 (1,247)
Cash at beginning of year 8,332 5,115 6,362
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AT END OF YEAR $ 11,804 $ 8,332 $ 5,115
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A--OPERATIONS AND ACQUISITIONS
Frontier Insurance Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries (the "Company"), is
principally a specialty property and casualty insurer operating in 50 states.
The Company's principal lines of business are general liability, medical
malpractice, surety, specialty personal lines, and credit related products which
account for approximately 29.1%, 20.6% , 13.0%, 12.9% and 7.7% of gross premiums
written in 1997, respectively. Primarily all lines of business written by the
Company are marketed through independent agents.
During 1996 and 1997, the Company made the following acquisitions:
In May 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of United Capitol Holding
Company ("United Capitol Holding") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, United
Capitol Insurance Company ("United Capitol"), United Capitol Managers, Inc.
(renamed Olympic Underwriting Managers, Inc.) and Fischer Underwriting Group,
Inc., for $31,020,000, which exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired
by approximately $7,700,000. From its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, these
entities underwrite specialty risks such as asbestos abatement, environmental
liability and directors' and officers' liability. This acquisition was accounted
for as a purchase.
In September 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of Regency Insurance
Company ("Regency") and Emrol Installment Premium Discount, Inc. ("Emrol") in
exchange for 476,174 shares of the Company's Common Stock, which had a market
value per share of $16.96 on June 11, 1996, the effective date of the agreement.
The purchase price, which is inclusive of $221,000 of capitalized acquisition
costs, exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired by approximately
$2,400,000. Regency, an underwriter of non-standard automobile insurance is
located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Emrol finances premiums primarily for
policyholders of Regency. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase.
In June 1997, the Company acquired Lyndon Property Insurance Company and its six
subsidiaries, Lyndon Life Insurance Company, Twin Mercury Life Insurance
Company, Gulfco Life Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company,
Lyndon - DFS Warranty Services, Inc. and Lyndon General Agency of Texas, Inc.
(collectively, "Lyndon") from Mercury Finance Company ("Mercury") for
approximately $92,000,000. The Company also included $420,000 of capitalized
acquisition costs in the purchase price. The total cost was less than the fair
value of the net assets acquired by $29,421,000. Lyndon, based in St. Louis,
Missouri, provides credit-related and specialty insurance products for financial
institutions and specialty insurance markets through a variety of distribution
channels, including other insurance companies, general agents, third-party
administrators, and joint venture relationships, with the particular channel
designed to fit the specific product. Credit-related products include collateral
protection, credit property, involuntary unemployment insurance, auto physical
damage, credit life, and credit accident and health coverages. Specialty
insurance products include residual value, non-standard auto and mechanical
breakdown. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. Under APB 16, Lyndon
was required to devalue certain of its assets as of the purchase date to absorb
the effect of the negative goodwill. As a result of these purchase accounting
adjustments, an intangible asset of approximately $3,900,000 was recognized in
the transaction, which was pushed down and recorded by Lyndon.
In December 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of Western Indemnity
Insurance Company ("Western") for approximately $48,000,000, which exceeded the
fair value of net assets acquired by
F-8
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A--OPERATIONS AND ACQUISITIONS--Continued
approximately $12,600,000. The purchase price is subject to a downward
adjustment if the seller (Galtney Group) does not meet specified premium writing
targets of $75 million over a three year period, capped at $2,000,000. Western,
of Houston, Texas is a specialized carrier in the health care provider market,
underwriting both physician and hospital coverages.
In December 1997, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, United
Capitol, acquired 100% of the stock of Environmental and Commercial Insurance
Agency, Inc. ("ECI") for $4,500,000. The purchase price exceeded the fair value
of the net assets acquired by $4,208,000. ECI, of Columbus, Ohio is an
underwriting manager of environmental errors and omissions and construction
specialties. ECI places the majority of its written business with United
Capitol.
F-9
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A--OPERATIONS AND ACQUISITIONS--Continued
The assets acquired, liabilities assumed and the related goodwill of the
companies purchased in 1997 and 1996, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997: Lyndon Western ECI Total
---- -------- -------- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Purchase Price $ 92,420 $ 48,079 $4,500 $144,999
Assets acquired:
Invested assets 205,677 101,597 445 307,719
Other assets 183,517 45,568 1,728 230,813
-------- -------- ------ --------
Total assets acquired 389,194 147,165 2,173 538,532
Liabilities assumed:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses 51,233 87,491 138,724
Other liabilities 216,120 24,219 1,881 242,220
-------- -------- ------ --------
Total liabilities assumed 267,353 111,710 1,881 380,944
-------- -------- ------ --------
Net assets acquired 121,841 35,455 292 157,588
-------- -------- ------ --------
Purchase price (under) over
net assets acquired $(29,421) $ 12,624 $4,208 $(12,589)
======== ======== ====== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996: United Capitol Regency and
Holding Emrol Total
-------------- ----------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Purchase Price $31,020 $ 8,296 $ 39,316
Assets acquired:
Invested assets 74,966 4,168 79,134
Other assets 49,797 11,833 61,630
-------- ------- --------
Total assets acquired 124,763 16,001 140,764
Liabilities assumed:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses 84,823 4,163 88,986
Other liabilities 16,604 5,944 22,548
-------- ------- --------
Total liabilities assumed 101,427 10,107 111,534
-------- ------- --------
Net assets acquired 23,336 5,894 29,230
-------- ------- --------
Excess of purchase price over
net assets acquired $ 7,684 $ 2,402 $ 10,086
======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A--OPERATIONS AND ACQUISITIONS--Continued
The following summarizes the Company's pro forma unaudited results of operations
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, assuming the purchases of
Lyndon, Western and ECI had been consummated as of January 1, 1996 and United
Capitol Holding, Regency and Emrol had been consummated as of January 1, 1995
(in thousands, except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
---------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net premiums earned $430,307 $386,910 $214,347
Net investment income (including net capital
gains and losses) 69,495 54,262 33,831
Other revenues 55 130
-------- -------- --------
Total revenues 499,802 441,227 248,308
Losses and LAE 271,772 208,498 130,068
Amortization of policy acquisition costs 102,395 52,540 43,489
Underwriting and other expenses 66,495 61,431 25,991
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiary trust 11,017 2,277
Interest expense 3,187 5,715 895
-------- -------- --------
Total expenses 454,866 330,461 200,443
-------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes 44,936 110,766 47,865
Income tax expense 11,689 29,360 13,317
-------- -------- --------
Net income $ 33,247 $ 81,406 $ 34,548
======== ======== ========
Per share data:
Basic earnings per common share $ 1.07 $ 2.78 $ 1.19
======== ======== ========
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.04 $ 2.67 $ 1.18
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The foregoing pro forma financial information has been prepared for
informational purposes only. It includes certain adjustments for all years
relating to investment income and amortization of goodwill, in addition to
adjustments for 1997 and 1996 relating to interest expense, amortization of
policy acquisition costs and the present value of future profit ("PVFP") which
is included in underwriting and other expenses, and for 1995, loss and other
expenses, together with the related income tax effects. The pro forma financial
information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations had the
transactions been consummated on the assumed dates.
F-11
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE B--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are summarized
below.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP"), which, as to insurance companies, differ from
the statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory
authorities. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and
operations of Frontier Insurance Group, Inc. and all subsidiaries of which there
is an interest that exceeds 50%. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change
in the future as more information becomes known which could impact the amounts
reported and disclosed herein.
Recognition of Premium Revenues: Property and casualty direct, assumed, and
ceded reinsurance premiums written are recognized as earned pro rata over the
terms of the related insurance policies. Credit life and warranty insurance
premiums are earned over the life of the contracts principally using the
sum-of-the-months digits method, while credit accident and health premiums
are principally recognized using the mean of the sum-of-the-months digits
method and the pro-rata method over the time period to which the premiums
relate.
Investments: Investments in debt and equity securities are accounted for in
accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities ("FASB 115").
Under FASB 115, investments in fixed maturities are classified in three
categories: held-to-maturity, trading and available-for-sale; investments in
equity securities are classified as either available-for-sale or trading.
Held-to-maturity securities are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of
premium or discount; trading securities are reported at fair value, with
unrealized gains and losses included in earnings; and available-for-sale
securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded
from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity, net
of applicable income taxes.
In December 1995, the Company reclassified all of its securities classified as
held-to-maturity to the available-for-sale category as permitted by the FASB's
Special Report, A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities - Questions and Answers. The
securities reclassified had a carrying value of $190,474,000 and a market value
of $194,709,000 at the date of transfer. This reclassification resulted in a
$2,753,000 increase, net of applicable income taxes, in shareholders' equity.
Fixed maturities available-for-sale (principally bonds and notes) are carried at
fair value. Fair values for available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are
based on quoted market prices, where available.
For fixed maturity securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated
using values obtained from independent pricing services. For mortgage backed
securities, the Company considers estimates of future principal prepayments in
the calculation of the constant effective yield necessary to apply the interest
method. If a difference arises between the prepayments anticipated and actual
prepayments received, the Company recalculates the effective yield to reflect
the actual payments received and the anticipated future payments. Equity
securities (principally common and nonredeemable preferred stocks) are carried
at fair value, based on quoted market prices. Investments in limited investment
F-12
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE B--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued
partnerships are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Investments in entities for which the Company has a 20% to 50% interest or a
less than 20% interest, but has the ability to exercise significant control
("equity investees") are also accounted for using the equity method. Short-term
investments are carried at their principal balances, which approximates their
fair value. Realized gains and losses from the sales or liquidation of
available-for-sale securities are determined using the specific identification
basis. Changes in the fair value of investments are reflected as unrealized
gains or losses directly in shareholders' equity net of federal income tax.
Home Office Building, Property and Equipment: Home office building is stated at
cost, net of accumulated depreciation computed, for both financial reporting and
federal income tax purposes, on the straight-line basis over an estimated useful
life of 31.5 years. Property and equipment is stated at cost net of accumulated
depreciation and amortization computed, for financial reporting purposes, on the
straight-line basis over estimated useful lives between three to ten years and,
for federal income tax purposes, using accelerated methods and guideline lives
ranging from three to seven years. During 1997, 1996, and 1995, depreciation and
amortization expense was $3,963,000, $3,413,000, and $2,440,000, respectively.
In April 1993 and in July 1996, the Company put into service and began to occupy
its new home office facility and purchased a corporate jet, respectively. The
cost of the facility's construction and purchase of the jet was financed
internally by the Company. However, to receive favorable tax status, title to
the facility and jet resides with the County of Sullivan Industrial Development
Agency ("IDA") which, in turn, issued to the Company its twenty-year bonds with
a face value equal to the total cost of the facility and jet. Under the
provisions of related agreements, title to the facility and jet reverts to the
Company on maturity of the bonds, or sooner for a nominal fee, should the
Company so desire. Accordingly, as a result of these agreements, the home office
facility and corporate jet are reported in the accompanying financial statements
as, "Home office building, property and equipment." As of December 31, 1997, the
outstanding, par value of the IDA bonds was $25,033,000; which approximates the
carrying values of such assets.
In 1996, the Company began construction of an addition to its home office
building. During 1997 and 1996, the Company expended $9,500,000 and $1,200,000,
respectively. The Company plans to occupy the addition in 1998 and will expend
an additional $3,400,000 to complete the facility.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs: Recoverable policy acquisition costs that
vary with and are directly related to the production of business, such as
commissions and premium taxes, net of reinsurance allowances, are deferred and
amortized to income as the related premiums are earned. Anticipated losses, LAE,
and policy maintenance expenses, based on historical and current experience, are
considered in determining the recoverability of such deferred policy acquisition
costs. When the anticipated losses, LAE, acquisition and policy maintenance
expenses exceed the related unearned premiums, without considering anticipated
investment income, a provision for the indicated deficiency is recorded.
Intangible Assets: Insurance renewal rights and goodwill are stated at cost, net
of accumulated amortization computed on a straight-line basis over estimated
useful lives ranging from two to seven years for insurance renewal rights and
five to fifteen years, respectively, for other intangible assets, including
goodwill. PVFP is stated at cost net of accumulated amortization computed
actuarially based on unearned premiums at the time of purchase. The Company
assesses the recoverability of intangible assets by determining whether the
amortization of the balance over its remaining life can be recovered through the
undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operations.
During 1997, 1996 and 1995, amortization expense relating to intangible assets
was $2,744,000, $1,437,000, and $845,000, respectively.
F-13
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE B--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued
Unpaid Losses and LAE: The liabilities for unpaid property and casualty losses
and LAE represent the estimated liabilities for reported claims, claims incurred
but not yet reported ("IBNR"), and the related LAE. The liabilities for property
and casualty unpaid losses and LAE are determined using case-basis evaluations
and actuarial analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate expected cost of
all losses and LAE unpaid at the balance sheet dates. Policy liabilities on
life and annuity business are computed principally by the net level premium
method based upon assumptions as to future investment yield, mortality,
morbidity, and withdrawals consistent with those used to develop the gross
premiums on the policies in force.
The liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE have been reduced by estimated salvage
and subrogation recoverable and have not been reduced from their ultimate values
by the effects of discounting estimated ultimate payments to their present
value.
Reinsurance: Assumed reinsurance premiums written, commissions, and unpaid
losses are accounted for based principally on the reports received from the
ceding insurance companies and in a manner consistent with the terms of the
related reinsurance agreements. Liabilities for unpaid losses, LAE and unearned
premiums are stated gross of ceded reinsurance recoverables. Deferred policy
acquisition costs are stated net of the amounts of reinsurance ceded, as are
premiums written and earned, losses and LAE incurred, and amortized acquisition
costs.
Contingent Reinsurance Commissions: Contingent reinsurance commissions are
accounted for on an earned basis and are accrued, in accordance with the terms
of the applicable reinsurance agreement, based on the estimated level of
profitability relating to such reinsured business. Accordingly, the
profitability of the reinsured business is continually reviewed and as
adjustments become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in current
operations. Contingent reinsurance commissions are included in other assets and
other liabilities.
Income Taxes: Income tax provisions are based on income reported for financial
statement purposes, adjusted for permanent differences between financial and
taxable income. Deferred federal income taxes are recognized using the liability
method, whereby tax rates are applied to the temporary differences between the
financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred federal
income tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for changes in tax rates or laws,
and the adjustment is reflected in income during the period in which such change
is enacted.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Short-term investments are not considered to be cash
equivalents for the purposes of preparing the statements of cash flows.
F-14
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE B--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued
Earnings per Share: In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement 128, Earnings Per Share. Statement 128 replaced the calculation of
primary and fully diluted earnings per share. Unlike primary earnings per share,
basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and
convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is very similar to the
previously reported fully diluted earnings per share. All earnings per share
amounts for all periods presented have been restated to conform to the
Statement 128 requirements.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
common share (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Net Income $32,282 $40,067 $31,211
======= ======= =======
Numerator for basic earnings per share-
income available to common shareholders $32,282 $40,067 $31,211
Effect of dilutive securities:
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiary trust 7,027 1,480
------- ------- -------
Numerator for diluted earnings per share-income available
to common shareholders after assumed conversions 39,309 41,547 31,211
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share-
weighted average shares 31,086 28,906 28,624
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible Trust Originated Preferred Securities 7,358 1,532
Employee stock options 505 204 155
------- ------- -------
Dilutive potential common shares 7,863 1,736 155
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted ------- ------- -------
weighted-average shares and assumed conversions 38,949 30,642 28,779
======= ======= =======
Basic earnings per common share $ 1.04 $ 1.39 $ 1.09
======= ======= =======
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.01 $ 1.36 $ 1.08
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The weighted average shares outstanding have been adjusted retroactively to
reflect the effects of stock splits and stock dividends.
F-15
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE B--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued
Gross Claims Adjusting Income: Claims adjusting income is accounted for on an
accrual basis, gross of related expenses. During 1996 and 1995, operating
expenses included with underwriting and other expenses associated with claims
adjusting income amounted to $637,000, and $203,000, respectively.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards: In October 1997, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 128, Earnings per Share, which
establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share ("EPS").
Statement 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully diluted earnings per
share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike primary earnings per
share, basis earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of options,
warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is very similar
to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per share. All earnings per
share amounts for all periods have been presented and where appropriate have
been restated to conform to the Statement 128 requirements.
Reclassifications: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform
to the 1997 presentation.
NOTE C--RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In April 1994, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of
Spencer Douglass Insurance Associates, Inc. ("SDIA") constituting the Company's
California license and permit bond insurance agency business for $3,200,000. In
conjunction with the purchase, the Company entered into a five-year consulting
agreement with the seller, R. Spencer Douglass III ("Douglass"), for $360,000
per year.
In May 1995, the Company and Douglass formed a California limited liability
corporation, Douglass/Frontier LLC ("Douglass/Frontier"), a bail bond insurance
agency. The Company made an initial investment of $2,400,000 and Douglass
contributed the net assets of his wholly-owned existing bail bond agencies.
The Company and Douglass, who is also an employee of Douglass/Frontier, share
equally in the ownership of Douglass/Frontier. In addition, Douglass owns two
retail bail bond agents that produce business for Douglass/Frontier, which in
1997, 1996, and 1995 amounted to less than 3% of the gross bail premiums
produced by Douglass/Frontier.
All of the Company's bail bond business is written through Douglass/Frontier. At
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, premiums written amounted to approximately
$3,744,000, $7,608,000 and $4,800,000, respectively, and related premium
balances due the Company were $2,225,000 and $2,358,000, respectively. In
addition, at December 31, 1997 and 1996, Douglass/Frontier had notes payable
to the Company of $8,174,000 and $3,291,000, respectively.
The Company also has investments in various insurance industry related entities
in which it is deemed to have significant controlling interests, as described in
Note I - Investments. All related party transactions associated with these
entities are not considered material to the Company's financial position or
the results of its operations.
NOTE D--UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
The liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated by management utilizing
methods and procedures which they believe are reasonable. These liabilities are
necessarily subject to the impact of future changes in claim severity and
frequency, as well as numerous other factors. Although management believes that
the estimated liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE are reasonable, because of
the extended period of time over which such losses are reported and settled, the
subsequent development of these liabilities may not
F-16
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE D--UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES--Continued
conform to the assumptions inherent in their determination and, accordingly, may
vary from the estimated amounts included in the accompanying financial
statements. To the extent that the actual emerging loss experience varies from
the assumptions used in the determination of these liabilities, they are
adjusted to reflect actual experience. Such adjustments, to the extent they
occur, are reported in the period recognized.
The anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating
reserves for losses and LAE. Although anticipated price increases due to
inflation are considered in estimating the ultimate claim costs, the increase in
average severities of claims is caused by a number of factors that vary with the
types of policies written. Average severities are projected based on historical
trends adjusted for implemented changes in underwriting standards, policy
provisions, and general economic trends. Those anticipated trends are monitored
based on actual development and are adjusted as necessary. The effects of such
adjustments are reported in the period recognized.
The Company writes insurance on accounts which have hazardous, unique or unusual
risk characteristics. These liability policies generally exclude absolute
pollution coverage, except for policies providing pollution liability coverage
to contractors involved in the remediation of pre-existing pollution. The
Company believes that such risks do not represent material exposue related to
environmental pollution claims but there can be no assurance of the Company's
continued protection in view of the expansion of liability for environmental
claims in recent litigation in the insurance industry.
In December 1990, the New York State Court of Claims rendered a decision in
favor of the Company holding that a State University of New York ("SUNY")
medical school faculty member engaged in the clinical practice of medicine at a
SUNY medical facility, corollary to such physician's faculty activities, was
within the scope of such physician's employment by SUNY and was protected
against malpractice claims arising out of such activity by the State of New York
and not under the Company's medical malpractice policy. The decision was
affirmed on appeal by the New York State Appellate Division in November 1991 and
not appealed by the State. In July 1992, the State of New York enacted
legislation eliminating medical school faculty members of SUNY engaged in the
clinical practice of medicine at a SUNY medical facility from indemnification by
the State with respect to malpractice claims arising out of such activity,
retroactive to July 1, 1991. In an opinion filed on September 3, 1993 the Court
of Claims of the State of New York held, inter alia, that the July 1992
legislation by the State of New York eliminating SUNY medical school faculty
members engaged in the clinical practice of medicine, as part of their
employment by SUNY, from indemnification by the State with respect to
malpractice claims arising out of such activity was not to be applied
retroactively. This decision was affirmed by the New York State Appellate
Division in April 1994. Subsequently, in February 1995, the Appellate Division
granted leave to the Company and the State of New York to have the issues of the
Company's entitlement to recover its costs of defense and its costs of
settlement ruled on by the State's highest Court, the New York Court of Appeals.
In December 1995, the New York Court of Appeals ruled on this issue and
concluded that the Company was entitled to recoveries from the State for such
medical malpractice claims. As a result of this decision, the Company believes
that it will benefit economically by not being ultimately responsible for
certain claims against SUNY physicians for whom it presently carries reserves
and be entitled to reimbursement for certain claims previously paid;
accordingly, in 1997 and 1996, the Company recorded subrogation recoverables of
approximately $13,000,000 and $19,000,000, respectively, representing the amount
of claims already paid and the reserves currently held by the Company on the
cases that management believes are reimbursable by the State of New York. In
January 1997, the New York Court of Claims rendered a decision granting summary
judgement to the Company on three SUNY cases that were previously paid by the
Company. This decision has been appealed by the State of New York. In January
1998, the New York Legislature
F-17
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE D--UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES--Continued
approved a bill to eliminate the right of SUNY physicians to obtain
indemnification from New York State for claims arising out of their clinical
practice of medicine, retroactive to August 5, 1978, which bill was vetoed by
the Governor in February 1998. Prior to the veto, the Company's management and
members of the offices of the Governor and of the Attorney General held joint
discussions for a comprehensive settlement of the amount of reimbursement to
which the Company is entitled form the State. Discussions are continuing, but to
date no resolution has been reached. To the extent the amount of the actual
recovery varies, such difference will be reported in the period recognized. The
Company is continuing to defend all SUNY faculty members against malpractice
claims that have been asserted and is maintaining reserves therefor adjusted for
the anticipated recoveries.
The liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the incurred losses and LAE for each of the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------------------- ------------------------ --------------
Incurred Incurred Incurred
Reserves Losses and LAE Reserves Losses and LAE Losses and LAE
-------- -------------- -------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Property and casualty $767,266 $231,588 $539,073 $155,991 $119,255
Credit life 12,778 2,980
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Totals $780,044 $234,568 $539,073 $155,991 $119,255
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the beginning and ending
property and casualty loss and LAE reserve balances, net of reinsurance ceded,
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
--------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net reserves for losses and LAE, beginning of year $373,606 $294,393 $263,202
Total acquired reserves 76,023 53,008 5,500
Incurred losses and LAE for claims relating to:
Current year 218,301 160,470 126,769
Prior years 13,287 (4,479) (7,514)
-------- -------- --------
Total incurred losses and LAE 231,588 155,991 119,255
-------- -------- --------
Loss and LAE payments for claims relating to:
Current year 50,665 27,626 13,057
Prior years 147,013 102,160 80,507
-------- -------- --------
Total payments 197,678 129,786 93,564
-------- -------- --------
Net reserves for losses and LAE, end of year 483,539 373,606 294,393
Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE 283,727 165,467 73,043
-------- -------- --------
Gross reserves for losses and LAE, end of year $767,266 $539,073 $367,436
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The Company's reserves for unpaid losses and LAE, net of related reinsurance
recoverable at December 31, 1996 were increased in the following year by
approximately $13,287,000, and at December 31, 1995
F-18
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE D--UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES--Continued
and 1994 reserves were decreased in the following year by approximately
$4,479,000 and $7,514,000, respectively, for claims that had occurred prior to
the balance sheet dates. No premiums have been accrued as a result of the
changes to prior year loss and LAE reserves.
The net $13,287,000 increase in prior years' reserves in 1997 was attributed to
reserve strengthening of $35,000,000. Included in the net development was a
decrease in prior year reserves in the general liability line of business
written by United Capitol. The significant increase in the reinsurance
recoverable in 1997 was due to the contribution to the recoverable by Lyndon
and Western, which were acquired in 1997 and additional reinsurance recoverables
related to the aggregate stop loss contract with Zurich Reinsurance (North
America), Inc. ("Zurich N.A.").
The net $4,479,000 decrease in prior years' reserves in 1996 was the result of
favorable claims development on the workers' compensation line of business.
Included in the net development is an increase in prior years' reserves of
approximately $13,000,000 which was entirely offset by subrogation recoverables
recognized in connection with a favorable court ruling in 1995. The significant
increase in reinsurance recoverable in 1996 was due to the contribution to the
recoverable by United Capitol and Regency, which were acquired in 1996, and the
change in the type of reinsurance from an aggregate claim excess or loss, to a
stop loss for the majority on the Company's losses.
The net $7,514,000 decrease in the prior years' reserves in 1995 was the result
of favorable claims development on the general liability and worker's
compensation lines and to subrogation recoveries in the surety line of business
in excess of expectations. Included in the net development, was an increase in
prior years' reserves of approximately $19,000,000, which was entirely offset by
additional subrogation recoverables recognized in connection with the favorable
court ruling in 1995.
F-19
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE E--REINSURANCE
The Company's insurance subsidiaries assume and cede reinsurance with other
companies and are members of various pools and associations. A large portion of
the reinsurance is effected under contracts known as treaties and in some
instances negotiated on an individual risk basis, also known as facultative
reinsurance. These contracts consist of excess of loss and catastrophe contracts
which protect against losses over stipulated amounts arising from any one
occurrence or event.
Beginning in 1995, the Company entered into a three-year stop loss reinsurance
contract with Zurich N.A., which was formerly Centre Reinsurance Company of
New York ("Centre Re"). Under the terms of the agreement, Zurich N.A. provides
reinsurance protection within certain accident years and contract aggregate
dollar limits for subject losses and LAE in excess of a predetermined ratio of
these expenses to net subject earned premiums for a given accident year up to
a specified maximum after all applicable underlying reinsurance has been
exhausted. The loss and LAE ratio above which the reinsurance provides coverage
is 66%, 65%, and 64% for accident years 1995 through 1997, respectively.
Although the reinsurance companies are liable to the Company for the amounts
reinsured, the Company remains liable to its insureds for the full amount of the
policies written whether or not the reinsurance companies meet their
obligations. Consequently, allowances are established for amounts deemed
uncollectible. To minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurance
insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers
and monitors concentration of credit risk from similar geographic regions,
activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers. At December 31, 1997,
the Company has outstanding gross reinsurance recoverables of $136,558,000 from
its largest reinsurer, Zurich N.A.; however, under the terms of the reinsurance
arrangements, the Company is withholding $105,786,000 of funds due Zurich N.A.
Accordingly, the net outstanding recoverable from Zurich N.A. is $30,772,000.
Of the remaining net reinsurance recoverables balance, approximately 28% is due
from three reinsurers; one rated A++ (Superior), one rated A+ (Superior) and one
rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, Inc.
In 1997, 1996 and 1995 the Company recognized and accrued (reduced) reinsurance
contingent profit commissions earned of $792,113, $773,000, and ($783,000),
respectively.
F-20
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE E--REINSURANCE--Continued
The components of the net reinsurance recoverable balances included in the
accompanying balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-----------------------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Ceded paid losses and LAE recoverable $ 21,460 $ 7,519
Ceded unpaid losses and LAE 291,734 165,467
Ceded unearned premiums 111,927 32,403
Ceded reinsurance payable (33,953) (12,820)
-------- --------
$391,168 $192,569
======== ========
</TABLE>
The reinsurance ceded components of the amounts reflected in the accompanying
statements of income are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
--------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Ceded premiums earned $194,757 $73,643 $42,086
Ceded incurred losses 118,489 56,597 25,557
Ceded incurred LAE 17,739 18,240 11,700
</TABLE>
The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned in 1997, 1996 and 1995
was as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
Premiums Premiums Premiums
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct $566,496 $532,248 $394,057 $332,345 $259,222 $235,696
Assumed 21,139 29,353 8,742 7,287 5,092 2,610
Ceded (198,619) (194,757) (90,936) (73,643) (43,557) (42,086)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net premiums $389,016 $366,844 $311,863 $265,989 $220,757 $196,220
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
F-21
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE F--INCOME TAXES
State income taxes represent the amount of current state income taxes incurred.
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes the
income and expenses of its subsidiaries from the dates of their acquisition.
The components of federal income tax expense are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
--------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal income tax expense (benefit):
Current $ 8,714 $13,590 $11,071
Deferred 2,800 2,279 (175)
------- ------- -------
Total federal income tax expense $11,514 $15,869 $10,896
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
A reconciliation of federal income tax, based on the prevailing corporate income
tax rate of 35%, to the federal income tax expense reflected in the accompanying
financial statements is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Tax rate applied to pre-tax income $16,047 $19,831 $15,148
Add (deduct) tax effect of:
Tax-exempt interest income (3,770) (3,026) (2,754)
Dividend received deduction (846) (752) (634)
State income taxes (718) (253) (410)
Other 801 69 (454)
------- ------- -------
Federal income tax expense $11,514 $15,869 $10,896
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE F--INCOME TAXES--Continued.
Significant components of the Company's deferred federal income tax assets and
liabilities at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred federal income tax assets:
Reserve discounting, including salvage and subrogation $36,790 $30,515 $26,466
Unearned premium reserve 24,086 10,732 7,121
Other 1,402 2,624 1,879
------- ------- -------
Total deferred federal income tax assets 62,278 43,871 35,466
Deferred federal income tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs 19,472 11,504 6,579
Net unrealized gains 10,897 2,588 4,284
Other 2,864 2,159 976
------- ------- -------
Total deferred federal income tax liabilities 33,233 16,251 11,839
------- ------- -------
Net deferred federal income tax assets $29,045 $27,620 $23,627
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Deferred federal income taxes result from timing differences in the recognition
of certain income and expenses for tax and financial statement purposes and are
summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
--------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Reserve discounting, including
salvage and subrogation $(1,866) $ 119 $ (125)
Unearned premium reserve (582) (3,211) (1,718)
Deferred policy acquisition costs 2,933 4,666 1,954
Depreciation (credit) expense (42) 120 220
Bad debt (credit) expense (202) 279 (404)
Other 2,559 306 (102)
------ ------ -------
TOTAL DEFERRED FEDERAL
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) $2,800 $2,279 $ (175)
====== ====== =======
</TABLE>
The Company made federal income tax payments, net of refunds, of $13,928,000,
$17,021,000 and $12,829,000 in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
F-23
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE G--CREDIT FACILITY AND OTHER DEBT
In June 1997, the Company entered into a five year, $100,000,000 revolving loan
credit facility agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch. Under the
terms of the agreement, the Company is subject to certain financial and
non-financial covenants. The Company paid approximately $220,000 of cost related
to securing the financing arrangement, these costs have been deferred and are
being amortized over the term of the credit facility on a straight-line basis.
In addition, the Company pays a quarterly commitment fee at an annual rate of
.125%, which is being expensed as incurred. During the year, the Company
borrowed $62,000,000 under this agreement at an initial floating interest rate
of 6.04% per annum, based on Eurodollar interest rates, which was fully repaid
in August 1997. The credit facility remains available to the Company and, at
December 31, 1997, there were no principal amounts outstanding.
During 1996, the Company extinguished a total of $33,792,000 in debt, which
arose from borrowings related to a previous credit facility agreement with the
Bank of New York. The Bank of New York credit facility agreement was terminated
in 1996.
During 1997, 1996 and 1995, interest paid and incurred is as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---- ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Deutsche Bank $819
The Bank of New York 6 $1,892 $895
Other debt 78
---- ------ ----
$825 $1,970 $895
==== ====== ====
</TABLE>
F-24
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE H--STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A comparison of the consolidated amounts of the insurance subsidiaries'
policyholders' surplus as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and net income for each
of the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, on a statutory accounting
practices ("SAP") basis as reported to insurance regulatory authorities, and
the GAAP shareholders' equity and net income included in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements, is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
--------------------------- ----------------------------- -------
Net Net Net
Surplus/Equity Income Surplus/Equity Income Income
-------------- ------ -------------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Insurance subsidiaries'
consolidated SAP amounts $412,069 $32,730 $268,004 $28,874 $26,407
======== ======= ======== ======= =======
Insurance subsidiaries'
consolidated GAAP amounts $573,103 $41,970 $346,974 $41,099 $31,564
Deduct:
Parent company and its
non-insurance subsidiaries
and eliminations (119,398) (9,688) (78,400) (1,032) (353)
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------
Consolidated amounts--GAAP basis $453,705 $32,282 $268,574 $40,067 $31,211
======== ======= ======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-25
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE I--INVESTMENTS
The major categories of total net investment income are summarized as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
---------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest, dividends and equity in earnings:
Fixed maturities $55,520 $37,623 $28,338
Equity securities 832 1,190 1,745
Limited investment partnerships 637
Equity investees 179 2 535
Short-term 8,433 3,830 2,529
Interest expense on funds held (7,160) (4,307) (2,174)
------- ------- -------
Investment income before expenses 58,441 38,338 30,973
Less investment expenses 2,319 1,112 938
------- ------- -------
Net investment income 56,122 37,226 30,035
------- ------- -------
Realized capital gains (losses):
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities 2,495 1,245 1,265
Equity securities 1,726 463 (1,920)
Short-term investments 1 (1)
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity 675
------- ------- -------
Total realized capital gains 4,222 1,707 20
------- ------- -------
TOTAL NET INVESTMENT INCOME $60,344 $38,933 $30,055
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Gross realized capital gains on sales of available-for-sale securities in 1997,
1996 and 1995 were $4,552,000, $3,814,000, and $2,509,000, respectively. Gross
realized capital losses on available-for-sale securities in 1997, 1996 and 1995
were $1,126,000, $1,884,000, and $3,164,000, respectively. Also, gross realized
capital gains in 1995 on held-to-maturity securities was $675,000.
The change in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed-maturity securities was
$21,204,000, $(6,350,000) and $28,490,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively;
the corresponding amounts for equity securities were $625,000, $1,508,000 and
$4,704,000.
At December 31, 1997, bonds and notes with an amortized cost of $59,690,000 were
on deposit with various regulatory authorities to meet statutory requirements.
F-26
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE I--INVESTMENTS--Continued
Investments in available-for-sale securities are summarized as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
-------- ---------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
At December 31, 1997:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies $ 69,561 $ 1,255 $ 21 $ 70,795
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions 283,064 9,219 237 292,046
Corporate securities 339,138 9,742 590 348,290
Mortgage-backed securities 361,777 7,333 501 368,609
---------- ------- ------ ----------
Total fixed maturity securities 1,053,540 27,549 1,349 1,079,740
Equity securities 17,256 3,512 487 20,281
---------- ------- ------ ----------
TOTAL $1,070,796 $31,061 $1,836 $1,100,021
========== ======= ====== ==========
At December 31, 1996:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies $ 29,708 $ 409 $ 157 $ 29,960
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions 191,311 2,485 741 193,055
Foreign governments 30 6 24
Corporate securities 162,336 3,299 1,237 164,398
Mortgage-backed securities 296,896 3,483 2,539 297,840
-------- ------- ------ --------
Total fixed maturity securities 680,281 9,676 4,680 685,277
Equity securities 13,871 2,702 302 16,271
-------- ------- ------ --------
TOTAL $694,152 $12,378 $4,982 $701,548
======== ======= ====== ========
</TABLE>
F-27
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE I--INVESTMENTS--Continued
At December 31, 1997, the amortized cost and fair value of debt securities, by
contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities will
differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call
or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortized Cost Fair Value
-------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less $ 27,213 $ 27,243
Due after one year to five years 234,824 238,963
Due after five years to ten years 185,303 190,645
Due after ten years 244,423 254,280
Mortgage backed securities 361,777 368,609
---------- ----------
TOTAL $1,053,540 $1,079,740
========== ==========
</TABLE>
During 1997, the Company invested $14,933,000 in certain general limited
investment partnerships. These partnerships have been accounted for using the
equity method. During 1997, the Company recognized its share of these
partnerships in earnings and unrealized gains of $637,000 and $2,187,000,
respectively.
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the total cost of the Company's investment in
various insurance industry related companies for which its ownership interests
ranged from 20% to 50% amounted to approximately $14,384,000 and $2,937,000,
respectively. Net unrealized losses on such investments were $276 at December
31, 1997. The Company's interest in the undistributed earnings of equity
investees was $717,000 and $537,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The amount at which the equity investees are carried approximates the ownership
interest in the underlying equity in net assets.
NOTE J--DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL RESTRICTIONS
The Company's insurance subsidiaries are subject to certain regulatory
supervision by their respective domiciliary states. Such regulation is generally
designed to protect policyholders and includes such matters as maintenance of
minimum statutory surplus and restrictions on the payments of dividends. At
December 31, 1997, the amount of restricted net assets of the Company's
insurance subsidiaries was approximately $375,000,000 and the maximum dividend
that may be paid to the Company in 1998 without regulatory approval is
approximately $37,000,000.
F-28
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE J--DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL RESTRICTIONS--Continued
Additionally, the insurance subsidiaries are subject to certain Risk-Based
Capital ("RBC") requirements as specified by the NAIC. Under those requirements,
the amount of capital and surplus maintained by the insurance companies is to be
determined based on the various risk factors related to it. At December 31,
1997, the Company met the RBC requirements.
NOTE K--STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees APB 25 and related interpretations in
accounting for its employee stock options because, as discussed below, the
alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB Statement No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, requires use of option valuation models
that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25,
because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equals the
market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation
expense is recognized.
The Company has adopted stock option plans (the "Plans") under which 1,464,262
shares of common stock are reserved for issuance upon exercise of options
granted pursuant to the Plans. Under the Plans, incentive stock options may be
granted to employees and nonqualified stock options may be granted to employees,
directors, and such other persons as the Board of Directors (or a committee
appointed by the Board) determines will assist the Company's business endeavors,
at exercise prices equal to at least 100% of the fair market value of the common
stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted under the Plans are
not exercisable until one year after grant and expire five years after the date
of grant. In addition to selecting the optionees, the Board (or such committee
designated by the Board) determines the number of shares subject to each option,
the expiration date and vesting periods of nonqualified stock options and
otherwise administers the Plans. Certain of the Company's officers are
ineligible to participate in the Plans. Incentive stock options have been
granted at various times and for varying amounts.
During 1993, the Company granted the President and Chairman of the Board, and a
Vice President, separate stock options outside of the Plans to purchase 825,000
and 148,500 shares, respectively, of the Company's Common Stock at $22.73 per
share at any time through December 31, 1999, which options were outstanding at
December 31, 1997.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by
Statement 123, which also requires that the information be determined as if the
Company has accounted for its employee stock options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value
for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 1997,
1996 and 1995 respectively: risk-free interest rates of 6.58%, 6.20% and 7.05%;
a dividend yield of 1.25%; volatility factors of the expected market price of
the Company's Common Stock of .335, .25 and .25; and a weighted-average expected
life of the option of 5 years.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because
the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
F-29
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE K--STOCK OPTIONS-- Continued
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's pro
forma information follows (in thousands, except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pro forma net income $32,064 $39,813 $31,053
======= ======= =======
Pro forma basic earnings per common share $1.03 $1.38 $1.08
===== ===== =====
Pro forma diluted earnings per common share $1.00 $1.35 $1.08
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
For purposes of pro forma disclosure, the estimated fair value of the options is
amortized to expense over the options' vesting period and does not include
grants prior to January 1, 1995. As such, the pro forma net income and earnings
per share are not indicative of future years.
A summary of the Company's stock option activity, and related information for
each of the three years ended December 31, 1997 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average Options Weighted-Average
(000) Exercise Price (000) Exercise Price (000) Exercise Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding-beginning of year 649 $12 698 $10 500 $ 9
Granted 455 27 138 17 350 10
Exercised (136) 12 (166) 7 (92) 4
Canceled (26) 16 (20) 11 (60) 12
--- -- --- -- --- ---
Outstanding-end of year 942 19 650 12 698 10
=== === ===
Exercisable at end of year 234 12 216 12 244 9
</TABLE>
F-30
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE K--STOCK OPTIONS-- Continued
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 1997, 1996 and 1995
were $9.69, $5.13 and $3.08 respectively. Exercise prices for options
outstanding as of December 31, 1997 ranged from $9.43 to $33.69. The
weighted-average contractual life of those options is 3.8 years.
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
by Price Range
as of 12/31/97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercisable
Range of as of Remaining Weighted-Average as of Weighted-Average
Exercise Prices 12/31/97 Contractual Life Exercise Price 12/31/97 Exercise Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$9.4318 - $10.1063 216,073 2.1 $9.43 79,129 $9.43
$10.1064 - $13.4750 136,279 0.8 $12.31 121,979 $12.39
$13.4751 - $16.8438 72,961 2.9 $14.80 22,448 $14.11
$16,8438 - $20.2125 66,000 6.9 $18.78 9,726 $18.42
$20.2126 - $23.5813 0 0.0 $0.00 0 $0.00
$23.5814 - $26.9500 381,844 5.2 $26.68 1,000 $26.68
$26.9501 - $30.3188 66,000 4.5 $27.67 0 $0.00
$30.3189 - $33.6875 3,250 4.6 $33.68 0 $0.00
------- ------ ------- ------
942,407 3.8 $19.26 234,282 $11.87
======= ====== ======= ======
</TABLE>
NOTE L--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company sponsors an employee savings plan (401(k)) whereby the Company
contributes a base of 2% of the salary of all full-time employees and matches
50% of the employee's personal contribution up to 2% of the employee's salary.
The maximum Company contribution, base and match, is 4% of an employee's salary.
In addition, the Company has a noncontributory profit sharing plan. At the
discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company may contribute up to 4% of the
eligible salaries of full-time employees who have completed one year of service.
The Company's total expense related to employee benefit plan contributions for
1997, 1996 and 1995 was $2,635,000, $1,691,000 and $1,221,000, respectively.
NOTE M--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
At December 31, 1997, the future minimum rental commitment for operating leases
was as follows: 1998--$2,465,000; 1999--$1,936,000; 2000--$1,438,000;
2001--$1,087,000, and 2002 and thereafter--$925,000. These leases are for the
rental of office space, the initial terms of which run five years, with a
negotiated renewal option at the end of the term. Total rental expense for 1997,
1996, and 1995 amounted to $2,580,000, $1,112,000 and $720,000, respectively.
In 1996, the Company entered into certain contractual agreements with several
contractors and vendors in connection with the construction of an addition to
its home office building and the purchase of office equipment and during 1997
and 1996, the Company expended $9,500,000 and $1,200,000, respectively. The
Company plans to occupy the addition in 1998 and will expend an additional
$3,400,000 to complete the facility.
F-31
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE M--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--Continued
Following the Company's November 5, 1994 announcement of its third-quarter
financial results, the Company was served with seven purported class actions
alleging violations of federal securities laws by the Company and, in some
cases, by certain of its officers and directors. In September 1995, a pre-trial
order was signed which consolidated all actions in the Eastern District of New
York, appointed three law firms as co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs and set
forth a timetable for class certification motion practice and discovery. In
November 1995, plaintiffs served a consolidated amended complaint alleging
violations by the Company of section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 and Rule 10(b)(5) thereunder, seeking to impose controlling person
liability on certain of the Company's officers and directors, and further
alleging insider sales all premised on negative financial information that
should have been publicly disclosed earlier. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified
amount in damages to be proven at trial, reasonable attorneys fees' and expert
witness costs. In April 1997, the Court certified the class. Plaintiffs have
subpoenaed documents and deposed outside auditors and analysts. Plaintiffs have
also taken depositions from current or former officers, directors and employees
of the Company. The Company believes the suit is without merit, has retained
special legal counsel to contest this suit vigorously and believes that the
Company's exposure to liability if any, thereunder would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition.
The Company is involved in other unrelated litigation which is considered
incidental to its business. The ultimate outcome of all litigation is not
expected to be material in relation to the Company's financial position and
results of operations.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries record guaranty assessments when such
assessments are billed by the respective guaranty funds. In addition, each
insurance subsidiary's policy is to accrue for any significant insolvencies when
the loss is probable and the assessment amount can be reasonably estimated. In
the case of most insurance insolvencies, the ability of each insurance
subsidiary to reasonably estimate the insolvent insurer's liabilities or develop
a meaningful range of the insolvent's liabilities is significantly impaired by
inadequate financial data with respect to the state of the insolvent company as
supplied by the guaranty funds.
On November 10, 1994, the Company authorized a stock repurchase program to
purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its Common Stock at such times and prices the
Company deems advantageous in compliance with SEC Rule 10b-18 at the discretion
of the Chairman of the Board. There is no commitment or obligation on the part
of the Company to purchase any particular number of shares, and the program may
be suspended at any time at the Company's discretion. In 1995, in conjunction
with this repurchase program, the Company acquired 13,200 shares at a cost of
$134,000.
NOTE N--GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN COMPANY'S CONVERTIBLE
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
In October 1996, the Company completed a $172,500,000 offering of 3,450,000
shares of 6 1/4% Convertible Trust Originated Preferred Securities ("TOPrS")
through its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary, Frontier Financing Trust, a
statutory business trust formed by the Company for the sole purpose of issuing
the TOPrS and investing the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount of 6 1/4%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") of the Company which
mature on October 16, 2026. Under the terms of the offering, the Company is
subject to certain financial and non-financial covenants. The initial
purchasers' discount of $4,744,000 was deducted from the proceeds of the
offering. The Company also incurred $455,000 and $842,000 of additional offering
costs in 1997 and 1996, respectively, in connection with this transaction,
resulting in net proceeds of $166,459,000 to the Company. The total
F-32
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE N--GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN COMPANY'S CONVERTIBLE
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES--Continued
offering costs have been capitalized and are being amortized on a straight-line
basis over a 30 year period, in conjunction with the maturity date of the
Debentures. The TOPrS are carried on the balance sheet net of the unamortized
offering costs, which at December 31, 1997 and 1996 amounted to approximately
$5,800,000 and $5,500,000, respectively.
The TOPrS are mandatorily redeemable under certain conditions and amounts due to
holders are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. The Debentures
(the sole assets of the trust) are subordinate to all Company debt and to the
claims of creditors and policyholders of the Company's subsidiaries. The TOPrS
are convertible into shares of the Company's Common Stock at an initial
conversion rate of 2.1328 shares of Company Common Stock for each preferred
share which is equivalent to a conversion price of $23.44 per common share (or
7,358,038 shares of Common Stock in total). Holders of the TOPrS have no voting
rights.
The Debentures are redeemable by the Company, at its option, in whole or in part
at a redemption price on or after October 16, 1999, provided the closing price
of the Company's Common Stock is at least 150% of the per share conversion
price, for a minimum of 20 trading days within a period of 30 consecutive
trading days ending on the fifth trading day prior to the notice of redemption
or anytime on or after October 16, 2000. The Company has the right to defer
interest payments on the Debentures at any time by extending the interest
payment date for up to 20 consecutive quarters, but not beyond the maturity date
of the Debentures.
Holders of the TOPrS are entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions at an
annual rate of 61/4% of the liquidation amount of $50 per share, accruing from
the date of original issuance and payable quarterly in arrears. Such
distributions are made from interest received on the Debentures, which have
terms that parallel the terms of the TOPrS. During 1997 and 1996, the Company
recorded expenses related to the cumulative cash distributions net of
amortization of capitalized offering costs of $205,000 and $39,000,
respectively. The corresponding expenses are reported as "Minority interest in
income of consolidated subsidiary trust" in the accompanying consolidated
statements of income.
NOTE O--CONCENTRATIONS
The Company, which is licensed to conduct business in 50 states, attempts to
diversify its exposures geographically, as well as across various types of
risks. However, its former medical malpractice business in the Florida
marketplace comprise 3.2% of the Company's 1997 gross premiums written and its
surety and bond business, which is focused primarily in the California
marketplace, accounts for 13.0% of its gross premiums written in 1997. The
Company's property and casualty subsidiaries have an exposure to insured
losses caused by hurricanes, windstorms and other catastrophic events,
primarily in Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina and earthquake
exposure , is limited to California. The frequency and severity of catastrophes
are unpredictable and the extent of losses from catastrophes is a function of
the amount of insured exposure in an area affected by an event and the severity
of the event. The Company continually assesses its concentration of underwriting
exposures in catastrophe prone areas and develops strategies to manage this
exposure through risk selection, the purchase of catastrophe reinsurance and
modeling technologies that allow better monitoring of catastrophe. Also, the
Company relies primarily on a small number of reinsurers, as discussed
previously in Note E--Reinsurance.
F-33
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued
NOTE P--PREFERRED STOCK
The Company's Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time by the Board of
Directors in one or more series and classes and with such dividend rights,
conversion rights, voting rights, redemption provisions, liquidation
preferences, and other rights and restrictions as the Board of Directors may
determine.
NOTE Q--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company entered into an Aggregate Excess of Loss
Reinsurance Agreement (Stop Loss) with Zurich N.A. for the 1998 and 1999
accident years. The new agreement includes selected programs underwritten by
United Capitol, Western, and selected core programs of Frontier Insurance and
Frontier Pacific which were part of the original 1995-1997 Stop Loss Agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Zurich N.A. provides reinsurance protection
within certain contract aggregate dollar limits for losses and LAE in excess of
a predetermined ratio of these expenses to earned premiums for a given accident
year for subject insurance programs. The maximum amount recoverable for an
accident year is 240% of the reinsurance premium paid for the accident year or
$230,000,000 in the aggregate for the two years.
On January 7, 1998, the Company completed its acquisition of Acceleration Life
Insurance Company ("Accel") from Acceleration National Corporation ("ANIC")for
approximately $27,900,000. Accel, a life insurance company domiciled in Ohio,
underwrites credit life and credit accident and health insurance primarily
through auto dealers. The state of Missouri approved, for statutory reporting
purposes, the recording of this transaction at December 31, 1997. In conjunction
with this transaction, the Company also purchased a book of warranty business
for $10,300,000. A separate reinsurance agreement was executed with ANIC in
which ANIC transferred the unearned premium and claim reserves as of January 1,
1988. For statutory reporting purposes, the $10,300,000 was treated as goodwill
and, accordingly, charged directly to unassigned surplus at December 31, 1997.
F-34
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for 1997
and 1996 (in thousands, except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net premiums earned $77,807 $76,017 $103,216 $109,804 $58,294 $66,148 $70,327 $71,220
Total net investment
income 12,614 13,319 14,786 19,625 8,477 9,202 9,429 11,825
Net income (loss) 11,904 15,419 14,758 (9,799) 9,264 9,769 9,513 11,521
Per share data:
Basic earnings (loss) per
common share .41 .53 .47 (.29) .32 .34 .33 .39
Diluted earnings (loss)
per common share .37 .46 .42 (.20) .32 .34 .33 .37
</TABLE>
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 128, Earnings
Per Share. Statement 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully diluted
earnings per share. Unlike primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share
excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities.
Diluted earnings per share is very similar to the previously reported fully
diluted earnings per share. All numbers of shares outstanding for the period
have been adjusted to reflect the effects of stock dividends and stock splits.
Due to changes in the number of average common stock and equivalent shares
outstanding, quarterly earnings per share may not add to the totals for the
years.
In the fourth quarter 1997 and the second quarter 1996, the Company increased
reserves related to prior years by approximately $35,000,000 and $13,000,000,
respectively. The 1997 reserve increase was attributed to reserve strengthening
in the fourth quarter. The 1996 reserve increase was entirely offset by
subrogation recoverable recognized in connection with the favorable Court
of Appeals decision.
F-35
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
BALANCE SHEETS
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
-------------------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments in subsidiaries $581,002 $354,230
Equity investees 11,938 2,937
Short-term investments 5,550 63,902
Cash 2,498 422
Real estate, equipment and software--at cost, less
accumulated depreciation and amortization
(1997--$4,985; 1996--$3,442) 6,974 7,227
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization
(1997--$2,237; 1996--$3,221) 1,621 2,238
Other assets 20,604 10,192
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS $630,187 $441,148
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Convertible subordinated debentures
due to subsidiary trust $166,703 $166,953
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 9,779 5,621
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 176,482 172,574
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share;
(authorized and unissued: 1,000,000 shares)
Common stock; par value $.01 per share;
(shares authorized: 50,000,000,
shares issued: 1997--34,017,544; 1996--29,379,104) 340 294
Additional paid-in capital 367,914 221,837
Net unrealized gains on investments held
by subsidiaries (net of tax) 20,238 4,807
Retained earnings 65,995 42,424
-------- --------
SUBTOTAL 454,487 269,362
Less treasury stock--at cost (1997--90,450 shares;
1996--91,080 shares) 782 788
-------- --------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 453,705 268,574
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $630,187 $441,148
======== ========
</TABLE>
These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
F-36
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT--Continued
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-----------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Dividend income from subsidiary $ 1,500
Investment income $ 4,125 1,256 $1,544
Realized capital losses (377)
------- ------- ------
TOTAL REVENUES 4,125 2,756 1,167
EXPENSES
Operating and administrative 7,018 582 714
Interest expense 11,842 4,169 895
------- ------- ------
TOTAL EXPENSES 18,860 4,751 1,609
------- ------- ------
LOSS BEFORE FEDERAL
INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY
IN UNDISTRIBUTED INCOME OF
SUBSIDIARIES (14,735) (1,995) (442)
Federal income tax benefit (1) (5,324) (2,337) (207)
------- ------- ------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EQUITY
IN UNDISTRIBUTED INCOME
OF SUBSIDIARIES (9,411) 342 (235)
Equity in undistributed
income of subsidiaries 41,693 39,725 31,446
------- ------- ------
NET INCOME $32,282 $40,067 $31,211
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- --------------------
(1) Under the terms of its tax-sharing agreement with its subsidiaries, income
tax provisions for the individual companies are computed on a separate
company basis. Accordingly, the Company's income tax benefit results from
the utilization of the parent company separate return loss to reduce the
consolidated taxable income of the Company and its subsidiaries.
These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
F-37
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT--Continued
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Income (loss) before equity in
undistributed income of subsidiaries $(9,411) $ 342 $ (235)
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Change in federal income taxes (2,796) (1,558) 2,447
Change in due from subsidiaries (2,407) (215) (4,838)
Depreciation and amortization 2,618 2,287 1,788
Realized capital losses 377
Other (1,522) (1,692) 721
NET CASH PROVIDED BY
(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES (13,518) (836) 260
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital contributions to subsidiaries (29,644) (69,800) (19,445)(1)
Purchases of wholly-owned subsidiaries (140,499) (221)
Sales of equity securities 4,017
Net sales (purchases) of
short-term investments 58,352 (62,726) (1,129)
Change in equity investees (9,001) (2) (2,400)
Purchase of real estate (395)
Purchases of equipment (1,362) (2,181) (1,634)
Purchase of policy renewal rights (8) (426)
Other 314
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH USED IN
INVESTING ACTIVITIES (121,840) (134,938) (21,412)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from convertible debentures 166,914
Proceeds from borrowings 62,000 7,100 25,000
Repayment of borrowings (62,000) (32,100)
Issuance of common stock 146,110 1,103 378
Cash dividends paid (8,240) (6,920) (6,243)
Reissuance (purchases) of treasury stock 19 (134)
Other (455)
------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 137,434 136,097 19,001
------- -------- ---------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 2,076 323 (2,151)
Cash at beginning of year 422 99 2,250
-------- -------- ---------
CASH AT END OF YEAR $ 2,498 $ 422 $ 99
======== ======== =========
</TABLE>
(1) In conjunction with the cash capital contribution, the Company transferred
$28 million of equity securities to its subsidiary, for a total contribution
of $47.4 million.
These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
F-38
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE IV--REINSURANCE
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(dollar amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Col. A Col. B Col. C Col. D Col. E
- ------------------------ --------- ----------------------- -------- --------
Percentage
Ceded to Assumed of Amount
Other from Other Net Assumed to
Description Direct Companies Companies Amount Net
- ------------------------ --------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Premiums written:
General liability $165,471 $ 40,434 $ 5,480 $130,517 4.2%
Medical malpractice 120,867 20,597 134 100,404 .1
Surety 75,862 14,620 626 61,868 1.0
Specialty personal lines 67,477 40,543 8,136 35,070 23.2
Credit related products 45,144 32,778 310 12,676 2.4
Workers' compensation 24,196 17,565 715 7,346 9.7
Commercial earthquake 14,688 6,726 7,962
Other 52,791 25,356 5,738 33,173 17.4
-------- ------- ------- -------- ------
TOTAL $566,496 $198,619 $21,139 $389,016 5.4%
======== ======== ======= ========= =======
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Premiums written:
Medical malpractice $139,233 $19,580 $119,653
General liability 108,984 19,443 $4,439 93,980 4.7%
Surety 65,074 8,749 307 56,632 0.5
Workers' compensation 25,125 19,176 304 6,253 4.9
Commercial earthquake 16,396 4,637 145 11,904 1.2
Specialty personal lines 7,405 6,772 32 665 4.8
Other 31,841 12,579 3,514 22,776 15.4
------- ------ ------- -------- -----
TOTAL $394,058 $90,936 $8,741 $311,863 2.8%
======== ======= ======= ======== ======
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Premiums written:
Medical malpractice $117,431 $18,049 $ 99,382
General liability 65,900 12,841 $3,813 56,872 6.7%
Surety 49,137 5,734 142 43,545 0.3
Workers' compensation 11,047 1,683 569 9,933 5.7
Commercial earthquake 4,067 1,159 2,908
Specialty personal lines 45 9 523 559 93.6
Other 11,595 4,082 45 7,558 0.6
-------- ------- ------ -------- -----
TOTAL $259,222 $43,557 $5,092 $220,757 2.3%
======== ======== ====== ======== =====
F-39
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE V--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(dollar amounts in thousands)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONS
------------------------------------
Description Balance at (1) (2) Deductions Balance at
Beginning of Charged to Costs Charged to Other Describe end of
Period and Expenses Accounts-Describe Period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Reserves and allowances deducted
from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,285 $541 $35(A) $2,791
Allowance for possible reinsurance
uncollectible amounts 517 66 273(A) 310
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Reserves and allowances deducted
F-40 from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $3,391 $ 365 $1,471(A) $2,285
Allowance for possible reinsurance
uncollectible amounts 115 402 517
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Reserves and allowances deducted
from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,237 $1,154 $3,391
Allowance for possible reinsurance
uncollectible amounts 115 115
</TABLE>
(A) Amounts charged off.
F-40
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY
INSURANCE OPERATIONS
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Net of Reinsurance)
(amounts in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Col. A Col. B Col. C Col. D Col. E Col. F Col. G Col. H Col. I Col. J Col. K
- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Claims and Claim
Adjustments Expenses
Net Incurred Related to Amortization
Deferred Unpaid Claims Discount, Total ------------------- of Deferred Paid Claims
Policy and Claim if any, Net Net (1) (2) Policy and Claim Net
Affiliation Acquisition Adjustment Deducted in Unearned Earned Investment Current Prior Acquisition Adjustment Premiums
with Costs Expenses Column C Premiums Premiums Income Year Years Costs Expenses Written
Registrant
- ----------- ----------- ---------- --------- -------- ------- --------- ----- ------ ----------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
Consolidated $55,634 $488,310 $292,115 $366,844 $60,344 $221,281 $13,287 $83,586 $206,837 $389,016
1996
Consolidated 32,871 373,606 153,325 265,989 38,933 160,470 (4,479) 57,540 129,786 311,863
1995
Consolidated 18,797 294,393 101,741 196,220 30,055 126,764 (7,514) 42,258 93,564 220,757
</TABLE>
F-41
<PAGE>
<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.
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ HARRY W. RHULEN
----------------------------
Harry W. Rhulen
Chairman of the Board and President
Date: March 31, 1998
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual
report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature and Title Date
/s/ HARRY W. RHULEN March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
Harry W. Rhulen
Chairman of the Board, President
and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ SUZANNE RHULEN LOUGHLIN March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
Suzanne Rhulen Loughlin
Executive Vice President
and Director
/s/ PETER L. RHULEN March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
Peter L. Rhulen
Director
/s/ LAWRENCE E. O'BRIEN March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
Lawrence E. O'Brien
Director
/s/ DOUGLAS C. MOAT March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
Douglas C. Moat
Director
/s/ ALAN GERRY March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
Alan Gerry
Director
/s/ MARK H. MISHLER March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------
Mark H. Mishler
Vice President-Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
-----------------------
EXHIBITS TO
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
3.1(a) Copy of Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation....................(1)
3.2 Copy of Registrant's By-Laws..................................................(2)
4.1 Indenture dated as of October 16, 1996 between the Registrant and The
Bank of New York, as trustee, with form of Debenture attached as Exhibit
A thereto...................................................................(8)
10.1 Copy of Registrant's Stock Option Plan, including forms of option.............(1)
10.2(a) Copy of Employment Agreement between Registrant and Walter A. Rhulen..........(5)
10.6 Copy of Registrant's Profit Sharing Plan......................................(2)
10.7 Copy of Asset Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Rhulen Agency,
Inc.........................................................................(3)
10.8 Copy of Insurance Placement Agreement between Frontier Insurance Company
and Markel Service, Incorporated............................................(3)
10.9 Copy of Agency Agreement between Frontier Insurance Company and Markel
Service, Incorporated.......................................................(3)
10.10 Copy of Registrant's 1992 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option Plan
..............................................................................(4)
10.11 Copy of Division of Business and Non-Competition Agreement between
Markel Service, Inc. and Frontier Insurance Company.........................(4)
10.12 Description of Registrant's Executive Bonus Plan..............................(5)
10.13 Copy of Credit Agreement between Registrant and The Bank of New York..........(6)
10.14 Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 29, 1996 among Frontier
Insurance Company Acquisition Corp. and, for purposes of Section 2.3(c)
and Article 11 only, Capsure Holdings Corp..................................(7)
10.15 United Capitol Holding Company and Subsidiaries Financial Statements as
of December 31, 1995 and 1994 (with Independent Auditors' Report
thereon) and Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements as of March 31, 1996.............................................(7)
10.15a Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 28, 1997 between Mercury Finance
Company and Frontier Insurance Group, Inc...................................(9)
10.15b First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 29, 1997................(9)
10.15c Second Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 3, 1997...............(9)
10.16 Frontier Insurance Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries' Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Year Ended December
31, 1995 and Three Months Ended March 31, 1996, and Balance Sheet as of
March 31, 1996 together with the related Notes thereto......................(7)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
10.16a Credit Agreement dated June 3, 1997 between Frontier Insurance Group,
Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch and/or Cayman Islands Branch,
individually and as administrative agent....................................(9)
10.17 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of October 16, 1996
among Registrant, as sponsor. Walter A. Rhulen and Peter H. Foley, as
regular trustees. The Bank of New York, as property trustee, and The
Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware trustee, with the terms of the
Preferred Securities attached as Annex I thereto, and the form of
Preferred Security attached as Exhibit A-1 thereto..........................(8)
10.17a Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 3, 1997 among The Galtney Group,
Inc., Galtney Holdings, Inc., Healthcare Insurance Services, Inc. and
Registrant.................................................................(10)
10.18 Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement dated as of October 16, 1996
between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, as trustee for the
benefit of the holders from time to time of the Preferred
Securities..................................................................(8)
10.18a Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 1, 1997 by and between Medical
Professional Liability Agency, Ltd. and FPIC Insurance Agency, Inc. and
for purposes of Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 only, Frontier Insurance
Company....................................................................(10)
10.19 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 16, 1996 among
Registrant, Frontier Financing Trust, and Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation, Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. and Stephens Inc., as
representatives of the initial purchasers of the Preferred
Securities..................................................................(8)
10.19a Stock Acquisition Agreement dated October 20, 1997 among Lyndon
Insurance Group, Inc., Lyndon Life Insurance Company and ACCEL
International Corporation..................................................(10)
10.20 Asset Purchase Agreement dated October 20, 1997 among Lyndon Property
Insurance Company, ACCEL International Corporation and Acceleration
National Insurance Company.................................................(11)
10.21 Amended copy of Registrant's 1992 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock
Option Plan................................................................(11)
12 Statement RE: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges..............
21(a) List of Registrant's
Subsidiaries...............................................................
23 Consent of Independent Auditors..............................................
29 Schedule P of Annual Statement for year ended December 31, 1997, filed
as a paper format exhibit on Form SE pursuant to Section 232.311 of
Regulation ST, of Frontier Insurance Company, Frontier Pacific
Insurance Company, Lyndon Property Insurance Company and Western
Indemnity Insurance Company, as filed with the New York State
Department of Insurance, the California Department of Insurance, the
Missouri Department of Insurance and the Texas Department
of Insurance respectively..................................................
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-7340) and incorporated herein by
reference.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
(2) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 and incorporated herein by
reference.
(3) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by
reference.
(4) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein by
reference.
(5) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference.
(6) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
(7) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K
dated May 22, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
(8) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K
dated October 16, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
(9) Filed as the same numbered exhibit to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K
dated June 3, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
(10) Filed as the same numbered exhibit to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K
dated December 1, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
(11) Filed as the same numbered exhibit to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K
dated December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
As amended
through 12/31/97
1992 INCENTIVE AND NON-INCENTIVE
STOCK OPTION PLAN
OF
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
1. Purpose of Plan.
The purpose of this 1992 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option Plan
("Plan") is to further the growth and development of Frontier Insurance Group,
Inc. ("Company") and any direct and indirect subsidiaries thereof by encouraging
selected employees, directors and other persons who contribute and are expected
to contribute materially to the Company's success to obtain a proprietary
interest in the Company through the ownership of stock, thereby providing such
persons with an added incentive to promote the best interests of the Company and
affording the Company a means of attracting to its service persons of
outstanding ability.
2. Stock Subject to the Plan.
An aggregate of 300,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.01 par
value ("Common Stock"), subject, however, to adjustment or change pursuant to
paragraph 13 hereof, shall be reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options
which may be granted from time to time in accordance with the Plan ("Options").
Such shares may be, in whole or in part, as the Board of Directors of the
Company ("Board") or an Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option Plan Committee
("Committee") appointed by the Board shall from time to time determine,
authorized but unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by
the Company. If, for any reason, an Option shall lapse, expire or terminate
without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased shares covered thereby
shall again be available for purposes of the Plan.
3. Administration.
(a) The Board of Directors shall appoint the Committee from among
its members, two or more of whom shall be "non-employee
directors" as defined by Regulation 240.16b-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such Committee
shall have and may exercise any and all of the powers relating
to the administration of the Plan and the grant of Options
thereunder as are set forth in subparagraph 3(b) hereof. The
Board shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in,
to change the membership of, or to discharge such Committee.
The Committee shall select one of its members as its chairman
and shall hold its meetings at such time and at such places as
it shall deem advisable. A majority of such Committee shall
constitute a quorum and such majority shall determine its
action. Any action may be taken without a meeting by written
consent of all the members of the Committee. The Committee
shall keep minutes of its proceedings and shall report the
same to the Board at the meeting next succeeding.
(b) The Board or the Committee shall administer the Plan and,
subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have authority to
determine the persons to whom, and the time or times at which,
Options shall be granted, the number of shares to be subject
to each such Option and whether all or any portion of such
Options shall be incentive stock options ("Incentive Options")
qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended ("Code"), or stock options which do not so
qualify ("Non-Incentive Options"); provided, however, that
Options to purchase in excess of 100,000 shares may not be
granted to any one person. Both Incentive Options and
Non-Incentive Options may be granted to the same person at the
same time provided each type of Option is clearly designated.
In making such determinations, the Board or Committee may take
into account the nature of the services rendered by such
persons, their present and potential contributions to the
Company's success and such other factors as the Board or
Committee in its sole discretion may deem relevant. Subject to
the express provisions of the Plan, the Board or Committee
shall also have the authority to interpret the Plan, to
prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating
thereto, to determine the terms and provisions of the
respective Option Agreements, which shall be substantially in
the forms attached hereto as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, and to
make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the
administration of the Plan, all of which determinations shall
be conclusive and not subject to review.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
4. Eligibility for Receipt of Options.
(a) Incentive Options.
Incentive Options may be granted only to employees (including
officers) of the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries.
The aggregate Fair Market Value (as defined in paragraph 5 of
the Plan) determined as of the time the Incentive Option is
granted of the shares of the Company's Common Stock
purchasable thereunder exercisable for the first time by an
employee during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000.
A director of the Company or any subsidiary who is not an
employee of the Company or of one of its subsidiaries is not
eligible to receive Incentive Options under the Plan. Further,
Incentive Options may not be granted to any person who, at the
time the Incentive Option is granted, owns (or is considered
as owning within the meaning of Section 425(d) of the Code)
stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting
powers of all classes of stock of the Company or any
subsidiary (10% Owner), unless at the time the Incentive
Option is granted to a 10% Owner, the option price is at least
110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock subject
thereto and such Incentive Option by its terms is not
exercisable subsequent to five years from the date of grant.
(b) Non-Incentive Options.
Non-Incentive Options may be granted to any employee
(including employees who have been granted Incentive Options),
directors, consultants, agents, independent contractors and
other persons whom the Committee determines will contribute to
the Company's success.
(c) Persons Ineligible.
Messrs. Walter A. Rhulen, Peter L. Rhulen and Jesse M. Farrow
are ineligible to receive Options under the Plan.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
5. Option Price.
The purchase price of the shares of Common Stock under each
Option shall be determined by the Board or Committee, which determination shall
be conclusive and not subject to review, but in no event shall be less than 100%
of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant (110% of fair
market value in the case of Incentive Options granted to a 10% Owner).
In determining the fair market value of the Common Stock as of a
specified date (the "Fair Market Value"), the Committee shall consider, if the
Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange or another national
securities exchange, the closing price of the Common Stock on the business day
immediately preceding the date as of which the Fair Market Value is being
determined, or on the next preceding date on which such Common Stock is traded
if no Common Stock was traded on such immediately preceding business day, or, if
the Common Stock is not so listed on a national securities exchange, but
publicly traded, the representative closing bid price in the over-the-counter
market as reported by NASDAQ or as quoted by the National Quotation Bureau or a
recognized dealer in the Common Stock, on the date immediately preceding the
date as of which the Fair Market Value is being determined, or on the next
preceding date on which such Common Stock is traded if no Common Stock was
traded on such immediately preceding business day. The Committee may also
consider such other factors as it shall deem appropriate.
For purposes of the Plan, the date of grant of an Option shall be
the date on which the Board or Committee shall by resolution duly authorize such
Option.
6. Term of Options.
The term of each Option shall be such number of years, not to
exceed ten years, as the Board or Committee shall determine, subject to earlier
termination as herein provided.
7. Exercise of Options.
(a) No Option granted under the Plan shall be exercisable until at
least one year from the date of grant. Thereafter, each Option
shall be exercisable to the extent determined by the Board or
Committee.
An Option may not be exercised for less than ten shares at any
one time (or the remaining shares then purchasable if less
than ten) and may not be exercised for fractional shares of
the Company's Common Stock.
(b) Except as provided in paragraphs 10, 11 and 12 hereof, no
Option shall be exercisable unless the holder thereof shall
have been an employee, director, consultant, agent,
independent contractor or other person employed by or engaged
in performing services for the Company and/or a subsidiary
continuously from the date of grant to the date of exercise.
(c) The exercise of an Option shall be contingent upon receipt
from the holder thereof of a written representation that at
the time of such exercise it is the optionee's then present
intention to acquire the Option shares for investment and not
with a view to the distribution or resale thereof (unless a
Registration Statement covering the shares purchasable upon
exercise of the Options shall have been declared effective by
the Securities and Exchange Commission) and upon receipt by
the Company of cash, or a check to its order, for the full
purchase price of such shares; provided, however, that with
the consent of the Committee or such officer of the Company as
may be authorized by the Committee from time to time, the
purchase price and such amount, if any, as is required for
withholding taxes may be paid by (i) the surrender of Common
Stock in good form for transfer owned by the person exercising
the Option or (ii) the forfeiture by the person exercising the
Option of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Option, in each case having a Fair Market Value on the date of
exercise equal to the purchase price and such amount, if any,
as is required for withholding taxes, or in any combination of
cash and Common Stock so long as the total of the cash so paid
and the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock surrendered or
forfeited equals the purchase price and such amount, if any,
as is required for withholding taxes. Any Common Stock
delivered in satisfaction of all or any portion of the
purchase price shall be appropriately endorsed for transfer
and assignment to the Company. No share shall be issued
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
until full payment therefor has been made.
(d) The holder of an Option shall have none of the rights of a
stockholder with respect to the shares purchasable upon
exercise of the Option until a certificate for such shares
shall have been issued to the holder upon due exercise of the
Option.
(e) The proceeds received by the Company upon exercise of an
Option shall be added to the Company's working capital and be
available for general corporate purposes.
8. Effects of Change in Control
Immediately following a "change in control" of the Company (as
hereinafter defined), the Options shall become immediately fully exercisable,
but in no event may an Option be exercised after the expiration date of the
Option. For purposes of the Plan, a "change in control" of the Company shall
mean (i) the acquisition at any time by a "person" or "group" (as such terms are
used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) of beneficial ownership
(as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities representing 40% or more of the combined voting power in the election
of directors of the then outstanding securities of the Company or any successor
of the Company; (ii) the termination of service of directors for any reason,
other than death, disability or retirement from the Board of Directors, during
any period of two consecutive years or less of individuals who at the beginning
of such period constituted a majority of the Board of Directors, unless the
election of or nomination for election of each new director during such period
was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors still in office
who were directors at the beginning of the period; (iii) approval by the
stockholders of the Company of any merger, consolidation, or statutory share
exchange as a result of which the Common Stock shall be changed, converted or
exchanged (other than a merger, consolidation or share exchange with a
wholly-owned Subsidiary) or liquidation of the Company or any sale or
disposition of 60% or more of the assets or earning power or the Company; or
(iv) approval by the stockholders of the Company of any merger, consolidation,
or statutory share exchange to which the Company is a party as a result of which
the persons who were stockholders immediately prior to the effective date of the
merger, consolidation or share exchange shall have beneficial ownership of less
than 50% of the combined voting power in the election of directors of the
surviving corporation; provided, however, that no change in control shall be
deemed to have occurred if, prior to such time as a change in control would
otherwise be deemed to have occurred, the Company's Board of Directors deems
otherwise.
9. Non-Transferability of Options.
No option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be transferable
otherwise than by will or the laws of descent or distribution and an Option may
be exercised during the lifetime of the holder only by such holder.
10. Termination of Employment or Engagement.
In the event the employment of the holder of an Option shall be
terminated by the Company or a subsidiary for any reason other than by reason of
death, disability or retirement at or after age 65, or the engagement of a
non-employee holder of a Non-Incentive Option shall be terminated by the Company
or a subsidiary for any reason, such holder's Option shall immediately
terminate, lapse and expire. Absence on leave approved by the employer
corporation shall not be considered an interruption of employment for any
purpose under the Plan.
Nothing in the Plan or in any Option Agreement granted hereunder
shall confer upon any Optionholder any right to continue in the employ of the
Company or any subsidiary or obligate the Company or any subsidiary to continue
the engagement of any Optionholder or interfere in any way with the right of the
Company or any such subsidiary to terminate such Optionholder's employment or
engagement at any time.
11. Retirement or Disability of Holder of Option.
If the employment of the holder of an Option shall be terminated
by reason of such holder's disability or retirement at or after age 65, such
holder may, within six months from the date of such termination, exercise such
Option to the extent such Option was exercisable by such holder at the date of
such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Option may be exercised
subsequent to the date of its expiration.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
12. Death of Holder of Option.
If the holder of any Option shall die while in the employ of, or
while performing services for, the Company or one or more of its subsidiaries
(or within six months following termination of employment due to disability or
retirement at or after age 65), the Option theretofore granted to such person
may be exercised, but only to the extent such Option was exercisable by the
holder at the date of death (or, with respect to employees, the date of
termination of employment due to disability of retirement at or after age 65) by
the legatee or legatees of such person under such person's Last Will, or by such
person's personal representative or distributees, within six months from the
date of death but in no event subsequent to the expiration date of the Option.
13. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization.
If at any time after the date of grant of an Option, the Company
shall by stock dividend, split-up, combination, reclassification or exchange, or
through merger or consolidation or otherwise, change its shares of Common Stock
into a different number or kind or class of shares or other securities or
property, then the number of shares covered by such Option and the price per
share thereof shall be proportionately adjusted for any such change by the
Committee, whose determination thereon shall be conclusive. In the event that a
fraction of a share results from the foregoing adjustment, said fraction shall
be eliminated and the price per share of the remaining shares subject to the
Option adjusted accordingly.
14. Vesting of Rights Under Options.
Neither anything contained in the Plan or in any resolution
adopted or to be adopted by the Committee or the stockholders of the Company
shall constitute the vesting of any rights under any Option. The vesting of such
rights shall take place only when a written Option Agreement, substantially in
the form of the Incentive Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A or
the Non-Incentive Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B, shall be
duly executed and delivered by and on behalf of the Company and the person to
whom the Option shall be granted.
15. Termination and Amendment.
The Plan, which has been adopted by the Board of Directors on
March 20, 1992, subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company, shall
terminate on March 19, 2002, and no Option shall be granted under the Plan after
such date. The Board of Directors may at any time prior to such date terminate
the Plan or make such modifications or amendments thereto as it shall deem
advisable provided, however, that
(i) no increase shall be made in the aggregate number of shares
which may be issued under the Plan;
(ii) no termination, modification or amendment shall adversely
affect the rights of a holder of an Option previously granted
under the Plan;
(iii) no material modification shall be made to the requirements of
eligibility for participation in the Plan; and
(iv) no material increase shall be made in the benefits accruing to
participants under the Plan.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
---------------
To:
We are pleased to notify you that by the determination of the
Board of Directors (the "Board") or the Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option
Plan Committee (the "Committee") an incentive stock option to purchase ________
shares of the Common Stock of Frontier Insurance Group, Inc. (the "Company") at
a price of $______ per share has this ____ day of _______________, been granted
to you under the Company's 1992 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option Plan
(the "Plan"). This option may be exercised only upon the terms and conditions
set forth below.
1. Purpose of Option.
The purpose of the Plan under which this incentive stock option
has been granted is to further the growth and development of the Company and its
direct and indirect subsidiaries by encouraging key employees, directors,
consultants, agents, independent contractors and other persons who contribute
and are expected to contribute materially to the Company's success to obtain a
proprietary interest in the Company through the ownership of stock, thereby
providing such persons with an added incentive to promote the best interests of
the Company, and affording the Company a means of attracting to its service
persons of outstanding ability.
2. Acceptance of Option Agreement.
Your execution of this incentive stock option agreement will
indicate your acceptance of and your willingness to be bound by its terms; it
imposes no obligation upon you to purchase any of the shares subject to the
option. Your obligation to purchase shares can arise only upon your exercise of
the option in the manner set forth in paragraph 4 hereof.
3. When Option May Be Exercised.
The option granted you hereunder may not be exercised for a
period of one year from the date of its grant by the Committee as set forth
above. Thereafter, this option shall be exercisable as follows: [set forth
terms]
(i) at the end of one year from the date of grant, up to _____% of
the total shares subject to the option;
This option may not be exercised for less than ten shares at any one time (or
the remaining shares then purchasable if less than ten) and expires at the end
of _____ years from the date of grant whether or not it has been duly exercised,
unless sooner terminated as provided in paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof.
4. How Option May Be Exercised.
This option is exercisable by a written notice signed by you and
delivered to the Company at its executive offices, signifying your election to
exercise the option. The notice must state the number of shares of Common Stock
as to which your option is being exercised, must contain a statement by you (in
a form acceptable to the Company) that such shares are being acquired by you for
investment and not with a view to their distribution or resale (unless a
registration statement covering the shares purchasable has been declared
effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and must be accompanied by
cash or check to the order of the Company for the full purchase price of the
share being purchased; provided, however, with the consent of the Committee or
such officer of the Company as may be authorized by the Committee from time to
time, the purchase price and such amount, if any, as is required for withholding
taxes may be paid by (i) the surrender of Common Stock in good form for transfer
owned by the person exercising the Option or (ii) the forfeiture by the person
exercising the Option of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Option, in each case having a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) on the
date of exercise equal to the purchase price and such amount, if any, as is
required for withholding taxes, or in any combination of cash and Common Stock
so long as the total of the cash so paid and the Fair Market Value (as defined
in the Plan) of the Common Stock surrendered or forfeited equals the purchase
price and such amount, if any, as is required for withholding taxes. Any Common
Stock delivered in satisfaction of all or any portion of the purchase price
shall be appropriately endorsed for transfer and assignment to the Company. No
share shall be issued until
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
full payment therefor has been made.
If notice of the exercise of this option is given by a person or
persons other than you, the Company may require, as a condition to the exercise
of this option, the submission to the Company of appropriate proof of the right
of such person or persons to exercise this option.
Certificates for shares of the Common Stock so purchased will be
issued as soon as practicable. The Company, however, shall not be required to
issue or deliver a certificate for any shares until it has complied with all
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
any stock exchange on which the Company's Common Stock may then be listed and
all applicable state laws in connection with the issuance or sale of such shares
or the listing of such shares on said exchange. Until the issuance of the
certificate for such shares, you or such other person as may be entitled to
exercise this option, shall have none of the rights of a stockholder with
respect to shares subject to this option.
You shall promptly advise the Company of any sale of shares of
Common Stock issued upon exercise of this option which occurs within one year
from the date of the exercise of this option relating to the issuance of such
shares.
5. Termination of Employment.
If your employment with the Company (or a subsidiary thereof) is
terminated for any reason other than by death, disability or retirement, this
option shall immediately lapse and expire.
6. Retirement or Disability.
If your employment with the Company (or a subsidiary thereof) is
terminated by reason of your disability or retirement at or after age 65, you
may exercise, within six months from the date of such termination, that portion
of this option which was exercisable by you at the date of such termination,
provided, however, that such exercise occurs within _____ years from the date
this option was granted to you.
7. Death.
If you die while employed by the Company (or a subsidiary
thereof) or within six months after termination of your employment due to
disability or retirement at or after age 65, that portion of this option which
was exercisable by you at the date of your death may be exercised by your
legatee or legatees under your Will, or by your personal representatives or
distributees, within six months from the date of your death, but in no event
after _____ years from the date this option was granted to you.
8. Non-Transferability of Option.
This option shall not be transferable except by Will or the laws
of descent and distribution, and may be exercised during your lifetime only by
you.
2
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
9. Adjustments upon Changes in Capitalization.
If at any time after the date of grant of this option, the
Company shall, by stock dividend, split-up, combination, reclassification or
exchange, or through merger or consolidation, or otherwise, change its shares of
Common Stock into a different number or kind or class of shares or other
securities or property, then the number of shares covered by this option and the
price of each such share shall be proportionately adjusted for any such change
by the Committee whose determination shall be conclusive. Any fraction of a
share resulting from any adjustment shall be eliminated and the price per share
of the remaining shares subject to this options adjusted accordingly.
10. Effects of Change in Control.
Immediately following a "change in control" of the Company (as
defined in the Plan), this Option shall become immediately fully exercisable,
but in no event may this Option be exercised after 10 years from the date this
Option was granted to you.
11. Subject to Terms of the Plan.
This incentive stock option agreement shall be subject in all
respects to the terms and conditions of the Plan and in the event of any
question or controversy relating to the terms of the Plan, the decision of the
Board or Committee shall be conclusive.
Sincerely yours,
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
By:___________________________
President
Agreed to and accepted this ___ day of _________, 199_.
- ---------------------------
Signature of Optionee
3
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
NON-INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
---------------
To:
We are pleased to notify you that by the determination of the
Board of Directors (the "Board") or the Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option
Plan Committee (the "Committee") a non-incentive stock option to purchase
_______ shares of the Common Stock of Frontier Insurance Group, Inc. (the
"Company") at a price of $_______ per share has this ___ day of ______________
been granted to you under the Company's 1992 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock
Option Plan (the "Plan"). This option may be exercised only upon the terms and
conditions set forth below.
1. Purpose of Option.
The purpose of the Plan under which this non-incentive stock
option has been granted is to further the growth and development of the Company
and its direct and indirect subsidiaries by encouraging key employees,
directors, consultants, agents, independent contractors and other persons who
contribute and are expected to contribute materially to the Company's success to
obtain a proprietary interest in the Company through the ownership of stock,
thereby providing such persons with an added incentive to promote the best
interests of the Company, and affording the Company a means of attracting to its
service persons of outstanding ability.
2. Acceptance of Option Agreement.
Your execution of this non-incentive stock option agreement will
indicate your acceptance of and your willingness to be bound by its terms; it
imposes no obligation upon you to purchase any of the shares subject to the
option. Your obligation to purchase shares can arise only upon your exercise of
the option in the manner set forth in paragraph 4 hereof.
3. When Option May Be Exercised.
The option granted you hereunder may not be exercised for a
period of one year from the date of its grant by the Committee as set forth
above. Thereafter, this option shall be exercisable as follows: [set forth
terms].
(i) at the end of one year from the date of grant, up to ____ % of
the total shares subject to the option;
This option may not be exercised for less than ten shares at any one time (or
the remaining shares then purchasable if less than ten) and expires at the end
of [indicate term of option] years from the date of grant whether or not it has
been duly exercised, unless sooner terminated as provided in paragraphs 5, 6 and
7 hereof.
4. How Option May Be Exercised
This option is exercisable by a written notice signed by you and
delivered to the Company at its executive offices, signifying your election to
exercise the option. The notice must state the number of shares of Common Stock
as to which your option is being exercised, must contain a statement by you (in
a form acceptable to the Company) that such shares are being acquired by you for
investment and not with a view to their distribution or resale (unless a
registration statement covering the shares purchasable has been declared
effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and must be accompanied by
cash or check to the order of the Company for the full purchase price of the
shares being purchased, plus such amount, if any, as is required for withholding
taxes; provided, however, with the consent of the Committee or such officer of
the Company as may be authorized by the Committee from time to time, the
purchase price and such amount, if any, as is required for withholding taxes may
be paid by (i) the surrender of Common Stock in good form for transfer owned by
the person exercising the Option or (ii) the forfeiture by the person exercising
the Option of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Option, in
each case having a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) on the date of
exercise equal to the purchase price and such amount, if any, as is required for
withholding taxes, or in any combination of cash and Common Stock so long as the
total of the cash so paid and the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
surrendered or forfeited equals the purchase price and such amount, if any, as
is required for withholding taxes. Any Common Stock delivered in satisfaction of
all or any portion of the purchase price shall be appropriately endorsed for
transfer and assignment to the Company. No share shall
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
be issued until full payment therefor has been made.
If notice of the exercise of this option is given by a person or
persons other than you, the Company may require, as a condition to the exercise
of this option, the submission to the Company of appropriate proof of the right
of such person or persons to exercise this option.
Certificates for shares of the Common Stock so purchased will be
issued as soon as practicable. The Company, however, shall not be required to
issue or deliver a certificate for any shares until it has complied with all
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
any stock exchange on which the Company's Common Stock may then be listed and
all applicable state laws in connection with the issuance or sale of such shares
or the listing of such shares on said exchange. Until the issuance of the
certificate for such shares, you or such other person as may be entitled to
exercise this option, shall have none of the rights of a stockholder with
respect to shares subject to this option.
You shall promptly advise the Company of any sale of shares of
Common Stock issued upon exercise of this option which occurs within one year
from the date of the exercise of this option relating to the issuance of such
shares.
5. Termination of Employment.
If your employment with the Company (or a subsidiary thereof) is
terminated for any reason other than by death, disability or retirement or, if a
non-employee, your engagement by the Company (or a subsidiary) is terminated for
any reason, this option shall immediately lapse and expire.
6. Retirement or Disability.
If your employment with the Company (or a subsidiary thereof) is
terminated by reason of your disability or retirement at or after age 65, you
may exercise, within six months from the date of such termination, that portion
of this option which was exercisable by you at the date of such termination,
provided, however, that such exercise occurs within ______ years from the date
this option was granted to you.
7. Death.
If you die while employed by the Company (or a subsidiary
thereof) or within six months after termination of your employment due to
disability or retirement at or after age 65, that portion of this option which
was exercisable by you at the date of your death may be exercised by your
legatee or legatees under your Will, or by your personal representatives or
distributees, within six months from the date of your death, but in no event
after _____ years from the date this option was granted to you.
8. Non-Transferability of Option.
This option shall not be transferable except by Will or the laws
of descent and distribution, and may be exercised during your lifetime only by
you.
9. Adjustments upon Changes in Capitalization.
If at any time after the date of grant of this option, the
Company shall, by stock dividend, split-up, combination, reclassification or
exchange, or through merger or consolidation, or otherwise, change its shares of
Common Stock into a different number or kind or class of shares or other
securities or property, then the number of shares covered by this option and the
price of each such share shall be proportionately adjusted for any such change
by the Committee whose determination shall be conclusive. Any fraction of a
share resulting from any adjustment shall be eliminated and the price per share
of the remaining shares subject to this option adjusted accordingly.
2
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
10. Effects of Change in Control.
Immediately following a "change in control" of the Company (as
defined in the Plan), this Option shall become immediately fully exercisable,
but in no event may this Option be exercised after 10 years from the date this
Option was granted to you.
11. Subject to Terms of the Plan.
This non-incentive stock option agreement shall be subject in all
respects to the terms and conditions of the Plan and in the event of any
question or controversy relating to the terms of the Plan, the decision of the
Committee shall be conclusive.
12. Tax Status.
This option does not qualify as an "incentive stock option" under
the provisions of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and the income tax implications of your receipt of a non-incentive stock option
and your exercise of such an option should be discussed with your tax counsel.
Sincerely yours,
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
By:___________________________
President
Agreed to and accepted this ___ day of _________, 199_.
- ---------------------------
Signature of Optionee
3
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. 1997 FORM 10-K EXHIBIT 12
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(in thousands, except per share dollar amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
-------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income before income taxes
and cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle 45,849 56,659 43,280 21,330 30,293
Add:
Minority Interest and interest expense 11,842 4,247 895
Interest portion of rental expense 500 371 240
Earnings available for payment of combined
fixed charges and preferred stock dividends 58,191 61,277 44,415 21,330 30,293
Combined fixed charges:
Minority Interest and interest expense 11,842 4,247 895
Interest portion of debt issuance costs 500 371 240
Total Combined fixed charges 12,342 4,618 1,135
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges(1) 4.7 13.3 39.1 N/A N/A
</TABLE>
(1) For purposes of determining this ratio, earnings consist of income before
federal income taxes, cumulative effect of accounting change plus fixed
charges. Fixed Charges consist of 1) minority interest-preferred securities
of subsidiary trust, and interest expense on short-term debt, 2) net
amortization of debt issuance costs and 3) the portion of rental expense
that is representative of the interest factor.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. 1997 FORM 10-K EXHIBIT 21(a)
LIST OF REGISTRANT'S SUBSIDIARIES
The following is a list of Registrant's subsidiaries, all of which are
wholly-owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
State of Jurisdiction
Name and Incorporation
- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C>
Frontier Insurance New York
Medical Professional Liability Agency, Ltd. New York
Pioneer Claim Management, Inc. New York
Frontier Pacific Insurance Company California
Spencer Douglass Insurance Associates California
United Capitol Holding Company Delaware
United Capitol Insurance Company Illinois
Olympic Underwriting Managers, Inc. Georgia
Fischer Underwriting Group, Inc. New Jersey
Regency Financial Corporation Delaware
Regency Insurance Company North Carolina
Emrol Installment Premium Discount, Inc. North Carolina
Lyndon Property Insurance Company Missouri
Lyndon Life Insurance Company Missouri
Lyndon Southern Insurance Company Louisiana
Gulfco Life Insurance Company Louisiana
Twin Mercury Life Insurance Company Arizona
Lyndon General Agency of Texas, Inc. Texas
Environmental and Commercial Insurance Agency, Inc. Ohio
Western Indemnity Insurance Company Texas
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
FRONTIER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. 1997 FORM 10-K EXHIBIT 23
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Forms S-8 No. 33-30217, No. 33-39638, and No. 33-77332) pertaining to the
Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option Plans of Frontier Insurance Group, Inc.
of our report dated March 24, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedules of Frontier Insurance Group, Inc. included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997.
/S/ Ernst & Young LLP
------------------------------
New York, New York
March 24, 1998
<PAGE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 1,079,740
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 0
<EQUITIES> 20,281
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 1,249,455
<CASH> 11,804
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 0
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 55,634
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,975,713
<POLICY-LOSSES> 780,044
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 404,042
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 0
<COMMON> 340
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 453,705
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,975,713
366,844
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 56,122
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 4,222
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<BENEFITS> 234,568
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 83,586
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 51,343
<INCOME-PRETAX> 45,849
<INCOME-TAX> 13,567
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 32,282
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 32,282
<EPS-PRIMARY> 104
<EPS-DILUTED> 101
<RESERVE-OPEN> 373,606
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 294,324
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 50,665
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 147,013
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 483,539
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> (13,287)
<PAGE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1995
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 521,402
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 0
<EQUITIES> 21,024
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 552,714
<CASH> 5,115
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 2,639
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 18,797
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 773,348
<POLICY-LOSSES> 367,438
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 107,282
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 0
<COMMON> 130
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 229,603
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 773,348
196,220
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 30,035
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 20
<OTHER-INCOME> 130
<BENEFITS> 119,256
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 42,258
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 20,717
<INCOME-PRETAX> 43,280
<INCOME-TAX> 12,069
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 31,211
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 31,211
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.09
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.08
<RESERVE-OPEN> 263,202
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 132,264
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 13,052
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 80,507
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 294,393
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 7,514
<PAGE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 685,277
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 0
<EQUITIES> 16,271
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 636,320
<CASH> 8,332
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 7,519
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 32,871
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,246,407
<POLICY-LOSSES> 638,073
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 186,728
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 0
<COMMON> 147
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 268,427
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,246,407
265,989
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 37,226
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 1,707
<OTHER-INCOME> 55
<BENEFITS> 156,991
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 67,640
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 30,540
<INCOME-PRETAX> 36,689
<INCOME-TAX> 16,892
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 40,047
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 40,067
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.39
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.36
<RESERVE-OPEN> 294,393
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 213,478
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 27,626
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 102,160
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 373,606
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 4,479
</TABLE>
