SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___to___
Commission file number 1-7411
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York 13-2530665
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(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
45 Main Street, Brooklyn, N.Y 11201-3731
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 718-422-4000
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange on
Title of each class which registered
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None
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
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(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [x]
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 whether the registrant is an accelerated filer
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of
the registrant as of June 30, 2002 was $216,936.
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common shares, as of March 17, 2003, was 7,078,625.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Certain portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement pursuant to
Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with the
2003 annual meeting of shareholders of the registrant are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this Report.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PAGE
Item 1- Business.......................................................... 1
Item 2- Properties........................................................12
Item 3- Legal Proceedings.................................................12
Item 4- Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..............12
PART II
Item 5- Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters..........................................13
Item 6- Selected Financial Data...........................................14
Item 7- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations..........................15
Item 7A- Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk........22
Item 8- Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.......................22
Item 9- Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure..........................23
PART III
Item 10- Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant................23
Item 11- Executive Compensation............................................23
Item 12- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Shareholder Matters..................23
Item 13- Certain Relationships and Related Transactions....................23
Item 14- Controls and Procedures...........................................23
PART IV
Item 15- Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K..24
Signatures.................................................................25
-i-
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Allcity Insurance Company ("Allcity" or the "Company") is a property and
casualty insurer. Empire Insurance Company ("Empire"), a property and casualty
insurer, owns approximately 84.6% of the outstanding common shares of the
Company. Empire's common shares are 100% owned and controlled, through
subsidiaries, by Leucadia National Corporation ("Leucadia"). Additionally,
Leucadia indirectly owns an additional 6.7% of the outstanding common shares of
the Company. The Company was incorporated in New York in 1962. Its principal
executive offices are located at 45 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, telephone
(718) 422-4000.
On January 15, 2003, the Company received a proposal from Leucadia for a
possible tender offer to acquire all the outstanding shares of common stock of
Allcity not already beneficially owned by Leucadia for $2 per share. The
proposal states that the acquisition of such shares by Leucadia would take the
form of a tender offer by Leucadia, subject to customary conditions, as well as
the condition that enough shares of Allcity's common stock are tendered such
that, together with the shares Leucadia currently beneficially owns, Leucadia
would beneficially own at least 95% of the outstanding shares of Allcity's
common stock. Leucadia has requested that a Special Committee of the Allcity
Board of Directors formed to consider any offers from Leucadia evaluate the
fairness of this proposal for the purpose of making a recommendation with
respect to this proposal. Promptly following consummation of the tender offer
and subject to the approval of New York Insurance Department (the "Department"),
the remaining shares of Allcity's common stock not already owned by Leucadia or
its subsidiaries would be acquired by Empire at the same cash price pursuant to
a short form merger between Empire and Allcity under Section 7118 of the New
York Insurance Law. The proposal would not be contingent on any financing
conditions.
In March 2003, the special committee of the Board of Directors advised the
Company that, in response to negotiations conducted by the special committee,
Leucadia has increased the proposed tender offer consideration to $2.75 per
share. The Special Committee also advised the Company that, subject to
confirmation that the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2002, does not disclose any information that would adversely affect
the special committee's evaluation of the proposal or the opinion of the
financial advisor to the special committee as to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, of the $2.75 per share price to the shareholders of the Company
unaffiliated with Leucadia, it would recommend that the Board of Directors
recommend that shareholders accept Leucadia's proposal. Assuming that the
Special Committee and the Board of Directors each recommend acceptance of
Leucadia's proposal, Leucadia has advised the Company that it intends to
commence the tender offer as soon as practicable following such action. However,
no assurance can be given that the tender offer will in fact be commenced or
that the transaction will ultimately be consummated.
The Company and Empire are sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as the
Group. Prior to December 31, 2001, the Group also included Empire's wholly-owned
insurance subsidiary Centurion Insurance Company ("Centurion"), which was merged
into Empire effective December 31, 2001. Historically, the Group specialized in
commercial and personal property and casualty insurance business primarily in
the New York metropolitan area. The Group offered insurance products for
vehicles (including medallion and radio-controlled livery vehicles), general
liability coverage, property coverage (including mercantile and multi-family
residential real estate) and workers' compensation to commercial accounts and
private passenger automobile and homeowners products to individuals.
During the past several years, the Group experienced poor underwriting results
and adverse reserve development in all of its lines of business. During 2001,
the Group explored its options for developing a new business model and strategy.
After evaluating these options, the Group announced in December 2001 that it had
determined that it was in the best interest of its shareholders and
policyholders to commence an orderly liquidation of all of its operations. The
Group will only accept business that it is obligated to accept by contract or
New York insurance law; it does not engage in any other business activities
except for its claims runoff operations. By the end of 2005, the Company expects
that its voluntary liquidation will be substantially complete, premium revenue
will be immaterial, infrastructure and overhead costs will be substantially
reduced, and all that it expects to remain will be the administration and
settlement of claims with long tail settlement characteristics, principally
workers' compensation and certain liability claims. Given the Group's and the
Company's current financial condition, the expected costs to be incurred during
the claims runoff period, and the inherent uncertainty over ultimate claim
settlement values, no assurance can be given that the Company's shareholders
will be able to receive any value at the conclusion of the voluntary liquidation
of its operations.
1
As of March 17, 2003, the Group was rated "F" (in liquidation) by A.M. Best
Company ("Best"). Given the Group's decision to voluntarily liquidate all of its
operations, the Best rating is not expected to have any impact on the Company's
operations. As with all ratings, Best ratings are subject to change at any time.
In March 2001, the Group announced that, effective immediately, it would no
longer issue any new (as compared to renewal) insurance policies in any lines of
business and that it filed plans of orderly withdrawal with the Department as
required. All commercial lines policies have been non-renewed or canceled in
accordance with New York insurance law or replaced by Tower Insurance Company of
New York or Tower Risk Management (collectively, "Tower") under the 2001
agreement for the sale of the Group's renewal rights (the "Tower Agreement") and
the Company has no renewal obligations for those policies. The Group will
continue to be responsible for the remaining term of its existing policies and
all claims incurred prior to the expiration of these policies. Although New York
insurance law required the Group to offer renewals of homeowners, dwelling fire,
personal insurance coverage and personal umbrella for a three-year policy
period, the Tower Agreement obligated Tower to offer its own policies as
replacements for the Group's policies. As a result, all of these policies were
either renewed through Tower, not renewed by the policyholder or cancelled by
the Group in accordance with New York insurance law and the Group has no renewal
obligations for personal lines policies, except for private passenger automobile
whose in force premium volume totaled $5.3 million at December 31, 2002. As
indicated above, these policies volume will decline as the Group exercises its
non-renewal rights under New York insurance law or policyholders choose not to
renew their policies.
For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 net earned premiums for the
Company were $4.2 million, $18.3 million and $30.9 million, respectively.
Substantially all of the Group's policies were written in New York for a
one-year period, except for its Massachusetts assigned risk servicing carrier
business.
Empire is a servicing carrier for the Massachusetts Taxi and Limousine Pool (the
"Mass Pool") and earns service fee income in return for providing underwriting,
policy issuance, premium collection and claims services to the Mass Pool. The
amount of premium written by Empire was approximately $7.8 million, $8.3
million and $6.4 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The amount of
service fees earned was approximately $1.8 million, $2.3 million and $2.3
million and the amount of incurred expenses charged against such fees was
approximately $1.8 million, $2.1 million and $1.7 million for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. All of the premiums and related
commissions, losses and certain LAE costs are ceded 100% to the Mass Pool.
Through the pooling agreement, the Company is allocated 30% of the service fee
income and certain expenses (including related assets and liabilities) that are
not ceded to the Mass Pool. Effective January 1, 2003, Empire did not
renew its servicing carrier contract with the Mass Pool for the 2003 plan year.
Accordingly, Empire no longer writes any new business and is not required to
offer renewal policies. Empire will continue to be responsible for policy and
claim services until the run-off of all policies and claims is completed.
On a quarterly basis, the Group reviews and adjusts its estimated loss reserves
for any changes in trends and actual loss experience. Included in the Company's
results for 2002 was approximately $3.1 million related to losses and loss
adjustment expenses ("LAE") from prior accident years. The Group will continue
to evaluate the adequacy of its loss reserves and record future adjustments to
its loss reserves as appropriate.
POOLING AGREEMENT
All insurance business written by the Company is subject to a pooling agreement
with Empire under which the Company and Empire effectively operate as one
company. The pooling agreement and subsequent amendments were approved by the
Department. The Company operates under the same general management as Empire and
has full use of Empire's personnel, information technology systems and
facilities. As of December 31, 2002, Empire had 95 full time employees.
Currently, and for all periods presented, all premiums, losses, LAE and other
underwriting expenses are shared on the basis of 70% to Empire and 30% to the
Company.
2
Pursuant to the pooling agreement, the Company has a net reinsurance recoverable
from Empire. As of December 31, 2002, the Company's reinsurance recoverable from
Empire is $91.7 million, representing 44% of the Company's total assets. After
deducting this liability, Empire's stand alone statutory surplus was
approximately $5.3 million as of December 31, 2002, which is approximately $2.0
million above the minimum required under New York insurance regulations. The
Company currently believes that its reinsurance recoverable from Empire is fully
collectible; however, further reductions in Empire's statutory surplus,
resulting from operating results, the contingencies discussed in Item 7,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" or other matters, could impair Empire's ability to pay the full
amount due to the Company. Further, any adverse regulatory action taken against
Empire in the future could also impair the Company's ability to fully collect
its reinsurance recoverable and could result in adverse regulatory action
against the Company. No assurance can be given that adverse regulatory action
will not be taken against Empire or the Company. Empire's management continues
to investigate transactions which could increase its stand alone surplus level,
in order to remain above minimum requirements. During 2003, Empire believes that
it will obtain a release from any obligation to the City of New York concerning
its former headquarters building, which if successful would result in an $8.5
million increase in Empire's stand alone statutory surplus. However, no
assurance can be given that Empire will be successful in this or any other
transaction to increase its stand alone statutory surplus.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Group has one operating segment. As a result of the Group's actions outlined
above and a consolidation of the Group's internal management organization in
2001, the Company's prior business segments have been eliminated.
COMBINED RATIOS
Set forth below is certain statistical information for the Company prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and statutory
accounting principles ("SAP"), for the three years ended December 31, 2002. The
Loss Ratio is the ratio of net incurred losses and LAE to net premiums earned.
The Expense Ratio is the ratio of underwriting expenses (policy acquisition
costs, commissions, and a portion of administrative, general and other expenses
attributable to underwriting operations) to net premiums written, if determined
in accordance with SAP, or to net premiums earned, if determined in accordance
with GAAP. A Combined Ratio below 100% indicates an underwriting profit and a
Combined Ratio above 100% indicates an underwriting loss. The Combined Ratio
does not include the effect of net investment income. For additional information
on the Company's results of operations, see Item 7, "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included elsewhere
herein.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
2002 2001 2000
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Loss Ratio: (a)
GAAP 164.2% 199.9% 141.9%
SAP 164.2% 199.9% 141.9%
Industry (SAP) (b) N/A 88.4% 81.2%
Expense Ratio:
GAAP 132.6% 61.8% 51.2%
SAP 189.2% 104.5% 50.4%
Industry (SAP) (b) N/A 27.5% 28.9%
Combined Ratio:
GAAP 296.8% 261.7% 193.1%
SAP 353.4% 304.4% 192.3%
Industry (SAP) (b) N/A 115.9% 110.1%
(a) Includes Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
(b) Source: Best's Aggregates & Averages, Property/Casualty, 2002
Edition. Industry Combined Ratios may not be comparable as a
result of, among other things, differences in the Company's
geographic concentration and limited mix of property and
casualty insurance products.
3
REINSURANCE
The Group's maximum retained limit for all lines of business was $0.3 million
per occurrence for 2001 and 2000. Additionally, the Group had a property
catastrophe excess of loss treaty to protect against certain losses. Its
retention of lower level losses in this treaty was $7.5 million for 2001 and
2000. Due to the runoff of the Group's business and resulting reduced loss
exposure, the Group terminated its property catastrophe excess of loss coverage
effective January 1, 2002. In November 2001, the Group received notification of
cancellation of its multiple line reinsurance contract effective January 1,
2002. The cancellation affected only personal lines policies renewed on or after
January 1, 2002, and would impact the Group for losses only on policies that
provided coverage in excess of its retained reinsurance limit of $0.3 million.
At December 31, 2002, the Group had approximately 100 policies in force (which
may include multiple insureds and vehicles) that provide such coverage up to a
maximum loss of $0.5 million per occurrence. Under the pooling agreement, 70% of
such losses would be assumed by Empire and 30% would be retained by the Company.
After reviewing its options of finding comparable reinsurance coverage, the
Group has decided not to replace this coverage.
Effective January 1, 1997, Empire entered into a quota share reinsurance
agreement with its subsidiary, Centurion. Under this agreement, Empire assumed
50% of the effective period premiums and losses of Centurion up to July 1, 1997
and 75% thereafter and granted Centurion a ceding commission. Under the pooling
agreement, 70% of such business assumed was retained by Empire and 30% was ceded
to the Company. This quota share reinsurance agreement was terminated effective
December 31, 2001 following the merger of Empire and Centurion.
For information concerning the pooling agreement between the Company and Empire,
see the "Pooling Agreement" section of this Report.
Although reinsurance does not legally discharge an insurer from its primary
liability for the full amount of the policy liability, it does make the assuming
reinsurer liable to the insurer to the extent of the reinsurance ceded. The
Company's reinsurance, excluding the pooling agreement with Empire, generally
has been placed with certain of the largest reinsurance companies, including
(with their respective Best ratings) General Reinsurance Corporation (A++
Superior) and Converium North America (A Excellent). The Company believes its
reinsurers to be financially capable of meeting their respective obligations.
However, to the extent that any reinsuring company is unable to meet its
obligations, the Company would be liable for the reinsured risks. The Company
has established reserves, which the Company believes are adequate, for any
nonrecoverable reinsurance.
INVESTMENTS
Investment activities represent a significant part of the Company's total
income. Investments are managed by the Company's investment advisors under the
direction of, and upon consultation with, the Company's investment committee.
The Company has a diversified investment portfolio of securities, 92.1% of which
is rated "investment grade" by established bond rating agencies or issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by governmental agencies. At December 31,
2002, 2001 and 2000, the average yield of the Company's bond portfolio was
approximately 1.5%, 2.4% and 6.4%, respectively, and the average maturity of the
Company's bond portfolio at December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 was approximately
0.9 years, 0.3 years and 2.2 years, respectively.
TAX SHARING AGREEMENT
The Company has been included in the consolidated federal income tax returns of
Leucadia since 1993. Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement between
Leucadia and the Company, the Company computes its tax provision on a separate
return basis and is either charged its share of federal income tax resulting
from its taxable income or is credited for tax benefits resulting from its
losses to the extent the Company could use the losses on a separate return
basis.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
Insurance companies are subject to detailed regulation and supervision in the
states in which they transact business. Such regulation pertains to matters such
as approving policy forms and various premium rates, minimum reserves and loss
ratio requirements, the type and amount of investments, minimum capital and
surplus requirements, granting and revoking licenses to transact business,
levels of operations and regulating trade practices. Insurance companies are
required to file detailed annual reports with the supervising agencies in each
of the states in which they do business, and are subject to examination by such
agencies at any time. Increased regulation of insurance companies at the state
level and new regulation at the federal level is possible, although the Company
cannot predict the nature or extent of any such regulation or what impact it
would have on the Company's operations.
4
During the third quarter of 2001, the Department informed the Company and Empire
of its examination findings concerning the three-year period ended December 31,
1999. The triennial report was subsequently filed by the Department in November
2001. Among other matters, the Department's report indicated a loss and LAE
reserve deficiency for the Company and Empire. The Company and Empire responded
to the Department's examination findings and concluded that based on subsequent
adverse development recorded by the Company, the Department's reserve estimates
were within a reasonable actuarial range of acceptable estimates. As of
September 30, 2001, the Company's and Empire's reserve levels for losses and LAE
prior to December 31, 1999 were consistent with the Department's findings.
In addition, the triennial report noted that the Group's organizational
structure causes Empire's stand-alone statutory surplus to be reduced by a
statutory limitation on the carrying value of its investment in the Company and
Centurion. Empire submitted to the Department a plan for remedying its
stand-alone surplus deficiency, including the merger of Centurion into Empire,
which was approved by the Department and consummated in 2001. Empire's
stand-alone surplus at December 31, 2002 exceeded the minimum statutory surplus
requirement of $3.3 million by $2.0 million. In the event Empire's stand-alone
statutory surplus declines below the minimum in the future, no assurance can be
given that material adverse regulatory action will not be taken against Empire
(which could adversely affect the Company's ability to collect its reinsurance
balances receivable from Empire, the outstanding balance of which was
approximately $91.7 million at December 31, 2002) or the Company. See Item 7,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," included elsewhere herein.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") has adopted model
laws incorporating the concept of a "risk based capital" ("RBC") requirement for
insurance companies. Generally, the RBC formula is designed to measure the
adequacy of an insurer's statutory capital in relation to the risks inherent in
its business. The RBC formula is used by the states as an early warning tool to
identify weakly capitalized companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory
action. Although New York State has not adopted the RBC requirements for
property and casualty insurance companies, New York does require that property
and casualty insurers file the RBC information with the Department. The NAIC
also has adopted various ratios for insurance companies which, in addition to
the RBC ratio, are designed to serve as a tool to assist state regulators in
screening and analyzing the financial condition of insurance companies operating
in their respective states. The Company and Empire had certain NAIC ratios
outside of the acceptable range of results for the year ended December 31, 2002.
The Group is required to participate in various state insurance funds, pools and
fair plans that provide certain protection to policyholders of insolvent
insurers or provide insurance coverage to insureds that are unable to obtain
coverage in the voluntary marketplace. In the past, the Group has been assessed
certain amounts that have not been material and the Group is likely to be
assessed additional amounts in the future. Although the Company believes that it
has provided for all anticipated assessments and is not aware of any unrecorded
assessments, no assurance can be given that future assessments will not be
material to the surplus or results of operations of the Company or Empire.
LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
Liabilities for unpaid losses, which are not discounted (except for certain
workers' compensation liabilities), and LAE are determined using case-basis
evaluations, statistical analyses and estimates for salvage and subrogation
recoverable and represent estimates of the ultimate claim costs of all unpaid
losses and LAE. Liabilities include a provision for losses that have occurred
but have not yet been reported. These estimates are subject to the effect of
trends in future claim severity and frequency experience. Adjustments to such
estimates are made from time to time due to changes in such trends as well as
changes in actual loss experience. These adjustments are reflected in current
earnings.
5
The Company relies upon standard actuarial ultimate loss projection techniques
to obtain estimates of liabilities for losses and LAE. These projections include
the extrapolation of both losses paid and incurred by business line and accident
year and implicitly consider the impact of inflation and claims settlement
patterns upon ultimate claim costs based upon historical patterns. In addition,
methods based upon modeling, curve fitting, average loss costs, reported claim
counts and pure premiums are reviewed in order to obtain a range of estimates
for setting the reserve levels. For further input, changes in operations in
pertinent areas including underwriting standards, product mix, claims management
and legal climate are periodically reviewed. Certain workers' compensation
indemnity case reserves are discounted based on life expectancy and a discount
rate of 6%. Additionally, workers' compensation medical case reserves are
discounted on a non-tabular basis using a discount rate of 3%. Workers'
compensation IBNR and LAE reserves are not discounted.
In the following table, the liability for losses and LAE of the Company, is
reconciled for each of the three years ended December 31, 2002. Current year
data and prior year development are included in this table.
RECONCILIATION OF LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LAE
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
Net SAP liability for losses and LAE,
at beginning of the year $ 84,171 $ 95,587 $ 113,602
------------------ ------------------- -------------------
Provision for losses and LAE for
claims occurring in the current year 3,760 17,747 27,880
Increase in estimated losses and LAE
for claims occurring in prior years 3,069 18,747 15,927
------------------ ------------------- -------------------
Total incurred losses and LAE 6,829 36,494 43,807
------------------ ------------------- -------------------
Losses and LAE payments for claims occurring during:
Current year 1,488 5,703 8,920
Prior years 31,075 42,207 52,902
------------------ ------------------- -------------------
32,563 47,910 61,822
------------------ ------------------- -------------------
Net SAP liability for losses and LAE,
at end of year 58,437 84,171 95,587
Reinsurance recoverable 117,151 159,120 172,919
------------------ ------------------- -------------------
Liability for losses and LAE at the end of
year as reported in the financial
statements (GAAP) $ 175,588 $ 243,291 $ 268,506
================== =================== ===================
Based on management's current analysis and evaluation, the Company's Net SAP
liability for losses and LAE of $58,437,000 at December 31, 2002 represents
management's best estimate of this liability. This liability was approximately
$800,000 (or 1.4%) lower than the actuarial indicated reserve estimated by the
Company's actuary.
The following table presents the development of balance sheet liabilities for
1992 through 2002 for the Company. The liability line at the top of the table
indicates the estimated liability for unpaid losses and LAE recorded at the
balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. The middle section of the
table shows the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded liability based
on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. As more information becomes
available and claims are settled, the estimated liabilities are adjusted upward
or downward with the effect of decreasing or increasing net income at the time
of adjustment. The lower section of the table shows the cumulative amount paid
with respect to the previously recorded liability as of the end of each
succeeding year.
6
The "cumulative deficiency" represents the aggregate change in the estimates
over all prior years. For example, the initial 1992 liability estimate indicated
on the table of $96,712,000 has been re-estimated during the course of the
succeeding ten years, resulting in a re-estimated liability at December 31, 2002
of $122,030,000 or a deficiency of $25,318,000. If the re-estimated liability
were less than the liability initially established, a cumulative redundancy
would be indicated.
In evaluating this information it should be noted that each amount shown for
"cumulative deficiency" includes the effects of all changes in amounts for prior
periods. For example, the amount of the deficiency related to losses settled in
1996, but incurred in 1992, will be included in the cumulative deficiency amount
for 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. This table is not intended to and does not
present accident or policy year loss and LAE development data. Conditions and
trends that have affected development of the liability in the past may not
necessarily occur in the future. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate to
extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based on this table.
7
Analysis of Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Development
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment
Expenses $ 96,712 $106,115 $121,923 $ 142,718 $ 143,494 $145,260
Liability Re-estimated as of:
One year later $ 96,516 $103,181 $132,189 $ 150,852 $ 151,798 $158,152
Two years later 97,208 112,176 140,620 160,686 163,378 163,609
Three years later 103,592 118,127 150,434 172,650 179,200 176,825
Four years later 108,430 124,375 160,542 182,318 184,693 188,951
Five years later 112,988 132,606 167,164 183,482 193,992 191,770
Six years later 118,446 137,669 166,893 190,009 194,678
Seven years later 121,715 137,462 171,364 189,758
Eight years later 121,383 139,982 170,544
Nine years later 122,922 138,944
Ten years later 122,030
Cumulative Deficiency $ (25,318) $(32,829) $(48,621) $ (47,040) $ (51,184) $(46,510)
============= ============ ============ ============= ============= ============
Cumulative Amount of Liability Paid Through:
One year later $ 33,903 $ 35,048 $ 45,789 $ 60,382 $ 56,475 $ 55,875
Two years later 54,615 59,701 80,911 95,190 94,062 93,714
Three years later 71,653 81,680 105,977 121,900 122,811 126,295
Four years later 85,689 97,917 124,645 141,259 146,697 148,482
Five years later 95,938 109,083 136,791 156,006 162,875 163,884
Six years later 102,416 116,929 146,283 166,814 173,867
Seven years later 107,246 123,022 153,239 174,526
Eight years later 111,097 127,419 158,461
Nine years later 114,205 130,661
Ten years later 116,184
Net Liability - End of year $106,115 $121,923 $ 142,718 $ 143,494 $145,260
Reinsurance 184,718 219,676 257,161 262,593 272,266
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------
Gross Liability - End of year as shown above $290,833 $341,599 $ 399,879 $ 406,087 $417,526
============ ============ ============= ============= ============
Net Re-Estimated Liability - Latest $138,944 $170,544 $ 189,758 $ 194,678 $191,770
Re-estimated Reinsurance - Latest 277,232 333,537 360,725 373,643 355,750
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------
Gross Re-estimated Liability - Latest $416,176 $504,081 $ 550,483 $ 568,321 $547,520
============ ============ ============= ============= ============
Gross Cumulative Deficiency $(125,343) $(162,482) $(150,604) $(162,234) $(129,994)
============ ============ ============= ============= ============
** TABLE CONITUED... **
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment
Expenses $139,771 $113,602 $ 95,587 $84,171 $ 58,437
Liability Re-estimated as of:
One year later $145,785 $129,529 $ 114,334 $87,240 $ -
Two years later 162,692 149,102 119,173
Three years later 179,172 153,046
Four years later 182,279
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later
Nine years later
Ten years later
Cumulative Deficiency $ (42,508) $(39,444) $ (23,586) $ (3,069) $ -
============ ============ ============= =========== ============
Cumulative Amount of Liability Paid Through:
One year later $ 56,325 $ 52,902 $ 42,207 $31,075 $ -
Two years later 97,887 87,448 69,658
Three years later 127,198 111,397
Four years later 146,953
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later
Nine years later
Ten years later
Net Liability - End of year $139,771 $113,602 $ 95,587 $84,171 $ 58,437
Reinsurance 294,461 228,334 172,919 159,120 117,151
------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- ------------
Gross Liability - End of year as shown above $434,232 $341,936 $ 268,506 $243,291 $175,588
============ ============ ============= =========== ============
Net Re-Estimated Liability - Latest $182,279 $153,046 $ 119,173 $87,240
Re-estimated Reinsurance - Latest 330,573 252,845 175,005 157,520
------------ ------------ ------------- -----------
Gross Re-estimated Liability - Latest $512,852 $405,891 $ 294,178 $244,760
============ ============ ============= ===========
Gross Cumulative Deficiency $ (78,620) $(63,955) $ (25,672) $ (1,469)
============ ============ ============= ===========
** TABLE COMPLETE **
8
As reflected in the above table, the Company's reported loss and LAE reserves as
of the end of each calendar year were subsequently determined to be deficient.
This adverse development first became apparent to the Company during the 1995
calendar year, when an increase to prior years' reserves was recorded for the
first time. In each subsequent calendar year, the Company's recalculation of the
reserve balances for prior periods continued to result in higher reserve
estimates. These higher reserve estimates were reflected in the Company's annual
financial statements upon determination.
During the period from 1993 through 2002, the Company recorded in its Statements
of Operations total net adverse reserve development of $80.2 million. This
adverse development was experienced in substantially all of the Company's lines
of insurance; however, the amount of reserve increases and the periods in which
the reserves were recorded were not the same for all lines of insurance. On a
calendar year basis, the aggregate $80.2 million adverse reserve development was
recorded, as set forth in the table below:
Redundancy/
(Deficiency)
Calendar year recorded (in thousands)
---------------------- --------------
1993 $ 196
1994 2,934
1995 (10,266)
1996 (8,134)
1997 (8,304)
1998 (12,891)
1999 (6,014)
2000 (15,927)
2001 (18,747)
2002 (3,069)
----------
Prior year reserve development recorded 1993 to 2002 $(80,222)
This reserve development is reflected in the ten-year Analysis of Loss and Loss
Adjustment Expense Development table above; however, because the deficiency line
in the table is calculated on a cumulative basis, the $80.2 million of actual
adverse reserve development experienced by the Company is reported as
deficiencies in multiple years in the table. An examination of the adverse loss
reserve development recorded during 2002 will illustrate this point. During 2002
the Company recorded $3.1 million of adverse loss reserve development related to
claims incurred in years prior to 2002. This amount is reflected in the 2001
column of the table as a cumulative deficiency. However, since this adverse loss
reserve development related to claims incurred and whose settlement cost was
originally estimated in various periods prior to 2002, the cumulative deficiency
line in years prior to 2002 includes this adverse (favorable) loss reserve
development as follows: 2001: $3.1 million; 2000: $4.8 million; 1999: $3.9
million; 1998: $3.1 million; 1997: $2.8 million; 1996: $0.7 million; 1995:
$(0.3) million; 1994: $(0.8) million; 1993: $(1.0) million; and 1992: $(0.9)
million. Because the cumulative deficiencies reflected in the ten-year Analysis
of Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Development table above add up to a much
greater number than the actual adverse development recorded by the Company, an
understanding of the Company's reserve deficiencies during 1992 to 2002 can only
be obtained from an analysis of the adverse reserve development actually
recorded by the Company in its financial statements in each year in the period,
beginning in 1995 (the first year in which adverse reserve development was
recorded).
The information below identifies certain of the more significant trends and
events that the Company has experienced in recent years, resulting in the
Company's recognition of the adverse loss reserve development in 1995 and each
subsequent calendar year. As described below, the reserve development recorded
by the Company was caused by many factors, including initial loss ratio
estimates used by the Company that were subsequently found to be too low as a
result of actual loss experience, as well as factors external to the Company
that were not known at the time business was written. In addition, the long
period of time it takes to settle third-party liability claims in the New York
marketplace further complicates the reserve estimation process. Frequently,
these claims are not received immediately after the accident occurs, and in
fact, a claimant can wait until just before the expiration of the statute of
limitations (generally three years from the date of the accident) to make a
claim. Once received, a claim may take several years until the claim reaches
final resolution.
9
1995
- ----
In 1995, of the $10.3 million of adverse loss reserve development recorded by
the Company, $6.9 million was in the private passenger automobile line of
insurance. In 1994, the Company acquired a large block of assigned risk private
passenger automobile business that nearly doubled the volume previously written
by the Company. In 1995, losses began to develop in this line of insurance that
indicated a higher ultimate loss ratio than the Company had experienced on
similar blocks of assigned risk business from earlier periods, which experience
formed the basis of the Company's original loss estimate. As a result, the
Company increased its estimate for loss reserves for the assigned risk business
acquired in 1994 and earlier years.
1996, 1997 and 1998
- -------------------
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998, the Company recorded
adverse loss reserve development of $ 8.1 million, $8.3 million and $12.9
million, respectively. For 1996, 1997 and 1998, these amounts included $6.0
million, $2.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively, in the commercial
automobile liability line, and $2.4 million, $3.3 million and $4.2 million,
respectively, in the commercial package liability line. Beginning in 1992, the
Company entered into new market segments of the voluntary commercial business
for automobile and general liability lines, including specialty programs for
sanitation trucks, gas stations, fuel oil deliveries and limousines. Initially,
the Company's loss ratio estimate for these new market segments was based upon
its experience with similar lines of business and standard actuarial ultimate
loss projection techniques, which consider expected loss ratios.
During 1996, claims began to develop unfavorably and the Company used such claim
development to revise the assumptions that had formed the basis of its actuarial
studies; as a consequence reserves were increased. The increase in ultimate loss
estimates did not become apparent prior to 1996, primarily due to the long
period of time it takes to settle claims in these new sub-lines of business. The
Company further increased its loss estimates and increased reserves for these
market segments in 1997 and 1998 as well. Except for the three-year period from
1996 to 1998, there has been no other material development for these market
segments first entered into in 1992.
In addition, during 1998 the Company's claim examiners began recording increases
in the expected settlement costs for 1997 accident year claims in other
sub-lines of the commercial automobile line of insurance in larger amounts than
previously expected. As a result, the 1997 accident year loss ratio for the
commercial automobile line is now currently estimated to be 130%, which is 30
points higher than the current estimate for the 1996 accident year and 50 points
higher than the current estimate for the 1995 accident year. Such a large change
in the loss experience for this book of business from prior experience was not
expected.
1999 and 2000
- -------------
In 1999 and 2000, the Company recorded adverse loss reserve development of $6.0
million and $15.9 million, respectively, of which $5.1 million and $6.1 million,
respectively, related to Personal Injury Protection ("PIP") coverage in all of
its automobile lines of insurance. The majority of the 1999 development resulted
from increased claim cost estimates for the 1998 accident year. It was during
1999 that the Company first began to experience greater severity (the amount
paid to a claimant) in automobile liability claims, which were subsequently
determined to be PIP related. Also during 1999, the Company started to see the
lengthening of the time from the date of loss to the date a claim was first
reported. This change in loss development patterns resulted in more claims being
reported at later dates, which further increased the Company's loss estimates.
In 1999, the Company incorporated this developing trend into its ultimate loss
estimate for PIP related claims and increased its loss reserves accordingly.
During the latter half of 2000, and in particular, the fourth quarter, the
Company experienced further unfavorable development in PIP claims. This
development occurred in all accident years from 1996 through 1999, with further
deterioration in the 1998 accident year being the most significant component.
The Company observed this unfavorable development with respect to both the
frequency and severity of claims. The Company incorporated the results of this
activity with that of developing industry trends into its actuarial valuation
for its PIP coverage and increased its loss reserve estimate.
In the past, the Company has written various commercial package and homeowner
policies that offer liability protection to the insured, and has exposure to
third party liability claims in these lines of insurance. During 2000, the
Company experienced newly reported and reopened liability claims with increased
severity for accident years 1998 and prior. As a result, the Company recognized
$4.5 million of loss reserve development for those accident years. One of the
primary reasons for the reopened claims was that the increase in severity made
certain types of liability claims that previously had lower settlement values
more attractive litigation candidates for plaintiff's attorneys.
10
Throughout 2000, the Company outsourced a significant portion of its claim
handling responsibilities to outside third party claim administrators. While the
Company anticipated that these administrators would be able to settle these
claims for smaller amounts than the Company was achieving at that time, the LAE
reserve needed to be increased to recognize the fees due to the administrators.
Such fees are higher on a per claim basis than the Company's cost to handle
claims in-house. Accordingly, in 2000 the adverse loss reserve development
recorded by the Company included an increase to the LAE reserve of $3.3 million.
The Company has not recognized any reserve reduction for the potentially lower
settlement amounts that may be achieved by the third party administrators.
2001
- ----
For the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded adverse loss reserve
development of $18.7 million. During 2001, the Company increased its reserve
estimates for its commercial package policies lines of business, primarily due
to increases in severity of liability claims for accident years 1998 and prior.
The Company has exposure for third party liability claims in many of its lines
of insurance. During 2001, there were several settlements and court decisions on
third party liability cases for amounts that are greater than the industry's or
the Company's historical experience for similar claims, which had formed the
basis for the Company's estimated loss reserves. These results signaled a change
in the judicial environment in the Company's marketplace. Accordingly, in 2001,
the Company increased its loss reserve estimate by $6.9 million due to an
estimated increase in severity for these exposures.
Reserve increases in 2001 also resulted from unfavorable development principally
in automobile lines of business for the 1998 through 2000 accident years,
primarily relating to PIP coverage and in its workers' compensation lines of
insurance. The Company believed that the increased loss estimates for PIP were
consistent with trends in the industry during 2001, and increased loss reserves
for all automobile lines by $3.3 million for 2001. In addition, the Company also
increased its reserve for LAE by $7.0 million as a result of the increases to
its loss reserves and an increase in future overhead costs that will be
allocated to settle claims currently incurred.
2002
- ----
For the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded adverse loss reserve
development of $3.1 million. During 2002, the Company increased its reserve
estimates in the workers' compensation line by $3.1 million, primarily for
accident years 1999 and prior which reflects the Company's current analysis of
its and the industry's recent experience. The Company also increased its loss
reserve estimate for older accident years by approximately $2.5 million,
principally in the general liability, commercial package policies and homeowners
lines of businesses which reflects the Company's recent claim experience.
Partially offsetting this was a decrease in the Company's reserve estimates in
the automobile lines of business for the 1998 through 2001 accident years by
$3.1 million, primarily relating to PIP. This decrease was principally due to
favorable reported loss development during 2002 that the Company believes is
primarily due to improved claims handling, which resulted in improved severity.
In addition, the Company also increased its reserve for LAE by $3.1 million
primarily as a result of a higher than expected level of payment activity during
2002, principally related to outside attorneys handling third party liability
claims and the payment of internal overhead costs allocated to claims handling.
During 2002, the Company reduced its accrual for certain New York workers'
compensation fund assessments by approximately $2.5 million. As a result of a
legislative change, these workers' compensation fund assessments are currently
determined based on workers' compensation premiums writings, rather than on the
basis of loss payments as had previously been the case. Due to a reduction in
workers' compensation premium volume, the Company was able to reduce its accrual
for these fund assessments.
For additional information, see Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included elsewhere herein.
INVESTOR INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Accordingly, the Company files
periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Such reports, proxy statements and other
information may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at
450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549 or by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding issuers that file electronically.
11
The Company does not maintain a website. The Company will provide without charge
upon request copies of its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form
10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Requests for
such copies should be directed to: Allcity Insurance Company, 45 Main Street,
Brooklyn, NY 11201-3731 (telephone number (718) 422-4000), Attention: Douglas M.
Whitenack, Chief Financial Officer.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Group has entered into a four year lease expiring on December 31, 2005 for
approximately 16,000 square feet in an office building located at 45 Main
Street, Brooklyn, New York. Under this lease, an additional 9,000 square feet
has been leased for a two year period expiring on December 31, 2003.The Group
also leases office space located in Mineola, New York and Boston, Massachusetts
under leases expiring in 2007 and 2003, respectively. The Group expects to
reduce the amount of office space it leases after 2003 and will seek to sublease
any excess space. The rental charged to the Company for these facilities is
prorated in accordance with the pooling agreement described in "Pooling
Agreement" under Item 1, herein.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is party to legal proceedings that are considered to be either
ordinary, routine litigation or incidental to its business. Based on discussion
with counsel, the Company does not believe that such litigation will have a
material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSIONS OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
All executive officers of the Company are elected at a meeting of the Board of
Directors of the Company and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. As
of March 17, 2003, the executive officers of the Company, their ages, the
positions held by them and the periods during which they have served in such
positions were as follows:
Name Age Position with Company Office Held Since
---- --- --------------------- -----------------
H.E. Scruggs, Jr. 46 President and Chief September 2000
Executive Officer
Rocco J. Nittoli 44 Chief Operating Officer February 2001
Douglas M. Whitenack 43 Chief Financial Officer December 2002
Edward A. Hayes 51 Senior Vice President November 1999
Christopher J. Gruttemeyer 37 Vice President December 2000
12
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
(A) MARKET INFORMATION
Effective February 25, 2002, the Company's common shares were delisted from the
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq") National Market System because of the
Company's failure to hold an annual shareholders' meeting in 2001 and to
otherwise meet Nasdaq's proxy solicitation requirements for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2001, as required by Nasdaq's Marketplace Rules 4350(e) and
4350(g), respectively. The Company was also advised by Nasdaq that it had failed
to meet the minimum market value of publicly held shares and the minimum bid
price per share as required by Nasdaq's Marketplace Rules 4450(a)(2) and
4450(a)(5). The Company's common shares began trading over-the-counter on
February 25, 2002 under the same symbol, "ALCI.OB." The following table sets
forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low bid quotations per
common share as reported by the Bloomberg Professional Service provided by
Bloomberg L.P. (for 2003 and 2002) and the high and low closing price per common
share as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc (for
2001). The high and low bid quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without
mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual
transactions.
High Low
---- ---
1st Quarter 2003 $ 1.900 $0.180
(through March 17, 2003)
1st Quarter 2002 0.920 0.310
2nd " " 0.360 0.320
3rd " " 0.640 0.030
4th " " 0.650 0.150
1st Quarter 2001 7.125 4.875
2nd " " 4.950 1.800
3rd " " 2.000 1.000
4th " " 1.050 0.200
(B) HOLDERS
The number of shareholders of record of common shares at March 25, 2003 was
481.
(C) DIVIDENDS
During 2002, the Company paid to its shareholders a $0.335 per share cash
dividend aggregating $2,371,340. The New York Insurance Law prohibits New York
domiciled property and casualty companies from paying dividends except out of
earned surplus. Without the approval of the Department, no New York domestic
property/casualty insurer may declare or distribute any dividend to shareholders
which, together with any dividends declared or distributed by it during the
preceding twelve months, exceeds the lesser of (1) 10% of statutory surplus to
policyholders as shown in its last statutory annual statement or (2) 100% of
adjusted net investment income during such period. Based on the above criteria,
at December 31, 2002, no amounts were available for distribution as dividends.
13
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data has been summarized from the Company's
consolidated financial statements and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, such consolidated
financial statements and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Report:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Total Revenues $ 8,593 $ 29,728 $ 42,303 $ 55,662 $ 92,070
Net (Loss)/Income (a) $ (3,748) $(18,048) $(30,800) $ (3,731) $ 504
Basic and Diluted (Loss)/Earnings
Per share:
(Loss)/Income (a) $ (0.53) $ (2.55) $ (4.35) $ (0.53) $ 0.07
Dividends paid per share $ 0.335 - - - -
a) Net (Loss) Income includes net securities gains/(losses), net of applicable
tax (in thousands) of $1,408, $1,870, $(213), $(1,084) and $3,951 for the years
ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
AT DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
Total assets $208,465 $302,240 $372,284 $490,520 $605,704
Invested assets 81,693 129,639 163,873 205,246 234,039
Surplus note:
Face value 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000
Accrued interest (a) 249 114 9,486 8,851 8,300
Common shareholders'
equity (b) 19,718 25,904 43,791 71,716 78,200
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
GAAP Combined Ratio(c) 296.8% 261.7% 193.1% 139.9% 129.4%
SAP Combined Ratio (c) 353.4% 304.4% 192.3% 145.2% 134.4%
Industry SAP Combined
Ratio (d) N/A 115.9% 110.1% 107.8% 106.0%
Premium to Surplus
Ratio (e) 0.1x 0.3x 0.5x 0.5x 0.8x
(a) Effective January 1, 1980, the Company issued a surplus note to Empire in
the principal amount of $7.0 million. During 2002 and 2001, with the
approval of the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York (the
"Superintendent"), the Company paid Empire $0.2 million and $9.9 million,
respectively, of interest that had been accrued on the surplus note
through March 31, 2002 and September 30, 2001, respectively. For further
information on the surplus note, see Item 7, "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and
Capital Resources" elsewhere in this Report.
(b) Includes unrealized appreciation of approximately $0.7 million in 2002,
$0.7 million in 2001, $0.6 million in 2000 and $0.5 million in 1998 and
unrealized depreciation of approximately $2.3 million in 1999, all net of
tax, on investments classified as available for sale.
14
(c) For all years presented, the difference between the GAAP Combined Ratio
and the SAP Combined Ratio is affected by the accounting for certain
costs, which are treated differently under SAP and GAAP. In 2002 and 2001,
this difference was more pronounced due to the Company's net premiums
written declining at a rate faster than the decline in earned premiums.
For 1998, the difference in the accounting treatment for curtailment gains
relating to the defined benefit pension plans was the principal reason for
the difference between the GAAP Combined Ratio and the SAP Combined Ratio.
For further information about the Company's results of operations, see
Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" elsewhere in this Report.
(d) Source: Best's Aggregates & Averages, Property/Casualty, 2002 Edition.
Industry Combined Ratios may not be comparable as a result of, among other
things, differences in the Company's geographic concentration and limited
mix of property and casualty insurance products.
(e) Premium to Surplus Ratio was calculated by dividing annual statutory net
premiums written by statutory surplus at the end of the year.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The purpose of this section is to discuss and analyze the Company's financial
condition, liquidity and capital resources and results of operations. This
analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related
notes which appear elsewhere in this Report.
VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION (RUN-OFF OF COMPANY'S OPERATIONS)
During the past several years, the Group experienced poor underwriting results
and adverse reserve development in all of its lines of business. During 2001,
the Group explored its options for developing a new business model and strategy.
After evaluating these options, the Group announced in December 2001 that it had
determined that it was in the best interest of its shareholders and
policyholders to commence an orderly voluntary liquidation of all of its
operations. The Group will only accept business that it is obligated to accept
by contract or New York insurance law; it does not engage in any other business
activities except for its claims runoff operations. The voluntary liquidation of
its operations is expected to be substantially complete by 2005. Given the
Group's and the Company's current financial condition, the expected costs to be
incurred during the claims runoff period, and the inherent uncertainty over
ultimate claim settlement values, no assurance can be given that the Company's
shareholders will be able to receive any value at the conclusion of the
voluntary liquidation of its operations.
Pursuant to the pooling agreement, the Company has a net reinsurance recoverable
from Empire. As of December 31, 2002, the Company's reinsurance recoverable from
Empire is $91.7 million, representing 44% of the Company's total assets. After
deducting this liability,, Empire's stand alone statutory surplus was
approximately $5.3 million as of December 31, 2002, which is approximately $2.0
million above the minimum required under New York insurance regulations. The
Company currently believes that its reinsurance recoverable from Empire is fully
collectible; however, further reductions in Empire's statutory surplus,
resulting from operating results, the contingencies discussed below or from
other matters, could impair Empire's ability to pay the full amount due to the
Company. Further, any adverse regulatory action taken against Empire in the
future could also impair the Company's ability to fully collect its reinsurance
recoverable and could result in adverse regulatory action against the Company.
No assurance can be given that adverse regulatory action will not be taken
against Empire or the Company. Empire's management continues to investigate
transactions which could increase its stand alone surplus level, in order to
remain above minimum requirements. During 2003, Empire believes that it will
obtain a release from any obligation to the City of New York concerning its
former headquarters building, which if successful would result in a $8.5 million
increase in Empire's stand alone statutory surplus. However, no assurance can be
given that Empire will be successful in this or any other transaction to
increase its stand alone statutory surplus.
As of March 17, 2003, the Group was rated "F" (in liquidation) by A.M. Best
Company ("Best"). Given the Group's decision to voluntarily liquidate all of its
operations, the Best rating is not expected to have any impact on the Company's
operations. As with all ratings, the Best rating is subject to change at any
time.
15
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In 2002 and 2001, net cash was used for operations principally as a result of a
decrease in premiums written and the payment of claims and operating expenses.
As a result of its decision to conduct an orderly voluntary liquidation of all
of its operations, the Company expects to report a net use of cash from
operations resulting primarily from the payment of claims and other expenses in
excess of revenues generated for the foreseeable future. During 2001, the
Company replaced a significant portion of its fixed maturities investment
portfolio with shorter-term investments in order to shorten its duration to
match its cash needs.
At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the yield of the Company's fixed maturities
portfolio was 1.5% and 2.4%, respectively, with an average maturity of 0.9 years
and 0.3 years, respectively. Additionally, the Company has a diversified
investment portfolio of securities, 92.1% of which is rated "investment grade"
by established bond rating agencies or issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury
or by governmental agencies. During 2001, $34.5 million of the Company's
investment in a limited partnership was liquidated and distributed to the
Company. The distribution proceeds were reinvested in short-term fixed
maturities. The Company's remaining balance in the limited partnership at
December 31, 2001 of $6.1 million consisted of short-term investments and cash
equivalents. During 2002, the limited partnership reactivated its trading
program and invested principally in convertible preferred stocks, convertible
long-term debt securities, limited partnerships, and common stocks sold, but not
yet purchased. As of December 31, 2002, the Company's investment in the limited
partnership was $6.4 million.
The Company maintains cash, short-term and readily marketable securities and
anticipates that the cash flow from investment income, maturities and sales of
short-term investments and fixed maturities will be sufficient to satisfy its
anticipated cash needs. During 2002, the Company realized capital gains of $1.4
million primarily due to the sale of an equity security for operating cash flow
needs. During 2001, the Company realized capital gains of $1.9 million primarily
due to the sale of fixed maturities to shorten the duration of the portfolio.
The Company will continue to sell its investment portfolio and collect its
reinsurance receivables to generate the cash that will be required to settle its
loss and LAE reserves. At December 31, 2002, these assets totaled $200.7 million
as compared to the Company's loss and LAE reserves of $175.6 million. The
Company expects to settle approximately 65% of these liabilities within the next
three years. Additionally, the Company has not experienced any material default
in the payment of reinsurance claims due from its reinsurance providers.
During 2002, the Company paid to its shareholders a $0.335 per share cash
dividend aggregating $2.4 million. Unless approved by the Department, New York
Insurance Law prohibits New York domiciled property and casualty companies from
paying dividends except out of earned surplus. At December 31, 2002, no
dividends could be paid without obtaining special approval from the Department.
At December 31, 2002, the Group's contractual cash obligations under its
operating leases total $2.6 million, of which $1.0 million is due in less than 1
year, $1.2 million is due in 1 to 3 years, $0.4 million is due in 4 to 5 years
and none is due after 5 years. Effective January 1, 1980, the Company issued a
surplus note to Empire in the principal amount of $7.0 million. The surplus note
provides, among other things, for interest to be accrued on the principal of the
note based on a bank's prime rate at the end of the then current calendar
quarter. Neither the principal amount of the surplus note nor the accrued
interest may be paid, in whole or in part, without the consent of the
Superintendent and must be repaid, in whole or in part, when so ordered by the
Superintendent. During 2002 and 2001, with the approval of the Superintendent,
the Company paid Empire $0.2 million and $9.9 million of interest that had been
accrued on the surplus note through March 31, 2002 and September 30, 2001,
respectively.
Empire is obligated to pay certain severance and retention benefits to its
employees, and has fully accrued this obligation as of December 31, 2002.
Pursuant to the pooling agreement, the Company has accrued its 30% share of such
benefits. In January 2003, to enhance its ability to retain employees during its
voluntary liquidation, Empire established a trust for the benefit of certain of
its employees and transferred $3.7 million of its cash to the trust. These funds
in the trust may be used to pay Empire's severance and retention obligations to
those employees, if not paid by Empire when due. Empire retains the residual
interest in the trust after satisfaction or release of the employees' severance
and retention benefit claims, and the establishment of the trust does not in any
way eliminate Empire's obligations. Under the pooling agreement, the Company
will pay Empire its share of the benefits when they are paid by either Empire or
the trust.
16
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (the "Department of
Taxation and Finance") is in the process of auditing the Group's New York
Franchise tax returns for the years 1992 through 1996 and has asserted that the
Company and Empire should have filed their returns on a combined basis, rather
than on a separate company basis. If the Company and Empire were required to
file on a combined basis, the Group would be required to pay an additional
franchise tax and related surcharge tax of approximately $5.7 million, plus
interest, for the periods in question. The Group has informed the Department of
Taxation and Finance that it does not agree with its position on this matter,
and is in the process of submitting additional information. The Company does not
believe it is probable that it will sustain a loss as a result of this assertion
and therefore has not made any loss provision in its financial statements. If
the Group does not prevail in this matter, the Company's share of this
additional tax would be approximately $1.7 million, plus interest, pursuant to
the terms of the pooling agreement.
Empire and the Company have a financial dispute with a company that previously
acted as a third party claims administrator for the Group ("Former Claims
Administrator"). The Group received a $1.7 million claim for unpaid services
from the Former Claims Administrator that the Group believes it is not obligated
to pay because the services provided by the Former Claims Administrator were
deficient and resulted in damages to the Group in excess of the $1.7 million
claim. The Group is currently evaluating its options to resolve this dispute,
including possibly litigating the matter. The Group does not believe it is
probable that it will have to pay the $1.7 million to the Former Claims
Administrator, however, if the Group does not prevail in this matter, the
Company's share of this payment, which has not been accrued, would be $0.5
million pursuant to the terms of the pooling agreement.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The Company's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of
operations are based upon its consolidated financial statements, which have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The
preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the
Company evaluates all of these estimates and assumptions. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
Liabilities for unpaid losses, which are not discounted (except for certain
workers' compensation liabilities), and LAE are determined using case-basis
evaluations, statistical analyses for losses incurred but not reported and
estimates for salvage and subrogation recoverable, and represent estimates of
the ultimate claim costs of all unpaid losses and LAE. Liabilities include a
provision for losses that have occurred but have not yet been reported. These
estimates are subject to the effect of trends in future claim severity and
frequency experience. The Company relies upon standard actuarial ultimate loss
projection techniques to obtain estimates of liabilities for losses and LAE.
These projections include the extrapolation of both losses paid and incurred by
business line and accident year and implicitly consider the impact of inflation
and claims settlement patterns upon ultimate claim costs based upon historical
patterns. In addition, methods based upon average loss costs, reported claim
counts and pure premiums are reviewed in order to obtain a range of estimates
for setting the reserve levels. For further input, changes in operations in
pertinent areas including underwriting standards, product mix, claims management
and legal climate are periodically reviewed. Adjustments to such estimates are
made from time to time due to changes in such trends as well as changes in
actual loss experience. These adjustments are reflected in current earnings. The
liability for losses and LAE are based on estimates and assumptions and the
ultimate loss may differ.
The Company uses the liability method in providing for income taxes. Under the
liability method, deferred income taxes are provided at the enacted tax rates
for differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases
of assets and liabilities and for net operating loss carryforwards. The Company
records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred taxes to the amount that is
more likely than not to be realized. If the Company were to determine that it
would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its
net recorded amount, an adjustment would increase income in such period.
Similarly, if the Company were to determine that it would not be able to realize
all or part of its net deferred taxes in the future, an adjustment would be
charged to income in such period. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company
recorded a valuation allowance to fully reserve its deferred tax asset.
17
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company's pre-tax loss was $3.7 million, $18.0 million and $17.9 million for
the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These amounts
were negatively impacted by adverse reserve development of prior years' reserves
of $3.1 million, $18.7 million and $15.9 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. The more significant trends and events that the Company has
experienced in recent years, which resulted in the recognition of the adverse
reserve development, are identified below following the Company's combined
ratios.
Net earned premium revenues of the Company were $4.2 million, $18.3 million and
$30.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. The Company's earned premiums declined in all lines of business
during 2002 and 2001 as a result of actions announced during late 2000 and the
first quarter of 2001. During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Group announced
that it would no longer accept any new private passenger automobile policies.
Existing policies of private passenger automobile insurance will be either sold,
non-renewed or cancelled in accordance with New York insurance law. If the
private passenger automobile book of business is not sold, it is expected that
the Group will continue to issue renewal policies over the next several years as
required by applicable insurance law. In March 2001, the Group announced that,
effective immediately, it would no longer issue any new (as compared to renewal)
insurance policies and that it filed plans of orderly withdrawal with the
Department as required. All commercial lines policies have been non-renewed or
canceled in accordance with New York insurance law or replaced by Tower under
the 2001 Tower Agreement for the sale of the Group's renewal rights and the
Company has no renewal obligations for those policies. The Group will continue
to be responsible for the remaining term of its existing policies and all claims
incurred prior to the expiration of these policies. Although New York insurance
law required the Group to offer renewals of homeowners, dwelling fire, personal
insurance coverage and personal umbrella for a three-year policy period, the
Tower Agreement obligated Tower to offer its own policies as replacements for
the Group's policies. As a result, all of these policies were either renewed
through Tower, not renewed by the policyholder or cancelled by the Group in
accordance with New York insurance law and the Group has no renewal obligations
for personal lines policies, except for private passenger automobile whose in
force premium volume totaled $5.3 million at December 31, 2002. As indicated
above, these policies volume will continue to decline as the Group exercises its
non-renewal rights under New York insurance law or policyholders choose not to
renew their policies.
During the remaining term of the Company's policies that are being sold or
non-renewed at the expiration of the policy term, and for other policies which
may have to be renewed under New York insurance law, the Company's estimate of
losses for those policies will be based on its accumulated loss experience in
those lines of insurance as well as industry trends. The Company anticipates
that its accident year loss ratios for certain of these policies, in particular
private passenger automobile, will remain high reflecting the poor loss
experience that the Company and the insurance industry has experienced in the
past.
The NAIC has adopted model laws incorporating the concept of a "risk based
capital" ("RBC") requirement for insurance companies. Generally, the RBC formula
is designed to measure the adequacy of an insurer's statutory capital in
relation to the risks inherent in its business. The RBC formula is used by the
states as an early warning tool to identify weakly capitalized companies for the
purpose of initiating regulatory action. Although New York State has not adopted
the RBC requirements for property and casualty insurance companies, New York
does require that property and casualty insurers file the RBC information with
the Department. The NAIC also has adopted various ratios for insurance companies
which, in addition to the RBC ratio, are designed to serve as a tool to assist
state regulators in screening and analyzing the financial condition of insurance
companies operating in their respective states. The Company and Empire had
certain NAIC ratios outside of the acceptable range of results for the years
ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
The Company's combined ratios as determined under GAAP and SAP were as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
GAAP 296.8% 261.7% 193.1%
SAP 353.4% 304.4% 192.3%
The Company's combined ratios increased in 2002 and 2001 primarily due to higher
expense ratios due to lower premium volume and the reasons discussed below.
18
During 2002, the Company recorded adverse loss reserve development of $3.1
million. During 2002, the Company increased its reserve estimates in the
workers' compensation line by $3.1 million, primarily for accident years 1999
and prior which reflects the Company's current analysis of its and the
industry's recent experience. The Company also increased its loss reserve
estimate for older accident years by approximately $2.5 million, principally in
the general liability, commercial package policies and homeowners lines of
businesses which reflects the Company's recent claim experience. Partially
offsetting this was a decrease in the Company's reserve estimates in the
automobile lines of business for the 1998 through 2001 accident years by $3.1
million, primarily relating to PIP. This decrease was principally due to
favorable reported loss development during 2002 that the Company believes is
primarily due to improved claims handling, which resulted in improved severity.
In addition, the Company also increased its reserve for LAE by $3.1 million
primarily as a result of a higher than expected level of payment activity during
2002, principally related to outside attorneys handling third party liability
claims and the payment of internal overhead costs allocated to claims handling.
During 2002, the Company reduced its accrual for certain New York workers'
compensation fund assessments by approximately $2.5 million. As a result of a
legislative change, these workers' compensation fund assessments are currently
determined based on workers' compensation premiums writings, rather than on the
basis of loss payments as had previously been the case. Due to a reduction in
workers' compensation premium volume, the Company was able to reduce its accrual
for these fund assessments.
During 2001, the Company recorded adverse loss reserve development of $18.7
million. During 2001, the Company increased its reserve estimates for its
commercial package policies lines of business, primarily due to increases in
severity of liability claims for accident years 1998 and prior. The Company has
exposure for third party liability claims in many of its lines of insurance.
During 2001, there were several settlements and court decisions on third party
liability cases for amounts that are greater than the industry's or the
Company's historical experience for similar claims, which had formed the basis
for the Company's estimated loss reserves. These results signaled a change in
the judicial environment in the Company's marketplace. Accordingly, in 2001, the
Company increased its loss reserve estimate by $6.9 million due to an estimated
increase in severity for these exposures.
Reserve increases in 2001 also resulted from unfavorable development principally
in automobile lines of business for the 1998 through 2000 accident years,
primarily relating to PIP coverage and in its workers' compensation lines of
insurance. The Company believed that the increased loss estimates for PIP was
consistent with trends in the industry during 2001, and increased loss reserves
for all automobile lines by $3.3 million for 2001. In addition, the Company also
increased its reserve for LAE by $7.0 million as a result of the increases to
its loss reserves and an increase in the estimate of future overhead costs that
will be allocated to settle claims currently incurred.
As a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade
Center, the Company recorded estimated incurred losses and LAE of $0.8 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily relating to business
interruption coverage. During 2002, the Company reestimated the incurred losses
and LAE to be $0.5 million.
During 2000, the Company recorded adverse loss reserve development of $15.9
million, principally in the 1996 through 1999 accident years. This development
was attributable to an increase in the severity of PIP claims and an increase in
the frequency of liability claims in the private passenger automobile line ($2.8
million), an increase in the frequency of liability claims in the commercial
automobile line ($1.9 million), an increase in the frequency and severity of PIP
claims in the assigned risk automobile line ($1.4 million) and an increase in
the severity of certain liability claims in the commercial package policies
lines of business ($4.5 million). The increases in severity and frequency of
claims in automobile lines of business, particularly with respect to PIP claims,
was consistent with emerging industry trends in the New York City marketplace.
In addition, the Company increased its estimate for LAE by $3.3 million as a
result of the decision to outsource a significant amount of claim handling
functions in 2000. Claim files for workers' compensation, automobile no-fault
and automobile and other liability claims were outsourced at a cost greater than
the reserves previously recorded to handle the claims internally. The Group had
outsourced almost two-thirds of its claims. The Group was primarily handling
complex claims, first party claims and certain automobile liability and general
liability claims internally. Complex claims generally consist of those that have
potentially large settlement exposure and are not expected to settle quickly.
The Company had also increased its reserve estimate for claims handled
internally.
19
During the period between 1984 and 1995, the Company entered into certain
retrospectively rated reinsurance contracts covering substantially all lines of
business, except worker's compensation. Under these contracts, the Company paid
the reinsurer provisional premiums that are subject to adjustment based on
subsequent loss development. Ceded premiums accrued under these contracts reduce
both net written and earned premiums during the period the retrospective
reinsurance premiums are accrued. If additional unfavorable loss development
emerges in future periods, the Company may be required to accrue additional
retrospective reinsurance premiums. As a consequence of its reserve increases,
the Company reduced premiums and pre-tax profits by $0.3 million, $2.4 million
and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000,
respectively, to recognize reinsurance premiums due for 1995 and prior years
under retrospectively rated reinsurance agreements.
For all lines of property and casualty insurance business, the Company employs a
variety of standard actuarial ultimate loss projection techniques, statistical
analyses and case-basis evaluations to estimate its liability for unpaid losses.
The actuarial projections include an extrapolation of both losses paid and
incurred by business line and accident year and implicitly consider the impact
of inflation and claims settlement patterns upon ultimate claim costs based upon
historical patterns. These estimates are performed quarterly and consider any
changes in trends and actual loss experience. Any resulting change in the
estimate of the liability for unpaid losses, including those discussed above, is
reflected in current year earnings during the quarter the change in estimate is
identified.
The reserving process relies on the basic assumption that past experience is an
appropriate basis for predicting future events. The probable effects of current
developments, trends and other relevant matters are also considered. Since the
establishment of loss reserves is affected by many factors, some of which are
outside the Company's control or are affected by future conditions, reserving
for property and casualty claims is a complex and uncertain process requiring
the use of informed estimates and judgments. As additional experience and other
data become available and are reviewed, the Company's estimates and judgments
may be revised. Any negative changes in estimates could be material to future
results of operations and result in the surplus of the Company or Empire being
below the minimum required level.
In management's judgment, information currently available has been appropriately
considered in estimating the Company's loss reserves. The Company will continue
to evaluate the adequacy of its loss reserves on a quarterly basis,
incorporating any future changes in trends and actual loss experience, and
record adjustments to its loss reserves as appropriate.
Net investment income for 2002 was lower than 2001 primarily due to a reduction
in invested assets as a result of a decrease in premiums written, lower
prevailing interest rates, the repayment of interest on the surplus note in late
2001 and payments of claims and operating expenses. The reduction in 2001 was
primarily due to a reduction in investments held as a result of a decrease in
premiums written and the payment of claims and operating expenses as well as a
reduction in investment yields resulting from lower interest rates and the
Company's decision to shorten the duration of its investment portfolio. During
2002, the Company had realized capital gains of $1.4 million primarily due to
the sale of an equity security for operating cash flow needs. During 2001, the
Company had realized capital gains of $1.9 million primarily due to the sale of
fixed maturities to shorten the duration of the portfolio.
The combination of other underwriting expenses incurred and the amortization of
deferred policy acquisition costs decreased $5.6 million or 51.8% in 2002 and
approximately $5.1 million or 32.0% in 2001. The decrease in both 2002 and 2001
primarily related to the decline in premium revenue coupled with a reduction in
operating expenses. The decrease in 2002 was partially offset by the write off
of approximately $2.0 million of uncollectible premium receivables. In addition,
during 2001, the Company expensed $2.6 million of deferred policy acquisition
costs as their recoverability from premiums and related investment income was no
longer anticipated.
Due to the uncertainty of future taxable income necessary for realization of the
deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance has been provided as of December 31,
2002 and 2001 on the total amount of the deferred tax asset of approximately
$26.7 million and $25.1 million, respectively. Current incomes taxes for 2000
reflect a benefit of $0.4 million for a change in the Company's estimated prior
year's federal tax liability.
20
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In July 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities" ("SFAS 146"), which is effective for exit or
disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS 146 addresses issues
regarding the recognition, measurement and reporting of costs associated with
exit and disposal activities, including restructuring activities. SFAS 146
requires a liability be recognized at fair value for costs associated with exit
or disposal activities only when the liability is incurred as opposed to at the
time the Company commits to an exit plan as permitted under Emerging Issues Task
Force Issue No. 94-3. In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No.
45 ("FIN 45"), which requires a guarantor for certain guarantees to recognize,
at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the
obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and
initial measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applied on a prospective basis to
guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. In addition, FIN 45
modified the disclosure requirements for such guarantees effective for interim
or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002; these disclosure requirements
are not applicable to the Company. In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB
Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), which addresses consolidation of variable
interest entities, which are entities in which equity investors do not have the
characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient
equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional
subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective
immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to
variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that
date. FIN 46 applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after
June 15, 2003, to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a
variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003. FIN 46 may be
applied prospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date on
which it is first applied or by restating previously issued financial statements
with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the first year
restated. The Company is reviewing the impact of the implementation of SFAS 146.
The Company does not currently expect that the initial recognition and
measurement provisions of FIN 45, and the implementation of FIN 46 will have a
material effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial
condition.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
The Company, as well as the property and casualty insurance industry in general,
is affected by inflation. With respect to losses, the Company's claim severity
is affected by the impact of inflation on the cost of automobile repair parts,
medical costs and lost wages. The costs of adjusting claims and other
underwriting expenses have also been affected by inflationary pressures on
salaries and employee benefits. The Company receives rate increases based in
part upon its experience as well as the industry's experience. Accordingly,
premium increases generally follow the rate of inflation. However, the Company's
ability to raise premium rates is subject to approval by the Department.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements included in this Report may contain forward-looking statements
pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may relate, but are not
limited, to projections of revenues, income or loss, capital expenditures,
fluctuations in insurance reserves, plans for growth and future operations,
competition and regulation as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing.
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties,
many of which cannot be predicted or quantified. When used in this Report, the
words "estimates", "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "intends" and
variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Future events
and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated
by or underlying the forward-looking statements.
The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
suggested by any such statements include, but are not limited to, those
discussed or identified from time to time in the Company's public filings,
including:
o general economic and market conditions or prevailing interest rate levels;
o changes in domestic laws, regulations and taxes;
o changes in competition and pricing environments;
o regional or general changes in asset valuation;
o the occurrence of significant natural disasters;
o the adequacy of loss and LAE reserves;
o prevailing interest rate levels;
o weather related conditions that may affect the Company's operations;
o the ability to attract and retain key personnel;
21
o adverse selection through renewals of the Group's policies;
o adverse regulatory action against the Company and/or Empire;
o Empire's surplus falling below the minimum statutory surplus requirement;
o developments in claims handling, including adverse litigation developments
with respect to environmental claims, including lead poisoning, and other
liability claims that could adversely affect the voluntary liquidation plan
of the Group;
o the Group's ability to manage the claims runoff;
o increased loss adjustment expenses resulting from an extended claims
run-off period;
o changes in composition of the Company's assets and liabilities through
acquisitions or divestitures;
o an adverse determination by the New York State Department of Taxation and
Finance on its audit of the Company's and Empire's New York State franchise
tax returns for the years 1992 through 1996;
o An adverse resolution of the financial dispute with a former third party
claims administrator; and
o Consummation of the proposed Leucadia tender offer for the Company's common
shares and the merger of the Company and Empire.
Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which
are applicable only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation
to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances that arise after the date of this Report or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The following includes "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and
uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in
the forward-looking statements.
The Company's market risk arises principally from interest rate risk related to
its investment portfolio. The Company does not enter into material derivative
financial instrument transactions.
The Company's investment portfolio is primarily classified as available for
sale, and consequently, is recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with
unrealized gains and losses reflected in shareholders' equity. Included in the
Company's investment portfolio are fixed income securities, which comprised
approximately 92.1% of the Company's total investment portfolio at December 31,
2002. These fixed income securities are primarily rated "investment grade" or
are U.S. governmental agency issued or guaranteed obligations, although limited
investments in "non-rated" or rated less than investment grade securities have
been made from time to time. The estimated weighted average remaining life of
these fixed income securities was approximately 0.9 years and 0.3 years at
December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company's fixed income securities,
like all fixed income instruments, are subject to interest rate risk and will
fall in value if market interest rates increase. Expected maturities will differ
from contractual maturities because the borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The Company
currently manages the investment portfolio to maintain liquidity, maintain a
high level of quality, comply with applicable insurance industry regulations and
achieve an acceptable rate of return.
The following table provides information about the Company's fixed income
securities. The table presents principal cash flows by expected maturity dates.
EXPECTED MATURITY DATE
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 THEREAFTER TOTAL FAIR VALUE
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----------- ------ ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Rate Sensitive Assets:
Available for Sale Fixed
Income Securities:
U.S. Government $43,296 $17,605 $ 278 - $1,374 $1,513 $64,066 $64,066
Weighted Average Interest Rate 2.41% 3.20% 6.50% - 7.17% 6.94% - -
Other Fixed Maturities:
Rated Investment Grade $6,728 $4,445 $25 - - - $11,198 $11,198
Weighted Average Interest Rate 5.72% 6.22% 5.50% - - - - -
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Financial Statements and supplementary data required by this Item 8 are set
forth at the pages indicated in Item 15(a) below.
22
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information to be included under the caption "Nominees for Election as
Directors" in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14 of the 1934 Act in connection with the 2003
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the "Proxy Statement") is
incorporated herein by reference. In addition, reference is made to Item 10 in
Part I of this Report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information to be included under the caption "Executive Compensation" in the
Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The information to be included under the caption "Security Ownership of certain
Beneficial Owners" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
There were no equity compensation plans outstanding at December 31, 2002.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information to be included under the caption "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Based on their evaluation as of a date within 90 days of the filing
date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and
15d-14(c) under the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it
files or submits under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
(b) There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls
or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls
subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective
actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
23
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE.
1. The following Financial Statements and Schedule of Allcity Insurance Company
are included in Item 8:
Report of Independent Accountants..........................................................F2
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001...............................F3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2002,
2001 and 2000..............................................................................F4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years
ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.....................................................F5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2002,
2001 and 2000..............................................................................F6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................F7
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property/Casualty Insurance
Operations................................................................................F31
2. The information for Schedules I, IV and V required to be filed pursuant to
Regulation S-X, Article 7 is contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements and, therefore, these schedules have been omitted. Schedule VI -
Supplemental Insurance Information Concerning Property/Casualty Insurance
Operations has been included herein. All other required schedules are not
applicable.
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
None.
(C) EXHIBITS REQUIRED BY ITEM 601 OF REGULATION S-K.
See attached Exhibit Index.
(D) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REQUIRED BY REGULATION S-X.
See Item 15(a).
24
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY
March 28, 2003 By: /s/ Douglas M. Whitenack
---------------------------------
Douglas M. Whitenack
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities indicated and on the date set forth above.
/s/ H. E. Scruggs, Jr. /s/ Rocco J. Nittoli
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
H. E. Scruggs, Jr Rocco J. Nittoli
Director, President and Chief Director, Chief Operating Officer
Executive Officer
/s/ Joseph S. Steinberg /s/ Martin B. Bernstein
- -------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Joseph S. Steinberg Martin B. Bernstein
Director, Chairman of the Board Director
/s/ Louis V. Siracusano /s/ Harry H. Wise
- -------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Louis V. Siracusano Harry H. Wise
Director Director
/s/ Daniel G. Stewart /s/ Thomas E. Mara
- ------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Daniel G. Stewart Thomas E. Mara
Director Director
/s/ Ian M. Cumming /s/ James E. Jordan
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Ian M. Cumming James E. Jordan
Director Director
/s/ Lucius Theus /s/ Christopher J. Gruttemeyer
- ------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Lucius Theus Christopher J. Gruttemeyer
Director Director, Vice President
/s/ Joseph A. Orlando
- -------------------------------------------
Joseph A. Orlando
Director
25
CERTIFICATIONS
I, H.E. Scruggs, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Allcity Insurance Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a- 14 and 15d- 14) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries,
is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this annual report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual
report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness
of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the
Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of
registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the
registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in
other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to
the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with
regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: March 28, 2003
By: /s/ H.E. Scruggs
----------------------------
H.E. Scruggs
Chief Executive Officer
26
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Douglas M. Whitenack, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Allcity Insurance Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a- 14 and 15d- 14) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries,
is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this annual report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual
report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness
of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the
Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of
registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the
registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in
other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to
the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with
regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: March 28, 2003
By: /s/ Douglas M. Whitenack
-----------------------------
Douglas M. Whitenack
Chief Financial Officer
27
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following designated exhibits, as indicated below, are either filed herewith
(if indicated by an asterisk) or have heretofore been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and are incorporated herein by reference to such filings.
Exhibit Number Description of Document
- -------------- -----------------------
3 Corporate charter, as amended, and by-laws, as amended, of
the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994).
10(a) Pooling Agreement (the "Pooling Agreement"), as amended
through March 1, 1982, between Empire and the Company
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (a)-20 of the
Company's Form 8 Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1981).
10(b) Addendum No. 6 to the Pooling Agreement, dated March 28,
1983, between Empire and the Company.
10(c) Addendum No. 7 to the Pooling Agreement, dated May 1, 1986,
between Empire and the Company.
10(d) Addendum No. 8 to the Pooling Agreement, dated September
19, 1989, between Empire and the Company.
10(e) Addendum No. 9 to the Pooling Agreement, dated June 12,
2002, between Empire and the Company.
10(f) Tax Allocation Agreement dated February 28, 1989 among the
Company, PHLCORP, Inc., Empire, Centurion, Empire Livery
Services, Inc., Executroll Services Corporation, and Empall
Agency Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10(m) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1988).
10(g) Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement between Empire Insurance
Company and Centurion Insurance Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10(i) of the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997).
10(h) Transfer Agreement dated February 28, 2001 between Empire
Insurance Company, Allcity Insurance Company, Centurion
Insurance Company and Tower Risk Management Corporation and
Tower Insurance Company of New York (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10(j) of the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000).
10(i) Lease agreement dated October 3, 2001 between Empire
Insurance Company and the Washington Group, LLC.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) of the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2001).
28
10(j) Merger agreement dated October 5, 2001 between Empire
Insurance Company and Centurion Insurance Company.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) of the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2001).
10(k) Trust Agreement dated January 31, 2003 between Empire
Insurance Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.
99.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
29
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
PAGE
The following financial information is submitted herein:
Report of Independent Accountants F2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 F3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years
ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F7
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule VI- Supplemental Insurance Information
Concerning Property/Casualty Insurance Operations
for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F31
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Allcity Insurance Company:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index
appearing under item 15(a)(1) of this Form 10-K present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Allcity Insurance Company and its subsidiary
(a substantially owned subsidiary of Empire Insurance Company which is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Leucadia National Corporation) at December 31, 2002 and
2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in
our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing
under Item 15(a)(1) of this Form 10-K presents fairly, in all material respects,
the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related
consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and the financial
statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the
financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of
these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the
United States of America which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has decided to
limit its operations to paying existing obligations and accepting only business
that it is obligated to accept by contract or New York insurance law. Also, as
discussed in Notes 1 and 8, the Company's majority shareholder and primary
reinsurer through a Pooling Arrangement, Empire Insurance Company, has reported
limited statutory surplus in its December 31, 2002 statutory financial
statements and further decreases in its statutory surplus may allow the New York
Insurance Department the ability to take material adverse regulatory actions
against Empire and the Company.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
March 21, 2003
F-2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
DECEMBER 31,
ASSETS 2002 2001
------ ------
Investments:
Fixed maturities
Available for sale (amortized cost of
$43,125 in 2002 and $23,872 in 2001) $ 43,790 $ 24,175
Held to maturity (fair value of $489) - 480
Equity securities available for sale - 429
Short-term 31,474 98,467
Other invested assets 6,429 6,088
------- -------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 81,693 129,639
Cash 47 36
Agents' balances, less allowance for
doubtful accounts ($182 in 2002 and
$837 in 2001) 1,002 2,873
Accrued investment income 405 464
Reinsurance balances receivable 118,510 160,713
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 493 3,785
Due from affiliates 5,234 -
Other assets 1,081 4,730
------- -------
TOTAL ASSETS $208,465 $302,240
======= =======
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses $151,706 $211,254
Unpaid loss adjustment expenses 23,882 32,037
Unearned premiums 1,393 7,215
Due to affiliates - 9,713
Reinsurance balances payable 780 949
Other liabilities 3,737 8,054
Surplus note 7,249 7,114
------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 188,747 276,336
------- -------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value: 7,368,420
shares authorized; 7,078,625 shares issued
and outstanding in 2002 and 2001 7,079 7,079
Additional paid-in capital 9,331 9,331
Accumulated other comprehensive income 665 732
Retained earnings 2,643 8,762
------- -------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 19,718 25,904
------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $208,465 $302,240
======= =======
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(In thousands, except shareand per share amounts)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2002 2001 2000
------ ------ ------
REVENUES
Premiums earned $4,158 $18,258 $30,855
Net investment income 2,737 9,021 11,443
Net securities gains/(losses) 1,408 1,870 (213)
Other income 290 579 218
----- ------ ------
8,593 29,728 42,303
------ ------ ------
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses 2,688 24,575 31,760
Loss adjustment expenses 4,141 11,919 12,047
Other underwriting expenses, less
deferrals of $0 in 2002, $1,783
in 2001 and $7,413 in 2000 5,178 5,925 8,009
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs - 4,818 7,793
Interest on surplus note 333 538 634
------ ------ ------
12,340 47,775 60,243
------ ------ ------
LOSS BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (3,747) (18,047) (17,940)
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Current expense/(benefit) 1 1 (338)
Deferred expense - - 13,198
------ ------ ------
1 1 12,860
------ ------ ------
NET LOSS $(3,748) $(18,048) $(30,800)
===== ====== ======
Per share data, based on 7,078,625
average shares outstanding in 2002,
2001 and 2000
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE $(0.53) $(2.55) $(4.35)
==== ==== ====
CASH DIVIDEND PER SHARE $0.335 $ - $ -
===== ==== ====
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
(In thousands)
SHAREHOLDERS'EQUITY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED TOTAL
ADDITIONAL OTHER SHARE-
COMMON STOCK PAID-IN COMPREHENSIVE RETAINED HOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL INCOME/(LOSS) EARNINGS EQUITY
------ ------ ------- ------------- -------- ------
Balance as of January 1, 2000 7,079 $7,079 $9,331 $(2,304) $57,610 $71,716
Comprehensive Loss:
Net loss for the year (30,800) (30,800)
Unrealized holding gains arising during
the period (net of deferred tax expense
of $1,240) 1,776 1,776
Less reclassification of net securities
losses included in net loss (net of
deferred tax of $0) 1,099 1,099
------
Comprehensive Loss (27,925)
----- ----- ----- ----- ------- ------
Balance as of December 31, 2000 7,079 7,079 9,331 571 26,810 43,791
------
Comprehensive Loss:
Net loss for the year (18,048) (18,048)
Unrealized holding gains arising during
the period (net of deferred tax expense
of $0) 272 272
Less reclassification of net securities
gains included in net loss (net of
deferred tax of $0) (111) (111)
------
Comprehensive Loss (17,887)
----- ----- ----- ----- ------- ------
Balance as of December 31, 2001 7,079 7,079 9,331 732 8,762 25,904
------
Dividends paid to shareholders (2,371) (2,371)
------
Comprehensive Loss:
Net loss for the year (3,748) (3,748)
Unrealized holding gains arising during
the period (net of deferred tax
of $0) 396 396
Less reclassification of net securities
gains included in net loss (net of
deferred tax of $0) (463) (463)
------
Comprehensive Loss (3,815)
----- ----- ----- ----- ------- ------
Balance as of December 31, 2002 7,079 $7,079 $9,331 $ 665 $ 2,643 $19,718
===== ===== ===== ===== ======= ======
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
(In thousands)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (3,748) $(18,048)$(30,800)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to net cash used for operating
activities:
Provision for deferred tax expense - - 13,198
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs - 4,818 7,793
Provision for doubtful accounts (655) (933) (42)
Net securities (gains)/losses (1,408) (1,870) 213
Policy acquisition costs incurred
and deferred - (1,783) (7,413)
Net change in:
Agents' balances 2,526 3,833 384
Reinsurance balances receivable 42,203 13,916 55,564
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 3,292 13,963 4,534
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses (67,703) (25,215) (73,430)
Unearned premiums (5,822) (25,407) (6,305)
Due(from)to affiliates (14,947) 9,064 (11,327)
Reinsurance balances payable (169) (556) 788
Other, net 270 2,028 1,755
------- ------- -------
NET CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES (46,161) (26,190) (45,088)
------- ------- -------
NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of fixed maturities (30,373) (28,380) (23,245)
Net change in other invested assets (341) 31,061 (3,274)
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities 4,160 33,256 67,560
Proceeds from sale of equity securities 1,331 - -
Proceeds from maturities of fixed
maturities 6,970 91,755 3,185
Net change in short-term investments 66,993 (91,633) 295
------- ------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES 48,740 36,059 44,521
------- ------- -------
NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to shareholders (2,371) - -
Interest paid on Surplus Note (197) (9,910) -
------- ------- -------
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES (2,568) (9,910) -
------- ------- -------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)IN CASH 11 (41) (567)
Cash at beginning of year 36 77 644
------- ------- -------
Cash at the end of year $ 47 $ 36 $ 77
======= ======= =======
Cash paid for federal income taxes $ - $ - $ 1,583
======= ======= =======
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 1-ORGANIZATION
Allcity Insurance Company ("Allcity" or the "Company") is a property and
casualty insurer and includes the results of its subsidiary, Empall Agency, Inc.
("Empall"). Empire Insurance Company ("Empire"), a property and casualty insurer
owns approximately 84.6% of the outstanding common shares of the Company. Empire
also owned 100% of the common shares of Centurion Insurance Company which merged
with Empire, effective December 31, 2001. Empire's common shares are 100% owned
and controlled, through subsidiaries, by Leucadia National Corporation
("Leucadia"). Additionally, Leucadia indirectly owns an additional 6.7% of the
outstanding common shares of the Company. The Company and Empire are sometimes
hereinafter collectively referred to as the Group.
On January 15, 2003, the Company received a proposal from Leucadia for a
possible tender offer to acquire all the outstanding shares of common stock of
Allcity not already beneficially owned by Leucadia for $2 per share. The
proposal states that the acquisition of such shares by Leucadia would take the
form of a tender offer by Leucadia, subject to customary conditions, as well as
the condition that enough shares of Allcity's common stock are tendered such
that, together with the shares Leucadia currently beneficially owns, Leucadia
would beneficially own at least 95% of the outstanding shares of Allcity's
common stock. Leucadia has requested that a Special Committee of the Allcity
Board of Directors formed to consider any offers from Leucadia evaluate the
fairness of this proposal for the purpose of making a recommendation with
respect to this proposal. Promptly following consummation of the tender offer
and subject to the approval of New York Insurance Department (the "Department"),
the remaining shares of Allcity's common stock not already owned by Leucadia or
its subsidiaries would be acquired by Empire at the same cash price pursuant to
a short form merger between Empire and Allcity under Section 7118 of the New
York Insurance Law. The proposal would not be contingent on any financing
conditions.
In March 2003, the special committee of the Board of Directors advised the
Company that, in response to negotiations conducted by the special committee,
Leucadia has increased the proposed tender offer consideration to $2.75 per
share. The Special Committee also advised the Company that, subject to
confirmation that the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2002, does not disclose any information that would adversely affect
the special committee's evaluation of the proposal or the opinion of the
financial advisor to the special committee as to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, of the $2.75 per share price to the shareholders of the Company
unaffiliated with Leucadia, it would recommend that the Board of Directors
recommend that shareholders accept Leucadia's proposal. Assuming that the
Special Committee and the Board of Directors each recommend acceptance of
Leucadia's proposal, Leucadia has advised the Company that it intends to
commence the tender offer as soon as practicable following such action. However,
no assurance can be given that the tender offer will in fact be commenced or
that the transaction will ultimately be consummated.
F-7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS---CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 1-ORGANIZATION--CONTINUED
The property and casualty insurance business written by Empire and Allcity is
subject to a pooling agreement under which premiums, losses, loss adjustment
expenses and other underwriting expenses, net of reinsurance, are shared on the
basis of 70% to Empire and 30% to Allcity. The pooling percentages have been
changed from time to time and may be changed in the future subject to Department
approval. Allcity has no employees of its own. Empire provides administrative
services and 30% of the related expenses are allocated to Allcity.
Historically, the Group specialized in commercial and personal property and
casualty insurance business primarily in the New York metropolitan area. The
Group offered insurance products for vehicles (including medallion and
radio-controlled livery vehicles), general liability coverage, property coverage
(including mercantile and multi-family residential real estate) and workers'
compensation to commercial accounts and private passenger automobile and
homeowners products to individuals.
During the past several years, the Group experienced poor underwriting results
and adverse reserve development in all of its lines of business. During 2001,
the Group explored its options for developing a new business model and strategy.
After evaluating these options, the Group announced in December 2001 that it had
determined that it was in the best interest of its shareholders and
policyholders to commence an orderly liquidation of all of the Group's
operations. The Group will only accept business that it is obligated to accept
by contract or New York insurance law; it does not engage in any other business
activities except for its claims runoff operations. By the end of 2005, the
Company expects that its voluntary liquidation will be substantially complete,
premium revenue will be immaterial, infrastructure and overhead costs will be
substantially reduced, and all that it expects to remain will be the
administration and settlement of claims with long tail settlement
characteristics, principally workers' compensation and certain liability claims.
Given the Group's and the Company's current financial condition, the expected
costs to be incurred during the claims runoff period, and the inherent
uncertainty over ultimate claim settlement values, no assurance can be given
that the Company's shareholders will be able to receive any value at the
conclusion of the voluntary liquidation of its operations.
During the third quarter of 2001, the Department informed the Company and Empire
of its examination findings concerning the three-year period ended December 31,
1999. The triennial report was subsequently filed by the Department in November
2001. Among other matters, the Department's report indicated a loss and LAE
reserve deficiency for the Company and Empire. The Company and Empire responded
to the Department's examination findings and concluded that based on subsequent
adverse development recorded by the Company, the Department's reserve estimates
were within a reasonable actuarial range of acceptable estimates. As of
September 30, 2001, the Company's and Empire's reserve levels for losses and LAE
prior to December 31, 1999 were consistent with the Department's findings.
F-8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS---CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 1-ORGANIZATION--CONTINUED
In addition, the triennial report noted that the Group's organizational
structure causes Empire's stand-alone statutory surplus to be reduced by a
statutory limitation on the carrying value of its investment in the Company and
Centurion. Empire submitted to the Department a plan for remedying its
stand-alone surplus deficiency, including the merger of Centurion into Empire,
which was approved by the Department and consummated in 2001. Empire's
stand-alone surplus at December 31, 2002 exceeded the minimum statutory surplus
requirement of $3,300,000 by $1,970,000. In the event Empire's stand-alone
statutory surplus declines below the minimum in the future, no assurance can be
given that material adverse regulatory action will not be taken against Empire
or the Company. Empire's management continues to investigate transactions which
could increase its stand alone surplus level, in order to remain above minimum
requirements. During 2003, Empire believes that it will obtain a release from
any obligation to the City of New York concerning its former headquarters
building, which if successful would result in an $8,500,000 increase in Empire's
stand alone statutory surplus. However, no assurance can be given that Empire
will be successful in this or any other transaction to increase its stand alone
statutory surplus.
In March 2001, the Group announced that, effective immediately, it would no
longer issue any new (as compared to renewal) insurance policies in any lines of
business and that it filed plans of orderly withdrawal with the Department as
required. All commercial lines policies were non-renewed or canceled in
accordance with New York insurance law or replaced by Tower Insurance Company of
New York or Tower Risk Management (collectively, "Tower") under the 2001
agreement for the sale of the Group's renewal rights (the "Tower Agreement") and
the Company has no renewal obligations for those policies. The Group will
continue to be responsible for the remaining term of its existing policies and
all claims incurred prior to the expiration of these policies. Although New York
insurance law required the Group to offer renewals of homeowners, dwelling fire,
personal insurance coverage and personal umbrella for a three-year policy
period, the Tower Agreement obligated Tower to offer their own policies as
replacements for the Group's policies. As a result, all of these policies were
either renewed through Tower, not renewed by the policyholder or cancelled by
the Group in accordance with New York insurance law and the Group has no renewal
obligations for personal lines policies, except for private passenger automobile
whose in force premium volume totaled $5,275,000 at December 31, 2002. As
indicated above, these policies volume will continue to decline as the Group
exercises its non-renewal rights under New York insurance law or policyholders
choose not to renew their policies.
F-9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS---CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 1-ORGANIZATION--CONTINUED
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") has adopted model
laws incorporating the concept of a "risk based capital" ("RBC") requirement for
insurance companies. Generally, the RBC formula is designed to measure the
adequacy of an insurer's statutory capital in relation to the risks inherent in
its business. The RBC formula is used by the states as an early warning tool to
identify weakly capitalized companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory
action. Although New York State has not adopted the RBC requirements for
property and casualty insurance companies, New York does require that property
and casualty insurers file the RBC information with the Department. The NAIC
also has adopted various ratios for insurance companies which, in addition to
the RBC ratio, are designed to serve as a tool to assist state regulators in
screening and analyzing the financial condition of insurance companies operating
in their respective states. The Company and Empire had certain NAIC ratios
outside of the acceptable range of results for the year ended December 31, 2002.
The Company and Empire are licensed to transact insurance in the State of New
York with Empire being additionally licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire and New Jersey.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly-owned subsidiary, Empall.
Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to be consistent with
the 2002 presentation.
NOTE 2-SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates: The preparation of financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")
requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts in the financial statements and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates all of these estimates
and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 2-SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES-CONTINUED
Liabilities for unpaid losses, which are not discounted (except for certain
workers' compensation liabilities), and LAE are determined using case-basis
evaluations, statistical analyses for losses incurred but not reported and
estimates for salvage and subrogation recoverable and represent estimates of the
ultimate claim costs of all unpaid losses and LAE. Liabilities include a
provision for losses that have occurred but have not yet been reported. These
estimates are subject to the effect of trends in future claim severity and
frequency experience. The Company relies upon standard actuarial ultimate loss
projection techniques to obtain estimates of liabilities for losses and LAE.
These projections include the extrapolation of both losses paid and incurred by
business line and accident year and implicitly consider the impact of inflation
and claims settlement patterns upon ultimate claim costs based upon historical
patterns. In addition, methods based upon modeling, curve fitting, average loss
costs, reported claim counts and pure premiums are reviewed in order to obtain a
range of estimates for setting the reserve levels. For further input, changes in
operations in pertinent areas including underwriting standards, product mix,
claims management and legal climate are periodically reviewed. Adjustments to
such estimates are made from time to time due to changes in such trends as well
as changes in actual loss experience. These adjustments are reflected in current
earnings. The liability for losses and LAE are based on estimates and
assumptions and the ultimate loss may differ. Certain workers' compensation
indemnity case reserves are discounted based on life expectancy and a discount
rate of 6%. Additionally, workers' compensation medical case reserves are
discounted on a non-tabular basis using a discount rate of 3%. Workers'
compensation IBNR and LAE reserves are not discounted.
The Company uses the liability method in providing for income taxes. Under the
liability method, deferred income taxes are provided at the enacted tax rates
for differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases
of assets and liabilities and for net operating loss carryforwards. The Company
records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred taxes to the amount that is
more likely than not to be realized. If the Company were to determine that it
would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its
net recorded amount, an adjustment would increase income in such period.
Similarly, if the Company were to determine that it would not be able to realize
all or part of its net deferred taxes in the future, an adjustment would be
charged to income in such period. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company
recorded a valuation allowance to fully reserve its deferred tax asset.
F-11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 2-SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES-CONTINUED
Investments: At acquisition, marketable debt and equity securities are
designated as either (i) "held to maturity" and carried at amortized cost, (ii)
"trading" and carried at estimated fair value with differences between cost and
estimated fair value reflected in results of operations or (iii) "available for
sale" and carried at estimated fair value, with differences between cost and
estimated fair value being reflected as a separate component of shareholders'
equity, net of taxes. Other invested assets, which are designated as trading
securities, represent an investment in a limited partnership which invests
principally in convertible preferred stocks, convertible long-term debt
securities, limited partnerships, and common stocks sold, but not yet purchased.
Short-term investments are carried at cost which approximates fair value.
Estimated fair values are principally based on quoted market prices.
At December 31, 2001, investments in fixed maturities on deposit with the
Department, which the Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity,
were classified as "Investments held to maturity". These investments matured
during 2002 and the proceeds were invested and are included in "Short-term"
investments at December 31, 2002.
Investment income is reported when earned. Net securities gains or losses on the
sales of investments are determined on a specific identification basis.
Investments with an impairment in value considered to be other than temporary
are written down to estimated net realizable values.
Unearned Premiums: Unearned premiums have been calculated predominantly using
the daily pro rata method.
Reinsurance: Unpaid losses, unpaid LAE and unearned premiums are stated gross of
reinsurance ceded. Premiums written and earned, losses and LAE paid and
incurred, and other underwriting expenses are stated net of reinsurance ceded.
Pension Cost: Empire funds pension costs as currently accrued; 30% of such
pension costs are allocated to the Company.
Policy Acquisition Costs: Policy acquisition costs, which consisted of
commissions, premium taxes and certain other underwriting expenses (net of
reinsurance allowances), were deferred and amortized ratably over the terms of
the related policies. Deferred policy acquisition costs were limited to their
net realizable value after consideration of investment income on the related
premium. If recoverability of such costs from future premiums and related
investment income was not anticipated, the amounts not considered recoverable
were charged to operations. During 2001, the Company expensed its remaining
deferred policy acquisition costs of $2,600,000 as their recoverability from
premiums and related investment income was no longer anticipated. In 2002,
policy acquisition costs were expensed when incurred.
F-12
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 2-SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES-CONTINUED
Participating Policies: The Company did not write any participating policies on
workers' compensation business during the year ended December 31, 2002. In prior
years when such participating policies were written, amounts transferred to the
participating policyholders' funds were determined by means of specific
identification based upon premium volume and loss experience. The amount of
dividends paid to participating policyholders was approved quarterly by the
Board of Directors. The amount of policyholders' dividends paid on participating
policies was $0, $35,000 and $59,000 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. There
are no unpaid dividends to participating policies at December 31, 2002.
Servicing Arrangements: Service fee income from assigned risk business acquired
through contractual arrangements with other insurance companies was recognized
as revenue and earned over the life of the covered policies on a monthly
pro-rata method.
Service fee income for the administrative services, including underwriting,
policy issuance, premium collection and claims services, provided to the New
York Public Auto Pool (the "NYPAP") was recorded as a reduction to other
underwriting and loss adjustment expenses and was earned over the life of the
policies issued. The premiums and losses processed by the Company on behalf of
the NYPAP, which are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements for
the years ended December 31, are as follows (in thousands):
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Premiums Earned $ - $ - $ -
Losses Incurred (3,351) (1,127) 231
Unpaid Losses 5,559 13,534 21,781
The premiums, losses and expenses of the business for which the Company provides
administrative services are reflected on the financial statements of those
insurance companies, including the Company, in New York State which are required
to participate in the NYPAP. In its role as a servicing carrier, the Company is
liable only for the LAE which are incurred to adjust and settle the claims
processed on behalf of the NYPAP. Liabilities for this LAE are determined using
case basis evaluations and statistical analyses. In accordance with the pooling
agreement, 30% of such LAE is retained by the Company.
F-13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 2-SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES-CONTINUED
Empire is a servicing carrier for the Massachusetts Taxi and Limousine Pool (the
"Mass Pool") and earns service fee income in return for providing underwriting,
policy issuance, premium collection and claims services to the Mass Pool. The
amount of premium written by Empire was approximately $7,800,000, $8,300,000 and
$6,400,000 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The amount of service fees
earned was approximately $1,800,000, $2,300,000 and $2,300,000 and the amount of
incurred expenses charged against such fees was approximately $1,800,000,
$2,100,000 and $1,700,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. All of the premiums and related commissions, losses and certain
LAE costs are ceded 100% to the Mass Pool. Through the pooling agreement, the
Company is allocated 30% of the service fee income and certain expenses
(including related assets and liabilities) that are not ceded to the Mass Pool.
Effective January 1, 2003, Empire did not renew its servicing carrier contract
with the Mass Pool for the 2003 plan year. Accordingly, Empire no longer writes
any new business and is not required to offer renewal policies. Empire will
continue to be responsible for policy and claim services until the run-off of
all policies and claims is completed.
Loss Per Share: Loss per share is based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding. There were no outstanding common stock equivalents during
2002, 2001 and 2000 and therefore, basic and diluted loss per share are the
same.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards: In July 2002, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" ("SFAS
146"), which is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after
December 31, 2002. SFAS 146 addresses issues regarding the recognition,
measurement and reporting of costs associated with exit and disposal activities,
including restructuring activities. SFAS 146 requires a liability be recognized
at fair value for costs associated with exit or disposal activities only when
the liability is incurred as opposed to at the time the Company commits to an
exit plan as permitted under Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3. In
November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), which
requires a guarantor for certain guarantees to recognize, at the inception of a
guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in
issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and initial measurement
provisions of FIN 45 are applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or
modified after December 31, 2002. In addition, FIN 45 modified the disclosure
requirements for such guarantees effective for interim or annual periods ending
after December 15, 2002; these disclosure requirements are not applicable to the
Company. In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"),
which addresses consolidation of variable interest entities, which are entities
in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling
financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to
finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from
other parties. FIN 46 is effective immediately to variable interest entities
created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an
enterprise obtains an interest after that date. FIN 46 applies in the first
fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, to variable
interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it
acquired before February 1, 2003. FIN 46 may be applied prospectively with a
F-14
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 2-SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES-CONTINUED
cumulative effect adjustment as of the date on which it is first applied or by
restating previously issued financial statements with a cumulative effect
adjustment as of the beginning of the first year restated. The Company is
reviewing the impact of the implementation of SFAS 146. The Company does not
currently expect that the initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN
45, and the implementation of FIN 46 will have a material effect on the
Company's consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
NOTE 3-SURPLUS NOTE
Effective January 1, 1980, the Company issued a surplus note to Empire in the
principal amount of $7,000,000. Accrued but unpaid interest of $249,000 and
$114,000 as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, is included in the
balance due under the surplus note. The surplus note provides, among other
things, for interest to be accrued on the principal of the note based on a
bank's prime rate at the end of the current calendar quarter. Neither the
principal amount of the surplus note nor the accrued interest may be paid, in
whole or in part, without the consent of the Superintendent of Insurance of the
State of New York ("Superintendent") and must be repaid, in whole or in part,
when so ordered by the Superintendent. During 2002 and 2001, with the approval
of the Superintendent, the Company paid Empire $197,000 and $9,910,000 of
interest that had been accrued on the surplus note through March 31, 2002 and
September 30, 2001, respectively.
NOTE 4-INVESTMENTS
Investment income by source is summarized as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Investment income:
Fixed maturities $1,346 $ 3,528 $ 8,077
Other invested assets 341 3,440 3,273
Short-term investments 1,270 2,255 329
----- ----- ------
2,957 9,223 11,679
Less: Investment expenses 220 202 236
----- ------ ------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME $2,737 $ 9,021 $11,443
===== ====== ======
F-15
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 4-INVESTMENTS-CONTINUED
Investments at December 31, 2002 are summarized as follows:
GROSS UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED APPRE- DEPRE- FAIR
COST CIATION CIATION VALUE
---- ------- ------- -----
(In thousands)
Available for sale-fixed
maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities
and obligations of U.S.
government agencies $29,821 $ 359 $ - $30,180
Mortgage-backed
securities 2,727 160 - 2,887
Foreign governments 75 - - 75
All other corporate bonds 10,502 146 - 10,648
------ --- ---- -------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
AVAILABLE FOR SALE 43,125 665 - 43,790
------ ---- ---- -------
Short-term 31,474 - - 31,474
Other invested assets 6,429 - - 6,429
------ ---- ---- -------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS $81,028 $_665 $ - $81,693
====== ==== ==== ======
Investments at December 31, 2001 are summarized as follows:
GROSS UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED APPRE- DEPRE- FAIR
COST CIATION CIATION VALUE
---- ------- ------- -----
(In thousands)
Available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
and obligations of U.S.
government agencies $12,349 $ 41 $ - $ 12,390
Mortgage-backed
securities 4,338 157 - 4,495
Foreign governments 75 - - 75
All other corporate bonds 7,110 105 - 7,215
------ ----- ---- ------
Total fixed maturities 23,872 303 - _24,175
------ ----- ---- ------
Equity securities - 429 - 429
------ ----- ---- -------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
AVAILABLE FOR SALE 23,872 732 - 24,604
------ ----- ---- ------
Held to maturity:
U.S. Treasury securities 480 9 - 489
------ ---- ---- -------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
HELD TO MATURITY 480 9 - 489
------ ---- ---- -------
Short-term 98,467 - - 98,467
Other invested assets 6,088 - - 6,088
------- ---- ---- -------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS $128,907 $ 741 $ - $129,648
======= ==== ==== =======
F-16
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 4-INVESTMENTS-CONTINUED
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturities available for
sale (including short-term securities) at December 31, 2002 are shown as follows
(in thousands):
AMORTIZED FAIR
COST VALUE
Due in one year or less $49,815 $50,024
Due after one year through five years 22,057 22,353
Due after five years through ten years - -
Thereafter - -
------ ------
Sub total 71,872 72,377
Mortgage-backed securities 2,727 2,887
------ ------
TOTAL $74,599 $75,264
====== ======
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers
may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or
prepayment penalties.
The Company sold certain fixed maturities classified as available for sale
during 2002, 2001 and 2000 and realized gross pre-tax capital gains of $77,000,
$1,891,000 and $661,000, respectively, and gross pre-tax capital losses of $0,
$21,000, and $874,000, respectively. The Company sold an equity security
classified as available for sale during 2002 and realized a gross pre-tax
capital gain of $1,331,000.
The changes in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments available
for sale were $67,000 and $161,000 before taxes for the years ended December 31,
2002 and 2001, respectively.
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, a short-term investment of $475,000 and a
security with an amortized cost of approximately $480,000, respectively, were on
deposit with the Department.
NOTE 5-STATUTORY INFORMATION
The following is a reconciliation of net loss and surplus as reported on a
statutory basis ("SAP") to net loss and shareholders' equity as determined in
conformity with GAAP (in thousands):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Statutory net loss $(2,619) $(25,171) $(16,694)
Add (deduct):
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs - (3,035) (380)
Change in allowances for doubtful accounts 121 1,200 42
Policyholders' dividends - 30 36
Capitalized systems development costs (825) (1,100) (696)
Other postretirement benefits (37) (46) (41)
Current tax (expense) benefit (1) (1) 338
Deferred tax expense - - (13,198)
Interest on surplus note (136) 9,372 (634)
Other (251) 703 427
------ ------ ------
GAAP $(3,748) $(18,048) $(30,800)
====== ====== ======
F-17
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 5-STATUTORY INFORMATION -CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31,
2002 2001
---- ----
Statutory Shareholders' Equity and Surplus $ 24,943 $29,013
Add (deduct):
Non-admitted premiums receivable,
less allowance for doubtful accounts 87 588
Capitalized systems development costs - 825
Provision for unauthorized reinsurance 155 110
Other postretirement benefits (128) (91)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments 665 303
Surplus note (7,249) (7,114)
Other 1,245 2,270
------ ------
GAAP $19,718 $25,904
====== ======
During 2002, the Company paid to its shareholders a $0.335 per share cash
dividend aggregating $2,371,340. The New York Insurance Law prohibits New York
domiciled property and casualty companies from paying dividends except out of
earned surplus. Without the approval of the Department, no New York domestic
property/casualty insurer may declare or distribute any dividend to shareholders
which, together with any dividends declared or distributed by it during the
preceding twelve months, exceeds the lesser of (1) 10% of statutory surplus to
policyholders as shown in its last statutory annual statement or (2) 100% of
adjusted net investment income during such period. Based on the above criteria,
at December 31, 2002, no amounts were available for distribution of dividends
without Department approval.
The NAIC has adopted model laws incorporating the concept of a "risk based
capital" ("RBC") requirement for insurance companies. Generally, the RBC formula
is designed to measure the adequacy of an insurer's statutory capital in
relation to the risks inherent in its business. The RBC formula is used by the
states as an early warning tool to identify weakly capitalized companies for the
purpose of initiating regulatory action. Although New York State has not adopted
the RBC requirements for property and casualty insurance companies, New York
does require that property and casualty insurers file the RBC information with
the Department. The NAIC also has adopted various ratios for insurance companies
which, in addition to the RBC ratio, are designed to serve as a tool to assist
state regulators in screening and analyzing the financial condition of insurance
companies operating in their respective states. The Company and Empire had
certain NAIC ratios outside of the acceptable range of results for the year
ended December 31, 2002.
F-18
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 6-AGENTS' BALANCES
Activity affecting the allowance for uncollectible agents' balances for the
years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 is summarized as follows (in
thousands):
Balance at January 1, 2000 $1,812
Provision 386
Charge-offs, net of recoveries (428)
------
Balance at December 31, 2000 1,770
Provision (516)
Charge-offs, net of recoveries (417)
------
Balance at December 31, 2001 837
Provision 1,986
Charge-offs, net of recoveries (2,641)
------
Balance at December 31, 2002 $ 182
======
NOTE 7-UNPAID LOSSES AND LAE
In the following table, the liability for losses and LAE are reconciled for the
three years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. Included therein are current
year data and prior year development.
RECONCILIATION OF LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LAE
2002 2001 2000
------ ------ ------
(In thousands)
Net SAP liability for losses and LAE,
net of reinsurance, at beginning of year $84,171 $ 95,587 $113,602
------ ------- -------
Provision for losses and LAE for claims
occurring in the current year 3,760 17,747 27,880
Increase in estimated losses and LAE
for claims occurring in prior years 3,069 18,747 15,927
------ ------- -------
Total incurred losses and LAE 6,829 36,494 43,807
------ ------- -------
Loss and LAE payments for claims
occurring during:
Current year 1,488 5,703 8,920
Prior years 31,075 42,207 52,902
------- ------- -------
32,563 47,910 61,822
------- ------- -------
Net SAP liability for losses and LAE,
at end of year 58,437 84,171 95,587
Reinsurance recoverable 117,151 159,120 172,919
------- ------- -------
Liability for losses and LAE
at end of year as reported in
financial statements (GAAP) $175,588 $243,291 $268,506
======= ======= =======
Based on management's current analysis and evaluation, the Company's Net SAP
liability for losses and LAE of $58,437,000 at December 31, 2002 represents
management's best estimate of this liability. This liability was approximately
$800,000 (or 1.4%) lower than the actuarial indicated reserve estimated by the
Company's actuary.
F-19
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 7-UNPAID LOSSES AND LAE-CONTINUED
During 2002, the Company increased its reserve estimates by a net amount of
$3,069,000. This increase was comprised of an increase in LAE reserves of
$3,051,000, a net increase in expected losses of $2,505,000 and a reduction of
$2,517,000 of an accrual for workers' compensation fund assessments. The
increase for expected loss development consisted of an increase to the Company's
reserve estimates in the workers' compensation line by $3,090,000, primarily for
accident years 1999 and prior which reflects the Company's current analysis of
its and the industry's recent experience. Partially offsetting this was a
decrease in the Company's reserve estimates in the automobile lines of business
for the 1998 through 2001 accident years by $3,060,000, primarily relating to
personal injury protection coverage ("PIP"). This decrease was principally due
to favorable reported loss development during 2002 that the Company believes is
primarily due to improved claims handling, which resulted in improved severity.
The Company also increased its loss reserve estimate for older accident years by
approximately $2,505,000 principally in the general liability, commercial
package policies and homeowners lines of businesses which reflects the Company's
recent claim experience.
The 2002 increase in LAE reserves of $3,051,000, referred to above, is primarily
the result of a higher than expected level of payment activity during 2002,
principally related to outside attorneys handling third party liability claims
and the payment of internal overhead costs allocated to claims handling. During
2002, the Company reduced its accrual for certain New York workers' compensation
fund assessments. As a result of a legislative change, these workers'
compensation fund assessments are currently determined based on workers'
compensation premiums writings, rather than on the basis of loss payments as had
previously been the case. Due to a reduction in workers' compensation premium
volume, the Company was able to reduce its accrual for these fund assessments by
approximately $2,970,000 of which $2,517,000 was recorded as a reduction in loss
reserves and $453,000 was recorded as a reduction in other liabilities.
During 2001, the Company recorded adverse loss reserve development of
$18,747,000. During 2001, the Company increased its reserve estimates for its
commercial package policies lines of business, primarily due to increases in
severity of liability claims for accident years 1998 and prior. The Company has
exposure for third party liability claims in many of its lines of insurance.
During 2001, there were several settlements and court decisions on third party
liability cases for amounts that were greater than the industry's or the
Company's historical experience for similar claims, which had formed the basis
for the Company's estimated loss reserves. These results signaled a change in
the judicial environment in the Company's marketplace. Accordingly, in 2001, the
Company increased its loss reserve estimate by $6,900,000 due to an estimated
increase in severity for these exposures.
F-20
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 7-UNPAID LOSSES AND LAE-CONTINUED
Reserve increases in 2001 also resulted from unfavorable development principally
in automobile lines of business for the 1998 through 2000 accident years,
primarily relating to PIP coverage and in its workers' compensation lines of
insurance. The Company believed that the increased loss estimates for PIP was
consistent with industry trends during 2001, and increased loss reserves for all
automobile lines by $3,300,000. In addition, the Company also increased its
reserve for LAE by $7,000,000 as a result of the increases to its loss reserves
and an increase in the estimate of future overhead costs which will be allocated
to settle claims currently incurred.
As a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade
Center, the Company recorded estimated incurred losses and LAE of $800,000 for
the year ended December 3l, 2001, primarily relating to business interruption
coverage. During 2002, the Company reestimated the incurred losses and LAE to be
$500,000.
During 2000, the Company recorded adverse loss reserve development of
$15,927,000, principally in the 1996 through 1999 accident years. This
development was attributable to an increase in the severity of PIP claims and an
increase in the frequency of liability claims in the private passenger
automobile line ($2,800,000), an increase in the frequency of liability claims
in the commercial automobile line ($1,900,000), an increase in the frequency and
severity of PIP claims in the assigned risk automobile line ($1,400,000) and an
increase in the severity of certain liability claims in the commercial package
policies lines of business ($4,500,000). The increases in severity and frequency
of claims in automobile lines of business, particularly with respect to PIP
claims, was consistent with emerging industry trends in the New York City
marketplace. In addition, the Company increased its estimate for LAE by
$3,300,000 as a result of the decision to outsource a significant amount of
claim handling functions in 2000. Claim files for workers' compensation,
automobile no-fault and automobile and other liability claims were outsourced at
a cost greater than the reserves previously recorded to handle the claims
internally. The Group had outsourced almost two-thirds of its claims. The Group
was primarily handling complex claims, first party claims and certain automobile
liability and general liability claims internally. Complex claims generally
consist of those that have potentially large settlement exposure and are not
expected to settle quickly. The Company had also increased its reserve estimate
for claims handled internally.
F-21
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 8--REINSURANCE
Prior to 2002, the Group obtained reinsurance coverage to reduce its risk of and
exposure to large insurance claims and catastrophes. For 2001 and 2000, the
Group's maximum retained limit for all lines of business was $300,000 per
occurrence. Additionally, the Group had a property catastrophe excess of loss
treaty to protect against certain losses. Its retention of lower level losses
under this treaty was $7,500,000 for 2001 and 2000. Due to the geographic
concentration of its business, the Group believes hurricanes, windstorms and
civil disturbances are its most significant exposures to catastrophic losses.
Computer modeling programs provided by independent consultants were used to
estimate exposure to such losses. Due to the runoff of the Group's business and
resulting reduced loss exposure, the Group terminated its property catastrophe
excess of loss coverage effective January 1, 2002. In November 2001, the Group
received notification of cancellation of its multiple line reinsurance contract
effective January 1, 2002. The cancellation affects only personal lines policies
renewed on or after January 1, 2002, and would impact the Group for losses only
on policies that provided coverage in excess of its retained reinsurance limit
of $300,000. At December 31, 2002, the Group has approximately 100 policies in
force (which may include multiple insureds and vehicles) that provide such
coverage up to a maximum loss of $500,000 per occurrence. Under the pooling
agreement, 70% of such losses would be assumed by Empire and 30% would be
retained by the Company. After reviewing its options of finding comparable
reinsurance coverage, the Group decided not to replace this coverage.
Although reinsurance does not legally discharge an insurer from its primary
liability for the full amount of the policy liability, it does make the assuming
reinsurer liable to the insurer to the extent of the reinsurance ceded. The
Company's reinsurance, excluding the pooling agreement with Empire, generally
has been placed with certain of the largest reinsurance companies, including
(with their respective A.M Best & Co. ratings) General Reinsurance Corporation
(A++ Superior) and Converium North America (A Excellent). The Company believes
its reinsurers to be financially capable of meeting their respective
obligations. However, to the extent that any reinsuring company is unable to
meet its obligations, the Company would be liable for the reinsured risks. The
Company has established reserves, which the Company believes are adequate, for
any nonrecoverable reinsurance.
Effective January 1, 1997, Empire entered into a quota share reinsurance
agreement with its subsidiary, Centurion. Under this agreement, Empire assumed
50% of the effective period premiums and losses of Centurion up to July 1, 1997
and 75% thereafter and granted Centurion a ceding commission. Under the pooling
agreement, 70% of such business assumed was retained by Empire and 30% was ceded
to the Company. This quota share reinsurance agreement was terminated effective
December 31, 2001 following the merger of Empire and Centurion.
F-22
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 8--REINSURANCE--CONTINUED
Pursuant to the pooling agreement, the Company has a net reinsurance recoverable
from Empire. As of December 31, 2002, the Company's reinsurance recoverable from
Empire was $91,651,000, representing 44% of the Company's total assets. After
deducting this liability, Empire's stand alone statutory surplus was $5,270,000
as of December 31, 2002, which is $1,970,000 above the minimum required under
New York insurance regulations. The Company currently believes that its
reinsurance recoverable from Empire is fully collectible; however, further
reductions in Empire's statutory surplus, resulting from operating results, the
contingencies discussed in Note 15 or from other matters, could impair Empire's
ability to pay the full amount due to the Company. Further, any adverse
regulatory action taken against Empire in the future could also impair the
Company's ability to fully collect its reinsurance recoverable and could result
in adverse regulatory action against the Company. No assurance can be given that
adverse regulatory action will not be taken against Empire or the Company. For
more information about Empire's stand alone surplus, see footnote 1 to the
consolidated financial statements.
Reinsurance receivable balances at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (including
$91,651,000 and $131,287,000, respectively, of reinsured amounts arising from
the intercompany pooling agreement with Empire) are as follows (in thousands):
CEDED TO
----------------------------
EMPIRE OTHERS TOTAL
------ ------ -----
As of December 31, 2002
Prepaid reinsurance premiums $ 493 $ - $ 493
Reinsurance balances receivable
on:
Paid losses 652 707 1,359
Unpaid losses 76,524 26,645 103,169
Unpaid loss adjustment expenses 13,982 - 13,982
CEDED TO
----------------------------
EMPIRE OTHERS TOTAL
------ ------ -----
As of December 31, 2001
Prepaid reinsurance premiums $ 3,752 $ 33 $ 3,785
Reinsurance balances receivable
on:
Paid losses 656 937 1,593
Unpaid losses 108,033 32,241 140,274
Unpaid loss adjustment expenses 18,846 - 18,846
F-23
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 8--REINSURANCE-CONTINUED
An analysis of reinsurance premiums, losses, LAE and commissions for the years
ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
DIRECT ASSUMED FROM CEDED TO NET
------ ------------ -------- ---
EMPIRE OTHERS EMPIRE OTHERS
------------- ------ ------
2002
Premiums earned $ 5,642 $ 4,158 $327 $ 5,936 $ 33 $ 4,158
Losses incurred 13,813 2,688 279 10,650 3,442 2,688
LAE incurred 1,473 4,141 50 759 764 4,141
Commissions incurred 26 80 29 55 - 80
Premiums written 852 1,528 428 1,280 - 1,528
Losses paid 64,613 25,131 88 55,662 9,039 25,131
LAE Paid 8,261 7,432 50 7,547 764 7,432
Unearned premiums(a) 533 900 172 705 - 900
Unpaid losses (a) 135,390 48,537 574 109,320 26,644 48,537
Unpaid LAE (a) 19,974 9,900 - 19,974 - 9,900
2001
Premiums earned $ 38,593 $ 18,258 $305 $ 36,156 $2,742 $18,258
Losses incurred 61,224 24,575 275 45,547 15,952 24,575
LAE incurred 12,774 11,918 64 12,380 457 11,919
Commissions incurred 2,986 1,332 25 2,369 642 1,332
Premiums written 18,709 6,813 356 16,586 2,479 6,813
Losses paid 85,860 37,831 512 79,989 6,383 37,831
LAE Paid 11,714 10,076 67 11,321 457 10,079
Unearned premiums(a) 5,323 3,429 71 5,361 32 3,430
Unpaid losses (a) 186,191 70,980 383 154,333 32,241 70,980
Unpaid LAE (a) 26,922 13,192 - 26,923 - 13,191
2000
Premiums earned $ 56,407 $ 30,855 $(13) $ 52,868 $3,526 $30,855
Losses incurred 46,825 31,760 (303) 48,238 (1,716) 31,760
LAE incurred 9,453 12,047 (83) 13,296 (3,926) 12,047
Commissions incurred 8,317 5,175 (3) 7,512 802 5,175
Premiums written 49,893 29,084 (13) 46,268 3,612 29,084
Losses paid 112,872 49,604 80 102,405 10,547 49,604
LAE Paid 14,959 12,218 34 14,590 403 12,218
(a) Amounts as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets can be derived by
adding together amounts for direct and assumed and subtracting from this sum 30%
of the amount ceded to Empire. The Company remains primarily liable for amounts
ceded to reinsurers for unpaid losses, LAE and unearned premiums to the extent
that the assuming reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations.
F-24
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 8--REINSURANCE-CONTINUED
PERCENTAGE
ASSUMED CEDED OF AMOUNT
DIRECT FROM TO NET ASSUMED
AMOUNT EMPIRE(A) EMPIRE(B) AMOUNT TO NET
------ --------- --------- ------ ------
Premiums written:
2002 $ 852 $ 1,956 $ 1,280 $ 1,528 128.0%
2001 $18,709 $ 7,169 $19,065 $ 6,813 105.2%
2000 $49,893 $29,071 $49,880 $29,084 100.0%
(a) Includes $428, $356 and $(13) assumed from non-affiliates in 2002,
2001 and 2000, respectively, before the effects of the pooling
agreement described in Note 1.
(b) Includes $0, $2,479 and $3,612 ceded to non-affiliates in 2002, 2001
and 2000, respectively, before the effects of the pooling agreement
described in Note 1.
NOTE 9-FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Company has been included in the consolidated federal income tax returns of
Leucadia since 1993. Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement between
Leucadia and the Company, the Company computes its tax provision on a separate
return basis and is either charged its share of federal income tax resulting
from its taxable income or is credited for tax benefits resulting from its
losses to the extent the Company could use the losses on a separate return
basis.
The principal components of the deferred tax benefit at December 31, 2002 and
2001 were as follows (in thousands):
2002 2001
---- ----
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment
expense reserves $3,060 $4,537
Unearned premiums 63 240
Employee benefits and compensation 579 584
Interest accrued on surplus note 87 40
Allowance for doubtful accounts 63 200
Pension plan curtailment gain (380) (368)
Unrealized appreciation on investments (233) (256)
Unamortized deferred income - 637
Capitalized systems development costs - (289)
Tax loss carryforwards 23,685 20,282
Other, net (237) (471)
------ ------
Deferred tax benefit 26,687 25,136
------ ------
Valuation allowance (26,687) (25,136)
------ ------
Total $ - $ -
====== ======
F-25
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 9-FEDERAL INCOME TAXES-CONTINUED
Due to the Company's uncertainty as to having future taxable income necessary
for realization of the deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance has been
provided as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 for the total amount of the deferred
tax asset.
For the years 2002, 2001 and 2000, the difference between the "expected"
statutory federal income tax and the actual income tax expense is as follows (in
thousands):
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Expected federal income tax benefit $(1,312) $(6,316) $(6,279)
Establishment of deferred tax valuation allowance 1,551 6,951 18,185
Other (238) (634) 954
------ ------ ------
Actual federal income tax expense $ 1 $ 1 $12,860
====== ====== ======
NOTE 10-PENSION PLAN AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Effective January 1, 1999, Empire joined a non-contributory defined contribution
plan sponsored by Leucadia. The contributions, ranging from 2% - 16% of
employees' current pension eligible compensation, are based on age and service
life of the employee. These contributions accumulate for participants on a
tax-deferred basis. Participants direct the investment of the contributions to
their accounts. In accordance with the pooling agreement, the Company shared 30%
of the amount contributed by the Group to the Plan ($406,000, $624,000 and
$682,000 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively).
Empire provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired
employees who, prior to their retirement, had at least ten years of service and
were at least 50 years of age as of October 1, 1996. These benefits are provided
through an insurance company whose premiums are based on the cost of benefits
paid during the year.
F-26
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 10-PENSION PLAN AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS-CONTINUED
The following table sets forth certain information, before the effects of the
pooling arrangement, relating to Empire's unfunded substantive plan for
postretirement benefits (in thousands):
2002 2001
---- ----
Accumulated postretirement obligation
at beginning of year $5,128 $4,934
Service cost 16 35
Interest cost 308 351
Actuarial loss 102 104
Plan amendments (476) -
Participant contributions 206 183
Benefits paid (521) (479)
----- -----
Accumulated postretirement obligation at
end of year 4,763 5,128
Unrecognized net gain from past
experience different from that assumed
and effects of changes in assumptions 760 433
----- -----
ACCRUED POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS COST $5,523 $5,561
===== =====
COMPONENTS OF NET POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Service cost--benefits earned during the period $ 16 $ 35 $ 33
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 308 351 355
Net amortization and deferral (48) (4) (19)
----- ----- -----
PERIODIC POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS COST $ 276 $ 382 $ 369
===== ===== =====
In accordance with the pooling agreement, the Company's share of accrued
postretirement benefit cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost is 30%
of the amounts reflected above and is included in other liabilities. In
determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31,
2002 and 2001, Empire utilized discount rates of 6.5% and 7.0%, respectively.
The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation were 9.0% for 2002 declining to an ultimate
rate of 5% by 2010. If the health care cost trend rates were increased by 1%,
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2002 would
have increased by approximately $426,000 before the effects of the pooling
agreement. If the health care cost trend rates were decreased by 1%, the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2002 would have
decreased by approximately $369,000 before the effects of the pooling agreement.
The effect of a 1% increase or decrease on the estimated aggregate of service
and interest cost for 2002, 2001 and 2000 would be immaterial.
Empire participates in an Employees' Savings Plan (the "Savings Plan") sponsored
by Leucadia, under which each eligible employee may defer a portion of their
annual compensation, subject to certain limits. Empire matches contributions
equal to 50% of the employee's contributions up to a maximum of 3% of the
employee's salary. A participant may also contribute, from after-tax dollars, an
amount, not to exceed 10% of annual compensation. Empire's contributions to the
Savings Plan were $183,000, $299,000 and $294,000 in 2002, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Under the pooling agreement, the Company is obligated to provide
30% of Empire's contributions to the Savings Plan.
F-27
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 11-LEASES
The Group has entered into a four year lease expiring December 31, 2005 for
approximately 16,000 square feet in an office building located at 45 Main
Street, Brooklyn, New York. Under this lease, an additional 9,000 square feet
has been leased for a two year period expiring on December 31, 2003. The Group
also leases office space located in Mineola, New York and Boston, Massachusetts
under leases expiring in 2007 and 2003, respectively.
Future minimum rentals for the Group, which exclude escalation amounts, on
non-cancelable leases in the aggregate for each of the next five years and
thereafter are as follows (in thousands). The amounts below exclude future
minimum rentals and sublease amounts from the former corporate headquarters of
the Group. The Company is not an obligor under that lease agreement and it is
not subject to the pooling agreement as it is not an operating asset of the
Group commencing January 1, 2002.
2003 $ 995
2004 592
2005 610
2006 197
2007 169
Thereafter -
-------
Total $ 2,563
=======
Rental expense for the Group for the years 2002, 2001 and 2000, (net of sublease
income in 2001 and 2000) was $870,000, $1,500,000 and $3,800,000, respectively.
The Company is obligated to pay 30% of these rental charges in accordance with
the pooling agreement.
NOTE 12-BUSINESS SEGMENTS
As a result of the Company's underwriting actions described in Note 1 and a
consolidation of Empire Group's internal management organization in 2001, the
Company's prior business segments have been eliminated.
NOTE 13-FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company's only material financial instruments are investments for which the
fair values are disclosed in Note 4 and the surplus note and short-term
investments, for which the carrying amounts approximate fair value.
NOTE 14-LITIGATION
The Company is a party to legal proceedings that are considered to be either
ordinary, routine litigation or incidental to its business. Based on discussions
with counsel, the Company does not believe that such litigation will have a
material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
F-28
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 15-CONTINGENCIES
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (the "Department of
Taxation and Finance") is in the process of auditing the Group's New York
Franchise tax returns for the years 1992 through 1996 and has asserted that the
Company and Empire should have filed their returns on a combined basis, rather
than on a separate company basis. If the Company and Empire were required to
file on a combined basis, the Group would be required to pay an additional
franchise tax and related surcharge tax of approximately $5,700,000, plus
interest, for the periods in question. The Group has informed the Department of
Taxation and Finance that it does not agree with its position on this matter,
and is in the process of submitting additional information. The Company does not
believe it is probable that it will sustain a loss as a result of this assertion
and therefore has not made any loss provision in its financial statements. If
the Group does not prevail in this matter, the Company's share of this
additional tax would be approximately $1,700,000, plus interest, pursuant to the
terms of the pooling agreement.
Empire and the Company have a financial dispute with a company that previously
acted as a third party claims administrator for the Group ("Former Claims
Administrator"). The Group received a $1,736,000 claim for unpaid services from
the Former Claims Administrator that the Group believes it is not obligated to
pay because the services provided by the Former Claims Administrator were
deficient and resulted in damages to the Group in excess of the $1,736,000
claim. The Group is currently evaluating its options to resolve this dispute,
including possibly litigating the matter. The Group does not believe it is
probable that it will have to pay the $1,736,000 to the Former Claims
Administrator, however, if the Group does not prevail in this matter, the
Company's share of this payment, which has not been accrued, would be $520,800
pursuant to the terms of the pooling agreement.
NOTE 16-RELATED PARTIES
See Notes 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 11 regarding Allcity's relationships with the
Group and Leucadia.
F-29
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTE 17-SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2002
and 2001 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
2002
-----------------------------------------
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH
------ ------ ------ -------
Total Revenues $2,875 $1,986 $2,630 $ 1,102
Net Loss (1,271) (708) (441) (1,328)
Basic and Diluted
Loss Per Share (0.18) (0.10) (0.06) (0.19)
2001
-----------------------------------------
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH
------ ------ ------ -------
Total Revenues $10,314 $ 7,715 $ 5,625 $ 6,074
Net (Loss)/Income (14,277) (780) (3,856) 865
Basic and Diluted Earnings/
(Loss)/Gain Per Share (2.02) (0.11) (0.54) 0.12
See Notes 1, 7 and 9 for certain additional information concerning results of
operations for 2002 and 2001.
NOTE 18-SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
See Note 1 for information concerning the Company's receipt of a proposal from
Leucadia on January 15, 2003 for a possible tender offer to acquire all the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company not already beneficially owned
by Leucadia.
Empire is obligated to pay certain severance and retention benefits to its
employees, and has fully accrued this obligation as of December 31, 2002.
Pursuant to the pooling agreement, the Company has accrued its 30% share of such
benefits. In January 2003, to enhance its ability to retain employees during its
voluntary liquidation, Empire established a trust for the benefit of certain of
its employees and transferred $3,727,000 of its cash to the trust. These funds
in the trust may be used to pay Empire's severance and retention obligations to
those employees, if not paid by Empire when due. Empire retains the residual
interest in the trust after satisfaction or release of the employees' severance
and retention benefit claims, and the establishment of the trust does not in any
way eliminate Empire's obligations. Under the pooling agreement, the Company
will pay Empire its share of the benefits when they are paid by either Empire or
the trust.
F-30
ALLCITY INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE VI - SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE INFORMATION
CONCERNING PROPERTY/ CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
(Thousands of dollars)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D* COL. E COL. F COL. G COL. H
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESERVES CLAIMS AND CLAIM
FOR UNPAID ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
DEFERRED CLAIMS DISCOUNT INCURRED RELATED TO
POLICY AND CLAIM IF ANY NET (1) (2)
ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENT DEDUCTED IN UNEARNED EARNED INVESTMENT CURRENT PRIOR
COSTS EXPENSES COLUMN C (A) PREMIUMS PREMIUMS INCOME (B) YEAR YEARS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended 12/31/02 $ - $ 175,588 $ 753 $ 1,393 $ 4,158 $ 2,737 $ 3,760 $ 3,069
- -------------------
Year ended 12/31/01 - 243,291 621 7,215 18,258 9,159 17,747 18,747
- -------------------
Year ended 12/31/00 3,035 268,506 239 32,622 30,855 11,443 27,880 15,927
- -------------------
** TABLE CONTINUED... **
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COL. A COL. I COL. J COL. K COL. L*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMORTIZATION PAID
OF DEFERRED CLAIMS
POLICY OTHER AND CLAIM
ACQUISITION OPERATING PREMIUMS ADJUSTMENT
COSTS EXPENSES (B) WRITTEN EXPENSES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended 12/31/02 $ - $ 5,178 $ 1,528 $32,563
- -------------------
Year ended 12/31/01 4,818 5,925 6,813 47,910
- -------------------
Year ended 12/31/00 7,793 8,009 29,084 61,822
- -------------------
** TABLE COMPLETE **
(a) Workers' compensation medical case reserves are discounted using a
discount rate of 3%.
(b) Other Operating Expenses are reflected net of service fee income excluding
other income and interest on surplus note.
F-31