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UNITED STATES
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, 1996
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or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission file number 1-9518
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THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio 34-0963169
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
6300 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(216) 461-5000
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange on
Title of each class which registered
Common Shares, $1.00 Par Value New York Stock Exchange
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
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(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. [X] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant at January 31, 1997: $4,004,326,091.25
The number of the registrant's Common Shares, $1.00 par value, outstanding as of
February 28, 1997: 71,806,063
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended
December 31, 1996 are incorporated by reference in Parts I, II and IV hereof.
Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement dated March 14, 1997, for the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 25, 1997, are incorporated by
reference in Part III hereof.
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INTRODUCTION
The Progressive Corporation and subsidiaries' (collectively, the "Company") 1996
Annual Report to Shareholders (the "Annual Report") contains portions of the
information required to be included in this Form 10-K, which are incorporated
herein by reference. Cross references to relevant sections of the Annual Report
are included under the appropriate items of this Form 10-K.
Portions of the information included in The Progressive Corporation's Proxy
Statement dated March 14, 1997, for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held on April 25, 1997 (the "Proxy Statement") have also been incorporated by
reference herein and are identified under the appropriate items in this Form
10-K.
PART I
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(a) General Development of Business
The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company formed in 1965, has 85
subsidiaries and one mutual insurance company affiliate. The Progressive
Corporation's insurance subsidiaries and its affiliate (collectively, the
"Insurance Group") provide personal automobile insurance and other specialty
property-casualty insurance and related services throughout the United States
and in Canada. The Company's property-casualty insurance products protect its
customers against collision and physical damage to their motor vehicles and
liability to others for personal injury or property damage arising out of the
use of those vehicles.
Of the approximately 260 United States insurance company groups writing private
passenger auto insurance, the Company estimates that it ranks sixth in size for
1996. Except as otherwise noted, all industry data and Progressive's market
share or ranking in the industry were derived either directly from data reported
by A.M. Best Company Inc. ("A.M. Best") or were estimated using A.M. Best data
as the primary source. For 1996, the estimated industry premiums written, which
include personal auto insurance in the United States and Ontario, Canada, as
well as insurance for commercial vehicles, were $129.4 billion, and
Progressive's share of this market was approximately 2.6%.
(b) Financial Information About Industry Segments
Incorporated by reference from Note 11, Segment Information,
on page 46 of the Company's Annual Report.
(c) Narrative Description of Business
INSURANCE SEGMENT
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The Insurance Group offers a number of personal and commercial property-casualty
insurance products primarily related to motor vehicles. Net premiums written
were $3,441.7 million in 1996, compared to $2,912.8 million in 1995 and $2,457.2
million in 1994. The underwriting profit margin was 8.5% in 1996, compared to
5.7% in 1995 and 8.3% in 1994 (excluding the elimination of the "supplemental
reserve." See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS beginning on page 14 for further discussion.)
The Insurance Group's core business writes insurance for private passenger
automobiles, recreational vehicles and small fleets of commercial vehicles. This
business frequently has more than one program in a single state, with each
targeted to a specific market segment. The core business accounted for 98% of
the Company's 1996 total net premiums written.
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The bulk of the Insurance Group's core business consists of nonstandard
automobile insurance products for people cancelled or rejected by other
insurers. The size of the nonstandard automobile insurance market changes with
the insurance environment. Volume potential is influenced by the actions of
direct competitors, writers of standard and preferred automobile insurance and
state-mandated involuntary plans. The total direct premiums written in the
nonstandard automobile insurance market, including the involuntary market plans,
were about $23 billion in 1996, $22 billion in 1995 and $20 billion in 1994.
Approximately 320 nonstandard insurance companies, many of which are part of an
affiliated group, wrote an estimated $19 billion of nonstandard auto premiums in
1996, excluding premiums written through involuntary market plans. In 1995,
the Insurance Group ranked second in direct premiums written in this market and
near the top in underwriting performance. Although final data has not been
published, the Company estimates that its 1996 ranking and underwriting
performance will be consistent with 1995.
The core business also writes standard and preferred automobile risks in many
states. These products accounted for between 10% and 15% of the Company's total
private passenger auto premiums in 1996. The Company's strategy is to build
towards becoming a low-cost provider of a full line of auto insurance and
related services, distributed through whichever channel the customer prefers.
The Insurance Group's goal is to compete successfully in the standard and
preferred market, which comprises 80% of the United States' personal
automobile insurance market.
The Insurance Group's specialty personal lines products include motorcycle,
recreational vehicle, mobile home and boat insurance. The Insurance Group's
competitors are specialty companies and large multi-line insurance carriers.
Although industry figures are not available, based on the Company's analysis of
this market, the Company believes that it is a significant participant in the
specialty personal lines market.
Nonstandard commercial vehicle insurance covers commercial vehicle risks that
are rejected or cancelled by other insurance companies. Based on the Company's
analysis of this market, approximately 40 companies compete for this business on
a nationwide basis. State assigned risk plans also provide this coverage.
In 1996, over 90% of the net premiums written by the core business were written
through a network of more than 30,000 independent insurance agents located
throughout the United States and in Canada. Subject to compliance with certain
Company-mandated procedures, these independent insurance agents have the
authority to bind the Company to specified insurance coverages within prescribed
underwriting guidelines. These guidelines prescribe the kinds and amounts of
coverage that may be written and the premium rates that may be charged for
specified categories of risk. The agents do not have authority on behalf of the
Company to settle or adjust claims, establish underwriting guidelines, develop
rates or enter into other transactions or commitments. The Company also markets
its products through intermediaries such as employers, other insurance companies
and national brokerage agencies, and directly to customers through employed
sales people and owned insurance agencies. The core business currently markets
personal automobile insurance directly to the public by direct mail, television
and radio advertising in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Michigan,
Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.
In an effort to manage growth and improve customer service, the Company moved
profit and growth responsibility in its core business from 13 divisions to 41
business units. The Company subdivides business units as growth produces enough
customers to warrant more local focus. Each business unit is headed by a general
manager and is headquartered in or near the market served. The individual
business units are responsible for reducing claim costs, improving agent service
and relationships, direct marketing and deciding price levels for their
territory. Processing is done at seven regional sites located in Austin,
Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Ontario, Richmond, Sacramento and Tampa.
In addition, the Company organized process teams made up of people from both
staff and line functions to support the business units. The process teams are
respectively responsible for product, independent agent marketing, direct
marketing, ownership (customer service) and claims. The process teams
concentrate on improving the processes fast enough for the Company to meet its
high standards for customer service, profit and growth.
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The Insurance Group's diversified businesses - the United Financial Casualty
Company (UFCC), Professional Liability Group (PLG) and Motor Carrier business
units - accounted for 2% of total volume in 1996. These businesses, which are
organized by customer group, are headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The choice of
distribution channel is driven by each customer group's buying preference and
service needs. Distribution channels include financial institutions and vehicle
dealers. Distribution arrangements are individually negotiated between such
intermediaries and the Company and are tailored to the specific needs of the
customer group and the nature of the related financial or purchase transactions.
The diversified businesses also market their products directly to their
customers through company-employed sales forces.
UFCC provides physical damage insurance and related tracking services to protect
the commercial or retail lender's interest in collateral which is not otherwise
insured against these risks. The principal product is collateral protection for
automobile lenders, which is sold to financial institutions and/or their
customers. Commercial banks are UFCC's largest customer group for these
services. This business also serves savings and loans, finance companies and
credit unions. According to the Company's analysis of this market, numerous
companies offer these products and none of them has a dominant market share.
PLG's principal customers are community banks. Its principal products are
liability insurance for directors and officers and employee dishonesty
insurance. Progressive shares the risk and premium on these coverages with a
small mutual reinsurer controlled by its bank customers. The program is
sponsored by the American Bankers Association. This program represented less
than one-half percent of the Company's total 1996 net premiums written.
The Motor Carrier business unit primarily manages involuntary Commercial Auto
Insurance Procedures. See SERVICE OPERATIONS on page 7 for further discussion.
COMPETITIVE FACTORS
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The automobile insurance and other property-casualty markets in which the
Company operates are highly competitive. Property-casualty insurers generally
compete on the basis of price, consumer recognition, coverages offered, claim
handling, financial stability, customer service and geographic coverage.
Vigorous competition is provided by large, well-capitalized national companies,
some of which have broad distribution networks of employed or captive agents,
and by smaller regional insurers. While the Company relies heavily on technology
and extensive data gathering and analysis to segment and price markets according
to risk potential, some competitors merely price their coverage at rates set
lower than the Company's published rates. By avoiding extensive data gathering
and analysis, these competitors incur lower underwriting costs. The Company has
remained competitive by closely managing expenses and achieving operating
efficiencies, and by refining its risk measurement and price segmentation
skills. In addition, the Company offers prices for a wide spectrum of risks and
seeks to offer a wider array of payment plans, limits of liability and
deductibles than its competitors. Superior customer service and claim adjustment
are also important factors in the Company's competitive strategy.
LICENSES
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The Insurance Group operates under licenses issued by various state or
provincial insurance authorities. Such licenses may be of perpetual duration or
renewable periodically, provided the holder continues to meet applicable
regulatory requirements. The licenses govern the kind of insurance coverages
which may be written in the issuing state. Such licenses are normally issued
only after the filing of an appropriate application and the satisfaction of
prescribed criteria. All licenses which are material to the Company's business
are in good standing.
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INSURANCE REGULATION
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The insurance subsidiaries are generally subject to regulation and supervision
by insurance departments of the jurisdictions in which they are domiciled or
licensed to transact business. At least one of the subsidiaries is licensed and
subject to regulation in each of the 50 states and certain U.S. possessions, in
one Canadian province and by Canadian federal authorities. The nature and extent
of such regulation and supervision varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Generally, an insurance company is subject to a higher degree of regulation and
supervision in its state of domicile. The Company's principal insurance
subsidiaries are domiciled in the states of California, Florida, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and
Wisconsin. State insurance departments have broad administrative power relating
to licensing insurers and agents, regulating premium rates and policy forms,
establishing reserve requirements, prescribing accounting methods and the form
and content of statutory financial reports, and regulating the type and amount
of investments permitted. Rate regulation varies from "file and use" to prior
approval to mandated rates. Most jurisdictions prohibit rates that are
"excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory."
Insurance departments are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that
insurance companies maintain adequate capital and surplus and comply with a
variety of operational standards. Insurance companies are generally required to
file detailed annual and other reports with the insurance department of each
jurisdiction in which they conduct business. Insurance departments are
authorized to make periodic and other examinations of regulated insurers'
financial condition, adherence to statutory accounting principles and compliance
with state insurance laws and regulations.
Insurance holding company laws enacted in many jurisdictions grant to insurance
authorities the power to regulate acquisitions of insurers and certain other
transactions involving insurers and to require periodic disclosure of certain
information. These laws impose prior approval requirements for certain
transactions between regulated insurers and their affiliates and generally
regulate dividend and other distributions, including loans and cash advances,
between regulated insurers and their affiliates. See the "Dividends" discussion
in Item 5(c) for further information on such dividend limitations.
Under state insolvency and guaranty laws, regulated insurers can be assessed, or
required to contribute to state guaranty funds to cover policyholder losses
resulting from insurer insolvencies. Insurers are also required by many states,
as a condition of doing business in the state, to provide coverage to certain
risks. These so-called "assigned risk" plans generally specify the types of
insurance and the level of coverage which must be offered to such involuntary
risks, as well as the allowable premium. Many states also have involuntary
market plans which hire a limited number of servicing carriers to provide
insurance to involuntary risks. These plans, through assessments, pass
underwriting and administrative expenses on to insurers that write voluntary
coverages.
Insurance companies are generally required by insurance regulators to maintain
sufficient surplus to support their writings. Although the ratio of writings to
surplus that the regulators will allow is a function of a number of factors,
including the type of business being written, the adequacy of the insurer's
reserves, the quality of the insurer's assets, and the identity of the
regulator, as a general rule, the regulators prefer that annual net written
premium be not more than three times the insurer's total policyholders' surplus.
Thus, the amount of an insurer's surplus may, in certain cases, limit its
ability to grow its business.
Many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurer's ability to exit a
market. For example, certain states limit an automobile insurer's ability to
cancel and non-renew policies. Furthermore, certain states prohibit an insurer
from withdrawing one or more lines of business from the state, except pursuant
to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. The state
insurance department may disapprove a plan that may lead to market disruption.
Laws and regulations that limit cancellation and non-renewal and that subject
program withdrawals to prior approval requirements may restrict an insurer's
ability to exit unprofitable markets.
Regulation of insurance constantly changes as real or perceived issues and
developments arise. Some changes may be due to technical factors, such as
changes in investment laws made to recognize new investment vehicles; other
changes result from such general pressures as consumer resistance to price
increases and concerns relating to insurer solvency. In recent years,
legislation and voter initiatives have been introduced which deal with insurance
rate development, rate determination
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<PAGE> 6
and the ability of insurers to cancel or renew insurance policies, reflecting
concerns about availability, prices and alleged discriminatory pricing.
In some states, the automobile insurance industry has been under pressure in
recent years from regulators, legislators or special interest groups to reduce,
freeze or set rates to or at levels that are not necessarily related to
underlying costs, including initiatives to roll back automobile and other
personal lines rates. This kind of activity has adversely affected, and may in
the future adversely affect, the profitability and growth of the subsidiaries'
automobile insurance business in those jurisdictions, and may limit the
subsidiaries' ability to increase rates to compensate for increases in costs.
Adverse legislative and regulatory activity limiting the subsidiaries' ability
to adequately price automobile insurance may occur in the future. The impact of
these regulatory changes on the subsidiaries' businesses cannot be predicted.
The state insurance regulatory framework has come under increased federal
scrutiny, and certain state legislatures have considered or enacted laws that
alter and, in many cases, expand state authority to regulate insurance companies
and insurance holding company systems. Further, the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and state insurance regulators are re-examining
existing laws and regulations, specifically focusing on insurance company
investments, issues relating to the solvency of insurance companies and further
limitations on the ability of regulated insurers to pay dividends. The NAIC also
developed a risk-based capital (RBC) program to enable regulators to take
appropriate and timely regulatory actions relating to insurers that show signs
of weak or deteriorating financial conditions. RBC is a series of dynamic
surplus-related formulas which contain a variety of factors that are applied to
financial balances based on a degree of certain risks, such as asset, credit and
underwriting risks. In addition, from time to time, the United States Congress
and certain federal agencies investigate the current condition of the insurance
industry to determine whether federal regulation is necessary.
STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
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The Insurance Group's results are reported in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP), which differ from amounts reported under statutory
accounting principles (SAP) prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities.
Specifically, under GAAP:
1. Commissions, premium taxes and other costs incurred in connection with
writing new and renewal business are capitalized and amortized on a pro
rata basis over the period in which the related premiums are earned,
rather than expensed as incurred, as required by SAP.
2. Certain assets are included in the consolidated balance sheets, which
for SAP are charged directly against statutory surplus. These assets
consist primarily of premium receivables over 90 days, furniture and
equipment and prepaid expenses.
3. Amounts related to ceded reinsurance are shown gross as prepaid
reinsurance premiums and reinsurance recoverables, rather than netted
against unearned premium reserves and loss and loss adjustment expense
reserves, respectively, as required by SAP.
4. Fixed maturities securities, which are classified as
available-for-sale, are reported at market values, rather than at
amortized cost, or the lower of amortized cost or market depending on
the specific type of security as required by SAP. Equity securities are
reported at quoted market values which may differ from the NAIC market
values as required by SAP.
The differing treatment of income and expense items results in a corresponding
difference in Federal income tax expense.
During 1994, the insurance subsidiaries began to reduce loss reserves for
anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries. Previously, salvage and
subrogation was not reflected in the statutory financial statements until
actually recovered.
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SERVICE OPERATIONS
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The service operations of the diversified business units consist primarily of
processing business for involuntary plans and providing claim services to fleet
owners and other insurance companies. Total service revenues were $46.2 million
in 1996, compared to $38.9 million in 1995 and $41.9 million in 1994. Pretax
operating profits for all service businesses were $4.3 million in 1996,
compared to $8.7 million and $10.0 million in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The Motor Carrier business unit currently processes business for the Commercial
Auto Insurance Procedures (CAIP) in 27 states, the Florida Joint Underwriters
Association (FAJUA) and the New York Public Automobile Pool (NYPAP), which are
all part of the involuntary market. As a CAIP servicing carrier, the business
unit processes over 40% of the premiums in the CAIP market, without assuming
the indemnity risk. It competes with approximately nine other providers
nationwide. In 1995, the business unit began processing business for the FAJUA
and competes with six other carriers in the state. Beginning in March 1996,
the Company began processing business for the NYPAP and was granted a one-third
share of new business with a three-year phase-in period.
INVESTMENTS
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The Company employs a conservative approach to investment and capital management
intended to ensure that there is sufficient capital to support all the insurance
premium that can be profitably written. The Company's portfolio is invested
primarily in short-term and intermediate-term, investment-grade fixed-income
securities. The Company's investment portfolio, at market value, was $4,450.6
million at December 31, 1996, compared to $3,768.0 million at December 31, 1995.
Investment income is affected by shifts in the types of investments in the
portfolio, changes in interest rates and other factors. Investment income,
including net realized gains on security sales, before expenses and taxes, was
$232.9 million in 1996, compared to $245.8 million in 1995 and $182.3 million in
1994. See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, beginning on page 14 herein for additional discussion.
EMPLOYEES
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The number of employees, excluding temporary employees, at December 31, 1996,
was 9,557.
LIABILITY FOR PROPERTY-CASUALTY LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
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The consolidated financial statements include the estimated liability for unpaid
losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) of the Company's insurance
subsidiaries. Total loss reserves are established at a level that is intended to
represent the midpoint of the reasonable range of loss reserve estimates. The
liabilities for losses and LAE are determined using actuarial and statistical
procedures and represent undiscounted estimates of the ultimate net cost of all
unpaid losses and LAE incurred through December 31 of each year. These
estimates are subject to the effect of future trends on claim settlement. These
estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops and new
information becomes known. Such adjustments, if any, are reflected in the
current results of operations.
During 1994, based on a review of the adequacy of its total loss reserves, the
Company eliminated its $71.0 million "supplemental reserve." See MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
beginning on page 14 for further discussion. The elimination of the supplemental
reserve is reflected in the Reconciliation of Net Reserves for Losses and Loss
Adjustment Expenses table on page 8 and the Analysis of Loss and Loss Adjustment
Expenses Development table on page 9.
The accompanying tables present an analysis of property-casualty losses and LAE.
The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending
estimated liability balances for 1996, 1995 and 1994 on a GAAP basis.
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RECONCILIATION OF NET RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995 1994
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1 $1,610.5 $1,434.4 $1,348.6
Less reinsurance recoverables on
unpaid losses 296.1 334.2 334.8
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Net balance at January 1 1,314.4 1,100.2 1,013.8
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Incurred related to:
Current year 2,341.9 2,000.4 1,539.8
Prior years (105.8) (56.6) (142.5)
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Total incurred 2,236.1 1,943.8 1,397.3
Paid related to:
Current year 1,424.7 1,204.3 893.9
Prior years 592.9 525.3 417.0
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Total paid 2,017.6 1,729.6 1,310.9
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Net balance at December 31 1,532.9 1,314.4 1,100.2
Plus reinsurance recoverables on
unpaid losses 267.7 296.1 334.2
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Balance at December 31 $1,800.6 $1,610.5 $1,434.4
=================================================================
</TABLE>
The reconciliation above shows a $105.8 million redundancy, which emerged during
1996, in the 1996 liability and a $56.6 million redundancy in the 1995
liability, based on information known as of December 31, 1996 and December 31,
1995, respectively.
The anticipated effect of inflation is explicitly considered when estimating
liabilities for losses and LAE. While anticipated increases due to inflation are
considered in estimating the ultimate claim costs, the increase in average
severities of claims is caused by a number of factors that vary with the
individual type of policy written. Future average severities are projected based
on historical trends adjusted for anticipated changes in underwriting standards,
inflation, policy provisions and general economic trends. These anticipated
trends are monitored based on actual development and are modified if necessary.
The Company has not entered into any loss reserve transfers or similar
transactions having a material effect on earnings or reserves.
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<TABLE>
ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES DEVELOPMENT
<CAPTION>
(millions)
YEAR ENDED 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1994 1995 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITY FOR UNPAID
- --------------------
LOSSES AND LAE $323.8 $471.0 $651.0 $748.6 $791.6 $861.5 $956.4 $1,012.4 $1,098.7$1,314.4 $1,532.9
- --------------
PAID (CUMULATIVE) AS OF:
- -----------------------
One year later 142.7 195.0 283.1 293.1 322.4 353.4 366.8 417.0 525.3 593.0
Two years later 204.4 294.9 393.7 446.8 490.8 518.8 520.0 589.8 706.4
Three years later 238.9 339.5 465.0 539.8 570.4 583.2 598.2 664.1 --
Four years later 255.7 369.9 514.0 588.2 600.0 617.6 632.8 -- --
Five years later 264.3 383.5 540.7 603.1 613.6 635.8 -- -- --
Six years later 268.7 389.1 545.1 608.1 624.7 -- -- -- --
Seven years later 270.1 381.9 545.5 614.7 -- -- -- -- --
Eight years later 261.3 384.2 549.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
Nine years later 263.2 386.1 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Ten years later 264.4 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
LIABILITY RE-ESTIMATED
- ----------------------
AS OF:
- ------
One year later 300.6 446.6 610.3 685.4 748.8 810.0 857.9 869.9 1,042.1 1,208.6
Two years later 293.6 422.2 573.4 677.9 726.5 771.9 765.5 837.8 991.7
Three years later 282.8 402.4 581.3 668.6 712.7 718.7 737.4 811.3 --
Four years later 274.1 403.9 575.1 667.1 683.7 700.1 725.2 -- --
Five years later 275.6 399.6 578.4 654.7 666.3 695.1 -- -- --
Six years later 275.8 400.2 582.2 647.1 664.8 -- -- -- --
Seven years later 277.5 408.5 574.3 645.7 -- -- -- -- --
Eight years later 285.7 408.1 574.4 -- -- -- -- -- --
Nine years later 286.7 407.8 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Ten years later 285.7 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
CUMULATIVE REDUNDANCY $38.1 $63.2 $76.6 $102.9 $126.8 $166.4 $231.2 $201.1 $107.0 $105.8
- ---------------------
PERCENTAGE1 11.8 13.4 11.8 13.7 16.0 19.3 24.2 19.9 9.7 8.0
</TABLE>
1Cumulative redundancy / liability for unpaid losses and LAE.
The above table presents the development of balance sheet liabilities for 1986
through 1995. The top line of the table shows the estimated liability for unpaid
losses and LAE recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated
years for the property-casualty insurance subsidiaries only. Similar reserves
for the life insurance subsidiary, which are immaterial, are excluded. This
liability represents the estimated amount of losses and LAE for claims arising
in all prior years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including losses
that had been incurred but not reported.
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<PAGE> 10
The upper section of the table shows the cumulative amount paid with respect to
the previously recorded liability as of the end of each succeeding year. The
lower portion of the table shows the re-estimated amount of the previously
recorded liability based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year.
The estimate is increased or decreased as more information becomes known about
the claim for individual years. For example, as of December 31, 1996 the
companies had paid $386.1 million of the currently estimated $407.8 million of
losses and LAE that had been incurred through the end of 1987; thus an
estimated $21.7 million of losses incurred through 1987 remain unpaid as of
the current financial statement date.
The "Cumulative Redundancy" represents the aggregate change in the estimates
over all prior years. For example, the 1986 liability has developed redundant
by $38.1 million over ten years. That amount has been reflected in income
over the ten years and did not have a significant effect on the income of any
one year. The effects on income during the past three years due to changes in
estimates of the liabilities for losses and LAE is shown in the reconciliation
table on page 8 as the "prior accident years"contribution to incurred losses
and LAE.
In evaluating this information, note that each cumulative redundancy amount
includes the effects of all changes in amounts during the current year for prior
periods. For example, the amount of the redundancy related to losses settled in
1989, but incurred in 1986, will be included in the cumulative deficiency or
redundancy amount for years 1986, 1987 and 1988. Conditions and trends that have
affected development of the liability in the past may not necessarily occur in
the future. Accordingly, it generally is not appropriate to extrapolate future
redundancies or deficiencies based on this table.
The Analysis of Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Development table on page 9 is
constructed from Schedule P, Part-1, from the 1991 through 1996 Consolidated
Annual Statements, as filed with the state insurance departments, and Schedules
O and P filed for years prior to 1991. This development table differs from the
development displayed in Schedule P, Part-2 due to the fact Schedule P, Part-2
excludes unallocated loss adjustment expenses and reflects the change in the
method of accounting for salvage and subrogation for 1994 and prior.
(d) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations
The Company operates throughout the United States and in Canada. The amount of
Canadian revenues and assets are approximately 2 percent of the Company's
consolidated revenues and assets. The amount of operating income (loss)
generated by its Canadian operations is immaterial with respect to the Company's
consolidated operating income.
10
<PAGE> 11
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
In 1994, the Company completed its new corporate office complex on a 42-acre
parcel in Mayfield Village, Ohio, owned by a subsidiary. The new facility
consists of 517,800 square feet of space and replaced office space held under
leases in a number of locations in the Cleveland, Ohio area. The project's cost
of $75.5 million was funded through operating cash flows. The Company's central
data processing facility occupies a modern, three-story brick, building
containing approximately 107,000 square feet of office space, on this same
parcel.
The Company also owns six other buildings in suburbs adjoining the corporate
office complex and two buildings in Tampa, Florida. In total, these buildings
contained approximately 629,100 square feet of office, warehouse and training
facility space and are owned by subsidiaries of the Company. These locations are
occupied by the Company's business units or other operations.
The Company leases approximately 320,000 square feet of modern office and
warehouse space at various locations throughout the United States for its other
business units and staff functions. In addition, the Company leases
approximately 340 processing and claim offices, or 1,082,000 square feet, at
various locations throughout the United States. Two offices are leased in
Canada. These leases are generally short-term to medium-term leases of standard
commercial office space.
As the Company continues to grow, it expects the need for additional space and
is actively engaged in seeking out additional locations to meet its current and
anticipated needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Incorporated by reference from Note 4, LITIGATION, on page 41 of the Company's
Annual Report.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Incorporated by reference from information with respect to executive officers of
The Progressive Corporation and its subsidiaries set forth in Item 10 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
11
<PAGE> 12
PART II
-------
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) Market Information
The Company's Common Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol PGR. The high and low prices set forth below are as reported on the
consolidated transaction reporting system.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dividends
Year Quarter High Low Close Per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1 $51 1/4 $43 1/2 $44 5/8 $.055
2 48 7/8 40 3/8 46 1/4 .055
3 58 1/2 43 1/8 57 1/4 .060
4 72 1/4 55 3/8 67 3/8 .060
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$72 1/4 $40 3/8 $67 3/8 $.230
===========================================================================================
1995 1 $42 1/8 $34 3/4 $40 5/8 $.055
2 41 7/8 37 1/8 38 3/8 .055
3 48 37 3/4 44 3/4 .055
4 49 1/2 41 1/2 48 7/8 .055
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$49 1/2 $34 3/4 $48 7/8 $.220
===========================================================================================
</TABLE>
The closing price of the Company's Common Shares on February 28, 1997 was $66
1/8.
(b) Holders
There were 4,156 shareholders of record on February 28, 1997.
(c) Dividends
Statutory policyholders' surplus was $1,292.4 million and $1,055.1 million at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Generally, under state insurance laws,
the net admitted assets of insurance subsidiaries available for transfer to a
corporate parent are limited to those net admitted assets, as determined in
accordance with SAP, which exceed minimum statutory capital requirements. At
December 31, 1996, $167.3 million of consolidated statutory policyholders'
surplus represents net admitted assets of the insurance subsidiaries that are
required to meet minimum statutory surplus requirements in the subsidiaries'
states of domicile. Furthermore, state insurance laws limit the amount that can
be paid as a dividend or other distribution in any given year without prior
regulatory approval and adequate policyholders' surplus must be maintained to
support premiums written. Based on the dividend laws currently in effect, the
insurance subsidiaries may pay aggregate dividends of $216.4 million in 1997 out
of statutory policyholders' surplus, without prior approval by regulatory
authorities.
12
<PAGE> 13
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions - except per share amounts)
For the years ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenues(1) $3,478.4 $3,011.9 $2,415.3 $1,954.8 $1,738.9
Operating income 309.1 220.1 212.7 197.3 129.8
Net income(1,2,3) 313.7 250.5 274.3 267.3 153.8
Per share:
Operating income(4) 4.08 2.84 2.76 2.61 1.72
Net income(1,2,3,4) 4.11 3.24 3.59 3.58 2.05
Dividends .230 .220 .210 .200 .191
Total assets(3,5) 6,183.9 5,352.5 4,675.1 4,011.3 3,440.9
Funded debt
outstanding 775.7 675.9 675.6 477.1 568.5
</TABLE>
(1)Total revenues for 1992 include $106.0 million ($70.0 million after taxes),
or $.97 per share, for the Company's California Proposition 103 reserve
reduction.
(2)During 1994, based on a review of the adequacy of its total loss reserves,
the Company eliminated its $71.0 million "supplemental reserve" ($46.2 million
after tax), resulting in a one-time increase in earnings of $.62 per share. See
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS set forth in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further
discussion.
(3)Effective January 1, 1992, the Company adopted SFAS 109 and is able to
demonstrate that the benefit of deferred tax assets is fully realizable. The
cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 109 increased net income $14.2 million, or
$.20 per share.
(4)Presented on a fully diluted basis.
(5)Pursuant to SFAS 113, amounts for 1992 were restated.
13
<PAGE> 14
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Progressive Corporation is a holding company and does not have any revenue
producing operations of its own. It receives cash through borrowings, equity
sales, subsidiary dividends and other transactions, and may use the proceeds to
contribute to the capital of its insurance subsidiaries in order to support
premium growth, to repurchase its Common Shares and other outstanding
securities, to redeem its outstanding securities and for other business
purposes. During 1996, the Company repurchased 1.0 million of its Common Shares
at a total cost of $41.9 million (average cost of $41.73 per share), .2 million
of its 9 3/8% Serial Preferred Shares, Series A, at a total cost of $6.0 million
(average cost of $25.60 per share) and redeemed the remaining Preferred Shares
at a total cost of $82.1 million, including accrued and unpaid dividends through
the redemption date.
During the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, the Company repurchased
2.1 million Common Shares at a total cost of $75.9 million (average cost of
$36.42 per share) and .4 million of its 9 3/8% Serial Preferred Shares, Series
A, at a total cost of $10.6 million (average cost $25.69 per share). The Company
also sold $300.0 million of Notes. During the same period, The Progressive
Corporation received $178.2 million from its insurance subsidiaries, net of
capital contributions made to these subsidiaries. The regulatory restrictions on
subsidiary dividends are described in Item 5(c) on page 12 herein.
The Company has substantial capital resources and is unaware of any trends,
events or circumstances that are reasonably likely to affect its capital
resources in a material way. The Company also has available a $20.0 million
revolving credit agreement. Given its 32% debt to equity ratio, the Company
believes it has sufficient borrowing capacity and other capital resources to
support current and anticipated growth.
The Company's insurance operations create liquidity by collecting and investing
premiums from new and renewal business in advance of paying claims. For the
three years ended December 31, 1996, operations generated a positive cash flow
of $1,634.1 million, and cash flow is expected to be positive in both the
short-term and reasonably foreseeable future. The Company's substantial
investment portfolio is highly liquid, consisting almost entirely of readily
marketable securities.
In November 1996, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of
Midland Financial Group, Inc.'s outstanding stock (approximately 5.5 million
shares) for a total cost of $49.5 million, or $9 per share, in cash. Midland
underwrites and markets nonstandard private passenger automobile insurance
through approximately 8,500 independent agents across 20 states, primarily in
the southern and western United States. During 1996, Midland wrote $116.6
million of net premiums written. The transaction was approved by Midland's
shareholders on March 7, 1997, and funded through current investments of the
Company.
In January 1997, the Company signed a letter of intent under which it was
contemplated that the Company would purchase approximately 11 million
newly-issued shares (42% of the outstanding voting stock) of Danielson Holding
Corporation for consideration having a total value of approximately $73 million,
or $6.60 per share. Danielson is engaged, through its subsidiaries, in insurance
services, primarily writing private and commercial nonstandard insurance in
California and workers' compensation insurance in California and certain other
western states. During 1996, Danielson's insurance subsidiaries wrote $36.1
million of net premiums written. In March 1997, negotiations between Danielson
and the Company were terminated by the Company for internal corporate reasons.
The Company does not expect any material changes in its cash requirements and is
not aware of any trends, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to
have a material effect on its liquidity.
In January 1996, the Company began converting its computer systems to be year
2000 compliant (e.g. to recognize the difference between '99 and '00 as one year
instead of negative 99 years). At December 31, 1996, approximately 40% of the
Company's systems were compliant, with all systems expected to be compliant by
the end of 1998. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $4.3 million
and is being funded through operating cash flows. The Company is expensing all
costs associated with these system changes. As of December 31, 1996, $1.6
million had been expensed.
14
<PAGE> 15
Total capital expenditures for property and equipment for the three years ended
December 31, 1996, aggregated $132.3 million.
INVESTMENTS
The Company invests in fixed-maturity, equity and short-term securities. The
Company's investment strategy recognizes its need to maintain capital adequate
to support its insurance operations and commitment to risk adverse investment
policies. Therefore, the Company evaluates the risk/reward trade-offs of
investment opportunities, measuring their effects on stability, diversity,
overall quality and liquidity of the investment portfolio. The majority of the
portfolio is invested in high-grade, fixed-maturity securities, of which short-
and intermediate-term securities represented $3,275.6 million, or 73.6%, in
1996, and $2,876.2 million, or 76.4%, in 1995. Long-term investment-grade
securities were $187.5 million, or 4.2%, in 1996, and $191.9 million, or 5.1%,
in 1995. Non-investment-grade fixed-maturity securities were $105.8 million, or
2.4%, in 1996, and $7.6 million, or .2%, in 1995 and offer the Company high
returns and added diversification without a significant adverse effect on the
stability and quality of the investment portfolio as a whole.
Non-investment-grade securities may involve greater risks often related to
creditworthiness, solvency and relative liquidity of the secondary trading
market. The duration of the fixed-income portfolio was 3.2 years at December 31,
1996.
A relatively small portion of the investment portfolio was invested in
marketable equity securities providing risk/reward balance and diversification.
Common stocks represented $540.1 million, or 12.1%, in 1996, and $310.0 million,
or 8.2%, in 1995. The increase in common stocks reflects the Company's objective
of increasing its position in common stock investments to approximately 15% of
the entire portfolio and to optimize value and further diversify the portfolio
through foreign equity investments. The foreign equity portfolio, which may
utilize stock index futures and foreign currency forwards, comprised $149.5
million of the common stock portfolio at December 31, 1996, and $46.4 million at
December 31, 1995. The remainder of the equity portfolio ($341.6 million, or
7.7%, in 1996, and $382.3 million, or 10.1%, in 1995) was comprised of over 94%
of fixed-rate preferred stocks with mechanisms that may provide an opportunity
to liquidate at par.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company's portfolio had $114.1 million in
unrealized gains, compared to $78.7 million in 1995, resulting from increased
stock prices as the S&P 500 index rose from 615.9 to 740.7 during the year. The
weighted average fully taxable equivalent book yield of the portfolio was 6.7%,
6.9% and 6.7% for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
The quality distribution of the fixed-income portfolio is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage at Percentage at
Rating December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995
-----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
AAA 62.8% 63.9%
AA 16.2 17.6
A 14.0 13.6
BBB 4.2 4.5
Non Rated/Other 2.8 .4
----- -----
100.0% 100.0%
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1996, the Company held $1,088.3 million of asset-backed
securities which represented 24.5% of the total investment portfolio. The
portfolio included collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and commercial
mortgage-backed obligations (CMBs) totaling $303.0 million and $480.2 million,
respectively. As of December 31, 1996, the CMO portfolio included sequential
bonds representing 88.8% of the CMO portfolio ($269.0 million) with an average
life of 2.9 years, and planned amortization class bonds representing 11.2% of
the CMO portfolio ($34.0 million) with an average life of 1.4 years. The CMO
portfolio had a weighted average Moody's or Standard & Poor's rating of AAA. At
December 31, 1996, the CMB portfolio had an average life of 5.4 years and a
weighted average Moody's or Standard & Poor's rating of AA-. The CMB portfolio
included $122.7 million of CMB interest-only certificates, which had an average
life of 5.1 years and a weighted average Moody's or S&P's rating of AAA at
December 31, 1996. At December 31, 1996,
15
<PAGE> 16
the CMO and CMB portfolios had unrealized gains of $1.7 million and $2.1
million, respectively. The single largest unrealized loss in any individual CMO
and CMB security was $.3 million and $.8 million, respectively, at December 31,
1996. Both the CMO and CMB portfolios are highly liquid with readily available
quotes and contain no residual interests. The remainder of the asset-backed
portfolio is invested primarily in auto loan and other asset-backed securities.
Investments in the Company's portfolio have varying degrees of risk. The primary
market risk exposure to the fixed-income portfolio is interest rate risk, which
is limited by Company restrictions as to the acceptable range of duration.
Equity securities generally have greater risks than the non-equity portion of
the portfolio since these securities are subordinate to rights of debt holders
and other creditors of the issuer and are subject to the volatility of the
equity markets. In addition, the foreign equity portfolio is exposed to foreign
currency exchange risk, which is reduced by an active hedging policy. The
Company regularly evaluates individual holdings for evidence of impairment.
Changes in market value are evaluated to determine the extent to which such
changes are attributable to: (i) interest rates, (ii) market-related factors
other than interest rates and (iii) financial conditions, business prospects and
other fundamental factors specific to the issuer. Declines attributable to
issuer fundamentals are reviewed in further detail. Available evidence is
considered to estimate the realizable value of the investment. When a security
in the Company's investment portfolio has a decline in market value which is
other than temporary, the Company is required by GAAP to reduce the carrying
value of such security to its net realizable value.
Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk are used to manage the risks
and enhance the yields of the available-for-sale portfolio. This is accomplished
by modifying the basis, duration, interest rate or foreign currency
characteristics of the portfolio or hedged securities. Net cash requirements are
limited to changes in market values which may vary based upon changes in
interest rates and other factors. Exposure to credit risk is limited to the
carrying value; collateral is not required to support the credit risk. During
1995, the Company added a government bond trading portfolio to benefit from
short-term market rate opportunities. The Company has stringent restrictions on
the amount of open positions in the trading portfolio limiting its exposure to
acceptable levels. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, there were no trading
securities or off-balance-sheet trading positions.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Operating income, which excludes net realized gains and losses from security
sales and one-time items, was $309.1 million, or $4.08 per share, in 1996,
$220.1 million, or $2.84 per share, in 1995 and $212.7 million, or $2.76 per
share, in 1994. The GAAP combined ratio was 91.5 in 1996, 94.3 in 1995 and 91.7
(88.5 including the elimination of the "supplemental reserve" discussed below)
in 1994.
Direct premiums written increased 19% to $3,638.4 million in 1996, compared to
$3,068.9 million in 1995 and $2,645.1 million in 1994. Net premiums written
increased 18% to $3,441.7 million, compared to $2,912.8 million in 1995 and
$2,457.2 million in 1994. The difference between direct and net premiums written
is largely attributable to premiums written under state-mandated involuntary
Commercial Auto Insurance Procedures (CAIP), for which the Company retains no
indemnity risk, of $99.5 million in 1996, $105.4 million in 1995 and $115.4
million in 1994. The Company provided policy and claim processing services to 27
state CAIPs in 1996, compared to 28 in 1995 and 1994. Premiums earned, which are
a function of the amount of premiums written in the current and prior periods,
increased 17% in 1996, compared to 24% in 1995 and 31% in 1994.
The Company's Core business units' net premiums written grew 19%, 21% and 38% in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, primarily driven by an increase in unit
sales. In 1996, the Company raised rates an average of 2.5%, compared 6.5% in
1995 and no rate changes in 1994. The Company continues to write standard and
preferred auto risks which represented between 10% and 15% of total Core
business volume. To encourage writing more standard and preferred risks and to
improve customer retention, the Company adjusted the contingent cash incentive
compensation program for 1997 to credit its conservative estimates of the
increase in value created by adding new customers. The Company believes that
growing the numbers of policyholders, particularly standard and preferred risks
with their higher retention rates, builds intrinsic
16
<PAGE> 17
value because renewals are more profitable than first year business. The drive
to add customers faster will result in more spending to promote our brand and to
develop more claim adjusters and customer service representatives. These costs,
along with expected losses on first year business, are likely to bring profit
margins more in line with the Company's objective of achieving a 4% underwriting
profit margin over the entire retention period of an insured. In 1996, the Core
business units generated an underwriting profit margin of 8%, compared to 5% in
1995 and 7% in 1994.
Claim costs, the Company's most significant expense, represent actual payments
made and changes in estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of its
policyholders, including expenses required to settle claims and losses. These
costs include a loss estimate for future assignments and assessments, based on
current business, under state-mandated involuntary automobile programs. Claims
costs are influenced by inflation and loss severity and frequency, the impact of
which is mitigated by adequate pricing. Increases in the rate of inflation
increase loss payments, which are made after premiums are collected.
Accordingly, anticipated rates of inflation are taken into account when the
Company establishes premium rates and loss reserves. Claim costs, expressed as a
percentage of premiums earned, were 70% in 1996, compared to 71% in 1995 and 67%
(excluding the elimination of the "supplemental reserve") in 1994.
During 1994, based on a review of the adequacy of its total loss reserves, the
Company eliminated its $71.0 million "supplemental reserve," resulting in a
one-time increase in earnings of $.62 per share, a 3.2 point increase in the
underwriting profit margin and a $46.2 million increase in capital. The Company
historically established case and IBNR reserves by product with the objective of
being accurate to within plus or minus 2%. Pricing has been based on these
estimates of reserves by product. Because the Company desired a very high degree
of comfort that aggregate reserves were adequate, aggregate reserves were
established near the upper end of the reasonable range of reserves, and the
difference between such aggregate reserves and the midpoint of the reasonable
range of case and IBNR reserves was called the "supplemental reserve." The
Company concluded, after examining its historical aggregate reserves, that the
practice of setting aggregate reserves at the upper end of the range of
reasonable reserves provided an unnecessarily high level of comfort. At December
31, 1994, even without the high level of comfort provided by the "supplemental
reserve," the Company's reserves would have been redundant by approximately 2%
to 4% over the previous 5 years. The Company believes that this change in the
estimate of its reserves placed it more in line with the practices of other
companies in the industry.
Because the Company is primarily an insurer of motor vehicles, it has limited
exposure for environmental, product and general liability claims. The Company
has established reserves for these exposures, in amounts which it believes to be
adequate based on information currently known by it. The Company does not
believe that these claims will have a material impact on the Company's
liquidity, results of operation, cash flows or financial condition.
During 1994, the Company settled the dispute, arising out of its 1985
acquisition of American Star Insurance Company (since renamed National
Continental Insurance Company) over the seller's refusal to pay certain losses
on pre-sale business written by American Star. Under the settlement, National
Continental received $10.1 million from the seller and agreed to be solely
responsible for the next $20 million of gross losses. The seller will thereafter
be responsible for half the losses, net of reinsurance, if it achieves certain
minimum net worth requirements. In addition to the $10.1 million, National
Continental will be entitled to the proceeds of various treaty and facultative
reinsurance policies that had been purchased by American Star. National
Continental has established reserves for these exposures, which are mainly for
product liability and environmental claims, in amounts it believes to be
adequate based on information currently available to it, including a study by
independent actuaries for the seller. Total reserves on this business are $26.4
million, of which $9.4 million is recoverable from reinsurers. The Company will
continue to monitor these exposures, adjust the related reserves appropriately
as additional information becomes known and disclose any material developments.
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of premiums
earned were 22% in 1996, compared to 23% in 1995 and 25% in 1994.
Service businesses generated a pretax operating profit of $4.3 million in 1996,
compared to $8.7 million in 1995 and $10.0 million in 1994. The decrease in
operating profit is partially attributable to new businesses entered into during
1996.
17
<PAGE> 18
Recurring investment income (interest and dividends) increased 13% to $225.8
million in 1996, compared to $199.1 million in 1995 and $158.5 million in 1994,
primarily due to an increase in the average investment portfolio. Net realized
gains on security sales were $7.1 million in 1996, $46.7 million in 1995 and
$23.8 million in 1994.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF
1995: EXCEPT FOR HISTORICAL INFORMATION, THE MATTERS DISCUSSED IN THIS ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE THE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY
FROM THOSE PROJECTED, INCLUDING ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRODUCTS, PRICING COMPETITION,
MARKET CONDITIONS AND OTHER RISKS DETAILED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE COMPANY'S
SEC REPORTS. THE COMPANY ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE THE INFORMATION IN THIS
ANNUAL REPORT.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, along with the related
notes, supplementary data and report of independent accountants, are
incorporated by reference from the Company's 1996 Annual Report, pages 33
through 46 and pages 50 through 55.
The following note is hereby added to Item 8 of the Company's 1996 Annual Report
on Form 10-K, supplementing the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
which are incorporated by reference therein:
Note 1. Reporting and Accounting Policies
- ------------------------------------------
New Accounting Standards - In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 128, "Earnings
Per Share." The statement simplifies the computation of earnings per share
(EPS). Under the statement, primary EPS would be replaced by a simpler
calculation called "basic" EPS. Basic EPS would be calculated by dividing
income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of
shares outstanding. Stock options and other common stock equivalents (CSE)
would be excluded from the basic EPS calculation. The current fully diluted EPS
would be replaced with "diluted" EPS. The primary difference in the diluted
EPS calculation would require the average common stock price be used in
determing the number of CSE relating stock options, rather than the greater of
the average price or closing price. SFAS 128 requires dual presentation of
basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement, including a
reconciliaiton of the numerator and denominator used in computing basic and
diluted EPS. For 1996, the Company would have reported basic EPS of $4.29 and
diluted EPS of $4.14. SFAS 128 is effective for periods beginning after
December 15, 1997. Earlier application is not permitted.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
18
<PAGE> 19
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
A description of the directors, all of whom have been nominated for election as
directors at the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Registrant, is
incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled "Election of
Directors" in the Proxy Statement, pages 3 and 4.
A description of the executive officers of the Registrant and its subsidiaries
follows. These descriptions reflect the Company's termination of its officership
program and consequent elimination of many officer positions, effective December
31, 1993. Unless otherwise indicated, the executive officer has held the
position(s) indicated for at least the last five years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Offices Held and
Name Age Last Five Years' Business Experience
---- --- ------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Peter B. Lewis 63 Chairman since April 1993; President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the
Registrant and Progressive Casualty Insurance Company ("Progressive Casualty"),
the principal subsidiary of the Registrant.
Alan R. Bauer 44 Process Leader for International and Internet Operations since December 1996;
Independent Agent Marketing Process Leader from March 1996 to December 1996; West
Division President prior to March 1996.
Charles B. Chokel 43 Treasurer of the Registrant since December 1994; Chief Financial Officer of the
Registrant; Senior Vice President - Finance of Progressive Casualty prior to December
1993.
Allan W. Ditchfield 59 Chief Information Officer of the Registrant; Senior Vice President - Information
Services of Progressive Casualty prior to December 1993.
W. Thomas Forrester II 48 Ownership Process Leader of the Registrant since March 1996; Central States Division
President from January 1995 to March 1996; Diversified Division President in 1994;
CAIP/Transportation Division President in 1993; CAIP Division President in 1992.
William H. Graves 40 Claims Process Leader of the Registrant since March 1996; South Central Division
President prior to March 1996.
Daniel R. Lewis 50 Independent Agent Marketing Process Leader of the Registrant since December 1996;
General Manager of South Florida Community from November 1994 to December 1996;
Treasurer of the Registrant and Central Division President prior to December 1994.
Robert J. McMillan 45 Product Process Leader of the Registrant since March 1996; Florida Division President
prior to March 1996.
Glenn M. Renwick 41 Direct Marketing Process Leader since March 1996; Director of Consumer Marketing prior
to March 1996.
David M. Schneider 59 Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the Registrant; Senior Vice President of
Progressive Casualty prior to December 1993.
Tiona M. Thompson 46 Chief Human Resources Officer of the Registrant since December 1993; Vice President -
Human Resources of Progressive Casualty prior to December 1993.
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE> 20
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance. Daniel R. Lewis
inadvertently failed to include in his Form 3 filed in April 1996, 50,000 shares
held in a family investment partnership. Daniel Lewis filed an amended Form 3
promptly following discovery. A Form 4 reporting the sale of 81 shares by a
trust under which Milton Allen is a beneficiary was inadvertently filed four
days late. Charles B. Chokel transferred 2,682 shares in 1992 to a family trust
of which he is trustee and a beneficiary. These shares were erroneously reported
as being directly owned by Mr. Chokel until January 1997, when the error was
discovered and promptly corrected. Peter B. Lewis filed an amended Form 4 for
April 1995, clarifying the nature of a change in the form of his beneficial
ownership of 125,000 shares from directly held to held by a family partnership.
A 1996 Form 5 reporting a transfer of 50,000 shares to a trust of which Peter
Lewis is trustee was filed thirteen days late.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Incorporated by reference from the section of the Proxy Statement entitled
"Executive Compensation," pages 8 through 20.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
Incorporated by reference from the section of the Proxy Statement entitled
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management," pages 5
through 7.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
None.
20
<PAGE> 21
PART IV
-------
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a)(1) Listing of Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of the
Registrant and its subsidiaries, included in the Registrant's
Annual Report, are incorporated by reference in Item 8:
Report of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Statements of Income -
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1996
and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders'
Equity - December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Supplemental Information*
*Not covered by Report of Independent Accountants.
(a)(2) Listing of Financial Statement Schedules
The following financial statement schedules of the Registrant
and its subsidiaries, Report of Independent Accountants and
Consent of Independent Accountants are included in Item 14(d):
Schedules
---------
Report of Independent Accountants
Consent of Independent Accountants
Schedule I - Summary of Investments -
Other than Investments in Related Parties
Schedule II - Condensed Financial
Information of Registrant
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance
Information
21
<PAGE> 22
Schedule IV - Reinsurance
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning
Property-Casualty Insurance Operations
No other schedules are required to be filed herewith
pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation S-X.
(a)(3) Listing of Exhibits
See exhibit index contained herein at pages 37 through 41.
Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements
are identified in the Exhibit Index as Exhibit Nos. (10)(A)
through (10)(O).
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
(c) Exhibits
The exhibits in response to this portion of Item 14 are
submitted concurrently with this report.
(d) Financial Statement Schedules
The response to this portion of Item 14 is located at pages 28
through 36.
22
<PAGE> 23
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
March 31, 1997 BY: /s/ Peter B. Lewis
------------------
Peter B. Lewis
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
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 in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Peter B. Lewis Chairman, President, Chief Executive March 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------- Officer and a Director
Peter B. Lewis
/s/ Charles B. Chokel Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Charles B. Chokel
/s/ Jeffrey W. Basch Chief Accounting Officer March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Jeffrey W. Basch
Milton N. Allen* Director March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Milton N. Allen
B. Charles Ames* Director March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
B. Charles Ames
Charles A. Davis* Director March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Charles A. Davis
Stephen R. Hardis* Director March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Stephen R. Hardis
Janet Hill* Director March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Janet Hill
Norman S. Matthews* Director March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Norman S. Matthews
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE> 24
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Donald B. Shackelford* Director March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Donald B. Shackelford
Paul B. Sigler* Director March 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
Paul B. Sigler
* DAVID M. SCHNEIDER, by signing his name hereto, does sign this document on
behalf of the persons indicated above pursuant to a power of attorney duly
executed by such persons.
By /s/ David M. Schneider March 31, 1997
-------------------------
David M. Schneider
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
24
<PAGE> 25
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 14(D)
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, OHIO
25
<PAGE> 26
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders,
The Progressive Corporation:
Our report on the consolidated financial statements of The Progressive
Corporation and subsidiaries has been incorporated by reference in this Form
10-K from page 33 of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of The Progressive
Corporation. In connection with our audits of such financial statements, we have
also audited the related financial statement schedules listed in the index on
pages 21 and 22 of this Form 10-K.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be
included therein.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Cleveland, Ohio
January 21, 1997
26
<PAGE> 27
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders,
The Progressive Corporation:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
of The Progressive Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. 333-01745) filed
March 15, 1996, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-57121)
filed December 29, 1994, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No.
33-64210) filed June 10, 1993, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No.
33-51034) filed August 20, 1992, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File
No. 33-46944) filed April 3, 1992, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File
No. 33-38793) filed February 4, 1991, the Registration Statement on Form S-8
(File No. 33-38107) filed December 6, 1990, the Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (File No. 33-37707) filed November 9, 1990, the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (File No. 33-33240) filed January 31, 1990, and the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-16509) filed August 14, 1987, of our reports
dated January 21, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements
and financial statement schedules of The Progressive Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1996, which reports are included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Cleveland, Ohio
March 31, 1997
27
<PAGE> 28
SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS -- OTHER
THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
<TABLE>
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------
(millions)
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Amount At Which Shown
In The
Type of Investment Cost Market Value Balance Sheet
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed Maturities:
Available-for-sale:
United States Government and
government agencies and
authorities $ 830.1 $ 829.1 $ 829.1
States, municipalities and political
subdivisions 1,314.7 1,331.3 1,331.3
Asset-backed securities 1,084.3 1,088.3 1,088.3
Foreign government obligations 48.7 51.1 51.1
Corporate and other debt securities 49.9 52.1 52.1
Redeemable preferred stock 56.4 57.3 57.3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total fixed maturities 3,384.1 3,409.2 3,409.2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Equity securities:
Common stocks 458.9 540.1 540.1
Preferred stocks 333.8 341.6 341.6
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity securities 792.7 881.7 881.7
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term investments 159.7 159.7 159.7
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total investments $4,336.5 $4,450.6 $4,450.6
=================================================================
</TABLE>
The Company did not have any securities of one issuer with an aggregate cost or
market value exceeding 10% of total shareholders' equity at December 31, 1996.
28
<PAGE> 29
SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
- --------------------------------------------
(millions)
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Dividends from subsidiaries* $125.0 $120.8 $ 53.0
Intercompany investment income* 36.5 37.2 29.8
----------------------------------------------------
161.5 158.0 82.8
----------------------------------------------------
Expenses
Interest expense 61.4 57.1 56.7
Other operating costs and expenses 4.1 3.6 3.8
Loss on disposition of subsidiary* -- -- 5.3
----------------------------------------------------
65.5 60.7 65.8
----------------------------------------------------
Operating income and income before income
taxes and other items below 96.0 97.3 17.0
Income tax benefit (10.2) (7.3) (12.2)
----------------------------------------------------
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of
subsidiaries 106.2 104.6 29.2
Equity in undistributed net income of consolidated
subsidiaries* 207.5 145.9 245.1
----------------------------------------------------
Net income $313.7 $250.5 $274.3
====================================================
</TABLE>
*Eliminated in consolidation.
See notes to condensed financial statements.
29
<PAGE> 30
SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
- --------------------------------------------
(millions)
<CAPTION>
December 31,
1996 1995
-----------------------------------------------
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Investment in non-consolidated affiliates $ .4 $ .4
Investment in subsidiaries* 1,755.7 1,456.7
Receivable from subsidiary* 695.8 660.8
Intercompany receivable* 6.6 25.6
Income taxes 13.0 26.1
Other assets 2.8 1.6
-----------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $2,474.3 $2,171.2
===============================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 22.1 $ 20.3
Funded debt 775.3 675.1
-----------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 797.4 695.4
-----------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Shares, no par value (authorized 20.0
Serial Preferred Shares and 5.0 Voting
Preference Shares)
9 3/8% Serial Preferred Shares, Series A (cumulative,
liquidation preference of $25 per share, issued and
outstanding 0 and 3.4 shares) -- 83.6
Common Shares, $1.00 par value, authorized 200.0
shares, issued 83.1, including treasury
shares of 11.6 and 11.0 71.5 72.1
Paid-in capital 381.8 374.8
Net unrealized appreciation of investment
in equity securities of consolidated subsidiaries 74.0 51.1
Retained earnings 1,149.6 894.2
-----------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 1,676.9 1,475.8
-----------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $2,474.3 $2,171.2
===============================================
</TABLE>
*Eliminated in consolidation.
See notes to condensed financial statements.
30
<PAGE> 31
SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
- --------------------------------------------
(millions)
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
--------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $313.7 $250.5 $274.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
used in operating activities:
Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries (332.5) (266.7) (298.1)
Amortization -- -- 1.5
Changes in:
Intercompany receivable or payable 19.0 1.6 (61.1)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1.8 1.3 12.9
Income taxes 13.1 3.9 24.3
Other, net (.9) (.1) 1.0
--------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating 14.2 (9.5) (45.2)
activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additional investments in equity securities of
consolidated subsidiaries (42.2) (42.1) (56.9)
Return of capital from consolidated subsidiary .5 -- 20.1
Purchase of consolidated subsidiaries (26.6) -- --
Dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries 125.0 120.8 53.0
--------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 56.7 78.7 16.2
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 6.9 10.1 2.7
Tax benefits from the exercise of stock options 5.9 8.5 2.4
Redemption of Preferred shares (80.8) -- --
Proceeds from funded debt 99.6 -- 198.4
Receivable from subsidiary (35.0) (61.4) (114.8)
Dividends paid to shareholders (19.6) (24.1) (23.4)
Acquisition of treasury shares (47.9) (2.3) (36.3)
--------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities (70.9) (69.2) 29.0
--------------------------------------------------
Change in cash -- -- --
Cash, beginning of year -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------
Cash, end of year $ -- $ -- $ --
==================================================
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed financial statements.
31
<PAGE> 32
SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (CONTINUED)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying condensed financial statements of The Progressive Corporation
(the "Registrant") should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto of The Progressive Corporation and subsidiaries
included in the Registrant's 1996 Annual Report.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS -- For the purpose of the Statements of Cash Flows,
cash includes only bank demand deposits. The Registrant paid income taxes of
$120.4 million in 1996, and $75.5 million, and $89.8 million in 1995 and
1994, respectively. Total interest paid was $60.2 million for 1996, $56.5
million for 1995 and $49.8 million for 1994.
DEBT -- Funded debt at December 31 consisted of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995
---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
7.30% Notes $ 99.6 $ --
6.60% Notes 198.8 198.7
7% Notes 148.3 148.3
8 3/4% Notes 29.5 29.2
10% Notes 149.6 149.5
10 1/8% Subordinated Notes 149.5 149.4
---------------------------------------------------------
$775.3 $675.1
=========================================================
</TABLE>
Funded debt is the amount the Registrant has borrowed and contributed to the
capital of its insurance subsidiaries or borrowed for other long-term purposes.
In May 1990, the Registrant entered into a revolving credit arrangement with
National City Bank, which is reviewed by the bank annually. Under this
agreement, the Registrant had the right to borrow up to $50.0 million. In
February 1994, the Registrant reduced this revolving credit arrangement to $20.0
million. By selecting from available credit options, the Registrant may elect to
pay interest at rates related to the London interbank offered rate, the bank's
base rate or at a money market rate. A commitment fee is payable on any unused
portion of the committed amount at the rate of .125% per annum. At December 31,
1996 and 1995, the Registrant had no borrowings under this arrangement.
In May 1996, the Registrant sold $100.0 million of noncallable 7.30% Notes due
2006 with interest payable semiannually. The fair value of these Notes was
$101.7 million at December 31, 1996.
In January 1994, the Registrant sold $200.0 million of noncallable 6.60% Notes
due 2004 with interest payable semiannually. The fair value of the Notes was
$197.1 million and $203.6 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
In October 1993, the Registrant sold $150.0 million of noncallable 7% Notes due
2013 with interest payable semiannually. The fair value of these Notes was
$144.3 million and $156.6 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
In May 1989, the Registrant issued $30.0 million of 8 3/4% Notes due 1999 with
interest payable semiannually. The fair value of these Notes was $31.6 million
and $32.7 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
32
<PAGE> 33
SCHEDULE II -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ---------------------------------------
In December 1988, the Registrant sold $150.0 million of 10% Notes due 2000 and
$150.0 million of 10 1/8% Subordinated Notes due 2000. All such Notes are
noncallable with interest payable semiannually on both issues. The fair value of
the 10% Notes and 10 1/8% Subordinated Notes were $167.8 million and $168.4
million, respectively, at December 31, 1996, and $175.9 million and $176.1
million, respectively, at December 31, 1995.
As of December 31, 1996, the Registrant was in compliance with its debt
covenants.
Aggregate principal payments on funded debt outstanding at December 31, 1996 are
$0 for 1997 and 1998, $30.0 million for 1999, $300.0 million for 2000, $0 for
2001, and $450.0 million thereafter.
INCOME TAXES -- The Registrant files a consolidated Federal income tax return
with all eligible subsidiaries. The Federal income taxes in the accompanying
Condensed Balance Sheets represent amounts recoverable from the Internal Revenue
Service by the Registrant as agent for the consolidated tax group. The
Registrant and its subsidiaries have adopted, pursuant to a written agreement, a
method of allocating consolidated Federal income taxes. Amounts allocated to the
subsidiaries under the written agreement are included in Intercompany Receivable
from Subsidiaries in the accompanying Condensed Balance Sheets.
INVESTMENTS IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES -- The Registrant, through its
investment in consolidated subsidiaries, recognizes the changes in unrealized
gains (losses) on equity securities of the subsidiaries. These amounts were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995 1994
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Unrealized gains (losses):
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities $(18.3) $ 86.1 $(73.4)
equity securities 53.7 40.0 (25.4)
Deferred income taxes (12.5) (44.3) 34.6
-----------------------------------------------------------------
$ 22.9 $ 81.8 $(64.2)
=================================================================
</TABLE>
OTHER MATTERS -- The information relating to incentive compensation plans is
incorporated by reference from Note 8, EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, "Incentive
Compensation Plans" on pages 44 and 45 of the Registrant's 1996 Annual Report.
33
<PAGE> 34
SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
<TABLE>
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------
(millions)
<CAPTION>
Future
policy Other
benefits, policy Benefits,
Deferred losses, claims claims,
policy claims and and losses and
acquisition loss Unearned benefits Premium Investment settlement
Segment costs expenses(2) premiums payable revenue income(1) expenses(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Insurance Lines $200.1 $1,800.6 $1,467.3 $ -- $3,199.3 $225.8 $2,236.1
====================================================================================
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Insurance Lines $181.9 $1,610.5 $1,209.6 $ -- $2,727.2 $199.1 $1,943.8
====================================================================================
Year ended December 31, 1994:
Insurance Lines $161.6 $1,434.4 $1,036.7 $ -- $2,191.1 $158.5 $1,397.3
====================================================================================
<CAPTION>
Amortization
of deferred
policy Other Net
acquisition operating premiums
Segment costs expenses written
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Insurance Lines $482.6 $208.5 $3,441.7
================================================
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Insurance Lines $459.6 $167.2 $2,912.8
================================================
Year ended December 31, 1994:
Insurance Lines $391.5 $150.8 $2,457.2
================================================
</TABLE>
(1)Excluding investment expenses of $6.1 million in 1996, $8.1 million in 1995
and $8.7 million in 1994.
(2)During 1994, based on a review of the adequacy of its total loss reserves,
the Company eliminated its $71.0 million "supplemental reserve." See
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS beginning on page 14 for further discussion.
34
<PAGE> 35
SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE
<TABLE>
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------
(millions)
<CAPTION>
Assumed Percentage
Year Ended Ceded to From of Amount
Gross Amount Other Other Assumed
December 31, 1996 Companies Companies Net Amount to Net
- ----------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Life Insurance in force $ .1 $ .1 $ -- $ -- --
===================================================================================
Premiums earned:
Accident and health $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- --
Property and liability 3,380.7 185.2 3.8 3,199.3 .1%
Life -- -- -- -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums earned $3,380.7 $185.2 $3.8 $3,199.3 --
==================================================================
December 31, 1995
- ------------------
Life Insurance in force $ .4 $ .1 $ -- $ .3 --
==================================================================================
Premiums earned:
Accident and health $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- --%
Property and liability 2,895.9 168.8 .1 2,727.2 --
Life -- -- -- -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums earned $2,895.9 $168.8 $ .1 $2,727.2 --
==================================================================
December 31, 1994
- -----------------
Life Insurance in force $ .7 $ .2 $ -- $ .5 --
==================================================================================
Premiums earned:
Accident and health $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- --
Property and liability 2,378.4 192.2 4.9 2,191.1 .2%
Life -- -- -- -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums earned $2,378.4 $192.2 $4.9 $2,191.1
==================================================================
</TABLE>
35
<PAGE> 36
SCHEDULE VI -SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY - CASUALTY INSURANCE
OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------
(millions)
<CAPTION>
Paid Losses and
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Loss Adjustment
Incurred Related to Expenses
-------------------------------------------------- -------------------
Current Prior
Year Ended Year Years
-------------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1996 $2,341.9 $(105.8) $2,017.6
========================= ====================== ===================
December 31, 1995 $2,000.4 $(56.6) $1,729.6
========================= ====================== ===================
December 31, 1994(1) $1,539.8 $(142.5) $1,310.9
========================= ====================== ===================
</TABLE>
Pursuant to Rule 12-18 of Regulation S-X. See Schedule III, page 34, for the
additional information required in Schedule VI.
(1)During 1994, based on a review of the adequacy of its total loss reserves,
the Company eliminated its $71.0 million "supplemental reserve." See
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS beginning on page 14 for further discussion.
36
<PAGE> 37
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Form
Under 10-K
Reg. Exhi- If Incorporated by Reference, Documents
S-K, bit with Which Exhibit was Previously Filed
Item 601 No. Description of Exhibit with SEC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(3)(i) 3(A) Amended Articles of Incorporation of The Progressive Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Corporation ("Progressive"), as amended (Filed with SEC on April 23, 1993; see
Exhibit 3 therein)
(3)(ii) 3(B) Code of Regulations of Progressive Filed herewith
(4) 4(A) $4,000,000 Hillsborough County Industrial Development Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with SEC on
Authority Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series March 28, 1995; see Exhibit 4(A) therein)
1982 (dated December 16, 1982); Loan and Debt
Obligation Agreement; Indenture of Trust; Mortgage
and Security Agreement; Unconditional Guaranty
(4) 4(B) Indenture dated as of November 15, 1988 between Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with SEC on
Progressive and State Street Bank and Trust Company March 29, 1994; see Exhibit 4(B) therein)
(successor in interest to Rhode Island Hospital Trust
National Bank), as Trustee ("Subordinated Indenture") (including
Table of Contents and cross-reference sheet)
(4) 4(C) Form of 10 1/8% Subordinated Notes due 2000 issued in Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with SEC on
the aggregate principal amount of $150,000,000 under the March 29, 1994; see Exhibit 4(C) therein)
Subordinated Indenture
(4) 4(D) Indenture dated as of November 15, 1988 between Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with SEC on
Progressive and State Street Bank and Trust Company March 29, 1994; see Exhibit 4(D) therein)
(successor in interest to The First National Bank of
Boston), as Trustee ("1988 Senior Indenture") (including Table
of Contents and cross-reference sheet)
</TABLE>
37
<PAGE> 38
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Form
Under 10-K
Reg. Exhi- If Incorporated by Reference, Documents
S-K, bit with Which Exhibit was Previously Filed
Item 601 No. Description of Exhibit with SEC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(4) 4(E) Form of 10% Notes due 2000 issued in the aggregate Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with SEC
principal amount of $150,000,000 under the 1988 Senior Indenture on March 29, 1994; see Exhibit 4(E) therein)
(4) 4(F) Form of 8 3/4% Notes due 1999 issued in the aggregate principal Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with SEC
amount of $30,000,000 under the 1988 Senior Indenture on March 28, 1995; see Exhibit 4(F) therein)
(4) 4(G) $20,000,000 Unsecured Line of Credit with National City Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with SEC
Bank (dated May 23, 1990; renewed May 20, 1992, and amended on March 29, 1994; See Exhibit 4(I) therein)
February 1, 1994)
(4) 4(H) Indenture dated as of September 15, 1993 between Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Filed with
Progressive and State Street Bank and Trust Company (successor in SEC on November 5, 1993; see Exhibit 4(A)
interest to The First National Bank of Boston), therein)
as Trustee ("1993 Senior Indenture") (including Table of Contents
and cross-reference sheet)
(4) 4(I) Form of 7% Notes due 2013 issued in the aggregate principal amount Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Filed with
of $150,000,000 under the 1993 Senior Indenture SEC on November 5, 1993; see Exhibit 4(B)
therein)
(4) 4(J) Form of 6.60% Notes due 2004 issued in the aggregate principal Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with
amount of $200,000,000 under the 1993 Senior Indenture SEC on March 29, 1994; see Exhibit 4(L)
therein)
(4) 4(K) Supplemental Indenture dated March 15, 1996 between the Registrant Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with
and State Street Bank and Trust Company, evidencing the SEC on March 15, 1996; see Exhibit 4(K)
designation of State Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor therein)
Trustee under the 1993 Senior Indenture
</TABLE>
38
<PAGE> 39
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Form
Under 10-K
Reg. Exhi- If Incorporated by Reference, Documents
S-K, bit with Which Exhibit was Previously Filed
Item 601 No. Description of Exhibit with SEC
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(4) 4(L) Form of 7.30% Notes due 2006, issued in the aggregate principal Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Filed
amount of $100,000,000 under the Senior Indenture dated September with SEC on July 31, 1996; see Exhibit
15, 1993, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust, as 4 therein)
amended and supplemented
(10)(iii) 10(A) The Progressive Corporation 1995 Gainsharing Plan, as amended on Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with
December 8, 1995 SEC on March 15, 1996; see Exhibit 10(B)
therein)
(10)(iii) 10(B) The Progressive Corporation 1997 Gainsharing Plan Filed herewith
(10)(iii) 10(C) The Progressive Corporation 1995 Executive Bonus Plan, Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with
as amended on December 8, 1995 and as further amended SEC on March 15, 1996; see Exhibit 10(C)
on February 21, 1996 therein)
(10)(iii) 10(D) The Progressive Corporation 1997 Executive Bonus Plan Filed herewith
(10)(iii) 10(E) The Progressive Corporation 1996 Process Management Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Filed
Bonus Plan with SEC on May 1, 1996; see Exhibit
10(A) therein)
(10)(iii) 10(F) The Progressive Corporation Directors Deferral Plan (Amendment and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Filed
Restatement), as further amended on October 25, 1996 with SEC on November 13, 1996; see
Exhibit 10 therein)
(10)(iii) 10(G) The Progressive Corporation 1989 Incentive Plan (amended and Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with
restated as of April 24, 1992, as further amended on July 1, 1992 SEC on March 30, 1993; see Exhibit
and February 5, 1993) 10(G) therein)
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE> 40
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Form
Under 10-K
Reg. Exhi- If Incorporated by Reference, Documents
S-K, bit with Which Exhibit was Previously Filed
Item 601 No. Description of Exhibit with SEC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(10)(iii) 10(H) Share Option Agreement dated March 17, 1989, between Progressive Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with
and David M. Schneider SEC on March 28, 1995; see Exhibit 10(H)
therein)
(10)(iii) 10(I) The Progressive Corporation 1990 Directors' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Stock Option Plan (Amended and Restated (Filed with SEC on November 12, 1992; see
as of April 24, 1992 and as further amended on Exhibit 10(A) therein)
July 1, 1992)
(10)(iii) 10(J) Agreement dated March 11, 1996 with Bruce W. Marlow Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with
SEC on March 15, 1996; see Exhibit 10(H)
therein)
(10)(iii) 10(K) Amending Agreement dated April 1, 1996 between the Company and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Filed
Bruce W. Marlow relating to certain outstanding stock options with SEC on July 31, 1996; see Exhibit
previously granted to Mr. Marlow 10 therein)
(10)(iii) 10(L) The Progressive Corporation 1995 Incentive Plan Annual Report on Form 10-K (Filed with
SEC on March 28, 1995; see Exhibit 10(L)
therein)
(10)(iii) 10(M) The Progressive Corporation Executive Deferred Filed herewith
Compensation Plan (January 1, 1997 Amended and Restated)
(10)(iii) 10(N) Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under The Progressive Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Filed
Corporation 1989 Incentive Plan (single award) with SEC on May 1, 1996; see Exhibit
10(B) therein)
(10)(iii) 10(O) Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under The Progressive Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Filed
Corporation 1989 Incentive Plan (multiple awards) with SEC on May 1, 1996; see Exhibit
10(C) therein)
</TABLE>
40
<PAGE> 41
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Form
Under 10-K
Reg. Exhi- If Incorporated by Reference, Documents
S-K, bit with Which Exhibit was Previously Filed
Item 601 No. Description of Exhibit with SEC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(11) 11 Computation of Earnings Per Share Filed herewith
(12) 12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Filed herewith
(13) 13 The Progressive Corporation 1996 Annual Report Filed herewith
(21) 21 Subsidiaries of The Progressive Corporation Filed herewith
(23) 23 Consent of Independent Accountants Incorporated herein by reference to
page 27 of this Annual Report on Form
10-K
(24) 24 Powers of Attorney Filed herewith
(27) 27 Financial Data Schedule This exhibit is contained in the EDGAR
filing of the Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996 only
No other exhibits are required to be filed herewith pursuant to Item 601 of
Regulation S-K.
</TABLE>
41
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 3(B)
----------------
CODE OF REGULATIONS
OF
PROGRESSIVE
<PAGE> 2
Exhibit 3(B)
CODE OF REGULATIONS
-------------------
OF
--
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
---------------------------
ARTICLE I
---------
Meetings of Shareholders
------------------------
Section 1. ANNUAL MEETINGS. The annual meeting of shareholders
shall be held at such time and on such date in the month of April of each year
(beginning in 1972) as may be fixed by the board of directors and stated in the
notice of the meeting, for the election of directors the consideration of
reports to be laid before such meeting and the transaction of such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
Section 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the
shareholders shall be called upon the written request of the president, the
directors by action at a meeting, a majority of the directors acting without a
meeting, or of the holders of shares entitling them to exercise twenty-five
percent (25%) of the voting power of the corporation entitled to vote thereat.
Calls for such meetings shall specify the time, place, and purposes thereof. No
business other than that specified in the call shall be considered at any
special meeting.
Section 3. NOTICES OF MEETINGS. Unless waived, written notice of
each annual or special meeting stating the time, place, and the purposes thereof
shall be given by personal delivery or by mail to each shareholder of record
entitled to vote at or entitled to notice of the meeting, not more than sixty
(60) days nor less than seven (7) days before any such meeting. If mailed, such
notice shall be directed to the shareholder at his address as the same appears
upon the records of the corporation. Any shareholder, either before or after any
meeting, may waive any notice required to be given by law or under these
Regulations.
Section 4. PLACE OF MEETINGS. Meetings of shareholders shall be
held at the principal office of the corporation unless the board of directors
determines that a meeting shall be held at some other place within or without
the State of Ohio and causes the notice thereof to so state.
Section 5. QUORUM. The holders of shares entitling them to
exercise a majority of the voting power of the corporation entitled to vote at
any meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business to be considered at such meeting; provided, however,
that no action required by law or by the Articles of Incorporation or these
Regulations to be authorized or taken by the holders of a designated proportion
of the shares of any particular class or of each class may be authorized or
taken by a lesser proportion. The holders of a majority of the voting shares
represented at a meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn such
meeting from time to time, until a quorum shall be present.
Section 6. RECORD DATE. The board of directors may fix a record
date for any lawful purpose, including, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the determination of shareholders entitled to (i) receive notice of
or to vote at any meeting, (ii) receive payment of any dividend or distribution,
(iii) receive or exercise rights of purchase of or subscription for, or exchange
or conversion of, shares or other securities, subject to any contract right with
respect thereto, or (iv) participate in the execution of written consents,
waivers or releases. Said record date, which shall not be a date earlier than
the date on which the record date is fixed, shall not be more than sixty (6O)
days preceding the date of such meeting, the date fixed for the payment of any
dividend or distribution or the date fixed for the receipt or the exercise of
rights, as the case may be.
<PAGE> 3
If a record date shall not be fixed, the record date for the
determination of shareholders who are entitled to notice of, or who are entitled
to vote at, a meeting of shareholders, shall be the close of business on the
date next preceding the day on which notice is given, or the close of business
on the date next preceding the day on which the meeting is held, as the case may
be.
Section 7. PROXIES. A person who is entitled to attend a
shareholders' meeting, to vote thereat, or to execute consents, waivers or
releases, may be represented at such meeting or vote thereat, and execute
consents, waivers and releases, and exercise any of his other rights, by proxy
or proxies appointed by a writing signed by such person.
ARTICLE II
----------
Directors
---------
Section 1. NUMBER. The number of directors of the corporation,
none of whom need be shareholders or residents of the State of Ohio, shall be
ten. The shareholders, acting by the affirmative vote of the holders of record
of shares of the corporation entitling them to exercise a majority of the voting
power of the corporation on such proposal, may, from time to time, increase or
decrease the number of directors, but in no case shall the number of directors
be fewer than five or more than twelve nor shall any decrease in the number of
directors shorten the term of any director then in office.
Section 2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Directors shall be elected at
the annual meeting of shareholders, but when the annual meeting is not held or
directors are not elected thereat, they may be elected at a special meeting
called and held for that purpose. Such election shall be by ballot whenever
requested by any shareholder entitled to vote at such election; but, unless such
request is made, the election may be conducted in any manner approved at such
meeting.
At each meeting of shareholders for the election of directors,
the persons receiving the greatest number of votes shall be directors.
Section 3. TERM OF OFFICE. The term of office for each director
shall be one year, except that the term of any director elected prior to the
1991 annual meeting of shareholders to a term of more than one year shall be the
term to which such director was elected. Except as provided in the preceding
sentence, each director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of
shareholders following his election and until his successor shall be elected and
qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal from office or death.
Section 4. REMOVAL. All directors, or any individual director
may be removed from office, without assigning any cause, by the affirmative vote
of the holders of record of shares having 75% of the voting power of the
corporation with respect to the election of directors, provided that unless all
the directors are removed, no individual director shall be removed if the votes
of a sufficient number of shares are cast against his removal which, if
cumulatively voted at an election of all the directors whose terms end at the
next annual meeting of shareholders would be sufficient to elect at least one
director. In case of any such removal, a new director may be elected at the same
meeting for the unexpired term of each director removed.
Section 5. VACANCIES. Vacancies in the board of directors may be
filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors until an election to fill
such vacancies is had. Shareholders entitled to elect directors shall have the
right to fill any vacancy in the board (whether the same has been temporarily
filled by the remaining directors or not) at any meeting of the shareholders
called for that purpose, and any directors elected at any such meeting of
shareholders shall serve until the next annual election of directors and until
their successors are elected and qualified.
<PAGE> 4
Section 6. QUORUM AND TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS. A majority of the
whole authorized number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business, except that a majority of the directors in office shall
constitute a quorum for filling a vacancy on the board. Whenever less than a
quorum is present at the time and place appointed for any meeting of the board,
a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, until a
quorum shall be present. The act of a majority of the directors present at a
meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board.
Section 7. ANNUAL MEETING. Annual meetings of the board of
directors shall be held immediately following annual meetings of the
shareholders, or as soon thereafter as is practicable. If no annual meeting of
the shareholders is held, or if directors are not elected thereat, then the
annual meeting of the board of directors shall be held immediately following any
special meeting of the shareholders at which directors are elected, or as soon
thereafter as is practicable. If such annual meeting of directors is held
immediately following a meeting of the shareholders, it shall be held at the
same place at which such meeting of shareholders was held.
Section 8. REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the board of
directors shall be held at such times and places, within or without the State of
Ohio, as the board of directors may, by resolution or by-law, from time to time,
determine. The secretary shall give notice of each such resolution or bylaw to
any director who was not present at the time the same was adopted, but no
further notice of such regular meeting need be given.
Section 9. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the board of
directors may be called by the chairman of the board or the president to be held
at such times and places within or without the State of Ohio as the person
calling such meeting shall specify. In addition, any two members of the board of
directors may call special meetings of the board of directors to be held at the
principal office of the corporation at such times as they may specify.
Section 1O. NOTICE OF ANNUAL OR SPECIAL MEETINGS. Notice of the
time and place of each annual or special meeting shall be given to each director
by the secretary or by the person or persons calling such meeting. Such notice
need not specify the purpose or purposes of the meeting and may be given in any
manner or method and at such time so that the director receiving it may have
reasonable opportunity to attend the meeting. Such notice shall, in all events,
be deemed to have been properly and duly given if mailed at least forty-eight
(48) hours prior to the meeting and directed to the residence of each director
as shown upon the secretary's records. The giving of notice shall be deemed to
have been waived by any director who shall attend and participate in such
meeting and may be waived, in a writing, by any director either before or after
such meeting.
Section 11. COMPENSATION. The directors, as such, shall be
entitled to receive such reasonable compensation for their services as may be
fixed from time to time by resolution of the board, and expenses of attendance,
if any, may be allowed for attendance of each annual, regular or special meeting
of the board. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any
director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving
compensation therefor. Members of the executive committee or of any standing or
special committee may by resolution of the board be allowed such compensation
for their services as the board may deem reasonable, and additional compensation
may be allowed to directors for special services rendered.
Section 12. BY-LAWS. For the government of its actions, the
board of directors may adopt by-laws consistent with the Articles of
Incorporation and these Regulations.
<PAGE> 5
ARTICLE III
-----------
Committees
----------
Section 1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The board of directors may from
time to time, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole board, create an
executive committee of three or more directors, the members of which shall be
elected by the board of directors to serve during the pleasure of the board. If
the board of directors does not designate a chairman of the executive committee,
the executive committee shall elect a chairman from its own number. Except as
otherwise provided herein and in the resolution creating an executive committee,
such committee shall, during the intervals between the meetings of the board of
directors, possess and may exercise all of the powers of the board of directors
in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, other than
that of filling vacancies among the directors or in any committee of the
directors. The executive committee shall keep full records and accounts of its
proceedings and transactions. All action by the executive committee shall be
reported to the board of directors at its meeting next succeeding such action
and shall be subject to control, revision and alteration by the board of
directors, provided that no rights of third persons shall be prejudicially
affected thereby. Vacancies in the executive committee shall be filled by the
directors, and the directors may appoint one or more directors as alternate
members of the committee who may take the place of any absent member or members
at any meeting.
Section 2. MEETINGS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Subject to the
provisions of these Regulations, the executive committee shall fix its own rules
of procedure and shall meet as provided by such rules or by resolutions of the
board of directors, and it shall also meet at the call of the president, the
chairman of the executive committee or any two members of the committee. Unless
otherwise provided by such rules or by such resolutions, the provisions of
Section 1O of Article II relating to the notice required to be given of meetings
of the board of directors shall also apply to meetings of the executive
committee. A majority of the executive committee shall be necessary to
constitute a quorum. The executive committee may act in a writing, or by
telephone with written confirmation, without a meeting, but no such action of
the executive committee shall be effective unless concurred in by all members of
the committee.
Section 3. OTHER COMMITTEES. The board of directors may by
resolution provide for such other standing or special committees as it deems
desirable, and discontinue the same at pleasure. Each such committee shall have
such powers and perform such duties, not inconsistent with law, as may be
delegated to it by the board of directors. The provisions of Section 1 and
Section 2 of this Article shall govern the appointment and action of such
committees so far as consistent, unless otherwise provided by the board of
directors. Vacancies in such committees shall be filled by the board of
directors or as the board of directors may provide.
ARTICLE IV
----------
Officers
--------
Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The board of directors shall
elect a president, such number of vice presidents as the board may from time to
time determine, a secretary and a treasurer and, in its discretion, a chairman
of the board of directors. The board of directors may from time to time create
such offices and appoint such other officers, subordinate officers and assistant
officers as it may determine. The president, any vice president who succeeds to
the office of the president, and the chairman of the board shall be, but the
other officers need not be, chosen from among the members of the board of
directors. Any two of such offices, other than that of president and vice
president, may be held by the same person, but no officer shall execute,
acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity.
Section 2. TERM OF OFFICE. The officers of the corporation shall
hold office during the pleasure of the board of directors, and, unless sooner
removed by the board of directors, until the organization meeting of the board
of directors following the date of their election and until their successors are
chosen and qualified. The board of directors may remove any officer at any time,
with or without cause. A vacancy in any office, however created, shall be filled
by the board of directors.
<PAGE> 6
ARTICLE V
---------
Duties of Officers
------------------
Section 1. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The chairman of the board, if
one be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the board of directors and
shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the board of
directors.
Section 2. PRESIDENT. The president shall be the chief executive
officer of the corporation and shall exercise supervision over the business of
the corporation and over its several officers, subject, however, to the control
of the board of directors. He shall preside at all meetings of shareholders,
and, in the absence of the chairman of the board, or if a chairman of the board
shall not have been elected, shall also preside at meetings of the board of
directors. He shall have authority to sign all certificates for shares and all
deeds, mortgages, bonds, agreements, notes, and other instruments requiring his
signature; and shall have all the powers and duties prescribed by Chapter 1701
of the Revised Code of Ohio and such others as the board of directors may from
time to time assign to him.
Section 3. VICE PRESIDENTS. The vice presidents shall have such
powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the board of
directors or the president. At the request of the president, or in the case of
his absence or disability, the vice president designated by the president (or in
the absence of such designation, the vice president designated by the board)
shall perform all the duties of the president and, when so acting, shall have
all the powers of the president. The authority of vice presidents to sign in the
name of the corporation certificates for shares and deeds, mortgages, bonds,
agreements, notes and other instruments shall be coordinate with like authority
of the president.
Section 4. SECRETARY. The secretary shall keep minutes of all
the proceedings of the shareholders and board of directors and shall make proper
record of the same, which shall be attested by him; shall have authority to sign
all certificates for shares and all deeds, mortgages, bonds, agreements, notes,
and other instruments executed by the corporation requiring his signature; shall
give notice of meetings of shareholders and directors; shall produce on request
at each meeting of shareholders a certified list of shareholders arranged in
alphabetical order; shall keep such books as may be required by the board of
directors; and shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time
be assigned to him by the board of directors or the president.
Section 5. TREASURER. The treasurer shall have general
supervision of all finances; he shall receive and have in charge all money,
bills, notes, deeds, leases, mortgages and similar property belonging to the
corporation, and shall do with the same as may from time to time be required by
the board of directors. He shall cause to be kept adequate and correct accounts
of the business transactions of the corporation, including accounts of its
assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, stated capital and
shares, together with such other accounts as may be required, and upon the
expiration of his term of office shall turn over to his successor or to the
board of directors all property, books, papers and money of the corporation in
his hands; and shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time
be assigned to him by the board of directors or the president.
Section 6. ASSISTANT AND SUBORDINATE OFFICERS. The board of
directors may appoint such assistant and subordinate officers as it may deem
desirable. Each such officer shall hold office during the pleasure of the board
of directors, and perform such duties as the board of directors or the president
may prescribe.
The board of directors may, from time to time, authorize any
officer to appoint and remove subordinate officers, to prescribe their authority
and duties, and to fix their compensation.
Section 7. DUTIES OF OFFICERS MAY BE DELEGATED. In the absence
of any officer of the corporation, or for any other reason the board of
directors may deem sufficient, the board of directors may delegate, for the time
being, the powers or duties, or any of them, of such officers to any other
officer or to any director.
<PAGE> 7
ARTICLE VI
----------
Indemnification and Insurance
-----------------------------
Section 1. INDEMNIFICATION. The corporation shall indemnify each
director, officer and employee and each former director, officer and employee of
the corporation, and each person who is serving or has served at its request as
a director, officer or employee of another corporation, against expenses,
judgements, decrees, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement in
connection with the defense of any past, pending or threatened action, suit or
proceeding, criminal or civil, to which he was, is or may be made a party by
reason of being or having been such director, officer or employee, provided a
determination is made (i) by the directors of the corporation acting at a
meeting at which a quorum consisting of directors who neither were nor are
parties to or threatened with any such action, suit or proceeding is present, or
(ii) by the shareholders of the corporation at a meeting held for such purpose
by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitling them to exercise a
majority of the voting power of the corporation on such proposal or without a
meeting by the written consent of the holders of shares entitling them to
exercise two-thirds of the voting power on such proposal, that (a) such
director, officer or employee was not, and has not been adjudicated to have
the corporation of which he is or was a director, officer or employee, (b) he
acted in good faith in what he reasonably believed to be the best interest of
such corporation, and (c) in any matter the subject of a criminal action, suit
or proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was
unlawful.
Expenses of each person indemnified hereunder incurred in
defending a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or
proceeding (including all appeals) or threat thereof, may be paid by the
corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or
proceeding as authorized by the board of directors, whether a disinterested
quorum exists or not, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
director, officer or employee to repay such expenses unless it shall ultimately
be determined that he is entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.
The foregoing rights of indemnification shall not be deemed
exclusive of, or in any way to limit, any other rights to which any person
indemnified may be, or may become, entitled apart from the provisions of this
Article VI.
Section 2. LIABILITY INSURANCE. The corporation may purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or designated agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or designated agent
of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such
capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation
would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the
provisions of this Article or of Chapter 1701 of the Ohio Revised Code.
ARTICLE VII
-----------
Certificates for Shares
-----------------------
Section 1. FORM AND EXECUTION. Certificates for shares,
certifying the number of full-paid shares owned, shall be issued to each
shareholder in such form as shall be approved by the board of directors. Such
certificates shall be signed by the president or a vice president and by the
secretary or an assistant secretary or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer;
provided however, that if such certificates are countersigned by a transfer
agent and/or registrar the signatures of any of said officers and the seal of
the corporation upon such certificates may be facsimiles, engraved, stamped or
printed. If any officer or officers, who shall have signed, or whose facsimile
signature shall have been used, printed or stamped on any certificate or
certificates for shares, shall cease to be such officer or officers, because of
death, resignation or otherwise, before such certificate or certificates shall
have been delivered by the corporation, such certificate or certificates, if
authenticated by the endorsement thereon of the signature of a transfer agent or
registrar, shall nevertheless be conclusively deemed to have been adopted by the
corporation by the use and delivery thereof and shall be as effective in all
respects as though signed by a duly elected, qualified and authorized officer or
officers, and as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or
certificates, or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall have been used
thereon, had not ceased to be an officer or officers of the corporation.
<PAGE> 8
Section 2. REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER. Any certificate for shares
of the corporation shall be transferable in person or by attorney upon the
surrender thereof to the corporation or any transfer agent therefor (for the
class of shares represented by the certificate surrendered of a certificate),
properly endorsed for transfer and accompanied by such assurances as the
corporation or such transfer agent may require as to the genuineness and
effectiveness of each necessary endorsement.
Section 3. LOST, DESTROYED OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES. A new share
certificate or certificates may be issued in place of any certificate
theretofore issued by the corporation which is alleged to have been lost,
destroyed or wrongfully taken upon (i) the execution and delivery to the
corporation by the person claiming the certificate to have been lost, destroyed
or wrongfully taken of an affidavit of that fact, specifying whether or not, at
the time of such alleged loss, destruction or taking, the certificate was
endorsed, and (ii) the furnishing to the corporation of indemnity and other
assurances satisfactory to the corporation and to all transfer agents and
registrars of the class of shares represented by the certificate against any and
all losses, damages, costs, expenses or liabilities to which they or any of them
may be subjected by reason of the issue and delivery of such new certificate or
certificates or in respect of the original certificate.
Section 4. REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS. A person in whose name
shares are of record on the books of the corporation shall conclusively be
deemed the unqualified owner and holder thereof for all purposes and to have
capacity to exercise all rights of ownership. Neither the corporation nor any
transfer agent of the corporation shall be bound to recognize any equitable
interest in or claim to such shares on the part of any other person, whether
disclosed upon such certificate or otherwise, nor shall they be obliged to see
to the execution of any trust or obligation.
ARTICLE VIII
------------
Fiscal Year
-----------
The fiscal year of the corporation shall end on the 31st day of
December in each year, or on such other date as may be fixed from time to time
by the board of directors.
ARTICLE IX
----------
Seal
----
The board of directors may provide a suitable seal containing
the name of the corporation. If deemed advisable by the board of directors,
duplicate seals may be provided and kept for the purposes of the corporation.
ARTICLE X
---------
Amendments
----------
These Regulations may be amended or repealed at any meeting of
shareholders called for that purpose by the affirmative vote of the holders of
record of shares entitling them to exercise a majority of the voting power of
the corporation with respect to such proposal.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 10(B)
-----------------
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION 1997
GAINSHARING PLAN
<PAGE> 2
Exhibit 10(B)
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
1997 GAINSHARING PLAN
1. The Progressive Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Progressive" or the
"Company") have adopted The Progressive Corporation 1997 Gainsharing Plan
(the "Plan") as part of their overall compensation program. The objective
of the compensation program is to pay competitive base salaries and for
gainsharing to bring total cash compensation to the top of the market when
Core Business and assigned Business Unit or Product performance meets
expectations. Participants will have the opportunity to earn cash
compensation in excess of the top of the market when Core Business and
assigned Business Unit or Product performance exceeds expectations.
2. Plan participants for each Plan year shall be selected by the Executive
Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors of The
Progressive Corporation from those officers and regular employees of
Progressive who are assigned primarily to the Core Business or a corporate
support function as of December 1 of that Plan year. The gainsharing
opportunity, if any, for those executive officers who participate in The
Progressive Corporation 1997 Executive Bonus Plan will be provided by and
be a component of that plan. The Plan shall be administered by or under the
direction of the Committee.
3. Annual Gainsharing Payments under the Plan will be determined by
application of the following formula:
Annual Gainsharing Payment = Paid Earnings x Target Percentage x
Performance Factor
4. Paid Earnings for any Plan year means the following items paid to a
participant during the Plan year: (a) regular, vacation, sick, holiday,
funeral and overtime pay, (b) lump sum merit adjustments based on
performance and (c) retroactive payments of any of the foregoing items
relating to the same Plan year.
For purposes of the Plan, Paid Earnings shall not include any short-term or
long-term disability payments made to the participant, the earnings
replacement component of any worker's compensation award or any other bonus
or incentive compensation awards.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the sum of the regular, vacation, sick,
holiday and funeral pay received by a participant during a Plan year
exceeds his/her salary range maximum for that Plan year, then his/her Paid
Earnings for that Plan year shall equal his/her salary range maximum, plus
any of the following items received by such participant during that Plan
year: (a) overtime pay, (b) retroactive payments of regular, vacation,
sick, holiday, overtime and funeral pay and (c) lump sum merit adjustments.
<PAGE> 3
5. Target Percentages vary by position. Target Percentages for Plan
participants typically are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================
POSITION TARGET %
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Policy Team Members, General Managers and Senior 50% - 100%
Process Team Members
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Product Managers (PM's), Senior Claims
Managers and Senior Corporate Function Heads 35%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Regional Claims Managers, Function Heads and 25%
PM's
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regional Claims Managers, Finance Managers and
Group Managers 15%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Professionals and Managers 12%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Professionals and Supervisors (e.g. CSR's, Claims Reps,
etc.) 8%
==============================================================================
</TABLE>
Target Percentages will be established within the above ranges by, and may
be changed with the approval of, the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Chief
Financial Officer ("CFO") or Chief Human Resources Officer ("CHRO") and, if
applicable, the appropriate process leader. Target Percentages also may be
changed from year to year by such individuals.
6. The Performance Factor
----------------------
A. General
-------
The Performance Factor shall consist of one or more Profitability and
Growth Components, as described below. The Profitability and Growth
Components will be weighted to reflect the nature of the individual
participant's assigned responsibilities. The weighting factors may
differ among participants and will be determined, and may be changed
from year to year, by or under the direction of the CEO, CFO or CHRO.
B. Profitability and Growth Components
-----------------------------------
The Profitability and Growth Components measure overall operating
performance of Progressive's core personal and commercial automobile
insurance business ("Core Business"), as a whole, and the
participant's assigned Business Unit or Product (as applicable), for
the Plan year for which an Annual Gainsharing Payment is to be made.
For purposes of computing a Performance Score for these Components,
operating performance results are measured by the Gainsharing Matrix,
as established by or under the direction of the Committee for the Plan
year, which assigns a Profitability and Growth Performance Score to
various combinations of profitability (as measured by the Gainsharing
Combined Ratio) and growth (based on year-to-year change in Net
Written Premium) outcomes.
<PAGE> 4
The Gainsharing Combined Ratio is determined for the Core Business and
each Business Unit or Product (as applicable) as follows:
1. Each year, target combined ratios are established by or under the
direction of the Committee by Product, Distribution Channel and
New/Renewal business ("Designated Segments"), determined to yield
an average target policy life combined ratio of 96. Special Lines
and CV target combined ratios remain at 96 regardless of
Distribution Channel and whether New or Renewal business.
2. A weighted target combined ratio is calculated based on the
various target combined ratios, weighted based on the Net Earned
Premium generated by each Designated Segment for the Plan year.
3. The actual GAAP combined ratio achieved for the Plan year is
subtracted from the weighted target combined ratio to determine
the extent to which performance is over or under target. This
result, whether positive or negative, is subtracted from the
average policy life combined ratio target of 96 to determine the
Gainsharing Combined Ratio.
The Gainsharing Combined Ratio is then matched with growth in Net
Written Premium using the Gainsharing Matrix to determine a
Profitability and Growth Performance Score.
C. Component Weighting
-------------------
Profitability and Growth Components for the Core Business and assigned
Business Unit or Product, as applicable, are weighted as provided
above. For participants in the Core Business, the typical weighting
will be as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================
<S> <C>
Profitability and Growth Component Weighting
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Core Business 75%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Unit or Product 25%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 100%
=========================================================================
</TABLE>
There will typically be no Business Unit or Product Profitability and
Growth Component for participants assigned to a corporate support
function (such as Finance, Human Resources, Law and Information
Services) and others who are not assigned primarily to a Business Unit
or Product. Individualized programs may be developed if and to the
extent deemed appropriate by the CEO, CFO or CHRO.
<PAGE> 5
The Performance Score for each Profitability and Growth Component is
multiplied by the assigned weighting factor to produce a Weighted
Performance Score. The sum of the Weighted Performance Scores equals
the Performance Factor. The final Performance Factor can vary from 0
to 2.0, based on actual performance versus the pre-established
objectives. In some cases, the Profitability and Growth Performance
Score for the Core Business or a particular Business Unit or Product
may be above 2.0 or below 0. The individual scores (positive and
negative, above 2.0 and below 0) are not adjusted, but go directly
into the calculation of the Performance Factor, which is capped at 0
and 2.0.
7. Subject to Paragraph 8 below, no later than December 31 of each Plan year,
each participant will receive an initial payment in respect of his or her
Annual Gainsharing Payment for such Plan year equal to 75% of an amount
calculated on the basis of Paid Earnings for the first 25 pay periods of
the Plan year, one pay period of estimated earnings, performance data
through the first 11 months of the Plan year (estimated, if necessary) and
one month of forecasted operating results. No later than February 15 of the
following year, each such participant shall receive the balance of his or
her Annual Gainsharing Payment, if any, for such Plan year, based on his or
her Paid Earnings for the entire Plan year and performance data for the
Plan year.
Any Plan participant who is then eligible to participate in The Progressive
Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("Deferral Plan") may
elect to defer all or a portion of the Annual Gainsharing Payment otherwise
payable under this Plan, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the
Deferral Plan.
8. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee or as provided at Paragraph 10
hereof, in order to be entitled to receive any portion of an Annual
Gainsharing Payment for any Plan year, the participant must be employed by
Progressive on the payment date for that portion of the Annual Gainsharing
Payment. Annual Gainsharing Payments will be net of any legally required
deductions for federal, state and local taxes and other items.
9. The right to any Annual Gainsharing Payment hereunder may not be
transferred, assigned or encumbered by any participant. Nothing herein
shall prevent any participant's interest hereunder from being subject to
involuntary attachment, levy or other legal process.
10. The Plan shall be administered by or under the direction of the Committee.
The Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter and repeal such
rules, guidelines, procedures and practices governing the Plan as it shall,
from time to time, in its sole discretion, deem advisable.
The Committee shall have full authority to determine the manner in which
the Plan will operate, to interpret the provisions of the Plan and to make
all determinations hereunder. All such interpretations and determinations
shall be final and binding on Progressive, all Plan participants and all
other parties. No such interpretation or determination shall be relied on
as a precedent for any similar action or decision.
<PAGE> 6
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, all of the authority of the
Committee hereunder (including, without limitation, the authority to
administer the Plan, select the persons entitled to participate herein,
interpret the provisions thereof, waive any of the requirements specified
herein and make determinations hereunder and to establish, change or modify
Performance Components and their respective weighting factors, performance
targets and Target Percentages) may be exercised by the CEO, CFO or the
CHRO.
11. The Plan may be terminated, amended or revised, in whole or in part, at any
time and from time to time by the Committee, in its sole discretion.
12. The Plan will be unfunded and all payments due under the Plan shall be made
from Progressive's general assets.
13. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed as conferring upon any person the
right to remain a participant in the Plan or to remain employed by
Progressive, nor shall the Plan limit Progressive's right to discipline or
discharge any of its officers or employees or change any of their job
titles, duties or compensation.
14. Progressive shall have the unrestricted right to set off against or recover
out of any Annual Gainsharing Payment or other sums owed to any participant
under the Plan any amounts owed by such participant to Progressive.
15. This Plan supersedes all prior plans, agreements, understandings and
arrangements regarding bonuses or other cash incentive compensation payable
by or due from Progressive, other than The Progressive Corporation 1996
Process Management Bonus Plan and any successor plans thereto. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Plan supersedes and replaces
The Progressive Corporation 1995 Gainsharing Plan, as heretofore in effect
(the "Prior Plan"), which is and shall be deemed to be terminated as of
December 31, 1996 (the "Termination Date"); provided, that any bonuses or
other sums earned under the Prior Plan prior to the Termination Date shall
be unaffected by such termination and shall be paid to the appropriate
participants when and as provided thereunder.
16. This Plan is adopted, and is to be effective, as of January 1, 1997. This
Plan shall be effective for 1997 and for each calendar year thereafter
unless and until terminated by the Committee.
17. This Plan shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Ohio.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 10(D)
-----------------
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION 1997
EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN
<PAGE> 2
Exhibit 10(D)
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
1997 EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN
1. The Progressive Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Progressive") have
designed an executive compensation program consisting of three components:
salary, annual bonus and equity-based incentives in the form of
non-qualified stock options. These components have been structured to
reflect the market for executive compensation and to promote both the
achievement of corporate goals and performance that is in the long-term
interests of shareholders. The annual bonus component of this program is
performance-based and focuses on current results.
2. The 1997 Executive Bonus Plan (the "Plan") shall be administered by or
under the direction of the Executive Compensation Committee (the
"Committee") of the Board of Directors. Executive officers of Progressive
may be selected by the Committee to participate in the Plan for one or more
Plan years. Plan years shall coincide with Progressive's fiscal years.
3. The following executive officers have been selected for participation in
the Plan: Charles B. Chokel and Peter B. Lewis (the "participants").
4. Subject to the following sentence, the amount of the annual bonus earned by
any participant under the Plan ("Annual Bonus") will be determined by
application of the following formula:
Annual Bonus = Paid Salary x Target Percentage x Performance Factor
The Annual Bonus payable to any participant with respect to any Plan year
shall not exceed $2,500,000.00.
5. The salary rate of each Plan participant for any Plan year shall be
established by the Committee no later than ninety (90) days after
commencement of such Plan year. For purposes of the Plan, "salary" and
"Paid Salary" shall include regular, vacation, sick, holiday and funeral
pay received by the participant during the Plan year for work or services
performed by the participant as an officer or employee of Progressive, but
shall not include any (a) short-term or long-term disability payments, (b)
lump sum merit adjustments, (c) discretionary or other bonus or incentive
payments or (d) the earnings replacement component of any worker's
compensation award.
6. The Target Percentages for the participants in the Plan are as follows:
PARTICIPANT POSITION TARGET PERCENTAGE
----------- -------- -----------------
Charles B. Chokel Chief Financial Officer 125%
Peter B. Lewis Chief Executive Officer 135%
Target Percentages may be changed from year to year by the Committee.
<PAGE> 3
7. The Performance Factor
----------------------
A. General
-------
The Performance Factor shall be determined by the performance results
achieved with respect to one or more of the following components: Core
Business Gainsharing and Investment Performance, as described below
(the "Bonus Components"). An appropriate combination of Bonus
Components will be designated for each participant, and the designated
Bonus Components will be weighted, based on such participant's
assigned responsibilities.
The combination of Bonus Components designated for each of the
participants, and the relative weighting of those Components, are as
follows:
-----------------------------------------------------
CORE BUSINESS INVESTMENT
GAINSHARING PERFORMANCE
PARTICIPANT COMPONENT COMPONENT
------------------------------------------------------
Chokel 70% 30%
------------------------------------------------------
Lewis 80% 20%
------------------------------------------------------
The relative weighting of the Bonus Components may vary among Plan
participants and may be changed from year to year by the Committee.
Actual performance results achieved for any Plan year, as used to
calculate the performance score achieved for each of the applicable
Bonus Components, must be certified by the Committee prior to payment
of the Annual Bonus.
For purposes of computing the amount of the Annual Bonus for any Plan
year, the performance score achieved for each of the designated Bonus
Components will be multiplied by the applicable weighting factor to
produce a Weighted Performance Score. The sum of the Weighted
Performance Scores will equal the Performance Factor. The Performance
Factor can vary from 0 to 2.0, based on actual performance versus the
pre-established objectives.
B. Core Business Gainsharing Component
-----------------------------------
The Core Business Gainsharing Component measures overall operating
performance of Progressive's core personal and commercial automobile
insurance business ("Core Business") for the Plan year. For purposes
of computing a Performance Score for this Component, operating
performance results are measured by the Gainsharing Matrix, as
established by or under the direction of the Committee for the Plan
year, which assigns a Performance Score to various combinations of
profitability (as measured by the Gainsharing Combined Ratio) and
growth (based on year-to-year change in Net Written Premium) outcomes.
<PAGE> 4
The Gainsharing Combined Ratio is determined for the Core Business as
follows:
1. Each year, target combined ratios are established by or under the
direction of the Committee by Product, Distribution Channel and
New/Renewal business ("Designated Segments"), determined to yield
an average policy life target combined ratio of 96.
2. A weighted target combined ratio is calculated based on the
various target combined ratios, weighted based on the Net Earned
Premium generated by each Designated Segment for the Plan year.
3. The actual GAAP combined ratio achieved by the Core Business for
the Plan year is subtracted from the weighted target combined
ratio to determine the extent to which performance is over or
under target. This result, whether positive or negative, is
subtracted from the average policy life combined ratio target of
96 to determine the Gainsharing Combined Ratio.
The Gainsharing Combined Ratio is then matched with growth in Net
Written Premium using the Gainsharing Matrix to determine a
Performance Score for the Core Business Gainsharing Component.
C. Investment Performance Component
--------------------------------
The Investment Performance Component compares the investment
performance of the individual segments of Progressive's investment
portfolio ("Portfolio Segments") against the performance of selected
groups of comparable investment funds ("Investment Benchmarks") over
such period or periods as shall be determined by the Committee.
Investment results are marked to market in order to calculate total
return, which is then compared against the designated Investment
Benchmarks to produce a Performance Score for each Portfolio Segment.
The Portfolio Segments and Investment Benchmarks are as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO SEGMENT INVESTMENT BENCHMARK
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Equities (internally managed) Rogers Casey Large Cap Value Funds
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Equities (externally managed)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Short Term Fixed Income 70% Rogers Casey Intermediate
Fixed Income Funds
30% Rogers Casey Limited Duration
Fixed Income Funds
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Benchmarks, and the funds which comprise the
Investment Benchmarks, may be changed from year to year by the
Committee. Funds which announce or initiate a fundamental change
in investment strategy during the course of a Plan year may be
deleted from the Investment Benchmark.
<PAGE> 5
At the conclusion of a Plan year, the investment funds which
comprise an Investment Benchmark are ranked according to their
respective performances for the Plan year. The investment
performance achieved by each Portfolio Segment for the Plan year
is then compared against the performance of the several
investment funds which comprise the applicable Investment
Benchmark to determine the decile in which such Portfolio
Segment's performance falls ("Decile Ranking"). The Performance
Score for each Portfolio Segment is determined by its Decile
Ranking for the Plan year, as follows:
--------------- --------------------
DECILE PERFORMANCE
RANKING SCORE
--------------- --------------------
1st 2.00
--------------- --------------------
2nd 1.78
--------------- --------------------
3rd 1.56
--------------- --------------------
4th 1.33
--------------- --------------------
5th 1.11
--------------- --------------------
6th .89
--------------- --------------------
7th .67
--------------- --------------------
8th .44
--------------- --------------------
9th .22
--------------- --------------------
10th 0
--------------- --------------------
The Performance Scores for the several Portfolio Segments are
weighted, based on the average amounts invested in each such
Segment during the Plan year, and the weighted Performance
Scores for the Portfolio Segments are then combined to produce
the Investment Performance Score. Investment expense is not
included in determining investment performance vs. benchmark.
8. The Annual Bonus for any Plan year will be paid to participants
as soon as practicable after the Committee has certified
performance results for the Plan year, but no later than March 31
of the immediately following year. The provisions of this
Paragraph shall be subject to Paragraph 9 hereof.
Any Plan participant who is eligible to participate in The
Progressive Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
("Deferral Plan") may elect to defer all or a portion of the
Annual Bonus otherwise payable under this Plan, subject to and in
accordance with the terms of the Deferral Plan.
9. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in order to be
entitled to receive an Annual Bonus for any Plan year, the
participant must be employed by Progressive on the date
designated for payment thereof. Annual Bonus payments made to
participants will be net of any legally required deductions for
federal, state and local taxes and other items.
10. The right to any of the Annual Bonuses hereunder may not be
transferred, assigned or encumbered by any participant. Nothing
herein shall prevent any participant's interest hereunder from
being subject to involuntary attachment, levy or other legal
process.
<PAGE> 6
11. The Plan will be administered by or under the direction of the
Committee. The Committee will have the authority to adopt, alter and
repeal such rules, guidelines, procedures and practices governing the
Plan as it, from time to time, in its sole discretion deems advisable.
The Committee will have full authority to determine the manner in
which the Plan will operate, to interpret the provisions of the Plan
and to make all determinations thereunder. All such interpretations
and determinations will be final and binding on Progressive, all Plan
participants and all other parties. No such interpretation or
determination may be relied on as a precedent for any similar action
or decision.
The Plan will be administered by the Committee in accordance with the
requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the
"Code").
12. The Plan will be subject to approval by the holders of Progressive's
Common Shares, $1.00 par value ("shareholders") in accordance with the
requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and no Annual Bonus will be
paid hereunder unless the Plan has been so approved.
13. The Plan may be terminated, amended or revised, in whole or in part,
at any time and from time to time by the Committee, in its sole
discretion; provided that the Committee may not increase the amount of
compensation payable hereunder to any participant above the amount
that would otherwise be payable upon attainment of the applicable
performance goals, or accelerate the payment of any portion of the
Annual Bonus due to any participant under the Plan without discounting
the amount of such payment in accordance with Section 162(m) of the
Code, and further provided that any amendment or revision of the Plan
required to be approved by shareholders pursuant to Section 162(m) of
the Code will not be effective until approved by Progressive's
shareholders in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m).
14. The Plan will be unfunded and all payments due under the Plan will be
made from Progressive's general assets.
15. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed as conferring upon any person
the right to remain a participant in the Plan or to remain employed by
Progressive, nor shall the Plan limit Progressive's right to
discipline or discharge any of its officers or employees or change any
of their job titles, duties or compensation.
16. Progressive shall have the unrestricted right to set off against or
recover out of any bonuses or other sums owed to any participant under
the Plan any amounts owed by such participant to Progressive.
17. This Plan supersedes all prior plans, agreements, understandings and
arrangements regarding bonuses or other cash incentive compensation
payable or due to any participant from Progressive. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, this Plan supersedes and replaces The
Progressive Corporation 1995 Executive Bonus Plan, as heretofore in
effect (the "Prior Plan"), which is and shall be deemed to be
terminated as of December 31, 1996 (the "Termination Date"); provided,
that any bonuses or other sums earned under the Prior Plan prior to
the Termination Date shall be unaffected by such termination and shall
be paid to the appropriate participants when and as provided
thereunder.
18. This Plan is adopted and, subject to the provisions of Paragraph 12
hereof, is to be effective, as of January 1, 1997. Subject to the
provisions of Paragraph 12, this Plan shall be effective for 1997 and
for each year thereafter unless and until terminated by the Committee.
19. This Plan shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Ohio.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 10(M)
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION EXECUTIVE
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(JANUARY 1, 1997 AMENDED AND RESTATED)
<PAGE> 2
<TABLE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
<CAPTION>
PAGE NO.
--------
ARTICLE 1
---------
DEFINITIONS
-----------
<S> <C> <C>
1.1 "Affiliated Company" 1
------------------
1.2 "Annual Deferral Account" or "Account" 1
----------------------- -------
1.3 "Beneficiary" 1
-----------
1.4 "Change in Control" 1
-----------------
1.5 "Code" 1
----
1.6 "Committee" 1
---------
1.7 "Company" 1
-------
1.8 "Company Stock Fund" 1
------------------
1.9 "Deduction Limitation" 1
--------------------
1.10 "Deferral Agreement" 2
------------------
1.11 "Deferral" 2
--------
1.12 "Disabled" and "Disability" 2
-------------------------
1.13 "Distribution Event" 2
------------------
1.14 "Eligible Executive" 2
------------------
1.15 "ERISA" 2
-----
1.16 "Fixed Deferral Period" 2
---------------------
1.17 "Fixed Income Fund" 2
-----------------
1.18 "Gainsharing Award" 2
-----------------
1.19 "Investment Fund" 2
---------------
1.20 "Participant" 2
-----------
1.21 "Plan" 2
----
1.22 "Plan Year" 3
---------
1.23 "Termination of Employment" 3
-------------------------
1.24 "Stock" 3
-----
1.25 "Trust" 3
-----
1.26 "Trust Agreement" 3
---------------
1.27 "Trustee" 3
-------
1.28 "Valuation Date" 3
--------------
1.29 "Withdrawal Amount" 3
-----------------
ARTICLE 2
---------
DEFERRAL OF GAINSHARING AWARDS
------------------------------
2.1 Method of Deferral 3
------------------
2.2 Deferral Agreement Provisions 3
-----------------------------
2.3 Fixed Deferral Periods 4
----------------------
ARTICLE 3
---------
DISTRIBUTIONS AND WITHDRAWALS
-----------------------------
3.1 Date of Distribution 4
--------------------
3.2 Method of Distribution 4
----------------------
3.3 Amount of Distribution 5
----------------------
3.4 Form of Distribution 5
--------------------
3.5 Withdrawal Election 5
-------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
ARTICLE 4
---------
ACCOUNTS
--------
<S> <C> <C>
4.1 Establishment of Annual Deferral Accounts 5
-----------------------------------------
4.2 Initial Investment of Accounts 5
------------------------------
4.3 Valuation of Investment Funds 6
-----------------------------
4.4 Valuation of Accounts 6
---------------------
4.5 Nature of Accounts 6
------------------
4.6 Account Statements 6
------------------
ARTICLE 5
---------
INVESTMENT FUNDS
----------------
5.1 Investment Funds 7
----------------
5.2 Investment Elections of Participants 7
------------------------------------
5.3 Transfers 7
---------
5.4 Nature of Investment Funds 7
--------------------------
5.5 Liquidation of Investment Funds 7
-------------------------------
ARTICLE 6
---------
TRUST
-----
6.1 Establishment of Trust 8
----------------------
ARTICLE 7
PLAN OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION
---------------------------------
7.1 Powers of Committee 8
-------------------
7.2 Nondiscriminatory Exercise of Authority 9
---------------------------------------
7.3 Reliance on Tables, etc 9
-----------------------
7.4 Indemnification 9
---------------
7.5 Notices to Committee 9
--------------------
ARTICLE 8
---------
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
-----------------
8.1 Establishment of Claims Procedures 9
----------------------------------
8.2 Claims Denials 9
--------------
8.3 Appeals of Denied Claims 10
------------------------
8.4 Review of Appeals 10
-----------------
ARTICLE 9
---------
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
-------------------------------------
9.1 Amendment 10
---------
9.2 Termination 10
-----------
9.3 Liquidation of the Trust 11
------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ARTICLE 10
----------
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
------------------------
10.1 Headings 11
--------
10.2 Plan Not Contract of Employment 11
-------------------------------
10.3 Severability 11
------------
10.4 Prohibition on Assignment 11
-------------------------
10.5 Number and Gender 12
-----------------
10.6 Governing Law 12
-------------
10.7 Satisfaction of Claims 12
----------------------
10.8 No Warranties 12
-------------
10.9 Tax Withholding 12
---------------
10.10 Facility of Payment 12
-------------------
10.11 Repayment of Gainsharing Awards 12
-------------------------------
10.12 Stock Subject to the Plan 12
-------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION EXECUTIVE
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(JANUARY 1, 1997 AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT)
WHEREAS, The Progressive Corporation maintains The Progressive Corporation
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan pursuant to a plan document dated December
28, 1994; and,
WHEREAS, it is desired to amend and restate the Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, effective January 1, 1997, the Plan is hereby amended and
restated in its entirety to provide as follows:
ARTICLE 1
---------
DEFINITIONS
-----------
1.1 "AFFILIATED COMPANY" means any corporation included in the affiliated group
of corporations as defined in Section 1504 of the Code (determined without
regard to 1504(b)) of which the Company is the common parent corporation.
1.2 "ANNUAL DEFERRAL ACCOUNT" or "ACCOUNT" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.1.
1.3 "BENEFICIARY" means such person(s) as the Participant has designated. A
Participant may change his Beneficiary designation at any time. All
Beneficiary designations (including changes) shall be made in writing on
such forms as the Committee shall prescribe, and shall become effective
only when received and accepted by the Committee; provided, however, that a
Beneficiary designation (including a change) received by the Committee
after the designating Participant's death shall be disregarded. In the
absence of a Beneficiary designation, or if the designated Beneficiary is
no longer living or in existence at the time of the Participant's death,
all distributions payable from the Plan upon the Participant's death shall
be paid to the Participant's estate.
1.4 "CHANGE IN CONTROL" means a "Change in Control" or "Potential Change in
Control" within the meaning of The Progressive Corporation 1989 Incentive
Plan (amended and restated as of April 24, 1992 and as further amended as
of July 1, 1992 and February 5, 1993).
1.5 "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.6 "COMMITTEE" means the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company, or any successor committee.
1.7 "COMPANY" means The Progressive Corporation, an Ohio corporation, or its
successors.
1.8 "COMPANY STOCK FUND" means an Investment Fund consisting of Stock.
<PAGE> 6
1.9 "DEDUCTION LIMITATION" means the following described limitation on a
payment that may otherwise be distributable under the Plan. If the
Committee determines in good faith prior to a Change in Control that
there is a reasonable likelihood that any compensation paid to a
Participant for a taxable year of the Company would not be deductible by
the Company solely by reason of the limitation under Code Section 162(m),
then to the extent deemed necessary by the Committee to ensure that the
entire amount of any distribution to the Participant pursuant to this
Plan prior to a Change in Control is deductible, the Committee may elect
to defer all or any portion of a distribution under this Plan. Any
amounts deferred pursuant to this limitation shall continue to be deemed
to be invested as provided in Article 5. The amounts so deferred (subject
to investment gains and losses) shall be distributed to the Participant
or his or her Beneficiary (if the Participant dies) at the earliest
possible date, as determined by the Committee in good faith, on which the
deductibility of compensation paid or payable to the Participant for the
taxable year of the Company during which the distribution is made will
not be limited by Code Section 162(m), or, if earlier, upon a Change in
Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, the
Deduction Limitation shall not apply to any distributions made after a
Change in Control.
1.10 "DEFERRAL AGREEMENT" means a written agreement entered into by an
Eligible Executive pursuant to Article 2.
1.11 "DEFERRAL" means an amount credited to an Annual Deferral Account
pursuant to a Deferral Agreement.
1.12 "DISABLED" AND "DISABILITY" means that a Participant is expected to be
unable to perform the duties of his usual occupation for at least twelve
(12) consecutive months, as determined by the Committee.
1.13 "DISTRIBUTION EVENT" means, as to each Participant, the earliest of the
following events:
(i) the Participant's death;
(ii) the Participant's Termination of Employment; or
(iii) Change in Control.
1.14 "ELIGIBLE EXECUTIVE" means any executive of the Company or any Affiliated
Company who is designated in writing as an Eligible Executive by the
Committee, excluding, however, individuals who are not residents of the
United States or are not working at a location in the United States.
1.15 "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
1.16 "FIXED DEFERRAL PERIOD" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
1.17 "FIXED INCOME FUND" means the Vanguard Money Market Reserves - Prime
Portfolio or such other Investment Fund as may be designated by the
Committee as the Fixed Income Fund within the meaning of the Plan.
1.18 "GAINSHARING AWARD" means any bonus or other incentive award payable with
respect to a Plan Year under The Progressive Corporation 1997 Executive
Bonus Plan, The Progressive Corporation 1997 Gainsharing Plan or any
other plan or program as may be designated by the Committee.
1.19 "INVESTMENT FUND" means a device established from time to time by the
Committee pursuant to Section 5.1 that is used to calculate gains and
losses in amounts deferred by Participants under the Plan.
1.20 "PARTICIPANT" means an Eligible Executive who has deferred receipt of a
portion of any Gainsharing Award pursuant to a Deferral Agreement.
Participation shall begin on the date that a Deferral Account is
established in the name of the Participant and shall end on the date that
the Participant dies or receives a distribution of the balance of all his
Deferral Accounts.
1.21 "PLAN" means The Progressive Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation
Plan (January 1, 1997 Amendment and Restatement), as set forth herein and
as it may be amended from time to time.
<PAGE> 7
1.22 "PLAN YEAR" means 1997 and each subsequent calendar year.
1.23 "TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT" means the voluntary or involuntary cessation
of a Participant's active employment with the Company and all Affiliated
Companies as a result of any reason other than death, Disability and
approved leave of absence.
1.24 "STOCK" means the Common Shares, $1.00 par value, of the Company.
1.25 "TRUST" shall mean the trust maintained pursuant to the Trust Agreement
and known as The Progressive Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation
Trust.
1.26 "TRUST AGREEMENT" shall mean the agreement of trust between the Company
and the Trustee executed in furtherance of the Plan, as the same may be
amended from time to time.
1.27 "TRUSTEE" shall mean the person selected from time to time by the Company
to serve as trustee under the Trust Agreement.
1.28 "VALUATION DATE" shall mean each day that the New York Stock Exchange is
open for trading.
1.29 "WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT" shall have the meaning provided in Article 3.
ARTICLE 2
---------
DEFERRAL OF GAINSHARING AWARDS
------------------------------
2.1 METHOD OF DEFERRAL.
------------------
Each Eligible Executive may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of
his/her Gainsharing Award in respect of any Plan Year in excess of
applicable tax withholding and other deductions required to be made in
respect of the Gainsharing Award by signing a Deferral Agreement and
delivering it to the Committee. If a Gainsharing Award is payable in
installments, each installment, whether or not payable in the same Plan
Year, shall be subject to the same Deferral Agreement.
2.2 DEFERRAL AGREEMENT PROVISIONS.
-----------------------------
Each Deferral Agreement must satisfy all of the following requirements:
(a) it must be in writing and be in the form specified by the
Committee;
(b) it must be irrevocable;
(c) it must apply to only one Gainsharing Award;
(d) it must be signed by the Eligible Executive making the Deferral
and be delivered to the Committee prior to the Plan Year in which
the applicable Gainsharing Award will be earned;
(e) it must specify the percentage of the Eligible Executive's
Gainsharing Award to be deferred, which percentage shall not be
less than ten percent (10%). The same deferral percentage shall
apply to each installment of a Gainsharing Award covered by the
Deferral Agreement. However, a Deferral Agreement may provide for
the deferral of a percentage of that portion of a Gainsharing
Award that exceeds a specified gross dollar amount, which
percentage shall not be less than ten percent (10%).
Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 2.2(e),
no Deferral shall be less than such dollar amount as the Committee
may specify from time to time. All Deferrals shall be reduced by
applicable tax withholding and other legally required deductions;
<PAGE> 8
(f) it must specify whether the balance of the Annual Deferral Account
to be established pursuant to that Deferral Agreement will be
distributed in a lump sum, in three (3) annual installments or in
five (5) annual installments; and
(g) it must contain such other provisions, conditions and limitations
as may be required by the Company or the Committee.
2.3 FIXED DEFERRAL PERIODS.
------------------------
If an Eligible Executive wishes to defer receipt of all or a portion of
any Gainsharing Award for a fixed period of time ("Fixed Deferral
Period"), then his/her Deferral Agreement relating to such Gainsharing
Award shall specify that Fixed Deferral Period, which shall not be less
than three (3) years following the end of the Plan Year in which the
Gainsharing Award will be earned.
ARTICLE 3
---------
DISTRIBUTIONS AND WITHDRAWALS
-----------------------------
3.1 DATE OF DISTRIBUTION.
--------------------
The balance of each Annual Deferral Account of a Participant shall be
distributed within thirty (30) days following the earlier of (i) the date
a Distribution Event occurs, (ii) the date on which the Fixed Deferral
Period, if any, applicable to such Account expires, or (iii) the date, if
any, selected by the Company, in its sole discretion, pursuant to Section
9.2. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may also permit the balance
of all of a Participant's Annual Deferral Accounts to be distributed at
any time following the date the Participant is determined by the
Committee to be Disabled. If the Committee approves such a Disability
distribution, no further Deferrals shall be made with respect to the
Disabled Participant following the date of the Committee's approval, and
each Deferral Agreement to which such Participant is a party shall be of
no further effect.
3.2 METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION.
----------------------
Each distribution of the balance of an Annual Deferral Account made on
account of the Participant's death shall be made to the Participant's
Beneficiary. Each distribution made on account of the Participant's
death, termination of the Plan or a Change in Control shall be paid in a
lump sum. Each distribution made on account of the Participant's
Termination of Employment or expiration of a Fixed Deferral Period shall
be paid in either a lump sum or installments, as specified in the
applicable Deferral Agreement. Each distribution made on account of the
Participant's Disability shall be paid in either a lump sum or
installments, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. If a
Participant elects to receive (or, in the case of Disability, begins
receiving) payment in installments and dies prior to payment of all
installments, the balance remaining unpaid at his/her death shall be paid
to his/her Beneficiary in a lump sum. Installment payments shall be paid
annually for three (3) years or five (5) years, as specified in the
applicable Deferral Agreement. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions
of this Section 3.2, a Participant may elect to change the method of
distribution elected in respect of any distribution to be made on account
of Termination of Employment or expiration of a Fixed Deferral Period to
any of the three permissible options (lump sum, installments over three
(3) years, installments over five (5) years). Each such change must be
made in writing on such forms as the Committee shall specify and must be
delivered to the Committee at least one (1) year prior to Termination of
Employment or expiration of the Fixed Deferral Period.
<PAGE> 9
3.3 AMOUNT OF DISTRIBUTION.
----------------------
The amount of each lump sum payment shall be equal to the balance of the
Annual Deferral Account, as of the Valuation Date immediately preceding
the date of distribution. The amount of each installment payment shall be
equal to the balance of the Annual Deferral Account as of the Valuation
Date immediately preceding the date of payment multiplied by a fraction,
the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is the number
of years remaining in the period over which installments are to be paid.
Installment distributions to be made in Stock shall be rounded to the
nearest whole share. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the
contrary, all distributions, except those made on account of a Change in
Control, are subject to the Deduction Limitation.
3.4 FORM OF DISTRIBUTION.
--------------------
All distributions shall be made in cash, except that a distribution
representing amounts invested in the Company Stock Fund shall be made in
Stock.
3.5 WITHDRAWAL ELECTION.
-------------------
A Participant may elect at any time to withdraw all of his/her Annual
Deferral Account balances, less a withdrawal penalty equal to 10% of such
amount (the net amount shall be referred to as the "Withdrawal Amount").
This election can be made at any time before or after Disability, death
or Termination of Employment, and whether or not the Participant is in
the process of being paid pursuant to an installment payment schedule. No
partial withdrawals of the Withdrawal Amount shall be allowed. The
Withdrawal Amount shall be paid in a lump sum, except to the extent the
Deduction Limitation requires otherwise. The Participant shall make a
withdrawal election by giving the Committee advance written notice of the
election in a form specified by the Committee. The election shall be
irrevocable. The Participant shall be paid (or, if the Deduction
Limitation applies, commence to be paid) the Withdrawal Amount within 30
days after the Committee's receipt of his/her election. Once the
Withdrawal Amount is paid, or commences to be paid, the Participant's
participation in the Plan shall terminate and the Participant shall not
be eligible to participate in the Plan thereafter. If the Deduction
Limitation applies, the entire balance of all of the Participant's Annual
Deferral Accounts shall be reduced by the 10% withdrawal penalty
effective on the date that payment of the Withdrawal Amount is to
commence, even though final payment of the last portion of the Withdrawal
Amount will not be made until permitted by the Deduction Limitation
provisions. Any portion of the Withdrawal Amount not paid immediately
shall continue to be deemed to be invested as provided in Article 5. If a
Participant dies prior to payment of any portion of a Withdrawal Amount,
the remaining portion shall be paid to his/her Beneficiary in a lump sum,
subject to the Deduction Limitation. The provisions of Section 3.4 shall
apply to all withdrawals under this Section 3.5.
ARTICLE 4
---------
ACCOUNTS
--------
4.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF ANNUAL DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS.
-----------------------------------------
The Committee shall establish an Annual Deferral Account in the name of
each Participant for each Gainsharing Award, or portion thereof, that is
the subject of a Deferral Agreement. Such Account shall be established as
of the first date that such Gainsharing Award or portion otherwise would
have been paid to the Participant. Each Annual Deferral Account shall be
credited with the deferred portion of such Gainsharing Award. Thereafter,
all Annual Deferral Accounts shall be valued and administered as provided
in this Article.
<PAGE> 10
4.2 INVESTMENT OF ACCOUNTS.
----------------------
All credits to an Annual Deferral Account of a Participant shall be
deemed to be invested in such Investment Funds as the Participant shall
elect from time to time in accordance with Article 5. The number of
shares of Stock to be credited to a Participant's Account by virtue of a
Participant's election to invest a portion of a Deferral in the Company
Stock Fund shall be determined on the date of the Deferral, based on the
closing price of Stock on the immediately preceding Valuation Date as
quoted in the New York Stock Exchange composite trading. However, the
amount of a Deferral otherwise elected by the Participant to be invested
in the Company Stock Fund shall be reduced to the extent necessary to
insure that only whole shares of Stock are credited and an amount
corresponding to any fractional shares shall be invested in the Fixed
Income Fund.
4.3 VALUATION OF INVESTMENT FUNDS.
-----------------------------
As of each Valuation Date, the Trustee shall compute the value of each
Investment Fund from which shall be determined the net gain or loss of
such Investment Fund since the immediately preceding Valuation Date. The
net gain or loss shall include any unrealized and realized profits and
losses, and any dividends, interest or other income and any expenses
which are due or accrued, but shall not include distributions from such
Investment Fund or dividends transferred to the Fixed Income Fund
pursuant to the following sentence. Notwithstanding the preceding
provisions of this Section, any cash dividends paid in respect of Stock
shall not be considered part of the gain of the Company Stock Fund;
instead, those dividends shall be considered as having been transferred
to the Fixed Income Fund as of the date such dividends are paid. In
determining the value of each Investment Fund, the Trustee shall use the
following values: securities listed on any nationally recognized
securities exchange shall be valued at the closing price reported on any
such exchange on the Valuation Date, or, if there were no sales on the
Valuation Date, then at the quoted bid price on the Valuation Date.
Securities not listed on a recognized securities exchange shall be valued
at the quoted closing bid price on the Valuation Date. A unit of
participation in a common trust fund maintained by the Trustee or a share
in a mutual fund shall be valued at the unit value, or share price
respectively, in effect at the close of business on the Valuation Date.
Securities with respect to which there were no available sale prices or
bid prices on the Valuation Date, and any other investments, shall be
valued at prices deemed by the Trustee to represent the fair market value
thereof on the Valuation Date.
4.4 VALUATION OF ACCOUNTS.
---------------------
As of each Valuation Date, the net gain or loss of each Investment Fund
shall be allocated among the appropriate Annual Deferral Accounts in
accordance with such procedures as the Committee shall establish, which
procedures shall apply uniformly to all Participants.
4.5 NATURE OF ACCOUNTS.
------------------
All credits to each Annual Deferral Account of each Participant shall be
recorded as a liability on the books of the Company. However, no
Participant or Beneficiary shall have any proprietary rights of any
nature with respect to any Account of any Participant or with respect to
any funds, securities or other property owned by the Company or any
Affiliated Company that is held in the Trust or that otherwise may be
represented from time to time by Investment Funds. All payments under the
Plan shall be made from the Trust or from the Company's general funds and
in no event shall any Participant or Beneficiary have any claims or
rights to any payment hereunder that are superior to any claims or rights
of any general creditor of the Company.
4.6 ACCOUNT STATEMENTS.
------------------
The Committee will furnish each Participant with quarterly statements of
the value of each of his/her Annual Deferral Accounts.
<PAGE> 11
ARTICLE 5
---------
INVESTMENT FUNDS
----------------
5.1 INVESTMENT FUNDS.
----------------
The Committee shall establish and maintain the Company Stock Fund and
such other Investment Funds as are specified from time to time by the
Company. In this regard, the Company may choose to offer as Investment
Funds any investment vehicles, including without limitation: (i)
securities issued by investment companies advised by affiliates of the
Trustee, (ii) guaranteed investment contracts recommended by the Trustee,
and (iii) collective investment trusts maintained by the Trustee.
5.2 INVESTMENT ELECTIONS OF PARTICIPANTS.
------------------------------------
Each Participant shall make an investment election in the manner
prescribed by the Committee, directing the manner in which his/her
Deferrals shall be deemed to be invested. Each investment election must
be made in writing at the time the applicable Deferral Agreement is
signed and may be changed upon written notice to the Committee at least
five (5) business days prior to the deemed deposit of the applicable
Deferral into one or more Investment Funds. Each Participant may make a
separate investment election for each of his/her Annual Deferral
Accounts. Each investment election shall specify that Deferrals shall be
deemed to be deposited in one or more of the Investment Funds in
percentages that are each an integral multiple of 1% and that in the
aggregate equal 100% of the Deferral.
5.3 TRANSFERS. Amounts deemed to be invested in an Investment Fund pursuant
to this Section may be transferred to another Investment Fund in
accordance with such procedures and limitations as the Committee shall
prescribe. The procedures and limitations prescribed by the Committee may
include, without limitation, provisions which (i) limit transfers to
specified dollar amounts or percentages (ii) limit the number of
transfers that each Participant may make each Plan year (iii) limit the
dates as of which transfers may become effective and (iv) impose waiting
periods or other restrictions in connection with multiple transfers in
and out of the same Investment Fund. All such procedures and limitations
shall apply uniformly to similarly situated Participants.
5.4 NATURE OF INVESTMENT FUNDS.
--------------------------
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan, Trust or any Deferral Agreement to
the contrary, no Participant shall have any rights or interests in any
particular funds, securities or property of the Company, any Affiliated
Company or the Trust, or in any investment vehicle in which Deferrals are
deemed to be invested, by virtue of any investment election made by the
Participant under the Plan or any transactions engaged in by the Trust.
Each Annual Deferral Account, however, shall be credited/charged in
accordance with Article 4 with gains/losses as if the Participant in fact
had made a corresponding actual investment.
5.5 LIQUIDATION OF INVESTMENT FUNDS.
-------------------------------
If any Investment Fund is liquidated or otherwise ceases to exist without
a successor, then that portion of each Account balance that previously
has been deemed to have been invested in that Investment Fund shall be
deemed to have been transferred to an Investment Fund consisting of money
market instruments, or, if none, such other Investment Fund selected by
the Committee.
<PAGE> 12
ARTICLE 6
TRUST
6.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST.
----------------------
The Company shall establish and maintain a Trust to provide a source of
funds to assist the Company in meeting its liabilities under the Plan.
Within thirty (30) days following the end of each Plan Year ending after
the Trust has become irrevocable pursuant to the Trust Agreement, the
Company shall be required to irrevocably deposit additional cash or other
property to the Trust in an amount sufficient to pay each Participant or
Beneficiary the benefits payable pursuant to the terms of the Plan as of
the close of that Plan year.
The principal of the Trust, and any earnings thereon, shall be held
separate and apart from other funds of Company and shall be used
exclusively for the uses and purposes of Plan Participants and general
creditors of the Company as set forth herein and in the Trust Agreement.
Plan Participants and their Beneficiaries shall have no preferred claim
on, or any beneficial ownership interest in, any assets of the Trust. Any
rights created under the Plan and the Trust Agreement shall be mere
unsecured contractual rights of Plan Participants and their Beneficiaries
against Company. Any assets held by the Trust will be subject to the
claims of the Company's general creditors under federal and state law in
the event of Insolvency, as defined in the Trust Agreement. All assets
deposited in the Trust shall be held, administered and distributed by the
Trustee in accordance with the Trust Agreement. The Company shall pay
directly, or reimburse the Trustee for, all taxes due in respect of any
income or gains on Trust assets.
ARTICLE 7
---------
PLAN OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION
---------------------------------
7.1 POWERS OF COMMITTEE.
-------------------
The Committee will have full power to administer the Plan. Such power
includes, but is not limited to, the following authority:
(a) to make and enforce such rules and regulations as it deems
necessary or proper for the efficient administration of the Plan;
(b) to interpret the Plan and to decide all matters arising
thereunder, including the right to resolve or remedy any
ambiguities, inconsistencies or omissions. All such
interpretations shall be final and binding on all parties;
(c) to compute the amounts payable to any Participant or Beneficiary
or other person in accordance with the provisions of the Plan;
(d) to authorize disbursements from the Trust or the Plan;
(e) to keep such records and submit such filings, elections,
applications, returns or other documents or forms as may be
required under ERISA, the Code or other applicable law;
(f) to appoint such agents, counsel, accountants and consultants as
may be desirable to assist in administering the Plan;
(g) To exercise the other powers that are expressly granted to it
herein, or that are impliedly necessary for it to carry out any of
its responsibilities hereunder; and
(h) by written instrument, to delegate any of the foregoing powers.
<PAGE> 13
7.2 NONDISCRIMINATORY EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY.
---------------------------------------
The Committee shall exercise its authority in a nondiscriminatory manner
so that all persons similarly situated will receive substantially the
same treatment.
7.3 RELIANCE ON TABLES, ETC.
-----------------------
The Committee will be entitled, to the extent permitted by law, to rely
conclusively on all tables, valuations, certificates, opinions and
reports which are furnished by any accountant, Trustee, counsel or other
expert retained by the Committee to assist it in administering the Plan.
7.4 INDEMNIFICATION.
---------------
In addition to whatever rights of indemnification to which employees,
officers and directors of the Company and the Affiliated Companies may be
entitled under the articles of incorporation, regulations or bylaws of
the Company or the Affiliated Companies, under any provision of law, or
under any other agreement, the Company shall satisfy any liabilities
actually and reasonably incurred by any such employee, officer or
director, including expenses, attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement, in connection with any threatened, pending,
or completed action, suit, or proceeding which is related to the exercise
or failure to exercise by such person or persons of any of the powers,
authority, responsibilities, or discretion of the Company, the Affiliated
Companies or the Committee provided under the Plan or the Trust
Agreement, or reasonably believed by such person or persons to be
provided thereunder, and any action taken by such person or persons in
connection therewith.
7.5 NOTICES TO COMMITTEE.
--------------------
The Committee shall designate one or more addresses to which notices and
other communications to the Committee shall be sent. No notice or other
communication shall be considered to have been given to or received by
the Committee until it has been delivered to the Committee's attention at
one of such designated addresses.
ARTICLE 8
---------
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
-----------------
8.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF CLAIMS PROCEDURES.
----------------------------------
The Committee shall establish reasonable procedures under which a
claimant, who may be a Participant or Beneficiary, may present a claim
for benefits under this Plan.
8.2 CLAIMS DENIALS.
--------------
Unless such claim is allowed in full by the Committee, written notice of
the denial shall be furnished to the claimant within ninety (90) days
(which may be extended by a period not to exceed an additional ninety
(90) days if special circumstances so require and proper written notice
to the claimant is given prior to the expiration of the initial ninety
(90) day period) setting forth the following in a manner calculated to be
understood by the claimant:
(a) The specific reason(s) for the denial;
(b) Specific reference(s) to any pertinent provision(s) of the Plan or
rules promulgated pursuant thereto on which the denial is based;
(c) A description of any additional information or material as may be
necessary to perfect the claim, together with an explanation of
why it is necessary; and
(d) An explanation of the steps to be taken if the claimant wishes to
resubmit his/her claim for review.
<PAGE> 14
8.3 APPEALS OF DENIED CLAIMS.
------------------------
Within a reasonable period of time after the denial of the claim, but in
any event not to be more than sixty (60) days, the claimant or his/her
duly authorized representative may make written application to the
Committee for a review of such denial. The claimant or his/her
representative may review documents held by the Committee and pertinent
to the denial of such claim, and may submit a written statement of issues
and comments together with such application for review.
8.4 REVIEW OF APPEALS.
-----------------
If an appeal is timely filed, the Committee shall conduct a full and fair
review of the claim and mail or deliver to the claimant its written
decision within sixty (60) days after the claimant's request for review
(which may be extended by a period not to exceed an additional sixty (60)
days if special circumstances or a hearing so require and proper written
notice to the claimant is given prior to the expiration of the initial
sixty (60) day period). Such decision shall:
(i) Be written in a manner calculated to be understandable by
the claimant;
(ii) State the specific reason(s) for the decision;
(iii) Make specific reference to pertinent provision(s) of the
Plan upon which such decision is based; and
(iv) Be final and binding on all parties.
ARTICLE 9
---------
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
-------------------------------------
9.1 AMENDMENT.
---------
The Company may amend the Plan and Trust Agreement in any respect at any
time for any reason by action of the Committee without liability to any
Participant, Beneficiary or other person for any such amendment or for
any other action taken pursuant to this Section 9.1, provided that any
amendment required to be approved by the Company's shareholders pursuant
to Section 162(m) of the Code shall not be effective until approved by
the Company's shareholders in accordance with the requirements of Section
162(m) and further provided that no such amendment shall be made
retroactively in a manner that would deprive any Participant of any
rights or benefits which have accrued to his/her benefit under the Plan
as of the date such amendment is proposed to be effective, unless such
amendment is necessary to comply with applicable law.
<PAGE> 15
9.2 TERMINATION.
-----------
The Company may terminate the Plan at any time for any reason by action
of the Committee without any liability to any Participant, Beneficiary or
other person for any such termination or for any other action taken
pursuant to this Section 9.2. Following termination of the Plan, and
notwithstanding the provisions of any Deferral Agreement entered into
prior to such termination, no additional Deferrals may be made hereunder,
but all existing Accounts shall continue to be administered in accordance
with the Plan, as in effect immediately prior to termination, and shall
be distributed in accordance with such terms of the Plan and the
applicable Deferral Agreements, unless and until the Company elects to
accelerate distribution as provided below. At any time on or after the
effective date of termination of the Plan, the Company, in its sole
discretion, may elect to accelerate the distribution of the entire
balance of each Participant's Accounts. Such accelerated distributions
shall be made in accordance with Article 3, except that all distributions
shall be made in a lump sum based on the value of the Accounts,
determined as of the Valuation Date immediately preceding the date of
distribution. Upon the completion of distributions to all Participants or
Beneficiaries, as the case may be, no Participant, Beneficiary or person
claiming under or through them, will have any claims in respect of the
Plan.
9.3 LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST.
------------------------
The Trust shall continue in existence after the termination of the Plan
for such period of time as may be required to complete the liquidation
thereof in accordance with the terms of this Article 9.
ARTICLE 10
----------
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
------------------------
10.1 HEADINGS.
--------
The headings of the Plan have been inserted for convenience of reference
only and are not to be deemed controlling in any constructions of the
provisions herein (other than with respect to defined terms).
10.2 PLAN NOT CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.
-------------------------------
The existence of the Plan shall not create, evidence or change any
contract of employment with any Participant. The right of the Company and
all Affiliated Companies to take corrective, disciplinary or other action
with respect to their employees, including terminating their respective
employment at any time for any reason, shall not be affected by any
provision of this Plan, and the Company and the Affiliated Companies will
not be deemed responsible to provide continuing employment for any
reason, at any time solely by reason of this Plan.
10.3 SEVERABILITY.
------------
If any provision of the Plan shall be invalid, such provision shall be
fully severable, and the remainder of the Plan and the application
thereof shall not be affected thereby.
10.4 PROHIBITION ON ASSIGNMENT.
-------------------------
No right or interest under the Plan of any Participant or Beneficiary
shall be subject at any time or in any manner to anticipation,
alienation, assignment (either at law or in equity), encumbrance (as
security or otherwise), garnishment, levy, execution, or other legal or
equitable process, and no Participant or Beneficiary shall have the power
at any time or in any manner to anticipate, transfer, assign (either at
law or in equity), alienate, or subject to attachment, garnishment, levy,
execution or other legal or equitable process, or in any way encumber,
such Participant's or Beneficiary's rights or interests under the Plan,
and any attempt to do so shall be void; provided, however, that the
Company shall have the unrestricted right to set off against or recover
out of any payments due a Participant or Beneficiary at the time such
payments would have otherwise been payable hereunder, any amounts owed
the Company or any Affiliated Company by such Participant or Beneficiary.
<PAGE> 16
10.5 NUMBER AND GENDER.
-----------------
Any use of the singular shall be interpreted to include the plural and
the plural the singular. Any use of the masculine, feminine or neuter
shall be interpreted to include the masculine, feminine and neuter, as
the context shall require.
10.6 GOVERNING LAW.
-------------
To the extent not preempted by Federal law, the provisions of the Plan
shall be construed, regulated and administered under the laws of the
State of Ohio.
10.7 SATISFACTION OF CLAIMS.
----------------------
Any payment to any Participant or Beneficiary in accordance with the
terms of the Plan shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction
of all claims hereunder, whether they be against the Company, the
Committee, or the Trustee, any of whom may require the Participant or
Beneficiary (or legal representative), as a condition precedent to such
payment to execute a release and receipt therefor.
10.8 NO LIABILITY.
------------
Participation in the Plan is entirely at the risk of each Participant.
Neither the Company, any Affiliated Company, the Committee, the Trustee
nor any other person associated with the Plan shall have any liability
for any loss or diminution in the value of Accounts, or for any failure
of the Plan to effectively defer recognition of income or to achieve any
Participant's desired tax treatment or financial results.
10.9 TAX WITHHOLDING.
---------------
All payments under the Plan shall be subject to federal, state and local
income tax withholding and other legally required deductions.
10.10 FACILITY OF PAYMENT.
-------------------
If the Committee determines that a Participant or Beneficiary entitled to
receive a payment under this Plan is (at the time such payment is to be
made) a minor or physically, mentally or legally incompetent to receive
such payment and that another person or an institution has legal custody
of such minor or incompetent individual, the Committee may cause payment
to be made to such person or institution having custody of such
Participant or Beneficiary. Such payment, to the extent made, shall
operate as a complete discharge of obligation by the Committee, the
Company, the Trustee and the Trust.
10.11 REPAYMENT OF GAINSHARING AWARDS.
-------------------------------
If any amount credited to an Annual Deferral Account represents a portion
of a Gainsharing Award that is subsequently found to be repayable by the
Participant to the Company or any Affiliated Company pursuant to the plan
pursuant to which the Gainsharing Award was made, the amount of that
credit shall nevertheless remain unaffected by that repayment obligation,
and the Participant shall make the required repayment out of his/her own
funds.
<PAGE> 17
10.12 STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.
-------------------------
Subject to adjustment as provided below, the total number of shares of
Stock reserved and available for issuance in connection with the Plan is
Three Hundred Thousand (300,000). Any Stock issued hereunder may consist,
in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares or treasury
shares. If there is a merger, reorganization, consolidation,
recapitalization, share dividend, share split, combination of shares or
other change in corporate structure of the Company affecting the Stock,
such substitution or adjustment shall be made in the aggregate number of
shares of Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan as may be approved
by the Committee in its sole discretion; provided that the number of
shares of Stock to be issued in connection with the Plan shall always be
a whole number. Any fractional shares shall be eliminated and the value
of such fractional shares shall be deemed to have been transferred to the
Fixed Income Fund as of the effective date of such substitution or
adjustment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be executed by its
duly authorized officers as of this 16th day of December, 1996.
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
By: /s/ David M. Schneider
--------------------------
Title: Secretary
-----------------------
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 11
--------------
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS
PER SHARE
<PAGE> 2
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT 11
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
(MILLIONS - EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
1996 1995 1994
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Per Per
Amount Share Amount Share Amount Share
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PRIMARY:
Net income $313.7 $250.5 $274.3
Less: Preferred stock dividends (3.5) (8.4) (8.6)
Excess Preferred Stock liquidation
price over carrying value (2.9) -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$307.3 $4.14 $242.1 $3.26 $265.7 $3.59
=============================================================================
Average shares outstanding 71.6 71.8 71.6
Net effect of dilutive stock options 2.6 2.4 2.4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 74.2 74.2 74.0
=============================================================================
FULLY DILUTED:
Net income $313.7 $250.5 $274.3
Less: Preferred stock dividends (3.5) (8.4) (8.6)
Excess Preferred Stock liquidation
price over carrying value (2.9) -- --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$307.3 $4.11 $242.1 $3.24 $265.7 $3.59
=============================================================================
Average shares outstanding 71.6 71.8 71.6
Net effect of dilutive stock options 3.2 2.9 2.4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 74.8 74.7 74.0
=============================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 12
--------------
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS
TO FIXED CHARGES
<PAGE> 2
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT 12
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(millions)
(unaudited)
<CAPTION>
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------
1996 1995
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Income before income taxes $441.7 $345.9
------------ -------------
Fixed Charges:
Interest and amortization on indebtedness 61.5 57.1
Portion of rents representative of the interest factor 4.5 4.2
------------ -------------
Total fixed charges 66.0 61.3
------------ -------------
Total income available for fixed charges $507.7 $407.2
============ =============
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 7.7 6.6
============ =============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 13
--------------
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
1996 ANNUAL REPORT
<PAGE> 2
Exhibit 13
About the Art
A Whether Progressive proactively changes its approach to marketing
or management, or changes in reaction to competition, regulation
or technology, change is constant and requires agility,
flexibility and velocity. To illustrate that Progressive changes
constantly, "Change" was selected as the theme for this Annual
Report. As Progressive continues to reinvent itself to serve
customers, it has become a designer and agent of change, both
internally and throughout the industry. At the same time,
embracing change also facilitates Progressive's ability to adapt
to shifts in the market that are outside of its control. The art
for this years' annual report was commissioned to directly
address the concept of "Change." Russian-born artists, Rimma
Gerlovina and Valeriy Gerlovin use their own faces and bodies as
a canvas for the transformation of their "still performances"
known as photoglyphs. The Gerlovins' work will become part of
Progressive's growing collection of contemporary art.
E 1996 Financial Highlights 2
Vision, Core Values and Objectives 7
Letter to Shareholders 18
Financial Review 32
cover Calendar back cover Spiral Clock
-------- ------------
<PAGE> 3
1996 Financial Highlights 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions-except per share amounts)
Average Annual Compounded
Rate of Increase (Decrease)
-----------------------------
5-Year 10-Year
1996 1995 % Change 1992-1996 1987-1996
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
For the Year
Direct premiums written $ 3,638.4 $ 3,068.9 19% 19% 16%
Net premiums written 3,441.7 2,912.8 18 21 16
Net premiums earned 3,199.3 2,727.2 17 20 17
Total revenues 3,478.4 3,011.9 15 18 17
Operating income 309.1 220.1 40 29 19
Net income 313.7 250.5 25 57 17
Per share:
Operating income 4.08 2.84 44 28 20
Net income 4.11 3.24 27 59 18
Underwriting margin(1) 8.5% 5.7% 8 6
At Year-End
Consolidated shareholders' equity $ 1,676.9 $ 1,475.8 14 29 18
Common Shares outstanding 71.5 72.1 (1) 3 (2)
Book value per Common Share $ 23.45 $ 19.31 21 32 20
Return on average common shareholders' equity 20.5% 19.6% 25 23
Stock Price Appreciation(2) 1-Year 5-Year 10-Year
Progressive 38.5% 31.0% 21.6%
S&P 500 22.8% 15.2% 15.2%
<FN>
(1) The 5- and 10-year amounts represent averages for the period, not rate of
increase.
(2) Assumes dividend reinvestment.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
1996 Performance Highlights 3
Operating income per share, which excludes
net realized gains on security sales and one-
time items, increased 44 percent to $4.08.
Progressive's stock appreciated 38.5
percent during the year.
The Core business net premiums written
grew 19 percent with an 8.1 percent
underwriting profit margin.
Market capitalization was $4.8
billion at December 31, 1996.
The companywide underwriting profit margin
was 8.5 percent, compared to the personal
auto insurance market's estimated underwriting
loss of 1.0 percent.
<PAGE> 5
4
E V O
<PAGE> 6
5
About Progressive
The Progressive insurance organization
began business in 1937. Progressive
Casualty Insurance Company was founded
in 1956 to be among the first specialty
underwriters of nonstandard auto
insurance. The Progressive Corporation,
an insurance holding company formed in
1965, owns 64 subsidiaries and has one
mutual insurance company affiliate. The
companies provide personal automobile
insurance and other specialty
property-casualty insurance and related
services sold primarily through
independent insurance agents in the
United States and Canada. The 1996
estimated industry premiums, which
include personal auto insurance in the
U.S. and Ontario, Canada, as well as
insurance for commercial vehicles, were
$129.4 billion, and Progressive's share
was 2.6 percent.
L V E
<PAGE> 7
6
See-d
- -----
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 8
Vision, Core Values and Objectives 7
Communicating a clear picture of Progressive by stating what we
try to achieve (Vision), what guides our behavior (Core Values), what our people
expect to accomplish (Objectives), and how we evaluate performance
(Measurements), permits all people associated with Progressive to understand
their role and enjoy their contributions.
Vision
We seek to be an excellent, innovative, growing and enduring business by
reducing the human trauma and economic costs of auto accidents, theft and other
perils while building a recognized, trusted, admired, business-generating
consumer brand. We seek to earn a superior return on equity and to provide a
positive environment to attract quality people and achieve ambitious growth
plans.
Core Values
Progressive's Core Values are pragmatic statements of what works best for us in
the real world and they govern our decisions and behavior. We want them
understood and embraced by all Progressive people. Growth and change provide new
perspective and require regular refinement of Core Values.
Integrity. We revere honesty. We adhere to high ethical standards, report
completely, encourage disclosing bad news and welcome disagreement.
Golden Rule. We respect all people, value the differences among them and deal
with them in the way we want to be dealt with. This requires us to know
ourselves and to try to understand others.
Objectives. We strive to be clear and open about Progressive's ambitious
objectives and our people's personal and team objectives. We evaluate
performance against all these objectives.
Excellence. We strive constantly to improve in order to meet and exceed the
highest expectations of our customers, shareholders and people. "Quality" is
Progressive's process for teaching and encouraging our people to improve
performance and reduce the costs of what they do for customers. We base rewards
on results and promotion on ability.
Profit. The opportunity to earn a profit is how the competitive free-enterprise
system motivates investment to enhance human health and happiness. Our
increasing profits reflect our customers and claimants increasingly positive
view of Progressive. We strive to find the most cost-effective ways to reduce
the human trauma and economic costs of automobile accidents. We value social
and economic well-being and strive to give back to our communities.
<PAGE> 9
8
G R O
<PAGE> 10
9
O W
<PAGE> 11
Financial Objectives and Measurements
- -------------------------------------
10
Consistent achievement of superior results requires that our people understand
Progressive's objectives and their specific role, and that their personal
objectives dovetail with Progressive's. Our objectives are ambitious yet
realistic. We are committed to achieving financial objectives over rolling
five-year periods. Experience always clarifies objectives and illuminates better
strategies. We constantly evolve as we monitor the execution of our strategies
and progress toward achieving our objectives.
Return On Shareholders' Equity. Our most important financial goal is to achieve
an after-tax return on shareholders' equity over a five-year period that is at
least 15 percentage points greater than the rate of inflation (measured by the
Consumer Price Index which was 3.3 percent in 1996, and averaged 2.8 percent
over the past five years and 3.7 percent over the past ten years). Return on
equity was 20.5 percent in 1996, and averaged 25.2 percent over the past five
years and 23.4 percent over the past ten years.
Profitability. Progressive is driven by the goal of producing a 4 percent
underwriting profit over the entire retention period of an insured. Overall, we
had an underwriting profit of 8.5 percent in 1996, 8.1 percent for the past five
years and 5.6 percent for the past ten years. Estimated industry results for the
personal auto insurance market for the same periods were underwriting losses of
1.0 percent, 1.4 percent and 3.9 percent.
Growth. We seek increases in net premium volume that are at least 15 percentage
points greater than the rate of inflation. Companywide net premiums written
increased 18.2 percent in 1996, 21.0 percent compounded annually over the past
five years and 16.0 percent over the past ten years. Net premiums written in the
personal auto insurance market for the same periods grew 5.2 percent, 5.3
percent and 6.5 percent.
Achievements. We are convinced that the best way to maximize shareholder
value is to achieve these financial objectives consistently. An initial
shareholder who purchased 100 shares of Progressive for $1,800 in our
first public stock offering on April 15, 1971, owned 7,689 shares on December
31, 1996, with a market value of $518,000, for a 24.7 percent compounded annual
return, compared to the 8.4 percent return achieved by investors in the
Standard & Poor's 500 during the same period. In addition, the shareholder
received dividends of $1,768 in 1996, bringing their total dividends received
to $14,500 since they purchased the stock.
In the ten years since December 31, 1986, Progressive shareholders have
realized compounded annual returns of 21.6 percent, compared to 15.2 percent for
the S&P 500. In the five years since December 31, 1991, Progressive
shareholders' returns were 31.0 percent, compared to 15.2 percent for the S&P
500. In 1996, the returns were 38.5 percent on Progressive shares and 22.8
percent on the S&P 500.
The repurchase of Progressive stock is another way the Company increases
shareholder value. Over the years, when we have adequate capital and
Progressive's stock is attractively priced, we have repurchased our shares.
Since 1971, we have spent $568.2 million repurchasing our shares, at an average
cost of $6.92 per share. During 1996, we repurchased 1.0 million Common Shares
at an average cost of $41.73 per share.
<PAGE> 12
11
Germination
-----------
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 13
12
Ladder
- ------
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 14
1996 Objectives and Accomplishments 13
- -----------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 Last 5 Years Last 10 Years
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Return on Shareholders' Equity
Objective 18.3% 17.8% 18.7%
Accomplishment 20.5 25.2 23.4
Underwriting Profit (Loss) Margin
Objective 4.0 4.0 4.0
Accomplishment 8.5 8.1 5.6
Industry-Personal Auto Insurance Market (1.0) (1.4) (3.9)
Growth (annualized)
Objective 18.3 17.8 18.7
Accomplishment 18.2 21.0 16.0
Industry-Personal Auto Insurance Market 5.2 5.3 6.5
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 15
Claim Stories 14
Sundial
-------
Artwork Here
Following are the claim stories that appeared in our earnings releases
throughout 1996:
A claim representative responded to a call reporting damage to a
policyholder's vehicle after a tornado swept through his neighborhood in
Louisville, Kentucky. Because of possible looting, the police were not allowing
anyone other than residents to drive into the devastated area. So, he parked the
Immediate Response Vehicle and set out on foot, reaching the policyholder within
one hour of the report of loss. Once he arrived at the scene, only one more
problem remained. A huge tree had fallen, completely obscuring the car. To allow
him to settle the claim, the claim representative and the owner of the vehicle
used a chain saw and cleared all of the wood so an estimate could be provided
and the claim could be settled. That's not what you'd expect from an insurance
company . . . well, maybe you should.
On April 25, a new policyholder bought an auto insurance policy in Gainesville,
Florida. On May 29, the same policyholder reported that she hit a deer which
caused extensive damage to her vehicle. While inspecting the damage, our claim
representative removed some hair fibers and took them to a local veterinarian.
The vet advised the claim representative that the hair was from a cow, not a
deer. With this piece of information, our special investigation unit was able to
track down a report of a cow that was killed several hours before the policy was
taken out--a month before the loss was reported! The investigator located the
cow's owner, confirmed when and where the cow had been killed and exhumed the
body. The investigator found that the debris embedded in the cow's flesh matched
the damaged parts on the policyholder's vehicle. The claim was denied. It just
goes to show you that sometimes you have to dig deep down to get all the facts!
<PAGE> 16
15
Graphic of Time
---------------
Artwork Here
December 22--A policyholder, along with her two children and a carload of
Christmas presents, was on her way from Atlanta to Miami when she ran off the
highway and hit a guardrail. She called to report the accident from the
now-disabled car. It was dark and she was alone with her children on the side of
the interstate. When Progressive received the claim report, the claim
representative immediately called a car rental agency and persuaded the manager,
who was closing the rental office for the night, to stay open just a little
later so a car could be delivered to the policyholder waiting on the side of the
interstate. The claim representative then called a body shop and arranged for a
tow truck to meet him at the accident scene. The claim representative arrived at
the accident scene shortly before the rental car and tow truck and, within two
hours of the accident, helped the policyholder load the Christmas presents and
her children into the rental car so the family could continue their holiday trip
to Miami. That's not what people expect from their insurance company . . . well,
maybe they should.
During peak drive time on a Friday afternoon on one of Miami's busiest highways,
one of Progressive's policyholders was rear-ended on his way to work. Of all
days, this was not a day he could be late for work. The policyholder was a
musician with the Miami Sound Machine and not only was the group about to
perform at the Miami Arena, HBO would be broadcasting the event worldwide. The
policyholder called from the accident scene, explained the situation and
indicated he had no time to spare. No problem for Progressive's Immediate
Response(R) claims service. The claim representative gathered the loss
information and arranged for a tow truck and rental car to be dispatched to the
accident scene. Upon arriving at the scene, the claim representative got the
policyholder into the rental car, assured him the claim was being handled and
sent him off to the hundreds of thousands of fans eagerly anticipating the
concert. That's not what you'd expect from an insurance company . . . well,
maybe you should.
<PAGE> 17
16
I
D
S
<PAGE> 18
17
O
V
C
E
R
<PAGE> 19
Letter to Shareholders 18
In 1996, Progressive continued on its path to leadership in automobile
insurance. We expanded from 37 to 43 the number of states where we hope to
convince every auto owner and operator to investigate and buy Progressive's
unique package of low cost auto insurance and extraordinary customer service. We
make it easy for consumers to do business with Progressive by distributing our
products through many different channels.
I am proud and happy to report that we believe that our private passenger auto
premium growth in 1996 made Progressive the 6th largest United States auto
insurance company. We grew in 1996 by increasing our share of the approximately
$22 billion nonstandard auto insurance market and by continuing to grow in the
approximately $85 billion standard and preferred auto insurance market. We work
hard and invest heavily in people and processes to reduce the human trauma and
economic costs of auto accidents. Our results include the cost of these
investments, designed to make us more competitive for all auto insurance.
In 1996, Progressive's organization adapted to the company's larger size and
gained the flexibility and responsiveness required to sustain superior
performance in the face of increasingly intense competition and increasingly
rapid technological change. We are confident that we can continue to grow
profitably by continuing to lower our costs and rates and continuing to improve
customer service and the speed with which we deliver it. The rate, extent and
success of all the change required to accomplish this has earned Progressive
unexpected recognition as a leader among the many organizations which are
re-engineering themselves.
Progressive's strong focus on customers leads to steady growth in market
share which, in turn, permits us to reduce the costs of doing business and
become even more competitive. Our people's superb response to the challenge of
creating and managing growth reaffirms both how committed and how talented they
are. Great people operating with a clear Vision, strong Core Values and creative
Strategies will continue to drive Progressive's profitable growth.
Growing the number of policyholders, particularly standard and preferred risks
with their higher retention rates, builds intrinsic value because renewals are
more profitable than first year business. To encourage writing more standard and
preferred risks and to improve customer retention, we adjusted the 1997
"Gainsharing" program (contingent cash incentive compensation for all
Progressive people) to credit the estimated increase in value created by adding
new customers. The drive to add customers faster will result in more spending
to promote our brand and to develop more claim adjusters and customer service
representatives. These costs, along with expected losses on first year
business, are likely to bring underwriting profit margins more in line with our
4 percent objective.
Like all shareholders, we want premium growth to translate into current
earnings growth and a higher stock price. However, we manage by executing
meaningful, long-term strategies that build value which we expect to be
reflected in the stock price over five-year periods. Therefore, as an
investment, Progressive stock may be most attractive to investors interested in
long-term appreciation.
To facilitate growth and the execution of our strategies, we reorganized in
1996 to be less hierarchical, to have managers doing both staff and line work,
and to become closer to customers by expanding the number of local business
units. We eliminated the Chief Operating Officer
<PAGE> 20
19
Impulse of Life
---------------
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 21
To Be 20
-----
role and created a "Policy Team" made up of the eleven people who make
Progressive's final management-level decisions--five Process Leaders
respectively responsible for Product, Independent Agent Marketing, Direct
Marketing, Ownership (customer service) and Claims, as well as the Chief
Financial, Human Resources, Legal, Information and International Officers, and
me.
Policy Team member's Gainsharing compensation is targeted between 100 percent
and 135 percent of base salary and is based largely on corporate results, with
Process Leaders incented to achieve world class profit/growth producing
breakthroughs. My role on the team is to ensure that all issues are identified,
articulated and addressed; to decide in the rare instances where there is
sufficient disagreement to warrant my doing so; and to oversee the objective
setting and performance evaluation processes. In 1996, Policy Team members
initiated the practice of evaluating each other and being evaluated by their
direct reports.
We organized process teams made up of people from both staff and line
functions to support the business units serving ever more localized sets of
customers. The teams concentrate on improving the processes fast enough to
sustain Progressive meeting its own high standards for customer service, profit
and growth.
Most business unit general managers report to Process Leaders. General
managers are responsible for reducing claim costs, improving agent service and
relationships, direct marketing and deciding price levels for their territory.
Gainsharing for general managers is targeted at 50 percent to 100 percent of
base salary, depending on business size and process involvement, and is earned
based on the profitability and growth of their business. We subdivide
continuously as growth produces enough customers to warrant more local focus,
which almost always drives costs down and improves customer service. Early in
1997, we had 38 business units, compared to 16 at the end of 1995.
Progressive's unique approach to management continues to evolve along with its
business strategy. Our management philosophy includes the following:
Total Quality Management dovetails with our Excellence Core Value--doing better
than we did before--and empowers Progressive people to change how they function
if the change measurably improves customer service or reduces costs, and if it
does not disrupt others in the work chain. Because measurement is essential to
TQM, we have dramatically improved our ability to measure performance and to
control quality.
Teamwork is the way we work. We continue to improve the ways in which we
motivate, manage, evaluate and reward teams.
Steady Cost Reduction has been, and continues to be, critical to our strategy.
Underwriting expenses were 21.6 percent of premiums in 1996, compared to 23.0
percent in 1995 and 35.0 percent in 1990.
Process Management by top managers eliminates much staff/line friction, fosters
cooperation among business units and departments, and requires balancing
delicate trade-offs between local autonomy and collective effectiveness.
Thorough Testing of new ideas has replaced our former propensity to seize
perceived opportunities and grow them as fast as possible.
Performance-based Compensation pays our people very well for exceptional
performance, makes contingent pay significant to everyone and fosters the
achievement of our demanding objectives. In 1996, 10.8 percent of total
compensation resulted from our Gainsharing program.
<PAGE> 22
21
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 23
22
Results
- -------
In 1996, net premiums written increased 18 percent to $3,441.7 million, compared
to $2,912.8 million in 1995. Progressive has posted an annual underwriting
profit in 24 out of the last 30 years and bettered our 4 percent underwriting
goal with an 8.5 percent margin in 1996. We reduced underwriting expenses by 1.4
percentage points in 1996, following a 1.7 point reduction in 1995.
Operating income, which excludes net realized gains on security sales and
one-time items, is the best measure of how well we manage our insurance
operations. Operating income increased to $309.1 million, or $4.08 per share,
compared to $220.1 million, or $2.84 per share, in 1996. Operating income
excludes $7.1 million of net realized gains in 1996, compared to $46.7 million
in 1995. Net income was $313.7 million, or $4.11 per share, this year, compared
to $250.5 million, or $3.24 per share, in 1995. Return on shareholders' equity
was 20.5 percent, compared to 19.6 percent in 1995.
Changing Globe
--------------
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 24
Progressive's Core Business 23
- ---------------------------
Ninety-eight percent of Progressive's net premiums written is insurance for
private passenger automobiles, recreational vehicles and small fleets of
commercial vehicles, which we categorize as "core." Core business net premiums
written grew 19 percent to $3,367.2 million, compared to $2,824.2 million in
1995. The underwriting profit margin was 8.1 percent, compared to 5.2 percent in
1995.
Three years ago, we consolidated our new, unique and superior customer
services into a Progressive brand by expanding service in a number of states and
testing ways to project the brand to potential customers. We focused managers on
empowering people and constantly improving the delivery of around-the-clock,
immediate response, information-rich service, designed to delight customers.
We use a combination of television commercials, direct mail and other media to
urge consumers to test Progressive's smart new way to shop for auto insurance by
calling 1 800 AUTO PRO(R) (1-800-288-6776). In an average 15-minute call,
consumers can receive a quote for their particular risk profile from Progressive
and comparison rates from up to three other leading auto insurers, including
State Farm and Allstate. Our representative also explains the following service
improvements, which when considered together, are unique to Progressive:
Assistance after an accident, or other loss, is Progressive's most important
service, so we implore our customers to call 1-800-274-4499 immediately after
any incident. Twenty four hours a day, 7 days a week, a Progressive person
answers the phone, takes the information, authorizes emergency measures and
almost always can have a Progressive claim representative face-to-face with the
customer or claimant within a few hours.
Universal acceptance because consumers abhor being rejected or cancelled.
Progressive rarely rejects and never cancels honest customers who pay their
premiums in the 43 states where our complete program is operative.
Competitive rates for risks from ultra-preferred to nonstandard in the states
with the complete program. As experience makes us comfortable with pricing
standard and preferred risks, we concentrate more on this market which accounted
for between 10 and 15 percent of 1996 premium volume and is expected to become
an increasing percentage of total premium volume.
Many different ways to buy, which consumers prefer, so
we offer choices--including over 30,000 independent
insurance agencies (our most important method of
distribution), joint marketing relationships with
national accounts and Progressive's 1 800 AUTO PRO(R)
telephone service. Now that our personal auto product
line includes standard and preferred auto, agents have
found more and better ways to match the product they
offer with the needs of the consumer, spurring our
growth and helping the independent agent channel regain
lost market share.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week service. Consumers want to
do business when it's convenient for them, so we operate
24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide new insurance
quotes, handle endorsements and questions concerning
current policies, and, most importantly, respond to
accidents and other incidents. Our customers depend upon
our service, which is supported by a real-time disaster
management approach that continuously monitors
performance of internal systems, threatening weather
patterns and other natural events. This approach allows
us to regularly reconfigure our network and place
disaster response teams in motion as soon as we hear of
an event.
<PAGE> 25
24
Absolute-Relative
- -----------------
Artwork Here
Progressive's Diversified Businesses
------------------------------------
The United Financial Casualty Company, Professional Liability Group
and Motor Carrier business units provide combinations of service and
indemnity to businesses. Their primary products are collateral
protection coverage for automobile lenders and loan tracking for
financial institutions, directors and officers liability and fidelity
coverage for American Bankers Association member community banks, and
underwriting and claim servicing for state involuntary residual market
commercial and personal auto programs and other commercial
enterprises. Each unit is the largest provider of its specialty in the
country, though the market size for each declined in 1996.
The Diversified businesses produced revenues and pretax profits of
$117.7 million and $24.3 million, respectively, in 1996, compared to
$130.2 million and $29.9 million in 1995. In 1996, Progressive
acquired 50.1 percent of an automobile inspection service company for
$3.0 million.
<PAGE> 26
Investments and Capital Management 25
- ----------------------------------
Progressive employs a conservative approach to investment and capital management
intended to ensure that there is sufficient capital to support all the insurance
premium that can be profitably written. Benchmarks for measuring the performance
of our investment professionals discourage the assumption of large amounts of
interest rate risk. The quality of our portfolio remained exceptional.
Fixed-income investments averaged about 89 percent of our portfolio with 63
percent invested in treasuries and other AAA securities. The duration of the
fixed-income portfolio was 3.2 years at year-end.
Our 1996 objective was to increase Progressive's exposure to the equity
markets closer to the 15 percent target established in early 1996 while avoiding
excessive market volatility which could reduce surplus and thus curtail growth.
On December 31, 1996, common stocks comprised 12.1 percent of the portfolio, up
from 8.2 percent at the prior year-end. This percentage will increase as
investment opportunities are identified. Progressive generally pursues a "value"
rather than a "growth" style of equity investing. From this perspective, the
domestic stock markets look over-valued relative to some foreign markets. We
rely on Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., a value-oriented firm, to manage our small
global equity portfolio.
The 1996 taxable equivalent total return for the portfolio was 7.8 percent,
compared to 12.4 percent last year. The average maturity of our fixed-income
portfolio ranged between 3.1 years and 3.9 years throughout the year. The short
average maturity of Progressive's bond portfolio reflects the 1.7 year average
life of our insurance liabilities.
The total portfolio increased to $4,450.6 million at December 31, 1996, from
$3,768.0 million at December 31, 1995. Investment income (interest, dividends
and realized gains and losses) was $232.9 million before taxes and $180.2
million after taxes, compared to $245.8 million before taxes and $186.6 million
after taxes in 1995. On December 31, 1996, our portfolio had $114.1 million in
unrealized capital gains, compared to $78.7 million at the end of 1995,
resulting from increased stock prices as the S&P 500 index rose from 615.9 to
740.7 during the year.
Our ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus was 2.7 to 1 on
December 31, 1996. The Company has sufficient funds to support anticipated
growth in the operating companies. Progressive's debt to total capital ratio was
32 percent at year-end 1996, compared to 31 percent last year and a range of 24
percent to 61 percent over the past 20 years. During 1996, we issued $100
million of 7.30% 10-year Notes and redeemed our 93/8% Serial Preferred Shares,
Series A, at a price of $25 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends through
May 31, 1996, the redemption date, for a total cost of $82.1 million. In
addition, we repurchased 1.0 million Common Shares at an average cost of $41.73
per share.
Progressive supports risk-based capital monitoring by regulators
and endorses the trend toward more demanding standards than those currently in
use. This effort to improve the early detection of financial weakness before it
leads to insolvency should benefit Progressive over time by reducing state
insolvency fund assessments. The risk-based capital calculation reflects
favorably on companies like Progressive with historically high profitability,
short-tailed liabilities, and conservative reserves and investments.
Lunation
--------
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 27
26
RE:
<PAGE> 28
27
NEW
<PAGE> 29
28
Risks
- -----
Progressive faces tremendous opportunity. We point out risks to help our
shareholders understand the company better, not because our risk level is
greater than that of other businesses.
Legislative and Regulatory Risk. Insurance laws and regulations change
continually. There were no significant reforms during the year. We rely on our
general managers to help regulators and legislators resolve issues in the way
that best serves consumers.
Unpredictable Underwriting Margin and Growth Rate. Our strategy is to strive to
achieve a 4 percent underwriting profit margin over the entire retention period
of an insured. We cannot predict with precision the timing and pace of changes
in underwriting margins, in retention nor in the rate of growth. We monitor each
program to ensure that rates are adjusted promptly and adequately to obtain 4
percent margins over the entire retention period of a policyholder.
Pricing Risk. We continue to learn how to price standard and preferred auto
insurance, and to experiment with new ways to price certain segments. We
minimize the risk implicit in new pricing methodology by controlling volume in
new programs and changing rates immediately when experience dictates.
Homeowners Insurance. This type of insurance has the potential to expose
Progressive to catastrophes. Thus, there will be risk if our auto insurance
market share objectives require us to offer it. Our current absence of plans to
write homeowners
is also risky because many consumers prefer to
buy all their insurance from one company. In
1997, we will assess the demand for homeowners
and will develop a plan to satisfy our
customers' needs.
Advertised Brand. Consumer advertising and
brand awareness require higher performance
standards. We continually consider consumers'
demands and appreciate their ability to make
wise choices. In response, we are always
looking for new and innovative ways to improve
service at a lower cost.
Competitor Response. Other insurers are
reacting to Progressive's attempt to change
consumers' auto insurance experience,
but we cannot predict when and how their
response will affect our growth and
profitability. We monitor competitors and will
promptly incorporate their product and service
improvements in our consumer offerings. In
addition, our people, with their knowledge of
our operations along with their skills and
talents, are being sought by companies with
whom we compete.
<PAGE> 30
29
Projection
- ----------
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 31
30
The Future
- ----------
Looking forward prompts me to reminisce. When I leave the office for the last
time in a business year, I think about my Dad, Joe Lewis, Progressive's founder
and driving force for 18 years, and about the challenges implicit in producing
one more record year. As a very young man, I helped Dad with the year-end hand
compilation of policy-by-policy results that was Progressive's annual operating
summary then. The end of 1996 was especially poignant for me because Progressive
is about to celebrate its 60th anniversary and because I was recovering from
surgery to correct a circulation problem in my leg, which I am delighted to
report has healed well.
I start my 33rd year as CEO proud of producing record earnings and volume in
most years and still undaunted by the challenge implicit in Progressive's and my
own high standards. I am excited by the new problems and opportunities that come
faster and are more perplexing than ever. Along with all Progressive people, in
1997 I will focus on and be measured by improving claim handling quality and
efficiency; building the Progressive brand; new process implementation; and
responding to community-specific opportunities.
Progressive is leading a wave of change in the United States' system for
dealing with auto accident injuries and property damage. We are reducing auto
accident victims' trauma and costs, improving how consumers feel about auto
insurance and being rewarded for our leadership and commitment. Success so far
encourages us to expand at a pace that tests our ability to provide the service
we aspire to deliver.
We begin 1997 as we began all other years --excited, respectful of the
challenge implicit in our objectives and strategy, humbled by our failures,
proud of having responded to them and confident that our excellent people will
continue to achieve superior results.
Much will be required to realize our Vision. At Progressive, it is always as
if we are just beginning our business and so we look at a future that is
brighter than ever.
We deeply appreciate the customers we are privileged to serve. Thank you for
your business, and thanks especially to the more than 30,000 independent
insurance agents who chose to do business with Progressive in 1996. We are
particularly grateful for our shareholders' continued confidence. To the men and
women who make Progressive a great company, thanks for all your contributions in
1996 and the promise you bring to our future.
Joy Love and Peace
/s/ Peter Lewis
Peter B. Lewis
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 32
31
Odd
- ---
Artwork Here
<PAGE> 33
1996 Financial Review 32
Artwork Here
Vivid
-----
Consolidated Financial Statements 34
Management's Discussion and Analysis 47
Ten Year Summaries 50
Loss Reserves 54
Direct Premiums Written by State 54
Quarterly Financial and Common Share Data 55
<PAGE> 34
Report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Independent Accountants 33
- -----------------------------------------------------------
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders, The Progressive Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Progressive
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of The Progressive Corporation and
subsidiaries' 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 The Progressive
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Cleveland, Ohio
January 21, 1997
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 35
Consolidated Statements of Income 34
- ---------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions-except per share amounts)
For the years ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Premiums Written $ 3,441.7 $ 2,912.8 $ 2,457.2
-----------------------------------------
Revenues
Premiums earned $ 3,199.3 $ 2,727.2 $ 2,191.1
Investment income 225.8 199.1 158.5
Net realized gains on security sales 7.1 46.7 23.8
Service revenues 46.2 38.9 41.9
-----------------------------------------
Total revenues 3,478.4 3,011.9 2,415.3
-----------------------------------------
Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 2,236.1 1,943.8 1,397.3
Policy acquisition costs 482.6 459.6 391.5
Other underwriting expenses 208.5 167.2 150.8
Investment expenses 6.1 8.1 8.7
Service expenses 41.9 30.2 31.9
Interest expense 61.5 57.1 55.3
-----------------------------------------
Total expenses 3,036.7 2,666.0 2,035.5
-----------------------------------------
Net Income
Income before income taxes 441.7 345.9 379.8
Provision for income taxes 128.0 95.4 105.5
-----------------------------------------
Net income $ 313.7 $ 250.5 $ 274.3
=========================================
Per Share
Primary $ 4.14 $ 3.26 $ 3.59
Fully diluted 4.11 3.24 3.59
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 36
Consolidated Balance Sheets 35
- ---------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions)
December 31, 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Investments:
Available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities, at market (amortized cost: $3,384.1 and $2,729.5) $3,409.2 $2,772.9
Equity securities, at market
Preferred stocks (cost: $333.8 and $379.4) 341.6 382.3
Common stocks (cost: $458.9 and $277.6) 540.1 310.0
Short-term investments, at amortized cost (market: $159.7 and $302.8) 159.7 302.8
-----------------------
Total investments 4,450.6 3,768.0
Cash 15.4 16.2
Accrued investment income 46.9 39.8
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $23.2 and $19.2 820.8 649.9
Reinsurance recoverables 310.0 338.1
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 85.8 70.5
Deferred acquisition costs 200.1 181.9
Income taxes 62.1 58.3
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $126.7 and $128.7 169.9 159.2
Other assets 22.3 70.6
-----------------------
Total assets $6,183.9 $5,352.5
=======================
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Unearned premiums $1,467.3 $1,209.6
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 1,800.6 1,610.5
Policy cancellation reserve 43.3 40.8
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 420.1 339.9
Funded debt 775.7 675.9
-----------------------
Total liabilities 4,507.0 3,876.7
-----------------------
Shareholders' equity:
Serial Preferred Shares (authorized 20.0) 93/8% Serial Preferred Shares,
Series A, no par value,
cumulative, liquidation preference $25.00 per share (issued
and outstanding: 0 and 3.4) -- 83.6
Common Shares, $1.00 par value (authorized 200.0, issued 83.1,
including treasury shares of 11.6 and 11.0) 71.5 72.1
Paid-in capital 381.8 374.8
Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities 74.0 51.1
Retained earnings 1,149.6 894.2
-----------------------
Total shareholders' equity 1,676.9 1,475.8
-----------------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $6,183.9 $5,352.5
=======================
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 37
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity 36
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions-except per share amounts)
For the years ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Preferred Shares, No Par Value
Balance, Beginning of year $ 83.6 $ 85.8 $ 87.9
Redemption of shares (77.9) -- --
Treasury shares purchased-cost basis (5.7) (2.2) (2.1)
----------------------------------------
Balance, End of year $ -- $ 83.6 $ 85.8
----------------------------------------
Common Shares, $1.00 Par Value
Balance, Beginning of year $ 72.1 $ 71.2 $ 72.1
Stock options exercised .4 .9 .2
Treasury shares purchased (1.0) -- (1.1)
----------------------------------------
Balance, End of year $ 71.5 $ 72.1 $ 71.2
----------------------------------------
Paid-In Capital
Balance, Beginning of year $ 374.8 $ 357.1 $ 357.6
Stock options exercised 6.5 9.2 2.5
Tax benefits on stock options exercised 5.9 8.5 2.4
Treasury shares purchased (5.4) -- (5.4)
----------------------------------------
Balance, End of year $ 381.8 $ 374.8 $ 357.1
----------------------------------------
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) On Investment Securities
Balance, Beginning of year $ 51.1 $ (30.7) $ 33.5
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 22.9 81.8 (64.2)
----------------------------------------
Balance, End of year $ 74.0 $ 51.1 $ (30.7)
----------------------------------------
Retained Earnings
Balance, Beginning of year $ 894.2 $ 668.5 $ 446.8
Net income 313.7 250.5 274.3
Cash dividends on Preferred Shares (9 3/8% annually) (3.2) (8.3) (8.5)
Cash dividends on Common Shares ($.23, $.22
and $.21 per share) (16.4) (15.8) (14.9)
Treasury shares purchased: Common Shares (35.5) -- (27.5)
Preferred Shares (.3) (.1) (.2)
Preferred Shares redeemed (2.9) -- --
Other, net -- (.6) (1.5)
----------------------------------------
Balance, End of year $1,149.6 $ 894.2 $ 668.5
----------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity $1,676.9 $1,475.8 $1,151.9
========================================
</TABLE>
On May 31, 1996, the Company redeemed, at its option, all of the remaining
9 3/8% Serial Preferred Shares, Series A, at a cost of $25 per share, plus
accrued and unpaid dividends through the redemption date.
There are 5.0 million Voting Preference Shares authorized; no such shares have
been issued.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 38
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 37
- -------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions)
For the years ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income $ 313.7 $ 250.5 $ 274.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 23.8 20.4 19.3
Net realized gains on security sales (7.1) (46.7) (23.8)
Changes in:
Unearned premiums 257.7 172.9 264.7
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 190.1 176.1 85.8
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 50.1 16.5 14.9
Policy cancellation reserve 2.5 (6.5) (12.8)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (15.3) 12.7 1.4
Reinsurance recoverables 28.1 41.6 1.2
Premiums receivable (170.9) (107.5) (161.8)
Deferred acquisition costs (18.2) (20.3) (37.0)
Income taxes (16.3) .6 9.9
Other, net 14.0 20.3 15.2
----------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 652.2 530.6 451.3
----------------------------------------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchases:
Held-to-maturity: fixed maturities -- (.2) (89.6)
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities (4,447.2) (2,575.5) (1,463.1)
equity securities (725.3) (763.1) (350.2)
Sales:
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities 3,306.3 1,744.9 731.6
equity securities 537.7 593.6 298.3
Maturities, paydowns, calls and other:
Held-to-maturity: fixed maturities -- 87.1 58.6
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities 465.7 497.2 354.5
equity securities 62.5 10.4 17.7
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments 143.1 (23.7) (48.3)
(Receivable) payable on securities 76.3 (52.0) (41.3)
Purchases of property and equipment (35.8) (38.3) (58.2)
----------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (616.7) (519.6) (590.0)
----------------------------------------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 6.9 10.1 2.7
Tax benefits from exercise of stock options 5.9 8.5 2.4
Redemption of Preferred Shares (80.8) -- --
Proceeds from funded debt 99.6 -- 198.4
Payments of funded debt (.4) (.4) (.4)
Dividends paid to shareholders (19.6) (24.1) (23.4)
Acquisition of treasury shares (47.9) (2.3) (36.3)
----------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (36.3) (8.2) 143.4
----------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash (.8) 2.8 4.7
Cash, Beginning of year 16.2 13.4 8.7
----------------------------------------
Cash, End of year $ 15.4 $ 16.2 $ 13.4
========================================
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 39
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 38
- ------------------------------------------
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
1. Reporting and Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company
formed in 1965, owns 64 subsidiaries and has one mutual insurance company
affiliate. The companies provide personal automobile insurance and other
specialty property-casualty insurance and related services sold primarily
through independent insurance agents in the United States and Canada.
Basis of Consolidation and Reporting The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of The Progressive Corporation, its subsidiaries
and affiliate (the Company). All of the subsidiaries and the affiliate are
wholly owned or controlled. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The parent company's investments
in subsidiaries exceeded their underlying book value at dates of acquisition by
$7.0 million, of which $1.6 million remains.
Investments Held-to-maturity: fixed-maturity securities are securities which the
Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. The Company had
no held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 1996 and 1995. In November 1995,
the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a Special Report entitled
"A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." In accordance with the
implementation guidance, the Company reclassified its held-to-maturity
securities to available-for-sale and marked the securities to market.
Available-for-sale: fixed-maturity securities are securities held for
indefinite periods of time or sold in response to changes in interest rates,
anticipated prepayments, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or similar
economic factors. These securities are carried at market value with the
corresponding unrealized appreciation or depreciation, net of deferred income
taxes, reflected in shareholders' equity. The asset-backed portfolio is
accounted for under the retrospective method; prepayment assumptions are based
on market expectations.
Available-for-sale: equity securities include common stocks and nonredeemable
preferred stocks and are reported at quoted market values. Changes in the market
values of these securities, net of deferred income taxes, are reflected as
unrealized appreciation or depreciation in shareholders' equity. Changes in
value due to foreign currency exchange are recognized in income in the current
period.
Derivatives, as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
119, "Disclosures about Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of
Financial Instruments," include futures, options, short positions, forward
positions, foreign currency forwards and interest rate swap agreements, and are
carried in the appropriate available-for-sale portfolio based on the nature of
the instrument. Those instruments held or issued for purposes other than trading
are carried at market value; changes in value of futures, options, foreign
currency forwards and short positions are recorded to income in the current
period, and changes in the value of forward positions and interest rate swaps
are reflected in shareholders' equity as unrealized appreciation or
depreciation, net of deferred income taxes. At disposition, changes in value of
forward positions and interest rate swap agreements are recognized in income as
"net realized gains or losses on security sales." Those instruments entered into
for the purpose of hedging are carried at market value; changes in value follow
the recognition of the asset being hedged. Hedges are evaluated on established
criteria to determine the effectiveness of their correlation and ability to
reduce risk. Gains or losses on closed hedge positions are recorded as basis
adjustments to the cost of the assets hedged and amortized over their expected
life. Unamortized amounts are recognized in income at the disposition of the
assets hedged. Gains and losses on foreign currency hedges are recognized in
income and offset the foreign exchange gains and losses on the underlying
transactions.
Trading securities are securities bought principally for the purpose of
selling them in the near term and are reported at market value. Changes in
market value are recognized in income in the current period. During the year,
the net activity in trading securities was not material to the Company's results
of operations, cash flows and financial position. The Company had no trading
securities or financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk held or issued
for trading purposes at December 31, 1996 and 1995.
Short-term investments include eurodollar deposits, commercial paper and other
securities maturing within one year and are reported at amortized cost, which
approximates market.
Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate,
market and credit. Market values of securities fluctuate based on the magnitude
of changing market conditions; significant changes in market conditions could
materially affect portfolio value. Risk is individually evaluated for all
positions, including financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk.
Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are computed based on the
first-in first-out method.
Property and Equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation
is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using accelerated
methods for computers and straight line for all other fixed assets.
Insurance Premiums and Receivables Insurance premiums written are earned
primarily on a pro rata basis over the period of risk. For products where more
than 50 percent cancellations are anticipated, premiums written and earned are
reduced, though cancellations have not yet occurred.
The Company provides insurance and related services to individuals, lenders
and motor carriers throughout the United States and in Canada, and offers a
variety of payment plans to meet individual customer needs. Generally, premiums
are collected in advance of providing risk coverage, minimizing the Company's
exposure to credit risk.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves Loss reserves represent the estimated
liability on claims reported to the Company, plus reserves for losses incurred
but not yet reported (IBNR). These estimates are reported net of amounts
recoverable from salvage and subrogation. Loss adjustment expense reserves
represent the estimated expenses required to settle these claims and losses. The
methods of making estimates and establishing these reserves are reviewed
regularly, and resulting adjustments are reflected in income currently. Such
loss and loss adjustment expense reserves could be susceptible to significant
change in the near term.
Reinsurance The Company's reinsurance transactions are primarily attributable to
premiums written under state-mandated involuntary plans for commercial vehicles
(Commercial Auto Insurance Procedures-CAIP), for which the Company retains no
indemnity risk. (See Note 3-Reinsurance for further discussion). The remaining
reinsurance arises from the Company seeking to reduce its loss exposure in its
non-auto businesses. Prepaid reinsurance premiums are recognized on a pro rata
basis over the period of risk.
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 40
39
Earnings Per Share Prior to the redemption of the Preferred Shares, net income
was reduced by Preferred Share dividends earned during the period and the excess
of the fair value over the carrying amount of Preferred Shares repurchased for
both the primary and fully diluted earnings per share calculations. Primary and
fully diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted number of
Common Shares and equivalents, including stock options, assumed outstanding
during the period.
Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred acquisition costs include commissions,
premium taxes and other costs incurred in connection with writing business.
These costs are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related
premiums are earned. The Company considers anticipated investment income in
determining the recoverability of these costs. There is no indication that these
costs will not be fully recoverable in the near term.
Service Revenues and Expenses Service revenues are earned on a pro rata basis
over the term of the related policies; acquisition expenses are deferred and
amortized over the period in which the related revenues are earned.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash includes only bank demand deposits. The
Company paid income taxes of $121.5 million, $75.5 million and $89.8 million in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Total interest paid was $60.3 million for
1996, $56.6 million for 1995 and $48.3 million for 1994.
As discussed above, on December 1, 1995, the Company reclassified $248.4
million of its held-to-maturity securities to available-for-sale, recognizing
$10.4 million in gross unrealized gains.
Stock Options The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Principles Board
(APB) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," to account for
its stock option activity in the financial statements. The Company granted all
options currently outstanding at an exercise price equal to the market price at
the date of grant and, therefore, under APB 25, no compensation expense is
recorded. The Company follows the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation."
Estimates The Company is required to make estimates and assumptions when
preparing its financial statements and accompanying notes in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Reclassifications Certain amounts in the financial statements for prior periods
were reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation.
2. Investments
The components of pretax investment income at December 31 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Held-to-maturity: fixed maturities $ -- $ 15.8 $ 18.4
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities 183.9 140.3 103.8
equity securities 27.7 23.9 23.2
Short-term investments 14.2 19.1 13.1
----------------------------------
Investment income 225.8 199.1 158.5
----------------------------------
Gross realized gains:
Held-to-maturity: fixed maturities -- .8 1.1
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities 23.9 49.0 49.6
equity securities 39.7 32.5 23.0
Short-term investments -- .1 --
Gross realized losses:
Held-to-maturity: fixed maturities -- (.6) (.7)
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities (29.6) (22.3) (40.2)
equity securities (26.9) (12.8) (9.0)
----------------------------------
Net realized gains on security sales 7.1 46.7 23.8
----------------------------------
$232.9 $245.8 $182.3
==================================
Changes in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities and equity
securities were:
(millions) 1996 1995 1994
Unrealized gains (losses):
Held-to-maturity: fixed maturities $ -- $(6.2) $(12.1)
==================================
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities $(18.3) $86.1 $(73.4)
equity securities 53.7 40.0 (25.4)
Deferred income taxes (12.5) (44.3) 34.6
----------------------------------
$ 22.9 $81.8 $(64.2)
==================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 41
40
The composition of the investment portfolio at December 31 was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government obligations $ 830.1 $ 1.5 $ (2.5) $ 829.1
State and local government obligations 1,314.7 24.0 (7.4) 1,331.3
Foreign government obligations 48.7 2.4 -- 51.1
Corporate debt securities 48.6 2.2 -- 50.8
Asset-backed securities 1,084.3 10.5 (6.5) 1,088.3
Other debt securities 57.7 .9 -- 58.6
-----------------------------------------------------------
3,384.1 41.5 (16.4) 3,409.2
Preferred stocks 333.8 8.5 (.7) 341.6
Common stocks 458.9 92.9 (11.7) 540.1
Short-term investments 159.7 -- -- 159.7
-----------------------------------------------------------
$ 4,336.5 $ 142.9 $ (28.8) $ 4,450.6
===========================================================
1995
Available-for-sale:
U.S. government obligations $ 676.7 $ 9.5 $ (.1) $ 686.1
State and local government obligations 1,186.9 32.6 (7.9) 1,211.6
Foreign government obligations 33.9 1.0 -- 34.9
Corporate debt securities 59.7 1.4 -- 61.1
Asset-backed securities 722.3 8.8 (2.0) 729.1
Other debt securities 50.0 .8 (.7) 50.1
-----------------------------------------------------------
2,729.5 54.1 (10.7) 2,772.9
Preferred stocks 379.4 3.7 (.8) 382.3
Common stocks 277.6 43.6 (11.2) 310.0
Short-term investments 302.8 -- -- 302.8
-----------------------------------------------------------
$ 3,689.3 $ 101.4 $ (22.7) $ 3,768.0
===========================================================
</TABLE>
The composition of fixed maturities by maturity at December 31, 1996 was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) Market
Cost Value
<S> <C> <C>
Less than one year $ 482.6 $ 486.8
One to five years 1,903.0 1,915.3
Five to ten years 769.2 771.9
Ten years or greater 229.3 235.2
---------------------------
$ 3,384.1 $ 3,409.2
===========================
</TABLE>
Asset-backed securities are reported based upon their projected cash flows. All
other securities which do not have a single maturity date are reported at
average maturity.
At December 31, 1996, bonds in the principal amount of $64.0 million were on
deposit with various regulatory agencies to meet statutory requirements.
The components of derivative financial instruments were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) Market Value/Carrying Value Contract/Notional Value
at December 31, at December 31,
--------------------------- -----------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Forward and future positions:
Assets $ (.3) $ .1 $ 16.5 $ 4.6
Liabilities .8 (3.0) 34.0 54.7
Option positions-assets -- (.3) -- 50.0
Foreign currency forward positions:
Assets .5 .1 62.0 21.2
Liabilities 1.0 .4 145.4 97.1
------------------ -------------------
$ 2.0 $ (2.7) $257.9 $227.6
================== ===================
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 42
41
Derivatives are used to manage the risks and enhance the yields of
the available-for-sale portfolio. This is accomplished by modifying the basis,
duration, interest rate or foreign currency characteristics of the portfolio or
hedged securities. Net cash requirements are limited to changes in market
values, which may vary based upon changes in interest rates and other factors.
Exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying value; unless otherwise
noted, collateral is not required to support the credit risk.
The Company had open investment funding commitments of $13.7 million and $12.7
million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company had no
uncollateralized lines and letters of credit as of December 31, 1996 or 1995.
3. Reinsurance
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to
policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in
losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its
reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk to minimize its exposure
to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. As of December 31, 1996 and
1995, 52 percent and 69 percent, respectively, of the "prepaid reinsurance
premiums" and 68 percent and 70 percent, respectively, of the "reinsurance
recoverables" relate to CAIP, for which the Company retains no indemnity risk.
The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned as of December 31 is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995 1994
---------------------- ------------------------ -------------------------
Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct premiums $ 3,638.4 $ 3,380.7 $ 3,068.9 $ 2,895.9 $ 2,645.1 $ 2,378.4
Assumed 3.8 3.8 .1 .1 2.9 4.9
Ceded (200.5) (185.2) (156.2) (168.8) (190.8) (192.2)
----------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
Net premiums $ 3,441.7 $ 3,199.3 $ 2,912.8 $ 2,727.2 $ 2,457.2 $ 2,191.1
======================= ======================== ========================
</TABLE>
Losses and loss adjustment expenses are net of reinsurance ceded of $117.3
million in 1996, $104.1 million in 1995 and $145.9 million in 1994.
4. Litigation
The Company is named as defendant in various lawsuits generally relating to its
insurance operations. Numerous legal actions arise from claims made under
insurance policies issued by the subsidiaries or in connection with previous
reinsurance agreements. These actions were considered by the Company in
establishing its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. The Company believes
that the ultimate disposition of these and other pending lawsuits will not
materially impact the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial
position.
5. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated statements of
income differs from the statutory rate as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995 1994
-------------------- ------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income before income taxes $ 441.7 $ 345.9 $ 379.8
========== =========== =======
Tax at statutory rate $ 154.6 35% $ 121.1 35% $ 132.9 35%
Tax effect of:
Exempt interest income (21.1) (5) (21.9) (6) (24.8) (6)
Dividends received deduction (7.7) (2) (5.7) (2) (3.4) (1)
Other items, net 2.2 1 1.9 1 .8 --
-------------------- ------------------- ---------------
$ 128.0 29% $ 95.4 28% $ 105.5 28%
==================== =================== ===============
</TABLE>
The current portion of the income tax provision was $157.2 million in 1996,
$95.2 million in 1995 and $113.0 million in 1994.
<PAGE> 43
42
Deferred income taxes reflect the impact for financial statement reporting
purposes of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. At December 31, 1996 and
1995, the components of the net deferred tax assets were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Unearned premium reserve $ 96.7 $ 79.7
Non-deductible accruals 38.8 29.4
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments 2.8 --
Capitalized expenditures 8.3 5.2
Loss reserve discounting 7.3 10.5
Other 10.3 7.4
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs (70.0) (63.7)
Unrealized gains (40.1) (27.6)
---------------------------
Net deferred tax assets $ 54.1 $ 40.9
===========================
</TABLE>
The Company is able to demonstrate that the benefit of its deferred tax assets
is fully realizable.
Deferred income taxes include noninterest bearing special estimated tax deposits
made pursuant to Section 847 of the Internal Revenue Code of $48.7 million and
$38.5 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
6. Statutory Financial Information
At December 31, 1996, $167.3 million of consolidated statutory policyholders'
surplus represents net admitted assets of the Company's insurance subsidiaries
that are required to meet minimum statutory surplus requirements in the
subsidiaries' states of domicile. The subsidiaries may be licensed in states,
other than their states of domicile, which may have higher minimum statutory
surplus requirements. Generally, the net admitted assets of insurance
subsidiaries that, subject to other applicable insurance laws and regulations,
are available for transfer to the parent company cannot include the net admitted
assets required to meet the minimum statutory surplus requirements of the states
where the subsidiaries are licensed.
During 1996, the insurance subsidiaries paid aggregate cash dividends of
$125.0 million to the parent company. Based on the dividend laws currently in
effect, the insurance subsidiaries may pay aggregate dividends of $216.4 million
in 1997 without prior approval from regulatory authorities.
Statutory policyholders' surplus was $1,292.4 million and $1,055.1 million at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Statutory net income was $277.9
million, $200.0 million and $230.3 million for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries, as part of their statutory filings, are
required to disclose their risk-based capital (RBC) requirements. The National
Association of Insurance Commissioners developed the RBC program to enable
regulators to take appropriate and timely regulatory actions with respect to
insurers that show signs of weak or deteriorating financial condition. RBC is a
series of dynamic surplus-related formulas which contain a variety of factors
that are applied to financial balances based on a degree of certain risks, such
as asset, credit and underwriting risks.
7. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
Activity in the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, prepared in
accordance with GAAP, is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1 $ 1,610.5 $ 1,434.4 $ 1,348.6
Less reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses 296.1 334.2 334.8
-------------------------------------------
Net balance at January 1 1,314.4 1,100.2 1,013.8
-------------------------------------------
Incurred related to:
Current year 2,341.9 2,000.4 1,539.8
Prior years (105.8) (56.6) (142.5)
-------------------------------------------
Total incurred 2,236.1 1,943.8 1,397.3
-------------------------------------------
Paid related to:
Current year 1,424.7 1,204.3 893.9
Prior years 592.9 525.3 417.0
-------------------------------------------
Total paid 2,017.6 1,729.6 1,310.9
-------------------------------------------
Net balance at December 31 1,532.9 1,314.4 1,100.2
Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses 267.7 296.1 334.2
-------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31 $ 1,800.6 $ 1,610.5 $ 1,434.4
===========================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 44
43
During 1994, based on a review of the adequacy of its total loss reserves, the
Company eliminated its $71.0 million "supplemental reserve" ($46.2 million after
tax), resulting in a one-time increase in earnings of $.62 per share. The
Company historically established case and IBNR reserves by product with the
objective of being accurate to within plus or minus 2 percent. Pricing had been
based on these estimates of reserves by product. Because the Company desired a
very high degree of comfort that aggregate reserves were adequate, aggregate
reserves were established near the upper end of the reasonable range of
reserves, and the difference between such aggregate reserves and the midpoint of
the reasonable range of case and IBNR reserves was called the "supplemental
reserve." The Company concluded, after examining its historical aggregate
reserves, that the practice of setting aggregate reserves at the upper end of
the range of reasonable reserves provided an unnecessarily high level of
comfort. At December 31, 1994, even without the high level of comfort provided
by the "supplemental reserve," the Company's reserves would have been redundant
by approximately 2 percent to 4 percent over the previous 5 years. The Company
believes that this change in the estimate of its reserves placed it more in line
with the practices of other companies in the industry.
Because the Company is primarily an insurer of motor vehicles, it has limited
exposure for environmental, product and general liability claims. The Company
has established reserves for these exposures, in amounts which it believes to be
adequate based on information currently known by it. The Company does not
believe that these claims will have a material impact on the Company's
liquidity, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
During 1994, the Company settled the dispute arising out of its 1985
acquisition of American Star Insurance Company, over the seller's refusal to pay
certain losses on pre-sale business written by American Star. Total reserves on
this business, which are mainly for product liability and environmental claims,
are $26.4 million, of which $9.4 million is recoverable from reinsurers. The
Company will continue to monitor these exposures, adjust the related reserves
appropriately as additional information becomes known and disclose any material
developments.
The Company writes auto insurance in the coastal states, which could be
exposed to natural catastrophes, such as hurricanes. Although the occurrence of
a major catastrophe could have a significant impact on the Company's quarterly
results, the Company believes such an event would not be so material as to
disrupt the overall normal operations of the Company. The Company is unable to
predict if any such events will occur in the near term.
8. Employee Benefit Plans
Retirement Plans. The Company has a two-tiered Retirement Security Program. The
first tier is a defined contribution pension plan covering all employees who
meet requirements as to age and length of service. Contributions vary from one
percent to five percent of annual eligible compensation up to the Social
Security wage base, based on years of eligible service. Prior to January 1,
1994, the defined contribution plan covered only eligible employees hired after
December 31, 1988, and was funded at 1.3 percent of annual eligible compensation
up to the Social Security wage base. Company contributions were $4.2 million in
1996, $3.6 million in 1995 and $3.2 million in 1994.
The second tier is a long-term savings plan under which the Company matches,
into a Company stock account, amounts contributed to the plan by an employee up
to a maximum of three percent of the employee's eligible compensation. Company
contributions were $5.8 million in 1996 and $4.4 million in 1995 and 1994.
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan which covered employees hired
before January 1, 1989, who met requirements as to age and length of service.
This plan and future benefit accruals were frozen on December 31, 1993, and
the Company recognized a $1.5 million gain; the benefits accruals through the
date the plan was frozen were based on years of service and career average
compensation up to the Social Security tax base. The Company's funding policy is
to contribute annually the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. There is no past service liability
requiring funding by the Company.
The following table sets forth the defined benefit plan information as of
December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Vested benefit obligation $ 18.8 $ 19.6 $ 13.6
============================================
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 18.8 $ 19.6 $ 13.6
============================================
Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to date $ 18.8 $ 19.6 $ 13.6
Plan assets at fair value, primarily government and corporate taxable bonds 17.6 18.1 17.1
--------------------------------------------
Plan assets net of projected benefit obligation (1.2) (1.5) 3.5
Unrecognized actuarial (gains) losses 1.9 2.2 (3.0)
Required minimum liability (1.7) (2.0) --
Unrecognized transition asset at January 1, 1987, recognized over 21 years (.2) (.2) (.3)
--------------------------------------------
Pension asset (liability) recognized in the consolidated balance sheets $ (1.2) $ (1.5) $ .2
============================================
Net pension cost included the following components:
Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ -- $ -- $ --
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1.4 1.2 1.3
Actual return on plan assets (.6) (2.2) .1
Net amortization and deferral (.8) .8 (1.6)
--------------------------------------------
Net periodic pension return $ -- $ (.2) $ (.2)
============================================
</TABLE>
The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial present
value of the projected benefit obligation was 7.25 percent for 1996, 7.0 percent
for 1995 and 8.0 percent for 1994. The expected long-term rate of return on
assets was 8.0 percent for 1996, 1995 and 1994.
<PAGE> 45
44
Postemployment Benefits. The Company provides various postemployment benefits
to former or inactive employees who meet eligibility requirements, their
beneficiaries and covered dependents. Postemployment benefits include salary
continuation and disability-related benefits including workers' compensation
and, if elected, continuation of health care benefits. The Company's obligations
were $1.5 million, $1.7 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.
Postretirement Benefits. The Company provides postretirement health and life
insurance benefits to all employees who met requirements as to age and length of
service at December 31, 1988. The Company recognized its current obligation of
$.4 million in 1996, $.3 million in 1995 and $.4 million in 1994. The Company's
funding policy is to contribute annually the maximum amount that can be deducted
for Federal income tax purposes. Contributions are intended to provide not only
for benefits attributed to services to date, but also for those expected to be
earned in the future.
Deferred Compensation. In April 1995, the Company's shareholders approved The
Progressive Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (Deferral Plan),
which permits eligible executives to defer receipt of some or all of their
annual bonuses or other incentive awards. These deferred amounts will be
invested in one or more investment funds, including Common Shares of the
Company, offered under the Deferral Plan. All distributions from the Deferral
Plan will be made in cash, except that distributions representing amounts deemed
invested in Common Shares will be made in Common Shares. The Company reserved
300,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Deferral Plan. The Company
established an irrevocable grantor trust to provide a source of funds to assist
the Company in meeting its liabilities under the Deferral Plan. At December 31,
1996 and 1995, the trust held assets of $2.6 million and $.9 million,
respectively, of which $.7 million and $.2 million were held in Common Shares,
to cover its liabilities.
Incentive Compensation. Plans The Company's 1989 Incentive Plan and 1995
Incentive Plan provide for the granting of stock options and other stock-based
awards to key employees of the Company. The 1989 Incentive Plan has 6,500,000
shares authorized and the 1995 Incentive Plan has 5,000,000 shares authorized.
All outstanding grants are nonqualified stock options awarded under the 1989
Incentive Plan. Outside of the Incentive Plans, the Company registered 1,425,000
Common Shares relating to nonqualified stock options granted to key employees of
the Company. The nonqualified stock options are granted for periods up to ten
years, become exercisable at various dates not earlier than six months after the
date of grant, and remain exercisable for specified periods thereafter. All
options granted have an exercise price equal to the market value of the Common
Shares on the date of grant.
A summary of all stock option activity during the three years ended December 31,
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
---------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Number of Average Number of Average Number of Average
Options Outstanding Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning of year 4,943,324 $ 23.76 5,263,822 $ 19.49 4,488,887 $ 16.21
Add (deduct):
Granted 852,989 47.52 888,725 38.27 1,156,450 31.06
Exercised (454,348) 14.89 (861,802) 11.54 (198,959) 13.59
Cancelled (232,575) 32.95 (347,421) 26.51 (182,556) 18.65
---------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------
End of year 5,109,390 $ 28.09 4,943,324 $ 23.76 5,263,822 $ 19.49
============================ ============================= ============================
Exercisable, end of year 1,561,428 $ 15.75 984,099 $ 12.61 1,128,902 $ 10.87
============================ ============================= ============================
Available, end of year 5,672,561 6,292,975 1,834,279
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The following options were outstanding or exercisable as of December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Weighted Average Weighted Weighted
Range of Number of Remaining Average Number of Average
Exercise Prices Shares Contractual Life Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 9- 20 2,045,351 4.05 years $ 14.53 1,408,751 $ 14.08
21- 40 2,181,950 7.09 years 33.00 150,040 30.92
41- 60 869,362 8.97 years 47.14 2,637 46.23
61- 71 12,727 9.16 years 64.98 -- --
--------- ---------
$ 9- 71 5,109,390 1,561,428
========= =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 46
45
During 1996, the Company adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." SFAS 123 introduced a fair-value
based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. To calculate the fair
value of the options awarded, the Company elected to use the Black-Scholes
pricing model which produced a value of 41.4 percent for 1996 awards and 42.8
percent for 1995 awards. The following assumptions were used to derive the
ratio: a 7-year option term; an annualized volatility rate of .246 for 1996 and
.275 for 1995; a risk-free rate of return of 6.69 percent for 1996 and 6.53
percent for 1995; and a dividend yield of .5 percent for both years. The Company
elected to account for terminations when they occur rather than include an
attrition factor into its model.
If compensation cost had been measured based on the fair-value based accounting
method under SFAS 123, the following would have been disclosed for December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions-except per share amounts) 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Pro forma
Net income $ 310.3 $ 249.1
===========================
Earnings per share
Primary $ 4.09 $ 3.24
Fully diluted 4.06 3.22
</TABLE>
The effect of applying SFAS 123 in the current year is not representative of the
effect on income for future years since each subsequent year will reflect
expense for additional years' vesting.
The amounts charged to income for incentive compensation plans, including an
executive cash bonus program for key members of management and a gainsharing
program for all other employees, were $45.3 million in 1996, $33.9 million in
1995 and $32.0 million in 1994.
9. Contractual Commitments
The Company has operating lease commitments and service agreements with terms
greater than one year for equipment, office space and telecommunications
services, some with options to renew at the end of the contract periods. The
minimum commitments under such noncancelable leases and service contracts at
December 31, 1996 are as follows (in millions): 1997- $32.8; 1998-$20.1;
1999-$7.4; 2000-$3.0; 2001-$.6; and thereafter-$0. Total expense incurred by the
Company for such purposes for 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $57.5 million, $51.3
million and $42.6 million, respectively.
10. Debt
During 1996, bank borrowings of $10.0 million were outstanding for one day at an
annual interest rate of 5.8 percent. Funded debt includes amounts the Company
has borrowed and contributed to the capital of its insurance subsidiaries or
borrowed for other long-term purposes.
Funded Debt at December 31 consisted of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
7.30% Notes $ 99.6 $ --
6.60% Notes 198.8 198.7
7% Notes 148.3 148.3
8 3/4% Notes 29.5 29.2
10% Notes 149.6 149.5
10 1/8% Subordinated Notes 149.5 149.4
Other funded debt .4 .8
---------------------------
$ 775.7 $ 675.9
===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 47
46
In May 1990, the Company entered into a revolving credit arrangement with
National City Bank, which is reviewed by the bank annually. Under this
agreement, the Company had the right to borrow up to $50.0 million. In February
1994, the Company reduced this revolving credit arrangement to $20.0 million. By
selecting from available credit options, the Company may elect to pay interest
at rates related to the London interbank offered rate, the bank's base rate or
at a money market rate. A commitment fee is payable on any unused portion of the
committed amount at the rate of .125 percent per annum. The Company had no
borrowings under this arrangement at December 31, 1996 or 1995.
In May 1996, the Company sold $100.0 million of noncallable 7.30% Notes due
2006 with interest payable semiannually. The fair value of these Notes was
$101.7 million at December 31, 1996.
In January 1994, the Company sold $200.0 million of noncallable 6.60% Notes
due 2004 with interest payable semiannually. The fair value of these Notes was
$197.1 million and $203.6 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
In October 1993, the Company sold $150.0 million of noncallable 7% Notes due
2013 with interest payable semiannually. The fair value of these Notes was
$144.3 million and $156.6 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
In May 1989, the Company issued $30.0 million of noncallable 83/4% Notes due
1999 with interest payable semiannually. The fair value of these Notes was $31.6
million and $32.7 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
In December 1988, the Company sold $150.0 million of 10% Notes due 2000 and
$150.0 million of 101/8% Subordinated Notes due 2000. All such Notes are
noncallable with interest payable semiannually on both issues. The fair values
of the 10% Notes and 101/8% Subordinated Notes were $167.8 million and $168.4
million, respectively, at December 31, 1996, and $175.9 million and $176.1
million, respectively, at December 31, 1995.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company was in compliance with its debt
covenants.
Aggregate principal payments on funded debt outstanding at December
31, 1996, are $.3 million for 1997, $.1 million for 1998, $30.0 million for
1999, $300.0 million for 2000, $0 for 2001, and $450.0 million thereafter.
11. Segment Information
The operating segments of the Company are classified into Insurance and Service.
Expense allocations are based on assumptions and estimates; stated segment
operating results would change if different methods were applied. The Company
does not allocate assets to segments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994
------------------------ --------------------- ---------------------
Pretax Pretax Pretax
(millions) Revenues Profit (Loss) Revenues Profit (Loss) Revenues Profit (Loss)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Insurance operations $ 3,199.3 $ 272.1 $ 2,727.2 $ 156.6 $ 2,191.1 $ 251.5
Service operations 46.2 4.3 38.9 8.7 41.9 10.0
------------------------ --------------------- ---------------------
Total operations 3,245.5 276.4 2,766.1 165.3 2,233.0 261.5
Total investment income 232.9 232.9 245.8 245.8 182.3 182.3
Interest expense and other costs -- (67.6) -- (65.2) -- (64.0)
------------------------ --------------------- ---------------------
$ 3,478.4 $ 441.7 $ 3,011.9 $ 345.9 $ 2,415.3 $ 379.8
======================== ===================== =====================
</TABLE>
12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Information about specific valuation techniques and related fair value detail is
provided in Note 1-Reporting and Accounting Policies, Note 2-Investments and
Note 10-Debt. Pursuant to SFAS 119, the cost and market value of the financial
instruments as of December 31 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995
---------------------- --------------------
Market Market
Cost Value Cost Value
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investments:
Available-for-sale: fixed maturities $ 3,384.1 $ 3,409.2 $ 2,729.5 $ 2,772.9
preferred stocks 333.8 341.6 379.4 382.3
common stocks 458.9 540.1 277.6 310.0
Short-term investments 159.7 159.7 302.8 302.8
Funded debt (775.7) (811.3) (675.9) (745.7)
</TABLE>
13. Pending Acquisitions
In November 1996, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of
Midland Financial Group, Inc.'s outstanding stock; the transaction is subject to
approval by Midland's shareholders and other customary conditions. In addition,
in January 1997, the Company signed a letter of intent under which it is
contemplated that it would purchase approximately 42% of the outstanding voting
stock of Danielson Holding Corporation. See Management's Discussion and Analysis
for further discussion on these pending acquisitions.
<PAGE> 48
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 47
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations
- ----------
The consolidated financial statements and the related notes on pages 34 through
46, together with the supplemental information on pages 50 through 55, should be
read in conjunction with the following discussion of the consolidated financial
condition and results of operations.
Financial Condition. The Progressive Corporation is a holding company
and does not have any revenue producing operations of its own. It receives cash
through borrowings, equity sales, subsidiary dividends and other transactions,
and may use the proceeds to contribute to the capital of its insurance
subsidiaries in order to support premium growth, to repurchase its Common Shares
and other outstanding securities, to redeem its outstanding securities and for
other business purposes. During 1996, the Company repurchased 1.0 million of its
Common Shares at a total cost of $41.9 million (average cost of $41.73 per
share), .2 million of its 9 3/8% Serial Preferred Shares, Series A, at a total
cost of $6.0 million (average cost of $25.60 per share) and redeemed the
remaining Preferred Shares at a total cost of $82.1 million, including accrued
and unpaid dividends through the redemption date.
During the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, the Company repurchased
2.1 million Common Shares at a total cost of $75.9 million (average cost of
$36.42 per share) and .4 million of its 9 3/8% Serial Preferred Shares, Series
A, at a total cost of $10.6 million (average cost $25.69 per share). The Company
also sold $300.0 million of Notes. During the same period, The Progressive
Corporation received $178.2 million from its insurance subsidiaries, net of
capital contributions made to these subsidiaries. The regulatory restrictions on
subsidiary dividends are described in Note 6 to the financial statements.
The Company has substantial capital resources and is unaware of any trends,
events or circumstances that are reasonably likely to affect its capital
resources in a material way. The Company also has available a $20.0 million
revolving credit agreement. Given its 32% debt to equity ratio, the Company
believes it has sufficient borrowing capacity and other capital resources to
support current and anticipated growth.
The Company's insurance operations create liquidity by collecting and
investing premiums from new and renewal business in advance of paying claims.
For the three years ended December 31, 1996, operations generated a positive
cash flow of $1,634.1 million, and cash flow is expected to be positive in both
the short-term and reasonably foreseeable future. The Company's substantial
investment portfolio is highly liquid, consisting almost entirely of readily
marketable securities.
In November 1996, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of
Midland Financial Group, Inc.'s outstanding stock (approximately 5.5 million
shares) for a total cost of $49.5 million, or $9 per share, in cash. Midland
underwrites and markets nonstandard private passenger automobile insurance
through approximately 8,500 independent agents across 20 states, primarily in
the southern and western United States. During 1996, Midland wrote $116.6
million of net premiums written. The Company expects the transaction to be
completed during the first quarter 1997, subject to approval by Midland's
shareholders and other customary conditions, and will be funded with cash
generated by operating cash flows or investments.
In January 1997, the Company signed a letter of intent under which it is
contemplated that it will purchase approximately 11 million newly-issued
shares (42% of the outstanding voting stock) of Danielson Holding Corporation
for consideration having a total value of approximately $73 million, or $6.60
per share. Danielson is engaged, through its subsidiaries, in insurance
services, primarily writing private and commercial nonstandard insurance in
California and workers' compensation insurance in California and certain other
western states. During 1996, Danielson's insurance subsidiaries wrote $36.1
million of net premiums written. The proposed transaction is subject to, among
other things, additional due diligence by the parties and the execution of
mutually satisfactory documentation. If the transaction proceeds, a definitive
agreement is expected to be signed in the first quarter 1997 and will be subject
to approval of Danielson's shareholders and regulatory authorities.
The Company does not expect any material changes in its cash requirements and
is not aware of any trends, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely
to have a material effect on its liquidity.
In January 1996, the Company began converting its computer systems
to be year 2000 compliant (e.g. to recognize the difference between '99 and '00
as one year instead of negative 99 years). Approximately 40% of the Company's
systems are now compliant, with all systems expected to be compliant by the end
of 1998. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $4.3 million and is
being funded through operating cash flows. The Company is expensing all costs
associated with these system changes. As of December 31, 1996, $1.6 million has
been expensed.
Total capital expenditures for the three years ended December 31, 1996,
aggregated $132.3 million.
Investments. The Company invests in fixed-maturity, equity and short-term
securities. The Company's investment strategy recognizes its need to maintain
capital adequate to support its insurance operations and commitment to risk
adverse investment policies. Therefore, the Company evaluates the risk/reward
trade-offs of investment opportunities, measuring their effects on stability,
diversity, overall quality and liquidity of the investment portfolio. The
majority of the portfolio is invested in high-grade, fixed-maturity securities,
of which short- and intermediate-term securities represented $3,275.6 million,
or 73.6%, in 1996, and $2,876.2 million, or 76.4%, in 1995. Long-term
investment-grade securities were $187.5 million, or 4.2%, in 1996, and $191.9
million, or 5.1%, in 1995. Non-investment-grade fixed-maturity securities were
$105.8 million, or 2.4%, in 1996, and $7.6 million, or .2%, in 1995 and offer
the Company high returns and added diversification without a significant adverse
effect on the stability and quality of the investment portfolio as a whole.
Non-investment-grade securities may involve greater risks often related to
creditworthiness, solvency and relative liquidity of the secondary trading
market. The duration of the fixed-income portfolio was 3.2 years at December 31,
1996.
A relatively small portion of the investment portfolio was invested in
marketable equity securities providing risk/reward balance and diversification.
Common stocks represented $540.1 million, or 12.1%, in 1996, and $310.0 million,
or 8.2%, in 1995. The increase in common stocks reflects the Company's objective
of increasing its position in common stock investments to approximately 15% of
the entire portfolio and to optimize value and further diversify the portfolio
through foreign equity investments. The foreign equity portfolio, which may
utilize stock index futures and foreign currency forwards, comprised $149.5
million of the common stock portfolio at December 31, 1996, and $46.4 million at
December 31, 1995. The remainder of the
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 49
48
equity portfolio of $341.6 million, or 7.7%, in 1996, and $382.3 million, or
10.1%, in 1995, was comprised of over 94% of fixed-rate preferred stocks with
mechanisms that may provide an opportunity to liquidate at par.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company's portfolio had $114.1 million in
unrealized gains, compared to $78.7 million in 1995, resulting from increased
stock prices as the S&P 500 index rose from 615.9 to 740.7 during the year. The
weighted average fully taxable equivalent book yield of the portfolio was 6.7%,
6.9% and 6.7% for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company held $1,088.3 million of asset-backed
securities which represented 24.5% of the total investment portfolio. The
portfolio included collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and commercial
mortgage-backed obligations (CMBs) totaling $303.0 million and $480.2 million,
respectively. As of December 31, 1996, the CMO portfolio included sequential
bonds representing 88.8% of the CMO portfolio ($269.0 million) with an average
life of 2.9 years, and planned amortization class bonds representing 11.2% of
the CMO portfolio ($34.0 million) with an average life of 1.4 years. The CMO
portfolio had a weighted average Moody's or Standard & Poor's rating of AAA. At
December 31, 1996, the CMB portfolio had an average life of 5.4 years and a
weighted average Moody's or Standard & Poor's rating of AA-. The CMB portfolio
included $122.7 million of CMB interest-only certificates, which had an average
life of 5.1 years and a weighted average Moody's or S&P's rating of AAA at
December 31, 1996. At December 31, 1996, the CMO and CMB portfolios had
unrealized gains of $1.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The single
largest unrealized loss in any individual CMO and CMB security was $.3 million
and $.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 1996. Both the CMO and CMB
portfolios are highly liquid with readily available quotes and contain no
residual interests. The remainder of the asset-backed portfolio is invested
primarily in auto loan and other asset-backed securities.
Investments in the Company's portfolio have varying degrees of risk. The
primary market risk exposure to the fixed-income portfolio is interest rate
risk, which is limited by Company restrictions as to the acceptable range of
duration. Equity securities generally have greater risks than the non-equity
portion of the portfolio since these securities are subordinate to rights of
debt holders and other creditors of the issuer and are subject to the volatility
of the equity markets. In addition, the foreign equity portfolio is exposed to
foreign currency exchange risk, which is reduced by an active hedging policy.
The Company regularly evaluates individual holdings for evidence of impairment.
Changes in market value are evaluated to determine the extent to which such
changes are attributable to: (i) interest rates, (ii) market-related factors
other than interest rates and (iii) financial conditions, business prospects and
other fundamental factors specific to the issuer. Declines attributable to
issuer fundamentals are reviewed in further detail. Available evidence is
considered to estimate the realizable value of the investment. When a security
in the Company's investment portfolio has a decline in market value which is
other than temporary, the Company is required by GAAP to reduce the carrying
value of such security to its net realizable value.
Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk are used to manage the risks
and enhance the yields of the available-for-sale portfolio. This is accomplished
by modifying the basis, duration, interest rate or foreign currency
characteristics of the portfolio or hedged securities. Net cash requirements are
limited to changes in market values which may vary based upon changes in
interest rates and other factors. Exposure to credit risk is limited to the
carrying value; collateral is not required to support the credit risk. During
1995, the Company added a government bond trading portfolio to benefit from
short-term market rate opportunities. The Company has stringent restrictions on
the amount of open positions in the trading portfolio limiting its exposure to
acceptable levels. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, there were no trading
securities or off-balance-sheet trading positions.
Results of Operations. Operating income, which excludes net realized gains and
losses from security sales and one-time items, was $309.1 million, or $4.08 per
share, in 1996, $220.1 million, or $2.84 per share, in 1995 and $212.7 million,
or $2.76 per share, in 1994. The GAAP combined ratio was 91.5 in 1996, 94.3 in
1995 and 91.7 (88.5 including the elimination of the "supplemental reserve"
discussed below) in 1994.
Direct premiums written increased 19% to $3,638.4 million in 1996, compared to
$3,068.9 million in 1995 and $2,645.1 million in 1994. Net premiums written
increased 18% to $3,441.7 million, compared to $2,912.8 million in 1995 and
$2,457.2 million in 1994. The difference between direct and net premiums written
is largely attributable to premiums written under state-mandated involuntary
Commercial Auto Insurance Procedures (CAIP), for which the Company retains no
indemnity risk, of $99.5 million in 1996, $105.4 million in 1995 and $115.4
million in 1994. The Company provided policy and claim processing services to 27
state CAIPs in 1996, compared to 28 in 1995 and 1994. Premiums earned, which are
a function of the amount of premiums written in the current and prior periods,
increased 17% in 1996, compared to 24% in 1995 and 31% in 1994.
The Company's Core business units' net premiums written grew 19%, 21% and 38%
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, primarily driven by an increase in unit
sales. In 1996, the Company raised rates an average of 2.5%, compared 6.5% in
1995 and no rate changes in 1994. The Company continues to write standard and
preferred auto risks which represented between 10% and 15% of total Core
business volume. To encourage writing more standard and preferred risks and to
improve customer retention, the Company adjusted the contingent cash incentive
compensation program for 1997 to credit its conservative estimates of the
increase in value created by adding new customers. The Company believes that
growing the numbers of policyholders, particularly standard and preferred risks
with their higher retention rates, builds intrinsic value because renewals are
more profitable than first year business. The drive to add customers faster will
result in more spending to promote our brand and to develop more claim adjusters
and customer service representatives. These costs, along with expected losses on
first year business, are likely to bring profit margins more in line with the
Company's objective of achieving a 4% underwriting profit margin over the entire
retention period of an insured. In 1996, the Core business units generated an
underwriting profit margin of 8%, compared to 5% in 1995 and 7% in 1994.
Claim costs, the Company's most significant expense, represent actual payments
made and changes in estimated future payments to be made to or on behalf of its
policyholders, including expenses required to settle claims and losses. These
costs include a loss estimate for future assignments and assessments, based on
current business, under state-mandated involuntary automobile programs. Claims
costs are influenced by inflation and loss severity and frequency, the impact of
which is mitigated by
<PAGE> 50
49
adequate pricing. Increases in the rate of inflation increase loss payments,
which are made after premiums are collected. Accordingly, anticipated rates of
inflation are taken into account when the Company establishes premium rates and
loss reserves. Claim costs, expressed as a percentage of premiums earned, were
70% in 1996, compared to 71% in 1995 and 67% (excluding the elimination of the
"supplemental reserve") in 1994.
During 1994, based on a review of the adequacy of its total loss reserves, the
Company eliminated its $71.0 million "supplemental reserve," resulting in a
one-time increase in earnings of $.62 per share, a 3.2 point increase in the
underwriting profit margin and a $46.2 million increase in capital. The Company
historically established case and IBNR reserves by product with the objective of
being accurate to within plus or minus 2%. Pricing had been based on these
estimates of reserves by product. Because the Company desired a very high degree
of comfort that aggregate reserves were adequate, aggregate reserves were
established near the upper end of the reasonable range of reserves, and the
difference between such aggregate reserves and the midpoint of the reasonable
range of case and IBNR reserves was called the "supplemental reserve." The
Company concluded, after examining its historical aggregate reserves, that the
practice of setting aggregate reserves at the upper end of the range of
reasonable reserves provided an unnecessarily high level of comfort. At December
31, 1994, even without the high level of comfort provided by the "supplemental
reserve," the Company's reserves would have been redundant by approximately 2%
to 4% over the previous 5 years. The Company believes that this change in the
estimate of its reserves placed it more in line with the practices of other
companies in the industry.
Because the Company is primarily an insurer of motor vehicles, it has
limited exposure for environmental, product and general liability claims. The
Company has established reserves for these exposures, in amounts which it
believes to be adequate based on information currently known by it. The Company
does not believe that these claims will have a material impact on the Company's
liquidity, results of operation, cash flows or financial condition.
During 1994, the Company settled the dispute, arising out of its 1985
acquisition of American Star Insurance Company (since renamed National
Continental Insurance Company) over the seller's refusal to pay certain losses
on pre-sale business written by American Star. Under the settlement, National
Continental received $10.1 million from the seller and agreed to be solely
responsible for the next $20 million of gross losses. The seller will thereafter
be responsible for half the losses, net of reinsurance, if it achieves certain
minimum net worth requirements. In addition to the $10.1 million, National
Continental will be entitled to the proceeds of various treaty and facultative
reinsurance policies that had been purchased by American Star. National
Continental has established reserves for these exposures, which are mainly for
product liability and environmental claims, in amounts it believes to be
adequate based on information currently available to it, including a study by
independent actuaries for the seller. Total reserves on this business are $26.4
million, of which $9.4 million is recoverable from reinsurers. The Company will
continue to monitor these exposures, adjust the related reserves appropriately
as additional information becomes known and disclose any material developments.
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of premiums
earned were 22% in 1996, compared to 23% in 1995 and 25% in 1994.
Service businesses generated a pretax operating profit of $4.3 million in
1996, compared to $8.7 million in 1995 and $10.0 million in 1994. The decrease
in operating profit is partially attributable to new businesses entered into
during 1996.
Recurring investment income (interest and dividends) increased 13% to $225.8
million in 1996, compared to $199.1 million in 1995 and $158.5 million in 1994,
primarily due to an increase in the average investment portfolio. Net realized
gains on security sales were $7.1 million in 1996, $46.7 million in 1995 and
$23.8 million in 1994.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF
1995: EXCEPT FOR HISTORICAL INFORMATION, THE MATTERS DISCUSSED IN THIS ANNUAL
REPORT ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE THE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM
THOSE PROJECTED, INCLUDING ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRODUCTS, PRICING COMPETITION,
MARKET CONDITIONS AND OTHER RISKS DETAILED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE COMPANY'S
SEC REPORTS. THE COMPANY ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE THE INFORMATION IN THIS
ANNUAL REPORT.
<PAGE> 51
Ten Year Summary-Financial Highlights 50
- -------------------------------------
not covered by report of independent accountants
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions-except per share amounts and number of people employed)
1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Insurance Companies Selected Financial Information
and Operating Statistics-Statutory Basis
Reserves:
Loss and loss adjustment expense(1) $ 1,532.9 $ 1,314.4
Unearned premiums 1,382.9 1,140.4
Policyholders' surplus(1) 1,292.4 1,055.1
Ratios:
Net premiums written to policyholders' surplus 2.7 2.8
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves to policyholders' surplus 1.2 1.2
Loss and loss adjustment expense 70.2 71.6
Underwriting expense 19.8 21.4
----------------------------
Statutory combined ratio 90.0 93.0
Selected Consolidated Financial Information-GAAP Basis
Total revenues $ 3,478.4 $ 3,011.9
Total assets 6,183.9 5,352.5
Total shareholders' equity(2) 1,676.9 1,475.8
Common Shares outstanding 71.5 72.1
Common Share price
High $ 72 1/4 $ 49 1/2
Low 40 3/8 34 3/4
Close(3) 67 3/8 48 7/8
Market capitalization $ 4,817.3 $ 3,523.9
Book value per Common Share(2) $ 23.45 $ 19.31
Return on average shareholders' equity(4) 20.5% 19.6%
Funded debt outstanding $ 775.7 $ 675.9
Ratio of funded debt to capital 32% 31%
GAAP underwriting margin(2) 8.5 5.7
Number of people employed 9,557 8,025
<FN>
(1) During 1994, the Company began accruing salvage and subrogation recoverables.
(2) In 1994, the $71.0 million "supplemental reserve" was eliminated, increasing
book value per share $.65, underwriting profit margin 3.2% and shareholders'
equity $46.2 million. See Management's Discussion and Analysis for further
discussion.
(3) Represents the closing price at December 31.
(4) Net income minus preferred share dividends / average common shareholders'
equity.
All share and per share amounts were adjusted for stock splits.
</TABLE>
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 52
51
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 1,100.2 $ 1,053.7 $ 994.7 $ 901.7 $ 827.4 $ 787.7 $ 685.5 $ 496.1
954.8 688.9 538.5 513.6 474.1 467.6 505.0 446.8
945.1 701.9 658.3 676.7 636.7 578.1 495.0 452.0
2.6 2.6 2.2 2.0 1.9 2.0 2.6 2.5
1.2 1.5 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.1
64.2 62.6 68.3 65.7 62.1 65.9 62.9 58.3
22.4 25.4 29.8 33.5 31.1 31.4 33.2 35.8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
86.6 88.0 98.1 99.2 93.2 97.3 96.1 94.1
$ 2,415.3 $ 1,954.8 $ 1,738.9 $ 1,493.1 $ 1,376.2 $ 1,392.7 $ 1,355.8 $ 1,066.2
4,675.1 4,011.3 3,440.9 3,317.2 2,912.4 2,643.7 2,316.3 1,782.5
1,151.9 997.9 629.0 465.7 408.5 435.2 417.2 395.0
71.2 72.1 67.1 63.3 69.3 76.2 80.7 86.1
$ 40 1/2 $ 46 1/8 $ 29 3/8 $ 20 5/8 $ 18 3/4 $ 14 1/2 $ 10 3/4 $ 11 7/8
27 3/4 26 5/8 14 3/4 15 11 7 1/2 7 1/4 8 1/2
35 40 1/2 29 1/8 18 17 1/8 12 7/8 7 5/8 10 1/8
$ 2,492.0 $ 2,920.1 $ 1,954.3 $ 1,139.4 $ 1,186.8 $ 981.1 $ 615.3 $ 871.8
$ 14.97 $ 12.62 $ 7.94 $ 5.83 $ 5.89 $ 5.71 $ 5.17 $ 4.59
27.4% 36.0% 34.7% 6.7% 21.5% 17.4% 25.9% 24.7%
$ 675.6 $ 477.1 $ 568.5 $ 644.0 $ 644.4 $ 645.9 $ 479.2 $ 216.9
37% 32% 47% 58% 61% 60% 53% 35%
11.5 10.7 3.5 (3.7) 1.0 (1.2) 2.9 5.6
7,544 6,101 5,591 6,918 6,370 6,049 5,854 5,879
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 53
Ten Year Summary-GAAP Consolidated Operating Results 52
not covered by report of independent accountants
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions-except per share amounts)
1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Direct premiums written:
Personal lines $ 3,165.4 $ 2,644.6
Commercial lines 473.0 424.3
----------------------------
Total direct premiums written 3,638.4 3,068.9
Reinsurance assumed 3.8 .1
Reinsurance ceded (200.5) (156.2)
----------------------------
Net premiums written 3,441.7 2,912.8
Net change in unearned premiums reserve1 (242.4) (185.6)
----------------------------
Premiums earned 3,199.3 2,727.2
----------------------------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses2 2,236.1 1,943.8
Policy acquisition costs 482.6 459.6
Other underwriting expenses 208.5 167.2
----------------------------
Total underwriting expenses 2,927.2 2,570.6
----------------------------
Underwriting profit (loss) before taxes 272.1 156.6
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 95.2 54.8
----------------------------
Underwriting profit (loss) after taxes 176.9 101.8
Service operations profit (loss) after taxes 2.8 5.6
----------------------------
179.7 107.4
Investment income after taxes 175.6 156.2
Net realized gains (losses) on security sales after taxes 4.6 30.4
Interest expense after taxes (40.0) (37.1)
Proposition 103 reserve reduction after taxes -- --
Non-recurring items after taxes -- --
Other expenses after taxes3 (6.2) (6.4)
----------------------------
Income before tax adjustments and cumulative
effect of accounting change 313.7 250.5
Tax adjustments4 -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting change5 -- --
----------------------------
Net income $ 313.7 $ 250.5
============================
Per share
Net income2 $ 4.11 $ 3.24
Dividends .230 .220
Average equivalent shares
Primary 74.2 74.2
Fully diluted 74.8 74.7
<FN>
1 Amount represents change in unearned premiums reserve less change in prepaid
reinsurance premiums.
2 In 1994, the "supplemental reserve" was eliminated, resulting in a one-time
decrease to losses and loss adjustment expenses of $71.0 million, or $.62 per
share. See Management's Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
3 Reflects investment expenses after taxes and other tax adjustments.
4 1991 reflects a deferred tax asset write-down and 1990 reflects a fresh start
tax benefit.
5 1992 reflects adoption of SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," and 1987
reflects adoption of SFAS 96, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
All share and per share amounts were adjusted for stock splits.
</TABLE>
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 54
53
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 2,181.7 $ 1,548.9 $ 1,214.6 $ 1,047.4 $ 876.0 $ 800.1 $ 817.0 $ 690.2
463.4 417.5 422.2 489.4 482.8 487.0 521.0 488.0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,645.1 1,966.4 1,636.8 1,536.8 1,358.8 1,287.1 1,338.0 1,178.2
2.9 9.2 4.3 .1 .1 7.2 9.4 19.5
(190.8) (156.4) (189.9) (212.3) (162.6) (134.0) (72.4) (81.2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,457.2 1,819.2 1,451.2 1,324.6 1,196.3 1,160.3 1,275.0 1,116.5
(266.1) (150.5) (25.1) (37.7) (5.1) 36.2 (59.6) (122.1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,191.1 1,668.7 1,426.1 1,286.9 1,191.2 1,196.5 1,215.4 994.4
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,397.3 1,028.0 930.9 858.0 762.9 799.3 752.0 571.9
391.5 311.6 304.1 313.7 292.7 296.7 321.3 292.6
150.8 151.3 141.5 162.1 123.7 114.9 106.6 74.4
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,939.6 1,490.9 1,376.5 1,333.8 1,179.3 1,210.9 1,179.9 938.9
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251.5 177.8 49.6 (46.9) 11.9 (14.4) 35.5 55.5
88.0 62.2 16.9 (15.9) 4.0 (2.9) 10.0 12.2
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
163.5 115.6 32.7 (31.0) 7.9 (11.5) 25.5 43.3
6.5 4.4 (2.8) (1.4) 2.8 2.5 (1.3) (1.0)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
170.0 120.0 29.9 (32.4) 10.7 (9.0) 24.2 42.3
131.2 107.1 110.4 121.1 126.4 135.3 91.3 59.3
15.5 70.1 9.6 4.9 (8.4) (.4) 12.3 (1.9)
(35.9) (25.8) (29.4) (31.6) (32.0) (32.5) (10.5) (6.5)
-- -- 70.0 -- -- -- -- --
-- (2.6) (42.6) -- -- -- -- --
(6.5) (1.5) (8.3) (14.9) (13.2) (15.4) (9.2) (3.4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
274.3 267.3 139.6 47.1 83.5 78.0 108.1 89.8
-- -- -- (14.2) 9.9 -- -- --
-- -- 14.2 -- -- -- -- 3.7
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 274.3 $ 267.3 $ 153.8 $ 32.9 $ 93.4 $ 78.0 $ 108.1 $ 93.5
==================================================================================================================================
$ 3.59 $ 3.58 $ 2.05 $ .41 $ 1.19 $ .94 $ 1.23 $ 1.08
.210 .200 .191 .172 .160 .147 .133 .077
74.0 71.8 62.3 66.6 72.9 79.8 84.0 86.7
74.0 72.0 71.9 75.6 82.5 89.1 90.9 86.7
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 55
Analysis of Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (LAE) Development 54
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
not covered by report of independent accountants
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions)
For the years ended
December 31, 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 19943 1995 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loss and LAE
reserves1 $ 323.8 $ 471.0 $ 651.0 $ 748.6 $ 791.6 $ 861.5 $ 956.4 $1,012.4 $1,098.7 $1,314.4 $1,532.9
Re-estimated
reserves as of:
One year later 300.6 446.6 610.3 685.4 748.8 810.0 857.9 869.9 1,042.1 1,208.6
Two years later 293.6 422.2 573.4 677.9 726.5 771.9 765.5 837.8 991.7
Three years later 282.8 402.4 581.3 668.6 712.7 718.7 737.4 811.3
Four years later 274.1 403.9 575.1 667.1 683.7 700.1 725.2
Five years later 275.6 399.6 578.4 654.7 666.3 695.1
Six years later 275.8 400.2 582.2 647.1 664.8
Seven years later 277.5 408.5 574.3 645.7
Eight years later 285.7 408.1 574.4
Nine years later 286.7 407.8
Ten years later 285.7
Cumulative redundancy $ 38.1 $ 63.2 $ 76.6 $ 102.9 $ 126.8 $ 166.4 $ 231.2 $ 201.1 $ 107.0 $ 105.8
Percentage2 11.8 13.4 11.8 13.7 16.0 19.3 24.2 19.9 9.7 8.0
<FN>
The chart represents the development of the property-casualty loss and LAE
reserves for 1986 through 1995. The reserves are re-estimated based on
experience as of the end of each succeeding year and are increased or
decreased as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity
of claims for individual years. The cumulative redundancy represents the
aggregate change in the estimates over all prior years.
1 Represents loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid
losses at the balance sheet date.
2 Cumulative redundancy / loss and LAE reserves.
3 In 1994, based on a review of its total loss reserves, the Company eliminated
its $71.0 million "supplemental reserve." See Management's Discussion and
Analysis for further discussion.
</TABLE>
Direct Premiums Written by State
- --------------------------------
not covered by report of independent accountants
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Florida $ 467.4 12.9% $ 421.9 13.7% $ 369.9 14.0% $ 265.6 13.5% $ 195.3 11.9%
New York 358.0 9.8 225.6 7.4 195.2 7.4 170.4 8.7 156.8 9.6
Texas 349.9 9.6 313.2 10.2 246.4 9.3 146.6 7.4 117.0 7.2
Ohio 340.8 9.4 284.1 9.3 232.0 8.8 175.9 8.9 140.7 8.6
Georgia 212.1 5.8 155.1 5.1 129.7 4.9 120.0 6.1 114.6 7.0
Pennsylvania 201.3 5.5 184.9 6.0 161.2 6.1 113.0 5.8 70.1 4.3
California 171.6 4.7 126.6 4.1 126.8 4.8 80.2 4.1 90.6 5.5
All other 1,537.3 42.3 1,357.5 44.2 1,183.9 44.7 894.7 45.5 751.7 45.9
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total $ 3,638.4 100.0% $ 3,068.9 100.0% $ 2,645.1 100.0% $ 1,966.4 100.0% $ 1,636.8 100.0%
================= ================= ================= ================= =================
</TABLE>
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 56
Quarterly Financial and Common Share Data 55
- -----------------------------------------
not covered by report of independent accountants
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(millions)
Net Income Operating Income(1) Stock Price(3)
----------------- ------------------- ----------------------------------
Operating Per Per Rate of Dividends
Quarter Revenues Total Share(2) Total Share(2) High-Low Close Return(4) Per Share
1996
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 741.4 $ 63.3 $ .82 $ 60.2 $ .78 $51 1/4 - 43 1/2 $ 44 5/8 $ .055
2 794.9 78.4 1.01 78.5 1.05 48 7/8 - 40 3/8 46 1/4 .055
3 840.3 80.3 1.08 82.5 1.11 58 1/2 - 43 1/8 57 1/4 .060
4 868.9 91.7 1.23 87.9 1.18 72 1/4 - 55 3/8 67 3/8 .060
-------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- -------
$3,245.5 $ 313.7 $ 4.11 $ 309.1 $ 4.08 $72 1/4 - 40 3/8 $ 67 3/8 38.5% $ .230
======== =============== ================== ================ ================= =======
1995
1 $ 633.6 $ 60.7 $ .79 $ 50.7 $ .66 $42 1/8 - 34 3/4 $ 40 5/8 $ .055
2 687.4 60.8 .79 46.4 .60 41 7/8 - 37 1/8 38 3/8 .055
3 719.0 62.5 .81 59.0 .76 48 - 37 3/4 44 3/4 .055
4 726.1 66.5 .86 64.0 .83 49 1/2 - 41 1/2 48 7/8 .055
-------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- -------
$2,766.1 $ 250.5 $ 3.24 $ 220.1 $ 2.84 $49 1/2 - 34 3/4 $ 48 7/8 40.4% $ .220
======== =============== ================== ================ ================= =======
1994
1 $ 488.2 $ 48.1 $ .62 $ 49.8 $ .64 $40 1/2 - 27 3/4 $ 29 1/8 $ .050
2 547.1 60.5 .79 54.7 .71 35 5/8 - 28 1/2 33 1/4 .050
3 582.3 64.8 .85 57.4 .75 38 7/8 - 33 1/4 35 5/8 .055
4 615.4 100.95 1.345 50.8 .66 38 3/8 - 32 1/4 35 .055
-------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- -------
$2,233.0 $ 274.35 $ 3.595 $ 212.7 $ 2.76 $40 1/2 - 27 3/4 $ 35 (13.1)% $ .210
======== =============== ================== ================ ================= =======
<FN>
(1) Represents net income less net realized gains and losses on security sales and
one-time items.
(2) Presented on a fully diluted basis. The sum does not equal the total because
the average equivalent shares differ in the periods.
(3) Prices as reported on the consolidated transaction reporting system. The
Company's Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
(4) Represents annual appreciation (depreciation) on the Company's Common Shares,
including quarterly dividend reinvestment.
(5) In the fourth quarter 1994, the "supplemental reserve" was eliminated,
resulting in a one-time increase of $71.0 million before taxes, or $.63 per
share for the quarter and $.62 per share for the year. See Management's
Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
</TABLE>
The Progressive Corporation and Subsidiaries
<PAGE> 57
Directors and Officers 56
- ----------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Directors Policy Team Annual Meeting
<S> <C> <C>
Milton N. Allen1,2 Alan R. Bauer The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at the
Director, Charles B. Chokel offices of The Progressive Corporation, 6671 Beta Drive,
various corporations Allan W. Ditchfield Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143 on April 25, 1997, at 10:00 a.m.
W. Thomas Forrester There were 4,184 shareholders of record on December 31, 1996.
B. Charles Ames1 William H. Graves
Partner, Daniel R. Lewis Principal Office
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. Peter B. Lewis
(management consulting) Robert J. McMillan The principal office of The Progressive Corporation is at
Glenn M. Renwick 6300 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143
Charles A. Davis1 David M. Schneider
Limited Partner, Tiona M. Thompson World Wide Web address: http://www.auto-insurance.com
Goldman Sachs Group L.P.
(investment banking) Toll-free Telephone Numbers
General Managers
Stephen R. Hardis1,2 For assistance after an accident or to report a loss, 24 hours a
Chairman of the Board Jeffrey W. Adler day, 7 days a week, call: 1-800-274-4499
and Chief Executive Officer, Mark H. Arnell
Eaton Corporation Jose R. Benitez For Progressive's smart new way to shop for auto insurance,
(manufacturing) Charles C. Boucherle available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call: 1 800 AUTO PRO(R)
Alan D. Brannan (1-800-288-6776)
Janet Hill3 William P. Cadden
Vice President Gerald E. Combs For 24 Hour Policy Service, call: 1-800-888-7764
Alexander & Associates, Inc. John M. Davies
(management consulting) and Brian C. Domeck Transfer Agent and Registrar
President, Brian J. Dwyer
Staubach Alexander Hill, LLC Steven B. Gellen If you have questions about a specific stock ownership
(commercial real estate consulting) James F. Gerstner account, write or call: Corporate Trust Customer
Meryl S. Golden Service, National City Bank, 1900 East Ninth Street,
Peter B. Lewis2 Michael J. Hanerty Cleveland, Ohio 44114. Phone: 800-622-6757
Chairman of the Board, President Robin A. Harbage
and Chief Executive Officer Thomas H. Hollyer Counsel
Richard A. Hutchinson
Norman S. Matthews3 Steven W. Jones Baker & Hostetler, Cleveland, Ohio
Consultant, Thomas A. King
formerly President, Federated Moira A. Lardakis Common Shares
Department Stores, Inc. Robert E. Mathe
(retailing) Eric W. Neely The Progressive Corporation's Common Shares (symbol PGR) are
Mark D. Niehaus traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Dividends are
Donald B. Shackelford3 Christopher B. Olie customarily paid on the last day of each quarter.
Chairman, Karen L. Palmer
State Savings Bank Brian J. Passell Interim Reporting
(savings and loan) Victor Politzi
Michael J. Randall The Progressive Corporation is no longer distributing quarterly
Dr. Paul B. Sigler3 Andrew W. Rogacki shareholders' reports. To hear the text of the latest earnings
Professor, Yale University and Robert J. Rose release, receive key financial information for the past several
Investigator, David L. Roush quarters, receive dividend and other information, or request
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Michael D. Sieger copies of public documents, shareholders can call
(medical research and education) Brian A. Silva 1-800-879-PROG. This toll-free shareholder services line is
David J. Skove available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Such information is also
Julia Clark Sweeney available from the Company's internet site:
Corporate Officers Gregory J. Trapp http://www.auto-insurance.com
Richard H. Watts
Peter B. Lewis, Chairman, Jeffrey G. West Investor Relations
President and Robert T. Williams
Chief Executive Officer David W. Young Any shareholder wishing to receive public financial
information on the Company may write or call: The Progressive
David M. Schneider, Secretary Corporation, Investor Relations, 6300 Wilson Mills Road, Box E61,
Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143.
Charles B. Chokel, Treasurer Phone: 216-446-2851
<FN>
1 Audit Committee member
2 Executive Committee membe
3 Executive Compensation
Committee member
</TABLE>
Design: Nesnadny + Schwartz, Cleveland + New York + Toronto Artwork: Rimma
Gerlovina and Valeriy Gerlovin Printing: Fortran Printing, Cleveland
Printed on Recycled Paper
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 21
SUBSIDIARIES OF
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
<PAGE> 2
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Jurisdiction
Name of Subsidiary of Incorporation
- ------------------ ----------------
<S> <C>
Airy Insurance Center, Inc. Pennsylvania
Allied Insurance Agency, Inc. Ohio
Classic Insurance Company Wisconsin
Express Quote Services, Inc. Florida
Garden Sun Insurance Services, Inc. Hawaii
Gold Key Insurance Agency California
Greenberg Financial Insurance Services, Inc. California
Halcyon Insurance Company Ohio
Husky Sun Insurance Services, Inc. Washington
Insurance Confirmation Services, Inc. Delaware
Lakeside Insurance Agency, Inc. Ohio
Marathon Insurance Company California
Maryland Auto Insurance Solutions, Inc. Maryland
Midland Financial Group, Inc. Tennessee
Agents Financial Services, Inc. (40% owned) Florida
Agents Financial Services - Tennessee, Inc. Tennessee
Agents Financial Services - Arizona, Inc. Arizona
Agents Financial Services - Illinois, Inc. (90% owned) Illinois
Agents Financial Services - Pacific, N.W., Inc. Oregon
Midland Financial Services - Texas, Inc. Texas
AutoSurance of America, Inc. Tennessee
Delta Claims Services, Inc. Tennessee
Midland Financial Services, Inc. Louisiana
Midland Risk Insurance Company Tennessee
Specialty Risk Insurance Company Tennessee
Midland Risk Services - Texas, Inc. Texas
Midland Risk Services, Inc. Tennessee
Midland Risk Insurance Services - California, Inc. California
Midland Risk Services - Arizona, Inc. Arizona
Midland Risk Services - Nevada, Inc. Nevada
Midland Risk Services - Illinois, Inc. (85% owned) Illinois
Midland Risk Services of Louisiana, Inc. Louisiana
Midland Risk Services - Pacific, N.W., Inc. Oregon
Midland Risk Services - Tennessee, Inc. Tennessee
Mountain Laurel Assurance Company Pennsylvania
Mountainside Insurance Agency, Inc. Colorado
National Continental Insurance Company New York
Pacific Motor Club California
Paloverde Insurance Company of Arizona Arizona
PCIC Canada Holdings, Ltd. Canada
Progressive Casualty Insurance Company of Canada Canada
Progny Agency, Inc. New York
Progressive Adjusting Company, Inc. Ohio
Progressive American Insurance Company Florida
Bayside Underwriters Insurance Agency, Inc. Florida
Progressive Gulf Insurance Company Mississippi
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Progressive American Life Insurance Company Ohio
Progressive Life Insurance, Ltd. Turks & Caicos Islands
Progressive Auto Pro Insurance Company Florida
Progressive Bayside Insurance Company Florida
Progressive Casualty Insurance Company Ohio
PC Investment Company Delaware
Progressive Specialty Insurance Company Ohio
Progressive Consumers Insurance Company Florida
Progressive Express Insurance Company Florida
Progressive Hawaii Insurance Corp. Hawaii
Progressive Insurance Agency, Inc. Ohio
Progressive Investment Company, Inc. Delaware
Progressive Max Insurance Company Ohio
Progressive Michigan Insurance Company Michigan
Progressive Mountain Insurance Company Colorado
Progressive Northeastern Insurance Company New York
Progressive Northern Insurance Company Wisconsin
Progressive Premier Insurance Company of Illinois Illinois
Progressive Universal Insurance Company of Illinois Illinois
Progressive Northwestern Insurance Company Washington
Progressive Partners, Inc. New York
Progressive Preferred Insurance Company Ohio
Progressive Premium Budget, Inc. Ohio
Progressive Security Insurance Company Louisiana
Progressive Southeastern Insurance Company Florida
Progressive West Insurance Company California
Silver Key Insurance Agency, Inc. Nevada
Tampa Insurance Services, Inc. Florida
The Paradyme Corporation Ohio
United Financial Insurance Agency, Inc. Ohio
United Financial Insurance Agency, Inc. Washington
The Progressive Agency, Inc. Virginia
Transportation Recoveries, Inc. Ohio
United Financial Adjusting Company Ohio
Integrated Warranty Services, Inc. (50.1% owned) California
United Financial Casualty Company Missouri
Village Transport Corp. Delaware
Wilson Mills Land Co. Ohio
</TABLE>
Except as indicated, each subsidiary is wholly owned by its parent.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 23
--------------
CONSENT OF
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Incorporated herein by reference to
page 27 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT NO. 24
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
<PAGE> 2
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I hereby constitute and appoint
Peter B. Lewis, David M. Schneider, Dane A. Shrallow and Michael R. Uth, and
each of them, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Progressive Corporation for
the year 1996, and any and all amendments relating thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing necessary and requisite to be done in connection with the foregoing, as
fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their respective substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the
capacity(ies) set forth below this 13th day of March, 1997.
Position(s) with
Signature The Progressive Corporation
- --------- ---------------------------
/s/ Milton N. Allen
____________________________
Milton N. Allen Director
<PAGE> 3
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I hereby constitute and appoint
Peter B. Lewis, David M. Schneider, Dane A. Shrallow and Michael R. Uth, and
each of them, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Progressive Corporation for
the year 1996, and any and all amendments relating thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing necessary and requisite to be done in connection with the foregoing, as
fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their respective substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the
capacity(ies) set forth below this 13th day of March, 1997.
Position(s) with
Signature The Progressive Corporation
- --------- ---------------------------
/s/ B. Charles Ames
____________________________
B. Charles Ames Director
<PAGE> 4
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I hereby constitute and appoint
Peter B. Lewis, David M. Schneider, Dane A. Shrallow and Michael R. Uth, and
each of them, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Progressive Corporation for
the year 1996, and any and all amendments relating thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing necessary and requisite to be done in connection with the foregoing, as
fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their respective substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the
capacity(ies) set forth below this 13th day of March, 1997.
Position(s) with
Signature The Progressive Corporation
- --------- ---------------------------
/s/ Charles A. Davis
____________________________
Charles A. Davis Director
<PAGE> 5
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I hereby constitute and appoint
Peter B. Lewis, David M. Schneider, Dane A. Shrallow and Michael R. Uth, and
each of them, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Progressive Corporation for
the year 1996, and any and all amendments relating thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing necessary and requisite to be done in connection with the foregoing, as
fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their respective substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the
capacity(ies) set forth below this 14th day of March, 1997.
Position(s) with
Signature The Progressive Corporation
- --------- ---------------------------
/s/ Stephen R. Hardis
____________________________
Stephen R. Hardis Director
<PAGE> 6
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I hereby constitute and appoint
Peter B. Lewis, David M. Schneider, Dane A. Shrallow and Michael R. Uth, and
each of them, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Progressive Corporation for
the year 1996, and any and all amendments relating thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing necessary and requisite to be done in connection with the foregoing, as
fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their respective substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the
capacity(ies) set forth below this 13th day of March, 1997.
Position(s) with
Signature The Progressive Corporation
- --------- ---------------------------
/s/ Janet Hill
____________________________
Janet M. Hill Director
<PAGE> 7
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I hereby constitute and appoint
Peter B. Lewis, David M. Schneider, Dane A. Shrallow and Michael R. Uth, and
each of them, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Progressive Corporation for
the year 1996, and any and all amendments relating thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing necessary and requisite to be done in connection with the foregoing, as
fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their respective substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the
capacity(ies) set forth below this 13th day of March, 1997.
Position(s) with
Signature The Progressive Corporation
- --------- ---------------------------
/s/ Norman S. Matthews
____________________________
Norman S. Matthews Director
<PAGE> 8
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I hereby constitute and appoint
Peter B. Lewis, David M. Schneider, Dane A. Shrallow and Michael R. Uth, and
each of them, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Progressive Corporation for
the year 1996, and any and all amendments relating thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing necessary and requisite to be done in connection with the foregoing, as
fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their respective substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the
capacity(ies) set forth below this 21st day of March, 1997.
Position(s) with
Signature The Progressive Corporation
- --------- ---------------------------
/s/ Donald B. Shackelford
____________________________
Donald B. Shackelford Director
<PAGE> 9
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I hereby constitute and appoint
Peter B. Lewis, David M. Schneider, Dane A. Shrallow and Michael R. Uth, and
each of them, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Progressive Corporation for
the year 1996, and any and all amendments relating thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing necessary and requisite to be done in connection with the foregoing, as
fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their respective substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name in the
capacity(ies) set forth below this 24th day of March, 1997.
Position(s) with
Signature The Progressive Corporation
- --------- ---------------------------
/s/ Paul B. Sigler
____________________________
Paul B. Sigler Director
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE INCLUDES SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND INCOME STATEMENT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE> 3,409,200
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE> 0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE> 0
<EQUITIES> 881,700
<MORTGAGE> 0
<REAL-ESTATE> 0
<TOTAL-INVEST> 4,450,600
<CASH> 15,400
<RECOVER-REINSURE> 310,000
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION> 200,100
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 6,183,900
<POLICY-LOSSES> 1,800,600
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS> 1,467,300
<POLICY-OTHER> 0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS> 0
<NOTES-PAYABLE> 775,700
<COMMON> 71,500
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 1,605,400
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 6,183,900
3,199,300
<INVESTMENT-INCOME> 219,700
<INVESTMENT-GAINS> 7,100
<OTHER-INCOME> 46,200
<BENEFITS> 2,236,100
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION> 482,600
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER> 208,500
<INCOME-PRETAX> 441,700
<INCOME-TAX> 128,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 313,700
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 313,700
<EPS-PRIMARY> 4.14
<EPS-DILUTED> 4.11
<RESERVE-OPEN> 1,314,400
<PROVISION-CURRENT> 2,341,900
<PROVISION-PRIOR> (105,800)
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT> 1,424,700
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR> 592,900
<RESERVE-CLOSE> 1,532,900
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY> (105,800)
</TABLE>
