PENNCORP FINANCIAL GROUP INC /DE/
S-3/A, 1997-12-11
LIFE INSURANCE
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 11, 1997.
    
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-13285
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                             ---------------------
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
                         PENNCORP FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                   DELAWARE                                      13-3543540
         (State or Other Jurisdiction                         (I.R.S. Employer
      of Incorporation or Organization)                    Identification Number)
 
                                                          SCOTT D. SILVERMAN, ESQ.
                                                   SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL
         745 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 500                           AND SECRETARY
           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10151                    PENNCORP FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
                (212) 832-0700                          745 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 500
 (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone              NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10151
       Number, Including Area Code, of                         (212) 832-0700
   Registrant's Principal Executive Office)       (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and
                                                   Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
                                                           of Agent For Service)
</TABLE>
 
                                    Copy to:
 
                            JEREMY W. DICKENS, ESQ.
                           WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES LLP
                               100 CRESCENT COURT
                                   SUITE 1300
                              DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
                             ---------------------
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
possible after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
     If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.  [ ]
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box.  [X]
 
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
 
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
                             ---------------------
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 11, 1997
    
 
PROSPECTUS
   
                         PENNCORP FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
    
        2,875,000 SHARES OF $3.50 SERIES II CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
                        4,118,911 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
     This Prospectus relates to the offer and sale by the Selling
Securityholders (as hereinafter defined) of (i) up to 2,875,000 shares of $3.50
Series II Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the
"Convertible Preferred Stock"), of PennCorp Financial Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("PennCorp" or the "Company") and (ii) up to 4,118,911 shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share, of PennCorp (or such other number of
shares of Common Stock resulting from an adjustment to the conversion price of
the Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to the antidilution provisions of the
Certificate of Designation (the "Certificate of Designation") governing the
Convertible Preferred Stock) issuable upon conversion of the Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Common Stock"; the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock
and underlying Common Stock to which this Prospectus relates collectively being
the "Securities"). This Prospectus also relates to the offer and sale by
PennCorp of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible
Preferred Stock. The Company issued and sold all the shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock to Smith Barney Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
(collectively, the "Initial Purchasers") in August 1996 in a private placement
transaction. The Selling Securityholders acquired the Convertible Preferred
Stock from the Initial Purchasers or in subsequent secondary market
transactions.
 
   
     Each share of Convertible Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of
$50.00. The Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the
holder at any time, unless previously redeemed, into Common Stock of PennCorp at
a conversion price of $34.90 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment in
certain events. On December 10, 1997, the last reported sale price of the Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol "PFG") was $34.00 per share.
    
 
     The Convertible Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to August 2, 1999.
Thereafter, the Convertible Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, at specified redemption prices plus accrued and
unpaid dividends through the redemption date. Dividends on the Convertible
Preferred Stock are cumulative from August 7, 1996 and are payable quarterly in
arrears commencing November 1, 1996. See "Description of the Convertible
Preferred Stock."
 
     The Selling Securityholders may sell the Securities to which this
Prospectus relates in whole or from time to time in part through underwriters or
dealers, through brokers or other agents, or directly to one or more purchasers,
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices otherwise
negotiated. The Company will receive no proceeds from the sale of the Securities
by the Selling Securityholders. The Company will pay all expenses incident to
the registration of the Securities offered hereby, except for brokers'
commissions, underwriters' discounts or commissions, and the fees and expenses
of any counsel for the Selling Securityholders. The Selling Securityholders and
any broker, dealer or underwriter that participates with the Selling
Securityholders in the distribution of the Securities may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and any commissions received by them and any profit on the
resale of such Securities purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution"
for indemnification arrangements between PennCorp and the Selling
Securityholders.
 
     The Convertible Preferred Stock currently trades in the Private Offerings,
Resales and Trading through Automated Linkages ("PORTAL") Market. Shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock sold pursuant to this Prospectus thereafter will not
be eligible for trading in the PORTAL Market. PennCorp does not intend to list
the Convertible Preferred Stock on any securities exchange or to seek approval
for quotation of the Convertible Preferred Stock through any automated quotation
system. Although the Initial Purchasers have advised PennCorp that they intend
to make a market in the Convertible Preferred Stock, they are not obligated to
do so and may suspend any such market-making activities at any time and without
prior notice. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that an active market for
the Convertible Preferred Stock will develop or be maintained.
 
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
TO BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
 
   
               THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS DECEMBER   , 1997.
    
<PAGE>   3
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy and information statements, and other information
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports,
proxy and information statements, and other information may be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional
offices at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60611, and 7
World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such
material can also be obtained at prescribed rates by writing to the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. The Commission also maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that
contains reports, proxy and information statements regarding registrants, such
as the Company, that file electronically with the Commission. In addition, the
Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the
"NYSE") and such material also is available for inspection at its offices at 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
     The Company has filed a Registration Statement (together with all
amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration Statement"), of which this
Prospectus is a part, with the Commission with respect to the Securities offered
hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which have been omitted in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information,
reference is made to the Registration Statement. Copies of the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto are on file at the offices of the Commission
and may be obtained upon payment of the fee prescribed by the Commission, or may
be examined without charge at the public reference facilities of the Commission
referred to above.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents filed with the Commission are incorporated into
this Prospectus by reference:
 
   
          (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 1996, as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendments Nos. 1, 2 and 3);
    
 
   
          (2) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
     March 31, 1997, as amended by a Form 10-Q/A;
    
 
   
          (3) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
     June 30, 1997, as amended by a Form 10-Q/A;
    
 
   
          (4) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
     September 30, 1997;
    
 
   
          (5) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 1997;
    
 
   
          (6) The audited financial statements of United Companies Life
     Insurance Company (subsequently renamed United Life & Annuity Insurance
     Company) for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 included in the
     Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 of United
     Companies Life Insurance Company; and
    
 
   
          (7) The selected unaudited pro forma financial information of the
     Company included on pages 26-36 of the Proxy Statement dated December 2,
     1997 related to the Company's 1997 annual meeting of stockholders.
    
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing such documents. Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
     The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the
written or oral request of such person, a copy of any of the documents which
have been or may be incorporated herein by reference, except that exhibits to
such documents will not be provided unless they are specifically incorporated by
reference into such documents. Requests for such copies should be directed to
PennCorp Financial, Inc., at 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1600, Bethesda,
Maryland 20814, Attention: Investor Relations, telephone number (301) 656-1777.
 
                             ---------------------
 
     FOR NORTH CAROLINA INVESTORS: THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF
THIS DOCUMENT.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company, through its operating subsidiaries, is a low cost provider of
life insurance, fixed benefit accident and sickness insurance and annuity
products throughout the United States and Canada. The Company's products are
sold through several distribution channels, including exclusive agents, general
agents and payroll deduction programs, and are targeted primarily to middle
income individuals in rural and suburban areas.
 
     The Company's principal executive office is located at 745 Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York 10151, and its telephone number is (212) 832-0700. The
Company's principal insurance and related support operations are headquartered
in Raleigh, North Carolina.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     The following factors should be carefully considered, together with the
information in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference
herein, in evaluating an investment in the Securities offered hereby.
 
RELIANCE ON DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENTS FROM INSURANCE SUBSIDIARIES
 
     PennCorp is a holding company with no independent business operations.
Consequently, PennCorp's primary sources of cash to meet its debt service and
other obligations and to pay dividends on its capital stock are dividends,
surplus debenture payments and tax sharing payments from its various
subsidiaries. The ability of such subsidiaries to make dividend and other
payments to PennCorp is dependent upon their receipt of sufficient cash payments
from their respective insurance subsidiaries. The ability of the Company's
insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other payments is limited by
the insurance laws of their respective states of domicile. There can be no
assurance that the Company's insurance subsidiaries will continue to be able to
make sufficient funds available to the Company without regulatory approval or
that the Company will be able to obtain any regulatory approvals that may be
required from time to time.
 
LIMITATIONS ON ABILITY TO PAY DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND
COMMON STOCK
 
     In addition to the limitations imposed on the Company's insurance
subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends under applicable insurance laws, under
Delaware law PennCorp is permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock,
including the Convertible Preferred Stock and the Common Stock issuable upon
conversion thereof, only out of its surplus, or, in the event that it has no
surplus, out of its net profits for the year in which a dividend is declared or
for the immediately preceding fiscal year. Surplus is defined as the excess of a
company's total assets over the sum of its total liabilities plus the par value
of its outstanding capital stock. In order to pay cash dividends, PennCorp must
have surplus or net profits equal to the full amount of the cash dividend at the
time such dividend is declared. In determining PennCorp's ability to pay
dividends, Delaware law permits the Board of Directors to revalue its assets and
liabilities from time to time to their current fair market value in order to
create surplus. PennCorp cannot determine what the fair market value of its
assets and liabilities will be in the future and, accordingly, there can be no
assurance that PennCorp will be able to continue paying dividends.
 
   
     Further, PennCorp's ability to pay dividends is limited by the terms of its
(i) outstanding 9 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003, (ii) outstanding
$3.375 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "$3.375
Convertible Preferred Stock"), and (iii) revolving credit agreement, and from
time to time may be limited by the terms of its other indebtedness.
    
 
REGULATION
 
     Insurance companies are subject to governmental regulation in each of the
jurisdictions in which they conduct business. Insurance regulatory agencies have
broad administrative power with respect to all aspects of an insurance company's
business, including rates, policy forms, dividend payments, capital adequacy and
the amount and type of investments it may have. These regulations are intended
primarily to protect policyholders rather than securityholders.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
     In certain states, the Company's insurance subsidiaries' licenses are
subject to restrictions, including restrictions on the amount of new business
that may be written without prior regulatory approval. Substantially all of
these restrictions were imposed with respect to events occurring prior to the
Company's acquisition of the affected subsidiaries. These restrictions have not
had a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operation. There can
be no assurance that the Company's insurance subsidiaries will not become
subject to additional and/or more material restrictions in these or other
states.
 
     The insurance regulatory framework continues to be subject to scrutiny by
the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, state legislatures and the
United States Congress. No assurance can be given that future legislative or
regulatory changes resulting from such activity will not adversely affect the
Company.
 
RATINGS
 
   
     Claims-paying and financial strength ratings have become an increasingly
important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance
companies, especially for companies, like certain of PennCorp's insurance
subsidiaries, that sell deferred annuity products. The ratings held by these
subsidiaries are important to maintaining public confidence in the insurer and
its ability to market its annuity products. A lower rating could materially and
adversely affect the insurer's ability to market its products, particularly the
sale of annuities through financial institutions, and could increase the
surrender of its annuity policies. Both of these consequences could, depending
upon the extent thereof, have a material adverse effect on the insurer's
liquidity and, under certain circumstances, net income, the result of which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
    
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Convertible Preferred Stock currently trades in the PORTAL Market.
However, shares of Convertible Preferred Stock sold pursuant to this Prospectus
will not thereafter be eligible for trading in the PORTAL Market. PennCorp does
not intend to list the Convertible Preferred Stock on any securities exchange or
to seek approval for quotation of the Convertible Preferred Stock through any
automated quotation system. Although the Initial Purchasers have advised
PennCorp that they intend to make a market in the Convertible Preferred Stock,
they are not obligated to do so and may suspend any such market-making
activities at any time and without prior notice. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that an active market for the Convertible Preferred Stock will develop
or be maintained. Further, future trading prices of the Convertible Preferred
Stock will depend on many factors, including, among other things, prevailing
interest rates, the Company's operating results, the price of the Common Stock
and the market for similar securities.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the
Securities by the Selling Securityholders. All of the expenses incurred in
connection with the registration of the Securities offered hereby will be paid
by the Company, except for brokers' commissions, underwriters' discounts or
commissions, and the fees and expenses of any counsel for the Selling
Securityholders, which will be paid by the Selling Securityholders.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
        RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
 
     The Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends for each of the periods indicated is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   NINE MONTHS ENDED
     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         SEPTEMBER 30,
- ---------------------------------  ------------------
1992   1993   1994   1995   1996     1996      1997
- -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  --------  --------
<C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>
1.94x  5.99x  3.63x  3.12x  3.02x     3.02x     2.18x
</TABLE>
    
 
     For purposes of the foregoing ratio, earnings consist of pre-tax income
from operations plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest). The
Company's fixed charges consist of (i) interest, whether expensed or
capitalized, (ii) amortization of deferred debt issuance costs, including any
discount or premium, whether expensed or capitalized, and (iii) the component of
rental expense determined by management to be representative of the interest
factor thereon. Preferred stock dividends have been adjusted to an amount equal
to the pre-tax earnings necessary to provide for the dividends.
 
                            SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
 
   
     The Registration Statement of which the Prospectus is a part has been filed
pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act to afford the holders of the
Securities the opportunity to sell their Securities in public transactions
rather than pursuant to an exemption from the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act. In order to avail itself of that
opportunity, a holder must notify the Company in writing of its intention to
sell Securities and request that the Company file a supplement to this
Prospectus or an amendment to the Registration Statement identifying such holder
as a Selling Securityholder and disclosing such other information concerning the
Selling Securityholder and the Securities to be sold as may then be required by
the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable. No
offer or sale pursuant to this Prospectus may be made by any holder until such a
request has been made and until any such supplement has been filed or any such
amendment has become effective. The holders of Securities who have made such a
request and as to which any such required supplement or amendment has been filed
or become effective are referred to herein as the "Selling Securityholders."
    
 
   
     The following table sets forth certain information as of December 4, 1997
(except as otherwise indicated) as to the security ownership of the Selling
Securityholders. Except as set forth below, none of the Selling Securityholders
has had a material relationship with the Company or any of its predecessors or
affiliates within the past three years. The table includes information furnished
to the Company by The Trust Depository Company, the transfer agent for the
Convertible Preferred Stock and the Common Stock and by or on behalf of the
Selling Securityholders.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    SHARES OF CONVERTIBLE
                                       PREFERRED STOCK
                                   BENEFICIALLY OWNED PRIOR
                                         TO OFFERING          NUMBER OF SHARES OF
                                   ------------------------       CONVERTIBLE
                                                PERCENT OF      PREFERRED STOCK          SHARES OF COMMON
                                                   TOTAL       INCLUDED IN THIS          STOCK UNDERLYING
              NAME                  NUMBER      OUTSTANDING        OFFERING         CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
              ----                 ---------    -----------   -------------------   ---------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>           <C>                   <C>
Alpine Associates................    254,700(1)      8.9             254,700                   364,900
Lipper Convertibles LP...........    244,300(3)      8.5             244,300                   350,000
General Motors Employees Domestic
  Group Trust, Mellon Bank, N.A.,
  as trustee.....................    224,550(2)      7.8             224,550                   321,705
Highbridge International LDC.....    218,140         7.6(4)          218,140                   312,521
Forest Fulcrum Fund LP...........    175,500(5)      6.1             175,500                   251,433
MFS Total Return Fund............    140,100(6)      4.9             140,100                   200,716
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                                                                 Continued . . .
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>         <C>            <C>                  <C>
Swiss Bank Corporation --
  London Branch..........................     127,500(5)         4.4          127,500                 182,665
Cincinnati Insurance Company.............     100,000(2)         3.5          100,000                 143,266
GPZ Trading..............................      98,000(7)         3.4           98,000                 140,401
Forest Global Convert
  Fd Ser A-S.............................      87,910(5)         3.1           87,910                 125,946
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
  Corporation............................      71,800(8)         2.5           71,800                 102,865
Paloma Securities L.L.C..................      68,160          2.4             68,160                  97,650
Oppenheimer Bond Fund for Growth.........      60,000(6)         2.1           60,000                  85,960
Silverton International Fund Limited.....      52,440          1.8             52,440                  75,129
Cincinnati Life Insurance Company........      50,000(2)         1.7           50,000                  71,633
Pacific Horizon Capital Income Fund......      50,000          1.7             50,000                  71,633
Golden Rule Insurance
  Company................................      44,000          1.5             44,000                  63,037
Motors Insurance Corporation.............      43,450(2)         1.5           43,450                  62,249
State of Connecticut Combined Investment
  Funds..................................      42,000          1.5             42,000                  60,172
Aim Balanced Fund........................      40,000          1.4             40,000                  57,307
Alexandra Global Investment Fund I,
  Ltd....................................      37,500          1.3             37,500                  53,725
Delta Air Lines Master Trust.............      28,000          1.0             28,000                  40,115
Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund,
  Inc....................................      24,700          0.9             24,700                  35,387
The Alpine Group.........................      22,500          0.8             22,500                  32,235
Toronto Dominion (New York), Inc.........      19,780(10)         0.7          19,780                  28,338
KA Trading L.P...........................      17,500(2)         0.6           17,500                  25,072
KA Management Ltd........................      17,500(2)         0.6           17,500                  25,072
Xerox Corporation........................      16,000          0.6             16,000                  22,923
LLT LTD..................................      12,000(5)         0.4           12,000                  17,192
State Employees' Retirement Fund of the
  State of
  Delaware...............................      11,300          0.4             11,300                  16,189
Hughes Aircraft Company Master Retirement
  Trust..................................       9,900          0.3              9,900                  14,183
TQA Vantage Fund, L.P....................       8,000(6)         0.3            8,000                  11,461
General Motors Foundation,
  Inc. ..................................       7,000(2)         0.2            7,000                  10,029
TQA Vantage Plus Fund, Ltd...............       6,000(6)         0.2            6,000                   8,596
TQA Levage Fund, L.P.....................       6,000(6)         0.2            6,000                   8,596
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
  Company................................       5,000(11)         0.2           5,000                   7,163
No. Dakota State Land....................       4,700(6)         0.2            4,700                   6,734
TCW Galileo CVT Fund.....................       4,500(6)         0.2            4,500                   6,447
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                                                                 Continued . . .
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Bank of America Convertible Securities
  Fund...................................       4,500          0.2              4,500                   6,447
OCM Convertible Limited Partnership......       3,100          0.1              3,100                   4,441
                                    SHARES OF CONVERTIBLE
                                       PREFERRED STOCK
                                   BENEFICIALLY OWNED PRIOR
                                         TO OFFERING          NUMBER OF SHARES OF
                                   ------------------------       CONVERTIBLE
                                                PERCENT OF      PREFERRED STOCK          SHARES OF COMMON
                                                   TOTAL       INCLUDED IN THIS          STOCK UNDERLYING
              NAME                  NUMBER      OUTSTANDING        OFFERING         CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
              ----                 ---------    -----------   -------------------   ---------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>           <C>                   <C>
Employee Benefit Convertible Securities
  Fund...................................       2,500          0.1              2,500                   3,582
Pacific Innovation Trust Capital Income
  Fund...................................       2,400          0.1              2,400                   3,438
Jefferies & Co. Inc......................         650(12)           *             650                     931
Unnamed holders of the Convertible
  Preferred Stock or any future
  transferees, pledgees, donees or
  successors of or from such unnamed
  holders(13)............................     411,420         14.3            411,420                 589,427
                                           ----------    ---------        -----------            ------------
Total....................................   2,875,000        100.0          2,875,000               4,118,911
                                           ==========    =========        ===========            ============
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
  *  Less than 0.1% after rounding.
    
 
   
 (1) As of November 25, 1997.
    
 
   
 (2) As of November 26, 1997.
    
 
   
 (3) As of December 5, 1997.
    
 
   
 (4) As of December 10, 1997.
    
 
   
 (5) As of December 1, 1997.
    
 
   
 (6) As of December 8, 1997.
    
 
   
 (7) As of December 3, 1997.
    
 
   
 (8) As of December 9, 1997.
    
 
   
 (9) As of November 24, 1997.
    
 
   
(10) As of December 2, 1997.
    
 
   
(11) All such shares are held in The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company
     Group Annuity Separate Account.
    
 
   
(12) As of November 28, 1997.
    
 
   
(13) No such holder may offer Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to this
     Prospectus until such holder is included as a Selling Securityholder in a
     supplement to this Prospectus.
    
 
     Because the Selling Securityholders may offer all or some of the shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof
pursuant to the offering contemplated by this Prospectus, and because there are
currently no agreements, arrangements or understandings with respect to the sale
of any of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock or underlying Common Stock,
no estimate can be given as to the number of shares of Convertible Preferred
Stock and Common Stock that will be held by the Selling Securityholders after
completion of this offering. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     The Selling Securityholders may sell the Securities to which this
Prospectus relates in whole or from time to time in part through underwriters or
dealers, through brokers or other agents, or directly to one or more purchasers,
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices otherwise
negotiated. PennCorp will receive no proceeds from the sale of the Securities by
the Selling Securityholders. The Company will pay all expenses incident to the
registration of the Securities offered hereby, except for brokers' commissions,
underwriters' discounts or commissions, and the fees and expenses of any counsel
for the Selling Securityholders.
 
     The Convertible Preferred Stock currently trades in the PORTAL Market.
However, shares of Convertible Preferred Stock sold pursuant to this Prospectus
will not thereafter be eligible for trading in the PORTAL Market. PennCorp does
not intend to list the Convertible Preferred Stock on any securities exchange or
to seek approval for quotation of the Convertible Preferred Stock through any
automated quotation system. Although the Initial Purchasers have advised
PennCorp that they intend to make a market in the Convertible Preferred Stock,
they are not obligated to do so and may suspend any such market-making
activities at any time and without prior notice. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that an active market for the Convertible Preferred Stock will develop
or be maintained.
 
     The Company will issue the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
of the Convertible Preferred Stock to registered holders of the Convertible
Preferred Stock upon the conversion thereof. The Common Stock is listed on the
NYSE and trades under the symbol "PFG."
 
     In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if
applicable, the Securities will be sold in such jurisdictions only through
registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states the
Securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for
sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or
qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
 
     The Selling Securityholders and any broker, dealer or underwriter that
participates with the Selling Securityholders in the distribution of the
Securities may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act, and any commissions received by them and any profit on the
resale of such Securities purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.
 
   
     Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, each Selling
Securityholder will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, Regulation
M, which provisions may limit the timing of purchases and sales of the
Securities by the Selling Securityholders. All of the foregoing may affect the
marketability of the Securities.
    
 
     In addition, any securities covered by this Prospectus which qualify for
sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act may be sold
under Rule 144 or Rule 144A rather than pursuant to this Prospectus. There is no
assurance that any Selling Securityholder will sell any or all of the
Convertible Preferred Stock or Common Stock described herein, and any Selling
Securityholder may transfer, devise or make a gift of such securities by other
means not described herein.
 
     The Company and the Selling Securityholders are obligated to indemnify each
other against certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                 DESCRIPTION OF THE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The following summary description of the Convertible Preferred Stock is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Designation
governing the Convertible Preferred Stock, a copy of which has been filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Convertible Preferred Stock is a series of preferred stock consisting
of 2,875,000 shares.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
   
     Holders of Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as
and if declared by the Board of Directors out of legally available funds, cash
dividends at an annual rate of $3.50 per share, payable quarterly in arrears on
February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year. If that date is a
Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, however, the dividend will be payable on the
next business day. Dividends will accrue and be cumulative from the most recent
date to which dividends have been paid and will be payable to holders of record
on the record date for each dividend payment fixed by the Board of Directors.
    
 
   
     The Convertible Preferred Stock has priority as to dividends over the
Common Stock and any other series or class of the Company's stock that ranks
junior to the Convertible Preferred Stock as to dividends ("Junior Dividend
Stock"). No dividend (other than dividends payable solely in Common Stock, any
Junior Dividend Stock or warrants or other rights to acquire such Common Stock
or Junior Dividend Stock) may be paid or set apart for payment on, and no
purchase, redemption or other acquisition shall be made by the Company of, the
Common Stock or Junior Dividend Stock unless all accrued and unpaid dividends on
the Convertible Preferred Stock, including the full dividend for the
then-current quarterly dividend period, shall have been paid or declared and set
apart for payment without interest. The Series C Preferred Stock, par value $.01
per share (the "Series C Preferred Stock"), of the Company issued in connection
with the acquisition of Integon Life Insurance Corporation and Georgia
International Life Insurance Company do not require the payment of cash
dividends and, accordingly, effectively rank junior to the Convertible Preferred
Stock as to dividends.
    
 
     Except as provided below, the Company may not pay dividends on any class or
series of stock, if hereafter issued, having parity with the Convertible
Preferred Stock as to dividends ("Parity Dividend Stock") unless it has paid or
declared and set apart for payment or contemporaneously pays or declares and
sets apart for payment all accrued and unpaid dividends for all prior dividend
payment periods on the Convertible Preferred Stock. In addition, except as
provided below, the Company may not pay dividends on the Convertible Preferred
Stock unless it has paid or declared and set apart for payment or
contemporaneously pays or declares and sets apart for payment all accrued and
unpaid dividends for all prior dividend payment periods on the Parity Dividend
Stock. Whenever all accrued dividends in respect of prior dividend payment
periods are not paid in full on Convertible Preferred Stock and on any Parity
Dividend Stock, all dividends declared on the Convertible Preferred Stock and
the Parity Dividend Stock will be declared and made pro rata so that the amount
of dividends declared on the Convertible Preferred Stock and the Parity Dividend
Stock will bear the same ratio that accrued and unpaid dividends in respect of
prior dividend payment periods on the Convertible Preferred Stock and the Parity
Dividend Stock bear to each other. The $3.375 Convertible Preferred Stock is
Parity Dividend Stock and accrues an aggregate of $7.8 million in dividends per
annum, which dividends are payable quarterly in arrears.
 
     The Company may not purchase any shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock
or any Parity Dividend Stock (except for consideration payable in Common Stock
or Junior Dividend Stock) or redeem fewer than all the shares of the Convertible
Preferred Stock and Parity Dividend Stock then outstanding if the Company has
failed to pay any accrued dividend on the Convertible Preferred Stock or any
Parity Dividend Stock on a stated payment date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
in such event, the Company may purchase or redeem fewer than all the shares of
the Convertible Preferred Stock and Parity Dividend Stock if such repurchase or
redemption is made pro rata so that the amounts purchased or redeemed bear to
each other the same ratio that the required redemption payments on the shares of
the Convertible Preferred Stock and any Parity Dividend Stock then outstanding
bear to each other.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
     If the Company hereafter issues any series or class of stock that ranks
senior as to dividends to the Convertible Preferred Stock ("Senior Dividend
Stock") and fails to pay or declare and set apart for payment accrued and unpaid
dividends on any Senior Dividend Stock (except to the extent allowed by the
terms of the Senior Dividend Stock), the Company may not pay or declare and set
apart for payment any dividend on the Convertible Preferred Stock unless and
until all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Senior Dividend Stock, including
the full dividends for the then current dividend period, have been paid or
declared and set apart for payment without interest. The Company has no Senior
Dividend Stock outstanding on the date of this Prospectus.
 
     The dividend payable on Convertible Preferred Stock for each quarterly
dividend period is computed by dividing the annual dividend amount by four. The
amount of dividends payable for the initial dividend period and for any period
shorter than a full quarterly dividend period is computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months. No interest is payable on any Convertible
Preferred Stock dividend that may be in arrears.
 
     Under Delaware law, the Company may declare and pay dividends or make other
distributions on its capital stock only out of surplus, as defined in the
Delaware General Corporation Law, or if no surplus is available, out of its net
profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend or distribution is declared
and the preceding fiscal year. No dividends or distributions may be declared or
paid if the Company is or would be rendered insolvent by virtue of the dividend
or distribution, or if the declaration, payment or distribution would contravene
the Company's Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. The
Company's ability to pay dividends on its capital stock, including the
Convertible Preferred Stock, is dependent upon the receipt of funds from its
subsidiaries. Dividends and other payments by the Company's insurance
subsidiaries are regulated by the insurance laws of their respective
jurisdictions of domicile. See "Risk Factors -- Reliance on Dividends and Other
Payments from Insurance Subsidiaries."
 
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
 
     In the case of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, subject to the payment in full, or until provision
has been made for the payment in full, of all claims of creditors of the
Company, holders of Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive the
liquidation preference of $50.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accrued
and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, to the payment date, before any
payment or distribution is made to the holders of Common Stock or any other
series or class of stock hereafter issued that ranks junior as to liquidation
rights to the Convertible Preferred Stock ("Junior Liquidation Stock"). Holders
of Convertible Preferred Stock are not entitled to receive the liquidation
preference of their shares until the liquidation preference of any other series
or class of stock hereafter issued that ranks senior as to liquidation rights to
the Convertible Preferred Stock ("Senior Liquidation Stock"), if any, has been
paid in full. The holders of Convertible Preferred Stock and any series or class
of stock hereafter issued that ranks on a parity as to the liquidation rights
with the Convertible Preferred Stock ("Parity Liquidation Stock") are entitled
to share ratably, in accordance with the respective preferential amounts payable
on their stock, in any distribution (after payment of the liquidation preference
on any Senior Liquidation Stock) that is not sufficient to pay in full the
aggregate liquidation preference on both the Convertible Preferred Stock and any
Parity Liquidation Stock.
 
     After payment in full of the liquidation preference plus any accrued and
unpaid dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock, the holders will not be
entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the
Company. Neither a consolidation or merger of the Company with another entity
nor a sale or transfer of all or part of the Company's assets for cash,
securities or other property will be considered a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company.
 
   
     The $3.375 Convertible Preferred Stock ($116.9 million aggregate
liquidation preference as of September 30, 1997) and the Series C Preferred
Stock (approximately $19.8 million aggregate liquidation preference as of
September 30, 1997), is Parity Liquidation Stock.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
     The holders of Convertible Preferred Stock have no voting rights except as
described below or as required by law. In exercising any voting rights, each
outstanding share of Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote,
although shares held by the Company or any entity controlled by the Company have
no voting rights.
 
   
     Whenever dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock are in arrears in an
aggregate amount equal to at least six quarterly dividends (whether or not
consecutive), the size of the Company's Board of Directors will be increased by
two, and the holders of Convertible Preferred Stock, voting separately as a
class together with holders of Parity Dividend Stock, will be entitled to elect
the two additional directors to the Board of Directors at, subject to certain
limitations, any annual meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be
elected held during the period when the dividends remain in arrears or, under
certain circumstances, at a special meeting of stockholders. These voting rights
will terminate when all dividends in arrears and for the current quarterly
period have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment. The term of
office of the additional directors so elected will terminate immediately upon
that payment or provision for payment.
    
 
     In addition, so long as any Convertible Preferred Stock is outstanding, the
Company will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at
least 66 2/3% of all outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and
outstanding Parity Dividend Stock, voting as a single class (i) amend, alter or
repeal (by merger or otherwise) any provision of the Second Restated Certificate
of Incorporation, as amended, or the by-laws so as to affect adversely the
relative rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the
Convertible Preferred Stock or (ii) effect any reclassification of the
Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
REDEMPTION AT OPTION OF THE COMPANY
 
     The Convertible Preferred Stock may not be redeemed prior to August 2,
1999. Thereafter, the Convertible Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the
Company, at its option, in whole or in part at any time, if redeemed during the
12-month period beginning August 1 (August 2 in the case of 1999), of any year
specified below, at the following redemption prices:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PRICE                                         PRICE
             YEAR                PER SHARE                 YEAR                PER SHARE
             ----                ---------                 ----                ---------
<S>                              <C>          <C>                              <C>
1999...........................   $52.45      2003...........................   $51.05
2000...........................    52.10      2004...........................    50.70
2001...........................    51.75      2005...........................    50.35
2002...........................    51.40      2006 and thereafter............    50.00
</TABLE>
 
plus in each case accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, to the
redemption date.
 
     If fewer than all the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock are
to be redeemed, the Company will select those shares to be redeemed pro rata or
in such other manner as the Board of Directors may determine. There is no
mandatory redemption or sinking fund obligation for the Convertible Preferred
Stock. In the event that the Company has failed to pay accrued and unpaid
dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock, it may not redeem less than all of
the outstanding shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock until all accrued and
unpaid dividends have been paid in full.
 
     Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 15 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of record of Convertible
Preferred Stock to be redeemed at the address shown on the stock transfer books.
After the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on the shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock called for redemption and all rights of the holders
of those shares will terminate, except the conversion rights to the extent
described below and the right to receive the redemption price plus accrued and
unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, to the redemption date, without
interest.
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
   
     Each holder of Convertible Preferred Stock has the right any time, at the
holder's option, to convert any or all shares into Common Stock at any time at a
conversion price (subject to adjustment as described below) of $34.90 per share
of underlying Common Stock. If the Convertible Preferred Stock is called for
redemption,
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
the conversion right will terminate at the close of business on the redemption
date fixed by the Board of Directors.
 
     If shares of Convertible Preferred Stock not called for redemption are
surrendered for conversion during the period between the close of business on
any dividend record date and the opening of business on any corresponding
dividend payment date such shares so surrendered must be accompanied by payment
of an amount equal to the dividend payable on such shares on such dividend
payment date. No such payment will be required to accompany shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock called for redemption and surrendered during such
period. A holder of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock on a dividend record
date who (or whose transferee) tenders any such shares for conversion into
shares of Common Stock on such dividend payment date will receive the dividend
payable by the Company on such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock on such
date, and the converting holder need not include payment of the amount of such
dividend upon surrender of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock for conversion.
Except for shares of Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion on a
dividend payment date, the Company will make no payment or allowance for accrued
and unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on converted shares or for
dividends on the shares of Common Stock issued upon such conversion. No
fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued upon conversion but, in lieu
thereof, an appropriate amount will be paid in cash based on the last reported
sale price for the Common Stock on the day of conversion.
 
     The conversion price is subject to adjustment in certain events, including
(i) the payment of a dividend on any class of the Company's capital stock in
shares of Common Stock; (ii) subdivisions or combinations of the Common Stock;
(iii) the issuance to all holders of Common Stock of certain rights or warrants
(expiring within 45 days after the record date for determining stockholders
entitled to receive them) to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock at a less
than current market price; or (iv) the payment of a dividend to all holders of
Common Stock of any shares of capital stock of the Company or its subsidiaries
(other than Common Stock) or evidences of indebtedness, cash (excluding cash
dividends payable solely in cash that may from time to time be fixed by the
Board of Directors, or dividends or distributions in connection with
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company), other assets or rights
or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any securities (other than those
referred to above); or (v) the issuance of all holders of Common Stock of
securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock (other than
pursuant to transactions described above) for a consideration per share of
Common Stock deliverable upon a conversion or exchange of the securities less
than the current market price per share on the date of issuance of the
securities. No adjustment of the conversion price will be required to be made
until cumulative adjustments amount to 1% or more of the conversion price as
last adjusted, and any adjustment below 1% will be carried forward.
 
   
     The Company from time to time may reduce the conversion price by any amount
for any period of time if the period is at least 20 days and if the reduction is
irrevocable during the period. Whenever the conversion price is so reduced, the
Company shall mail to holders of record of the Convertible Preferred Stock a
notice of the reduction at least 15 days before the date the reduced conversion
price takes effect, stating the reduced conversion price and the period it will
be in effect.
    
 
     In case of any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation of
the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other entity, any merger of
any entity into the Company (other than a merger that does not result in a
reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock), any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is
converted into other certain securities, cash or other property, then the holder
of each share of Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding shall have the
right thereafter, during the period that the Convertible Preferred Stock shall
be convertible, to convert that share only into the kind and amount of
securities, cash and other property receivable upon the reclassification,
consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock into which one share of Convertible Preferred
Stock would have been convertible immediately prior to the reclassification,
consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
OTHER PROVISIONS
 
     The shares of Convertible Preferred Stock have been duly and validly issued
and are fully paid and nonassessable.
 
     The holders of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock have no preemptive
rights with respect to any securities of the Company.
 
     The registrar, transfer agent, conversion agent, and dividend disbursing
agent for the Convertible Preferred Stock and the transfer agent and registrar
for the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof is First Chicago Trust
Company of New York.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Convertible Preferred Stock and the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon conversion thereof will be passed upon for the Company by
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
   
     The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996; the
consolidated financial statements of Southwestern Financial Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996, and the year then ended; and the
consolidated financial statements of United Life & Annuity Insurance Company and
subsidiary as of December 31, 1996, and the periods from July 24, 1996 to
December 31, 1996 (Successor period), and from January 1, 1996 to July 23, 1996
(Predecessor period); have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants. Such financial statements and the related
financial statement schedules have been incorporated by reference herein in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and upon the authority of
said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
   
     With respect to the Company's unaudited interim financial information for
the periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, June 30, 1997 and 1996 and March
31, 1997 and 1996, incorporated by reference herein, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP have
reported that they applied limited procedures in accordance with professional
standards for a review of such information. However, their separate reports
included in the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997, on Form 10-Q and Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30,
1997, and on Form 10-Q and Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended March 31, 1997,
incorporated by reference herein, states that they did not audit and they do not
express an opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly, the
degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in
light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. The accountants
are not subject to the liability provisions of section 11 of the Securities Act
for their reports on the unaudited interim financial information because those
reports are not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or
certified by the accountants within the meaning of sections 7 and 11 of the
Securities Act.
    
 
   
     The financial statements of United Companies Life Insurance Company
(subsequently renamed United Life & Annuity Insurance Company) and subsidiary as
of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 1995 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
auditors, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference,
and has been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon
their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
======================================================
 
     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE HEREBY, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES
OTHER THAN THOSE TO WHICH IT RELATES OR ANY OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF
AN OFFER TO BUY, OTHER THAN THOSE TO WHICH IT RELATES, IN ANY JURISDICTION TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A CHANGE IN
THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE
DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT
TO THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Available Information.................     2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference...........................     2
The Company...........................     3
Risk Factors..........................     3
Use of Proceeds.......................     4
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
  Preferred Stock Dividends...........     5
Selling Securityholders...............     5
Plan of Distribution..................     8
Description of the Convertible
  Preferred Stock.....................     9
Legal Matters.........................    13
Experts...............................    13
</TABLE>
    
 
======================================================
 
======================================================
 
                               PENNCORP FINANCIAL
                                  GROUP, INC.
 
                                2,875,000 SHARES
                          $3.50 SERIES II CONVERTIBLE
                                PREFERRED STOCK
 
                                4,118,911 SHARES
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                               -----------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                               -----------------
 
   
                               DECEMBER   , 1997
    
======================================================
<PAGE>   16
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     Expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
Convertible Preferred Stock and the Common Stock being registered, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, are estimated (other than with respect
to the SEC Registration Fee) to be as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
SEC Registration Fee........................................  $ 46,723
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................    25,000
Legal Fees and Expenses.....................................    30,000
Printing Fees and Expenses..................................    30,000
Miscellaneous...............................................     5,000
                                                              --------
          TOTAL.............................................  $136,723
                                                              ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
   
     Delaware law authorizes corporations to limit or to eliminate the personal
liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of directors' fiduciary duty of care. The Registrant's Second
Restated Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of the Registrant's
directors to the Registrant or its stockholders to the fullest extent permitted
by the Delaware statute as in effect from time to time. Specifically, directors
of the Registrant will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach
of a director's fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders,
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful payments of
dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in the
Delaware law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.
    
 
   
     The Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant provides
that the Registrant shall indemnify its officers and directors and former
officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Pursuant to the provisions of Section
145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Registrant has
the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or
proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the Registrant) by reason
of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the
Registrant, against any and all expenses, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action,
suit, or proceeding. The power to indemnify applies only if such person acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interest, or
not opposed to the best interest, of the Registrant and with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct
was unlawful.
    
 
     The power to indemnify applies to actions brought by or in the right of the
Registrant as well, but only to the extent of defense and settlement expenses
and not to any satisfaction of a judgment or settlement of the claim itself, and
with the further limitation that in such actions no indemnification shall be
made in the event of any adjudication of negligence or misconduct unless the
court, in its discretion, believes that in light of all the circumstances
indemnification should apply.
 
     The statute further specifically provides that the indemnification
authorized thereby shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which
any such officer or director may be entitled under any bylaws, agreements, vote
of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officer and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15 above, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   17
 
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
 
     The following is a list of all exhibits filed as a part of this
Registration Statement.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT
         NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
        -------                            -----------------------
<C>                      <S>
           3.1           -- Certificate of Designation for $3.50 Series II
                            Convertible Preferred Stock.+
           4.2           -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 2,
                            1996, by and between the Registrant and Smith Barney
                            Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
                            and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                            Incorporated.(1)
           5.1           -- Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.+
          12.1           -- Statement re computation of ratios of earnings to fixed
                            charges and preferred stock dividends.
          15.1           -- Letter from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP regarding unaudited
                            interim financial information.
          23.1           -- Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.+
          23.2           -- Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
          23.3           -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
          24.1           -- Power of Attorney.+
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
  + Previously filed.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
    quarter ended March 31, 1996 of PennCorp Financial Group, Inc.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The Registrant hereby undertakes the following:
 
     (a)(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
             (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
        aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
        in the registration statement.
 
             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
        of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
        or any material change to such information in the registration
        statement;
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   18
 
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the information required
to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in
periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
reference in the registration statement.
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
     to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
     therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
     (b) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (c) See Item 15.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   19
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on December 10, 1997.
    
 
                                            PENNCORP FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
 
                                            By: /s/  SCOTT D. SILVERMAN
                                          ------------------------------------
                                                    Scott D. Silverman
                                              Senior Vice President, General
                                                  Counsel and Secretary
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                      TITLE                        DATE
                      ---------                                      -----                        ----
<C>                                                    <S>                                 <C>
                          *                            Chairman of the Board, Chief        December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------    Executive Officer and Director
                   David J. Stone                        (Principal Executive Officer)
                          *                            President, Chief Financial Officer  December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------    and Director (Principal
                  Steven W. Fickes                       Financial and Accounting
                                                         Officer)
                          *                            Vice Chairman and Director          December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                 Allan D. Greenberg
 
                                                       Director                            December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                William M. McCormick
                          *                            Director                            December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Thomas A. Player
                          *                            Director                            December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                    Kenneth Roman
                          *                            Director                            December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                 Bruce W. Schnitzer
                          *                            Director                            December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                 Maurice W. Slayton
                          *                            Director                            December 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   David C. Smith
            *By:  /s/  SCOTT D. SILVERMAN
  -------------------------------------------------
                 Scott D. Silverman
                  Attorney-In-Fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   20
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT
         NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
        -------                            -----------------------
<C>                      <S>
           3.1           -- Certificate of Designation for $3.50 Series II
                            Convertible Preferred Stock.+
           4.2           -- Registration of Rights Agreement, dated as of August 2,
                            1996, by and between the Registrant and Smith Barney
                            Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
                            and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                            Incorporated.(1)
           5.1           -- Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.+
          12.1           -- Statement re computation of ratios of earnings to fixed
                            charges and preferred stock dividends.
          15.1           -- Letter from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP regarding unaudited
                            interim financial information.
          23.1           -- Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.+
          23.2           -- Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
          23.3           -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
          24.1           -- Power of Attorney.+
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
 +  Previously filed.
 
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
    quarter ended March 31, 1996 of PennCorp Financial Group, Inc.

<PAGE>   1
 
   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1
    
 
   
 STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED
                          STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
    
 
   
        FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 AND 1992
    
   
           AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                  -------------------------------------------------     -----------------
                                   1992      1993      1994       1995       1996        1996      1997
                                  -------   -------   -------   --------   --------     -------   -------
<S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>
Income before income taxes,
  undistributed earnings in
  unconsolidated affiliates and
  extraordinary charge..........  $28,656   $48,208   $60,653   $ 79,457   $110,579     $80,703   $72,025
Adjustments to earnings:
  Fixed charges.................   20,903     9,656    20,649     23,236     21,333      17,732    19,194
  Interest capitalized..........       --        --        --         --         --          --        --
  Preferred stock dividend
    requirements................       --        --        --         --         --          --        --
                                  -------   -------   -------   --------   --------     -------   -------
Total earnings and fixed
  charges.......................  $49,559   $57,864   $81,302   $102,693   $131,912     $98,435   $91,219
                                  =======   =======   =======   ========   ========     =======   =======
Fixed charges:
  Interest expensed.............  $17,621   $ 7,461   $17,404   $ 18,729   $ 17,741     $13,737   $14,939
  Amortization of deferred debt
    issuance costs..............       --        --       870      1,051      1,238       1,022       780
  Rental expense................    3,282     2,195     2,375      3,456      2,354       2,973     3,475
                                  -------   -------   -------   --------   --------     -------   -------
         Total fixed charges....  $20,903   $ 9,656   $20,649   $ 23,236   $ 21,333     $17,732   $19,194
                                  =======   =======   =======   ========   ========     =======   =======
Preferred stock dividend
  requirements:
  Preferred stock dividends.....  $ 2,903   $    --   $ 1,151   $  6,540   $ 14,646     $ 9,636   $14,685
  Gross-up for taxes............    1,728        --       582      3,174      7,710       5,189     7,907
                                  -------   -------   -------   --------   --------     -------   -------
Total preferred stock dividend
  requirements..................  $ 4,631   $    --   $ 1,733   $  9,714   $ 22,356     $14,825   $22,592
                                  =======   =======   =======   ========   ========     =======   =======
Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges.......................     2.37      5.99      3.94       4.42       6.18        5.55      4.75
                                  =======   =======   =======   ========   ========     =======   =======
Combined ratio of earnings to
  fixed charges and preferred
  stock dividend requirements...     1.94      5.99      3.63       3.12       3.02        3.02      2.18
                                  =======   =======   =======   ========   ========     =======   =======
</TABLE>
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 15.1
 
The Board of Directors
PennCorp Financial Group, Inc.:
 
   
Re: Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-13285 on Form S-3
    (2,875,000 Shares of $3.50 Series II Convertible Preferred Stock, 4,118,911
    Shares of Common Stock)
    
 
   
With respect to the subject registration statement, we acknowledge our awareness
of the use therein of our reports dated May 15, 1997 (except as to note 8 which
is as of November 14, 1997), August 14, 1997 (except as to note 8 which is as of
November 14, 1997) and November 14, 1997, related to our reviews of interim
financial information.
    
 
Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, such reports are not
considered part of a registration statement prepared or certified by an
accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the
meanings of sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
 
                                            Very truly yours,
 
                                            KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
Raleigh, North Carolina
   
December 10, 1997
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors
PennCorp Financial Group, Inc.:
 
   
We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.
    
 
                                            KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
Raleigh, North Carolina
   
December 10, 1997
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
   
     We consent to the incorporation by reference into this Amendment No. 1 to
Registration No. 333-13285 on Form S-3 of PennCorp Financial Group, Inc., of our
report dated February 29, 1996 on the consolidated balance sheets of United
Companies Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary as of December 31, 1995 and
1994, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholder's equity,
and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1995,
which report is included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996 of United Companies Life Insurance Company (subsequently
renamed United Life & Annuity Insurance Company), with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in
the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
    
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
   
December 10, 1997
    


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