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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
Commission File Number 0-18649
The National Security Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 63-1020300 661 East Davis Street, Elba, Alabama 36323
(State or other (IRS Employer (Address of principal (Zip code)
jurisdiction of identification executive offices)
incorporation or Number)
organization)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (334) 897-2273
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common stock par value $1.00 per share
Title of Each 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.
Yes (x) 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 amendments to
this Form 10-K. (X)
Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant as of February 28, 1997 (based upon the bid price of these shares on
NASDAQ on such date) - 11,344,788
Number of Shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 1997 - 2,325,148
Portions of the Annual Proxy Statement in incorporated by reference into Part
III.
Total Number of Sequentially Numbered Pages: 45
1
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
INDEX TO THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Part I Page
Item 1. Business 3
Item 2. Properties 9
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 9
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 9
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters 10
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 11
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations 12
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 17
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants and
Financial Disclosure 42
Part III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 43
Item 11. Executive Compensation 43
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 43
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 43
Part IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports of Form 8-K 44
Signature Page 45
2
PART I
Item 1. Business
Summary Description of The National Security Group, Inc.
The National Security Group, Inc. (the Company), an insurance holding company,
was incorporated in Delaware on March 20, 1990. The Company, through its
property and casualty subsidiaries, writes primarily low value dwelling fire and
windstorm, homeowners, and personal non-standard automobile lines of insurance.
The Company's property and casualty subsidiaries also write commercial lines of
insurance for small businesses. The Company, through its life insurance
subsidiary, offers a basic line of life, and health and accident insurance
products. Property-casualty insurance is the most significant segment,
accounting for 83.4% of total premium revenues.
Industry Segment and Geographical Area Information
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment
The Company's property and casualty insurance business is conducted through
National Security Fire & Casualty Company (Fire Company), a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company organized in 1959, and Omega One Insurance Company
(Omega), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Security Fire & Casualty Company
organized in 1993. The Fire Company is licensed to write insurance in eight
states, and operates on a surplus lines basis in three additional states. Omega
is licensed to write insurance in two states. During 1996, over 93% of the
property-casualty subsidiaries' premium revenues were written in the states of
Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
In general, the property-casualty insurance business involves the transfer by
the insured, to an insurance company of all or a portion of certain risks for
the payment, by the insured, of a premium to the insurance company. A portion of
such risks is often retained by the insured in the form of deductibles which may
vary greatly from policy to policy.
The premiums or payments to be made by the insured for direct products of the
property-casualty subsidiaries are based upon expected cost of providing
benefits, writing, and administering the policies. In determining the premium to
be charged, the property-casualty subsidiaries utilize data from past claims
experience and anticipated claims estimates along with commissions and general
expenses. Historically, there has been more price competition among
property-casualty insurers than other types of insurers.
The operating results of the property-casualty insurance industry are subject to
significant fluctuations from quarter to quarter and from year to year due to
the effect of competition on pricing, the frequency and severity of losses
incurred in connection with weather-related and other catastrophic events,
general economic conditions, and other factors such as changes in tax laws and
the regulatory environment.
The following table sets forth the premiums earned and income during the periods
reported:
Year Ended December 31
(Amounts in Thousands)
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Net premiums earned:
Fire, Allied lines, and Homeowners $13,835 $13,316 $12,928
Automobile 6,181 4,114 6,559
Other 2,205 2,039 1,619
----- ----- -----
$22,221 $19,469 $21,106
====== ====== ======
Income before income taxes $ 1,192 $ 651 $ 4,560
===== ====== ======
3
Life Insurance Segment
The Company's life insurance business is conducted by National Security
Insurance Company (Life Company), a wholly owned subsidiary organized in 1967.
The Life Company is licensed to write insurance in five states. The following
table indicates those states which accounted for 5% or more of the total direct
premiums collected by the Life Company in 1996:
Percentage of Total
State Direct Premiums
Alabama 85
Mississippi 9
Georgia 5
The Life Company primarily writes home service life insurance products, which
means its agents collect premiums and sell new products directly at the home or
other premises of the insured. The products primarily consist of term and whole
life insurance and accident and health insurance. The Life Company does not sell
annuities.
Term life insurance policies provide death benefits if the insured's death
occurs during the specific premium paying term of the policy and generally do
not include a savings or investment element in the policy premium. Whole-life
insurance policies demand a higher premium than term life, but provide death
benefits which are payable under effective policies regardless of the time of
the insured's death and have a savings and investment element which may result
in the accumulation of a cash surrender value.
Accident and health business is primarily home service products and accident
policies sold through schools. Accident and health insurance provides coverage
for losses sustained through sickness or accident and includes individual
hospitalization and accident policies, group supplementary health policies and
specialty products, such as cancer policies. These policies generally provide a
stated benefit and have not experienced the escalating health care costs which
many health and accident insurance policies have experienced in recent years.
The following table sets forth certain information respecting the development of
the Life Company's business:
Year Ended December 31
(Amounts in Thousands)
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Life insurance in force at end of period:
Ordinary-whole life $ 67,000 $ 71,900 $ 72,000
term life 42,000 40,000 44,000
Industrial 36,000 38,000 40,000
Other 100 100 1,000
------- -------- -------
145,100 150,000 157,000
======= ======= =======
New life insurance issued:
Ordinary-whole life $ 26,000 $ 31,000 $ 67,000
term life 12,000 18,000 19,000
Industrial 0 1,000 2,000
Other 100 1,000 1,000
------- ------- -------
38,100 51,000 89,000
======== ======== ======
Net premiums earned:
Life insurance $ 3,194 $ 3,331 $ 3,415
Accident and health insurance 1,239 1,572 1,768
----- ----- -----
4,433 4,903 5,183
====== ===== =====
4
Investments
The insurance subsidiaries are regulated as to the types of investments which
they may make and the amount of funds they may maintain in any one type of
investment. Through its investment policy, the Company seeks to conserve its
capital resources and assets, meet the investment requirements of its reserves
and provide a reasonable return on investments.
The following table sets forth certain information respecting the Company's
investments at the date shown:
Year Ended December 31
1996 1995
------- -------
Investment Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
(estimated fair value: 1996 - $36,038, 1995 - $36,679) .... $35,413 $38,427
Investment Securities available-for-sale, at market
(cost: 1996 - $21,419, 1995 - $17,421) .................... 32,716 27,451
Mortgage loans on real estate, at cost ...................... 405 484
Investment real estate, at cost ............................. 1,659 1,880
Policy loans ................................................ 622 627
Short-term investments ...................................... 4,575 2,616
------- -------
75,390 71,485
======= =======
The results with respect to the foregoing investments are as follows:
Year Ended December 31
1996 1995 1994
Net investment income ................................. $3,990 $4,311 $ 4,001
Average yield on investments ............................ 5.4% 6.0% 5.6%
Economic yield on investments (includes realized and
unrealized investment gains) ............ 10.7% 13.0% 3.1%
Net realized gains on investments (before income taxes) . 1,839 1,650 1,720
Changes in net unrealized gains on investments
(before income taxes) .....................2,034 3,356 (3,509)
As of December 31, 1996, the maturity schedule for all bonds and notes held by
the Company, stated at amortized cost, was as follows:
Maturity Schedule (Amounts in thousands)
Available Held to Percentage
Maturity for sale Maturity Total of Total
Maturity in less than 1 year .$ 500 $ 4,006 $ 4,506 10.0%
Maturity in 1-5 years ........ 2,756 7,421 10,177 22.5
Maturity in 5-10 years ....... 3,266 12,333 15,599 34.6
Maturity after 10 years ...... 3,223 11,652 14,875 32.9
------ ------- ------- -----
Totals .......................$9,745 $35,413 $45,157 100.0%
====== ======= ======= =====
5
Certain Information Regarding Insurance Activities
Marketing and Distribution
The Life Company's products are marketed through a field force of agents and
service representatives who are employees of the Life Company. The Fire
Company's products are marketed through a network of independent agents and
brokers, who are independent contractors and who generally maintain
relationships with one or more competing insurance companies.
Agents receive compensation for their sales efforts. In the case of life
insurance agents, compensation is paid in the form of sales commissions plus a
servicing commission. Commissions incurred by the Life Company in 1996 averaged
approximately 27.8% of premiums. Commissions incurred by the Fire Company in
1996 averaged approximately 17.2% of premiums and ranged from 12.5% to 22.5%
depending on the type and amount of insurance sold. During 1996, no one
independent agent accounted for more than 10% of total net earned premium of the
property-casualty insurance subsidiaries.
The Life Company management is in the process of implementing changes in
collection of premium payments, and possibly the method of marketing. If the
policyholder so elects, he or she may begin making payments by mail to the home
office rather than have a home service agent come to their house every month and
collect premiums. This change is being implemented in response to the change in
lifestyles of our policyholders. It is increasingly difficult to reach
policyholders at home until early evening, and they are usually to busy to be
bothered. Those who elect to pay by mail will still be provided service by an
area representative for help with claims and policy related questions. If there
is widespread acceptance of this method of payment, it is possible that this
could lead to reductions in the number of Life Company agents. Also, because it
is becoming increasingly difficult to employ high quality people to contact our
policy owners at home, Life Company management is considering changes in the
method of marketing of life insurance products. However, these plans are in the
preliminary stages at this time.
Reinsurance
Both insurance subsidiaries customarily reinsure with other insurers certain
portions of the insurance risk. The primary purpose of such reinsurance
arrangements is to enable the Company to limit its risk on individual policies,
and in the case of property insurance, limit its risk in the event of a
catastrophe in various geographic areas. A reinsurance arrangement does not
discharge the issuing company from primary liability to the insured, and the
issuing company is required to discharge its liability to the insured even if
the reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations under the reinsurance
arrangements. Reinsurance, however, does make the reinsurer liable to the
issuing company to the extent of any reinsurance in force at the time of the
loss. Reinsurance arrangements also decrease premiums retained by the issuing
company since that company pays the reinsuring company a portion of total
premiums based upon the amount of liability reinsured.
The Life company generally reinsures all risks in excess of $30,000 with respect
to any one policy. The Fire Company generally reinsures with third parties any
liability in excess of $100,000 on any one policy. In addition, the Fire Company
has catastrophe excess reinsurance which protects it in part with respect to
aggregate property losses arising out of a single catastrophe, such as a
hurricane. In 1994, 1995, and 1996, the Fire Company had catastrophe protection
up to a $26 million loss. On a $26 million catastrophe loss, the Fire Company
would pay about $7 million and reinsurers would pay $19 million.
In addition to catastrophe reinsurance, the Fire Company also had three quota
share reinsurance agreements as follows:
1. 81% quota share on commercial and other property exposure written by
Anchor General Agency.
2. 90% quota share on casualty exposure written by Anchor General Agency.
3. 50% quota share on ocean marine exposure.
6
Reserve liabilities
The Life Company maintains reserves for future policy benefits to meet future
obligations under outstanding policies. These reserves are calculated to be
sufficient to meet policy and contract obligations as they arise. Liabilities
for future policy benefits are calculated using assumptions for interest,
mortality, morbidity, expense, and withdrawals determined at the time the
policies were issued. As of December 31, 1996, the total reserves of the Life
Company (including the reserves for accident and health insurance) were
approximately $18.5 million. The Life Company believes that such reserves for
future policy benefits were calculated in accordance with generally accepted
actuarial methods and that such reserves are adequate to provide for future
policy benefits. Wakely & Associates, consulting actuaries, provided actuarial
services in calculating reserves.
The property-casualty subsidiaries are also required to maintain loss reserves
(claim liabilities) for all lines of insurance. Such reserves are intended to
cover the probable ultimate cost of settling all claims, including those
incurred but not yet reported. The reserves of the property-casualty
subsidiaries reflect estimates of the liability with respect to incurred claims
and are determined by evaluating reported claims on an ongoing basis and by
estimating liabilities for incurred but not reported claims. Such reserves
include adjustment expenses to cover the cost of investigating losses and
defending lawsuits. The establishment of accurate reserves is complicated by the
fact that claims in some lines of insurance are settled many years after the
policies have been issued, thus raising the possibility that inflation may have
a significant effect on the amount of ultimate loss payment, especially when
compared to initial loss estimates. The subsidiaries, however, attempt to
restrict their writing to risks that settle within one to four years of issuance
of the policy. As of December 31, 1996, the property-casualty subsidiaries had
reserves for unpaid claims of approximately $19 million before subtracting
unpaid claims which will be due from reinsurers of $9.6 million leaving net
unpaid claims of $9 million. The reserves are not discounted for the time value
of money. No changes were made in the assumptions used in estimating the
reserves during the years ending December 31, 1996, 1995 or 1994. The Company
believes such reserves are adequate to provide for settlement of claims. The
Fire Company's loss reserves are calculated by employees of the Company. Nancy
Watkins, an independent consulting actuary, certified the reserves.
Underwriting Activities
The insurance subsidiaries maintain underwriting departments which seek to
evaluate the risks associated with the issuance of an insurance policy. The Life
Company accepts standard risks and, to an extent, substandard risks and engages
medical doctors who review certain applications for insurance.
In the case of the property-casualty subsidiaries, the underwriting staff
attempts to assess, in light of the type of insurance sought by an applicant,
the risks associated with a prospective insured or insurance situation.
Depending upon the type of insurance involved, the process by which the risks
are assessed will vary. In the case of automobile liability insurance, the
underwriting staff assesses the risks involved in insuring a particular driver,
and in the case of fire insurance, the underwriting staff assesses the risks
involved in insuring a particular dwelling. Where possible, the underwriting
staff of the property-casualty insurance subsidiary utilizes standard procedures
as guides that quantify the hazards associated with a particular business
activity. In general, the property-casualty subsidiaries specialize in writing
nonstandard risks.
The nonstandard market in which the property-casualty subsidiaries operate
reacts to general economic conditions in much the same way as the standard
market. When insurers' profits and equity are strong, companies generally cut
rates or not seek increases. Also, underwriting rules are less restrictive. As
profit and/or capital fall, companies tighten underwriting rules, and seek rate
increases. Premiums in the nonstandard market are higher than the standard
market because of the increased risk of the insured, which generally comprises
more frequent claims. Drivers of autos who have prior traffic convictions are
one such increased risk which warrants higher premiums. Low valued dwellings and
mobile homes also warrant higher premiums because of the nature of the risk. The
costs of placing such nonstandard policies and making risk determinations are
similar to those of the standard market. The added costs due to more frequent
claims servicing is reflected in the higher premiums which are charged.
7
Regulation
The insurance subsidiaries are each subject to regulation by the insurance
departments of those states in which they are licensed to conduct business.
Although the extent of regulation varies from state to state, the insurance laws
of the various states generally establish supervisory departments having broad
administrative powers with respect to, among other matters, the granting and
revocation of licenses to transact business; the licensing of agents; the
establishment of standards of financial solvency, including reserves to be
maintained, the nature of investments and, in most cases premium rates; the
approval of forms and policies; and the form and content of financial
statements. These regulations have as their primary purpose the protection of
policyholders and do not necessarily confer a benefit upon stockholders.
Many states in which the insurance subsidiaries operate, including Alabama, have
laws which require that insurers become members of guaranty associations. These
associations guarantee that benefits due policyholders of insurance companies
will continue to be provided even if the insurance company which wrote the
business is financially unable to fulfill its obligations. To provide there
benefits, the associations assess the insurance companies licensed in a state
that write the line of insurance for which coverage is guaranteed. The amount of
an insurer's assessment is generally based on the relationship between that
company's premium volume in the state and the premium volume of all companies
writing the particular line of insurance in the state. The Company paid $18,700,
$142,721, and $33,967 in various association assessments in 1996, 1995, and 1994
respectively. These payments are principally related to association costs
incurred due to the insolvency of various insurance companies. Future
assessments depend on the number and magnitude of insurance company insolvencies
and such assessments are therefore difficult to predict.
Most states have enacted legislation or adopted administrative rules and
regulations covering such matters as the acquisition of control of insurance
companies, transactions between insurance companies and the persons controlling
them. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has recommended model
legislation on these subjects and all states where the Company's subsidiaries
transact business have adopted, with some modifications, that model legislation.
Among the matters regulated by such statutes are the payments of dividends.
These regulations have a direct impact on the Company since its cash flow is
substantially derived from dividends from its subsidiaries. However, the Company
has not had nor does it foresee a problem obtaining the necessary funds to
operate because of the regulation.
Competition
The insurance subsidiaries are engaged in a highly competitive business and
compete with many insurance companies of substantially greater financial
resources, including stock and mutual insurance companies. Mutual insurance
companies return profits, if any, to policyholders rather than stockholders;
therefore, mutual insurance companies may be able to charge lower net premiums
than those charged by stock insurers. Accordingly, stock insurers must attempt
to achieve competitive premium rates through greater volume, efficiency of
operations and control of expenses.
The Life Company primarily markets its life and health insurance products
through the home service system. Direct competition comes from other home
service companies, of which there are many. The Life Company's life and health
products also compete to a lesser extent with products sold by ordinary life
companies. The Life Company writes policies primarily in Alabama. The market
share of the total life and health premiums written is small because of the
number of insurers in this highly competitive field. The primary methods of
competition in the field are service and price. The Life Company attempts to
price its products with other home service companies. Because of the increased
costs associated with a home service company, premium rates are generally higher
than ordinary products, so competition from these ordinary insurers must be met
through service and home collection of premium.
The property-casualty subsidiaries market their products through independent
agents and brokers, concentrating on low value dwellings and nonstandard auto
coverage. The Fire Company, though one of the larger writers of low-value
dwelling fire insurance in Alabama, nevertheless faces a number of competitors
in this niche. Moreover, larger general line insurers also compete with the Fire
Company. The market share in states other than Alabama is small. Price is the
8
primary method of competition. Due to the method of marketing through
independent agents, commission rates and service to the agent are also important
factors in whether the independent agent agrees to offer the Fire Company's
products over its competitors.
Inflation
The Company has not determined the effects of inflation on its operations, but
it shares the same risks from inflation as other companies. Inflation causes
operating expenses to increase and erodes the purchasing power of the Company's
assets. A large portion of the Company's assets are invested in fixed maturity
investments. The purchasing power of these investments will be less at maturity
because of inflation. This is generally offset by the reserves which are a fixed
liability and will be paid with cheaper dollars. Also, inflation tends to
increase investment yields, which may reduce the impact of the increased
operating expenses caused by inflation.
Item 2. Properties
The Company owns no property. The Life insurance subsidiary owns its principal
executive offices located at 661 East Davis Street, Elba, Alabama. The executive
offices are shared by the insurance subsidiaries. The building was constructed
in 1977 and consists of approximately 26,000 square feet. The Company believes
this space to be adequate for its foreseeable future needs. The Company's
subsidiaries own certain real estate properties, including approximately 2,700
acres of timberland in Alabama.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries continue to be named as parties to litigation
related to the conduct of their insurance operations. Further information
regarding details of pending suits can be found in note 11 to the consolidated
financial statements.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a vote of Security Holders
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the three
months ended December 31, 1996.
9
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The capital stock of the Company is traded in the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market.
Quotations are furnished by the National Association of Security Dealers
Automated Quotations System (NASDAQ). The trade symbol is NSEC.
The number of shareholders of the Company's capital stock as of January 31,
1997, was approximately 1,100.
Stock Bid Prices Dividends
High Low Per Share
1996
First Quarter $14 $12 $.16
Second Quarter 14 11 5/8 .16
Third Quarter 14 1/4 12 .16
Fourth Quarter 14 1/4 12 1/2 .17
1995
First Quarter $18 $16 3/8 $.15
Second Quarter 17 1/2 16 .15
Third Quarter 17 1/2 15 .15
Fourth Quarter 16 12 1/4 .16
10
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
(Amounts in thousands, except per share)
Operating results 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------- ------ ------- ------- ------
Net premiums earned ......$26,654 $24,372 $ 26,289 $29,240 $21,069
Net investment income .... 3,935 4,311 4,001 3,894 3,738
Net realized investment
gains ............... 1,839 1,650 1,720 661 855
Other income ............. 582 505 400 602 311
------- ------ -------- ------- -------
Total revenues ................$33,010 $30,838 $ 32,410 $34,397 $25,973
======= ======= ======== ======= =======
Income before extraordinary
Items ....................$ 1,356 $ 214 $ 3,674 $ 3,438 $ 3,755
Extraordinary gain ............ 0 0 0 263 0
------- ------- -------- ------- -------
$ 1,356 $ 214 $ 3,674 $ 3,701 $ 3,755
======= ======= ======== ======= =======
Net income per share before
extraordinary items ......$ 0.58 $ 0.09 $ 1.57 $ 1.47 $ 1.61
Extraordinary gain ............ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.00
------- ------- -------- ------- -------
$ 0.58 $ 0.09 $ 1.57 $ 1.58 $ 1.61
======= ======= ======== ======= =======
Other Selected Financial Data
Total shareholders' equity ....$40,519 $39,774 $ 38,482 $39,140 $35,806
Book value per share ..........$ 17.43 $ 17.11 $ 16.44 $ 16.73 $ 15.30
Dividends per share ...........$ 0.65 $ 0.61 $ 0.57 $ 0.52 $ 0.47
Net change in unrealized
capital gains (net of tax)$ 968 $ 2,726 ($ 3,030) $ 850 $ 937
Total assets ..................$98,219 $97,266 $ 89,986 $86,875 $70,574
11
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
The following analysis of the consolidated results of operations and financial
condition of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Selected
Financial Data and Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included
elsewhere herein.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations: Consolidated net income from The National
Security Group was $1.356 million in 1996 compared to $214,000 in 1995 ($3.674
million in 1994). Consolidated revenues were $33 million in 1996 compared to
$30.8 million in 1995 ($32.4 million in 1994).
Industry Segment Data
Certain financial information for The National Security Group's three segments
(life and accident and health insurance, property and casualty insurance, and
other) is summarized as follows:
Premium revenues: 1996 % 1995 % 1994 %
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Life and accident and health
insurance ................$ 4,433 16.6 $ 4,903 20.1 $ 5,183 19.7
Property and casualty
insurance ................ 22,221 83.4 19,469 79.9 21,106 80.3
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
$26,654 100.0 $24,372 100.0 $ 26,289 100.0
Income before taxes and cumulative effect adjustment:
1996 % 1995 % 1994 %
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Life and accident and
health insurance .........$ 1,071 (64.5) $ (178) (64.5) $ 639 13.7
Property and casualty
insurance ................. 1,192 235.9 651 235.9 4,560 97.6
Other ...................... (642) (71.4) (197) (71.4) (528) (11.3)
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
$ 1,621 100.0 $ 276 100.0 $ 4,671 100.0
======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
Life and Accident and Health Insurance Operations: Premium income was $4.4
million in 1996, down 9.5% from $4.9 million in 1995, as a result of decreased
sales of both, life insurance, and accident and health insurance. The primary
reason for the decrease is due to reductions in field agents and losses of
significant amounts of business in Mississippi. Premium income was down 5% for
1995 compared to 1994. The primary reason for this decrease was due to a
reduction of more than 25% in the life insurance sales force during 1994 and
early 1995. As it is becoming increasingly difficult to hire and maintain high
quality home service agents, the Life Company expects to make some changes in
its method of selling new life insurance products in the near future.
As a result of the decrease in the life insurance sales force, general expenses
before litigation and sales commissions fell slightly in 1996 compared to 1995.
Sales commissions dropped 17% from $1.34 million in 1994 to $1.12 million in
1995. General expenses before litigation costs decreased 6.7% in 1996 compared
to 1995 primarily due to decreased legal expenses and insurance expenses.
General expenses before litigation cost in 1995 declined $137,000 compared to
1994, a 7% decrease.
Pretax earnings were much improved in 1996 at $1.07 million compared to
$(178,000) in 1995. The primary reason for the improvement was that litigation
expenses decreased by over $1.5 million. Pretax earnings of $(178,000) in 1995
compared to $639,000 in 1994, reflected a decrease in realized investment gains,
and a continued hostile legal environment. Litigation expenses totaled $2.32
million and $2.22 million in 1995 and 1994 respectively.
12
Property & Casualty Operations: Premium income was $22.2 million in 1996
compared to $19.5 million in 1995. The primary reason for the increase was due
to the increase in premiums from new commercial and private passenger automobile
programs in the states of Louisiana, and Georgia. Growth from these programs is
expected to continue in 1997 though at more moderate levels than in 1996. The
property -casualty subsidiaries are expected to expand automobile insurance into
two additional states by mid to late 1997. These programs are still in the
planning stages at this point and premium projections are not yet available.
Premium income of $19.5 million in 1995, was down nearly 8% from the 1994 total
of $21.1 million, a result of the decision to discontinue a commercial
automobile program during 1994 and a private passenger automobile program in
1995.
Pretax earnings were $1.19 million in 1996 up 83% from $651,000 in 1995.
Earnings were up primarily due to the adverse impact of Hurricane Opal on 1995
earnings. Earnings in 1996 were still below previous levels due to increased
fire and windstorm losses in the low value dwelling program. Pretax earnings of
$651,000 in 1995 were down 86% from the 1994 total of $4.56 million. Several
factors contributed to the decrease in earnings in 1995, the most noteworthy of
which was Hurricane Opal which ripped through Alabama, where more than 60% of
property and casualty net written premiums are produced. Total property losses
incurred by the company exceeded $3 million. However, after catastrophe
reinsurance recoveries, the pretax loss was about $2 million. Also contributing
to the decrease in pretax earnings was a change in Alabama's insurance premium
tax law which led to an increase in premium taxes of more than $500,000.
Litigation settlements and legal expenses were more than $400,000 in 1995, and
the decrease in premium revenues accounted for the remainder of the decrease in
pretax income.
A measure used to analyze a property/casualty insurer's underwriting performance
is the statutory combined ratio. It is the sum of two ratios:
a. The loss and loss expense ratio, which measurers losses and loss
adjustment expenses incurred as a percentage of premiums earned.
b. The underwriting expense ratio, which measurers underwriting
expenses incurred (e.g., agents' commissions, premium taxes,
and other administrative underwriting expenses) as a percentage
of premiums written during the year.
The results of these ratios for the past three years were:
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Loss and LAE Ratio 79.8% 82.8% 64.2%
Underwriting Expense Ratio 30.9% 31.4% 28.0%
----- ----- -----
Combined Ratio 110.7% 114.2% 92.2%
The combined ratio for 1996, though improved over 1995 was still higher than
historical averages for the property-casualty subsidiaries. The primary reason
for the high combined ratio was higher than normal incurred losses in the low
value dwelling program in the first quarter of 1996. These losses were
attributable to the colder than normal winter which led to more fire losses and
several tornado producing storms which hit the Southeastern United States. The
combined ratio for 1995 increased significantly over 1994 due to losses
sustained in Hurricane Opal.
Maintaining a combined ratio below 100%, which indicates that the company is
making an underwriting profit, depends upon many factors including hurricane
activity in the Gulf of Mexico, strict underwriting of risks, and adequate and
timely premium rates. A major hurricane, such as Opal, hitting the coast of
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas could cause the combined ratio to
fluctuate materially from prior years. The fire & casualty subsidiary maintains
catastrophe insurance to minimize the effect of a major catastrophe.
Asset Portfolio Review: The life insurance and property/casualty subsidiaries
primarily invest in highly liquid investment grade debt and equity securities.
At December 31, 1996, the company's holdings in debt securities amounted to 66%
of total investments and 51% of total assets. The following is a breakdown of
the bond portfolio quality according to National Association of Insurance
Commissioners (NAIC) Securities Valuation Office (SVO) rating standards, and the
nationally recognized rating organization equivalents of Moody's and Standard
and Poor's:
13
SVO Equivalents % of Total
SVO Class Moody's Standard and Poor's Bond Portfolio
- --------- ------- ------------------- --------------
1 Aaa to A3 AAA to A- 88.5
2 Baa to Baa3 BBB+ to BBB- 8.5
3 Ba1 to Ba3 BB+ to BB- 1.2
4 B1 to B3 B+ to B- 1.8
5 Caa to Ca CCC+ to C 0.0
6 C Ci to D 0.0
As of January 1, 1994, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement 115 and reclassified a portion of its fixed maturity securities
portfolio as "available-for-sale," with the remainder being classified as
"held-tomaturity." With that reclassification, the fixed maturity securities
classified as "available-for-sale" are carried at fair value and changes in fair
values, net of related income taxes, are charged or credited to shareholders'
equity (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).
The insurance subsidiaries' fixed maturity securities include mortgage-backed
bonds, primarily collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO's), of $11.2 million
at December 31, 1996 and 1995. The mortgage-backed bonds are subject to risks
associated with variable prepayments of the underlying mortgage loans.
Prepayments cause those securities to have different actual maturities than that
expected at the time of purchase. Securities that are purchased at a premium to
par value and prepay faster than expected will incur a reduction in yield or
loss. Securities that are purchased at a discount to par value and prepay faster
than expected will generate an increase in yield or gain. The degree to which a
security is susceptible to either gains or losses is influenced by the
difference between amortized cost and par value, the relative sensitivity of the
underlying mortgages backing the assets to prepayments in a changing interest
rate environment and the repayment priority of the securities in the overall
securitization structure.
The Company limits the extent of its credit risk by purchasing securities that
are backed by stable collateral, the majority of the assets are guaranteed by
U.S. government sponsored entities. Also, substantially all of the subsidiaries'
CMO's are Planned Amortization Class (PAC) bonds. PAC bonds are typically the
lowest risk CMO's, and provide greater cash flow predictability. Such securities
with reduced risk typically have a lower yield, but higher liquidity, than
higherrisk mortgage backed bonds. To reduce the risk of loss of principal should
prepayments exceed expectations, the Company does not purchase mortgage backed
securities at significant premiums over par value.
The Company's investment approach in the equity markets is based primarily on a
fundamental analysis of value. This approach requires the investment committee
to invest in well managed, primarily dividend paying companies, which have a low
debt to capital ratio, above average return on net worth for a sustained period
of time, and low price to book value or low volatility rating (beta) relative to
the market. The dividends provide a steady cash flow to help pay current claim
liabilities, and it has been the Company's experience that by following this
investment strategy, investment results have been superior to those offered by
bonds, while keeping the risk of loss of capital to a minimum.
Liquidity and Capital Resources: Due to regulatory restrictions, the majority of
the Company's cash is required to be invested in investment-grade securities to
provide ample protection for policyholders. The liabilities of the insurance
subsidiaries are of various terms and, therefore, those subsidiaries invest in
securities with various maturities spread over periods usually not exceeding 10
years.
The liquidity requirements for the Company are primarily met by funds generated
from operations of the life insurance and property/casualty insurance
subsidiaries. Premium and investment income as well as maturities and sales of
invested assets provide the primary sources of cash for both the life and
property/casualty businesses, while applications of cash are applied by both
businesses to the payment of policy benefits, the cost of acquiring new business
(principally commissions), operating expenses, purchases of new investment, and
in the case of life insurance, policy loans.
The National Security Group's consolidated statement of cash flows indicate that
operating activities provided (used) cash of $1.45 million, $(3.6) million, $1
million in 1996, 1995, and 1994 respectively. Those statements also classify the
other sources and uses of cash by investing activities, and financing activities
and disclose the amount of cash available at the end of the year to meet the
Company's obligations.
14
The primary reason for the increase in cash provided by operating activities for
1996 was the increased cash flow from the new automobile programs. The primary
reason for the large increase in cash used for operating activities in 1995 was
Hurricane Opal which hit Alabama in early October. The cash provided from the
sale of available-for-sale securities helped offset the increase in cash
required to pay hurricane claims.
The Company has standby letters of credit in the amount of $25,000. These
letters are used to guarantee obligations of the property/casualty subsidiary
under assumed reinsurance contracts. The letters of credit are secured by
certain invested assets of the Company. The Company also routinely incurs
liability for declared but unpaid dividends. Long term liquidity needs of the
Company constitute only those items which are directly related to the principal
business operations of the Company. The Company has no long term debt.
The ability of the Company to meet its commitments for timely payment of claims
and other expenses depends, in addition to current cash flow, on the liquidity
of its investments. On December 31, 1996, the Company had no known impairments
of assets or changes in operation which would have a material adverse effect
upon liquidity. Approximately 75% of the Company's assets are invested in cash,
investment grade fixed income securities, short-term investments and broadly
traded equity securities which are highly liquid. The values of these
investments are subject to the conditions of the markets in which they are
traded. Past fluctuations in these markets have had little effect on the
liquidity of the Company. The Company has relatively little exposure to lower
grade fixed income investments which might be especially subject to liquidity
problems due to thinly traded markets.
Except as discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company is aware of no known trends, events, or uncertainties reasonably likely
to have a material effect in its liquidity, capital resources, or operations.
Additionally, the Company has not been made aware of any recommendations of
regulatory authorities, which if implemented, would have such an effect.
As disclosed in note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, in 1997, the
amount that The National Security Group's insurance subsidiaries can transfer in
the form of dividends to the parent company is limited to $800,000 in the life
insurance subsidiary and $2.4 million in the property/casualty insurance
subsidiary. However, that condition poses no short-term or long-term liquidity
concerns for the parent company.
Statutory Risk-Based Capital of Insurance Subsidiaries: The NAIC has adopted
Risk-Based Capital (RBC) requirements for life/health and property/casualty
insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in
relation to investment and insurance risks such as asset quality, mortality and
morbidity, asset and liability matching, benefit and loss reserve adequacy, and
other business factors. The RBC formula will be used by state insurance
regulators as an early warning tool to identify, for the purpose of initiating
regulatory action, insurance companies that potentially are inadequately
capitalized. In addition, the formula defines new minimum capital standards that
will supplement the current system of low fixed minimum capital and surplus
requirements on a state-by-state basis. Regulatory compliance is determined by a
ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by the
NAIC, to its authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC. Companies
below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within levels, each of
which requires corrective action. The levels and ratios are as follows:
Ratio of Total Adjusted Capital to
Authorized Control Level RBC
Regulatory Event (Less Than or Equal to)
Company action level 2
Regulatory action level 1.5
Authorized control level 1
Mandatory control level 0.7
The ratios of Total Adjusted Capital to Authorized Control Level RBC for The
National Security Group's life/health and property/casualty insurance
subsidiaries are all in excess of eight to one at December 31, 1996.
15
National Security Insurance Company (life insurer) has regulatory adjusted
capital of $10.1 million and $12.1 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, and a ratio of regulatory total adjusted capital to authorized
control level RBC of 8.31 and 10.4 at December 31, 1996 and 1995 respectively.
Accordingly, National Security Insurance Company meets the minimum RBC
requirements.
National Security Fire & Casualty Company (property/casualty insurer) has
regulatory adjusted capital of $24.1 million and $23.9 million at December 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively, and a ratio of regulatory total adjusted capital to
authorized control level RBC of 8.3 and 10.6 at December 31, 1996 and 1995
respectively. Accordingly, National Security Fire & Casualty Company meets the
minimum RBC requirements.
Omega One Insurance Company (property/casualty insurer), which began writing
business in late 1995, has regulatory adjusted capital of $5.2 million and $5.2
million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and a ratio of regulatory
total adjusted capital to authorized control level RBC of 10.7 and 90.11 at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 respectively. Accordingly, Omega One Insurance
Company meets the minimum RBC requirements.
16
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Report of Independent
Certified Public Accountants ...................................... 18
Consolidated Statements of Income -
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994...................... 19
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1996 and 1995........... 20
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity -
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994...................... 21
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994...................... 22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - December 31, 1995...... 23
Financial Statement Schedules:
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants on
Financial Statement Schedules...................................... 34
Schedule I. Summary of Investments - December 31, 1996 and 1995.... 35
Schedule III. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant -
December 31, 1996 and 1995.......................................... 36
Schedule V. Supplementary Insurance Information -
December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994.................................. 40
Schedule VI. Reinsurance -
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994...................... 41
All other Schedules are not required under related instructions or are
inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
17
The National Security Group, Inc.
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
The National Security Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The National
Security Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,1996. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
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 consolidated financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The
National Security Group, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the 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.
Birmingham, Alabama
February 14, 1997 Dudley, Hopton-Jones, Sims & Freeman PLLP
-18-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands
except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
REVENUES
Net premiums earned................................... $ 26,654 $ 24,372 $ 26,289
Net investment income ................................. 3,935 4,311 4,001
Net realized investment gains ......................... 1,839 1,650 1,720
Other income .......................................... 582 505 400
-------- -------- --------
33,010 30,838 32,410
-------- -------- --------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Policyholder benefits paid or provided ................ 19,677 17,721 15,406
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs ..... 995 1,142 1,388
Commissions ........................................... 3,726 3,539 3,980
General insurance expenses ............................ 5,515 6,709 5,968
Insurance taxes, licenses and fees .................... 1,367 1,339 865
Interest expense ...................................... 109 112 132
-------- -------- --------
31,389 30,562 27,739
-------- -------- --------
Income Before Income Taxes 1,621 276 4,671
-------- -------- --------
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Current ............................................... 421 45 1,244
Deferred .............................................. (156) 17 (247)
-------- -------- --------
265 62 997
-------- -------- --------
Net Income $ 1,356 $ 214 $ 3,674
======== ======== ========
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Net Income $ .58 $ .09 $ 1.57
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-19-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31,
1996 1995
ASSETS ------ ------
Investments
Securities held-to-maturity at amortized cost (estimated fair value: 1996 - $36,038
1995 - $39,679)............................................................................... $ 35,413 $ 38,427
Securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: 1996 - $21,419, 1995 - $17,421)... 32,716 27,451
Mortgage loans on real estate, at cost.......................................................... 405 484
Investment real estate, at cost (accumulated depreciation: 1996 - $35, 1995 - $33).............. 1,659 1,880
Policy loans.................................................................................... 622 627
Short-term investments.......................................................................... 4,575 2,616
------ ------
Total Investments 75,390 71,485
Cash............................................................................................... 147 201
Accrued investment income.......................................................................... 803 880
Reinsurance recoverable............................................................................ 12,488 11,892
Deferred policy acquisition costs.................................................................. 4,013 3,400
Prepaid reinsurance premiums....................................................................... 1,908 5,253
Current income tax recoverable..................................................................... 258 829
Other assets....................................................................................... 3,212 3,326
------- --------
Total Assets $ 98,219 $ 97,266
======= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Policy liabilities and claims
Policy liabilities.............................................................................. $ 18,558 $ 18,290
Unearned premiums............................................................................... 10,398 12,467
Claim liabilities............................................................................... 19,447 16,538
------ ------
48,403 47,295
Checks outstanding in excess of bank balance....................................................... 1,516 595
Other policyholder funds........................................................................... 1,842 1,927
Other liabilities.................................................................................. 3,087 5,039
Deferred income tax................................................................................ 2,852 2,636
------ ------
Total Liabilities 57,700 57,492
------ ------
Contingencies
Preferred stock, $1 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding...............
Class A common stock, $1 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding........
Common stock, $1 par value, 2,500,000 shares authorized and 2,339,848 shares issued................ 2,340 2,340
Additional paid-in capital......................................................................... 17 17
Net unrealized appreciation on securities available-for-sale, net of deferred income taxes......... 7,941 6,973
Retained earnings.................................................................................. 30,513 30,666
Treasury stock, at cost (14,700 shares)............................................................ (292) (222)
-------- -------
Total Shareholders' Equity 40,519 39,774
-------- -------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 98,219 $ 97,266
======= =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-20-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
Additional on Securities Total
Common Paid-in Available- Retained Treasury Shareholders'
Stock Capital for-Sale Earnings Stock Equity
Balance at January 1, 1994.......................$ 1,560 $ 17 $ 7,245 $ 30,318 $ - $ 39,140
Effect of adopting SFAS 115................... - - 32 - - 32
Net income for 1994........................... - - - 3,674 - 3,674
Cash dividends ($.57 per share)............... - - - (1,334) - (1,334)
Net decrease in unrealized appreciation of
securities available-for-sale............... - - ( 3,030) - - (3,030)
Shares issued under 3 for 2 stock split....... 780 - - ( 780) - -
------ ---- ------ ------- ---- --------
Balance at December 31, 1994..................... 2,340 17 4,247 31,878 - 38,482
Net income for 1995........................... - - - 214 - 214
Cash dividends ($.61 per share)............... - - - (1,426) - (1,426)
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of
securities available-for-sale............... - - 2,726 - - 2,726
Treasury stock purchased...................... - - - - ( 222) ( 222)
------ ---- ------ ------- ---- -------
Balance at December 31, 1995..................... 2,340 17 6,973 30,666 ( 222) 39,774
Net income for 1996........................... - - - 1,356 - 1,356
Cash dividends ($.65 per share)............... - - - (1,509) - (1,509)
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of
securities available-for-sale............... - - 968 - - 968
Treasury stock purchased...................... - - - - ( 70) ( 70)
------ ---- ------ ------- ---- -------
Balance at December 31, 1996.....................$ 2,340 $ 17 $ 7,941 $ 30,513 $( 292) $ 40,519
======= ==== ====== ======= ==== =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-21-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income........................................................................ $ 1,356 $ 214 $ 3,674
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income............................. 77 ( 34) ( 65)
Increase in reinsurance recoverable.......................................... ( 596) ( 5,499) ( 3,181)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs............................ 995 1,142 1,388
Net realized gains on investments............................................ ( 1,839) ( 1,648) ( 1,416)
Policy acquisition costs deferred............................................ ( 1,608) ( 1,019) ( 1,291)
(Increase) decrease in current income taxes receivable....................... 571 ( 829) -
Increase in deferred tax asset............................................... - - ( 246)
Increase in prepaid reinsurance premiums..................................... 3,345 ( 263) ( 585)
Depreciation and amortization expense........................................ 116 68 183
Increase in policy liabilities and claims.................................... 1,108 4,653 2,001
Decrease in income tax payable............................................... - ( 226) ( 25)
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes................................. ( 156) 17 -
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities..................................... ( 1,952) 420 ( 71)
Other, net................................................................... ( 37) ( 609) 612
------- ------ ------
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities 1,454 ( 3,613) 978
------- ------- ------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities....................................... ( 2,741) ( 3,486) ( 11,018)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities..................................... ( 6,370) ( 1,411) ( 994)
Purchase of real estate held for investment.................................... ( 36) ( 5) -
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities........................ 5,774 2,238 3,143
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities........................... 4,474 3,623 6,421
Proceeds from real estate held for investment.................................. 81 1,666 -
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments................... - 2,319 2,463
Receipts from repayment of loans............................................... 79 54 201
Purchase of property and equipment............................................. ( 66) ( 344) ( 39)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment................................... - 65 -
Purchases of short-term investments............................................ ( 1,959) - -
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities ( 764) 4,719 177
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Decrease) increase in other policyholder funds................................ ( 85) ( 230) 4
Dividends paid................................................................. ( 1,509) ( 1,427) ( 1,334)
Purchase of treasury stock..................................................... ( 70) ( 222) -
Increase in checks outstanding in excess of bank balances...................... 921 595 -
------- ------ -------
Net cash used for financing activities ( 743) ( 1,284) ( 1,330)
------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash ( 53) ( 178) ( 175)
Cash at beginning of year......................................................... 201 379 554
------- ------ ------
Cash at end of year............................................................... $ 147 $ 201 $ 379
======= ====== ======
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest....................................................................... $ 111 $ 119 $ 131
======= ====== ======
Income taxes................................................................... $ 531 $ 1,100 $ 1,064
======= ======= =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
-22-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Description of Major Products
NSIC is licensed in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas and
Florida and was organized in 1947 to provide life and burial insurance policies
to the home service market. Premiums sold and serviced by company agents
primarily include industrial life, larger ordinary life, accident and health,
limited hospital, cancer and low valued life insurance. NSFC operates in various
property and casualty lines, the most significant of which are low valued
dwelling property, home service fire, nonstandard automobile physical damage and
liability, nonstandard commercial, ocean marine and inland marine. Omega
operates in property and casualty lines, the most significant of which is
commercial auto liability.
Basis of Presentation
The significant accounting policies followed by The National Security Group,
Inc. and subsidiaries that materially affect financial reporting are summarized
below. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which, as to the
subsidiary insurance companies, differ from statutory accounting practices
permitted by regulatory authorities.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The
National Security Group, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries:
National Security Insurance Company (NSIC), National Security Fire and Casualty
Company (NSFC) and NATSCO, Inc. (NATSCO). During 1993, NSFC formed a
wholly-owned subsidiary - Omega One Insurance Company (OMEGA). All significant
intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
Investments
Effective January 1, 1994, the Company and its subsidiaries adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities ("SFAS 115"). This statement, among other things,
requires investment securities (bonds, notes, common stock and preferred stocks)
to be divided into one of three categories: held-to-maturity,
available-for-sale, and trading.
The Company's securities are classified in two categories and accounted for as
follows:
o Securities Held-to-Maturity. Bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stock
for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to
maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and
accretion of discounts which are recognized in interest income using
methods which approximate level yields over the period to maturity.
o Securities Available-for-Sale. Bonds, notes, common stock and
non-redeemable preferred stock not classified as either held-tomaturity,
or trading are reported at fair value, adjusted for other-than-temporary
declines in fair value.
The Company and its subsidiaries have no trading securities.
Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on securities
available-for-sale are reported as a net amount in a separate component of
shareholders' equity until realized.
Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities available-for-sale are
determined using the specific-identification method.
The initial effect of adopting SFAS 115 at January 1, 1994 is reported as a
$32,000 increase in net unrealized appreciation on securities
available-for-sale, net of deferred taxes.
Mortgage loans and policy loans are stated at the unpaid principal balance of
such loans. Investment real estate is reported at cost, less allowances for
depreciation computed on the straight-line basis. Short-term investments are
carried at cost, which approximates market value. Investments with other than
temporary impairment in value are written down to estimated realizable values.
-23-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 CONTINUED
Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments
In 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (SFAS 107) which
requires companies to disclose fair value information about certain financial
instruments. SFAS No. 107 defines fair value as the quoted market prices for
those instruments that are actively traded in financial markets. In cases where
quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using present
value or other valuation techniques. The fair value estimates are made at a
specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments
about the financial instrument, such as estimates of timing and amount of
expected future cash flows. Such estimates do not reflect any premium or
discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's
entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the
tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the
fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparision to independent
markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the
instrument.
SFAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments, particularly insurance
liabilities other than financial guarantees and investment contracts, from its
disclosure requirements. In evaluating the Company's management of interest rate
and liquidity risk, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be
taken into consideration.
The fair values of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and balances
due on account from agents, reinsurers and others approximate their carrying
amounts as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets due to their short-term
availabilty or maturity.
The fair values of debt and equity securities have been determined using values
supplied by independent pricing services and are disclosed together with
carrying amounts in Note 3.
The fair value of the mortgage loan portfolio was approximately equal to the
carrying amount of $405,000 on December 31, 1996 and $484,000 on December 31,
1995.
As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the fair value of policy loans approximated
their carrying amount of $622,000 and $627,000, respectively.
The fair value of other policyholder funds on deposit is estimated to
approximate carrying amount of $1,842,000 on December 31, 1996 and $1,885,000 on
December 31, 1995.
Statement of Cash Flows
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash includes cash-on-hand and demand
deposits with banks.
Premium Revenues
Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues when due. Property and
casualty insurance premiums, less amounts ceded to reinsurers, are recognized on
a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies. Reinsurance premiums assumed
are recognized as reported by the ceding company.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The costs of acquiring new insurance business are deferred and amortized over
the lives of the policies. Deferred costs include commissions, other agency
compensation and expenses, and other underwriting expenses directly related to
the level of new business produced.
Acquisition costs relating to life contracts are amortized over the premium
paying period of the contracts, or the first renewal period of term policies, if
earlier. Assumptions utilized in amortization are consistent with those utilized
in computing policy liabilities.
The method of computing the deferred policy acquisition costs for property and
casualty policies limits the amount deferred to a percentage of related unearned
premiums.
-24-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 1 CONTINUED
Policy Liabilities
The liability for future life insurance policy benefits is computed using a net
level premium method including the following assumptions:
Years of Issue Interest Rate
1947 - 1968 4%
1969 - 1978 6% graded to 5%
1979 - 1996 7% graded to 6%
Mortality assumptions include various percentages of the 1955-60 and 1965-70
Select and Ultimate Basic Male Mortality Table. Withdrawal assumptions are based
on the Company's experience.
Claim Liabilities
The liability for unpaid claims represents the estimated liability for claims
reported to the Company and its subsidiaries plus claims incurred but not yet
reported and the related adjustment expenses. The liabilities for claims and
related adjustment expenses are determined using case-basis evaluations and
statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate net cost of all
losses incurred through December 31 of each year. Although considerable
variability is inherent in such estimates, management believes that the
liabilities for unpaid claims and related adjustment expenses are adequate. The
estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary; such adjustments
are included in current operations.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of
shares outstanding during each year. The adjusted weighted average shares
outstanding was 2,339,848 in 1996 and 2,337,090 in 1995 and $2,339,848 in 1994.
(See Note 12).
Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, NSFC seeks to reduce the loss that may arise
from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by
reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other
insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are
estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the
reinsured policy. Amounts paid for prospective reinsurance contracts are
reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and amortized over the remaining
contract period.
In the normal course of business, NSIC seeks to limit its exposure to loss on
any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding
reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage
contracts. NSIC retains a maximum of $30,000 of coverage per individual life.
The cost of reinsurance is amortized over the contract period of the
reinsurance.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial
statements to make the prior year amounts comparable to those of the current
year. Such reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net income
or shareholders' equity.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
-25-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 2 - STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which vary in
certain respects from reporting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance
regulatory authorities. The significant differences for statutory reporting
include: (a) acquisition costs of acquiring new business are charged to
operations as incurred, (b) life policy liabilities are established utilizing
interest and mortality factors specified by regulatory authorities, (c) the
Asset Valuation Reserve (AVR) and the Interest Maintenance Reserve (IMR) are
recorded as liabilities, (d) deferred income taxes are not provided, and (e)
non-admitted assets (furniture and equipment, agents' debit balances and prepaid
expenses) are charged directly to surplus.
Statutory net gains from operations and capital and surplus, excluding
intercompany transactions, are summarized as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Net gain from operations:
NSIC - including realized capital gains of $333, $121 and $584, respectively........$ 749 $ (73) $ 346
======== ======= =======
NSFC - including realized capital gains of $1,506, $1,528 and $1,083, respectively..$ 613 $ 156 $ 3,641
======== ======= =======
OMEGA...............................................................................$ (352) $ 164 $ 53
======== ======= =======
Statutory capital and surplus:
NSIC - including AVR of $2,141, $1,772 and $579, respectively.......................$ 10,079 $ 12,083 $ 6,529
======== ======= =======
NSFC................................................................................$ 22,384 $ 22,148 $ 20,844
======== ======= =======
OMEGA...............................................................................$ 5,180 $ 5,240 $ 5,066
======== ======= =======
The above amounts exclude allocation of overhead from the Company. NSIC, NSFC
and OMEGA are in compliance with statutory restrictions with regard to minimum
amounts of surplus and capital.
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
The amortized cost and aggregate fair values of investments in securities are as
follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 1996
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities............................................. $ 5,412 $ 52 $ (305) $ 5,159
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies.......................................... 4,333 40 - 4,373
Equity securities..................................................... 11,674 11,814 (304) 23,184
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total $ 21,419 $ 11,906 $ (609) $ 32,716
======== ======= ======= =======
-26-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 3 CONTINUED
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 1996
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
Held-to-maturity securities:
Corporate debt securities.............................................$ 16,037 $ 236 $ (152) $ 16,121
Obligations of states and political subdivisions...................... 5,005 496 - 5,500
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies.......................................... 14,371 70 ( 25) 14,417
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total $ 35,413 $ 802 $ (177) $ 36,038
======== ======= ======= =======
December 31, 1995
-----------------
Available-for-sale securities:
Corporate debt securities.............................................$ 4,592 $ 151 $ 385 $ 4,358
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies.......................................... 3,786 88 1 3,873
Equity securities..................................................... 9,043 10,311 134 19,220
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total $ 17,421 $ 10,550 $ 520 $ 27,451
======== ======= ======= =======
Held-to-maturity securities:
Corporate debt securities.............................................$ 17,773 $ 663 $ 20 $ 18,416
Obligations of states and political subdivisions...................... 5,779 466 1 6,244
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies.......................................... 14,875 155 11 15,019
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total $ 38,427 $ 1,284 $ 32 $ 39,679
======== ======= ======= =======
The amortized cost and aggregate fair value of debt securities at December 31,
1996, by contractual maturity, are as follows. Expected maturities will differ
from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call prepayment penalties.
Amortized Fair
Cost Value
Available-for-sale securities:
Due in on e year or less ................$ 500,048 $ 500,000
Due after one year through five years.... 2,755,657 2,783,000
Due after five years through ten years... 3,266,327 3,291,431
Due after ten years...................... 3,223,076 2,957,330
------------ ------------
Total $ 9,745,108 $ 9,531,761
============ ============
Held-to-maturity securities:
Due in one year or less..................$ 4,006,349 $ 3,997,120
Due after one year through fiveyears..... 7,421,289 7,655,238
Due after five years through ten years... 12,333,430 12,398,523
Due after ten years...................... 11,651,540 11,987,549
------------ ------------
Total $ 35,412,608 $ 36,038,430
============ ============
Proceeds from the maturity or call of held-to-maturity securities during 1996
and 1995 were $5,773,992 and $2,237,576, respectively. Gross gains of $29,565
and $22,667 and gross losses of $342 and $4,926 for 1996 and 1995, respectively,
were realized on those maturities or calls.
-27-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 3 CONTINUED
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities during 1996 were
$4,473,791. Gross gains of $2,006,247 and gross losses of $1,879 for 1996 were
realized on those sales.
NOTE 4 - NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
Major categories of investment income are summarized as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Fixed maturities............................$ 3,112 $ 3,336 $ 3,112
Equity securities........................... 559 663 721
Mortgage loans on real estate............... 39 45 52
Investment real estate...................... 13 17 19
Policy loans................................ 37 34 38
Other, principally short-term investments... 230 234 139
-------- -------- -------
3,990 4,329 4,081
Less: Investment expenses.................. (55) (18) (80)
-------- -------- -------
Net investment income.......................$ 3,935 $ 4,311 $ 4,001
======== ======== =======
An analysis of investment gains follows:
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Net realized investment gains:
Fixed maturities..........................$ 12 $ 56 $ 57
Other, principally equity securities...... 1,827 1,594 1,663
-------- -------- -------
$ 1,839 $ 1,650 $ 1,720
======== ======== =======
An analysis of the net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation on
available-for-sale securities follows:
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized
appreciation on available-for-sale
securities before deferred income tax....$ 1,340 $ 3,356 $( 3,509)
Deferred income tax ....................... (372) (630) 479
-------- -------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized
appreciation on available-for-sale
securities...............................$ 968 $ 2,726 $( 3,030)
======== ======== =======
Investment real estate with a carrying value of approximately $2,000,000
produced insignificant income during each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 1995. This property was sold during the year ended December 31,
1995.
-28-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES:
Total income tax expense varies from amounts computed by applying current
federal income tax rates to income before income taxes. The reasons for these
differences and the approximate tax effects are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Federal income tax rate applied to pre-tax income..........$ 551 $ 94 $ 1,588
Special deductions allowed small life insurance companies.. - - ( 348)
Dividends received deduction and tax-exempt interest.......( 256) (261) ( 291)
Other, net.................................................( 30) 229 48
------ ----- ------
Federal income tax expense.................................$ 265 $ 62 $ 997
==== ===== =====
Net deferred tax liabilities are determined based on the estimated future tax
effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets
and liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax laws.
The tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax
assets and liabilities are as follows:
(Dollars in Thousands)
December 31, December 31,
1996 1995
Deferred policy acquisition costs.................. $( 1,364) $( 1,138)
Policy liabilities................................. 516 499
Unearned premiums.................................. 440 353
Claim liabilities.................................. 329 291
General insurance expenses......................... 582 314
Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale.. ( 3,355) ( 2,983)
Other.............................................. - 28
------ -----
Net deferred tax liabilities....................... $( 2,852) $( 2,636)
====== ======
The approximate income tax effects of changes in temporary differences are as
follows:
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Deferred policy acquisition costs 226 $( 59) $( 33)
Policy liabilities ( 17) ( 76) ( 29)
Unearned premiums ( 87) ( 21) 87
General insurance expenses ( 268) ( 3) ( 24)
Claim liabilities ( 38) - ( 36)
Other 28 176 ( 212)
------ ------ ------
$( 156) $ 17 $( 247)
===== ====== ======
Under pre-1984 life insurance company tax laws, a portion of NSIC's gain from
operations was not subject to current income taxation, but was accumulated for
tax purposes in a memorandum account designated "policyholders' surplus". The
aggregate balance in this account, $3,720,000 at December 31, 1995, would be
taxed at current rates only if distributed to shareholders or if the account
exceeded a prescribed minimum. The Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 eliminated
additions to policyholders' surplus for 1984 and thereafter. Deferred taxes have
not been provided on amounts designated as policyholders' surplus. The deferred
tax liability not recognized is approximately $1,270,000 at December 31, 1996.
-29-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 6 - REINSURANCE:
NSFC is involved as a reinsurer in which it assumes some of the risk originally
undertaken by another insurance company. Conversely, NSFC and NSIC also are
involved in transactions in which another insurance company assumes some of the
risk originally undertaken by NSFC and NSIC. Reinsurance contracts do not
relieve NSIC and NSFC from their obligations to policyholders. Failure of
reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to NSIC and NSFC.
NSIC and NSFC evaluate the financial condition of their reinsurers and monitor
concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions,
activities, or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize their
exposure to significant losses from reinsurance insolvences. At December 31,
1996, reinsurance receivables with a carrying value of $646,000 and prepaid
reinsurance premiums of $443,000 were associated with a single reinsurer.
The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned is as follows:
(Dollars in Thousands)
1996
NSIC NSFC
Written Earned Written Earned
Direct........$ 4,451 $ 4,483 $ 31,920 $ 27,299
Assumed....... - - 1 -
Ceded......... 51 51 8,422 5,077
------ ------- ------- -------
Net...........$ 4,400 $ 4,432 $ 23,499 $ 22,222
====== ======= ======= =======
(Dollars in Thousands)
1995
NSIC NSFC
Written Earned Written Earned
Direct........$ 5,005 $ 4,961 $ 33,616 $ 32,702
Assumed....... - - - 1
Ceded......... 58 58 13,497 13,234
------ ------- ------- -------
Net...........$ 4,947 $ 4,903 $ 20,119 $ 19,469
====== ======= ======= =======
NSFC also reinsures certain portions of insurance risk which exceed various
retention limits. Claim liabilities for NSFC are stated after a deduction for
reinsurance ceded to other companies totaling $9,967,000 at December 31, 1996.
Reinsurance recoveries for claims and claim settlement expense were $2,423,000
during 1996.
NOTE 7 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN:
In 1989, the Company and its subsidiaries established a retirement savings plan
and transferred the assets from the defined contribution profit sharing plan
into the new plan. All full-time employees who have completed one year of
service at January 1 or July 1 are eligible to participate and all employee
contributions are fully vested for employees who have completed 1,000 hours of
service in the year of contribution. Contributions for 1996, 1995 and 1994
amounted to $90,708, $-0- and $103,000, respectively. Contributions are at the
Board of Directors' discretion subject to governmental limitations.
In 1987, the Company established a deferred compensation plan for its Board of
Directors. The Board members have an option of deferring their fees to a cash
account or to a stock account and all share deferrals are recorded at the fair
market value on the date of the award. Costs of the deferred compensation plan
for 1996, 1995 and 1994 amounted to approximately $61,813, $13,000 and $44,000,
respectively.
-30-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 8 - REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS:
The amount of dividends paid from NSIC to the Company in any year may not
exceed, without prior approval of regulatory authorities, the greater of 10% of
statutory surplus as of the end of the preceding year, or the statutory net gain
from operations for the preceding year. At December 31, 1996, NSIC's retained
earnings unrestricted for the payment of dividends in 1997 amounted to $802,097.
NSFC is similarly restricted in the amount of dividends payable to the Company;
dividends may not exceed the greater of 10% of statutory surplus as of the end
of the preceding year, or net investment income for the preceding year. As a
result, dividends from NSFC to the Company are limited to $2,406,122 in 1997.
Securities with market values of $3,314,044 and $2,485,448, at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively, were deposited with various states pursuant to statutory
requirements.
Under applicable Alabama insurance alws and regulations, NSFC is required to
maintain a minimum total surplus (to include both paid-in and contributed and
unassigned surplus) of $100,000.
Under applicable Alabama insurance laws and regulations, the Company is required
to maintain a minimum total surplus (to include both paid-in and contributed and
unassigned surplus) of $200,000.
NOTE 9 - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Stock
The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series as shall from time to
time be determined and authorized by the Board of Directors. The directors may
make specific provisions regarding (a) the voting rights, if any (b) whether
such dividends are to be cumulative or noncumulative (c) the redemption
provisions, if any (d) participating rights, if any (e) any sinking fund or
other retirement provisions (f) dividend rates (g) the number of shares of such
series and (h) liquidation preference.
Common Stock
The holders of the Class A Common Stock will have one-twentieth of one vote per
share, and the holders of the common stock will have one vote per share.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or distribution of the assets of
the Company remaining after the payments to the holders of the Preferred Stock
of the full preferential amounts to which they may be entitled as provided in
the resolution or resolutions creating any series thereof, the remaining assets
of the Company shall be divided and distributed among the holders of both
classes of common stock, except as may otherwise be provided in any such
resolution or resolutions.
NOTE 10 - INDUSTRY SEGMENTS:
The Company and its subsidiaries operate primarily in the insurance industry.
Premium revenues and operating income by industry segment for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 are summarized below:
(Dollars in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Premium revenues:
Individual life and accident and health insurance.................$ 4,432 $ 4,903 $ 5,183
Property and casualty insurance................................... 22,222 19,469 21,106
------- ------- -------
$ 26,654 $ 24,372 $ 26,289
======= ======= =======
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect adjustment:
Individual life and accident and health insurance.................$ 1,140 $ (178) $ 639
Property and casualty insurance................................... 1,191 651 4,560
Other............................................................. (601) ( 85) (397)
------- ------- -------
1,730 388 4,802
Interest expense.................................................... (109) ( 112) (131)
------- ------- -------
$ 1,621 $ 276 $ 4,671
======= ======= =======
-31-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 10 CONTINUED
(Dollars in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Assets:
Individual life and accident and health insurance.........................$ 35,590 $ 35,870 $ 35,557
Property and casualty insurance........................................... 62,538 61,192 54,279
Other..................................................................... 91 204 280
------- ------- -------
$ 98,219 $ 97,266 $ 90,116
======= ======= =======
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and depreciation expense:
Individual life and accident and health insurance.........................$ 232 $ 271 $ 303
Property and casualty insurance........................................... 879 939 1,268
------- ------- -------
$ 1,111 $ 1,210 $ 1,571
Capital expenditures are not material, and consequently, are not reported.
NOTE 11 - CONTINGENCIES:
The Company and its subsidiaries continue to be named as parties to litigation
related to the conduct of their insurance operations. These suits involve
alleged breaches of contracts, torts, including bad faith and fraud claims based
on alleged wrongful or fraudulent acts of agents of the Company's subsidiaries,
and miscellaneous other causes of action. Most of these lawsuits include claims
for punitive damages in addition to other specified relief. The frequency of
these lawsuits has increased significantly over the past 36 months, particularly
in Alabama where the Company conducts the majority of its business. Certain of
these actions are filed in jurisdictions in Alabama where local juries have
returned large punitive damage verdicts against insurance companies and
financial institutions with, in many cases, the punitive damage award bearing
little or no relation to the actual damages. It is not feasible to predict or
determine the ultimate outcome of these matters.
On October 4, 1996, a jury in the Circuit Court of Palm Beach County, Florida
returned a verdict against National Security Fire & Casualty Company, a
subsidiary of the Company, in the amount of $995,252. The plaintiff, Leon B.
King, had alleged that the Company's subsidiary had acted in bad faith in, among
other actions, failing to timely deliver a settlement check in connection with a
1986 automobile accident. This same case was previously tried in 1993 with the
jury returning a verdict in favor of the Company's subsidiary on all counts
alleged. This verdict was subsequently reversed on appeal which resulted in the
subject trial. Various post-trial motions including a motion for a new trial
were denied and this verdict is being appealed.
A resolution of these matters may significantly impact consolidated earnings and
may significantly impact the Company's consolidated financial position, although
it remains management's opinion, based upon information presently available,
that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material impact on
the Company's consolidated financial position. It should be noted, however, that
management is unable to assess with any degree of accuracy the potential
liability to the Company arising from these matters. The civil tort system,
particularly in Alabama, must be presently regarded as, for the most part,
hostile to insurance companies.
-32-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE 12 - STOCK SPLIT
On February 28, 1994, the Company issued 779,940 shares of common stock in
connection with a three-for-two stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock
dividend. Accordingly, $779,940, representing the par value of the additional
shares issued, was transferred from retained earnings to the common stock
account.
All per share figures included in the consolidated financial statements and
notes are based on the increased number of shares of common stock after giving
effect to the split.
NOTE 13 - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The Company maintains its cash accounts primarily with banks located in Alabama.
The total cash balances are insured by the FDIC up to $100,00 per bank. A
summary of the total insured and uninsured amounts held by all banks at December
31, 1995 follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents per balance sheet $ 147
Checks outstanding in excess of bank balance per balance sheet ( 1,516)
--------
Cash on hand ( 1,369)
Deposits in transit ( 414)
Outstanding checks 3,302
--------
Total cash held at banks 1,519
Portion secured by FDIC ( 185)
--------
Uninsured cash balances $ 1,334
========
-33-
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
The National Security Group, Inc.
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
financial statements of The National Security Group, Inc. as of December 31,
1995 and 1994 and for the years then ended included in this Form 10-K, and have
issued our report thereon dated February 16, 1996. Our audits were made for the
purpose of forming an opinion on those statements taken as a whole. The
schedules listed in the accompanying index are the responsibility of the
Company's management and are presented for purposes of complying with the
Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the basic
financial statements. These schedules as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for
the years then ended have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in
the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state
in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
Birmingham, Alabama
February 14, 1997 Dudley, Hopton-Jones, Sims & Freeman PLLP
-34-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE I. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (CONSOLIDATED)
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995
-------------------------- ------------------------
Amount per Amount per
Original Market the Balance Original Market the Balance
Cost Value Sheet Cost Value Sheet
Securities Held to Maturity: ------- ------- --------- -------- ------ ---------
United States government ................. 14,413 14,417 14,373 14,917 15,019 14,875
States, municipalities and
political subdivisions .. 4,947 5,500 5,005 5,720 6,244 5,779
Public Utilities ......................... 3,511 3,550 3,559 3,875 4,011 3,923
Industrial and Miscellaneous ............. 12,382 12,571 12,476 13,712 14,405 13,850
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Securities Held to Maturity ........ 35,253 36,038 35,413 38,224 39,679 38,427
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Securities Available for Sale:
Equity Securities:
Public utilities ......................... 2,108 3,428 3,428 . 2,4102,1 4,147 4,147
Banks and insurance companies ............ 2,361 5,863 5,863 1,875 5,853 5,853
Industrial and all other ................. 7,237 13,893 13,893 4,758 9,220 9,220
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total equity securities ................. 11,706 23,184 23,184 9,043 19,220 19,220
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Debt Securities:
United States government ................. 4,332 4,373 4,373 3,786 3,873 3,873
Public Utilities ......................... 687 701 701 384 412 412
Industrial and Miscellaneous ............. 4,694 4,458 4,458 4,208 3,946 3,946
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Debt Securities .................... 9,713 9,532 9,532 8,378 8,231 8,231
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Available for Sale ................. 21,419 32,716 32,716 17,421 27,451 27,451
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Securities ......................... 56,672 68,754 68,129 55,645 67,130 65,878
Mortgage loans on real estate ......................... 405 405 484 484
Investment real estate ................................ 1,659 1,659 1,880 1,880
Policy loans .......................................... 622 622 627 627
Short term investments ................................ 4,575 4,575 2,616 2,616
------ ------ ------ ------
Total investments ....... 63,933 75,390 61,252 71,485
====== ====== ====== ======
-35-
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE III - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEETS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
December 31,
1996 1995
---- ----
Assets
Cash ............................................ $ 155 $ 61
Investment in subsidiaries (equity method)
eliminated upon consolidation ............... 39,975 39,905
Other assets .................................... 318 161
------ ------
Total Assets ............................. $40,448 $40,127
====== ======
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Accrued general expenses ........................ $ 808 $ 353
Total Liabilities ........................ 808 353
Total Shareholders' Equity ............... $39,640 $39,774
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $40,448 $40,127
====== ======
The "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of The National Security Group,
Inc." are an integral part of these statements.
See accompanying "Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant"
36
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE III - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
For the Years
Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
----- ----- -----
Income
From subsidiaries-eliminated upon consolidation
Dividends .................................. $ 1,800 $ 1,680 $ 1,450
----- ----- -----
Expenses
State taxes .................................. 25 25 25
Other expenses ............................... 575 60 163
----- ----- -----
600 85 188
----- ----- -----
Income before income taxes and equity in
undistributed earnings of subsidiaries....... 1,200 1,595 1,262
Income tax benefit ............................. (175) (43) (119)
----- ----- -----
Income before equity in undistributed earnings
of subsidiaries ............................. 1,375 1,638 1,381
Equity in undistributed (losses) earnings
of subsidiaries.............................. (19) (1,424) 2,293
----- ----- -----
Net Income ..................................... $ 1,356 $ 214 $ 3,674
===== ===== =====
The "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of The National Security Group,
Inc." are an integral part of these statements.
See accompanying "Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant"
37
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE III - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
For the Years Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
----- ------ -----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ................................. $ 1,356 $ 214 $ 3,674
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed loss
(income) of subsidiaries............... 19 1,424 (2,293)
Provision for amortization .............. 22 12 22
Decrease (Increase) in other assets...... (157) 64 (92)
(Decrease) Increase in other liabilities. 433 (43) (5)
----- ------ ------
Net cash provided by
operating activities 1,673 1,671 1,306
----- ------ ------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchase of treasury stock .......... (70) (222) 0
Cash dividends ...................... (1,509) (1,427) (1,334)
----- ------ ------
Net cash used in
financing activities (1,579) (1,649) (1,334)
----- ------ ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 94 22 (28)
Cash and due from banks at beginning of year 61 39 67
----- ------ ------
Cash and due from banks at end of year $ 155 $ 61 $ 39
===== ====== ======
The "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of The National Security Group,
Inc." are an integral part of these statements.
See accompanying "Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant"
38
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Note 1-Basis of Presentation
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the Condensed Financial Statements of the Registrant do not include all of the
information and notes normally included with financial statements prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It is, therefore,
suggested that these Condensed Financial Statements be read in conjunction with
the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the
Registrant's Annual Report as referenced in Form 10-K, Part II, Item 8, page 23.
Note 2-Cash Dividends from Subsidiaries
Dividends of $1.80 million in 1996, $1.68 million in 1995 and $1.45 million in
1994 were paid to the Registrant by its subsidiaries.
39
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE V. SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
(CONSOLIDATED)
(Amounts in thousands)
Policy Claims
Deferred Future and Other
Acquisition Policy Unearned Benefits
Costs Benefits Premiums Payable
------- ------- ------- ---------
At December 31, 1996:
Life and accident and health insurance ..... $2,700 $18,558 $0 $ 360
Property and casualty insurance ............ 1,313 0 10,398 19,087
------- ------- ------- ---------
Total .................................... $4,013 $18,558 $10,398 $19,447
====== ====== ====== ======
At December 31, 1995:
Life and accident and health insurance ..... $2,544 $18,290 $0 $477
Property and casualty insurance ............ 856 0 12,467 16,061
------- ------- ------- ---------
Total .................................... $3,400 $18,290 $12,467 $16,538
====== ====== ====== ======
At December 31, 1994:
Life and accident and health insurance ..... $2,539 $18,240 $0 $543
Property and casualty insurance............. 983 0 11,554 12,306
------- ------- ------- ---------
Total .................................... $3,522 $18,240 $11,554 $12,849
====== ====== ====== ======
Commissions,
Benefits, Amortization General
Claims, of Deferred Expenses,
Net Losses and Policy Taxes,
Premium Investment Other Settlement Acquisition Licenses Premiums
Revenue Income Income Expenses Costs and Fees Written
-------- -------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
For the year ended December 31, 1996:
Life and accident and health
insurance...................... $4,432 $1,861 $8 $2,484 $1,234 $2,859 $4,400
Property and casualty insurance.. 22,222 2,074 574 17,193 3,487 3,825 23,498
Other ........................... 0 362
-------- -------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total ......................... $26,654 $3,935 $582 $19,677 $4,721 $7,046 $27,898
======== ======== ====== ======= ====== ====== =======
For the year eneded December 31, 1995:
Life and accident and health
insurance ..................... $4,903 $2,074 $3 $2,166 $1,275 $4,587 $4,947
Property and casualty insurance .. 19,469 2,237 502 15,555 3,406 3,488 20,119
Other ............................ 0 85
-------- -------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total ........................... $24,372 $4,311 $505 $17,721 $4,681 $8,160 $25,066
======== ======== ====== ======= ====== ====== =======
For the year ended December 31, 1994:
Life and accident and health
insurance ...................... $5,183 $2,145 $1 $2,353 $1,502 $4,111 $5,187
Property and casualty insurance .. 21,106 1,856 399 13,053 3,866 2,457 19,830
Other ............................ 0 397
-------- -------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total............................ $26,289 $4,001 $400 $15,406 $5,368 $6,965 $25,017
======== ======== ====== ======= ====== ====== =======
Note: Investment income and other operating expenses are reported separately by
segment and not allocated.
40
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE VI. REINSURANCE (CONSOLIDATED)
(Amounts in thousands)
Percentage
Ceded Assumed of Amount
Gross to Other from Other Net Assumed
Amount Companies Companies Amount to Net
For the year ended December 31, 1996:
Life insurance in force .............. $145,054 $6,764 $0 $138,290 0.0%
======== ====== ======= ======== ======
Premiums:
Life insurance and accident and health
insurance ......................... $4,484 $51 $0 $4,433 0.0%
Property and casualty insurance ...... 33,987 11,768 0 22,219 0.0%
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Total premiums ...................... $ 38,471 $11,819 $0 $26,652 0.0%
======== ====== ======= ======== ======
For the year ended December 31, 1995:
Life insurance in force............... $149,855 $7,886 $0 $141,969 0.0%
======== ====== ======= ======== ======
Premiums:
Life insurance and accident and health
insurance ......................... $4,961 $58 $0 $4,903 0.0%
Property and casualty insurance ...... 32,702 13,234 1 19,469 0.0%
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Total premiums ...................... $37,663 $13,292 $1 $24,372 0.0%
======== ====== ======= ======== ======
For the year ended December 31, 1994:
Life insurance in force .............. $156,872 $8,054 $0 $148,818 0.0%
======== ====== ======= ======== ======
Premiums:
Life insurance and accident and health
insurance ......................... $5,235 $52 $0 $5,183 0.0%
Property and casualty insurance ...... 33,385 12,693 414 21,106 2.0%
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Total premiums ...................... $38,620 $12,745 $414 $26,289 1.6%
======== ====== ======= ======== ======
Note: Net reinsurance assumed premiums were, $0, $(2), and $414 for 1996, 1995,
and 1994, respectively.
41
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None.
-42-
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Officers of the Registrant
The information contained on pages 2-4 of The National Security Group's Proxy
Statement dated March 17, 1997, with respect to directors and executive officers
of the Company, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information contained on pages 7 and 8 of The National Security Group's
Proxy Statement dated March 17, 1997, with respect to executive compensation and
transactions, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information contained on page 9 of The National Security Group's Proxy
Statement dated March 17, 1997, with respect to security ownership of certain
beneficial owners and management, is incorporated herein by reference to this
item.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information contained on pages 6 and 7 of The National Security Group's
Proxy Statement dated March 17, 1997, with respect to certain relationships and
related transactions, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this
item.
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PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, financial statement schedules, and reports on Form 8-K
a. The following documents are filed as part of this report: Page #
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants 25
Consolidated Statements of Income--
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 26
Consolidated Balance Sheets--
December 31, 1996 and 1995 27
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity--
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 28
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 29
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements--December 31, 1996 30
Schedule I. Summary Of Investments--December 31, 1996 and 1995 35
Schedule III. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant--
December 31, 1996 and 1995 36
Schedule V. Supplementary Insurance Information--
December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 40
Schedule VI. Reinsurance--
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 41
All other Schedules are not required under the related instructions or are
inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
b. Reports on Form 8-K
The Company did not file any Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 1996.
44
SIGNATURE
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 NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
/s/ M.L. Murdock /s/ J.R. Brunson
----------------- ----------------
M.L. Murdock J.R. Brunson
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Executive
Treasurer and Director Officer and Director
Date: March 28, 1997
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in their capacity as a Director of The National Security Group, Inc. On February
21, 1997.
SIGNATURE
/s/ Lewis Avinger /s/ D.M. English
/s/ Winfield Baird /s/ M.L. Murdock
/s/ Carolyn Brunson /s/ Craig S. Pittman
/s/ J.R. Brunson /s/ James B. Saxon
/s/ Jerry B. Brunson /s/ Walter P. Wilkerson
/s/ Fred D. Clark Jr.
-45-