SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
--------------------------
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
|X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended ............December 31, 1998
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 0-16520
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
----------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-2957684
- ------------------------------- --------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
116 John Street, New York, New York 10038
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 964-2150
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes: |X| No: |_|
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K (ss.229.405 of this chapter) 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. |X|
The aggregate market value of the voting stock (Class A Common Stock, par
value $ .01 per share) held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by
reference to the average of the closing bid and asked price, as of March 31,
1999 was $5,088,734.
The aggregate number of registrant's outstanding shares on March 31, 1999,
was 2,570,100 shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value (excluding 10,000
shares of treasury stock), and 47,400 shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par
value.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Part III - Portions of Registrant's Proxy Statement relating to the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders.
Part IV - Portions of previously filed reports and registration statements.
<PAGE>
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
General
Arista Investors Corp. (the "Registrant") through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Arista Insurance Company ("Arista"), a New York corporation
(Registrant and Arista are sometimes hereinafter individually or collectively
referred to as the "Company"), was engaged in the sale and underwriting of
statutory, super statutory and voluntary disability benefits insurance
(collectively, the "Insurance") in the State of New York from 1979 to June 30,
1998. Since July 1, 1998, the Registrant has been engaged as a third party
administrator. The Registrant is a Delaware corporation incorporated on August
19, 1986, which succeeded to the business of its predecessor, Arista Investors
Corp., a New York corporation organized in 1978. The Company's principal
executive offices are located at 116 John Street, New York, New York 10038. Its
telephone number is (212) 964-2150.
Arista was licensed to write accident and health insurance by the
Department in October 1979, and sold and underwrote the Insurance through June
30, 1998. During the year ended December 31, 1993, Arista amended its charter
and became licensed to write a line of property and casualty insurance in New
York as well. To date, Arista has not written any property and casualty
insurance business. Such licenses may continue in perpetuity unless suspended or
terminated by an act of the regulator.
The following table sets forth the third party administrative service
fees, together with the consolidated investment income and realized investment
gains (losses) for each of the three years of the period ended December 31,
1998.
1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ----
Third party administrative services $ 200,664 $ 351,346 $1,493,153
========== ========== ==========
Investment income $ 440,540 $ 513,913 $ 543,856
========== ========== ==========
Realized investment gains (losses) $ (208) $ (2,519) $ --
========== ========== ==========
Recent Developments
Cession of Insurance; Commencement of Third Party Administration
The Agreements. The Company entered into an Assumption Reinsurance
Agreement, dated September 23, 1998 (the "Treaty"), with The Guardian Life
Insurance Company of America, a New York mutual life insurance company ("The
Guardian"), and the Registrant entered into an Administrative Services
Agreement, also dated September 23, 1998 (the "TPA Agreement"), with The
Guardian. The transactions contemplated by the Treaty and TPA Agreement were
consummated on November 12, 1998 (the "Closing Date") and deemed effective as of
July 1, 1998 (the "Effective Date"). Also, the quota share reinsurance treaty
between Arista and The Guardian, effective as of January 1, 1998 (the "Quota
Share Reinsurance Treaty"), whereby Arista ceded a 50% participation in the
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Insurance by way of reinsurance, both for business in force as of January 1,
1998 and for business written or acquired after January 1, 1998 was terminated.
See "-The Treaty; Cession of Insurance Business", "-TPA Agreement; Third Party
Administration Business" and "-Reinsurance Treaty" and "-Reinsurance Ceded."
The Treaty; Cession of Insurance Business. Pursuant to the Treaty, the
Company ceded to The Guardian all of Arista's liabilities under each and every
policy of the Insurance underwritten by Arista, excluding any liabilities
arising from (i) acts, errors or omissions of Arista, its directors, officers,
employees or agents prior to the Closing Date, (ii) any bad faith, willful
misconduct, fraud or gross negligence of Arista prior to the Closing Date or
(iii) any act, error or omission by Arista, its directors, officers, employees
or agents under the TPA Agreement. The assumption reinsurance provided by The
Guardian under the Treaty is subject to the same limitations, terms and
conditions as the Insurance. As of the Closing Date under the Treaty, Arista
discontinued all sales of the Insurance.
The cession of the Insurance to The Guardian was deemed to have taken
place as of the Effective Date. Pursuant to the Treaty, Arista was required to
present to The Guardian on the Closing Date all new policies, if any, which
Arista had issued between the Effective Date and the Closing Date for acceptance
by The Guardian pursuant to the Treaty. Any new policies not accepted by The
Guardian were canceled in accordance with the requirements of the Workers'
Compensation Law. On the Closing Date, Arista presented to The Guardian 25,092
policies, of which approximately 99.7% of the policyholders accepted The
Guardian assumption.
Pursuant to the Treaty, The Guardian did not assume any liabilities other
than the express obligations set forth in the Insurance or any costs or
liabilities arising as a result of any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the
Insurance. Between the Effective Date and the Closing Date, Arista was obligated
to continue its operations in accordance with prior practices and in conformity
with prevailing industry standards and customs. The Guardian was responsible for
the handling of, and all costs and expenses, including legal fees, relating to
litigation or other claims under the Insurance, but excluding liabilities
arising out of or relating to actions for declaratory judgments initiated within
120 days of the Closing Date. As of such date, management was not aware of any
such liabilities, known, pending or threatened.
As of June 30, 1998 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the
Insurance encompassed some 229,000 and 337,000 covered lives, respectively, and
approximately 23,000 and 24,000 policyholders, respectively. See "-TPA
Agreement; Third Party Administration Business."
The Registrant accounted for the cession of the Insurance and the
assumption of specified assets and liabilities as a purchase by The Guardian.
Under this method, the Registrant recognized in earnings the net gain on
disposal of a segment of its business representing the excess of (i) the cession
allowance of 18% of the last twelve months adjusted earned premium, plus the
proceeds from the assumption of the due premium receivables at the Effective
Date by The Guardian over (ii) all unpaid claim reserves, unearned premium
reserves, plus claim expense reserves and GAAP assessment reserves assumed by
The Guardian, and the cost of disposal. The Registrant surrendered control over
all assets and liabilities
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transferred to The Guardian, and retained no beneficial interest. See Financial
Statements and Notes thereto.
After the closing of the cession of the Insurance to The Guardian, the
Registrant retained Arista's insurance company license and charter, consolidated
cash and cash equivalents and other assets in excess of $2 million and an
ongoing TPA operation. See "-TPA Agreement; Third Party Administration
Business."
Purchase Price and Assumption of Liabilities. In exchange for the cession
of the Insurance, The Guardian paid Arista a cession allowance in an amount, in
cash, based on the premiums, as adjusted, earned by Arista for the 12 month
period through the Effective Date. Such premiums were accounted for by utilizing
the actual earned premium for the most recent 12 month period prior to the
Effective Date. The cession allowance was 18% of the adjusted earned premium.
See Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
After the closing of the cession of the Insurance to The Guardian, The
Guardian mailed an Assumption Certificate ("Certificate") to each policyholder's
last known address, which certificate reflected the assumption by The Guardian
of all risks, duties and obligations associated with the Insurance. The Treaty
and the Certificate met all of the requirements of the Department (the
"Department") and was approved by the Superintendent of Insurance of the State
of New York prior to consummation of the cession of the Insurance. On the
Closing Date, Arista presented to The Guardian 25,092 policies, of which 25,010
policyholders accepted The Guardian assumption, and 82 rejected The Guardian
assumption.
Under the Treaty, the Company made various representations and warranties
with respect to the Insurance as well as its other assets, liabilities and
activities. These representations and warranties related to, among other things,
Arista's good standing, due incorporation, compliance with applicable laws and
the reserves held by Arista in support of the Insurance. Arista and the
Registrant have agreed to indemnify The Guardian for all liabilities arising
from any breach by Arista of any covenants or failure to perform any obligations
contained in the Treaty, which indemnity provision will survive for two years
following the termination of the Treaty.
TPA Agreement; Third Party Administration Business. The Registrant is
licensed by the Department as an independent accident and health adjuster (the
"License"), and on the date that the cession of the Insurance was consummated,
the Registrant commenced servicing the Insurance pursuant to the TPA Agreement.
The License may continue in perpetuity unless otherwise suspended or terminated
by an act of the regulator. In March 1998, the Registrant paid a fee of $100 for
the License required for its existing sublicensee. The Company is proceeding to
have additional employees licensed.
As a third party administrator under the TPA Agreement, the Registrant
performs various services relating to the Insurance underwritten by The
Guardian, including, but not limited to, pricing of risk, underwriting new and
renewal business, investigation, calculation and payment of claims,
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preparation and transmission of bills, preparation of policy kits and forms,
preparations of commission statements, maintenance of records, responding to
inquiries from policyholders and providing updates on regulatory changes.
Pursuant to the TPA Agreement, the Registrant receives a fee based upon the
premiums earned by The Guardian plus additional fees based upon performance by
the Registrant and results achieved by The Guardian. The TPA Agreement sets
three pricing parameters: (i) a basic fee of 7% of earned premium for all
required functions, (ii) adjustments to the basic fee of +/-1% of the earned
premium pursuant to a semi-annual audit performed by The Guardian to determine
whether the performance criteria under the TPA Agreement have been complied
with, and (iii) a limited contingency payment to be paid annually based upon the
developed incurred loss ratio. The TPA Agreement is effective for a period of
five years, subject to earlier termination by The Guardian under certain
circumstances as described below.
Pursuant to the TPA Agreement, The Guardian has the right to terminate the
TPA Agreement during the full term of the TPA Agreement upon 60 days prior
written notice to the Registrant upon the occurrence of any of the following
events (each an "Event of Default"): (i) breach of the TPA Agreement by the
Registrant which is not cured within 30 days or which may cause or has caused
the revocation of The Guardian's license to do an insurance business in any
jurisdiction, (ii) the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary
reorganization, liquidation or receivership of the Registrant, (iii) an order
entered by a court of competent jurisdiction affecting more than 50% of the
Registrant's property under conservatorship, liquidation, insolvency or similar
laws, (iv) the failure of Stanley S. Mandel, the Registrant's President, to
maintain control of the day-to-day operations of the Registrant at any time
during the first five years following the Effective Date (other than by reason
of Mr. Mandel's death or disability, in which case a replacement acceptable to
The Guardian may be appointed), (v) the Registrant permits any other person to
gain operational control of its administrative servicing business or agrees to
any arrangement which would end the existence of such business, without giving
The Guardian a right of first refusal to purchase such business or (vi) the
Registrant fails to maintain a minimum stockholders' equity on its balance sheet
of not less than 3.5% of the gross premiums earned on the contracts administered
pursuant to the TPA Agreement in the prior calendar year, and such failure
continues without being cured for 10 days after receiving notice of such failure
from The Guardian. Additionally, after the first two years of the initial five
year term of the TPA Agreement, The Guardian may terminate the TPA Agreement in
the event The Guardian desires to perform the administrative services.
In performing the services under the TPA Agreement, the Registrant is
obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep informed of, and comply
with, all applicable laws, rates and regulations and to maintain necessary
facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties under the TPA
Agreement. The Registrant has granted The Guardian the right of first refusal to
purchase the Registrant's administrative servicing business in the event the
Registrant permits any other person to gain operational control of such business
or agrees to any arrangement which would end the existence of such business.
The Guardian. The Guardian is a New York mutual life insurance company
which primarily issues individual life and group insurance coverages through its
career agency force and broker network.
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The Guardian manages its operations through six profit centers: life insurance,
group insurance, disability insurance, equity products, group pensions and
reinsurance. The Guardian's major line of business is group accident and health
which accounted for more than one-half of consolidated net premiums in 1998.
Customers; Third Party Administration
Pursuant to the TPA Agreement, the Registrant is obligated to provide
third party administrative services for the Insurance to The Guardian. The
Guardian represents the Registrant's largest customer of its third party
administration business, accounting for more than 90% of such business. The
failure of the Registrant to retain The Guardian as a customer by the failure of
the Registrant to correct any Event of Default, by The Guardian electing to
administer the Insurance and terminate the TPA Agreement as discussed above, or
for any other reason, would have a material adverse effect on the Registrant's
business and plan of operations. See "-TPA Agreement; Third Party Administration
Business" and "-The Guardian."
Competition
The third party administration business is highly competitive. Competition
is primarily based upon range and proficiency of service and fee structure. The
Registrant believes that it has few competitors, most of whom service other
coverages in addition to the Insurance. The Registrant's competitors vary in
size, many of which have longer operating histories, offer a broader range of
services other than third party administration of insurance policies and
generally have greater financial, marketing and management resources than the
Registrant. The Company relies upon the expertise of its employees and executive
officers, particularly Stanley S. Mandel, the Company's President. Such
employees and executive officer have an average of twenty years experience in
the insurance industry and third party administration business. The Registrant
and Mr. Mandel entered into an employment agreement effective upon the Closing
Date. Pursuant to the employment arrangement, Mr. Mandel is employed for a
two-year period, plus up to an additional three years subject to (i) the
continuation of the Registrant's third party administration arrangement with The
Guardian or (ii) the occurrence of a change-of control Event (as defined
therein). The loss of Mr. Mandel would have a material adverse effect upon the
Company's business and plan of operations. See "-TPA Agreement; Third Party
Administration Business"; "-Marketing" and "-Employees."
Marketing
The Registrant believes that, particularly with respect to the small and
medium-sized businesses on which it focused its marketing efforts, carriers
generally rely upon third party administrators to service the insurance
underwritten by such carrier. Consequently, the Company considers the insurer to
be its customer and stresses prompt and personal service in all phases of
underwriting, product delivery and claims processing functions.
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Insurance Operations
Under New York State law, all eligible employees, including full-time and
part-time employees in New York State, are required to be provided with
disability insurance coverage unless excluded by statute (e.g., government,
railroad, maritime or farm workers). Statutory disability benefits insurance
presently provides for a payment to totally disabled employees in the amount of
50% of weekly salary to a maximum payment of $170 per week, for a maximum of 26
weeks beginning with the eighth day of disability due to off-the-job accident or
sickness. On-the-job accident or sickness is covered by worker's compensation
insurance, not statutory disability benefits insurance. Arista charged a premium
for the Insurance coverage based upon a rate structure approved by the
Department. In order for an insurer to alter its rate structure it must obtain
prior written approval from the Department. Under New York law, an employer may
require an employee to contribute 1/2 of 1% of covered payroll up to a maximum
of $.60 per week towards the premium charge for statutory disability benefits
insurance.
In addition to standard statutory disability benefits insurance coverage,
Arista offered certain augmented benefits which included the payment of the
disability benefit from the first day of disability as opposed to the eighth day
of disability, increased duration of benefits from 26 weeks up to 52 weeks,
benefits increased over the maximum of $170 weekly benefit and an additional
multiple if related to hospitalization (e.g., 150% of the benefit if an employee
is hospitalized). Arista also offered coverage for association groups on a
competitive basis. The underwriting of these augmented benefits and specialized
coverages did not represent a significant percentage of Arista's earned
premiums.
Pursuant to agreements effective July 1, 1993 and January 1, 1995, Arista
acted as a third party administrator for the statutory disability benefits books
of business of The Guardian and the United States Life Insurance Company in the
City of New York, respectively. The administrative services fees collected by
Arista during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 were $234,176 and
$312,378, respectively, and $195,379 for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
During the three-year period ended December 31, 1998, Arista entered into
the following arrangements to acquire books of New York State disability
insurance:
Effective April 1, 1996, Arista entered into assumption reinsurance
treaties with Greater New York Mutual Insurance Company ("GNYMIC") and with
Insurance Company of Greater New York ("ICGNY") which authorized Arista to
assume all of GNYMIC's and ICGNY's Insurance and issue assumption certificates
to the policyholders then currently insured with GNYMIC and ICGNY.
For the six month period, ended June 30, 1998 and for the year ended
December 31, 1997, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's
consolidated gross revenues. For the year ended December 31, 1996, one group,
the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, accounted for approximately 11% of
Arista's consolidated revenue. Arista's relationship with the Federation of
Jewish Philanthropies was terminated effective February 1, 1998.
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Effective December 29, 1995, Arista issued a $3,000,000 surplus note (the
"Surplus Note") to Cologne Life Underwriting Management Company ("CLUMCO"). The
Surplus Note provided for interest at the rate of 10.5% per annum, and provided
for the principal to be repaid in eight equal installments in years three
through ten, together with any accrued interest. These repayments of principal
and accrued interest were only to be made out of the free and divisible surplus
of Arista, and were subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Insurance
of the State of New York. If the principal and interest were not repaid in full
at the end of the ten years, the Surplus Note would be renewed annually for
additional one-year terms until the balance was repaid. The Surplus Note
permitted prepayment subject to the prior approval of the Department. In
addition, the Registrant issued a ten year warrant to CLUMCO to purchase up to
150,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock, subject to certain
conditions, at an exercise price of $3.50 per share. Effective as of January 1,
1998, in connection with Arista's entering into a new reinsurance arrangement
with The Guardian, Arista terminated its reinsurance agreement with Cologne Life
Reinsurance Company ("Cologne"). As a result of such termination and the
Transaction, the Surplus Note plus accrued interest was repaid on December 18,
1998. In addition, CLUMCO did not exercise the warrant, and such warrant expired
in October, 1998. See "-Reinsurance Ceded."
Arista submitted an application for admission as a reinsurer to the Office
of the Commissioner of Insurance of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico during 1989.
In 1991, Arista requested that the Commissioner hold its application in abeyance
pending the conclusion of certain negotiations regarding a reinsurance
arrangement in the Commonwealth. During 1997, the Company decided to discontinue
negotiations regarding this arrangement.
Claims
Gross claims incurred by Arista amounted to $15,288,310 in 1996,
$12,212,694 in 1997, and $4,889,920 for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
The factors generally affecting gross claims incurred are a function of
the number of risks covered with either part-time or full-time workers, the wage
level of each covered employee to a maximum of $170 per week and the duration of
disability to a maximum of 26 weeks. The gross amount of claims incurred at any
point in time is also affected by the number of females covered since maternity
is treated statutorily as any other disability.
The Company's estimated-to-actual claims experience was as follows:
Calendar Year Estimated Loss Ratio Actual Loss Ratio
- ------------- -------------------- -----------------
1993 65.5% 64.9%
1994 66.5% 65.0%
1995 62.2% 61.8%
1996 62.4% 60.6%
1997 58.8% 58.5%
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The estimated loss ratio is calculated for each year based upon an
historical estimate of the claims development divided by the premiums earned for
a calendar year. It differs from the actual loss ratio which represents the
fully developed claims for a calendar year divided by the actual premiums earned
for that year.
Reinsurance Ceded
Arista utilized reinsurance principally to reduce its net liability
on insurance business in force through risk sharing. The ceding of insurance
does not discharge the original insurer from its primary liability to the
policyholder. The ceding company is required to pay losses to the extent the
assuming company fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance agreement.
The practice of insurers, however, subject to certain statutory limitations and
as permitted by regulatory authorities, is to account for reinsured risks to the
extent of reinsurance ceded as though they are not risks for which the original
insurer remains liable.
Effective October 1, 1995, Arista entered into an agreement with
Cologne whereby Arista ceded by way of reinsurance a 50% quota share
participation in the Insurance, both for business in force as of October 1, 1995
and for new business written or acquired after October 1, 1995. This agreement
was canceled by mutual consent of the parties effective as of January 1, 1998.
Unlike other segments of the accident and health and property and
casualty industries, there was no need to facilitate a spread of risk pursuant
to any one occurrence as the maximum liability for Arista on any one life could
not exceed $4,420. The cost to Arista of obtaining reinsurance had never
exceeded approximately 1.2% of its gross premiums received.
Arista entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty with The
Guardian effective as of January 1, 1998 , whereby Arista ceded by way of
reinsurance a 50% participation in the Insurance, both for business in force as
of January 1, 1998 and for business written or acquired after January 1, 1998.
This agreement was subject to cancellation by either party on ninety (90) days
prior written notice. The agreement was canceled effective June 30, 1998 as a
result of the Transaction.
Reinsurance Assumed
Effective April 1, 1994 Arista entered into a reinsurance agreement
with Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America ("Allianz") wherein Arista
assumed Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance business that was ceded by Allianz
since 1994. This agreement was terminated on February 29, 1996.
Reserves
Insurance companies are required to maintain reserves for unearned
premiums, and claim reserves for unpaid losses, unpaid loss adjustment expenses
and New York State assessments for this line of business. These claim reserves
are intended to cover the probable ultimate cost of settling all losses incurred
and unpaid, including those incurred but not reported. Arista established these
claim reserves based upon its prior experience. Gross claims liabilities were
$4,351,500 and $3,391,950 at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively and
$2,704,200 at June 30, 1998.
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Loss reserves are only estimates of what the insurer expects to pay
on claims, based on facts and circumstances then known. Although a degree of
variability is inherent in such estimates, management believed that the
liabilities for unpaid claims and related adjustment expenses were adequate. The
estimates were continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary.
The following table compares Arista's gross liability for unpaid
losses, LAE, and DBL assessments, at the end of each of the last five calendar
years compared to the gross amounts actually paid against these reserves for the
last five years, excluding 1998, for which the development was not yet
completed.
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------
($ ,000)
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Estimated gross liability for
unpaid losses, LAE reserves
and DBL assessments $ 4,921 $ 4,526 $ 4,351 $ 3,392 $ 0
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Gross amounts actually paid
against reserves:
One year later 4,807 4,561 3,277 2,917
Two years later -- -- -- --
Three years later -- -- -- --
Four years later -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Redundancy (deficiency) 114 (35) 1,074 475 0
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Cumulative redundancy
(deficiency) $ (305) $ (340) $ 734 $ 1,209 $ 0
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
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Employees
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had forty-three (43) employees, four
(4) of whom are part-time. Nine (9) of these employees are executive officers,
(two (2) of whom serve part-time), seven (7) provide claims services as
examiners, one (1) provides general and administrative services and twenty-six
(26) provide all other services, two (2) of whom works part time. The Company
believes its relations with its employees are satisfactory.
Investment Policy
Arista must comply with the insurance laws of New York State with regard
to investments. These laws prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of
investments which may be made by insurance companies. The investment of Arista's
funds generally is subject to the direction and control of its Board of
Directors; investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Arista's funds
generally are invested in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate
debt, preferred and common stocks and such other investments which are
specifically prescribed by the New York State Insurance Law.
The following table contains information concerning the Company's
investment portfolio as at December 31, 1998:
Amount
which is
Cost or shown in
amortized Market the balance
Type of Investment cost value sheet
---------- ---------- ----------
Investment Securities:
United States Treasuries $2,618,068 $2,676,995 $2,618,068
Equity Securities 31,803 3,639 3,639
---------- ---------- ----------
$2,649,871 $2,680,634 $2,621,707
========== ========== ==========
The following table summarizes the Company's investment results before
income taxes for the five years ended December 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net investment income $215,480 $252,134 $440,540 $513,913 $543,856
Net realized investment
gain (loss) $ (2,603) $ (137) $ (208) $ (2,519) $ --
Other comprehensive
income (loss) $ -- $ -- $(15,387) $ 4,955 $ (5,698)
Average annual yield on
total investments(1) 5.54% 5.90% 5.69% 5.83% 6.02%
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Calculated on the mean of total investments on the first day and
last day of each quarter.
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Regulation
The State of New York has statutory authorization to enforce its laws and
regulations through various administrative orders and enforcement proceedings
Arista and, under certain circumstances, the Registrant, are subject to
regulation by the Department. Such regulation is principally for the benefit and
protection of policyholders and not stockholders. Regulation extends to, among
other things, the setting of rates to be charged, the granting and revocation of
licenses to transact business, the licensing of general agents, the approval of
policy forms and the form and content of statutorily mandated financial
statements.
The Company is also regulated under New York State Insurance Law, Article
15, the "Holding Companies" statute. The regulations promulgated under the
"Holding Companies" statute require prior regulatory agency approval of changes
in control of an insurer and of transactions within the holding company
structure. Arista was examined during calendar years 1990-1991 for the three
year period ended December 31, 1989. In accordance with applicable regulations
promulgated by the Department, a report for the three-year period ended December
31, 1989 was issued. Arista's Board of Directors reviewed and approved the
recommendations contained therein, and the report was filed by the Department on
December 17, 1992. In 1996, the Department examined Arista for the five-year
period ended December 31, 1994 and the examination was completed. A preliminary
report was issued on March 31, 1998.
The New York State Insurance Law provides that no corporation or other
person may acquire control of the Registrant and thus indirect control of
Arista, unless it has given notice to Arista and obtained prior written approval
of the Superintendent of Insurance for such acquisition. Under said law, any
purchaser of ten percent or more of the outstanding Common Stock of the
Registrant would be presumed to have acquired control of Arista, unless such
presumption is rebutted.
The declaration and payment of dividends by the Registrant is subject to
the discretion of its Board of Directors and is dependent upon any dividends the
Registrant may receive as the sole shareholder of Arista. Under New York State
Insurance Law, Arista may pay dividends only out of its statutory earned
surplus. Generally, the maximum amount of dividends that Arista may pay without
regulatory approval in any twelve-month period is the lesser of adjusted net
investment income or ten percent (10%) of statutory surplus. In 1998 and 1996,
Arista's Board of Directors authorized the payment of dividends to the
Registrant in the amount of $279,951 and $111,654, respectively. The dividends
were paid on July 15, 1998 and April 11, 1996, respectively . No dividends were
paid by Arista in 1997.
On February 1, 1999, the Board of Directors of Arista approved a dividend
in the amount of $167,526, based on Arista's statutory earned surplus as of its
then last filed quarterly statutory statement
12
<PAGE>
at September 30, 1998, to be paid to the Registrant. The dividend was paid to
the Registrant on February 2, 1999.
Arista is not aware of any current proposed changes in either federal or
state regulations with respect to the Insurance.
Return of Capital
An amendment to Arista's Certificate of Incorporation (the "Amendment")
was approved and placed on file with the Department as of December 18, 1998, and
filed with the Office of the County Clerk on December 31, 1998. The Amendment
decreased the Company's capital from $1,950,000 (comprised of 1,300 shares with
a par value of $1,500 per share) to $300,000 (comprised of 200 shares with a par
value of $1,500 per share). As of February 28, 1999, Arista's paid-in surplus
was $153,000. This recapitalization enabled the Board of Directors of Arista to
ratify the return of capital in the amount of $2,492,000 to the Registrant. On
January 26, 1999, the Department approved Arista's return of $2,492,000 of
capital to the Registrant. The transfer was made on January 28, 1999.
Extraordinary Dividend
In March, 1999, the Department approved an extraordinary cash dividend of
$4,000,000 (the "Dividend"), based on their review of Arista's filed December
31, 1998 Annual Statement, on the condition that there has been no event that
has significantly impacted upon Arista's last reported surplus as regards
policyholders. The Dividend was paid to its parent company on March 31, 1999.
The Collection Group
The Collection Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant,
commenced operations during July 1991. The Board of Directors of the Company has
authorized the dissolution of The Collection Group, Inc.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The Registrant's and Arista's principal executive offices are located at
116 John Street, New York, New York 10038. The offices contain approximately
16,100 square feet. On January 9, 1995, effective on or about June 1, 1995, the
Company entered into a five year lease for its principal executive office space
at an average rent over the term of the lease of approximately $210,000 per
year, exclusive of electricity.
The Company has the option to terminate the lease provided it notifies the
landlord ninety days prior to the termination date, and reimburses the landlord
for the unamortized portion of the landlord's contribution for leasehold
improvements which was approximately $50,000 at December 31, 1998.
13
<PAGE>
Arista provides certain office services to Bernard Kooper Life Agency, a
life and health insurance agency owned by Bernard Kooper, the Chairman of the
Board of the Company. The Bernard Kooper Life Agency reimburses Arista for the
cost of these services.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Although the Company is involved in some routine litigation incidental to
the business of the Company, the Company is not a party to any litigation which
it considers will have a material adverse effect on its business or operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
On October 19, 1998, the Company held a special meeting of
stockholders (the "Special Meeting"). As of the record date for the Special
Meeting, there were 2,570,100 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding and
47,400 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
At the Special Meeting, the Company's Class A Common Stockholders
and the Class B Common Stockholder approved the sale of substantially all of the
Company's assets pursuant to the Treaty (the "Proposal") by and among Arista,
the Company and The Guardian.
The Class A Stockholder votes for the Proposal were as follows:
For: 1,904,440
Against: 15,400
Abstain: 0
The Class B Stockholder votes for the Proposal were as follows:
For: 47,400
Against: 0
Abstain: 0
14
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS.
(a) The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter
market. Since 1987, the Company's Class A Common Stock has been quoted on the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System under the
symbol "ARINA". The following table sets forth the range of bid prices for the
Class A Common Stock during the periods indicated, and represents inter-dealer
prices, which do not include retail mark-ups and mark-downs, or any commission
to the broker-dealer, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
For the period Ended December 31, 1999:
---------------------------------------
Class A
Quarter Range Common Stock
------- ----- ------------
First High $3
Low $2 5/8
For the period Ended December 31, 1998:
---------------------------------------
Class A
Quarter Range Common Stock
------- ----- ------------
First High $2 3/8
Low $2 5/32
Second High $2 17/32
Low $1 3/4
Third High $2 13/32
Low $2 1/4
Fourth High $3
Low $2 5/16
15
<PAGE>
For the Period Ended December 31, 1997:
---------------------------------------
Class A
Quarter Range Common Stock
------- ----- ------------
First High $2 9/16
Low $2 1/2
Second High $2 7/16
Low $2 3/8
Third High $2 3/8
Low $2 1/8
Fourth High $2 5/32
Low $1 7/8
(b) Approximate Number of Equity Security Holders:
The number of holders, including individual participants in security
position listings of registered clearing agencies, as of September, 1998, was
approximately 360.
Approximate Number of
Title of Class Record Holders *
-------------- ------------------
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value 51
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value 1
- ----------
* As of March 17, 1999.
16
<PAGE>
Along with the filing of Arista's first quarter March 31, 1999 Quarterly
Statutory Statement with the Department, Arista will request the Department's
approval of an additional extraordinary dividend.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following information should be read in conjunction with, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements
of the Company and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, which differ in certain respects
from those followed in financial state ments prepared for regulatory
authorities. See Notes to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
17
<PAGE>
Item 6. CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of operations data:
Revenue from continuing operations:
Third party administrative services $ 1,483 $ 351 $ 261 $ 204 $ 160
Investment income 544 514 440 252 215
Realized and unrealized investment losses -- (3) -- -- (3)
Other income 19 7 38 129 120
Expenses:
General and administrative expenses (2,427) (740) (700) (600) (550)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before provision for income taxes (381) 129 39 (15) (58)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Provision for income taxes and tax benefit
of net operating loss carryforward:
Provision for income taxes (143) 50 15 (7) 22
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net provision (benefit) (143) 50 15 (7) (15)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) from continuing
operations (238) 79 24 (8) (65)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from operations of disposed
segments (167) 21 (1,200) 73 (176)
Gain on disposal of segments (net of income
taxes of $531 and $128 in 1998 and 1995) 838 -- -- 192 --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) from discontinued
operations 671 21 (1,200) 265 (176)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 433 $ 100 $ (1,176) $ 257 $ (241)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Per common share:
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (.09) $ .03 $ .01 $ (.01) $ (0.03)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ .26 $ .01 $ (.52) $ .14 $ (0.09)
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (.09) $ .03 $ .01 $ (.01) $ (0.03)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ .26 $ .01 $ (.52) $ .14 $ (0.09)
Weighted average number of common shares:
Basic 2,617,500 2,617,500 2,297,750 1,978,000 1,978,000
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted 2,617,500 2,617,500 2,297,750 2,279,287 1,978,000
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Balance sheet data:
Short-term investments $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 208
Cash and equivalents 6,331 8,297 7,077 6,777 2,725
Premiums receivable -- 2,979 4,304 5,131 6,328
Total assets 10,638 17,033 17,110 17,640 15,083
Payable to reinsurer -- 159 93 161 80
Claims liabilities -- 3,392 4,351 4,526 4,921
Unearned premiums -- 1,465 1,397 1,328 1,358
Commissions payable -- 730 766 942 1,343
Total stockholders' equity 6,930 6,503 6,397 6,436 6,011
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. 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 of the Company and the notes thereto
appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Except for the historical information
contained herein, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements discussed
herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but
are not limited to, those discussed in this section, as well as in other
sections herein.
GENERAL
Prior to July 1, 1998, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Arista Insurance Company, operated principally as an underwriter of New York
State disability insurance to some 23,000 policyholders and 229,000 covered
lives in the New York Metropolitan Area. In November 1998, effective July 1,
1998, the Company ceded its disability insurance underwriting operations to The
Guardian pursuant to the Treaty and concurrently, the Registrant entered into
the TPA Agreement under which the Company performs various functions as an
independent administrator for all disability policies ceded to The Guardian and
for other New York State statutory disability policies issued by The Guardian
and other companies (the "TPA services").
Pursuant to the terms of the cession of the insurance operations, the
Company received a fee of 18% of the last twelve months' adjusted earned
premium, plus the proceeds from the assumption of the due premium receivables at
the Effective Date over all unpaid claim reserves, unearned premium liability
reserves, claim expense reserves and GAAP assessment reserves assumed by The
Guardian. These transactions significantly changed the Company's financial
condition and results of operations for 1998. Accordingly, the Company
reformatted its consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for
1998, 1997 and 1996 to distinguish continuing operating results from its TPA
services from its discontinued underwriting operations.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 1998 compared to December 31, 1997
Consolidated revenues during the year ended December 31, 1998 were
$1,483,080, an increase of $1,131,734 compared to consolidated revenues of
$351,346 during 1997 from the Company's continuing third party administrative
service operations. In 1998 the Company operated as a full time third party
administrative service provider after July 1, compared to a part time basis in
1997 and prior years.
Revenue from discontinued insurance operations for the year 1998 was
$5,161,632 compared to $10,381,720 in 1997. Net loss from discontinued
operations was $167,122 ($0.06 per share) in 1998
19
<PAGE>
compared to a net income of $21,244 ($0.01 per share) in 1997. Net gain on
disposal of discontinued operations was $838,171 (or $0.32 per share) in 1998.
The consolidated net income for the year 1998 was $432,795 ($0.17 per
share) consisting of a loss from continuing operations of $238,254 ($0.09 per
share), and a gain on disposal of discontinued operations of $671,049 ($0.26 per
share). This is compared to consolidated net income in 1997 of $100,220 ($0.04
per share), which consisted of $79,076 ($0.03 per share) from continuing
operations, and $21,244 ($0.01 per share) from discontinued operations.
Consolidated investment income in 1998 was $543,856 compared to $513,913
in 1997. This increase was due mainly to the Company's improved average
annual yield on total investments.
Consolidated general and administrative expenses for 1998 from continuing
operations were $2,427,321 compared to $740,000 in 1997. The increase in 1998
was due to additional costs associated with operating the TPA on a full-time
basis after July 1, 1998 compared to a part-time basis in 1997. Operating
expenses associated with the Company's discontinued operations were $5,435,604
in 1998 compared to $10,018,285 in 1997.
Year Ended December 31, 1997 compared to December 31, 1996
The Company's net income for the year 1997 was $100,320 ($0.04 per share),
as compared with a net loss of $1,175,863 (approximately $0.51 per share as
restated) for 1996. Income before provision for income taxes was $493,068 in
1997, as compared with a loss before provision for income taxes of $1,649,525
for 1996. The Company's loss in 1996 included $757,350 attributable to
additional compensation expenses incurred from the exercise of warrants and
options during that year. The current operations for the year 1997 included a
reduction in gross claims liabilities of $960,000, or 4.6% of gross premiums
earned.
Arista's gross premiums earned for the year 1997 were approximately $20.8
million as compared with approximately $23.2 million for 1996. This decrease was
due to Arista's continued net loss of covered lives and policyholders. The
continuing net loss in covered lives is a function of increased competition for
experience-rated groups and a lower competitive rate structure for
non-experience-rated groups.
Arista's gross claims incurred for 1997 were approximately $12.2 million
or 58.8% of gross premiums earned. For the year 1996, gross claims incurred were
approximately $15.3 million, representing 66.0% of gross premiums earned. Gross
claims incurred includes claim reserves for unpaid losses, unpaid loss
adjustment expenses and required assessments. Unpaid loss reserves are only
estimates of what the insurer expects to pay on claims, based on facts and
circumstances then known. A degree of variability is inherent in such estimates.
The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary, and such
adjustments are reflected in current operations.
20
<PAGE>
Consolidated investment income for 1997 was $513,913, representing an
increase of $73,374, due mainly to a small increase in the Company's average
annual yield on total investments. In addition, Arista had insignificant net
realized and unrealized investment losses for 1997 and 1996.
Income from TPA services was $351,346 in 1997, as compared to $260,664 for
1996. Other income was $7,087 in 1997, as compared to $38,660 for 1996.
Arista's gross commissions incurred for 1997 were approximately $3.9
million as compared with approximately $4.2 million for 1996.
The consolidated general and administrative expenses for the years 1997
and 1996 were approximately $4.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively. This
decrease was due principally to the additional compensation expenses incurred in
1996 from the exercise of warrants and options of $757,350.
Financial Condition
Year Ended December 31, 1998 compared to December 31, 1997
The Company's financial condition remains strong, despite a large
reduction in assets and liabilities at December 31, 1998 compared to December
31, 1997. These reductions pertain entirely to the cession of the Company's
insurance underwriting operation to The Guardian in 1998.
Liquidity And Capital Resources
Year Ended December 31, 1998
At December 31, 1998, the Company had cash and cash equivalents
aggregating $6,330,909 compared to $8,296,943 at December 31, 1997. The decrease
in 1998 was due principally to the repayment to Cologne of the surplus note of
$3,000,000 plus accrued interest of $1,034,256. These outflows were partially
offset by the net proceeds from The Guardian of $1,368,900 upon settlement of
the cession transaction.
21
<PAGE>
Year 2000
The Company has considered the impact of Year 2000 issues on its computer
systems and applications and has developed a remediation plan. Conversion
activities are in process and the Company expects conversion and testing to be
completed by the middle of 1999. All expenses in connection with the Year 2000
compliance project are being charged to operations. Expenditures in 1998
aggregated $20,500 and the Company expects to incur additional costs of less
than $1,000 in 1999 to complete the project.
Inflation and Seasonality
The Company does not anticipate that inflation will significantly impact
its business not does it believe that its business is seasonal.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The response to this item is submitted in Part IV of this Form 10-K on
page F-1 to S-7.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
22
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.
The information required under this item will be set forth in the
Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days of the Company's 1998 year end and is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information required under this item will be set forth in the
Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days of the Company's 1998 year end and is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The information required under this item will be set forth in the
Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days of the Company's 1998 year end and is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information required under this item will be set forth in the
Company's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days of the Company's 1998 year end and is incorporated
herein by reference.
23
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a)(1) and (2) Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedules.
Page
----
I. Financial Statements of the Registrant F-1
II. Financial Statement Schedules
A. Schedule I - Summary of Investments-
Other Than Investments in Related
Parties S-1
B. Schedule II - Condensed Financial
Information of Registrant S-2
C. Schedule III - Supplemental Segment S-6
Information
D. Schedule IV - Reinsurance S-7
Exhibit No. (a)(3) Exhibits.
- ----------- ----------------
3.1 -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (1)
3.2 -- By-Laws of the Company (1)
4.2 -- Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate (1)
4.5 -- Form of Class B Common Stock Certificate (1)
10.4 -- Incentive Stock Option Plan 1985, as supplemented (1)
10.5 -- Incentive Stock Option Plan 1986 (1)
10.6 -- Non-qualified Stock Option issued to Stanley S. Mandel
(1)
10.7 -- Warrant issued to Bernard Kooper (1)
10.8 -- Lease between the Company and Hacienda Intercontinental
Realty, N.V. (1)
10.8.1 -- Lease dated November 29, 1990 between the Company and
Hacienda Intercontinental Realty, N.V. (2)
10.8.2 -- Letter dated December 7, 1992 from Williamson, Picket &
Gross, Inc. addressed to the Company,
24
<PAGE>
Exhibit No.
- -----------
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 to the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992
10.9 -- Sublease between the Company and Arista (1)
10.9.1 -- Sublease dated January 1, 1991, between the Company and
Arista (2)
10.11 -- Reinsurance Agreement with NRG Reinsurance Company, as
amended (1)
10.11.1 -- Amendment to Reinsurance Agreement with NRG Rein
surance Company, dated July 16, 1990 (2)
10.11.2 -- Reinsurance Agreement with NRG Reinsurance Company,
dated January 29, 1993, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.11.2 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1992
10.11.3 -- Reinsurance Agreement with NRG America Life Reassurance
Corporation, effective October 1, 1993, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.11.3 to the Company's 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1993
10.12 -- Agreement for Statutory Disability Benefits General
Agents (1)
10.12(a) -- Rider to Statutory Disability Benefits General Agents
Agreement (1)
10.14 -- Lease of Additional Space (Room 1101) between the
Company and Hacienda Intercontinental Realty, N.V.(1)
10.15 -- Agreement between Arista Insurance Company and American
International Life Assurance Company of New York (1)
10.16 -- Sublease (Room 1101) between the Company and Arista (1)
10.17 -- Lease of Additional Space (Room 1201) between the
Company and Hacienda Intercontinental Realty, N.V. (1)
10.18 -- Sublease (Room 1201) between the Company and Arista,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 1 to the
Company's 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988
10.19 -- Agreement between Arista and First International Life
Insurance Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 2 to the Company's 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1988.
10.21 -- Statutory Disability Benefits Administration Agreement
Effective as of October 1, 1991, between Arista and The
North Atlantic Life Insurance Company, incorporated by
25
<PAGE>
Exhibit No.
- -----------
reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1992
10.22 -- Employment Agreement between the Company and Bernard
Kooper, dated February 17, 1993, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1993
10.22.1 -- Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement between
Arista and Bernard Kooper dated July 20, 1994 (3)
10.23 -- Employment Agreement between Arista and Stanley Mandel,
dated February 17, 1993, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1993
10.23.1 -- Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement between
Arista and Stanley Mandel, dated July 20, 1994 (3)
10.24 -- Consulting Agreement between Arista and International
Management Consultants, dated May 1, 1993, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1993
10.25 -- Split-Dollar Insurance Agreement between Arista
Investors Corp., Arlyne Kooper and Bernard Kooper, dated
July 20, 1994 (3)
10.26 -- Split-Dollar Insurance Agreement between Arista, Stanley
Mandel and Joy Mandel, dated July 20, 1994 (3)
10.28 -- Collateral Assignment, dated July 20, 1994 (Joy Mandel)
(3)
10.29 -- Collateral Assignment, dated July 20, 1994 (Bernard
Kooper and Arlyne Kooper) (3)
10.30 -- Lease Agreement, dated January 9, 1995 between the
Company and Hacienda Intercontinental Realty, N.V. (3)
10.30.1 -- Letter dated March 12, 1996 from the Company addressed
to Williamson, Picket & Gross, Inc. (4)
10.30.2 -- Letter dated March 13, 1996 from Williamson, Picket &
Gross, Inc. addressed to the Company (4)
10.31 -- Assumption Reinsurance Treaty, dated April 1, 1994
between the Company and Aetna Life Insurance Company (3)
10.32 -- Reinsurance Treaty, dated October 1, 1995, between
Arista and Cologne Life Reinsurance Company (4)
10.32.1 -- Surplus Note Agreement, dated December 29, 1995, between
Arista and Cologne Life Underwriting Management Company
(4)
26
<PAGE>
Exhibit No.
- -----------
10.32.2 -- Warrant issued to Cologne Life Underwriting Management
Company (4)
10.33 -- Lease (Storage space #7) effective January 1, 1996
between the Company and Hacienda Intercontinental
Realty, N.V. (4)
10.34 -- Sublease (Storage space #7) effective January 1, 1996
between the Company and Arista (4)
10.35 -- Sublease effective June 1, 1995 between the Company and
Arista (4)
10.36 -- Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 13, 1995
between Arista and American Travelers Life Insurance
Company (4)
10.37 -- Secured Promissory note, dated June 14, 1996, issued by
Bernard Kooper to Arista Investors Corp. in the
aggregate principal amount of $500,000 (5)
10.38 -- Pledge and Escrow Agreement, dated June 14, 1996, by and
among Bernard Kooper, as pledgor, Arista Investors
Corp., as pledgee and Morrison Cohen Singer & Weinstein,
LLP, as escrow agent (5)
10.39 -- Letter Agreement, dated June 14, 1995, between Bernard
Kooper and Arista Investors Corp., granting Arista
Investors Corp. an option to acquire 47,000 shares of
its Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share (5)
10.40 -- Letter dated October 31, 1996, addressed to Williamson,
Picket & Gross, Inc. (6)
10.41 -- Letter Agreement, dated December 11, 1996, terminating
sublease between the Company and Arista (Storage Space
#5) (6)
10.42 -- Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty between the Company and
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America,
effective as of January 1, 1998.
10.43 -- Employment Agreement between Stanley Mandel and the
Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to
the Company Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 1998.
10.44 -- Assumption Reinsurance Agreement between Arista, the
Company and The Guardian, dated September 23, 1998,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's
Definitive Proxy Statement dated September 23, 1998.
10.45 -- Administrative Services Agreement between The Guardian
and the Company, dated September 23, 1998, incorporated
by
27
<PAGE>
reference and Exhibit B to the Company's Definitive
Proxy Statement dated September 23, 1998.
10.46 -- Employment Agreement between Peter Norton and the
Company (including Employment Agreement Assignment,
dated as of February 1, 1999).
21.1 -- List of Subsidiaries incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 21.1 to the Company's 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1993
24.1 -- Powers of Attorney, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
25.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 33-20101), dated February 11, 1988, as amended
on May 6, 1988, declared effective on May 16, 1988, and
amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 dated April
27, 1989.
27 -- Financial Data Schedule
- ----------
(1) Filed as same numbered Exhibit to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-20101) on February 11,
1988, as amended on May 6, 1988, declared effective on May 16,
1988, and amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 dated
April 27, 1989, and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Filed as same numbered Exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1990, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(3) Filed as same numbered Exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1994, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(4) Filed as same numbered Exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(5) Filed as the same numbered Exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q
for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996.
(6) Filed as same numbered Exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(7) Filed as same numbered Exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1997, and incorporated herein by
reference.
28
<PAGE>
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On November 27, 1999, the Company filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, a Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission File No.0-16520,
regarding the cession of Arista's book of New York State statutory, super
statutory and voluntary disability benefits insurance business to The Guardian.
29
<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.
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
Dated: April 12, 1999 By: Stanley S. Mandel
----------------------------
Stanley S. Mandel, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
Bernard Kooper Chairman of the Board April 12, 1999
- ----------------- (principal executive officer)
Bernard Kooper
Stanley S. Mandel President and Director April 12, 1999
- -----------------
Stanley S. Mandel
Susan J. Hall Senior Vice President, April 12, 1999
- ----------------- Treasurer and Secretary
Susan J. Hall (principal financial and
accounting officer)
Richard P. Farkas Director April 12, 1999
- -----------------
Richard P. Farkas
J. Martin Feinman Director April 12, 1999
- -----------------
J. Martin Feinman
Director
- -----------------
Noah Fischman
Daniel Glassman Director April 12, 1999
- -----------------
Daniel Glassman
Louis H. Saltzman Director April 12, 1999
- -----------------
Louis H. Saltzman
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
FORM 10-K
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND SCHEDULES
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
WITH
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
Index To Financial Statements
And Schedules
Page
----
Independent Auditors' Report F-2
Financial Statements of the Registrant:
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-3-4
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income F-5-6
Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-8-10
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-11-38
Financial Statement Schedules of the Registrant:
Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other
Than Investments in Related Parties S-1
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant S-2-5
Schedule III - Supplemental Segment Information S-6
Schedule IV - Reinsurance S-7
All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not
present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of
the schedule, or because the information required is included in the
Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto.
F-1
<PAGE>
[LETTERHEAD OF ROSEN SEYMOUR SHAPSS MARTIN & COMPANY LLP]
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Arista Investors Corp.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Arista Investors
Corp. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related consolidated statements
of income and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Arista Investors
Corp. at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The financial statement schedules on
pages S-1 to S-7 of this Form 10-K are presented for purposes of complying with
the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not a required part of
the basic financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and,
in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein.
Rosen Seymour Shapss Martin & Company LLP
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
New York, New York
March 4, 1999
F-2
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1998 and 1997
A S S E T S
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Investments (Notes 2 and 15):
Held-to-maturity securities:
Bonds and long-term U.S. Treasury obligations,
at amortized cost (market value $2,676,995
in 1998 and $2,632,904 in 1997) $ 2,618,068 $ 2,630,453
Available-for-sale securities:
Redeemable preferred stocks, at market value
(amortized cost of $31,524 in 1998 and
1997) 3,552 9,250
Trading securities, at market value (cost of $279 in
1998 and 1997) 87 85
----------- -----------
Total investments 2,621,707 2,639,788
Cash and equivalents (Note 2) 6,330,909 8,296,943
Premiums receivable (Notes 2 and 14) -- 2,978,600
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net (Notes 2 and 8) -- 484,398
Receivables from related parties (Notes 4 and 8) 557,902 443,182
Receivables from third party administration 7,802 192,500
Furniture and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated
depreciation of $831,754 in 1998 and $783,799 in
1997 (Note 2) 75,707 113,663
Prepaid and refundable income taxes -- 710,050
Deferred income taxes, net (Notes 2 and 11) 759,310 --
Other assets 289,674 1,177,619
----------- -----------
Total assets $10,643,011 $17,036,743
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
(Continued)
F-3
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Liabilities:
Payable to reinsurer (Note 14) $ -- $ 158,721
Claims liabilities (Notes 2, 5 and 14) -- 3,391,950
Unearned premiums (Notes 2 and 14) -- 1,464,800
Commissions payable (Notes 4 and 14) 43,841 729,912
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 3,083,415 1,627,187
Income taxes payable 580,319 --
Deferred income taxes, net (Notes 2 and 11) -- 277,771
Surplus note payable, net (Note 6) -- 2,880,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 3,707,575 10,530,341
------------ ------------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4 and 8)
Stockholders' equity (Notes 6, 9 and 10):
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 9,950,000 shares
authorized, 2,580,100 shares issued 25,801 25,801
Class B convertible common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000
shares authorized, 47,400 shares issued and outstanding 474 474
Additional paid-in capital 5,989,609 5,839,609
Paid-in capital attributed to detachable warrant (Note 6) -- 150,000
Retained earnings 1,468,780 1,035,985
Accumulated comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized investment loss (22,488) (18,727)
------------ ------------
7,462,176 7,033,142
Secured promissory note from shareholder (Note 4) (500,000) (500,000)
Cost of 10,000 shares Class A common stock
held in treasury (26,740) (26,740)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 6,935,436 6,506,402
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 10,643,011 $ 17,036,743
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue from continuing operations (Notes 2 and 4):
Third party administrative services (Note 8d) $ 1,483,080 $ 351,346 $ 260,664
Net realized and unrealized investment
losses (Note 15) -- (2,713) (367)
Net investment income (Note 15) 543,856 513,913 440,539
Other income 18,823 7,087 38,660
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenue 2,045,759 869,633 739,496
----------- ----------- -----------
Expenses:
General and administrative expenses 2,427,321 740,000 700,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before income tax provision (benefit) (381,562) 129,633 39,496
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (Note 11):
Provision for income taxes (143,308) 50,557 15,403
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations (238,254) 79,076 24,093
----------- ----------- -----------
Discontinued operations (Notes 3 and 12):
Income (loss) from operations of disposed
segment (net of income taxes) (167,122) 21,244 (1,199,956)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
(net of income taxes) 838,171 -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Income from discontinued operations 671,049 21,244 (1,199,956)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) 432,795 100,320 (1,175,863)
----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities (5,698) 4,955 (15,387)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (5,698) 4,955 (15,387)
Income tax effect 1,937 (1,685) 5,232
----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive income (loss) net (3,761) 3,270 (10,155)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 429,034 $ 103,590 $(1,186,018)
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
(Continued)
F-5
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations $ (.09) $ .03 $ .01
Discontinued operations .26 .01 (.52)
------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) $ .17 $ .04 $ (.51)
============= ============= =============
Diluted:
Continuing operations $ (.09) $ .03 $ .01
Discontinued operations .26 .01 (.52)
------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) $ .17 $ .04 $ (.51)
============= ============= =============
Weighted average number of common shares:
Basic (Note 13) 2,617,500 2,617,500 2,297,750
========= ========= =========
Diluted (Note 13) 2,617,500 2,617,500 2,297,750
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock
---------------------------------------------
Class A Convertible Class B Paid-in
--------------------- ------------------- capital
Number Par Number Par Additional attributed
of value of value paid-in to detachable Retained
shares $.01 shares $.01 capital warrants earnings
--------- ------- ------ ---- ---------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance - January 1, 1996 1,940,600 $19,406 47,400 $474 $4,193,354 $ 150,000 $ 2,111,528
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,175,863)
Unrealized securities loss, net -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of shares of Class A
common stock under the
Incentive Stock Option Plan,
from a Warrant, and from a
Non-qualified Stock Option
(Notes 4 and 9) 639,500 6,395 -- -- 1,646,255 -- --
--------- ------- ------ ---- ---------- --------- -----------
Balance - December 31, 1996 2,580,100 25,801 47,400 474 5,839,609 150,000 935,665
Net income -- -- -- -- -- -- 100,320
Unrealized securities gain, net -- -- -- -- -- -- --
--------- ------- ------ ---- ---------- --------- -----------
Balance - December 31, 1997 2,580,100 25,801 47,400 474 5,839,609 150,000 1,035,985
Net income -- -- -- -- -- -- 432,795
Unrealized securities loss, net -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Expiration of option -- -- -- -- 150,000 (150,000) --
--------- ------- ------ ---- ---------- --------- -----------
Balance - December 31, 1998 2,580,100 $25,801 47,400 $474 $5,989,609 $ -- $ 1,468,780
========= ======= ====== ==== ========== ========= ===========
<CAPTION>
Class A
Accumulated Secured common
other promissory stock
comprehensive note held in
income receivable treasury Total
-------- --------- -------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance - January 1, 1996 $(11,842) $ -- $(26,740) $ 6,436,180
Net loss -- -- -- (1,175,863)
Unrealized securities loss, net (10,155) -- -- (10,155)
Issuance of shares of Class A
common stock under the
Incentive Stock Option Plan,
from a Warrant, and from a
Non-qualified Stock Option
(Notes 4 and 9) -- (500,000) -- 1,152,650
-------- --------- -------- -----------
Balance - December 31, 1996 (21,997) (500,000) (26,740) 6,402,812
Net income -- -- -- 100,320
Unrealized securities gain, net 3,270 -- -- 3,270
-------- --------- -------- -----------
Balance - December 31, 1997 (18,727) (500,000) (26,740) 6,506,402
Net income -- -- -- 432,795
Unrealized securities loss, net (3,761) -- -- (3,761)
Expiration of option -- -- -- --
-------- --------- -------- -----------
Balance - December 31, 1998 $(22,488) $(500,000) $(26,740) $ 6,935,436
======== ========= ======== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Continuing operations:
Income (loss) before income taxes $ (381,562) $ 129,633 $ 39,496
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) to
net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation 47,955 57,606 64,641
Loss on sale of investments -- 2,519 208
Deferred income taxes (1,037,081) 199,442 (544,098)
Unrealized (gain) loss on trading securities (2) 194 341
Compensation arising from exercise of
options and warrants -- -- 757,350
(Increase) decrease in operating assets
excluding effects of divestiture:
Prepaid and refundable income taxes 603,200 (294,693) (480,736)
Receivable from related parties (114,720) (260,395) (53,727)
Receivable from third party
administration 184,698 (49,017) (6,331)
Other assets 887,945 (208,962) (308,755)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities
excluding effects of divestiture:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,456,228 466,422 387,796
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash provided by (used in) continuing
operations before income taxes 1,646,661 42,749 (143,815)
----------- ----------- -----------
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) before income taxes 1,094,918 363,435 (1,689,021)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) to
net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 484,398 319,775 332,633
Amortization of discount on surplus note 120,000 15,000 15,000
(Increase) decrease in operating assets
excluding effects of divestiture:
Premiums receivable 2,978,600 1,325,600 827,505
Prepaid and refundable income taxes 106,850 -- 489,065
</TABLE>
(Continued)
F-8
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities (Continued):
Discontinued operations (Continued):
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) to
net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities (Continued):
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities
excluding effects of divestiture:
Payable to reinsurer $ (158,721) $ 65,600 $ (68,355)
Claims liabilities (3,391,950) (959,550) (174,815)
Unearned premiums (1,464,800) 67,420 69,170
Commissions payable (686,071) (36,663) (175,903)
Income taxes payable 580,319 342,191 --
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash provided by (used in)
discontinued operations before
income taxes (336,457) 1,502,808 (374,721)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net (increase) decrease in income taxes (280,561) (392,748) 473,662
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities 1,029,643 1,152,809 (44,874)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Furniture and equipment acquired (9,999) (32,717) (9,644)
Proceeds from sale of investments 12,385 225,146 56,987
Unrealized (gain) loss on securities 5,698 (4,955) 15,387
Purchase of investments -- (109,233) (41,281)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3,761) 3,270 (10,155)
Payments and costs associated with
acquired business -- (14,036) (62,389)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities 4,323 67,475 (51,095)
----------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
(Continued)
F-9
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from financing activities:
Decrease in surplus note payable (Note 6) $(3,000,000) $ -- $ --
Issuance of Class A common stock -- -- 395,300
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities (3,000,000) -- 395,300
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and equivalents (1,966,034) 1,220,284 299,331
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and equivalents:
Beginning of year 8,296,943 7,076,659 6,777,328
----------- ----------- -----------
End of year $ 6,330,909 $ 8,296,943 $ 7,076,659
=========== =========== ===========
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes $ 334,905 $ 305,725 $ 296,847
=========== =========== ===========
Interest $ 1,034,257 $ 36,009 $ --
=========== =========== ===========
Supplemental disclosures of noncash financing
activities:
The Company received a note and issued
Class A common stock as follows:
Secured promissory note from shareholder
(Note 4) $ -- $ -- $ (500,000)
Compensation expense -- -- (757,350)
Issuance of Class A common stock -- -- 1,652,650
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash received $ -- $ -- $ 395,300
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-10
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
Arista Investors Corp. (the "Company") was incorporated in the State of
New York on September 28, 1978 and reincorporated in the State of Delaware in
October 1986. Until July 1, 1998 the Company was principally a holding company
with respect to its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Arista Insurance Company
("Arista"), The Collection Group, Inc. ("Collection") and Arista Administrative
Services, Inc. ("Administrative"). Effective July 1, 1998 the Company entered
into an Administrative Services Agreement ("TPA Agreement") with The Guardian
Life Insurance Company of America" ("The Guardian") and commenced services as a
third party administrator of New York State statutory disability insurance
policies (see Note 2). Arista was incorporated in the State of New York on May
21, 1979, and was licensed on October 11, 1979 by the New York State Insurance
Department ("NYSID"). Arista's principal line of business through November 11,
1998 was the writing of New York State statutory disability insurance policies
including super statutory and voluntary disability benefits insurance in New
York State. In November 1998 the Company completed the assumption and transfer
of Arista's insurance business to The Guardian. The effective date of the
cession was July 1, 1998. Arista discontinued writing New York State statutory
disability insurance policies (the "Insurance"), effective November 12, 1998.
Effective September 1, 1993 Arista amended its charter and license and now has
the authority to write glass insurance as well as disability insurance. To date,
Arista has not written any glass insurance. At December 31, 1998 the Company
operated exclusively as a third party administrator. Collection was incorporated
in August 1989 and commenced operations in July 1991. The Board of Directors of
the Company approved the dissolution of The Collection Group, Inc.
Administrative is an inactive company.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). GAAP differs
from Statutory Accounting Principles ("SAP") used by insurance companies in
reporting to state regulatory and industry agencies as explained in Note 16.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(Continued)
F-11
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Arista, Collection,
and Administrative. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have
been eliminated.
Revenue Recognition, Premiums Receivable and Claims Liabilities
(*) Premium revenue is recognized evenly over the term of the
policy. Estimates of premiums which have been earned but not collected are
accrued since customers generally report and pay such premiums after the earning
period based on the number of employees on their payroll during the period of
coverage.
(*) Unearned premiums represent that portion of premiums applicable
to the unexpired terms of policies in force.
Third party administrative fees are recognized in the period in
which the subject premiums are collected. Such fees are determined in accordance
with prescribed schedules based on the services performed.
(*) Claims liabilities and claims adjustment expense accruals, which
are based on the estimated ultimate cost of settling claims, include estimates
for unreported claims and claims adjustment expenses based upon past experience,
modified for current trends.
Reinsurance
(*) In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce
the loss that may arise from events that cause unfavorable underwriting results
by reinsuring risk with reinsurers. Amounts recoverable from reinsurer(s) for
commissions, losses or any other amount(s) due are deducted from ceded premiums
earned. Settlements are made quarterly by net cash payments to or from the
reinsurer (see Note 14).
- ----------
(*) These policies relate to the Company's operations prior to July 1, 1998.
(Continued)
F-12
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Furniture and Equipment
Furniture and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is
computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets. Depreciation expense for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1998, was $47,955, $57,606 and $64,641, respectively.
Investments
Pursuant to the requirements of SFAS 115, the Company determines the
appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at
the time of purchase and reevaluates such determination at each balance sheet
date. Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to
hold to maturity are classified as "held-to-maturity securities" and reported at
amortized cost; debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally
for the purpose of selling them in the near future are classified as "trading
securities," and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses
included in earnings; debt and equity securities not classified as either
held-to-maturity securities or trading securities are classified as "available
for-sale securities" and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and
losses reported as other comprehensive income as a separate component of
stockholders' equity.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
(*) Policy acquisition costs include fees paid and certain other
costs in connection with acquiring new business. These costs are deferred and
charged to income over the future periods in which the related premiums are
earned. Amortization periods range from five to seven years. The remaining
unamortized costs were charged to income during 1998, upon the assumption and
transfer of the Insurance (see Note 3).
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit
risk consist principally of receivables from third party administration
functions. Credit risk with respect to these receivables is considered minimal
due to the financial condition of the insurers and deposits held by the Company.
(Continued)
F-13
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and related fair values of financial
instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
----------------------- -----------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and equivalents $6,330,909 $6,330,909 $8,296,943 $8,296,943
Investments:
Held-to-maturity securities 2,618,068 2,676,995 2,630,453 2,632,904
Available-for-sale securities 3,552 3,552 9,250 9,250
Trading securities 87 87 85 85
Premiums receivable -- -- 2,978,600 2,978,600
Payable to reinsurer -- -- 158,721 158,721
Unpaid claims liabilities -- -- 3,391,950 3,391,950
Unearned premiums -- -- 1,464,800 1,464,800
Surplus note payable, net -- -- 2,880,000 3,000,000
Receivable from related parties 557,902 557,902 443,182 443,182
Receivable from third party
administration 7,802 7,802 -- --
</TABLE>
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of
financial instruments are as follows:
(i) The carrying amounts of cash and equivalents approximate their
fair value. Investments in available-for-sale securities and trading securities
are carried at their fair values based on quoted market prices. Held-to-maturity
investments are carried at cost and their fair values are based on quoted market
prices.
(ii) The carrying values of premiums receivable, amounts payable to
the reinsurer, unpaid claims liabilities, unearned premiums, receivables from
related parties, and receivables from third party administration approximate
fair value because of their short-term maturities.
(iii) Surplus note payable is carried net of unamortized discount.
Its fair value approximates its face value due to the nearness of its payment
date.
(Continued)
F-14
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income
tax return. Tax returns are prepared using Statutory Accounting Principles
("SAP") until June 30, 1998 (see Note 15). Deferred income taxes reflect the
future tax conse quences of differences between the tax basis of assets and
liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end (see Note
11).
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share (Class A and B)
have been computed in accordance with FASB Statement No. 128 (SFAS 128),
"Earnings Per Share." Basic earnings per share (basic EPS) is computed by
dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share (diluted EPS) is
computed by dividing net income (loss) used in determining basic EPS by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, plus the
incremental shares, if any, that would have been outstanding upon the assumed
exercise of dilutive stock options and warrants. Basic EPS and diluted EPS for
the year ended December 31, 1996 have been restated to conform to the method
used in 1997 with the adoption of SFAS 128 (see Note 13).
Cash and Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash equivalents
represent highly liquid financial instruments with a maturity date of three
months or less. At December 31, 1998 and 1997 cash and cash equivalents include
certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and money market accounts as follows:
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Cash in bank $1,516,391 $2,683,620
Money market accounts 165,360 1,396,236
Commercial paper 4,564,158 3,992,528
Certificates of deposit 85,000 224,559
---------- ----------
$6,330,909 $8,296,943
========== ==========
New Accounting Standards
In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 130 ("SFAS 130") "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This
pronouncement requires entities to make certain disclosures about all types of
income, expenses, gains and losses arising during the period in addition to net
income from operations. SFAS 130 is effective for years beginning after December
31, 1997. The financial statements for 1997 and 1996 were restated to provide
comparative disclosure for those years.
(Continued)
F-15
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
3. ARISTA INSURANCE COMPANY
Cession of Insurance Business
In November 1998, the Company completed the assumption and transfer
of its insurance operations previously conducted by Arista pursuant to an
Assumption Reinsurance Agreement (the "Agreement") with The Guardian, effective
July 1, 1998. Under the Agreement, Arista received a cession allowance of
$3,421,486 which was calculated as 18% of Arista's earned premium for the period
July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998. The Guardian assumed the insurance related assets
and liabilities of Arista as of June 30, 1998. The cession resulted in a net
gain of $838,171, net of income taxes of $530,719. Arista discontinued writing
disability insurance (the "Insurance") effective November 12, 1998. The Company
concurrently entered into the TPA Agreement with The Guardian effective July 1,
1998. Under the terms of the TPA Agreement, the Company performs administrative
and other services relating to the insurance policies it previously issued, as
well as other insurance policies previously underwritten by The Guardian. The
Company earns a service fee based on both fixed and variable percentages of
premiums paid to The Guardian.
Recapitalization
Arista amended its Certificate of Incorporation (the "Amendment")
which was approved and placed on file with the NYSID as of December 18, 1998,
and filed with the Office of the County Clerk on December 31, 1998. This
Amendment decreased Arista's capital from $1,950,000 (comprised of 1,300 shares
with a par value of $1,500) to $300,000 (comprised of 200 shares with a par
value of $1,500 per share). Arista's paid-in-surplus was adjusted to $153,000.
The recapitalization enabled the Board of Directors of Arista to ratify the
return of capital in the amount of $2,492,000 to the Company. On January 26,
1999 the NYSID approved Arista's return of $2,492,000 to the Company. The
transfer was completed on January 28, 1999.
4. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
Agents
Bernard Kooper ("Kooper"), Chairman of the Board of the Company and
Arista, and owner of 20.4% in 1998 and 1997 and 19.1% in 1996 of the Company's
outstanding Class A and 100% of the Company's Class B common stock, is one of
the general agents under contract with Arista. Gross earned premiums from
policies placed by Kooper's agency, Bernard Kooper Life Agency, Inc. (the
"Agency") aggregated $584,965, $1,258,156 and $1,254,143 for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Agency received
approximately $156,000, $227,000 and $223,000
(Continued)
F-16
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
4. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (Continued)
Agents (Continued)
in commissions from Arista during 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, for
premiums on policies placed with Arista. Such premiums represented approximately
5.9%, 6.1% and 5.4%, respectively, of the consolidated gross premiums earned
during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
Agency, in turn, paid approximately $113,000, $131,000 and $159,000 during 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively, to other brokers, including approximately $15,000,
$26,000 and $26,000, respectively, to brokers who are members of the Board of
Directors of Arista. Commissions payable to the related agencies at December 31,
1997 and 1996 were $13,960 and $13,268, respectively.
Employment Agreements
The Company and Arista had employment agreements with Kooper and
Stanley Mandel ("Mandel") which were to terminate in February 2001 as described
in Note 8(a). The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mandel
effective November 12, 1998 which will expire as described in Note 8(a).
Consulting Agreements
Arista had a consulting agreement from May 1993 through September
1993 with an entity principally owned by a director of both Arista and the
Company. The Company paid $6,000 to this director in 1998 for services and
out-of-pocket expenses incurred for evaluating various business opportunities.
The Company paid $30,000 in 1996 to the entity. In July 1993 Arista entered into
an agreement with a consultant for specified services to be performed for a fee
of $500 per week. The consultant became a director of Arista in October 1994.
Arista paid $25,000 in 1998 and $26,000 per year in 1997 and 1996 under this
agreement. The agreement was terminated in January 1999.
Secured Promissory Note
In June 1996 Kooper exercised a warrant granted in 1986 to acquire
365,000 shares of the Company's Class A common stock. In partial payment for the
shares, Kooper issued his secured promissory note (the "Note") to the Company
for $500,000. The Note bears interest at the one-year London Interbank Offered
Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.25% and is adjusted on the first day of every October,
January, April and July commencing October 1, 1996. The terms of the Note
provide for quarterly payments of interest only at the above determined rate.
The principal balance outstanding and accrued
(Continued)
F-17
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
4. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (Continued)
Secured Promissory Note (Continued)
but unpaid interest is due and payable on June 14, 2001. The Note will be
canceled and extinguished if the Company exercises the option to obtain Kooper's
47,400 shares of Class B common stock (Note 9). The Note is secured by the
365,000 shares of Class A common stock.
Salary Advances
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, salary advances to an officer and
director of the Company and Arista aggregated $216,750 and $222,750,
respectively. Salary advances are limited to one year's compensation and are
non-interest bearing.
5. CLAIMS LIABILITIES
Unpaid claims liabilities include insured claims and claim adjustment
expenses. Changes in unpaid claims liabilities for the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1997 were as follows:
1998 1997
------------ ------------
Balance at January 1: $ 3,391,950 $ 4,351,500
Less reinsurance recoverables 1,695,975 2,175,750
------------ ------------
Net claims liabilities 1,695,975 2,175,750
------------ ------------
Claims incurred:
Current year 4,820,822 12,939,875
Prior years (net of $960,000
write-down in 1997) 69,098 (727,181)
------------ ------------
Total claims incurred 4,889,920 12,212,694
------------ ------------
Claims paid:
Current year 2,625,298 9,875,609
Prior years 3,020,398 3,296,635
------------ ------------
Total claims paid 5,645,696 13,172,244
------------ ------------
Claims incurred, assumed by The Guardian
(Note 3) 2,636,174 --
------------ ------------
Balance at December 31:
Net claims liabilities -- 1,695,975
Plus reinsurance recoverables -- 1,695,975
------------ ------------
Total liability $ -- $ 3,391,950
============ ============
(Continued)
F-18
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
6. SURPLUS NOTE AND WARRANT
On December 29, 1995 Arista issued a $3,000,000 surplus note (the "Note")
to The Cologne Life Underwriting Management Company ("CLUMCO") in conjunction
with an indemnity reinsurance agreement which became effective retroactive to
October 1, 1995 (see Note 14). The Note bears interest at 10.5% per annum and
provides for interest only payable for the first and second year with the
principal to be repaid one-eighth each year from the third to the tenth year,
from the date of closing. Upon termination of Arista's reinsurance agreement
with Cologne Life Reinsurance Company the principal balance of the Note became
payable. Repayment of the Note was subject to the prior approval of the New York
State Insurance Department. Arista obtained such approval and in December 1998,
paid the balance of the Note and accrued interest thereon, from the free and
divisible surplus of Arista. Interest expense for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996 totaled $491,181, $348,075 and $315,000, respectively.
In connection with the issuance of the Note, and as an inducement to enter
into the transaction with Arista, the Company issued a warrant certificate to
purchase 150,000 shares (subject to adjustment for stock dividends or stock
splits) of its Class A common stock to CLUMCO. The certificate was exercisable
after October 1996 at an exercise price of $3.50 per share and expires in
December 2005. At December 31, 1997 the aggregate value of the warrant was
$150,000, based on an independent appraisal of $1.00 per underlying share, and
has been reflected in stockholders' equity with the corresponding discount
charged to surplus note payable. The warrants expired upon the notice of the
transaction, and the portion of the Note proceeds attributed to the warrants has
been included in additional paid-in capital at December 31, 1998. The discount
was being amortized to operations over the option period of 10 years using the
straight-line method. The unamortized discount of $106,250 was charged to
operations upon the repayment of the Note. Amortization was $120,000 and $15,000
for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
7. LEASE COMMITMENTS
On January 9, 1995, the Company entered into a five-year lease for its new
principal executive office space, effective June 1, 1995 through May 31, 2000.
The lease requires monthly base rental payments of $16,925 plus utilities and a
proportionate share of various operating expenses. The Company rents additional
storage space on a month-to-month basis. Pursuant to a sublease agreement
between the Company and Arista, Arista reimbursed the Company for 90.90% of the
Company's lease obligations through June 30, 1998. The sublease terminated June
30, 1998.
(Continued)
F-19
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
7. LEASE COMMITMENTS (Continued)
The minimum rental commitments under the operating leases for office space
for the remaining two-year period ending May 31, 2000 are as follows:
1999 $ 228,450
2000 96,892
-----------
$ 325,342
===========
The Company has the option to terminate the lease provided it notifies the
landlord ninety (90) days prior to the termination date, and reimburses the
landlord for the unamortized portion of the landlord's contribution of
approximately $200,000 for leasehold improvements.
Consolidated rent expense was $261,063 in 1998, $249,973 in 1997 and
$252,171 in 1996.
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) Employment Agreements
In July 1994, Arista entered into a five-year employment agreement
with a vice president which provides for annual compensation of $125,000, annual
reimbursement of automobile expenses up to $6,000 and a nonaccountable expense
allowance of up to $3,600 per annum. Effective with the closing of the
transaction with The Guardian on November 12, 1998, Arista assigned this
employment agreement to the Company. In addition, the Company may, but is not
obligated to, pay a year-end bonus as may be determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company. The agreement provides that in the event of
termination of the agreement by the Company, the Company would provide severance
pay in an amount ranging from 60% to 100% of annual compensation of the vice
president. The agreement also provides for a one-year covenant not to compete
predicated upon the payment of $75,000 by the Company.
Kooper and the Company had, unless terminated earlier, entered into
an employment contract effective in February 1993 (the "Kooper Agreement") which
was to terminate in February, 2001, and provided for an annual base salary of
$150,000.
Effective in February 1993 Arista and Mandel had entered into an
employment contract (the "Mandel Agreement") which was to terminate in February,
2001 and provided for an annual base salary of $208,750 in each of the eight
years plus annual reimbursement of automobile expenses of $9,000 and a
nonaccountable expense allowance of $5,000.
(Continued)
F-20
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
(a) Employment Agreements (Continued)
The Kooper and Mandel Agreements provide that, in the event of a
consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company or Arista (a "Corporate Event") the employment agreements will
terminate, and upon such termination, Kooper and Mandel shall each be entitled
to receive a lump sum payout. Upon consummation of the Agreement with The
Guardian on November 12, 1998, Kooper and Mandel were each given an Employment
Agreement Termination Notice on December 10, 1998 (the "Notice") under which
their contracts were to terminate sixty days subsequent to the Notice which was
February 8, 1999, and also advising them of the lump sum payout they will be
receiving. The payout would be the maximum amount that would not trigger the
excise tax payable in the event of an "excess parachute payment," as such term
is defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Kooper and Mandel
are entitled to receive lump sum payouts of $861,658 and $994,619, respectively.
At December 31, 1998 these amounts plus interest compounded monthly, at the
applicable federal short-term interest rate as provided in Section 1274(d) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, have been accrued and are
included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying balance
sheet. In addition, Arista and the Company have also provided split-dollar life
insurance policies in which both Kooper and Mandel participate. Under these
agreements, the Company and Arista will pay the premiums on these policies for a
period of time specified in each agreement, on behalf of Kooper and Mandel. The
premium payments are treated as loans to both Kooper and Mandel and are
collateralized by the underlying policy. Insurance loans to Kooper and Mandel
aggregated $329,214 and $212,563 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively,
and are included in receivables from related parties in the accompanying balance
sheets. Additionally, Kooper and Mandel have the right to receive a lump sum
retirement benefit equal to the amount of premiums paid by Arista and the
Company attributable to the cumulative increase in cash value of the policies
during the specified period of the policies. Each of Kooper's and Mandel's
employment agreements provides that, upon the occurrence of a Corporate Event,
the Company and Arista must pay to the insurance carrier such sums so as to
render as "paid up" the split-dollar life insurance policies provided to each of
Kooper and Mandel under their respective employment agreements. Upon
consummation of the Agreement with The Guardian, the Company and Arista are
required to make payments to the insurance carriers aggregating $147,441 to
render the policies as "paid up."
Mandel and the Company have entered into an employment contract (the
"New Mandel Agreement") commencing November 12, 1998 and will terminate on the
later of November 11, 2000, or the termination of the TPA Agreement with The
Guardian, but not later than November 11, 2003. The New Mandel Agreement
provides for an annual base salary of $185,000 plus a nonaccountable expense
allowance of $5,000 per annum. Commencing with the fiscal year beginning January
1, 1999 and ending on December 31 of each fiscal year or portion of such fiscal
year for which Mandel is an employee he will receive a bonus equal to eight
percent of the Company's annual earnings from third party administration
operations before income taxes and nonrecurring events for the bonus period.
(Continued)
F-21
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
(a) Employment Agreements (Continued)
The New Mandel Agreement provides that, in the event of a
consolidation, merger, sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company,
or ownership of fifty percent or more of the voting common stock by one or more
individuals or entities, who are acting in concert or as an affiliated group of
which Mandel is not a participant (a "Change in Control") the employment
agreement may be either terminated, assigned by the Company or continued by the
Company or any successor or surviving corporation provided that notice of such
action is accompanied by a lump sum payment of $370,000.
(b) Uninsured Risk
At December 31, 1998 and 1997 cash and equivalents on deposit with
financial institutions exceeded federal deposit insurance coverage by
approximately $1,571,910 and $4,045,970, respectively.
(c) Policy Acquisitions
Arista incurred costs under various agreements it entered into to
acquire the right to offer New York State statutory disability benefits coverage
to former policyholders of other disability carriers. The costs included
professional fees and finder's fees as well as fees paid directly to the former
disability carriers for such rights which have been capitalized and are being
amortized on the straight-line basis over five to seven years. Such costs
amounted to $14,036 and $62,389 for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs charged to operations
for all acquisitions were $484,398, $319,775 and $332,633 for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Accumulated amortization was
$2,343,669 and $1,860,521 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Aetna. On April 1, 1994, Arista acquired under the terms of an
assumption reinsurance treaty dated February 10, 1994, the entire book of New
York State statutory nonexperience-rated state cash sickness disability
insurance previously written by Aetna Life Insurance Company ("Aetna"). Aetna
received a fee based on annualized premiums in force at March 31, 1994 and on
premiums paid and earned for the period April 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995.
During 1996 Arista paid $7,102 under this arrangement.
(Continued)
F-22
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
(c) Policy Acquisitions (Continued)
American Medical and Life. Effective October 1, 1994, Arista entered
into an indemnity reinsurance agreement with American Medical and Life Insurance
Company ("American Med") dated December 29, 1994 wherein Arista assumed the book
of New York State statutory disability insurance that was ceded by American Med.
In addition, effective January 1, 1995, Arista, through an assumption
reinsurance treaty, acquired the book of New York State statutory disability
insurance that had been previously ceded by American Med. American Med received
a fee based on premiums paid which were earned during the year ended September
30, 1994 and received a fee based on premiums paid which were earned for the
period January 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996. During 1996 Arista paid
acquisition costs of $170,831, and at December 31, 1997 $4,411 was accrued under
this arrangement.
Cologne Life Reinsurance Company. Effective October 1, 1995, in
conjunction with a Surplus Note Agreement between Arista and CLUMCO (see Note
6), Arista and Cologne Life Reinsurance Company ("The Cologne") entered into a
quota-share indemnity reinsurance agreement under which Arista agreed to cede to
The Cologne 50% of its New York State statutory disability insurance in force as
of October 1, 1995 as well as any new business written or acquired after October
1, 1995. Arista terminated the agreement in March 1998, effective January 1,
1998.
Insurance Company of Greater New York and Greater New York Mutual
Insurance Company. In April 1996 Arista entered into an agreement with the
Insurance Company of Greater New York and Greater New York Mutual Insurance
Company (the "Ceding Group") which provided that effective April 1, 1996, Arista
assumed the Ceding Group's New York State statutory disability business and
issued assumption certificates to the policyholders of the Ceding Group. The
agreement calls for Arista to pay a fee based on premiums received which will be
earned during the year ending March 31, 1997. The acquisition has been accounted
for under the purchase method of accounting. During 1996 Arista paid acquisition
costs of $62,325, and at December 31, 1997, $9,096 was receivable from the
Ceding Group under this arrangement.
(d) Other Matters
Effective July 1, 1998, the Company entered into the TPA Agreement
with The Guardian to perform administrative and other services relating to the
Insurance as well as other disability policies previously underwritten by The
Guardian. The Company earns a service fee based on both fixed and variable
percentages of paid premiums earned by The Guardian. This agreement replaced a
prior agreement between Arista and The Guardian. The agreement will terminate
June 30, 2003, however The Guardian may terminate the agreement after the first
two years in the event The Guardian desires to perform these services.
(Continued)
F-23
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
(d) Other Matters (Continued)
(1) Effective July 1, 1993, Arista entered into an agreement to
perform certain administrative services for The Guardian. Fees
for these services were determined in accordance with a
prescribed schedule based on the type of service provided. The
agreement was terminated July 1, 1998, the effective date of
the New Agreement.
(2) Effective January 1, 1995, Arista entered into an agreement to
perform certain administrative services for the United States
Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, a competitor
in the business of writing statutory disability benefits
insurance. Fees for these services are determined in
accordance with a prescribed schedule based on the type of
service provided. The agreement will remain in effect until
terminated by either party upon 180 days prior written notice.
(3) Effective April 1, 1995, the Company entered into an agreement
to perform certain administrative services for the American
Bankers Insurance Company of Florida. Fees for these services
are determined in accordance with a prescribed schedule based
on the type of service provided. The agreement will remain in
effect until terminated by either party upon 180 days prior
written notice. No services are currently being provided under
this agreement.
(4) Effective March 1, 1996, Arista arranged to perform certain
administrative services for Hartford Life and Accident
Insurance Company's ("Hartford") Temporary Disability
Insurance ("TDI") policies. Fees for these services are
determined in accordance with a prescribed schedule based on
the type of service provided. The arrangement will remain in
effect until terminated by either party.
(e) Reinsurance
Effective March 1, 1996 Arista ceded its entire assumption
reinsurance book of TDI to Hartford. Arista will receive a fee based on four
percent (4%) of earned and collected premiums generated by this book of business
for each of the next four years. At December 31, 1998 Arista estimated that it
would receive approximately $63,800 under the agreement.
(Continued)
F-24
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
9. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Transactions involving stock options and warrants in each of the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Incentive Non-qualified
Stock Options Stock Options Warrants
-------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate
Shares amount Shares amount Shares(1) amount
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Options and warrants outstanding:
January 1, 1996 285,400 443,223 17,600 24,640 515,000 1,036,000
1996 Exercised (256,900) (359,660) (17,600) (24,640) (365,000) (511,000)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
December 31, 1996 28,500 83,563 -- -- 150,000 525,000
1997 Expired (28,500) (83,563) -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
December 31, 1997 -- -- -- -- 150,000 525,000
1998 Expired -- -- -- -- (150,000) (525,000)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
December 31, 1998 -- $ -- -- $ -- -- $ --
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
(1) Warrants to purchase 365,000 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise
price of $1.40 per share were granted to Kooper in 1986. Warrants to
purchase 85,000 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of
$4.80 per share were granted to the underwriter in connection with the
IPO. Warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of Class A common stock at an
exercise price of $3.50 per share were granted to CLUMCO in December 1995,
in connection with the issuance of a Surplus Note (see Note 6) and a new
reinsurance agreement with Arista (see Notes 8 and 13), in October 1995.
In June 1996 warrants to purchase 365,000 shares and options to purchase
274,500 shares of Class A common stock at $1.40 per share were exercised
by Kooper, Mandel, an officer of the Company, and two officers of Arista.
In December 1998 the warrants granted to CLUMCO to purchase 150,000 shares
of Class A Common Stock expired upon the repayment of the note and accrued
interest.
(Continued)
F-25
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
9. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (Continued)
1985 Plan
The 1985 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "1985 Plan") provided for
the grant of options, until May 14, 1995 (as amended), to purchase up to 200,000
shares of the Company's Class A common stock by key employees of the Company
upon terms and conditions determined by the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Board"). Such options were exercisable over a five-year period, beginning
two years from the date of grant, subject to certain limited exceptions, at a
price not less than 100% of the fair market value at the time the option is
granted or, in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a stockholder
owning more than 10% of the shares of the Company's common stock at a price not
less than 110% of the fair market value at the date of grant. In June 1986, the
1985 Plan was amended to increase the exercise period to ten years in the case
of an incentive stock option granted to a stockholder owning less than 10% of
the Company's common stock, and to permit the exercise of options at the date of
grant. In June 1996 options to purchase 198,500 shares were exercised at $1.40
per share which resulted in additional compensation expense to the Company for
the year ended December 31, 1996.
1986 Plan
The 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "1986 Plan") provided for
the grant of options, until November 15, 1997, to purchase up to 86,900 shares
of the Company's Class A common stock. In June 1996 options to purchase 58,400
shares were exercised at $1.40 per share. Ten thousand options granted on June
24, 1987 expired on June 23, 1997, and 18,500 options granted on November 16,
1987 expired on November 15, 1997. The 1986 Plan was similar in all other
respects to the 1985 Plan, as amended.
Other
During June 1986, the Board granted to Kooper a warrant to purchase
365,000 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $1.40 per share,
exercisable over a ten-year period ending June 15, 1996. In connection
therewith, a non-qualified stock option previously granted to Kooper in 1978 was
surrendered. Also in June 1986, the Board granted to Mandel an option under the
Company's non-qualified plan to purchase 17,600 shares of Class A common stock
at an exercise price of $1.40 per share, exercisable within a ten-year period
following the date of grant. In June 1996, warrants to purchase 365,000 shares
of Class A common stock were exercised at $1.40 per share, which resulted in
additional compensation expense to the Company for the year ended December 31,
1996.
(Continued)
F-26
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
9. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (Continued)
Other (Continued)
The Company granted CLUMCO a warrant exercisable commencing in
October 1996, for the purchase of up to 150,000 shares of the Company's Class A
common stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share, exercisable over a
ten-year period ending in December 2005, subject to certain conditions. The
warrants were not exercised and expired at the end of the third business day
prior to the date of the vote on Proposal No. 1 at the Special Stockholders
Meeting held on October 18, 1998.
10. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
All shares of Class A and Class B common stock issued have equal rights
and privileges except that a holder of Class B shares has the additional right
to elect a majority of the Board. Additionally, the Class B common stock is
convertible at the option of the holder at any time, into an equal number of
shares of Class A common stock. All shares of Class B common stock automati
cally convert into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock if Kooper
sells, transfers, or in any manner conveys, one or more shares of Class B common
stock, or upon his death, whichever is earlier.
In November 1987, the Company purchased 10,000 shares of Class A common
stock at a cost of $26,740, which are being held in treasury.
In June 1996, Kooper and the Company entered into an agreement under which
the Company obtained an option to acquire the 47,400 shares of Class B common
stock held by Kooper. The option is exercisable by a vote of the majority of
Class A directors and by delivering to Kooper, at the Company's option, either
47,400 shares of Class A common stock, or cash equal to the fair market value of
47,400 shares of Class A common stock at the date of exercise plus the
cancellation and extinguishment of his secured promissory note (see Note 4) upon
payment of all accrued but unpaid interest. The option expires on June 14, 2001
or terminates upon Kooper's death.
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, 197,400 and 225,900 shares, respectively,
of Class A common stock were reserved for conversion of Class B common stock and
for the exercise of stock warrants outstanding.
In July 1998, as authorized by Arista's Board, Arista paid a dividend of
$279,951 to the Company.
In April 1996, as authorized by Arista's Board, Arista paid a dividend of
$111,684 to the Company.
(Continued)
F-27
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
11. INCOME TAXES
At December 31, 1998 and 1997 deferred tax assets aggregated $778,578 and
$1,460,170 (including NOL carryforward of $405,089), respectively, and deferred
tax liability aggregated $19,268 and $1,737,941, respectively, as follows:
1998 1997
----------- -----------
Deferred tax asset:
Commissions payable $ -- $ 366,239
Investment in securities 40,152 22,588
Reinsurance -- 656,974
Other assets -- 9,280
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 738,426 --
Loss carryforward -- 405,089
----------- -----------
Total deferred tax asset 778,578 1,460,170
----------- -----------
Deferred tax liability:
Deferred acquisition costs -- 188,915
Other assets -- 153,785
Claims liabilities 19,268 172,965
Reinsurance due -- 1,161,478
Accounts payable and accrued expenses -- 60,798
----------- -----------
Total deferred tax liability 19,268 1,737,941
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 759,310 $ (277,771)
=========== ===========
The following is a reconciliation of the statutory U.S. Federal income tax
rate to the effective tax rate as reflected in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations for continuing operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Percentage Percentage Percentage
of pretax of pretax of pretax
Amount income Amount income Amount income
--------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income (loss) before income taxes from
continuing operations $(381,562) $ 129,633 $ 39,496
========= ========= =========
Tax provision (benefit) at statutory rates $(129,731) (34.0) $ 44,075 34.0 $ 13,429 34.0
Increase in income taxes resulting from:
State franchise and local taxes, net
of federal benefit (13,577) (3.56) 6,482 5.0 1.974 5.0
--------- ----- --------- ---- --------- ----
Income tax provision (benefit) $(143,308) (37.6) $ 50,557 39.0 $ 15,403 39.0
========= ===== ========= ==== ========= ====
</TABLE>
(Continued)
F-28
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
11. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following at
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996:
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
Currently payable (benefit):
Federal $ 1,138,622 $ 130,550 $ --
State and local 584,109 212,505 70,436
----------- ----------- -----------
1,722,731 343,055 70,436
----------- ----------- -----------
Deferred tax asset:
January 1, (1,055,081) (974,920) (1,025,739)
December 31, (778,578) (1,055,081) (974,920)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net change 276,503 (80,161) 50,819
----------- ----------- -----------
Deferred tax liability:
January 1, 1,737,941 1,608,087 1,648,166
December 31, 19,268 1,737,941 1,608,087
----------- ----------- -----------
Net change (1,718,673) 129,854 (40,079)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net deferred tax effect (1,442,170) 49,693 10,740
----------- ----------- -----------
Income tax provision
before NOL benefit 280,561 392,748 81,176
Net operating loss benefit -- -- (554,838)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income tax provision (benefit) 280,561 392,748 (473,662)
Tax provision (benefit) applicable to
discontinued operations 423,869 342,191 (489,065)
----------- ----------- -----------
Tax provision (benefit) applicable
to continuing operations $ (143,308) $ 50,557 $ 15,403
=========== =========== ===========
(Continued)
F-29
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
12. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
As discussed in Note 2, in November 1998 the Company and Arista ceded its
insurance business to The Guardian. The cession resulted in a gain of $838,171,
net of income taxes of $530,719. The operating results have been restated to
exclude the discontinued operations as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue (Notes 2, 3, 4, 14 and 17):
Gross earned premiums $ 9,792,264 $ 20,763,439 $ 23,160,259
Ceded earned premiums 4,630,632 10,381,719 11,580,129
------------ ------------ ------------
Net earned premiums 5,161,632 10,381,720 11,580,130
------------ ------------ ------------
Expenses (Notes 2, 4 and 14):
Underwriting:
Gross claims incurred 4,889,920 12,212,694 15,288,310
Ceded claims incurred 2,362,164 6,106,347 7,644,155
------------ ------------ ------------
Net claims incurred 2,527,756 6,106,347 7,644,155
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross commissions incurred 2,273,006 3,907,264 4,206,730
Ceded commissions incurred 1,637,774 3,937,966 3,559,620
------------ ------------ ------------
Net commissions incurred (earned) 635,232 (30,702) 647,110
------------ ------------ ------------
Total underwriting expenses 3,162,988 6,075,645 8,291,265
General and administrative expenses 2,272,616 3,942,640 4,220,536
------------ ------------ ------------
Total expenses before charge for com-
pensation expense resulting from the
exercise of options and warrants 5,435,604 10,018,285 12,511,801
Compensation expense resulting from the
exercise of options and warrants (Note 19) -- -- 757,350
------------ ------------ ------------
Total expenses 5,435,604 10,018,285 13,269,151
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
before income tax provision (benefit) (273,972) 363,435 (1,689,021)
------------ ------------ ------------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (Note 11):
Income tax provision (benefit) (106,850) 342,191 65,773
Net operating loss benefit -- -- (554,838)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net provision (benefit) (106,850) 342,191 (489,065)
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations $ (167,122) $ 21,244 $ (1,199,956)
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
(Continued)
F-30
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
13. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
The following table reconciles the income (loss) and the weighted average
shares used in the net income (loss) per common share calculation for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Net
Income Per Share
(Loss) Shares Amount
----------- ----------- ---------
Year Ended December 31, 1998:
Basic EPS $ 432,795 2,617,500 $ .17
Effects of dilutive securities: None -- -- --
----------- ----------- -------
Diluted EPS $ 432,795 2,617,500 $ .17
=========== =========== =======
Year Ended December 31, 1997:
Basic EPS $ 100,320 2,617,500 $ .04
Effects of dilutive securities: None(1) -- -- --
----------- ----------- -------
Diluted EPS $ 100,320 2,617,500 $ .04
=========== =========== =======
Year Ended December 31, 1996:
Basic EPS - previously reported $(1,175,863) 2,617,500 $ (.45)
Effects of restatement to comply with
FASB Statement No. 128 -- (319,750) (.06)
----------- ----------- -------
Basic EPS - as restated (1,175,863) 2,297,750 (.51)
Effects of dilutive securities: None(2) -- -- --
----------- ----------- -------
Diluted EPS $(1,175,863) 2,297,750 $ (.51)
=========== =========== =======
(1) Warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of Class A common stock were
not included in computing diluted EPS, because their exercise price exceeded the
average market price during 1997.
(2) Options to purchase 28,500 shares of Class A common stock and
warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of Class A common stock were not included in
diluted EPS, because their exercise price exceeded the average market price
during 1996.
(Continued)
F-31
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
14. REINSURANCE
Effective October 1, 1995, Arista entered into a reinsurance agreement
with The Cologne (see Notes 6 and 8) whereby Arista ceded by way of reinsurance,
a 50% quota share participation in Arista's insurance business, both for
policies in force as of October 1, 1995 and for all new insurance business
written or acquired on or after October 1, 1995. The agreement called for Arista
to pay to The Cologne its proportionate share of the gross premium written less
a provisional ceding commission of 25%, which includes premium tax, less The
Cologne's proportionate share of the gross losses applicable to this business.
The provisional ceding commission was adjusted quarterly. At December 31, 1997
and 1996, $158,721 and $93,121, respectively, were accrued by Arista under this
agreement. The agreement allowed Arista an annual profit commission of 2% of
gross earned premiums ceded to The Cologne, if a certain loss ratio was
achieved. The agreement was terminated in March 1998, effective January 1, 1998.
From January 1, 1998 to June 30, 1998, Arista entered into a Quota Share
Reinsurance Treaty with The Guardian whereby Arista ceded by way of reinsurance
a 50% participation in Arista's insurance business, both for policies in force
as of January 1, 1998 and for business written or acquired on or after January
1, 1998.
As discussed in Note 2, effective as of July 1, 1998 the Company agreed to
cede to The Guardian all of Arista's liabilities under each and every policy of
the Insurance that had been underwritten by Arista. Arista discontinued sales of
the Insurance, effective November 12, 1998.
Ceded transactions for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as
follows:
Gross Ceded Net
Amount Amount Amount
---------- ---------- ----------
1998
Premium receivable $ -- $ -- $ --
Claims liabilities $ -- $ -- $ --
Unearned premiums $ -- $ -- $ --
Commissions payable $ -- $ -- $ --
1997
Premium receivable $2,978,600 $1,489,300 $1,489,300
Claims liabilities $3,391,950 $1,695,975 $1,695,975
Unearned premiums $1,464,800 $ 732,400 $ 732,400
Commissions payable $ 729,912 $ 939,075 $1,668,978
(Continued)
F-32
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
14. REINSURANCE (Continued)
A contingent liability existed with respect to reinsurance ceded which
would become a liability of Arista and the Company in the event that The Cologne
was unable to meet the obligations assumed under the reinsurance agreement.
15. INVESTMENTS
Investments at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consisted of the following
types:
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Held-to-maturity securities $2,618,068 $2,630,453
Available-for-sale securities 3,552 9,250
Trading securities 87 85
---------- ----------
$2,621,707 $2,639,788
========== ==========
Trading securities are adjusted to fair value and carried in the
accompanying financial statements. The aggregate fair value, gross unrealized
holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and amortized cost for
available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities by major security type at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows:
Available-for-sale securities
--------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
--------- ---------- ---------- -------
December 31, 1998:
Redeemable preferred securities $31,524 $ -- $27,972 $ 3,552
------- ------- ------- -------
$31,524 $ -- $27,972 $ 3,552
======= ======= ======= =======
December 31, 1997:
Redeemable preferred securities $31,524 $ -- $22,274 $ 9,250
------- ------- ------- -------
$31,524 $ -- $22,274 $ 9,250
======= ======= ======= =======
(Continued)
F-33
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
15. INVESTMENTS (Continued)
Held-to-maturity securities
-------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
December 31, 1998:
U.S. Treasury securities $2,618,068 $ 58,927 $ -- $2,676,995
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$2,618,068 $ 58,927 $ -- $2,676,995
========== ========== ========== ==========
December 31, 1997:
U.S. Treasury securities $2,630,453 $ 8,373 $ 5,922 $2,632,904
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$2,630,453 $ 8,373 $ 5,922 $2,632,904
========== ========== ========== ==========
Pursuant to New York State insurance regulations, Arista maintains a
mandatory trust fund with the Bank of New York containing U.S. Treasury
securities with a carrying value of approximately $2,115,444 and $2,124,513 at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Investment Income
Net investment income for the years ended 1998, 1997 and 1996 consisted of
the following:
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Interest and dividends:
Bonds and long-term investments $152,794 $148,582 $161,812
Short-term investments 356,168 328,765 258,391
-------- -------- --------
Total interest and dividends 508,962 477,347 420,203
Interest on note receivable from related party 34,894 36,566 20,336
-------- -------- --------
Total investment income $543,856 $513,913 $440,539
======== ======== ========
(Continued)
F-34
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
15. INVESTMENTS (Continued)
Realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 consisted of the following:
1998 1997 1996
-------- ------- -------
Realized gains (losses)
Redeemable preferred securities $ -- $(2,625) $ (208)
Equity securities -- 106 --
-------- ------- -------
Total realized losses -- (2,519) (208)
-------- ------- -------
Unrealized losses
Equity securities -- (194) (159)
-------- ------- -------
Total unrealized losses -- (194) (159)
-------- ------- -------
Net investment losses $ -- $(2,713) $ (367)
======== ======= =======
Investment Maturity
The following schedule sets forth the respective maturity dates as at
December 31, 1998:
Available-for-sale securities
-----------------------------
Fair
Cost Value
---------- ----------
Due after one year through five years $ 31,524 $ 3,552
========== ==========
Held-to-maturity securities
---------------------------
Fair
Cost Value
---------- ----------
Within one year $ 627,678 $ 630,976
Due after one year through five years 1,462,476 1,504,224
Due after five years through ten years 527,914 541,795
---------- ----------
Total $2,618,068 $2,676,995
========== ==========
(Continued)
F-35
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
16. STATUTORY MATTERS
The following is a reconciliation of Arista's net stockholder's equity and
net income (loss) determined on the statutory basis of accounting required by
insurance regulation to amounts of equity and net income (loss) included in the
financial statements of Arista prepared on the basis of generally accepted
accounting principles for each of the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and
1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital and surplus reported for SAP purposes $ 7,358,551 $ 6,206,020 $ 6,175,568
Add (deduct):
Inclusion of nonadmitted assets 1,057,468 2,624,539 1,956,065
Surplus notes payable -- (3,000,000) (3,000,000)
Deferred costs, net of tax -- 66,158 205,689
Claims reserves, net of tax -- 548,059 509,495
Unrealized depreciation on marketable
securities, net 11,613 (26,471) (31,425)
Other, net of tax (6,225) 217,267 18,427
Adjustment to premiums receivable, net of tax -- 533,443 533,443
Prior period tax over accrual (92,687) (330,248) (359,082)
Realized gain on investments, net of tax -- (27,370) (27,720)
NOL carryforward -- -- 34,500
----------- ----------- -----------
Stockholder's equity reported in
Arista's financial statements $ 8,328,720 $ 6,811,397 $ 6,014,960
=========== =========== ===========
Net income (loss) reported for SAP purposes $ 2,865,411 $ 698,926 $ (61,398)
Add (deduct):
Deferred costs, net of tax (182,947) (139,531) (235,532)
Other, net of tax (145,306) 164,339 (51,902)
Claims reserves, net of tax (326,898) 38,564 (49,698)
Realized gain on investments, net of tax -- 350 6,133
Income tax expense differences (407,289) 28,834 1,800
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) reported in Arista's
financial statements $ 1,802,971 $ 791,482 $ (390,597)
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
(Continued)
F-36
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
16. STATUTORY MATTERS (Continued)
Arista was in compliance with the NYSID minimum statutory capital and
surplus requirement at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Under the New York State Insurance Law, Arista may pay dividends only out
of its statutory earned surplus. In addition, the maximum amount of dividends
that may be paid in any twelve-month period without regulatory approval is the
lesser of the adjusted net investment income or 10% of its surplus. Arista paid
dividends of $279,951 and $111,684 during 1998 and 1996, respectively.
On February 1, 1999, Arista's Board of Directors approved a dividend in
the amount of $167,526, based on its last filed statement at September 30, 1998,
to be paid to the Company. The dividend was paid to the Company on February 2,
1999.
In March 1999, the NYSID approved an extraordinary cash dividend of
$4,000,000, based on their review of Arista's filed December 31, 1998 Annual
Statement, on the condition that there has been no event that has significantly
impacted upon Arista's last reported surplus as regards policyholders.
17. INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
Effective July 1, 1998, Arista ceded its insurance segment to The Guardian
and discontinued sales of the Insurance effective November 11, 1998. The Company
concurrently entered into a TPA Agreement with The Guardian, effective July 1,
1998. The Company also provides third party administrative services for other
insurance companies. Arista was engaged principally in the business of writing
disability insurance policies in New York State. In 1993 the Company amended the
charter and license of Arista to write glass insurance which is part of the
property and casualty line of business. Revenues and profit and loss by segment
for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
Discontinued Administrative
Insurance Service Consolidated
Segment Segment Total
----------- ----------- -----------
1998
Revenues from outside customers $ 9,792,264 $ 1,483,080 $11,275,344
Major customers $ -- $ 1,406,732 $ 1,406,732
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 1,094,918 $ (381,562) $ 713,356
(Continued)
F-37
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
17. INDUSTRY SEGMENTS (Continued)
Discontinued Administrative
Insurance Service Consolidated
Segment Segment Total
----------- ----------- -----------
1997
Revenues from outside customers $ 20,763,439 $ 351,346 $ 21,114,785
Major customers $ 2,505,370 $ -- $ 2,505,370
Income before income taxes $ 363,435 $ 129,633 $ 493,068
1996
Revenues from outside customers $ 23,160,259 $ 260,664 $ 23,420,923
Major customers $ 2,468,331 $ -- $ 2,468,331
Income (loss) before income taxes $ (1,689,021) $ 39,496 $ (1,649,525)
18. MAJOR CUSTOMER
For the year ended December 31, 1998, third party administrative fees from
The Guardian represented approximately 95% of the Company's total revenues from
continuing operations and 12% of the consolidated total revenues from continuing
and discontinued segments (see Note 17).
For the year ended December 31, 1996, one group, the Federation of Jewish
Philanthropies ("FOJP"), accounted for approximately 11% of Arista's
consolidated revenues from continuing and discontinued segments. No other
customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated total revenues
or Arista's revenues in the year ended December 31, 1996. For the year ended
December 31, 1997, no one group accounted for 10% or more of Arista's revenues.
However, Arista underwrote disability insurance for two large groups with
combined earned premiums of approximately $2,505,000 in 1997.
19. FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTMENT
During the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company recorded a charge to
operations of $757,350 ($0.29 per share), representing compensation resulting
from the exercise of stock warrants and options by certain officers of the
Company and Arista.
20. YEAR 2000
The Company has begun converting its computer systems so as to be year
2000 compliant. The Company expects this conversion to be completed by the
middle of 1999. Expenditures for the Year 2000 Project were $20,500 in 1998 and
are expected to be less than $1,000 in 1999. All costs associated with these
system changes are charged against income in the period incurred.
F-38
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
SCHEDULE I
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN
INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 1998
Amount
Cost or shown in
amortized Market the balance
Type of Investment cost value sheet
- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Held-to-maturity securities:
United States Government and government
agencies and authorities $2,618,068 $2,676,995 $2,618,068
Available-for-sale securities:
Redeemable preferred stocks 31,524 3,552 3,552
Trading securities:
Common stock 279 87 87
---------- ---------- ----------
$2,649,871 $2,680,634 $2,621,707
========== ========== ==========
See independent auditors' report.
S-1
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
SCHEDULE II
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
(Parent Company Only)
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
-------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
A s s e t s
Investment in subsidiaries $ 8,727,163 $ 7,181,474
Cash and equivalents 1,208,832 248,256
Receivable from third party administration 748,797 --
Prepaid expenses and other assets 383,838 187,092
Furniture and equipment - net 75,707 --
Deferred tax asset 1,066,834 738,049
----------- -----------
Total assets $12,211,171 $ 8,354,871
=========== ===========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,728,208 $ 495,162
Due to subsidiaries, net 3,679,354 1,488,895
----------- -----------
Total liabilities 5,407,562 1,984,057
Stockholders' equity 6,803,609 6,370,814
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $12,211,171 $ 8,354,871
=========== ===========
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Third party administrative services $ 1,283,664 $ -- $ --
Investment income 42,893 48,061 33,158
----------- --------- -----------
1,326,557 48,061 33,158
Expenses:
General and administrative expenses 3,349,409 897,520 1,337,158
----------- --------- -----------
Loss from operations before income
tax benefits and equity in net
income (loss) of subsidiaries (2,022,852) (849,459) (1,304,000)
Income tax expense (benefits) (741,691) (265,284) (693,367)
----------- --------- -----------
Loss from operations before equity in
net income (loss) of subsidiaries (1,281,161) (584,175) (610,633)
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries 1,713,956 684,495 (565,230)
----------- --------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 432,795 $ 100,320 $(1,175,863)
=========== ========= ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying condensed financial information should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Arista Investors
Corp. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1998.
(Continued)
S-2
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
SCHEDULE II - Continued
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
(Parent Company Only)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 432,795 $ 100,320 $(1,175,863)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation 24,679 1,404 1,629
Equity in net (income) loss of subsidiaries (1,713,956) (684,495) 565,230
Compensation arising from exercise of options
and warrants -- -- 757,350
Increase (decrease) in assets and liabilities:
Receivable from third party administration (748,797) -- --
Due to subsidiaries 2,190,459 540,832 (97,323)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (196,746) (69,238) 7,128
Deferred tax asset (328,785) (290,452) (447,597)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,233,046 184,569 153,805
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating activities 892,695 (217,060) (235,641)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Furniture and equipment acquired (100,386) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by investing activities (100,386) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of Class A common stock -- -- 395,300
Dividend from subsidiary 168,267 -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 168,267 -- 395,300
----------- ----------- -----------
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents 960,576 (217,060) 159,659
Cash and equivalents:
Beginning of year 248,256 465,316 305,657
----------- ----------- -----------
End of year $ 1,208,832 $ 248,256 $ 465,316
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
(Continued)
S-3
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
SCHEDULE II - Continued
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
(Parent Company Only)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes $ 26,380 $ 27,720 $ 21,510
=========== =========== ===========
Interest $ -- $ -- $ --
=========== =========== ===========
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing
activities:
The Company issued Class A common stock
in connection with the exercise of
stock options and warrants as follows:
Secured promissory note receivable $ -- $ -- $ (500,000)
Compensation expense -- -- (757,350)
Issuance of Class A common stock -- -- 1,652,650
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash received $ -- $ -- $ 395,300
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying condensed financial information should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Arista Investors
Corp. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1998.
(Continued)
S-4
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
SCHEDULE II - Continued
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
(Parent Company Only)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
1. Basis of Presentation
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant does not
include all of the information and notes normally included with financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. It is therefore suggested that these condensed financial
statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report as
referenced in Form 10-K, Part II, Item 8, pages F-1 to F-38.
2. Cash Dividends from Subsidiary
Arista paid dividends to the Company in the amount of $279,951 and
$111,684 in July 1998 and April 1996, respectively. On February 1, 1999,
Arista's Board of Directors approved a dividend in the amount of $167,526,
based on its last filed statement at September 30, 1998, to be paid to the
Company. The dividend was paid to the Company on February 2, 1999.
The Company anticipates making a distribution to its stockholders of a
portion of the proceeds from the cession of the Insurance and the proceeds
from the disposition of the stock of Arista, pursuant to a plan of partial
liquidation. Since the closing of the cession of the Insurance to The
Guardian on November 12, 1998, the Department approved Arista's return of
capital to the Registrant in the amount of $2,492,000 and an extraordinary
dividend of $4,000,000 based on a review of Arista's filed December 31,
1998 Annual Statutory Statements.
See independent auditors' report.
S-5
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
SCHEDULE III
SUPPLEMENTAL SEGMENT INFORMATION
Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Future
Policy
Benefits, Other Benefit,
Losses, Policy Claims,
Deferred Claims Claims and Net Losses and
Policy and Loss Unearned Benefits Premium Investment Settlement
Segment Acquisition Expenses Premiums Payable Revenue Income Expenses
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H
- --------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998
Disability insurance $ -- $ -- $ -- $ $ 5,161,632 $ 290,507 $ 2,428,769
Property and casualty -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Third party administrative
service -- -- -- -- 1,483,080 253,349 --
-------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- --------- -----------
$ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 6,644,712 $ 543,856 $ 2,428,769
======== ========== =========== ========== =========== ========= ===========
1997
Disability insurance $484,398 $3,391,950 $ 1,464,800 $ -- $10,381,720 $ 513,913 $ 6,106,347
Property and casualty -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Third party administrative
service -- -- -- -- 351,346 -- --
-------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- --------- -----------
$484,398 $3,391,950 $ 1,464,800 $ -- $10,733,066 $ 513,913 $ 6,106,347
======== ========== =========== ========== =========== ========= ===========
<CAPTION>
Amortization
of Deferred
Policy Other
Acquisition Operating Premiums
Segment Costs Expenses Written
Column A Column I Column J Column K
- --------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1998
Disability insurance $ 484,398 $ 2,272,616 $ 9,806,464
Property and casualty -- -- --
Third party administrative
service -- 2,427,321 --
--------- ----------- ------------
$ 484,398 $ 4,699,937 $ 9,806,464
========= =========== ============
1997
Disability insurance $ 319,775 $ 4,332,163 $ 20,830,859
Property and casualty -- -- --
Third party administrative
service -- -- --
--------- ----------- ------------
$ 319,775 $ 4,332,163 $ 20,830,859
========= =========== ============
</TABLE>
See independent auditors' report.
S-6
<PAGE>
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
SCHEDULE IV
REINSURANCE
Year Ended December 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage
Ceded Assumed of Amount
Gross to Other from Other Net Assumed to
Amount Companies(1) Companies Amount Net Amount
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Life insurance
in force $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- -0-%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Premiums:
Life insurance $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- -0-%
Accident and
health 9,792,264 4,630,632 -- 5,161,632 -0-%
Property and
liability -- -- -- -- -0-%
Title insurance -- -- -- -- -0-%
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$9,792,264 $4,630,632 $ -- $5,161,632 -0-%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
(1) No amount of reinsurance expense has been netted against premium ceded.
See independent auditors' report.
S-7
<PAGE>
EXHIBITS
10.46 Employment Agreement between Peter Norton and the Company (including
Employment Agreement Assignment, dated as of February 1, 1999)
27 Financial Data Schedule
Exhibit 10.46
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
OF
PETER J. NORTON
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT made as of the lst day of July, 1994
(hereinafter referred to as the "Effective Date"), by ARISTA INSURANCE COMPANY,
a New York corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Corporation") and PETER J.
NORTON (hereinafter referred to as "Employee").
WHEREAS, the Employee desires to be employed by the Corporation as
Vice President upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and the
Corporation desires that the Employee be so employed.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties intending to be
legally bound, agree as follows:
1. Term of Employment. The Corporation hereby agrees to employ the
Employee as Vice President, and the Employee hereby agrees to serve the
Corporation in such capacity for the period commencing as of the Effective Date
and ending on the fifth (5th) anniversary of such date (hereinafter referred to
as the "Employment Period"), unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided.
<PAGE>
2. Scope of Duties. The Employee shall serve as Vice President of
the Corporation and shall assist, to the best of his ability, in the operation
of the Corporation, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the sale,
promotion and development of the products and business of the Corporation. The
Employee shall have the powers and duties commonly ascribed to an executive
officer of a corporation. The Employee shall report to and shall be responsible
to the President of the Corporation.
3. Time To Be Devoted to Employment. The Employee, except during
vacation periods or absences due to temporary illness, shall devote
substantially all of his business time, attention and energies to his duties and
responsibilities hereunder and, except for business trips which shall be
necessary or desirable in connection with the Corporation's business, shall
render such services at the principal office of the Corporation. Nothing herein
contained shall prevent or be construed as preventing the Employee from holding
or purchasing up to five (5%) percent of any class of stock or securities of any
corporation which is listed on a national securities exchange or is regularly
traded in the over-the-counter market, or from holding or making other
investments in or from participating in any other business venture, so long as
no such investment or participation in such business venture shall involve any
requirement that the Employee devote substantial time during normal business
hours thereto and, so long as such investment or the Employee's participation in
such business venture does not involve any conflict with his duties or
obligations to the Corporation as provided in this Employment Agreement.
2
<PAGE>
4. Direct Compensation.
(a) In consideration for services to be rendered by the
Employee hereunder during the Employment Period:
(i) The Employee shall receive a salary at the rate of
One Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand ($125,000) Dollars per
annum for the entire Employment Period, which salary shall be
subject to all applicable federal, state and other tax
withholdings. Such salary shall be paid to the Employee in
twenty-six (26) equal bi-weekly installments, payable in
arrears or on such other basis as other employees of the
Corporation generally are paid; and
(ii) With respect to each fiscal year of the Corporation
ending during the Employment Period, and during which the
Employee is an employee of the Corporation at the end of any
such fiscal year, the Corpora tion may, but shall not be
obligated to, pay to the Employee as additional compensation
such bonus as may be determined by the Board of Directors of
the Corporation.
(b) In the event this Agreement shall terminate in the manner
contemplated in subparagraph 10(b)(iv), the Corporation shall have the option,
exercisable on sixty (60) days prior written notice, to advise the Employee that
the Corporation has elected to cause the Employee not to engage in any activity
described in sub-paragraph 10(a)(i) and 10(a)(ii) for a period of one year
following the date of such termination in consideration of the payment by the
Corporation of the sum of $75,000 to the Employee, which payment shall be paid
to the Employee in twelve (12) equal monthly installments, payable on the first
day of the month, commencing in the month subsequent to the month in which the
Employment Period terminates. In the event the Corporation fails to send to the
Employee such written notice, such failure shall be deemed to be an election by
the Corporation not to require the Employee to forebear from engaging in any of
the activities described in subparagraph 10(a)(i) and 10(a)(ii) from and after
the date of such termination.
3
<PAGE>
5. Fringe Benefits. The Employee shall be entitled to participate in
any and all fringe benefits and/or plans generally afforded to the other
executives of the Corporation (to the extent the Employee otherwise qualifies
therefor under the specific terms and conditions of each such benefit or plan)
including, without limitation, group disability insurance, life insurance,
medical insurance and pension plans which are, or which may become available
generally to executive officers of the Corporation. The Employee shall be
entitled to three (3) weeks vacation during each of the first and second 12
month periods and to four weeks (4) vacation during each of the third, fourth
and fifth 12 month periods falling within the Employment Period, to be taken at
such time or times as the reasonable needs of the Corporation's business shall
allow.
6. Reimbursement of Expenses.
(a) The Corporation shall reimburse the Employee for all
reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the promotion of the business of
the Corporation, including expenses for travel, entertainment and similar
expenses incurred by the Employee on the Corporation's behalf. No such
reimbursement shall be made except upon the presentation by the Employee of an
itemized account of those of such expenses or other evidence thereof for which
reimbursement then is being sought, all in form reasonably satisfactory to the
Corporation.
(b) The Corporation also shall reimburse the Employee in the
sum of Six Thousand ($6,000) Dollars per annum for automobile expenses incurred
by the Employee in
4
<PAGE>
connection with the business of the Corporation, payable in twelve (12) equal
monthly installments payable on the first (1st) day of each month falling within
the Employment Period.
(c) The Corporation shall provide a Three Thousand Six Hundred
($3,600) Dollar nonallocated expense allowance for expenses incurred by the
Employee in carrying on the business of the Corporation for each twelve month
period falling within the Employment Period, payable in twelve (12) equal
monthly installments on the first (1st) day of each month falling within the
Employment Period.
7. Termination of Employment.
During the Employment Period, the Employee's employment may be
terminated by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on the occurrence of any
one or more of the following events:
(a) the death of the Employee; or
(b) the failure by the Employee substantially to perform his
duties and responsibilities hereunder owing to physical or mental incapacity
(hereinafter referred to as a "disability"), which disability shall continue for
more than twelve (12) consecutive months; or
(c) for "Cause", which shall mean (i) the willful failure by
the Employee substantially to perform his duties hereunder, for reasons other
than death or disability; (ii) the willful engaging by the Employee in
misconduct materially injurious to the Corporation; or (iii) the commission by
the Employee of an act constituting common law fraud or a felony against the
Corporation; or
5
<PAGE>
(d) upon sixty (60) days prior written notice provided that
such notice shall be accompanied by a certified or cashier's check in an amount
calculated as follows:
(i) if such notice is sent at any time prior to the end
of the first year of the Employment Term, such check shall be
in the amount of $125,000;
(ii) if such notice is sent at any time after the end of
the first year of the Employment Term, but prior to the end of
the third year thereof, such check shall be in the amount of
$100,000; or
(iii) if such notice is sent at any time after the end
of the third year of the Employment Term but prior to the end
of the fifth year thereof, such check shall be in the amount
of $75,000.
8. Indemnity. The Corporation, to the extent it may provide
indemnification to an officer under applicable law, shall indemnify the Employee
and hold him harmless from any and all liability arising out of any act or
failure to act undertaken by him in good faith while performing services for the
Corporation, and may obtain coverage for him under any insurance policy now in
force or hereafter obtained during the Employment Period covering officers and
directors of the Corporation against claims made against them or any of them for
any act or failure to act in such capacities. The Corporation, to the extent
permitted under applicable law, shall pay all expenses as incurred, including
reasonable attorneys' fees actually or necessarily incurred by the Employee in
connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of any
such claim and in connection with any appeal arising therefrom.
9. Disclosure of Information. All memoranda, notes, records or other
documents made or compiled by the Employee or made available to him during the
term of this
6
<PAGE>
employment concerning the business of the Corporation shall be the Corporation's
property and shall be delivered to the Corporation by the Employee on the
termination of his employment. The Employee shall not use for himself or others
or divulge to others, any proprietary or confidential information of the
Corporation obtained by him as a result of his employment unless authorized by
the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 9, the term "proprietary or
confidential information" shall mean all information which is known only to the
Employee or to the Employee and employees, former employees, consultants or
others in a confidential relationship with the Corporation which relates to
specific matters such as trade secrets, customers, potential customers, vendor
lists, pricing and credit techniques, research and development activities, books
and records and commission schedules, as they may exist from time to time, which
the Employee may have acquired or obtained by virtue of work heretofore or
hereafter performed for or on behalf of the Corporation or which he may acquire
or may have acquired knowledge of during the performance of such work, and which
is not known to others, or is not readily available to others from sources other
than the Employee, or is not in the public domain. In the event of a breach or a
threatened breach by the employee of the provisions of this Section 9, the
Corporation shall be entitled to an injunction restraining the Employee from
disclosing, in whole or in part, the aforementioned proprietary or confidential
information of the Corporation, or from rendering any services to any person,
firm, corporation, association or other entity to whom or to which such
proprietary or confidential information, in whole or in part, has been disclosed
or is threatened to be disclosed. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as
prohibiting the Corporation from pursuing any other remedies available to the
7
<PAGE>
Corporation for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of
damages from the Employee.
10. Restrictive Covenants.
(a) The Employee hereby acknowledges and recognizes the highly
competitive nature of the Corporation's business and, accordingly, agrees that,
in consideration of the premises contained herein, he will not during the
Employment Period and thereafter until the Designated Date (as hereinafter
defined): (i) directly or indirectly engage in any Competitive Activity (as
hereinafter defined), whether such engagement shall be as an officer, director,
employee, consultant, agent, lender, stockholder, or other participant; or (ii)
assist others in engaging in Competitive Activity. As used herein, the term
"Competitive Activity" shall mean and include the development and marketing of
and all activity involving the sale of statutory disability benefits insurance
or any other insurance product then offered and written by the Corporation or by
any other subsidiary of Arista Investors Corp. which is licensed to sell
insurance in the State of New York during the calendar year immediately
preceding the termination of Employee's employment hereunder.
(b) As used in this Section 10, the "Designated Date" shall
mean any of the following dates:
(i) in the event the Employee willfully terminates his
employment with the Corporation in violation of this Employment
Agreement prior to the expiration of the Employment Period, the term
"Designated Date" shall mean the first anniversary of the date of
such termination;
(ii) in the event the Corporation terminates the
employment of the Employee under this Employment Agreement for
Cause, the term "Designated Date" shall mean the first anniversary
of the date of such termination; or
8
<PAGE>
(iii) subject to the provisions of subparagraph 7(d)
hereof, in the event the Corporation terminates the employment of
the Employee without cause, the term "Designated Date" shall mean
the first anniversary of the date of such termination; or
(iv) subject to the provisions of subparagraph 4(b)
hereof, in the event this Agreement terminates at the end of the
full term of the Employment Period, the term "Designated Date" shall
mean the date of such termination or the first anniversary of the
date of such termination, as the case may be.
It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of
this Section 10 shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the
laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is
sought. Accordingly, if any provision of this Section 10 shall be adjudicated to
be invalid or unenforceable in any such jurisdiction, such provision of this
Section 10 shall be deemed amended to delete therefrom the portion thus
adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such deletion to apply only with
respect to the operation of such provision of this Section 10 in the particular
jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made. In addition, if the scope of
any restriction contained in this Section 10 is adjudicated to be too broad to
permit enforcement thereof to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be
enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law and the Employee hereby consents
and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any
proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
(c) In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Employee of
the provisions of this Section 10, the Corporation shall be entitled to an
injunction restraining him from such breach. Nothing herein contained shall be
construed as prohibiting the Corporation from pursuing any other remedies
available for such breach or threatened breach or any other breach of this
Employment Agreement.
9
<PAGE>
11. Key-Man Insurance. The Employee shall cooperate with the
Corporation by completing all necessary applications and take all required
physical examinations to enable the Corporation to obtain and maintain key-man
life insurance on the life of the Employee in whatever amount the Corporation
determines.
12. Other Agreements. The Employee hereby warrants and represents
that the Employee hereby warrants and represents that he has the right and the
authority to enter into this Agreement and that he is not subject to any
agreement which would violate, or be violated by, this Agreement. The Employee
further warrants and represents that he is not a party to any other written
agreement of employment.
13. Notices. Any notices required or permitted to be given under the
provisions of this Employment Agreement shall be in writing and delivered
personally or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid to the following persons at the following addresses, or to such other
person at such other address as any party may request by notice in writing to
the other party to this Agreement:
To Employee: Peter J. Norton
4 Wyoming Street
Old Westfield, NY 11784
To Corporation: Arista Insurance Company
116 John Street
New York, N.Y. 10038
Attn.: Louis H. Saltzman
Secretary
10
<PAGE>
Copy to: Howard E. Chase, Esq.
Morrison Cohen Singer & Weinstein
750 Lexington Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10022
14. Construction. This Employment Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with, and be governed by, the laws of the State of New York for
contracts entered into and to be performed in New York.
15. Successors and Assigns. This Employment Agreement shall be
binding on the successors and assigns of the Corporation and shall inure to the
benefit and be enforceable by and against its successors and assigns. This
Employment Agreement is personal in nature and may not be assigned or
transferred by the Employee without the prior written consent of the
Corporation.
16. Entire Agreement. This instrument contains the entire
understanding and agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter
hereof, and neither this Employment Agreement nor any provision hereof may be
waived, modified, amended, changed, discharged or terminated, except by an
agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver,
modification, change, amendment, discharge or termination is sought.
17. Counterparts. This Employment Agreement may be executed simulta
neously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of
which counterparts shall together constitute a single agreement.
11
<PAGE>
18. Illegality. In case any one or more of the provisions of this
Employment Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect,
the validity, the legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions
contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
19. Captions. The captions of the sections hereof are for
convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of
any of the terms or provisions of this Employment Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands and
executed this Agreement the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: ARISTA INSURANCE COMPANY
Susan Hall By: Stanley S. Mandel
- --------------------- ----------------------------
(Assistant) Secretary Stanley S. Mandel, President
[CORPORATE SEAL]
Maddy Toback Peter J. Norton
- --------------------- --------------------------------
Witness Peter J. Norton
12
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ASSIGNMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ASSIGNMENT, dated as of February 1, 1999 by
ARISTA INSURANCE COMPANY, a New York corporation (the "Assignor"), in favor of
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP., a Delaware corporation (the "Assignee").
WHEREBY, Assignor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Assignee.
WHEREBY, Assignor and Mr. Peter J. Norton are parties to that
certain Employment Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1994 (the "Employment
Contract"), whereby Mr. Norton is employed by Assignor as Vice President (the
"Employee").
WHEREBY, Assignee intends to sell substantially all of its assets to
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America ("The Guardian") pursuant to a
Assumption Reinsurance Agreement (the "Assumption Reinsurance Agreement") by and
among Assignee, Assignor and The Guardian (the "Transaction").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual
covenants and agreements set forth in the Assumption Reinsurance Agreement, the
undersigned hereby agree as follows:
1. Assignor and Employee hereby transfer, convey, assign, release,
set over and deliver to Assignee, to and for the benefit of Assignee and its
successors and assigns, effective as of the date of this Assignment, all of
Assignor's and Employee's respective rights and interest in and to the
Employment Contract, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all
rights attendant thereto (the "Assignment").
2. The Assignment shall be effective on the closing date of the
Transaction.
3. At the further request of Assignee, Assignor and Employee shall
cooperate with and execute all further documentation prepared by Assignee to
evidence the Assignment.
4. This Assignment shall be governed in all respects, including
validity, interpretations and effect, by the laws of the State of New York.
5. This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts and
by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed
shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
1
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have each caused this Assignment to be
executed by its duly authorized representative, effective as of the date first
written above.
ARISTA INSURANCE COMPANY
By: Stanley M. Mandel
---------------------
Stanley S. Mandel
President
Peter J. Norton
-------------------------
Peter J. Norton
Accepted and Agreed to:
ARISTA INVESTORS CORP.
By: Bernard Kooper
-------------------
Bernard Kooper
Chairman of Board
2
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 0
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 2,618,068
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 2,676,995
<EQUITIES> 3,552
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 2,621,707
<CASH> 6,330,909
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 0
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 10,643,011
<POLICY-LOSSES> 0
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 0
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 26,275
<OTHER-SE> 6,909,161
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 10,643,011
0
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 543,856
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 0
<OTHER-INCOME> 1,501,903
<BENEFITS> 0
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 0
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 2,427,321
<INCOME-PRETAX> (381,562)
<INCOME-TAX> (143,308)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (238,254)
<DISCONTINUED> 671,049
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 432,795
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.17
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.17
<RESERVE-OPEN> 0
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 0
<PROVISION-PRIOR> 0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 0
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> 0
</TABLE>
