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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2001
Commission File Number 33-94670-01
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
Incorporated in Nevada I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
4680 Wilshire Boulevard, 95-0725935
Los Angeles, California 90010
(323) 932-3200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class on Which Registered
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8.45% Cumulative Quarterly Income New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Securities, Series A (QUIPS)
(liquidation preference $25 per share)*
8.25% Cumulative Quarterly Income New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Securities, Series B (QUIPS)
(liquidation preference $25 per share)*
*Issued by Farmers Group Capital (Series A) and Farmers Group Capital II
(Series B) and the payments of trust distributions and payments on
liquidation or redemption are guaranteed under certain circumstances by
Farmers Group, Inc., the owner of 100% of the common securities issued by
Farmers Group Capital and Farmers Group Capital II, Delaware statutory
business trusts.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /X/ No / /
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. /X/
Registrant's Common Stock outstanding on December 31, 2001 was 1,000 shares.
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FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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PART I
ITEM 1. Business 4
ITEM 2. Properties 14
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings 14
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 14
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Farmers Group, Inc.'s Common Equity and
Related Stockholders Matters 15
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data 15
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 17
Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market
Risks 27
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 28
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on 73
Accounting and Financial Disclosures
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Farmers Group, Inc. 73
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation 75
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners 78
and Management
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 79
PART IV
ITEM 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports 80
on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES 82
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DOCUMENT SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company,
including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this document. Unless
the context requires otherwise, (i) references to the Company are to Farmers
Group, Inc. ("FGI") and its subsidiaries; references to attorney-in-fact
("AIF"), as applicable in context, are to FGI, dba Farmers Underwriters
Association, attorney-in-fact of Farmers Insurance Exchange; or Fire
Underwriters Association, attorney-in-fact of Fire Insurance Exchange; or
Truck Underwriters Association, attorney-in-fact of Truck Insurance Exchange,
(ii) references to Farmers Management Services are to the Company excluding
the Insurance Subsidiaries, (iii) references to the P&C Group Companies are
to Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance
Exchange (each an "Exchange" and collectively, the "Exchanges"), their
respective subsidiaries, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Company
("FTCM"), Foremost County Mutual Insurance Company and Foremost Lloyds of
Texas in 2001 and 2000 and to the Exchanges, their respective subsidiaries
and FTCM in 1999, 1998 and 1997, (iv) references to Farmers Life are to
Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, (v) references to the Life
Insurance Subsidiaries are to Farmers Life, The Ohio State Life Insurance
Company ("OSL") and Investors Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("IGL") and
(vi) references to the Insurance Subsidiaries are to Farmers Life and Farmers
Reinsurance Company ("Farmers Re") in 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998 and to
Farmers Life, OSL, IGL and Farmers Re in 1997. As a result of a unification
of the holding structure of the Zurich Financial Services Group in October
2000, Zurich Financial Services was renamed Zurich Group Holding ("ZGH") and
a new group holding company, Zurich Financial Services, was formed. As such,
references to Zurich are to the group holding company, Zurich Financial
Services.
Unless otherwise indicated, financial information, operating
statistics and ratios applicable to the Company and the Insurance
Subsidiaries set forth in this document are based on accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and with regard to the P&C
Group Companies are based on statutory accounting practices ("SAP"). Unless
otherwise specified, the financial information for the P&C Group Companies
is on a statutory combined basis. Any reference to the "Subsidiary Trusts"
is to Farmers Group Capital and Farmers Group Capital II, consolidated
wholly owned subsidiaries of Farmers Group, Inc. Any reference to "Note" is
to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this
Report.
PART I
ITEM 1. Business
The Company
General. The Company's principal activities are the provision of
management services to the P&C Group Companies and the ownership and
operation of the Insurance Subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2001, the
Company had consolidated assets of $12.4 billion, stockholders' equity of
$6.5 billion and for the period ended December 31, 2001, the Company had
consolidated operating revenues of $2.9 billion. As of December 31, 2001,
the Insurance Subsidiaries had total assets of $7.3 billion, combined SAP
capital and surplus (including asset valuation reserve) of $1.9 billion, life
policies-in-force of 1.2 million and for the period ended December 31, 2001,
the Insurance Subsidiaries had combined SAP life premiums and deposits
received of $0.9 billion and non-life reinsurance premiums of $0.4 billion.
The financial results and assets and liabilities of the P&C Group Companies
are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as
the P&C Group Companies are not owned by the Company.
In December 1988, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. ("B.A.T") acquired 100%
ownership of the Company through its wholly owned subsidiary BATUS Financial
Services. Immediately thereafter, BATUS Financial Services was merged into
FGI. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the
acquired assets and liabilities were recorded in the Company's consolidated
balance sheets based on their estimated market values at December 31, 1988.
In September 1998, the financial services businesses of B.A.T, which
included the Company, were merged with Zurich Insurance Company ("ZIC").
The businesses of ZIC and the financial services businesses of B.A.T were
transferred to ZGH, a Swiss holding company with headquarters in Zurich,
Switzerland. This merger was accounted for by ZGH as a pooling of
interests under International Accounting Standards.
As of December 31, 2001, the Company had three classes of common
stock - Class A Common Stock (the "Class A Shares"), Class B Common Stock
(the "Class B Shares") and Class C Common Stock (the "Class C Shares").
Prior to a recapitalization of the Company's capital structure which
occurred in connection with a private placement of an aggregate of $1.1
billion of securities by six Zurich RegCaPS Funding Trusts on February 9,
2001,
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the Company had 500 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, and 500 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share.
All Class A Shares were wholly owned by ZGH and all Class B Shares were
wholly owned by Allied Zurich Holdings Limited ("Allied Zurich"), an
affiliated company created during the restructuring of B.A.T.
Subsequently, on February 9, 2001, in connection with the private
placement of the $1.1 billion of securities, ZGH exchanged 50 Class A
Shares for 50 shares of Class C Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share.
The Class C Shares were issued in six series (C-1 through C-6). ZGH
subsequently contributed each respective series of the Class C Shares to
one of six Zurich RegCaPS Funding Limited Partnerships(collectively, the
"Partnerships"), which are controlled by ZIC. As a result, upon
completion of the recapitalization, 450 Class A Shares were owned by ZGH,
500 Class B Shares were owned by Allied Zurich and 50 Class C Shares were
owned by the Partnerships.
Operating Segments
Financial information by operating segment can be found in Note Z.
Following are descriptions of the Company's operating segments.
Farmers Management Services. The Company is AIF for the Exchanges,
which operate in the property and casualty insurance industry. On March
7, 2000, the Exchanges acquired Foremost Corporation of America and its
subsidiaries ("Foremost"), a prominent writer of insurance for
manufactured homes, recreational vehicles and other specialty lines. Each
policyholder of each Exchange appoints an exclusive AIF to provide
management services to each Exchange. For such services, the Company
earns management fees based primarily on a percentage of gross premiums
earned by the P&C Group Companies. Each AIF also receives a management
fee based on reinsurance premiums earned by the Exchanges on business of
the P&C Group Companies insured by the Exchanges. The P&C Group Companies
are owned by the respective policyholders of the Exchanges, FTCM and
Foremost County Mutual Insurance Company as well as the underwriters of
Foremost Lloyds of Texas. Accordingly, the Company has no ownership
interest in the P&C Group Companies nor is the Company directly affected
by the underwriting results of the P&C Group Companies. However,
management fees comprise a significant part of the Company's revenue and,
as a result, the Company's ongoing financial performance depends on the
volume of business written by, and the business efficiency and financial
strength of, the P&C Group Companies as well as the continued AIF
relationships with the Exchanges.
Through its AIF relationships with the Exchanges, the Company
provides management services to the non-claims side of the P&C Group
Companies' businesses. These management services include selecting risks,
preparing and mailing policy forms and invoices, collecting premiums and
performing certain other administrative and managerial functions. Each of
the P&C Group Companies is responsible for its own claims functions,
including the settlement and payment of claims and claims adjustment
expenses. Each of the P&C Group Companies is also responsible for the
payment of commissions and bonuses for agents and district managers, and
premium and income taxes.
The Company, through its AIF relationships with the Exchanges, is
contractually permitted to receive a management fee based on the gross
premiums earned by the P&C Group Companies. The range of fees has varied
by line of business over time. During the past five years, aggregate
management fees have averaged between 12% and 13% of gross premiums earned
by the P&C Group Companies. In order to enable the P&C Group Companies to
maintain appropriate capital and surplus while offering competitive
insurance rates, each AIF has historically charged a lower management fee
than the contractually permitted fee of 20% (25% in the case of the Fire
Insurance Exchange). The Company has been able to do this while
maintaining appropriate profit margins through enhanced operating
efficiencies that encompass the use of economies of scale and technology
and the standardization of procedures. The P&C Group Companies have
reported a growing volume of premiums, which has generated a corresponding
rise in management fee income to the Company. Gross premiums earned by
the
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P&C Group Companies were $12.4 billion, $11.4 billion and $10.8 billion
for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, giving rise to management fee
revenues to the Company of $1.6 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion,
respectively, for the same years.
The P&C Group Companies market personal auto, homeowners, selected
commercial and specialty insurance products. For the year ended December
31, 2001, approximately 58.3% of net premiums earned were from auto
insurance policies, 23.5% were from homeowner policies, 5.6% were from
specialty insurance policies and the remainder were primarily from
commercial policies.
FGI, through its wholly owned subsidiary Prematic Service Corporation
("Prematic"), allows individuals and businesses purchasing insurance from
one or more members of the P&C Group Companies and Farmers Life to
combine, if they so choose, all premiums due into a single payment. In
practice, Prematic combines amounts due from a single insured for all
policies in-force into a single amount and then bills the insured on a
periodic basis. For this service, Prematic collected service fees
totaling $92.0 million in 2001 and generated net income of $19.9 million
for the year. FGI has certain other nonmaterial subsidiaries, the results
of which are included in the Company's consolidated results.
Life Insurance. As part of the Company's strategic plan to focus its
life insurance efforts on Farmers Life, the Company sold two of its life
insurance subsidiaries, OSL and IGL, to Great Southern Life Insurance
Company, a subsidiary of Americo Life, Inc., on April 15, 1997. These
subsidiaries contributed $5.5 million to net income in 1997.
The Company's remaining life insurance subsidiary, Farmers Life,
markets a broad line of individual life insurance products, including
universal life, variable universal life, term life and whole life
insurance, as well as flexible premium, single premium and equity-indexed
deferred annuities, variable annuities and structured settlement products.
Farmers Life also markets variable universal life and annuity products,
which it began selling in 2000.
As of December 31, 2001, Farmers Life provided insurance to nearly
1.2 million people and managed approximately $1.8 billion of annuity
funds. Farmers Life's investment philosophy emphasizes long-term
fundamental value in the selection of the investment mix for its
portfolio. As of December 31, 2001, approximately 78.7% of Farmers Life's
portfolio was invested in fixed income securities and cash and 6.7% in
equity securities and owned real estate. As of December 31, 2001,
approximately 95.4% of Farmers Life's fixed income securities were rated
investment grade. Farmers Life's ratio of SAP capital and surplus
(including asset valuation reserve) to total assets as of December 31,
2001 was 19.5%.
Farmers Reinsurance Company. Farmers Re is a wholly owned subsidiary
of FGI. On January 1, 1998, Farmers Re entered into an auto physical
damage ("APD") reinsurance agreement with the P&C Group Companies.
Effective April 1, 2001, this APD reinsurance agreement was cancelled and
replaced with a similar APD reinsurance agreement supported by Farmers Re,
Zurich affiliates and outside reinsurers. Under the new agreement, annual
premiums ceded by the P&C Group Companies increased from $1.0 billion to
$2.0 billion, with Farmers Re assuming 10%, or $200.0 million. The
remaining $1.8 billion is ceded to the Zurich affiliates and outside
reinsurance companies identified in the agreement. As a result of the new
agreement, Farmers Re's premiums decreased from $1.0 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2000 to $400.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2001. Additionally, on a monthly basis, premiums assumed decreased from
$83.3 million in 2000 to $16.7 million in 2001. This new agreement, which
can be terminated by any of the parties, also provides for the P&C Group
Companies to receive a ceding commission of 18% of premiums, versus 20%
under the old agreement, with additional experience commissions that
depend on loss experience. Similar to the old agreement, this experience
commission arrangement limits Farmers Re's potential underwriting gain on
the assumed business to 2.5% of premiums assumed.
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The following table sets forth data related to Farmers Re for the
years ended December 31:
2001 2000 1999
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(Amounts in thousands)
Premiums assumed $ 400,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
Losses and loss adjustment
expenses paid 263,074 596,939 554,807
Reinsurance commissions paid 108,004 288,126 313,749
In March 2001, Farmers Re and the P&C Group Companies commuted $89.9
million of losses and loss adjustment expenses associated with the 2000
accident year. As a result, in May 2001, Farmers Re paid the P&C Group
Companies $89.9 million of losses and loss adjustment expenses and $8.8
million of accrued interest in settlement of this commutation. Further,
on August 15, 2001, Farmers Re and the P&C Group Companies commuted $100.8
million of losses and loss adjustment expenses due to the cancellation of
the original APD reinsurance agreement. As a result, Farmers Re paid the
P&C Group Companies $100.8 million of losses and loss adjustment expenses
and $1.0 million of accrued interest in settlement of this commutation.
Also, in March 2000, Farmers Re and the P&C Group Companies commuted
$106.4 million of losses and loss adjustment expenses associated with the
1999 accident year. In order to settle this commutation, in May 2000,
Farmers Re paid the P&C Group Companies $106.4 million of losses and loss
adjustment expenses and $9.0 million of accrued interest.
Employees
As of December 31, 2001, the Company had 8,379 employees.
Major Customer and Related Matters
The P&C Group Companies collectively represent the Company's largest
customer. Management fees earned by the Company as AIF for the Exchanges
totaled $1.6 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, for the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, which represented 54.6%, 43.3%
and 42.9%, respectively, of the Company's consolidated operating revenues for
the same years. The Company has no ownership interest in the P&C Group
Companies and therefore is not directly affected by the underwriting results
of the P&C Group Companies. However, as management fees comprise a
significant part of the Company's revenues, the ongoing financial performance
of the Company depends on the volume of business written by, and the business
efficiency and financial strength of, the P&C Group Companies.
In 2001, the insurance industry in the U.S. experienced one of its
worst years in recorded history. Much of this downturn was due to the
estimates of insured losses resulting from the disaster at the World Trade
Center in New York and other related events tied in with the terrorist
attacks of September 11. However, ignoring the impact of the events of
September 11, the insurance industry still experienced one of its worst
years ever due to increased levels of operating losses and unrealized
investment losses as well as a general decline in the economy. Similar to
the rest of the industry, the P&C Group Companies, whose results were not
significantly affected by the events of September 11, experienced an
unfavorable underwriting cycle in 2001. Compared to industry results, the
P&C Group Companies performed slightly better than the industry for the nine
month period ended September 30, 2001 (the latest period for which industry
information was available). The P&C Group Companies' surplus as regards
policyholders decreased from $3.8 billion as of December 31, 2000 to $3.5
billion as of December 31, 2001, which included a $0.8 billion operating
loss, net of tax, in 2001. This decrease largely reflects the unfavorable
underwriting cycle experienced by the P&C Group Companies in 2001. In
response to this unfavorable underwriting cycle, the P&C Group Companies
initiated aggressive rate increases in 2001. Although the full effect of
these rate increases has not fully been realized as of December 31, 2001,
fourth quarter 2001 results showed signs of continued improvement and
outperformed the results achieved in previous quarters. However, continued
operating losses by the P&C Group Companies could impact their ability to
grow written premiums which, in turn, would impact the amount of management
fees earned by the Company.
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Business Environment
Strategic Objectives. The Company's strategic objective is to assist
Farmers Management Services, the P&C Group Companies and Farmers Life
(collectively, the "Farmers Companies") in providing world-class personal
insurance and a full range of financial services solutions to individuals,
families and small businesses, thereby earning them the reputation of
being first choice in protecting and building people's assets within their
chosen markets. The Company intends to achieve this objective by (i)
maintaining its long-standing tradition of providing high-quality customer
service, (ii) expanding the Farmers Companies' portfolio of value-added
products and services, (iii) cross-selling insurance products and services
to the P&C Group Companies' nearly 10.0 million existing customers, (iv)
investing in technology to improve the efficiency and quality of service,
(v) capitalizing on the strong brand name recognition of Farmers Insurance
Group of Companies(r) in its operating territory and (vi) forming strategic
alliances to capitalize on the distribution capabilities of the agency
force.
Marketing and Distribution. The Farmers Companies operate using
federally registered trade names, including Farmers Insurance Group of
Companies(r), Farmers Insurance Group(r) and Farmers(r). The P&C Group
Companies and Farmers Life share a common network of direct writing agents
and district managers (collectively, the "Farmers Agency Force"). The
Farmers Companies distribute their respective insurance products primarily
in a 29-state core territory (mainly in western and midwestern states)
through the Farmers Agency Force. In 1999, the Company and the P&C Group
Companies expanded operations into 12 new eastern states and entered into
new specialty lines of business, such as recreational products. This was
a result of the Company's merger with ZIC and was accomplished with the
assistance of Zurich Personal Insurance employees, who became employees of
either the Company or the P&C Group Companies as of January 1, 2000. The
distribution of Farmers Companies' products in these 12 eastern states is
accomplished through a network of more than 900 independent agents, many
of whom have established books of business. Additionally, in 2000, the
Exchanges' acquisition of Foremost enabled the P&C Group Companies to
increase their presence in the specialty homeowners market and enabled the
Farmers Agency Force to distribute Foremost products. Foremost writes
insurance throughout the United States, particularly in southern and
southwestern states. Foremost's insurance products are primarily offered
through three distribution channels: general and independent agents,
mobile home and recreational vehicle dealer agents and direct marketing.
As of December 31, 2001, the Farmers Agency Force consisted of more
than 14,000 direct writing agents and approximately 500 district managers,
each of whom is an independent contractor. The size, efficiency and scope
of this agency force have made it a major factor in the Farmers Companies'
growth. Each direct writing agent is required to first submit business to
the insurers of the P&C Group Companies and Farmers Life within the
classes and lines of business written by such insurers. To the extent
that such insurers decline such business, or do not underwrite it, the
direct writing agents may offer the business to other insurers.
The Farmers Agency Force markets to family accounts and small
businesses. It leverages these relationships using an extensive portfolio
of products to increase the number of policies per household or account.
The P&C Group Companies' existing relationships with nearly 10.0 million
customers provide a potential opportunity for future growth in policies-
in-force and life insurance sales. Higher retention rates and
profitability are expected to be achieved on business written with
households having multiple policies.
The Farmers Companies promote the Farmers(r) brand name throughout
their operating territory through television, radio and print advertising
on both a national and local basis. The Farmers Agency Force is provided
access to the Farmers Agency Information Management System, which enables
an agent to deliver high-quality consumer focused service at the point of
sale. Furthermore, Farmers Life and the P&C Group Companies have a
formalized policyholder recontact program, the "Farmers Friendly Review(r)",
which builds customer loyalty and provides a vehicle for enhanced policy
retention and future internal growth through the cross selling of property
and casualty and life products.
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In 2001, the Farmers Companies entered into strategic alliances with
Bank of America and the ULICO Insurance Group. The P&C Group Companies
and Bank of America will offer integrated banking and insurance products
for both Farmers Companies and Bank of America customers. In addition,
the P&C Group will offer personal lines property and casualty insurance
products to the union-based groups serviced by the ULICO Insurance Group.
Also in 2001, the Farmers Companies formed a strategic alliance with
UNICARE. Through this alliance, the Farmers Agency Force is able to offer
customers individual and small group healthcare policies in the states of
Texas, Illinois, Indiana and Nevada. Offerings include a broad spectrum
of network-based health products including open access PPO, HMO and some
specialty products. Customers will have the convenience of obtaining
their insurance and financial products from one trusted source - the
Farmers Agency Force. UNICARE is the national operating subsidiary of
WellPoint Health Networks Inc., one of the largest publicly traded health
care companies in the U.S., serving the needs of approximately 10.0
million medical and more than 44.0 million specialty members.
Further, in 2001, Farmers Life continued its strategy of simplifying
the life sales process by commencing the development of telephone and
electronic application forms. The new application process will be
implemented in 2002. In addition, in 2001, Farmers Life introduced new
enhancements to LifeNet, its Internet distribution support system that was
introduced in 2000 for the Farmers Agency Force. These enhancements
included online leads, financial calculators and sales ideas. Finally, in
2001, the P&C Group Companies and Farmers Life created an auto/life
discount, given to qualifying drivers whose households carry insurance
from Farmers Life.
Competition. Property and casualty insurance is a very competitive
industry with approximately 3,300 insurers operating in the United States.
Many property and casualty insurers with a small all-lines national market
share have a significant market share within a single state or a specialty
market. The P&C Group Companies compete in their selected markets through
Farmers(r) brand name recognition of customer service, product features,
financial strength, price and the Farmers Agency Force.
There is substantial competition among insurance companies seeking
customers for the types of products sold by Farmers Life. Approximately
1,500 life insurance companies in the United States offer products similar
to those offered by Farmers Life, and many use similar marketing
techniques. Farmers Life competes on the basis of customer service,
product features, financial strength and price. Many of the products
offered by Farmers Life contain significant cash accumulation features;
therefore, these products compete with product offerings of banks, mutual
funds and other financial institutions as well.
Regulatory and Related Matters. The Insurance Subsidiaries and the P&C
Group Companies are subject to extensive state regulatory oversight in the
jurisdictions in which they do business. Through its AIF relationships with
the Exchanges, the Company, which does not own the P&C Group Companies, and
the P&C Group Companies constitute an insurance holding company system as
defined by the insurance laws and regulations of various jurisdictions. As
such, certain transactions between an insurance company and any other member
company of the system, including investments in subsidiaries and
distributions by an insurance company to its shareholders, are subject to
regulation and oversight by the state of domicile of the applicable
insurance company and certain other states where the insurance company
writes a substantial amount of insurance business. Insurers having
insufficient statutory capital and surplus are subject to varying degrees of
regulatory action depending on the level of capital inadequacy. As of
December 31, 2001, neither the Insurance Subsidiaries nor the P&C Group
Companies were subject to such regulatory actions. Most of the business of
Farmers Life and the P&C Group Companies is subject to regulation with
respect to policy rates and related matters. In addition, assessments are
levied against Farmers Life and the P&C Group Companies as a result of
participation in various types of mandatory state guaranty associations.
Existing federal laws and regulations affect the taxation of life insurance
products and insurance companies.
10
Investments
During the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, the
Insurance Subsidiaries had pretax net investment income, net realized
investment gains/(losses) and impairment losses on investments of $316.1
million, $414.5 million and $360.4 million, respectively, and Farmers
Management Services had pretax net investment income, net realized
investment gains/(losses) and impairment losses on investments of $38.5
million, $195.6 million and $192.7 million, respectively. As of December
31, 2001, the book value of the Insurance Subsidiaries investment
portfolio was approximately $6.1 billion and the book value of the Farmers
Management Services investment portfolio was approximately $1.5 billion.
The Board of Directors of the Company is responsible for developing
investment policies, and the Investment Committee, which is comprised of
thirteen officers of the Company who are appointed by the Board of
Directors, is responsible for administering such policies. During 1998,
Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc. ("ZSI"), formerly known as Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc., took over management of the Insurance Subsidiaries
investment portfolio and the Farmers Management Services investment
portfolio in accordance with these policies. Prior to that, the Company's
investment department managed these portfolios. As of December 31, 2001,
Zurich had entered into an agreement to sell ZSI to Deutsche Bank AG.
Deutsche Asset Management, a member of Deutsche Bank AG, will manage the
Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio and the Farmers Management
Services investment portfolio after the sale is completed.
The investment philosophy for both the Insurance Subsidiaries
investment portfolio and the Farmers Management Services investment
portfolio emphasizes long-term fundamental value in the selection of the
investment mix. For the Insurance Subsidiaries, the assets backing the
Farmers Life interest sensitive investment portfolio are internally
segregated along product lines in order to closely match the funding
assets with the underlying liabilities to policyholders. This
asset/liability matching system is the basis by which credited interest
rates are determined. In the Farmers Management Services investment
portfolio, excluding certificates of contribution and surplus notes of the
P&C Group Companies and notes from affiliates, relatively short maturities
are maintained to ensure liquidity.
The Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio and the Farmers
Management Services investment portfolio are both comprised of a broad
range of assets, including corporate fixed income securities, mortgage-
backed securities, taxable and tax-exempt government securities, preferred
stock, common stock, owned real estate, mortgage loans and short-term
financial instruments. The Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio
also includes, policy loans and Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
Price Index ("S&P 500") call options. Approximately 6.3% of the Farmers
Management Services investment portfolio consists of notes issued by
Zurich Financial Services (UKISA) Limited ("UKISA"), a subsidiary of
Zurich, formerly known as British American Financial Services (UK and
International), Ltd., and 16.5% of the portfolio consists of a note issued
by ZGA US Limited ("ZGAUS"), a subsidiary of Zurich, formerly known as
Orange Stone (Delaware) Holdings Limited. Approximately 36.1% of the
Farmers Management Services investment portfolio and 8.1% of the Insurance
Subsidiaries investment portfolio consist of certificates of contribution
and surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies. See Item 13 and Notes G and
H.
Excluding non-rated fixed income investments, approximately 94.6% of
the fixed income securities in the Insurance Subsidiaries investment
portfolio are rated investment grade and approximately 72.9% of the fixed
income securities in the Farmers Management Services investment portfolio
are rated investment grade as of December 31, 2001. Approximately 53.3%
of the mortgage-backed securities in the Insurance Subsidiaries investment
portfolio are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association
("GNMA"), Federal Housing Authority ("FHA"), Federal National Mortgage
Association ("FNMA") or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"),
and approximately 83.7% of the remaining 46.7% are rated "AAA". The
Farmers Management Services investment portfolio does not include any
mortgage-backed securities as of December 31, 2001.
11
The following table sets forth the book value of each portfolio, by asset
category, as of December 31, 2001 and 2000.
Book Value of Invested Assets
(Amounts in millions)
As of December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000
------------------------- ---------------------------
Book Value % Book Value %
---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Insurance Subsidiaries
Fixed income securities $ 4,699.1 77.2 % $ 4,375.3 77.5 %
Mortgage loans 28.9 0.5 37.0 0.6
Equity securities 351.9 5.8 304.9 5.4
Owned real estate 80.8 1.3 89.4 1.6
Cash and cash equivalents 172.4 2.8 84.4 1.5
Certificates of contribution and
surplus notes of the P&C Group
Companies 490.5 8.1 502.5 8.9
Policy loans 232.3 3.8 218.2 3.8
S&P 500 call options 12.7 0.2 26.3 0.5
Other 16.1 0.3 9.9 0.2
--------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 6,084.7 100.0 % $ 5,647.9 100.0 %
========= ======= ========== ==========
Farmers Management Services
Fixed income securities $ 82.9 5.5 % $ 302.2 20.3 %
Mortgage loans 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0
Equity securities 167.6 11.0 242.1 16.3
Owned real estate 98.4 6.5 69.7 4.7
Cash and cash equivalents 225.0 14.8 132.3 8.9
Certificates of contribution and
surplus notes of the P&C Group
Companies 546.8 36.1 184.8 12.5
UKISA notes 95.0 6.3 302.0 20.3
ZGAUS note 250.0 16.5 250.0 16.8
Other 50.0 3.3 3.3 0.2
--------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 1,515.7 100.0 % $ 1,486.5 100.0 %
========= ======= ========== ==========
Investment Accounting Policies. The Company follows the provisions
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". This
Statement addresses the accounting and reporting for investments in equity
securities that have readily determinable market values and for all
investments in debt securities. The Company classified all investments in
equity and debt securities as available-for-sale under SFAS No. 115, with
the exception of an investment held as of December 31, 2001 in Endurance
Specialty Insurance Limited ("Endurance") as well as investments related
to the grantor trusts held as of December 31, 2001 and 2000. The
available-for-sale investments are reported on the balance sheet at market
value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, excluded from
earnings and reported as a component of stockholders' equity.
As of December 31, 2001, the Company held $50.0 million of common
stock of Endurance. The Company purchased the Endurance equity securities
in a private placement offer in December 2001. As non-exchange traded
securities, these investments were carried at cost as of December 31, 2001
and were reported on the "Other investments" line in the Farmers
Management Services section of the consolidated balance sheet. In
addition, as of December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, investments
related to the grantor trusts totaled $60.7 million and $61.1 million,
respectively, and were classified as trading securities under SFAS No.
115. As a result, these investments were reported on the "Other assets"
line in the Farmers Management Services section of the consolidated
balance sheets at market value with both realized and unrealized gains and
losses included in earnings, net of tax, in the year in which they
occurred.
12
In compliance with a Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff
announcement, the Company has recorded certain entries to the Deferred
Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC") and Value of Life Business Acquired
("VOLBA") line of the consolidated balance sheet in connection with SFAS
No. 115. The SEC requires that companies record entries to those assets
and liabilities that would have been adjusted had the unrealized
investment gains or losses from securities classified as available-for-
sale actually been realized, with corresponding credits or charges
reported directly to stockholders' equity.
Real estate held for investment is accounted for on a depreciated
cost basis. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of fair
value less selling costs or depreciated cost less a valuation allowance.
Marketable securities are carried at market. Other investments, which
consist primarily of the UKISA notes receivable, the ZGAUS note
receivable, certificates of contribution of the P&C Group Companies,
surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies and policy loans, are carried at
the unpaid principal balances.
S&P 500 call options, which are held by Farmers Life, are carried at
estimated fair value. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes
in the estimated fair value of the call options are recorded as an
adjustment to the interest liability credited to policyholders. In
addition, realized gains and losses from maturity or termination of the
call options are offset against the interest credited to policyholders
during the period incurred. Premiums paid on call options are amortized
to net investment income over the term of the contracts.
Fixed Income Securities. As of December 31, 2001, approximately
77.2% of the Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio and 5.5% of the
Farmers Management Services investment portfolio were invested in fixed
income securities. These investments included taxable and tax-exempt
government securities, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, redeemable
preferred stock and mortgage-backed securities. Excluding non-rated fixed
income investments, approximately 94.6% of the fixed income securities in
the Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio and 72.9% of the fixed
income securities in the Farmers Management Services investment portfolio
were rated investment grade. The following table sets forth the market
values of the various categories of fixed income securities included
within the portfolios as of December 31, 2001.
Value of Fixed Income Securities
(Amounts in millions)
Farmers
Insurance Subsidiaries Management Services Total
---------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Market Market Market
Value % Value % Value %
----------- -------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
Mortgage-backed $ 2,456.5 52.3 % $ 0.0 0.0 % $ 2,456.5 51.4 %
Corporate 1,586.3 33.8 53.1 64.1 1,639.4 34.3
U.S. Government 346.0 7.3 0.7 0.8 346.7 7.2
Municipal 268.9 5.7 19.3 23.3 288.2 6.0
Foreign 20.1 0.4 0.0 0.0 20.1 0.4
Redeemable preferred stock 21.3 0.5 9.8 11.8 31.1 0.7
--------- ------- -------- ------- --------- -------
Total $ 4,699.1 100.0 % $ 82.9 100.0 % $ 4,782.0 100.0 %
========= ======= ======== ======= ========= =======
Credit Ratings. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners
("NAIC") maintains a valuation system that assigns quality ratings known
as "NAIC designations" to publicly traded and privately placed fixed
income securities. The NAIC designations range from 1 to 6, with
categories 1 (highest) and 2 considered investment grade and categories 3
through 6 (lowest) considered non-investment grade. As of December 31,
2001, the Insurance Subsidiaries held $193.3 million in below investment
grade bonds, representing 3.2% of total invested assets, and Farmers
Management Services held $5.1 million in below investment grade bonds,
representing 0.3% of total invested assets.
Mortgage-backed Securities. Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") are
the largest component of the Insurance Subsidiaries fixed income
portfolio, representing approximately 52.3% of its fixed income portfolio,
as of December 31, 2001. The Farmers Management Services investment
portfolio did not hold any MBS in its fixed
13
income portfolio as of December 31, 2001. Approximately 53.3% of the MBS
in the Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio are guaranteed by
various government agencies and government sponsored entities, including
the GNMA, FHA, FNMA or FHLMC, and 83.7% of the remaining 46.7% are rated
"AAA". The primary risk in holding MBS is the cash flow uncertainty that
arises from changes to prepayment speeds as interest rates fluctuate. To
reduce the uncertainties surrounding the cash flows of MBS, the Insurance
Subsidiaries investment portfolio held significant MBS investments in
collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") including $803.8 million of
planned amortization classes ("PACs") and $8.0 million of targeted
amortization classes ("TACs"). These securities provide protection by
passing a substantial portion of the risk of prepayment uncertainty to
other tranches.
Mortgage Loans. As of December 31, 2001, the Insurance Subsidiaries
investment portfolio included mortgage loans with an aggregate book value
of approximately $28.9 million, or 0.5%, of total invested assets. The
Farmers Management Services investment portfolio did not hold any mortgage
loans as of December 31, 2001.
All mortgage loans included in the Insurance Subsidiaries investment
portfolio are secured by first mortgages. The majority of the mortgage
loan portfolio consists of loans secured by office buildings, light
industrial properties and retail properties located primarily in
unanchored shopping centers. Exposure to potential losses from future
mortgage loan foreclosures and the operation or sale of properties
acquired through foreclosures is limited because the Insurance
Subsidiaries have not issued any mortgage loans since 1989, and the
majority of the individual remaining mortgage loan balances are less than
$1.0 million.
Equity Securities. In order to diversify and limit its exposure in
any single market sector, the Company's common stock portfolio is invested
in the equities of companies that are listed on the S&P 500 index.
Owned Real Estate. As of December 31, 2001, the Insurance
Subsidiaries investment portfolio included owned real estate investments
with a book value of $80.8 million, or 1.3% of total invested assets, and
the Farmers Management Services investment portfolio included owned real
estate investments with a book value of $98.4 million, or 6.5%, of total
invested assets. The Insurance Subsidiaries owned real estate holdings
fall into two categories: real property assets that were acquired directly
as an equity investment and foreclosed equity real estate properties. The
Farmers Management Services investment portfolio owned real estate
holdings were all acquired directly as equity investments.
Impairment Losses on Investments. The Company regularly reviews its
investment portfolio to determine whether declines in the value of
investments are other than temporary as defined by SFAS No. 115. The
Company's review for declines in value includes reviewing historical and
forecasted financial information as well as reviewing the market
performance of similar types of investments. As a result of this review,
the Company determined that some of its investments had declines in value
that were other than temporary as of December 31, 2001 due to unfavorable
market and economic conditions. Accordingly, for the year ended December
31, 2001, the Company recorded $151.0 million of impairment losses on
investments, primarily in the equity portfolios. This included $32.4
million of impairment losses related to Enron Corporation. Impairment
losses were recorded for each reporting segment and, for the year ended
December 31, 2001, amounted to $57.2 million, $11.0 million and $82.8
million for Farmers Management Services, Farmers Re and Farmers Life,
respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2000, Farmers Life recorded
$22.4 million of impairment losses on fixed income securities of Armstrong
World Industries, Inc. and Owens Corning.
Impairment of Investments-Fixed Income Securities. In 2001, the
Company had impairment losses of $37.7 million in fixed income securities
held in the Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio and $2.5 million
held in the Farmers Management Services investment portfolio. Impairments
were determined based on the market value of the securities on the date of
impairment.
14
Impairment of Investments-Mortgage Loan Investments. As of December
31, 2001, none of the mortgage loans held by the Insurance Subsidiaries
investment portfolio were classified as "troubled loans".
Impairment of Investments-Equity Securities. In 2001, the Company
had impairment losses of $50.6 million in equity securities held in the
Farmers Management Services investment portfolio and $54.0 million in the
Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio. Equity impairments were
determined based on the market value of the securities on the date of
impairment.
Impairment of Investments-Investment Real Estate. In 2001, the
Company listed its Columbus business service center, held in the Farmers
Management Services investment portfolio, for sale. As a result, an
impairment loss of $0.7 million was incurred due to the fact that the fair
value of this investment was lower than its carrying value.
Impairment of Investments-Other Securities. In 2001, the Company had
$3.4 million of impairment losses in the Farmers Management Services
investment portfolio due to impairments of joint ventures. Also, the
Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio had impairment losses of $1.3
million and $0.8 million related to a joint venture and notes receivable,
respectively.
ITEM 2. Properties
The Company owns three buildings in Los Angeles and nine business
service centers in which its administrative operations are conducted. In
addition, the Company owns a building in the state of Washington in which
the operations of Farmers Life are conducted.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is a party to numerous lawsuits arising from its AIF
relationships with the Exchanges. The Company is also a party to
additional lawsuits arising from its normal business activities. These
actions are in various stages of discovery and development, and some seek
punitive as well as compensatory damages. In the opinion of management,
the Company has not engaged in any conduct, which should warrant the award
of any material punitive or compensatory damages. The Company intends to
vigorously defend its position in each case, and management believes that,
while it is not possible to predict the outcome of such matters with
absolute certainty, ultimate disposition of these proceedings should not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of
operations or financial position. In addition, the Company is, from time
to time, involved as a party in various governmental and administrative
proceedings.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On February 6, 2001, at a special meeting, the shareholders of the
Company, by unanimous consent, authorized a recapitalization of FGI (see
Note B) and a restatement of FGI's Articles of Incorporation.
Additionally, in May 2001, the shareholders held their annual meeting.
Martin D. Feinstein, Jason L. Katz, John H. Lynch, Keitha T. Schofield,
Cecilia M. Claudio, Gerald E. Faulwell, Stephen J. Feely, Leonard H.
Gelfand, Paul N. Hopkins, Stephen J. Leaman and C. Paul Patsis were re-
elected to the Board of Directors of the Company. The election of each
director was unanimous and uncontested.
15
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Farmers Group, Inc.'s Common Equity and Related
Stockholders Matters
N/A
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth summary consolidated income statement
data, consolidated balance sheet data and other operating data for the
periods indicated. The following consolidated income statement data of
the Company for each of the years in the five-year period ended December
31, 2001, and the consolidated balance sheet data of the Company as of
December 31, 2001 and as of December 31, for each of the preceding four
years have been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial
statements. The following data should be read in conjunction with the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations" and other financial information appearing elsewhere herein.
Income statement data includes the effect of amortizing the purchase
accounting entries related to B.A.T's acquisition of the Company in
December 1988. Major items incorporated in the purchase price of the
Company include goodwill and the value of the AIF relationships of the P&C
Group Companies (see Note A). Through December 31, 2001, the amortization
of these two items is being taken on a straight-line basis over forty
years and reduced annual pretax income by $102.8 million in each of the
years 1997 through 2001.
16
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(Amounts in millions)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Consolidated operating revenues $ 2,900.2 $ 3,446.5 $ 3,270.4 $ 3,031.2 $ 2,009.0
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Farmers Management Services:
Operating revenues $ 1,690.3 $ 1,588.8 $ 1,489.7 $ 1,358.2 $ 1,324.9
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Salaries and employee benefits 417.4 406.3 373.2 328.6 335.8
Buildings and equipment expenses 102.8 104.0 91.5 145.4 95.8
Amortization of AIF relationships
and goodwill 102.8 102.8 102.8 102.8 102.8
General and administrative expenses 314.5 278.0 266.3 204.1 202.6
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 937.5 891.1 833.8 780.9 737.0
Merger related expenses 0.0 0.0 0.2 21.1 0.0
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total expenses 937.5 891.1 834.0 802.0 737.0
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income 752.8 697.7 655.7 556.2 587.9
Net investment income 80.5 127.1 117.5 135.1 144.2
Net realized gains 15.2 68.5 75.3 62.4 73.4
Impairment losses on investments (57.2) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Gain on sale of subsidiaries 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 19.0
Dividends on preferred securities
of subsidiary trusts (42.1) (42.1) (42.1) (42.1) (42.1)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income before provision for
taxes 749.2 851.2 806.4 711.6 782.4
Provision for income taxes 310.5 348.1 325.3 290.8 332.2
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Farmers Management Services
income 438.7 503.1 481.1 420.8 450.2
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Life and annuity premiums 275.5 228.7 209.7 173.9 161.1
Non-life reinsurance premiums 400.0 1,000.0 1,000.0 1,000.1 0.0
Life policy charges 218.3 214.5 210.6 206.4 216.6
Net investment income 368.2 353.4 335.6 307.4 293.2
Net realized gains 41.7 83.5 24.8 13.0 13.2
Impairment losses on investments (93.8) (22.4) 0.0 (27.8) 0.0
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenues 1,209.9 1,857.7 1,780.7 1,673.0 684.1
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Non-life losses and loss adjustment
expenses 282.0 686.9 661.3 655.1 0.0
Life policyholders' benefits
and charges 459.2 381.0 347.8 308.3 294.4
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs and value of
life business acquired 97.4 108.8 102.6 90.1 104.0
Life net commissions (0.9) 3.9 13.5 18.9 18.2
Non-life reinsurance commissions 108.0 288.1 313.7 319.9 0.0
General and administrative expenses 55.3 51.7 44.3 41.7 47.8
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 1,001.0 1,520.4 1,483.2 1,434.0 464.4
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income before provision for
taxes 208.9 337.3 297.5 239.0 219.7
Provision for income taxes 67.6 115.1 101.6 83.0 76.4
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Insurance Subsidiaries
income 141.3 222.2 195.9 156.0 143.3
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Consolidated net income $ 580.0 $ 725.3 $ 677.0 $ 576.8 $ 593.5
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Total investments (1) $ 7,600.4 $ 7,134.4 $ 7,659.1 $ 7,402.2 $ 6,576.0
Total assets 12,423.1 12,333.8 12,796.3 12,686.6 12,117.4
Total debt 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1
Company obligated mandatorily
redeemable preferred securities
of subsidiary trusts holding
solely junior subordinated
debentures ("QUIPS") 500.0 500.0 500.0 500.0 500.0
Stockholders' equity 6,467.5 6,256.4 (2) 7,099.2 7,034.4 6,781.6
OTHER OPERATING DATA (unaudited)
Ratio of debt to total
capitalization (3) 7.2 % 7.4 % 6.6 % 6.6 % 6.9 %
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges (4) 18.6 x 22.9 x 21.0 x 19.5 x 20.2 x
- ----------------------------
(1) Includes cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and notes
receivable-affiliates.
(2) On October 23, 2000, a $1,075,000,000 special dividend was paid to Allied
Zurich in connection with the Zurich capital structure unification in
October 2000.
(3) The ratio of debt to total capitalization has been determined by dividing
the sum of total debt plus QUIPS by stockholders' equity plus QUIPS.
(4) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been determined by dividing
the sum of income before income taxes plus fixed charges by fixed charges.
Fixed charges consist of interest, capitalized interest, dividends paid to
QUIPS holders, amortization of QUIPS offering expenses and that portion of
rent expenses deemed to be interest.
17
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
General
The Company's principal activities are the provision of management
services to the P&C Group Companies and the ownership and operation of the
Insurance Subsidiaries. Revenues and expenses relating to these principal
business activities are reflected in the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, which differs from SAP, which
the Insurance Subsidiaries are required to use for regulatory reporting
purposes.
A description of the Company's major customer and related matters are
discussed in Part I, Item 1, of this Report.
On March 7, 2000, the Exchanges acquired Foremost. Foremost is a
prominent writer of insurance on manufactured homes, recreational vehicles
and other specialty lines. The Company provides management services in
respect of this business and receives compensation based on a percentage
of gross premiums earned.
Farmers Life, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, underwrites
and sells life insurance, structured settlement and annuity products as
well as variable universal life and variable annuity products. Revenues
attributable to traditional life insurance products, such as whole life or
term life contracts, as well as structured settlements with life
contingencies are classified as premiums as they become due. Future
benefits are associated with such premiums (through increases in
liabilities for future policy benefits), and prior period capitalized
costs are amortized (through amortization of DAC) so that profits are
generally recognized over the same period as revenue income. Revenues
attributable to universal life, variable universal life and variable
annuity products consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance,
policy administration charges, surrender charges and investment income on
assets allocated to support policyholder account balances on deposit.
Revenues for deferred annuity products consist of surrender charges and
investment income on assets allocated to support policyholder account
balances. Expenses on universal life and annuity policies as well as on
variable products include interest credited to policyholders on policy
balances as well as benefit claims incurred in excess of policy account
balances. Revenues attributable to structured settlements without life
contingencies consist of investment income on assets allocated to support
the policyholder benefits schedule and expenses consist of interest
credited to policyholders on policy balances.
The Company provides reinsurance coverage to the P&C Group Companies
through its subsidiary, Farmers Re, which was formed and licensed to
conduct business in December 1997. Effective April 1, 2001, the APD
reinsurance agreement between Farmers Re and the P&C Group Companies which
had been in force since January 1998 was cancelled and replaced with a
similar APD reinsurance agreement supported by Farmers Re, Zurich
affiliates and outside reinsurers. Under the new agreement, premiums
ceded by the P&C Group Companies increased from $1.0 billion to $2.0
billion, with Farmers Re assuming 10%, or $200.0 million. The remaining
$1.8 billion is ceded to the Zurich affiliates and outside reinsurance
companies identified in the agreement. As a result of this new agreement,
Farmers Re's premiums decreased from $1.0 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2000 to $400.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.
Additionally, on a monthly basis, premiums assumed by Farmers Re decreased
from $83.3 million in 2000 to $16.7 million in 2001. Farmers Re continues
to assume a quota share percentage of ultimate net losses sustained by the
P&C Group Companies in their APD lines of business. This new agreement,
which can be terminated by any of the parties, also provides for the P&C
Group Companies to receive a ceding commission of 18% of premiums, versus
20% under the old agreement, with additional experience commissions that
depend on loss experience. Similar to the old agreement, this experience
commission arrangement limits Farmers Re's potential underwriting gain on
the assumed business to 2.5% of premiums assumed.
18
Critical Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial
statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company's critical accounting policies relate to revenue
recognition, valuation of intangible assets, impairment of investments and
the fair value of financial instruments.
Revenue Recognition. Through its AIF relationships with the
Exchanges, the Company provides management services to the non-claims side
of the P&C Group Companies' business and receives management fees for the
services rendered. The Company recognizes management fee revenue
according to the revenue recognition criteria established by Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements".
The Company, through its AIF relationships with the Exchanges, is
contractually permitted to receive a management fee based on the gross
premiums earned by the P&C Group Companies. The range of fees has varied
by line of business over time. During the past five years, aggregate
management fees have averaged between 12% and 13% of gross premiums earned
by the P&C Group Companies. In order to enable the P&C Group Companies to
maintain appropriate capital and surplus while offering competitive
insurance rates, each AIF has historically charged a lower management fee
than the contractually permitted fee of 20% (25% in the case of the Fire
Insurance Exchange). In order to ensure that its management fees remain
competitive, the Company periodically reviews the fee it charges for the
services it provides based on the level and cost of the services as well
as market conditions.
As the P&C Group Companies earn gross premiums ratably over the life
of the underlying insurance policy, the Company receives and recognizes
the corresponding management fee ratably over the life of the underlying
policies for which it is providing services. The risk of uncollectable
premiums is borne by the P&C Group Companies and collectability of the
premiums does not affect the amount of revenues the Company recognizes in
a given period.
Intangible Assets. The Company's critical accounting policies
related to the valuation of intangible assets include the AIF
relationships, Goodwill, VOLBA and DAC.
AIF. As AIF, the Company receives a substantial portion of its
revenues and profits through the management services the Company provides
to the P&C Group Companies. As a result, the Company's ongoing financial
performance depends on the volume of business written by, and the
efficiency and financial strength of, the P&C Group Companies. As a
result, a portion of the purchase price ($1.7 billion) associated with
B.A.T's acquisition of the Company in 1988 was assigned to these AIF
relationships. As of December 31, 2001, the value so assigned is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over forty years. The carrying amount
of the AIF relationships is regularly reviewed for indications of
impairment in value which in the view of management are other than
temporary, including unexpected or adverse changes in the following: (1)
the economic or competitive environments in which the Company operates,
(2) profitability analyses and (3) cashflow analyses. As of December 31,
2001, management believes that the reported value related to the AIF
relationships is recoverable.
Goodwill. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of
the net assets ("Goodwill") of the Company at the date of the Company's
acquisition by B.A.T ($2.4 billion) is being amortized on a straight-line
basis over forty years as of December 31, 2001. The carrying amount of
the Goodwill is regularly reviewed for indications of impairment in value
which in the view of management are other than temporary, including
unexpected or adverse changes in the following: (1) the economic or
competitive environments in which the
19
Company operates, (2) profitability analyses and (3) cashflow analyses.
As of December 31, 2001, management believes that the reported value is
recoverable.
VOLBA. At the date of B.A.T's acquisition of the Company, a portion
of the purchase price ($662.8 million) was assigned to the VOLBA asset,
which represented an actuarial determination of the expected profits from
the life business in force at that time. The amount so assigned is being
amortized over its actuarially determined useful life with the unamortized
amount included in the "Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of
Life Business Acquired" line in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets.
DAC. The Company recognizes traditional life product premiums as
revenues when they become due and future benefits and expenses are matched
with such premiums so that the majority of profits are recognized over the
premium-paying period of the policy. This matching of revenues and
expenses is accomplished through the provision for future policy benefits
and the amortization of DAC. DAC is amortized in relation to the present
value of expected gross profit margins on the policies, after giving
recognition to differences between actual and expected gross profit
margins to date.
In compliance with a SEC staff announcement, the Company has recorded
certain entries to the DAC and VOLBA line of the consolidated balance
sheet in connection with SFAS No. 115. The SEC requires that companies
record entries to those assets and liabilities that would have been
adjusted had the unrealized investment gains or losses from securities
classified as available-for-sale actually been realized, with
corresponding credits or charges reported directly to stockholders'
equity. Accordingly, DAC and VOLBA are increased or decreased to reflect
what would have been the impact on estimated future gross profits, had net
unrealized gains or losses on securities been realized at the balance
sheet date. Net unrealized gains or losses on securities, within
stockholders' equity, also reflect this impact.
Impairment of Investments. The Company regularly reviews its
investment portfolio to determine whether declines in the value of
investments are other than temporary as defined by SFAS No. 115. The
Company's review for declines in value includes reviewing historical and
forecasted financial information as well as reviewing the market
performance of similar types of investments. As a result of this review,
the Company determined that some of its investments had declines in value
that were other than temporary as of December 31, 2001 due to unfavorable
market and economic conditions. Accordingly, for the year ended December
31, 2001, the Company recorded $151.0 million of impairment losses on
investments, primarily in the equity portfolios. This included $32.4
million of impairment losses related to Enron Corporation. Impairment
losses were recorded for each reporting segment and, for the year ended
December 31, 2001, amounted to $57.2 million, $11.0 million and $82.8
million for Farmers Management Services, Farmers Re and Farmers Life,
respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2000, Farmers Life recorded
$22.4 million of impairment losses on fixed income securities of Armstrong
World Industries, Inc. and Owens Corning.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The fair values of financial
instruments have been determined using available market information and
appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is
required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value.
Accordingly, these estimates may not be indicative of the amounts the
Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different
market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a
significant effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
20
Commitments and Obligations
As of December 31, 2001, the Company held the following commitments
and obligations related to the QUIPS (see Note I) and long-term operating
leases on equipment and buildings (see Note S):
Commitments and Obligations
---------------------------------------------------------
Operating Leases QUIPS Total
-------------------- ------------- --------------
(Amounts in thousands)
2002 $ 15,947 $ 42,070 $ 58,017
2003 12,222 42,070 54,292
2004 11,547 42,070 53,617
2005 5,270 42,070 47,340
2006 and thereafter 467 1,341,400 1,341,867
-------------------- -------------- --------------
$ 45,453 $ 1,509,680 $ 1,555,133
==================== ============== ==============
Recent Pronouncements
The following is a summary of recent FASB pronouncements. Please refer
to Note A for further information related to these pronouncements.
- In September 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of
Liabilities". This Statement revises accounting standards for
securitizations and other transfers of financial assets and collateral.
The adoption of this Statement did not have a material impact on the
Company's consolidated financial statements.
- In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations".
This Statement, effective for all business combinations initiated after
June 30, 2001, establishes standards for accounting and reporting
business combinations. It requires that all business combinations be
accounted for by the purchase method and prohibits the pooling of
interest method of accounting except for transactions initiated before
July 1, 2001. The adoption of this Statement did not have a material
impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
- In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets". This Statement addresses financial accounting and
reporting for intangible assets acquired individually or with a group
of other assets (but not those acquired in a business combination) at
acquisition. This Statement also addresses financial accounting and
reporting for goodwill and other intangible assets subsequent to their
acquisition. Upon adoption of this Statement, goodwill and other
intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite useful life
will no longer be amortized. Instead, goodwill and intangible assets
with indefinite useful lives will be tested for impairment at least
annually and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives will be
evaluated to determine whether an indefinite useful life is still
supported.
The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142 effective
January 1, 2002, as applicable to all goodwill and other intangibles
recognized in its financial statements at that date. The Company is in
the process of completing the transitional goodwill impairment test and
has identified the AIF relationships as intangible assets with
indefinite useful lives. The Company will perform impairment tests of
goodwill and the AIF relationships using discounted future cashflows
and, based on such tests, the Company does not expect any impairment of
recorded goodwill or AIF relationships. Additionally, as SFAS No. 142
ceases amortization of goodwill and AIF relationships with indefinite
useful lives, the Company expects that it
21
will no longer record $102.8 million of pretax annual amortization,
$64.0 million net of tax, relating to such intangibles.
- In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations". This Statement establishes the standard to
record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation
in the period in which it is incurred. The provisions of this
Statement are effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002,
with early application encouraged. The Company does not expect the
adoption of this Statement to have a material impact on its
consolidated financial statements.
- In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". This Statement addresses
financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived
assets and for long-lived assets to be disposed of. The provisions of
this Statement are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2001, and interim periods within
those fiscal years, with early application encouraged. The Company
does not expect the adoption of this Statement to have a material
impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Year Ended December 31, 2001 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2000
Farmers Management Services
Operating Revenues. Operating revenues, which primarily consist of
management fees paid to Farmers Management Services as a percentage of
gross premiums earned by the P&C Group Companies, increased $101.5
million, or 6.4%, to $1,690.3 million for the year ended December 31,
2001. This growth in operating revenues was primarily attributable to
higher volumes of gross premiums earned by the P&C Group Companies, which
increased $968.6 million, or 8.5%, to $12,363.0 million in 2001. The
increase in gross premiums earned was driven primarily by continued growth
in all lines of business, which benefited from a rising premium rate
environment. Also contributing to the increase in operating revenues was
the fact that revenues earned in connection with the provision of
management services on the business the P&C Group Companies assumed from
Foremost increased $12.0 million due to the fact that the Foremost
acquisition was not completed until March 2000.
Total Expenses. Total expenses as a percentage of operating revenues
decreased from 56.1% in 2000 to 55.5% in 2001, a decrease of 0.6 percentage
points.
Salaries and Employee Benefits. Salaries and employee benefits
increased from $406.3 million in 2000 to $417.4 million in 2001, a
change of $11.1 million, or 2.7%, due to higher expenses incurred as a
result of increased levels of business activity between years and an
increase in employee pension and postretirement expenses. For additional
information regarding the Company's pension plans, please see Note R.
Buildings and Equipment Expenses. Buildings and equipment expenses
decreased from $104.0 million in 2000 to $102.8 million in 2001, a
decrease of $1.2 million, or 1.2%, due to savings generated by
renegotiated lease contracts. This decrease was largely offset by an
increase in expenses incurred in connection with providing management
services to the business assumed from Foremost.
Amortization of AIF Relationships and Goodwill. Purchase accounting
entries related to the acquisition of the Company by B.A.T in December
1988 include both goodwill (capitalized at $2.4 billion) and the value
of the AIF relationships (capitalized at $1.7 billion). Through December
31, 2001, the amortization of these two items was taken on a straight-
line basis over forty years and reduced pretax income by $102.8 million
for each of the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000.
22
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative
expenses increased from $278.0 million in 2000 to $314.5 million in
2001, an increase of $36.5 million, or 13.1%. This increase was
primarily due to increased levels of business activity between years,
an increase in expenses incurred in connection with providing management
services to the business assumed from Foremost as well as increased
postage expense resulting from the recent privacy notice requirements
called for by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income decreased from $127.1
million in 2000 to $80.5 million in 2001, a decrease of $46.6 million, or
36.7%. This decrease was due mainly to a decrease in the average invested
asset base resulting from the liquidation of a sizable portion of the
fixed income portfolio, which was used to help fund the payment of the
$1,075.0 million special dividend paid in October 2000, and lower
investment yields. Investment income earned from related parties is
disclosed in Notes G and L of this Report
Net Realized Gains. Net realized gains decreased from $68.5 million
in 2000 to $15.2 million in 2001, a decrease of $53.3 million, or 77.8%.
This decrease was due primarily to unfavorable market conditions
experienced in 2001 as well as a loss of investment flexibility that
resulted from the $1,075.0 million special dividend paid in October 2000.
Impairment Losses on Investments. Impairment losses on investments
were $57.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.
Dividends on Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trusts. Dividend
expense related to the $500.0 million of QUIPS issued in 1995 was $42.1
million in each of the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes decreased
from $348.1 million in 2000 to $310.5 million in 2001, a decrease of $37.6
million, or 10.8%, as a result of a decrease in pretax income between
years.
Farmers Management Services. As a result of the foregoing, Farmers
Management Services income decreased from $503.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 2000 to $438.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2001, a decrease of $64.4 million, or 12.8%.
Insurance Subsidiaries
Farmers Re
As a result of the new quota share reinsurance agreement which became
effective April 1, 2001, Farmers Re's assumed premiums decreased from
$1,000.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 to $400.0 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001, a decrease of $600.0 million, or
60.0%. Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred were $282.0 million
in 2001 and $686.9 million in 2000 and non-life reinsurance commissions
paid were $108.0 million in 2001 and $288.1 million in 2000. Income
before taxes decreased from $77.3 million in 2000 to $36.0 million in
2001, a decrease of $41.3 million, or 53.4%. This decrease was due
primarily to the decrease in underwriting gains between years resulting
from the new reinsurance agreement, a $20.9 million decrease in realized
gains due to unfavorable market conditions experienced during 2001 and the
$11.0 million of impairment losses on investments recorded in 2001.
Farmers Re's contribution to net income was $25.1 million and $52.6
million in 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Farmers Life
Total Revenues. Total revenues decreased from $805.0 million in 2000
to $783.7 million in 2001, a decrease of $21.3 million, or 2.6%.
23
Life and Annuity Premiums. Life and annuity premiums increased
$46.8 million, or 20.5%, between years. This increase was due to a 19.4%
growth in the volume of traditional life insurance in-force, as well as
a 113.2% increase in structured settlements with life contingencies
premiums issued in 2001.
Life Policy Charges. Life policy charges increased $3.8 million in
2001, or 1.8%, over 2000, reflecting a 1.4% growth in universal life-type
insurance in-force.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased $9.4
million, or 2.9%, over 2000 due primarily to an increase in average
invested assets.
Net Realized Gains. Net realized gains decreased $21.0 million, or
33.7%, from $62.3 million to $41.3 million in 2001 due primarily to
unfavorable market conditions experienced in 2001.
Impairment Losses on Investments. Impairment losses on investments
increased $60.4 million, or 270.0%, from $22.4 million to $82.8 million
in 2001.
Total Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased from $545.0
million in 2000 to $610.8 million in 2001, an increase of $65.8 million, or
12.1%.
Life Policyholders' Benefits and Charges. Life policyholders'
benefits expense and charges increased from $381.0 million in 2000 to
$459.2 million in 2001, an increase of $78.2 million, or 20.5%.
Policy Benefits. Policy benefits, which consist primarily of
death and surrender benefits on life products, increased $23.3
million over 2000 to $165.1 million, due to a 9.3% growth in the
volume of life insurance in-force in 2001.
Increase in Liability for Future Benefits. Increase in
liability for future benefits expense increased from $76.3
million in 2000 to $115.3 million in 2001. This increase
was primarily attributable to a 113.2% increase in deposits
for structured settlement products.
Interest Credited to Policyholders. Interest credited to
policyholders, which represents the amount credited to policyholder
funds on deposit under universal life-type contracts and deferred
annuities, increased from $162.9 million in 2000 to $178.8 million
in 2001, or 9.8%, reflecting growth in the universal life,
structured settlements with life contingencies and fixed annuity
fund balances.
General Operating Expenses. General operating expenses decreased
from $164.0 million in 2000 to $151.6 million in 2001, a decrease of
$12.4 million, or 7.6%.
Amortization of DAC and VOLBA. Amortization expense decreased
from $108.8 million in 2000 to $97.4 million in 2001, due to
differences in the mix of business and favorable persistency
on the Farmers Flexible Universal Life ("FFUL") product line.
Life Net Commissions. Life net commissions expense decreased
$4.8 million from $3.9 million in 2000 to ($0.9) million in 2001,
due to a 48.4% growth in reinsurance activity.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and
administrative expenses increased $3.8 million, from $51.3
million in 2000 to $55.1 million in 2001. This increase was due
primarily to business growth.
24
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes decreased
from $90.4 million in 2000 to $56.7 million in 2001 due mainly to a
decrease in pretax income between years.
Farmers Life Income. As a result of the foregoing, Farmers Life
income decreased from $169.6 million in 2000 to $116.2 million in 2001, a
decrease of $53.4 million, or 31.5%.
Consolidated Net Income
Consolidated net income of the Company decreased from $725.3 million
in 2000 to $580.0 million in 2001, a decrease of $145.3 million, or 20.0%.
Year Ended December 31, 2000 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1999
Farmers Management Services
Operating Revenues. Operating revenues increased from $1,489.7 million
in 1999, to a record level of $1,588.8 million in 2000, an increase of $99.1
million, or 6.7%. This growth was primarily attributable to higher volumes
of gross premiums earned by the P&C Group Companies, which increased $589.5
million, or 5.5%, to $11,394.4 million in 2000. The increase in gross
premiums earned was driven primarily by $390.3 million of premiums earned as
a result of the acquisition of Foremost. Growth in Commercial and Fire
management fees also contributed to the increase in management fees between
years.
Total Expenses.
Salaries and Employee Benefits. Salaries and employee benefits
increased from $373.2 million in 1999 to $406.3 million in 2000, an
increase of $33.1 million, or 8.9%. This increase was due to $35.9
million of expenses incurred in connection with providing management
services to the business assumed from Foremost.
Buildings and Equipment Expenses. Buildings and equipment expenses
increased from $91.5 million in 1999 to $104.0 million in 2000, an
increase of $12.5 million, or 13.7%, due primarily to expenses incurred in
connection with providing management services to the business assumed from
Foremost.
Amortization of AIF Relationships and Goodwill. The amortization
of these two items reduced pretax income by $102.8 million for each of
the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative
expenses increased from $266.3 million in 1999 to $278.0 million in 2000,
an increase of $11.7 million, or 4.4%. This increase was a result of
expenses incurred in connection with providing management services to the
business assumed from Foremost. Partially offsetting this increase in
expense between years was $3.7 million of Year 2000 Project related
expenses incurred in 1999. No similar expenses were incurred in 2000.
Merger Related Expenses. Expenses incurred by the Company
as a result of the merger between B.A.T's financial services
businesses and ZIC amounted to $0.2 million in 1999.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased from $117.5
million in 1999 to $127.1 million in 2000, an increase of $9.6 million, or
8.2%, due to higher investment yields. Investment income earned from
related parties is disclosed in Notes G and L of this Report.
Net Realized Gains. Net realized gains decreased from $75.3 million in
1999 to $68.5 million in 2000, a decrease of $6.8 million, or 9.0%. This
decrease was due primarily to losses incurred on sales of bonds in the third
25
quarter of 2000 as a result of the liquidation of a sizable portion of the
fixed income portfolio, which was used to help fund the payment of the
$1,075.0 million special dividend associated with the Zurich capital
structure unification in October 2000.
Dividends on Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trusts. Dividend
expense was $42.1 million in each of the years ended December 31, 1999 and
2000.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes increased from
$325.3 million in 1999 to $348.1 million in 2000, an increase of $22.8 million,
or 7.0%, as a result of an increase in pretax income between years.
Farmers Management Services. As a result of the foregoing, Farmers
Management Services income increased from $481.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999 to $503.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, an
increase of $22.0 million, or 4.6%.
Insurance Subsidiaries
Farmers Re
Under the quota share reinsurance treaty in effect as of December 31,
2000, Farmers Re assumed $1,000.0 million of premiums in each of the years
ended 2000 and 1999. Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred under
this treaty were $686.9 million in 2000 and $661.3 million in 1999 and non-
life reinsurance commissions paid were $288.1 million in 2000 and $313.7
million in 1999. Income before taxes increased from $53.3 million in 1999
to $77.3 million in 2000, an increase of $24.0 million, or 45.0%. This
increase was due primarily to increased realized capital gains and
investment income. Farmers Re's contribution to net income was $52.6
million and $37.7 million in 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Farmers Life
Total Revenues. Total revenues increased from $752.2 million in 1999 to
$805.0 million in 2000, an increase of $52.8 million, or 7.0%.
Life and Annuity Premiums. Life and annuity premiums increased $19.0
million, or 9.1%, between years. This growth in premiums was due to an
increase in the volume of traditional policies in-force as well as an
increase in the number of structured settlements with life contingencies
issued in 2000.
Life Policy Charges. Life policy charges increased $3.9 million in
2000, or 1.8%, over 1999, reflecting growth in universal life-type
insurance in-force.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income increased $14.3
million, or 4.7%, over 1999 due primarily to an increase in average
invested assets.
Net Realized Gains. Net realized gains increased $38.0 million,
or 157.0%, from $24.2 million in 1999 to $62.2 million in 2000 due
primarily to an increase in gains realized on stock sales.
Impairment Losses on Investments. Impairment losses on investments
were $22.4 million in 2000.
Total Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased from $508.0
million in 1999 to $545.0 million in 2000, an increase of $37.0 million, or
7.3%.
Life Policyholders' Benefits and Charges. Life policyholders'
benefits expense and charges increased from $347.8 million in 1999 to
$381.0 million in 2000, an increase of $33.2 million, or 9.5%.
26
Policy Benefits. Policy benefits increased $4.0 million over
1999 to $141.8 million due to higher mortality experience in the
FFUL product line as well as growth in the volume of policies
in-force in 2000.
Increase in Liability for Future Benefits. Increase in
liability for future benefits expense increased from $52.2 million in
1999 to $76.3 million in 2000. This increase was primarily
attributable to higher sales volumes related to structured
settlements and growth in the volume of traditional life insurance
in-force in 2000.
Interest Credited to Policyholders. Interest credited to
policyholders increased from $157.8 million in 1999 to $162.9
million in 2000 or 3.2%, reflecting growth in the universal life
fund balance.
General Operating Expenses. General operating expenses increased
from $160.2 million in 1999 to $164.0 million in 2000, an increase of
$3.8 million, or 2.4%.
Amortization of DAC and VOLBA. Amortization expense increased
from $102.6 million in 1999 to $108.8 million in 2000 due to
differences in the mix of business.
Life Net Commissions. Life net commissions expense decreased
from $13.5 million in 1999 to $3.9 million in 2000 due to higher
reinsurance activity.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative
expenses increased $7.2 million, from $44.1 million in 1999 to $51.3
million in 2000. This increase was due primarily to expenses
incurred in 2000 related to entering the variable market as well as
expanding the number of states in which Farmers Life is licensed.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes increased from
$86.0 million in 1999 to $90.4 million in 2000 due to higher pretax operating
income.
Farmers Life Income. As a result of the foregoing, Farmers Life income
increased from $158.2 million in 1999 to $169.6 million in 2000, an increase of
$11.4 million, or 7.2%.
Consolidated Net Income
Consolidated net income of the Company increased from $677.0 million in
1999 to $725.3 million in 2000, an increase of $48.3 million, or 7.1%.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General. The principal uses of funds by the Company are (i)
operating expenses, (ii) dividends to the shareholders of the Company's
QUIPS, (iii) capital expenditures and (iv) dividends to its stockholders.
In 2001, dividends paid on QUIPS totaled $42.1 million, capital
expenditures totaled $128.0 million and cash dividends paid to
stockholders totaled $461.7 million.
The principal sources of funds available to the Company are (i) the
management fees that it receives for providing management services to the
P&C Group Companies, (ii) investment income and (iii) dividends from its
subsidiaries. A portion of the net income of the Insurance Subsidiaries
is available for payment as a dividend to Farmers Management Services. In
January 2001, Farmers Life paid a $112.0 million dividend to Farmers
Management Services. There are certain statutory limitations on the
distribution of surplus. As of December 31, 2001, an aggregate of $213.0
million was available for distribution as a dividend without the approval
of the state insurance departments in which the Insurance Subsidiaries are
domiciled. Additionally, as of December 31, 2001,
27
the Company had available revolving credit facilities enabling it to
borrow up to $500.0 million in the event such a need should arise (see
Note V).
In order to maintain the policyholders' surplus of the P&C Group
Companies, the Company has, from time to time, made surplus contributions
to the P&C Group Companies, receiving certificates of contribution or
surplus notes which bear interest at various rates. As of December 31,
2001, the Company held $949.8 million of certificates of contribution and
an $87.5 million surplus note of the P&C Group Companies (see Note H).
The Company is under no obligation to make these contributions to the P&C
Group Companies. However, the Company believes that these purchases of
certificates of contribution and surplus notes have helped to support the
historical growth in premiums earned by the P&C Group Companies and the
related growth in management fees paid to the Company. As of December 31,
2001, the P&C Group Companies had total assets of $14.9 billion, surplus
as regards policyholders of $3.5 billion, policies-in-force of 17.4
million and for the year ended December 31, 2001, had gross premiums
earned of $12.4 billion.
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased from $1,062.1
million in 2000 to $987.4 million in 2001, a decrease of $74.7 million, or
7.0%. This decrease was primarily driven by the changes in assets and
liabilities held by Farmers Re, which resulted from Farmers Re's reduced
retention under the new APD reinsurance agreement. Although net income
declined $145.3 million between years, this was primarily a result of a
$128.5 million increase in impairment losses, which had no effect on cash.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $790.1 million
between years to $337.9 million in 2001. This decrease in cash was mainly
the result of the partial liquidation of the Farmers Management Services
investment portfolio in 2000 due to the $1,075.0 million special dividend
paid in October 2000.
Net cash used in financing activities decreased from $1,611.1 million
in 2000 to $468.8 million in 2001, resulting in an increase in cash of
$1,142.3 million. This increase in cash was substantially due to a
$1,096.1 million decrease in dividends paid to the Company's stockholders
resulting mainly from the payment of the $1,075.0 million special dividend
associated with the Zurich capital structure unification in October 2000.
Farmers Life. The principal uses of funds by Farmers Life are (i)
policy benefits and claims, (ii) loans to policyholders, (iii) capital
expenditures, (iv) life commissions, (v) operating expenses and (vi)
stockholder's dividends. The principal sources of funds available to
Farmers Life are premiums and amounts earned from the investment of
premiums and deposits. These sources of funds have historically satisfied
the liquidity needs of Farmers Life.
Farmers Re. The principal uses of funds by Farmers Re are (i) the
payment of non-life losses and loss adjustment expenses, (ii) the payment
of reinsurance commissions and (iii) operating expenses. The principal
sources of funds available to Farmers Re are premiums assumed from the P&C
Group Companies and investment income.
ITEM 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
The information required is presented under the caption "Risk
Management" in Exhibit No. 99 of this Report.
28
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index for Financial Statements and Quarterly Financial Data
Page
----
Report of Independent Accountants (For the year ended December 31, 2001) 29
Independent Auditors' Report (For the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999) 30
Consolidated Financial Statements of Farmers Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 31
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 33
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999 34
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999 35
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 37
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 72
29
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Farmers Group, Inc.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the
index appearing under Item 14(a)(2) on page 81 present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Farmers Group, Inc. and
subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2001, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2001
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement
schedules for the year ended December 31, 2001 listed in the index
appearing under Item 14(a)(2) on page 81 present fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with
the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements
and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial statement schedules based on our audit. We
conducted our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 4, 2002
30
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors of Farmers Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Farmers
Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2000
and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
then ended December 31, 2000. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31,
2000, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the two years in the period then ended in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the
basic financial statements taken as a whole. The financial statement schedules
for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2000 listed in the
Table of Contents at Item 14 are presented for the purpose of additional
analysis and are not a required part of the basic financial statements.
These schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Such
schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits
of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, are fairly stated in
all material respects when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements as a whole.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 12, 2001
31
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
ASSETS
December 31,
-----------------------------
2001 2000
------------- -------------
Current assets, Farmers Management Services:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 225,008 $ 132,245
Marketable securities, at market value (cost: $0 and $10,386) 0 10,386
Accrued interest 7,058 41,995
Accounts receivable, principally from the P&C Group Companies 51,429 36,052
Notes receivable - affiliate 95,000 207,000
Deferred taxes 43,165 40,609
Prepaid expenses and other 27,396 15,437
------------- -------------
Total current assets 449,056 483,724
------------- -------------
Investments, Farmers Management Services:
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at market value
(cost: $81,530 and $292,039) 82,856 291,795
Mortgage loans on real estate, at amortized cost 33 92
Common stocks available-for-sale, at market value
(cost: $184,243 and $282,224) 167,637 242,066
Certificates of contribution and
surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies 546,830 184,830
Real estate, at cost (net of accumulated depreciation:
$46,148 and $26,179) 98,374 69,699
Other investments 50,000 3,341
------------- -------------
945,730 791,823
------------- -------------
Other assets, Farmers Management Services:
Notes receivable - affiliates 250,000 345,000
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization: $780,572
and $720,528) 1,621,183 1,681,227
Attorney-in-fact relationships (net of accumulated
amortization: $555,438 and $512,712) 1,153,605 1,196,331
Other assets 250,640 255,174
------------- -------------
3,275,428 3,477,732
------------- -------------
Properties, plant and equipment, at cost (net of
accumulated depreciation: $431,556 and $391,360) 436,010 438,371
------------- -------------
Investments of Insurance Subsidiaries:
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at market value
(cost: $4,564,103 and $4,349,824) 4,668,755 4,365,338
Mortgage loans on real estate 28,901 36,984
Non-redeemable preferred stocks available-for-sale, at market
value (cost: $11,123 and $11,128) 12,245 11,500
Common stocks available-for-sale, at market value
(cost: $353,748 and $330,785) 339,684 293,407
Certificates of contribution and surplus notes of the P&C Group
Companies 490,500 502,500
Policy loans 232,287 218,162
Real estate, at cost (net of accumulated depreciation:
$25,217 and $29,369) 80,814 89,426
Joint ventures, at equity 3,625 4,651
S&P 500 call options, at fair value (cost: $36,453 and $29,696) 12,690 26,271
Other investments 12,435 5,279
------------- -------------
5,881,936 5,553,518
------------- -------------
Other assets of Insurance Subsidiaries:
Cash and cash equivalents 172,394 84,431
Marketable securities, at market value
(cost: $30,303 and $9,997) 30,342 9,997
Accounts receivable, from the P&C Group Companies 119,000 0
Life reinsurance receivable 65,240 39,063
Reinsurance premiums receivable, from the P&C Group Companies 0 111,874
Funds held by or deposited with reinsured companies 18,905 0
Accrued investment income 65,925 69,922
Income taxes 5,718 0
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of life business
acquired 835,779 838,121
Securities lending collateral 45,494 436,744
Other assets 23,110 23,279
Assets held in Separate Account 53,074 8,423
------------- -------------
1,434,981 1,621,854
------------- -------------
Total assets $ 12,423,141 $ 12,367,022
============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
32
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
December 31,
-----------------------------
2001 2000
------------- -------------
Current liabilities, Farmers Management Services:
Notes and accounts payable:
P&C Group Companies $ 0 $ 481
Other 45,643 53,375
Accrued liabilities:
Profit sharing 53,232 58,242
Income taxes 128,588 115,223
Other 8,501 9,715
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 235,964 237,036
------------- -------------
Other liabilities, Farmers Management Services:
Real estate mortgages payable 12 16
Non-current deferred taxes 512,376 551,097
Other 106,788 120,405
------------- -------------
619,176 671,518
------------- -------------
Liabilities of Insurance Subsidiaries:
Policy liabilities:
Future policy benefits 3,858,012 3,598,381
Claims 38,076 32,509
Policyholders dividends 12 3
Other policyholders funds 264,446 141,544
Death benefits payable 60,980 42,011
Provision for non-life losses and loss adjustment expenses 18,922 89,936
Income taxes (including deferred taxes: $109,594 and $97,267) 109,594 121,499
Unearned investment income 867 903
Accounts payable, to the P&C Group Companies 107,000 0
Reinsurance payable, to the P&C Group Companies 0 185,742
Securities lending liability 45,494 436,744
Other liabilities 44,045 44,387
Liabilities related to Separate Account 53,074 8,423
------------- -------------
4,600,522 4,702,082
------------- -------------
Total liabilities 5,455,662 5,610,636
------------- -------------
Commitments and contingencies
Company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely junior
subordinated debentures 500,000 500,000
------------- -------------
Stockholders' Equity:
Class A common stock, $1 par value per share; authorized,
issued and outstanding: as of December 31, 2001 - 450 shares,
as of December 31, 2000 - 500 shares 0.45 0.50
Class B common stock, $1 par value per share; authorized,
issued and outstanding: as of December 31, 2001 and December
31, 2000 - 500 shares 0.50 0.50
Class C common stock, $1 par value per share; authorized,
issued and outstanding: as of December 31, 2001 - 50 shares 0.05 0.00
Additional capital 5,227,049 5,212,618
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (net of
deferred taxes: $18,231 and ($23,946)) 33,857 (44,471)
Retained earnings 1,206,572 1,088,238
------------- -------------
Total stockholders' equity 6,467,479 6,256,386
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 12,423,141 $ 12,367,022
============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
33
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
----------- ----------- -----------
Consolidated operating revenues $ 2,900,238 $ 3,446,482 $ 3,270,400
=========== =========== ===========
Farmers Management Services:
Operating revenues $ 1,690,334 $ 1,588,797 $ 1,489,683
----------- ----------- -----------
Salaries and employee benefits 417,389 406,278 373,116
Buildings and equipment expenses 102,794 103,995 91,507
Amortization of AIF relationships and goodwill 102,770 102,770 102,770
General and administrative expenses 314,547 278,072 266,302
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 937,500 891,115 833,695
Merger related expenses 0 0 244
----------- ----------- -----------
Total expenses 937,500 891,115 833,939
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income 752,834 697,682 655,744
Net investment income 80,481 127,116 117,490
Net realized gains 15,164 68,481 75,238
Impairment losses on investments (57,151) 0 0
Dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary trusts (42,070) (42,070) (42,070)
----------- ----------- -----------
Income before provision for taxes 749,258 851,209 806,402
Provision for income taxes 310,535 348,134 325,323
----------- ----------- -----------
Farmers Management Services net income 438,723 503,075 481,079
----------- ----------- -----------
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Life and annuity premiums 275,509 228,700 209,719
Non-life reinsurance premiums 400,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
Life policy charges 218,258 214,504 210,639
Net investment income 368,232 353,349 335,565
Net realized gains 41,732 83,561 24,794
Impairment losses on investments (93,827) (22,429) 0
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenues 1,209,904 1,857,685 1,780,717
----------- ----------- -----------
Non-life losses and loss adjustment expenses 281,996 686,874 661,260
Life policy benefits 165,076 141,759 137,798
Increase in liability for future life policy benefits 115,324 76,327 52,200
Interest credited to life policyholders 178,821 162,888 157,831
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and
value of life business acquired 97,408 108,757 102,581
Life net commissions (963) 3,881 13,520
Non-life reinsurance commissions 108,004 288,126 313,749
General and administrative expenses 55,297 51,739 44,280
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 1,000,963 1,520,351 1,483,219
----------- ----------- -----------
Income before provision for taxes 208,941 337,334 297,498
Provision for income taxes 67,680 115,090 101,604
----------- ----------- -----------
Insurance Subsidiaries net income 141,261 222,244 195,894
----------- ----------- -----------
Consolidated net income $ 579,984 $ 725,319 $ 676,973
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
34
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
----------- ----------- -----------
Consolidated net income $ 579,984 $ 725,319 $ 676,973
----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on securities:
Unrealized holding gains/(losses) arising during the
year, net of tax of $18,370, $50,275 and ($89,850) 34,116 93,368 (166,941)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains)/losses
included in net income, net of tax of $31,736, ($41,907)
and ($34,635) 58,939 (77,827) (64,322)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net unrealized holding gains/(losses) on securities,
net of tax of $50,106, $8,368 and ($124,485) 93,055 15,541 (231,263)
Change in effect of unrealized gains/(losses) on other
insurance accounts, net of tax of ($6,570), ($13,311)
and $28,332 (12,202) (24,720) 52,616
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of ($1,359),
($696) and ($51) (2,525) (1,293) (94)
----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive income/(loss) 78,328 (10,472) (178,741)
----------- ----------- -----------
Comprehensive income $ 658,312 $ 714,847 $ 498,232
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
35
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
(Amounts in thousands)
Accumulated Other Total
Common Additional Comprehensive Retained Stockholders'
Stock Capital Income/(Loss) Earnings Equity
-------- ----------- --------------- ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31, 1998 $ 1 $ 5,212,618 $ 144,742 $ 1,677,046 $ 7,034,407
Net income, 1999 676,973 676,973
Unrealized holding losses
arising during the year,
net of tax of ($89,850) (166,941) (166,941)
Reclassification adjustment
for gains included
in net income, net
of tax of ($34,635) (64,322) (64,322)
Change in effect of
unrealized gains on
other insurance accounts,
net of tax of $28,332 52,616 52,616
Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax
of ($51) (94) (94)
Cash dividends paid (433,400) (433,400)
-------- ----------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31, 1999 1 5,212,618 (33,999) 1,920,619 7,099,239
Net income, 2000 725,319 725,319
Unrealized holding gains
arising during the year,
net of tax of $50,275 93,368 93,368
Reclassification adjustment
for gains included in net
income, net of tax of
($41,907) (77,827) (77,827)
Change in effect of
unrealized losses on
other insurance accounts,
net of tax of ($13,311) (24,720) (24,720)
Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax
of ($696) (1,293) (1,293)
Cash dividends paid (1,557,700) (1,557,700)
-------- ----------- ------------- ------------ -----------
Balance, December 31, 2000 1 5,212,618 (44,471) 1,088,238 6,256,386
Net income, 2001 579,984 579,984
Contribution from parent 14,431 14,431
Unrealized holding gains
arising during the year,
net of tax of $18,370 34,116 34,116
Reclassification adjustment
for losses included in net
income, net of tax of
$31,736 58,939 58,939
Change in effect of
unrealized losses on
other insurance accounts,
net of tax of ($6,570) (12,202) (12,202)
Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax
of ($1,359) (2,525) (2,525)
Cash dividends paid (461,650) (461,650)
-------- ----------- ------------- ------------ -----------
Balance, December 31, 2001 $ 1 $ 5,227,049 $ 33,857 $ 1,206,572 $ 6,467,479
======== =========== ============= ============ ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
36
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Consolidated net income $ 579,984 $ 725,319 $ 676,973
Non-cash and operating activities adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization 174,954 205,098 161,535
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and
value of life business acquired 97,408 108,757 102,581
Policy acquisition costs deferred (113,838) (105,283) (99,568)
Life insurance policy liabilities 274,606 138,861 81,262
Provision for non-life losses and loss
adjustment expenses (71,014) (16,508) 500
Interest credited on universal life and annuity contracts 144,737 138,834 162,808
Equity in earnings of joint ventures 1,008 1,326 (8,888)
Gain on sales of assets (60,280) (153,007) (100,649)
Impairment losses on investments 150,978 22,429 0
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Current assets and liabilities (6,895) 38,690 14,053
Non-current assets and liabilities (146,056) (67,095) (39,424)
Other, net (38,225) 24,630 17,312
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 987,367 1,062,051 968,495
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of investments available-for-sale (2,619,610) (1,712,785) (2,175,297)
Purchases of properties (114,566) (140,478) (59,309)
Purchase of other investments (50,000) 0 0
Purchase of notes receivable - affiliates 0 0 (440,000)
Purchase of surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies 0 (175,000) 0
Purchases of certificates of contribution of the P&C Group
Companies (556,500) (370,000) 0
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
available-for-sale 2,561,285 2,107,901 1,873,122
Proceeds from sales of properties 31,154 12,442 38,240
Proceeds from redemption of certificates of contribution
of the P&C Group Companies 0 0 11,050
Proceeds from redemptions of surplus notes of the P&C Group
Companies 206,500 0 0
Proceeds from redemptions of notes receivable - affiliates 207,000 755,000 190,000
Mortgage loan collections 8,143 4,854 18,471
Increase in policy loans (14,125) (16,475) (16,476)
Other, net 2,839 (13,257) (1,420)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities (337,880) 452,202 (561,619)
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Dividends paid to stockholders (461,650) (1,557,700) (433,400)
Deposits received from universal life and annuity contracts 656,938 465,885 459,891
Withdrawals from universal life and annuity contracts (664,045) (519,258) (447,415)
Payment of long-term notes payable (4) (4) (4)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities (468,761) (1,611,077) (420,928)
---------- ---------- ----------
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 180,726 (96,824) (14,052)
Cash and cash equivalents - at beginning of year 216,676 313,500 327,552
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents - at end of year $ 397,402 $ 216,676 $ 313,500
========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
37
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A. Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Farmers Group,
Inc. ("FGI") and its subsidiaries (together "the Company"; references to
attorney-in-fact ("AIF"), as applicable in context, are to FGI, dba Farmers
Underwriters Association, attorney-in-fact of Farmers Insurance Exchange; or
Fire Underwriters Association, attorney-in-fact of Fire Insurance Exchange;
or Truck Underwriters Association, attorney-in-fact of Truck Insurance
Exchange) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). All material inter-
company transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts applicable to
prior years have been reclassified to conform with the 2001 presentation.
The preparation of the Company's financial statements in conformity with
GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
In December 1988, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. ("B.A.T") acquired 100%
ownership of the Company for $5,212,619,000 through its wholly owned subsidiary
BATUS Financial Services. Immediately thereafter, BATUS Financial Services was
merged into FGI. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and,
accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded in the Company's
consolidated balance sheets based on their estimated fair values at December
31, 1988.
The Company is AIF for three inter-insurance exchanges: Farmers Insurance
Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange (collectively
the "Exchanges"), which operate in the property and casualty insurance
industry. On March 7, 2000, the Exchanges acquired Foremost Corporation of
America and its subsidiaries ("Foremost"), a prominent writer of insurance for
manufactured homes, recreational vehicles and other specialty lines. Each
policyholder of each Exchange appoints the Company as the exclusive AIF to
provide management services to each Exchange. For such services, the Company
earns management fees based on a percentage of gross premiums earned by the
Exchanges, their respective subsidiaries, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance
Company, Foremost County Mutual Insurance Company and Foremost Lloyds of Texas
(collectively the "P&C Group Companies"). Each AIF also receives a management
fee based on reinsurance premiums earned by the Exchanges on business of the
P&C Group Companies insured by the Exchanges. The P&C Group Companies are
owned by the respective policyholders of the Exchanges, Farmers Texas County
Mutual Insurance Company and Foremost County Mutual Insurance Company as well
as the underwriters of Foremost Lloyds of Texas. Accordingly, the Company has
no ownership interest in the P&C Group Companies.
Management services generate a substantial portion of the Company's
revenue and profits and, as a result, the Company's ongoing financial
performance depends on the volume of business written by, and the efficiency
and financial strength of, the P&C Group Companies. A portion of the purchase
price ($1,709,043,000) associated with B.A.T's acquisition of the Company was
assigned to these AIF relationships. As of December 31, 2001, the value so
assigned is being amortized on a straight-line basis over forty years. The
carrying amount of the AIF relationships is regularly reviewed for indications
of impairment in value which in the view of management are other than
temporary, including unexpected or adverse changes in the following: (1) the
economic or competitive environments in which the Company operates, (2)
profitability analyses and (3) cashflow analyses. As of December 31, 2001,
management believes that the reported value related to the AIF relationships is
recoverable.
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets
("Goodwill") of the Company at the date of the Company's acquisition by B.A.T
($2,401,755,000) is being amortized on a straight-line basis over forty
38
years as of December 31, 2001. The carrying amount of the Goodwill is
regularly reviewed for indications of impairment in value which in the view of
management are other than temporary, including unexpected or adverse changes
in the following: (1) the economic or competitive environments in which
the Company operates, (2) profitability analyses and (3) cashflow analyses. As
of December 31, 2001, management believes that the reported value is
recoverable.
At the date of the Company's acquisition by B.A.T, the Company's life
insurance operations were conducted by three wholly owned subsidiaries, Farmers
New World Life Insurance Company ("Farmers Life"), The Ohio State Life
Insurance Company ("OSL") and Investors Guaranty Life Insurance Company
("IGL"). A portion of the purchase price ($662,778,000) was assigned to the
"Value of Life Business Acquired" ("VOLBA"), which represented an actuarial
determination of the expected profits from the business in force at the date of
B.A.T's acquisition of the Company. The amount so assigned is being amortized
over its actuarially determined useful life with the unamortized amount
included in the "Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Life Business
Acquired" line in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
As part of the Company's strategic plan to focus its life insurance
efforts on Farmers Life, the Company sold OSL and IGL to Great Southern Life
Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Americo Life, Inc. in April 1997. Farmers
Life markets a broad line of individual life insurance products, including
universal life, term life and whole life insurance, structured settlement and
annuity products, predominately flexible premium deferred annuities, as well as
variable universal life insurance and variable annuity products. The products
and services offered by Farmers Life are sold directly by the P&C Group
Companies' agents.
Farmers Re is a wholly owned subsidiary of FGI. On January 1, 1998,
Farmers Re entered into an auto physical damage ("APD") reinsurance agreement
with the P&C Group Companies. Effective April 1, 2001, this APD reinsurance
agreement was cancelled and replaced with a similar APD reinsurance agreement
supported by Farmers Re, Zurich affiliates and outside re-insurers. Under the
new agreement, annual premiums ceded by the P&C Group Companies increased from
$1,000,000,000 to $2,000,000,000 with Farmers Re assuming 10%, or $200,000,000.
The remaining $1,800,000,000 is ceded to the Zurich affiliates and outside
reinsurance companies identified in the agreement. As a result of the new
agreement, Farmers Re's premiums decreased from $1,000,000,000 for the year
ended December 31, 2000 to $400,000,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001.
Additionally, on a monthly basis, premiums assumed decreased from $83,333,000
in 2000 to $16,667,000 in 2001. This new agreement, which can be terminated
by any of the parties, also provides for the P&C Group Companies to receive a
ceding commission of 18% of premiums, versus 20% under the old agreement, with
additional experience commissions that depend on loss experience. Similar to
the old agreement, this experience commission arrangement limits Farmers Re's
potential underwriting gain on the assumed business to 2.5% of premiums
assumed.
References to the "Insurance Subsidiaries" within the consolidated
financial statements are to Farmers Life and Farmers Re. References to
"Farmers Management Services" are to the Company excluding the Insurance
Subsidiaries.
In September 1998, the financial businesses of B.A.T, which included the
Company, were merged with Zurich Insurance Company ("ZIC"). The businesses of
ZIC and the financial services businesses of B.A.T were transferred to Zurich
Group Holding ("ZGH"), formerly known as Zurich Financial Services, a Swiss
holding company with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. This merger was
accounted for by ZGH as a pooling of interests under International Accounting
Standards.
As a result of a unification of the holding structure of the Zurich
Financial Services Group in October 2000, Zurich Financial Services was renamed
Zurich Group Holding, as noted above, and a new group holding company, Zurich
Financial Services, was formed. As such, references to "Zurich" are to the
group holding company, Zurich Financial Services.
39
The Company's properties are depreciated over the following estimated
useful lives:
Buildings and improvements 10 to 45 years
Furniture and equipment 5 to 10 years
Data processing equipment and software 5 to 10 years
Depreciation is calculated for financial statement purposes by the
straight-line method. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations;
significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.
In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This Statement establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments (including
certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) and for hedging
activities. SFAS No. 133 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure
those instruments at market value. Subsequently, in June 1999, the FASB
released SFAS No. 137, "Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No.
133", which deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 133 to fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2000. Finally, in June 2000, the FASB released SFAS
No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging
Activities". This Statement amends the accounting and reporting standards of
SFAS No. 133 for the following items: normal purchases and normal sales
exception, interest rate risk, recognized foreign-currency-denominated debt
instruments and intercompany derivatives. This Statement also amends SFAS No.
133 for certain provisions related to the implementation guidance arising from
the Derivative Implementation Group process. SFAS No. 133, No. 137 and No.138
are effective for financial statements issued by the Company for periods ending
after December 31, 2000. The adoption of these Statements did not have a
material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In September 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers
and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities". This
Statement revises accounting standards for securitizations and other transfers
of financial assets and collateral. SFAS No. 140 replaces SFAS No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities", and rescinds SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of
Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125". This Statement, which is
required to be applied prospectively with certain exceptions, is effective for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities
occurring after March 31, 2001. Additionally, this Statement is effective for
recognition and reclassification of collateral and for disclosures relating to
securitization transactions and collateral for fiscal years ending after
December 15, 2000. The adoption of this Statement did not have a material
impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations". This
Statement, effective for all business combinations initiated after June 30,
2001, establishes standards for accounting and reporting business combinations.
It requires that all business combinations be accounted for by the purchase
method and prohibits the pooling of interest method of accounting except for
transactions initiated before July 1, 2001. This Statement supersedes
Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 16, "Business Combinations",
and FASB Statement No. 38, "Accounting for Preacquisition Contingencies of
Purchased Enterprises". The adoption of this Statement did not have a
material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets". This Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for
intangible assets acquired individually or with a group of other assets (but
not those acquired in a business combination) at acquisition. This Statement
also addresses financial accounting and reporting for goodwill and other
intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition. Upon adoption of this
Statement, goodwill and other intangible assets that are determined to have an
indefinite useful life will no longer be amortized. Instead, goodwill will be
tested annually for impairment using a two-step process. The first step is to
identify a potential impairment and, in transition, this step must be measured
as of the beginning of the
40
fiscal year. The second step of the goodwill impairment test measures the
amount of impairment loss (measured as of the beginning of the year of
adoption), if any, and must be completed by the end of the year of initial
adoption.
Additionally, intangible assets with indefinite useful lives will be
evaluated each reporting period to determine whether an indefinite useful life
is still supported. Further, such assets will be tested for impairment using a
one-step process which compares the fair value to the carrying amount of the
asset as of the beginning of the fiscal year. Any intangible asset that is
determined to have a finite useful life shall be amortized over this period and
its useful life shall be evaluated each reporting period to determine whether
revisions to the remaining amortization period are warranted. This Statement
is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2001 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 17, "Intangible Assets". This
Statement is required to be applied at the beginning of an entity's fiscal year
and to be applied to all goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in its
financial statements at that date.
The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142 effective January
1, 2002, as applicable to all goodwill and other intangibles recognized in its
financial statements at that date. The Company is in the process of
completing the transitional goodwill impairment test and has identified the AIF
relationships as intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. The Company
will perform impairment tests of goodwill and the AIF relationships using
discounted future cashflows and, based on such tests, the Company does not
expect any impairment of recorded goodwill or AIF relationships. Additionally,
as SFAS No. 142 ceases amortization of goodwill and AIF relationships with
indefinite useful lives, the Company expects that it will no longer record
$102,770,000 of pretax annual amortization, $64,026,000, net of tax, relating
to such intangibles.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations". This Statement establishes the standard to record the
fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in
which it is incurred. It also applies to legal obligations associated with the
retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition,
construction, development and/or normal operation of a long-lived asset, except
for certain obligations of lessees. This Statement amends SFAS No. 19,
"Financial Accounting and Reporting by Oil and Gas Producing Companies". The
provisions of this Statement are effective for fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 2002, with early application encouraged. The Company does not expect
the adoption of this Statement to have a material impact on its consolidated
financial statements.
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". This Statement addresses
financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets and
for long-lived assets to be disposed of. This Statement supersedes SFAS No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to be Disposed of". However, this Statement retains the fundamental
provisions of SFAS No. 121 for a) recognition and measurement of the impairment
of long-lived assets to be held and used and b) measurement of long-lived
assets to be disposed of by sale. This Statement also supersedes the
accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the
Results of Operations-Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a
Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and
Transactions", for segments of a business to be disposed of. However, this
Statement retains the requirements of APB Opinion No. 30 to report discontinued
operations separately from continuing operations and extends that reporting to
a component (rather than a segment of a business) of an entity that either has
been disposed of or is classified as held for sale. The provisions of this
Statement are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2001, and interim periods within those fiscal
years, with early application encouraged. The provisions of this Statement
generally are to be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the
adoption of this Statement to have a material impact on its consolidated
financial statements.
B. Capital structure
As of December 31, 2001, the Company had three classes of common stock -
Class A Common Stock (the "Class A Shares"), Class B Common Stock (the "Class B
Shares") and Class C Common Stock (the "Class C
41
Shares"). Prior to a recapitalization of the Company's capital structure which
occurred in connection with a private placement of an aggregate of
$1,125,000,000 of securities by six Zurich RegCaPS Funding Trusts on February
9, 2001, the Company had 500 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00
per share, and 500 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share.
All Class A Shares were wholly owned by ZGH and all Class B Shares were wholly
owned by Allied Zurich Holdings Limited ("Allied Zurich"), an affiliated
company created during the restructuring of B.A.T.
Subsequently, on February 9, 2001, in connection with the private
placement of the $1,125,000,000 of securities, ZGH exchanged 50 Class A Shares
for 50 shares of Class C Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share. The Class C
Shares were issued in six series (C-1 through C-6). ZGH subsequently
contributed each respective series of the Class C Shares to one of six Zurich
RegCaPS Funding Limited Partnerships (collectively, the "Partnerships"), which
are controlled by ZIC. As a result, upon completion of the recapitalization,
450 Class A Shares were owned by ZGH, 500 Class B Shares were owned by Allied
Zurich and 50 Class C Shares were owned by the Partnerships.
The holders of the Class A Shares are entitled to 1.0694444 votes per
share and the holders of Class B Shares are entitled to .1111111 of a vote per
share (each subject to adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock
split, stock distribution or combination with respect to any shares of capital
stock of the Company) upon the election of directors and on all other matters
upon which stockholders generally are entitled to vote. In the event of a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Class A
Shares are entitled to share equally and ratably with the holders of Class C
Shares in the assets of the Company, if any, remaining after payment of all
liabilities of the Company and the Class C Share liquidation preference, to the
exclusion of the holders of Class B Shares.
Subject to the rights of the holders of Class C Shares, the holders of
Class A Shares and the holders of Class B Shares shall be entitled to receive
dividends, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally
available therefor.
The holders of Class C Shares are entitled to 0.375 of a vote per share
upon the election of directors and on all other matters upon which stockholders
generally are entitled to vote. However, at no time shall the aggregate voting
power of the Class C Shares be greater than 3.375% of the total voting power of
the Company. Upon any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company,
after payment of the liabilities of the Company and the expenses of such
dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the holders of Class C Shares will be
entitled to receive in the aggregate out of the assets of the Company, before
any payment or distribution is made to the holders of Class A Shares or Class B
Shares, $1,125,000,000 in liquidation preference (the "Class C Liquidation
Preference"). To the extent the amount available for distribution upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up exceeds the Class C Liquidation
Preference, the holders of Class C Shares are entitled to receive 7.4503311%
(as adjusted from time to time based upon the percentage of the Company's fair
market value represented by the Class C Shares at the time of such adjustment)
of the aggregate amount available for payment of distributions on liquidation
with respect to the Company's common stock. Amounts payable on the Class C
Shares in connection with the liquidation of the Company in excess of the Class
C Liquidation Preference are payable on a pari passu basis with the holders of
the Class A Shares and any other shares that rank junior to the Class C Shares
with respect to payments upon liquidation.
The holders of Class C Shares are entitled to receive non-cumulative
dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds
legally available therefor. No cash dividends may be declared or paid on any
Class A Shares, Class B Shares or any other shares of common stock that rank
junior to the Class C Shares with respect to payment of dividends, unless (i)
full dividends have been declared for payment on the Class C Shares in an
amount at least equal to the greater of (A) the dividends payable or set apart
during the dividend period during which such cash dividends are paid at the
respective Class C Share indicative rate (as defined in the Certificates of
Designations of Class C-1 through Class C-6 Shares) or (B) 7.4503311% (as
adjusted as set forth above) of the amount of dividends paid or set apart for
payment by the Company on its common shares (including the Class C
42
Shares) during any relevant dividend period, (ii) the Partnerships have set
apart or paid the full amount of cash remittances (the "RegCaPS Payments")
payable to the holders of the regulatory capital preferred securities (the
"RegCaPS") issued by the Partnerships during any RegCaPS Payments period, (iii)
the six Zurich RegCaPS Funding LLCs (collectively, the "LLC") who hold the
RegCaPS, have set apart or paid certain cash payments during any LLC payment
period on the LLC preferred interests issued by each LLC, and (iv) such
dividend does not cause the net worth of the Company to be less than $3 billion
(as adjusted from time to time).
C. Management fees
The Company, through its AIF relationships with the Exchanges, provides
management services to the non-claims side of the P&C Group Companies and
receives management fees for the services rendered. As a result, the Company
received management fees from the P&C Group Companies of $1,582,200,000,
$1,492,217,000 and $1,402,107,000 in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
D. Life insurance accounting
Traditional product premiums are recognized as revenues when they become
due and future benefits and expenses are matched with such premiums so that the
majority of profits are recognized over the premium-paying period of the
policy. This matching of revenues and expenses is accomplished through the
provision for future policy benefits and the amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs ("DAC").
Certain policy acquisition costs, principally first-year commissions and
other expenses for policy underwriting and issuance (which are primarily
related to and vary with the production of new business), are deferred and
amortized proportionately over the estimated period during which the related
premiums will be recognized as income, based on the same assumptions that are
used for computing the liabilities for future policy benefits. Liabilities for
future policy benefits are computed principally by means of a net level premium
method reflecting estimated future investment yields, mortality, morbidity and
withdrawals. Interest rate assumptions range from 2.25% to 8.50%, depending on
the year of policy issue. Mortality is calculated principally on select and
ultimate tables in common usage in the industry, modified for actual
experience, and withdrawals are estimated based primarily on experience.
Revenues associated with universal life products as well as structured
settlements involving life contingencies consist of policy charges for the cost
of insurance, policy administration fees, surrender charges and investment
income on assets allocated to support policyholder account balances. Revenues
for deferred annuity products consist of surrender charges and investment
income on assets allocated to support policyholder account balances. Expenses
include interest credited to policyholder account balances and benefit claims
incurred in excess of policyholder account balances. Revenues and expenses
related to structured settlements not involving life contingencies are recorded
consistent with guidelines for investment contracts, which are not subject to
mortality risks. Liabilities for future policy benefits on universal life and
deferred annuity products are determined under the retrospective deposit
method. DAC is amortized in relation to the present value of expected gross
profit margins on the policies, after giving recognition to differences between
actual and expected gross profit margins to date. In compliance with a
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff announcement, the Company has
recorded certain entries to the DAC and VOLBA line of the consolidated balance
sheet in connection with SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities". The SEC requires that companies record entries
to those assets and liabilities that would have been adjusted had the
unrealized investment gains or losses from securities classified as available-
for-sale actually been realized, with corresponding credits or charges reported
directly to stockholders' equity. Accordingly, DAC and VOLBA are increased or
decreased to reflect what would have been the impact on estimated future gross
profits, had net unrealized gains or losses on securities been realized at the
balance sheet date. Net unrealized gains or losses on securities, within
stockholders' equity, also reflect this impact. These entries decreased the
DAC and VOLBA assets by $24,869,000 and $6,097,000 as of December 31, 2001 and
2000, respectively.
43
In 2000, Farmers Life introduced variable universal life and deferred
variable annuity contracts. Revenues and expenses for variable universal life
annuities are recognized in a manner similar to universal life products.
Recognition of revenues and expenses for deferred variable annuities is
consistent with that of deferred annuity products. However, unlike other
Farmers Life products, assets and liabilities for both variable universal life
and deferred variable annuity contracts are legally segregated from the general
assets of the Company and are reported on the Separate Accounts lines on the
Company's consolidated balance sheets.
E. Non-life reinsurance
Farmers Re, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, reinsures a
percentage of the APD business written by the P&C Group Companies. Effective
April 1, 2001, the APD reinsurance agreement between Farmers Re and the P&C
Group Companies which had been in force since January 1998 was cancelled and
replaced with a similar APD reinsurance agreement supported by Farmers Re,
Zurich affiliates and outside re-insurers. Under the new agreement, annual
premiums ceded by the P&C Group Companies increased from $1,000,000,000 to
$2,000,000,000, with Farmers Re assuming 10%, or $200,000,000. The remaining
$1,800,000,000 is ceded to the Zurich affiliates and outside reinsurance
companies identified in the agreement. As a result of this new agreement,
Farmers Re's premiums decreased from $1,000,000,000 for the year ended December
31, 2000 to $400,000,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001. On a monthly
basis, premiums assumed by Farmers Re decreased from $83,333,000 in 2000 to
$16,667,000 in 2001.
Farmers Re continues to assume a quota share percentage of ultimate net
losses sustained by the P&C Group Companies in their APD lines of business.
This new agreement, which can be terminated by any of the parties, also
provides for the P&C Group Companies to receive a ceding commission of 18% of
premiums, versus 20% under the old agreement, with additional experience
commissions that depend on loss experience. Similar to the old agreement,
this experience commission arrangement limits Farmers Re's potential
underwriting gain on the assumed business to 2.5% of premiums assumed.
On March 31, 2001, Farmers Re and the P&C Group Companies commuted
$89,936,000 of losses and loss adjustment expenses associated with the 2000
accident year. As a result, in May 2001, Farmers Re paid the P&C Group
Companies $89,936,000 of losses and loss adjustment expenses and $8,766,000 of
accrued interest in settlement of this commutation. Additionally, on August
15, 2001, Farmers Re and the P&C Group Companies commuted $100,797,000 of
losses and loss adjustment expenses due to the cancellation of the original APD
reinsurance agreement. As a result, Farmers Re paid the P&C Group Companies
$100,797,000 of losses and loss adjustment expenses and $1,036,000 of accrued
interest in settlement of this commutation.
In March 2000, Farmers Re and the P&C Group Companies commuted
$106,444,000 of losses and loss adjustment expenses associated with the 1999
accident year. As a result, in May 2000, Farmers Re paid the P&C Group
Companies $106,444,000 of losses and loss adjustment expenses and $8,966,000 of
accrued interest in settlement of this commutation.
Total losses paid by Farmers Re were $260,174,000, $590,214,000 and
$547,827,000 in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, while total loss adjustment
expenses were $2,900,000, $6,725,000 and $6,980,000 in 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. Additionally, reinsurance commissions were $108,004,000 in 2001,
$288,126,000 in 2000 and $313,749,000 in 1999. Farmers Re had loss reserves of
$18,922,000 and $89,936,000 as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
The decreases between 2001 and 2000 results were due to Farmers Re's reduced
retention under the new APD reinsurance agreement. All reinsurance receivables
and payables were settled as of December 31, 2001.
44
F. Property, plant and equipment
A schedule of the Company's operating properties, plant and equipment at
cost as of December 31 follows:
2001 2000
----------- -----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Buildings and improvements $ 181,640 $ 213,025
Data processing equipment and software 443,637 377,905
Furniture and equipment 189,664 173,676
----------- -----------
814,941 764,606
Land 52,625 65,125
----------- -----------
$ 867,566 $ 829,731
=========== ===========
The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Position No. 98-1,
"Accounting for the Cost of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for
Internal Use". The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project
stage and, thereafter, capitalizes costs incurred in developing or obtaining
internal use software. Certain costs, such as maintenance and training, are
expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis
over the useful life of the software once it is placed into service.
As of December 31, 1999, the Company was committed to a plan to sell one
of its business service centers at a market price which was $1,789,000 lower
than the carrying value of the property. In accordance with SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed of", the Company recognized an impairment loss of $1,789,000
which was reflected on the "General and administrative expenses" line in the
Farmers Management Services section of the Company's consolidated income
statement for the year ended December 31, 1999. This business service center
was subsequently sold on July 20, 2001.
G. Related parties
As of December 31, 2001 and 2000, all of the members of the Company's
Board of Directors were employees of the Company as a result of a restructuring
of the Company's Board of Directors in April 2000. Prior to April 2000,
certain directors of the Company were partners in legal firms that received
fees for legal services from the Company and the P&C Group Companies. As such,
for the year ended December 31, 1999, these fees totaled $8,492,000.
As of December 31, 2001, the Company held the following notes receivable
from related parties:
- A $250,000,000 note receivable from ZGA US Limited ("ZGAUS"), a
subsidiary of Zurich, formerly known as Orange Stone (Delaware)
Holdings Limited. The Company loaned $250,000,000 to ZGAUS on
December 15, 1999 and, in return, received a medium-term note with
a 7.50% fixed interest rate that matures on December 15, 2004.
Interest on this note is paid semi-annually. Income earned on this
note totaled $18,750,000 for each of the years ended December 31,
2001 and 2000 and $781,000 for the year ended December 31, 1999.
- $95,000,000 of notes receivable from Zurich Financial Services
(UKISA) Limited ("UKISA"), a subsidiary of Zurich. The Company
purchased $1,057,000,000 of notes from UKISA on September 3, 1998.
Subsequently, on March 1, 2000, Eagle Star Life Assurance Company
Limited ("Eagle Star"), also an affiliate of Zurich, assigned
$175,000,000 of matured surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies to
the Company and, in return, the Company reduced the outstanding
balance of the notes receivable from UKISA by $175,000,000.
Additionally, on September 3, 2000, $25,000,000 of the notes
receivable from UKISA, bearing interest at a coupon rate of
45
5.44% with an original maturity date of September 3, 2000, were
renewed for medium-term notes with a 6.80% fixed interest rate
maturing in September 2002.
Also, on October 23, 2000, to help fund the payment of a
$1,075,000,000 special dividend associated with the Zurich capital
structure unification in October 2000, the Company sold $580,000,000
of notes receivable from UKISA to ZIC for par value. Finally, on
September 3, 2001, the Company received $214,625,000 from UKISA in
settlement of a $207,000,000 note receivable and $7,625,000 of
accrued interest. This note had a maturity date of September 3, 2001
and a coupon rate of 5.48%.
As a result, as of December 31, 2001, the Company held
$95,000,000 of notes receivable from UKISA each with a maturity date
of September 2002. The $95,000,000 of notes receivable are fixed rate
short-term notes with coupon rates as follows: $25,000,000 at a
coupon rate of 6.80% and $70,000,000 at a coupon rate of 5.67%.
Interest on the UKISA notes is paid semi-annually and, for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, income earned totaled
$14,589,000, $45,425,000 and $59,434,000, respectively.
H. Certificates of contribution and surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies
From time to time, the Company has purchased certificates of contribution
or surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies in order to maintain the
policyholders' surplus of the P&C Group Companies. In September 2001, the
Company redeemed one-half of the $175,000,000 surplus notes of the P&C Group
Companies, which were obtained in March 2000 as a result of the assignment of
the matured surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies from Eagle Star (see Note
G). In addition, effective December 2001, Farmers Life redeemed a $119,000,000
surplus note of the P&C Group Companies bearing interest at 6.10% annually and
maturing in October 2001. This redemption was settled in January 2002 and, as
such, Farmers Life held a $119,000,000 receivable from the P&C Group Companies
as of December 31, 2001.
Finally, effective November 2001 and December 2001, the Company purchased
$350,000,000 and $206,500,000, respectively, of certificates of contribution of
the P&C Group Companies, which mature in September 2006. Of the $206,500,000
of certificates of contribution of the P&C Group Companies purchased in
December 2001, $107,000,000 was purchased by Farmers Life and was settled in
January 2002. As a result, Farmers Life held a $107,000,000 payable to the P&C
Group Companies as of December 31, 2001.
At December 31, 2001, the Company held the following certificates
of contribution and surplus note of the P&C Group Companies:
- An $87,500,000 surplus note, issued in March 2000, bearing interest
at 8.50% annually and maturing in February 2005.
- $370,000,000 of certificates of contribution, issued in March 2000,
bearing interest at 7.85% annually and maturing in March 2010.
- $350,000,000 of certificates of contribution, issued in November
2001, bearing interest at 6.00% annually and maturing in September
2006.
- $206,500,000 of certificates of contribution, issued in December
2001, bearing interest at 6.00% annually and maturing in September
2006.
- Other certificates of contribution totaling $23,330,000 which bear
interest at various rates.
46
Conditions governing repayment of these amounts are outlined in the
certificates of contribution and the surplus note. Generally, repayment may be
made only when the surplus balance of the issuer reaches a certain specified
level, and then only after approval is granted by the issuer's governing Board
and the appropriate state insurance regulatory department.
I. Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of
Subsidiary Trusts Holding Solely Junior Subordinate Debentures
In 1995, Farmers Group Capital and Farmers Group Capital II (the
"Subsidiary Trusts"), consolidated wholly owned subsidiaries of FGI, issued
$410 million of 8.45% Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities
("QUIPS"), Series A and $90 million of 8.25% QUIPS, Series B, respectively. In
connection with the Subsidiary Trusts' issuance of the QUIPS and the related
purchase by FGI of all of the Subsidiary Trusts' Common Securities ("Common
Securities"), FGI issued to Farmers Group Capital $422,680,399 principal amount
of its 8.45% Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series A due on December 31, 2025,
(the "Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series A") and issued to Farmers Group
Capital II $92,783,505 principal amount of its 8.25% Junior Subordinated
Debentures, Series B due on December 31, 2025 (the "Junior Subordinated
Debentures, Series B" and, together with the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
Series A, the "Junior Subordinated Debentures"). The sole assets of Farmers
Group Capital are the Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series A. The sole
assets of Farmers Group Capital II are the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
Series B. In addition, these arrangements are governed by various agreements
between FGI and the Subsidiary Trusts (the Guarantee Agreements, the Trust
Agreements, the Expense Agreements, the Indentures and the Junior Subordinated
Debentures) which considered together constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee by FGI of the Subsidiary Trusts' obligations under the Preferred
Securities.
Under certain circumstances, the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be
distributed to holders of the QUIPS and holders of the Common Securities in
liquidation of the Subsidiary Trusts. As of September 27, 2000, FGI had the
option to redeem, in whole or part, the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The
QUIPS are subject to mandatory redemption upon repayment of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures at maturity, or upon their earlier redemption, at a
redemption price of $25 per Preferred Security, plus accrued and unpaid
distributions thereon to the date fixed for redemption.
As of December 31, 2001 and 2000, a total of 20,000,000 shares of QUIPS
were outstanding.
J. Employees' profit sharing plans
The Company has two profit sharing plans providing for cash payment to all
eligible employees. The two plans, Deferred Profit Sharing and Cash Profit
Sharing, provide for a maximum aggregate expense of 16.25% of the Company's
consolidated annual pretax earnings, as adjusted. The Deferred Profit Sharing
Plan, limited to 10% of pretax earnings, as adjusted, or 15% of the salary or
wage paid or accrued to eligible employees, provides for an annual contribution
by the Company to a trust for eventual payment to employees as provided in the
Plan. The Cash Profit Sharing Plan provides for annual cash distributions to
eligible employees if certain criteria are met. The Cash Profit Sharing Plan
is limited to 5% of pretax earnings, as adjusted, or 5% of employee salaries or
wages paid or accrued.
Expense under these plans was $51,100,000, $59,491,000 and $52,984,000 in
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
47
K. Statutory financial data
Statutory capital and surplus of the Insurance Subsidiaries was
$1,863,927,000 and $1,728,378,000 as of December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Statutory net income was $55,234,000, $187,712,000 and
$152,716,000 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. The decrease in statutory net income between 2000 and 2001 was
due primarily to realized losses and impairment losses on investments.
There are certain statutory limitations on the distribution of surplus.
As of December 31, 2001, an aggregate of $212,969,000 was available for
distribution as dividends by the Insurance Subsidiaries without the approval of
the state insurance departments in which they are domiciled. In January 2001,
Farmers Life paid a $112,000,000 dividend to Farmers Management Services.
L. Investments
The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 115. This Statement
addresses the accounting and reporting for investments in equity
securities that have readily determinable market values and for all
investments in debt securities. The Company classified all investments in
equity and debt securities as available-for-sale under SFAS No. 115, with
the exception of an investment held as of December 31, 2001 in Endurance
Specialty Insurance Limited ("Endurance") as well as investments held as
of December 31, 2001 and 2000 related to the grantor trusts. The
available-for-sale investments are reported on the balance sheet at market
value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, excluded from
earnings and reported as a component of stockholders' equity.
As of December 31, 2001, the Company held $50,000,000 of common stock
of Endurance. The Company purchased the Endurance equity securities in a
private placement offer in December 2001. As non-exchange traded
securities, these investments were carried at cost as of December 31, 2001
and were reported on the "Other investments" line in the Farmers
Management Services section of the consolidated balance sheet. In
addition, as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, investments related to the
grantor trusts totaled $60,721,000 and $61,131,000, respectively, and were
classified as trading securities under SFAS No. 115. As a result, these
investments were reported on the "Other assets" line in the Farmers
Management Services section of the consolidated balance sheets at market
value with both realized and unrealized gains and losses included in
earnings, net of tax, in the year in which they occurred.
Real estate investments are accounted for on a depreciated cost
basis. Real estate acquired in foreclosure and held for sale is carried
at the lower of market value or depreciated cost less a valuation
allowance. Marketable securities are carried at market. The Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index ("S&P 500") call options are
carried at estimated fair value. Other investments, which consist
primarily of certificates of contribution of the P&C Group Companies,
surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies, policy loans and notes
receivable from affiliates, which include the UKISA notes and ZGAUS note,
are carried at the unpaid principal balances.
In compliance with a SEC staff announcement, the Company has recorded
certain entries to the DAC and VOLBA line of the consolidated balance
sheet in connection with SFAS No. 115. The SEC requires that companies
record entries to those assets and liabilities that would have been
adjusted had the unrealized investment gains or losses from securities
classified as available-for-sale actually been realized, with
corresponding credits or charges reported directly to stockholders'
equity.
48
The sources of investment income on securities owned by Farmers
Management Services for the years ended December 31 are:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Related parties:
UKISA notes $ 14,589 $ 45,425 $ 59,434
Centre Reinsurance Holdings
(Delaware II) Ltd. note 0 0 7,805
ZGAUS note 18,750 18,750 781
---------- ---------- ----------
Total related parties 33,339 64,175 68,020
---------- ---------- ----------
Non-related parties:
Interest income-
certificates of contribution
and surplus notes of the
P&C Group Companies 16,400 17,893 2,123
Interest income-
fixed income securities 12,853 24,363 39,030
Dividend income 3,451 4,944 6,503
Interest income-
cash equivalents and
marketable securities 12,734 12,415 617
Other * 1,704 3,326 1,197
---------- ---------- ----------
Total non-related parties 47,142 62,941 49,470
---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income $ 80,481 $ 127,116 $ 117,490
========== ========== ==========
* Includes ($3.7 million), ($1.8 million) and $4.1 million in 2001, 2000 and
1999, respectively, of unrealized gains/(losses) associated with the
trading securities reported on the "Other assets" line of the consolidated
balance sheets.
The sources of investment income on securities owned by the Insurance
Subsidiaries for the years ended December 31 are:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Fixed income securities $ 304,691 $ 306,999 $ 308,303
Equity securities 5,433 3,406 1,786
Mortgage loans 3,241 3,892 5,060
Owned real estate 14,531 12,058 9,414
Policy loans 17,029 15,881 14,436
Cash equivalents and
marketable securities 4,618 5,506 5,387
Interest income-certificates of
contribution and surplus notes
of the P&C Group Companies 37,932 27,533 7,259
Investment expenses (20,333) (23,151) (21,758)
Other 1,090 1,225 5,678
---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income $ 368,232 $ 353,349 $ 335,565
========== ========== ==========
49
Realized gains and losses on sales and redemptions owned by Farmers
Management Services are determined based on either the cost of the
individual securities or the amortized cost of real estate. Net realized
investment gains or losses for the years ended December 31 are:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Bonds $ 6,422 $ (2,917) $ (753)
Redeemable preferred stocks 0 (20) 0
Common stocks 8,354 75,522 76,478
Investment real estate 388 (4,104) (864)
Other 0 0 377
---------- ---------- ----------
Net realized investment gains/(losses) $ 15,164 $ 68,481 $ 75,238
========== ========== ==========
Realized gains and losses on sales and redemptions by the Insurance
Subsidiaries are determined based on either the cost of the individual
securities or the amortized cost of real estate. Net realized investment
gains or losses for the years ended December 31 are:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Bonds $ 31,113 $ 11,715 $ 17,777
Redeemable preferred stocks (49) 2,688 450
Common stocks 9,916 55,176 5,005
Investment real estate 1,801 13,982 1,562
Other (1,049) 0 0
---------- ---------- ----------
Net realized investment gains/(losses) $ 41,732 $ 83,561 $ 24,794
========== ========== ==========
The Company regularly reviews its investment portfolio to determine
whether declines in the value of investments are other than temporary as
defined by SFAS No. 115. The Company's review for declines in value
includes reviewing historical and forecasted financial information as well
as reviewing the market performance of similar types of investments. As a
result of this review, the Company determined that some of its investments
had declines in value that were other than temporary as of December 31, 2001
due to unfavorable market and economic conditions. Accordingly, for the
year ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded $150,978,000 of
impairment losses on investments, primarily in the equity portfolios. This
included $32,389,000 of impairment losses related to Enron Corporation.
Also, for the year ended December 31, 2000, Farmers Life recorded
$22,429,000 of impairment losses on fixed income securities of Armstrong
World Industries, Inc. and Owens Corning.
Impairment losses on investments owned by Farmers Management Services
are determined based on the market value of those investments on the date of
impairment. Impairment losses on investments for the years ended December
31 are:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Bonds $ (2,475) $ 0 $ 0
Common stocks (50,614) 0 0
Investment real estate (731) 0 0
Other (3,331) 0 0
---------- ---------- ----------
Impairment losses on investments $ (57,151) $ 0 $ 0
========== ========== ==========
50
Impairment losses on investments owned by the Insurance Subsidiaries
are determined based on the market value of those investments on the date of
impairment. Impairment losses on investments for the years ended December
31 are:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Bonds $ (37,563) $ (22,429) $ 0
Redeemable preferred stocks (156) 0 0
Common stocks (54,015) 0 0
Other (2,093) 0 0
---------- ---------- ----------
Impairment losses on investments $ (93,827) $ (22,429) $ 0
========== ========== ==========
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated
market values of investments in equity securities pertaining to common stocks
owned by Farmers Management Services are as follows:
As of December 31, 2001
-----------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Common stocks $ 184,243 $ 6,337 $ (22,943) $ 167,637
========== ========== ========== ==========
As of December 31, 2000
-----------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Common stocks $ 282,224 $ 13,963 $ (54,121) $ 242,066
========== ========== ========== ==========
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated
market values of investments in equity securities pertaining to non-redeemable
preferred stocks and common stocks owned by the Insurance Subsidiaries are as
follows:
As of December 31, 2001
-----------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 11,123 $ 1,154 $ (32) $ 12,245
Common stocks 353,748 20,877 (34,941) 339,684
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 364,871 $ 22,031 $ (34,973) $ 351,929
========== ========== ========== ==========
As of December 31, 2000
-----------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 11,128 $ 439 $ (67) $ 11,500
Common stocks 330,785 14,387 (51,765) 293,407
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 341,913 $ 14,826 $ (51,832) $ 304,907
========== ========== ========== ==========
51
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated
market values of investments in debt securities, including bonds and
redeemable preferred stocks, owned by Farmers Management Services are as
follows:
As of December 31, 2001
-----------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 644 $ 20 $ (5) $ 659
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 18,438 812 0 19,250
Corporate securities 52,141 984 0 53,125
Other debt securities 10,307 11 (496) 9,822
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 81,530 $ 1,827 $ (501) $ 82,856
========== ========== ========== ==========
As of December 31, 2000
-----------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale,
including Marketable Securities
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 383 $ 8 $ 0 $ 391
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 158,868 877 (205) 159,540
Corporate securities 29,566 106 (1,143) 28,529
Mortgage-backed securities 102,301 892 (145) 103,048
Other debt securities 11,307 5 (639) 10,673
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 302,425 $ 1,888 $ (2,132) $ 302,181
========== ========== ========== ==========
52
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated
market values of investments in debt securities, including bonds and
redeemable preferred stocks, owned by the Insurance Subsidiaries are as
follows:
As of December 31, 2001
------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale,
including Marketable Securities
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 347,017 $ 4,184 $ (5,170) $ 346,031
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 259,050 9,967 (126) 268,891
Debt securities issued by foreign governments 19,938 191 0 20,129
Corporate securities 1,559,031 50,027 (22,890) 1,586,168
Mortgage-backed securities 2,387,564 75,653 (6,646) 2,456,571
Other debt securities 21,806 457 (956) 21,307
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Total $4,594,406 $ 140,479 $ (35,788) $4,699,097
========== =========== ========== ==========
As of December 31, 2000
------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale,
including Marketable Securities
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 260,134 $ 3,413 $ (1,020) $ 262,527
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 164,871 1,543 (764) 165,650
Debt securities issued by foreign governments 62,646 1,828 (1,420) 63,054
Corporate securities 1,861,989 31,931 (42,582) 1,851,338
Mortgage-backed securities 1,980,532 35,927 (14,339) 2,002,120
Other debt securities 29,649 1,577 (580) 30,646
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Total $4,359,821 $ 76,219 $ (60,705) $4,375,335
========== =========== ========== ==========
The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities,
including marketable securities, owned by Farmers Management Services as of
December 31, 2001, by contractual maturity, are shown below. 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.
Estimated
Amortized Market
Cost Value
---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale
Due after one year through five years $ 18,435 $ 18,746
Due after five years through ten years 45,768 47,268
Due after ten years 7,020 7,020
---------- ----------
71,223 73,034
Redeemable preferred stocks
with no stated maturities 10,307 9,822
---------- ----------
Total $ 81,530 $ 82,856
========== ==========
53
The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities owned by
the Insurance Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001, by contractual maturity,
are shown below. 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.
Estimated
Amortized Market
Cost Value
---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Debt Securities Available-for-Sale,
including Marketable Securities
Due in one year or less $ 90,720 $ 92,388
Due after one year through five years 511,250 529,075
Due after five years through ten years 873,524 883,287
Due after ten years 709,542 716,469
---------- ----------
2,185,036 2,221,219
Mortgage-backed securities 2,387,564 2,456,571
Redeemable preferred stocks
with no stated maturities 21,806 21,307
---------- ----------
Total $4,594,406 $4,699,097
========== ==========
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities received by the
Company were $2,487,105,000, $2,052,734,000 and $1,808,735,000 in 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively. Gross gains of $100,364,000, $174,940,000 and
$142,027,000 and gross losses of $196,052,000, $54,563,000 and $44,999,000
were realized on sales and write-downs during 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
The change in the net unrealized gains or (losses) of Farmers Management
Services for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
2001 2000
---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Fixed maturities $ 1,570 $ 4,049
Equity securities 23,552 (75,119)
The change in the net unrealized gains or (losses) of the Insurance
Subsidiaries for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
2000 1999
---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Fixed maturities $ 89,177 $ 153,298
Equity securities 24,064 (60,434)
M. Equity-indexed annuities
During 1997, Farmers Life began selling an equity-indexed annuity product.
At the end of its seven year term, this product credits interest to the annuity
participant at a rate based on a specified portion of the change in the value
of the S&P 500, subject to a guaranteed annual minimum return. In order to
hedge the interest liability generated on the annuities as the index rises,
Farmers Life purchases call options on the S&P 500. Farmers Life considers
such S&P 500 call options to be held as a hedge. As of December 31, 2001
and 2000, Farmers Life had S&P 500 call options with contract values of
$117,257,000 and $94,535,000, respectively, and carrying values of $12,690,000
and $26,271,000, respectively.
54
Hedge accounting is used to account for the call options as Farmers Life
believes that the options reduce the risks associated with increases in the
account value of the annuities that result from increases in the S&P 500. The
call options effectively hedge the annuity contracts since they are both
purchased and sold with identical parameters. Periodically, the value of the
assets (S&P 500 call options) is matched to the potential liability (annuity
contracts) to ensure the hedge has remained effective. The annuities were
written based on a seven year investment term, absent early termination by
participants. Therefore, the anticipated hedged transaction (i.e., payment of
interest to the policyholder at the end of the investment term and maturity of
the call option) for each annuity is generally expected to occur in seven years
or less. The amount of unrealized hedging losses was $23,763,000 and
$3,425,000 in 2001 and 2000, respectively.
The S&P 500 call options are carried at estimated fair value. Unrealized
gains and losses resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of the call
options are recorded as an adjustment to the interest credited to
policyholders. In addition, realized gains and losses from maturity or
termination of the call options are offset against the interest credited to
policyholders during the period incurred. Premiums paid on call options are
amortized to net investment income over the term of the contracts. There were
no early terminations by annuity participants, or maturities or sales of the
S&P 500 call options during 2001.
On December 27, 2001, Farmers Life disposed of 1,598 and 1,319 S&P 500 call
option contracts acquired in January and February 2001, respectively. Farmers
Life received $518,000 in S&P 500 disposition proceeds, resulting in a $682,000
realized loss on disposition. This disposal was necessary as Farmers Life
purchased a larger than necessary quantity of S&P 500 call options to hedge
against the equity indexed annuity product liability.
The cash requirement of the call options consists of the initial premium
paid to purchase the call options. Should a liability exist to the annuity
participant at maturity of the annuity policy, the termination or maturity of
the option contracts will generate positive cash flow to Farmers Life. The
appropriate amount of cash will then be remitted to the annuity participant
based on the respective participation rate. The call options are generally
expected to be held for a seven year term, but can be terminated at any time.
There are certain risks associated with the call options, primarily with
respect to significant movements in the United States stock market and
counterparty nonperformance. The Company believes that the counterparties to
its call option agreements are financially responsible and that the
counterparty risk associated with these transactions is minimal.
N. Fair value of financial instruments
The estimated fair values of financial instruments disclosed have been
determined using available market information and appropriate valuation
methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market
data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates
presented may not be indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a
current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or
estimation methodologies could have a significant effect on the estimated fair
value amounts.
55
December 31, 2001
--------------------------
Carrying Estimated
Value Fair Value
---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Assets and liabilities, Farmers Management
Services:
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 225,008 $ 225,008
Fixed maturities available-for-sale 82,856 82,856
Common stocks available-for-sale 167,637 167,637
Mortgage loans 33 34
Certificates of contribution and
surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies 546,830 546,830
Notes receivable - affiliates 345,000 357,447
Grantor trusts 60,721 60,721
Other investments 50,000 50,000
Other assets 31,873 27,191
Liabilities:
Real estate mortgages payable 12 13
Company obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts
holding solely junior subordinated debentures 500,000 506,844
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 172,394 172,394
Marketable securities 30,342 30,342
Fixed maturities available-for-sale 4,668,755 4,668,755
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
available-for-sale 12,245 12,245
Common stocks available-for-sale 339,684 339,684
Mortgage loans 28,901 31,853
Certificates of contribution and
surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies 490,500 490,500
Policy loans 232,287 246,829
Joint ventures, at equity 3,625 5,437
S&P 500 call options 12,690 12,690
Other investments 12,435 12,435
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits - deferred annuities 1,545,583 1,491,873
56
December 31, 2000
--------------------------
Carrying Estimated
Value Fair Value
---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Assets and liabilities, Farmers Management
Services:
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 132,245 $ 132,245
Marketable securities 10,386 10,386
Fixed maturities available-for-sale 291,795 291,795
Common stocks available-for-sale 242,066 242,066
Mortgage loans 92 96
Certificates of contribution and
surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies 184,830 184,830
Notes receivable - affiliates 552,000 565,466
Grantor trusts 61,131 61,131
Other investments 3,341 2,506
Other assets 31,303 25,598
Liabilities:
Real estate mortgages payable 16 17
Company obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts
holding solely junior subordinated debentures 500,000 497,050
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 84,431 84,431
Marketable securities 9,997 9,997
Fixed maturities available-for-sale 4,365,338 4,365,338
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
available-for-sale 11,500 11,500
Common stocks available-for-sale 293,407 293,407
Mortgage loans 36,984 41,815
Certificates of contribution and
surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies 502,500 502,500
Policy loans 218,162 226,304
Joint ventures, at equity 4,651 6,136
S&P 500 call options 26,271 26,271
Other investments 5,279 5,279
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits - deferred annuities 1,510,908 1,467,806
57
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value
of financial instruments as of December 31, 2001 and 2000:
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. The carrying amounts
of these items are at fair value.
Fixed maturities, non-redeemable preferred stocks and common stocks. The
estimated fair values of bonds, redeemable and non-redeemable preferred stocks
and common stocks are based upon quoted market prices, dealer quotes and
prices obtained from independent pricing services.
Mortgage loans. The estimated fair value of the mortgage loans portfolio
is determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows, using a year-end
market rate which is applicable to the yield, credit quality and average
maturity of the composite portfolio.
Certificates of contribution and surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies.
The carrying amounts of these items are a reasonable estimate of their fair
values.
Notes receivable-affiliates. The fair values are estimated by
discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar
loans would be made by the Company to borrowers for the same remaining
maturities.
Grantor trusts. The carrying amounts related to the grantor trusts are a
reasonable estimate of their fair values.
Joint ventures, at equity. The estimated fair values are based upon
quoted market prices, current appraisals and independent pricing services.
Other investments. Other investments consist of Endurance common stock
and miscellaneous notes and investments. The carrying amounts of the Endurance
common stock (see Note L) and the miscellaneous notes are a reasonable estimate
of their fair values. The estimated fair values related to miscellaneous
investments are based upon quoted market prices, current appraisals and
independent pricing services.
Other assets. Other assets consist primarily of advances to agents, the
fair value of which is determined by discounting the estimated future cash
flows using credit quality, the average maturity of related advances, and the
current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers by the Company.
Policy loans. The estimated fair values of policy loans are determined by
discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar
loans would be made.
S&P 500 call options. S&P 500 call options are purchased as hedges
against the interest liabilities generated on the equity-indexed annuity
products. These call options are carried at an estimated fair value based on
stock price, strike price, time to expiration, interest rates, dividends and
volatility per the methodology of the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Formula.
Real estate mortgages payable. The estimated fair values are determined
by discounting the estimated future cash flows at a rate which approximates the
Company's incremental borrowing rate.
Company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of
subsidiary trusts holding solely junior subordinated debentures. The
estimated fair values are based on quoted market prices.
Future policy benefits-deferred annuities. The estimated fair values of
flexible premium and single premium deferred annuities are based on their cash
surrender values.
58
O. Value of Life Business Acquired
The changes in the Value of Life Business Acquired were as follows:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Balance, beginning of year $ 300,141 $ 328,718 $ 334,442
Amortization related to operations (41,777) (51,648) (50,685)
Interest accrued 19,378 28,799 30,998
Amortization related to net
unrealized gains/(losses) (3,211) (5,728) 13,963
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance, end of year $ 274,531 $ 300,141 $ 328,718
========== ========== ==========
Based on current conditions and assumptions as to future events, Farmers
Life expects to amortize the December 31, 2001 balance as follows:
approximately 8.0% in 2002 and 2003 and 9.0% in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The
discount rate used to determine the amortization rate of the VOLBA asset ranged
from 9.0% to 3.5%.
P. Mortgage loans
The Company follows the principles of SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by
Creditors for Impairment of a Loan". This Statement requires that an impaired
loan be measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows
discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient,
at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if
the loan is collateral dependent.
For the year ended December 31, 2001, no loans were considered to be
impaired, and no impaired loan allowance was recorded. For the year ended
December 31, 2000, Farmers Life held one mortgage loan which was considered
impaired. This loan was paid off in November 2000 and, as a result, no loans
were considered to be impaired, and no impaired loan allowance was recorded as
of December 31, 2000.
The Company records interest income received on impaired mortgage loans on
a cash basis. The average recorded investment and income recognized on
impaired mortgage loans follows:
2001 2000
---------- ---------
(Amounts in thousands)
Average recorded investment in impaired
loans during the period $ 0 $ 652
Interest income recognized on the
impaired mortgage loans during the period 0 71
Q. Security lending arrangements
The Company has security lending arrangements with a securities lending
provider. The arrangements in effect as of December 31, 2001 authorize the
lending provider to lend securities held in the Company's portfolio to a list
of authorized borrowers. Concurrent with delivery of the securities, the
borrower provides the Company's lending provider with cash collateral equal to
102% of the market value of securities subject to the "loan".
59
The securities are marked-to-market on a daily basis and the collateral is
adjusted on the next business day. The collateral is invested in highly
liquid, fixed income assets with a maturity of less than one year. Income
earned from the security lending arrangements was allocated 75% to the Company
and 25% to the lending provider for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and
1999. Income earned by the Company was $306,000, $687,000 and $799,000 in
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The collateral under these arrangements as
of December 31, 2001 and 2000 was $45,494,000 and $436,744,000, respectively.
R. Employees' retirement plans
The Company has two noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (the
Regular Plan and the Restoration Plan). The Regular Plan covers substantially
all employees of the Company and the P&C Group Companies who have reached age
21 and have rendered one year of service. Benefits are based on years of
service and the employee's compensation during the last five years of
employment. The Restoration Plan provides supplemental retirement benefits for
certain key employees of the Company and the P&C Group Companies.
The Company's policy is to fund the amount determined under the aggregate
cost method, provided it does not exceed funding limitations. There has been
no change in funding policy from prior years, and in 2001, a contribution of
$25,487,000 was made to the Regular Plan. The Company's share of this
contribution was $11,867,000.
Assets of the Regular Plan are held by an independent trustee. Assets
held are primarily in fixed maturity and equity investments. The principal
liability is for annuity benefit payments of current and future retirees.
Assets of the Restoration Plan are considered corporate assets and are held in
a grantor trust.
60
Information regarding the Regular Plan's and the Restoration Plan's funded
status is not developed separately for the Company and the P&C Group Companies.
The funded status of the Plans for the Company and the P&C Group Companies as
of December 1, 2001 and 2000 (the latest date for which information is
available) was as follows:
2001 2000
---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Change in Benefit Obligation
Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year $ 904,557 $ 803,894
Service cost 32,169 27,262
Interest cost 71,041 65,023
Plan participants' contributions 0 0
Plan amendments (9) 0
Actuarial (gain)/loss 79,239 51,563
Benefits paid (41,096) (43,185)
---------- ----------
$1,045,901 $ 904,557
========== ==========
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year $1,014,299 $1,015,928
Actual return on plan assets (24,970) 21,594
Employer contributions 25,487 18,689
Plan participants' contributions 0 0
Benefits paid (39,719) (41,912)
---------- ----------
Fair value of plan assets at end of the year $ 975,097 $1,014,299
========== ==========
Funded status at end of the year $ (70,803) $ 109,743
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)/loss 57,578 (147,236)
Unrecognized prior service cost 27,840 31,854
Unrecognized net transition obligation/(asset) (12,158) (16,834)
---------- ----------
Net amount recognized at end of the year $ 2,457 $ (22,473)
========== ==========
Amounts recognized in the statement of
financial position consist of:
Prepaid benefit cost $ 23,373 $ 0
Accrued benefit cost (20,916) (22,473)
Additional minimum liability (6,479) (6,367)
Intangible asset 2,595 4,378
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,884 1,989
---------- ----------
Net amount recognized at end of the year $ 2,457 $ (22,473)
========== ==========
Upon B.A.T's purchase of the Company in 1988, the Company allocated part
of the purchase price to its portion of the Regular Plan assets in excess of
the projected benefit obligation at the date of acquisition. The asset is
being amortized for the difference between the Company's net pension cost and
amounts contributed to the Plan. The unamortized balance as of December 31,
2001 and 2000 was $9,576,000 and $13,258,000, respectively.
61
Components of net periodic pension expense for the Company follow:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Service costs $ 16,992 $ 14,064 $ 15,126
Interest costs 40,948 38,035 34,525
Return on plan assets (54,232) (53,947) (49,000)
Amortization of:
Transition obligation 1,023 987 955
Prior service cost 2,573 2,597 2,207
Actuarial (gain)/loss (2,031) (9,561) (2,445)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net periodic pension expense $ 5,273 $ (7,825) $ 1,368
========== ========== ==========
The Company uses the projected unit credit cost actuarial method for
attribution of expense for financial reporting purposes. The interest cost
and the actuarial present value of benefit obligations were computed using a
weighted average interest rate of 7.25% in 2001, 7.75% in 2000 and 8.00% in
1999, while the expected return on plan assets was computed using a weighted
average interest rate of 9.50% in 2001 and 2000 and 9.25% in 1999. The
weighted average rate of increase in future compensation levels used in
determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation
was 4.70% in 2001 and 2000 and 5.00% in 1999.
The Company's postretirement benefits plan is a contributory defined
benefit plan for employees who were retired or who were eligible for early
retirement as of January 1, 1995, and is a contributory defined dollar plan for
all other employees retiring after January 1, 1995. Health benefits are
provided for all employees who participated in the Company's and the P&C
Group Companies' group medical benefits plan for the 10 years prior to
retirement at age 55 or later. A life insurance benefit of $5,000 is provided
at no cost to retirees who maintained group insurance coverage for the 10 years
prior to retirement at age 55 or later.
There are no assets separated and allocated to this plan.
62
The funded status of the entire plan, which includes the Company and the
P&C Group Companies, as of December 1, 2001 and 2000 (the latest date for which
information is available), was as follows:
2001 2000
---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Change in Benefit Obligation
Net benefit obligation at beginning of the year $ 117,895 $ 79,501
Service cost 2,537 1,427
Interest cost 9,082 6,280
Plan participants' contributions 2,768 1,729
Plan amendments 0 0
Actuarial (gain)/loss 34,185 34,131
Benefits paid (10,325) (5,173)
---------- ----------
$ 156,142 $ 117,895
========== ==========
Fair value of plan assets at end of the year $ 0 $ 0
========== ==========
Funded status at end of the year $ (156,142) $ (117,895)
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)/loss 51,823 20,659
Unrecognized prior service cost 0 0
Unrecognized net transition obligation/(asset) 14,421 15,732
---------- ----------
Net amount recognized at end of the year $ (89,898) $ (81,504)
========== ==========
Amounts recognized in the statement of
financial position consist of:
Prepaid benefit cost $ 0 $ 0
Accrued benefit cost (89,898) (81,504)
Additional minimum liability 0 0
Intangible asset 0 0
Accumulated other comprehensive income 0 0
---------- ----------
Net amount recognized at end of the year $ (89,898) $ (81,504)
========== ==========
63
The unrecognized net transition obligation of $14,421,000 in 2001 and
$15,732,000 in 2000 represents the remaining transition obligation of the P&C
Group Companies.
The Company's share of the accrued postretirement benefit cost was
approximately $61,544,000 in 2001 and $57,758,000 in 2000.
Components of postretirement benefits expense for the Company follow:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Service costs $ 1,322 $ 736 $ 696
Interest costs 5,367 3,786 3,263
Return on plan assets 0 0 0
Amortization of:
Transition obligation 0 0 0
Prior service cost 0 0 0
Actuarial (gain)/loss 333 (361) (9)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net periodic expense $ 7,022 $ 4,161 $ 3,950
========== ========== ==========
The weighted average interest rate used in the above benefit computations
was 7.25% in 2001, 7.75% in 2000 and 8.00% in 1999. Beginning in 2002, the
initial medical inflation rate is assumed to be 10.00% and will be graded over
a 5-year period to 6.00% and level thereafter, and contribution levels from
retirees were the same as applicable medical cost increases where defined
benefits exist. The weighted average rate of increase in future compensation
levels used in determining the actuarial present value of the accumulated
benefit obligation was 4.70% in 2001 and 2000 and 5.00% in 1999.
A 1.00% increase or decrease in the medical inflation rate assumption
would have resulted in the following:
1% increase 1% decrease
------------- -------------
(Amounts in thousands)
Effect on 2001 service and interest components
of net periodic cost $ 177 $ (172)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation at December 31, 2001 2,469 (2,214)
S. Commitments and contingencies
Rental expense incurred by the Company was $36,092,000, $33,568,000 and
$28,727,000 in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
The Company has long-term operating lease commitments on equipment and
buildings, with options to renew at the end of the lease periods. As of
December 31, 2001, the remaining commitments payable under these leases were:
64
Equipment Buildings
----------- -----------
(Amounts in thousands)
2002 $ 8,456 $ 7,491
2003 6,599 5,623
2004 6,308 5,239
2005 120 5,150
2006 and thereafter 230 237
----------- -----------
$ 21,713 $ 23,740
=========== ===========
The Company is a party to numerous lawsuits arising from its AIF
relationships with the Exchanges. The Company is also a party to additional
lawsuits arising from its normal business activities. These actions are in
various stages of discovery and development, and some seek punitive as well as
compensatory damages. In the opinion of management, the Company has not
engaged in any conduct which should warrant the award of any material punitive
or compensatory damages. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position
in each case, and management believes that, while it is not possible to predict
the outcome of such matters with absolute certainty, ultimate disposition of
these proceedings should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
consolidated results of operations or financial position.
The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain executives
of the Company. Each agreement obligates the Company to compensate the
executive should the executive's employment be terminated due to a qualifying
event, as defined within the agreement. In the opinion of management, any
payments made as a result of these agreements would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or
financial position.
T. Income taxes
The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes". Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recorded
to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax
bases of assets and liabilities and the corresponding bases used for financial
statements.
65
The components of the provision for income taxes are:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Farmers Management Services:
Current
Federal $ 306,589 $ 309,996 $ 293,191
State 48,570 45,447 43,148
Deferred
Federal (41,907) (7,079) (10,976)
State (2,717) (230) (40)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 310,535 348,134 325,323
---------- ---------- ----------
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Current
Federal 86,924 128,373 98,166
State 706 1,107 1,512
Deferred
Federal (19,312) (13,740) 2,500
State (638) (650) (574)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 67,680 115,090 101,604
---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated total $ 378,215 $ 463,224 $ 426,927
========== ========== ==========
The table below reconciles the provision for income taxes computed at
the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 35% to the Company's provision for
income taxes:
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Farmers Management Services:
Expected tax expense $ 262,240 $ 297,923 $ 282,241
State income taxes, net of
federal income tax benefits 29,219 28,928 27,442
Tax exempt investment income (2,444) (4,321) (10,026)
Goodwill 21,015 21,015 21,015
Other, net 505 4,589 4,651
---------- ---------- ----------
Reported income tax expense 310,535 348,134 325,323
---------- ---------- ----------
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Expected tax expense 73,129 118,067 104,124
Tax exempt investment income (2,951) (3,345) (4,523)
State taxes 48 457 1,029
Other, net (2,546) (89) 974
---------- ---------- ----------
Reported income tax expense 67,680 115,090 101,604
---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated income tax expense $ 378,215 $ 463,224 $ 426,927
========== ========== ==========
66
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of
December 31, 2001 and 2000 are presented in the following tables:
As of December 31, 2001
-----------------------------------------------
Current Non-current Total
----------- ------------ ------------
(Amounts in thousands)
Farmers Management Services:
Depreciation $ 0 $ (58,144) $ (58,144)
Employee benefits 10,802 14,459 25,261
Capitalized expenditures 0 (84,939) (84,939)
California franchise tax 41,125 0 41,125
Postretirement benefits 0 13,360 13,360
Postemployment benefits 0 161 161
Valuation of investments
in securities (9,603) 14,951 5,348
Investment 0 17,969 17,969
Attorney-in-fact relationships 0 (434,909) (434,909)
Other 841 4,716 5,557
----------- ------------ ------------
Total deferred tax
asset/(liability) 43,165 (512,376) (469,211)
----------- ------------ ------------
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Deferred policy acquisition
costs and value of life
business acquired 0 (233,902) (233,902)
Future policy benefits 0 106,025 106,025
Investments 0 50,951 50,951
Valuation of investments
in securities 0 (23,579) (23,579)
Depreciable assets 0 (5,371) (5,371)
Loss reserves 0 305 305
Other 0 (4,023) (4,023)
----------- ------------ ------------
Total deferred tax liability 0 (109,594) (109,594)
----------- ------------ ------------
Consolidated total deferred tax
asset/(liability) $ 43,165 $ (621,970) $ (578,805)
=========== ============ ============
As of December 31, 2000
-----------------------------------------------
Current Non-current Total
----------- ------------ ------------
(Amounts in thousands)
Farmers Management Services:
Depreciation $ 0 $ (60,424) $ (60,424)
Employee benefits 8,276 16,631 24,907
Capitalized expenditures 0 (78,988) (78,988)
California franchise tax 31,651 0 31,651
Postretirement benefits 0 15,619 15,619
Postemployment benefits 0 161 161
Valuation of investments
in securities 85 14,951 15,036
Attorney-in-fact relationships 0 (451,017) (451,017)
Other 597 (8,030) (7,433)
----------- ------------ ------------
Total deferred tax
asset/(liability) 40,609 (551,097) (510,488)
----------- ------------ ------------
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Deferred policy acquisition
costs and value of life
business acquired 0 (234,762) (234,762)
Future policy benefits 0 89,459 89,459
Investments 0 33,601 33,601
Valuation of investments
in securities 0 9,805 9,805
Depreciable assets 0 (4,334) (4,334)
Loss reserves 0 987 987
Other 0 7,977 7,977
----------- ------------ ------------
Total deferred tax liability 0 (97,267) (97,267)
----------- ------------ ------------
Consolidated total deferred tax
asset/(liability) $ 40,609 $ (648,364) $ (607,755)
=========== ============ ============
67
U. Supplemental cash flow information
For financial statement purposes, the Company considers all investments
with original maturities of 90 days or less as cash equivalents. Following is
a reconciliation of the individual balance sheet cash and cash equivalent
totals to the consolidated cash flow total:
Farmers
Management Insurance
Services Subsidiaries Consolidated
------------ ------------ ------------
(Amounts in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents --December 31, 1998 $ 253,828 $ 73,724 $ 327,552
1999 Activity ( 14,052)
------------
Cash and cash equivalents --December 31, 1999 217,466 96,034 313,500
2000 Activity (96,824)
------------
Cash and cash equivalents --December 31, 2000 132,245 84,431 $ 216,676
2001 Activity 180,726
------------
Cash and cash equivalents --December 31, 2001 225,008 172,394 $ 397,402
============
Cash payments for interest were $2,223,000, $1,742,000 and $1,693,000 in
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, while cash payments for dividends to the
holders of the Company's QUIPS were $42,070,000 in 2001, 2000 and 1999. Cash
payments for income taxes were $455,685,000, $440,008,000 and $426,017,000 in
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
In 2001, the Company used $207,000,000 of proceeds received from the
settlement of the note receivable from UKISA (see Note G) as well as
$206,500,000 of proceeds received from the redemption of the surplus notes of
the P&C Group Companies (see Note H) to substantially fund the purchase of
$556,500,000 of certificates of contribution of the P&C Group Companies
(see Note H).
In 2000, the Company used $580,000,000 of proceeds received from the sale
of the notes receivable from UKISA (see Note G) to help fund the payment of
the $1,075,000,000 special dividend associated with the Zurich capital
structure unification in October 2000. Also, in 2000, the Company purchased
$370,000,000 of certificates of contribution of the P&C Group Companies to help
fund the Exchanges' acquisition of Foremost (see Note H).
In 1999, the Company used $190,000,000 of proceeds it received from the
settlement of a loan to Centre Reinsurance Holdings (Delaware II) Ltd., a
subsidiary of Zurich, to substantially fund the issuance of the $250,000,000
loan to ZGAUS (see Note G).
V. Revolving credit agreement
As of December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had a revolving credit
agreement with certain financial institutions and had an aggregate borrowing
facility of $500,000,000. The proceeds of the facility were available to
the Company for general corporate purposes, including loans to the P&C Group
Companies. Facility fees were payable on the aggregate borrowing facility
in the amount of 6 basis points per annum as of December 31, 2001 and 7
basis points per annum as of December 31, 2000 and were reimbursable to the
Company by the P&C Group Companies. In the case of a draw on the facility,
the Company has the option to borrow at annual rates equal to the prime
rate, the banks' certificate of deposit rate plus one percentage point, the
federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of one percentage point or the London
Interbank Offered Rate plus certain percentages. As of December 31, 2001
and 2000, the Company did not have any outstanding borrowings under the
revolving credit agreement. Facility fees were $300,000 for the year ended
December 31, 2001 and $350,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2000
and 1999, and were reimbursed by the P&C Group Companies. The revolving
credit agreement in effect as of December 31, 2001 will expire on July 1,
2002.
68
W. Separate Accounts
The assets and liabilities held in Separate Accounts relate to the
variable universal life and annuity products offered by Farmers Life. The
assets and liabilities held in the Separate Accounts are legally segregated
from the general assets and liabilities of the Company. The assets of the
Separate Accounts are carried at fair market value. The Separate Accounts
liabilities represent the contract holders' claims to the related assets and
are carried at the fair market value of the assets. Investment income and
realized capital gains and losses of the Separate Accounts accrue directly
to the contract holders and therefore are not included in the Company's
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Revenues to the
Company from the Separate Accounts generally consist of administration,
surrender and mortality fees.
X. Participating policies
Participating business, which consists of group business, comprised
approximately 10.4% of Farmers Life's total insurance in-force as of December
31, 2001 and 7.7% of the total insurance in-force as of December 31, 2000. In
addition, participating business represented 2.2% of Farmers Life's premium
income for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2.0% for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999.
The amount of dividends paid on participating business is determined by
the Farmers Life Board of Directors and is paid annually on the policyholder's
anniversary date. Amounts allocable to participating policyholders are based
on published dividend projections or expected dividend scales.
Y. Life reinsurance
Farmers Life has retention limits for automatic reinsurance ceded which
set the maximum retention on new issues at $2,000,000 per life for the Farmers
Flexible Universal Life policy; $1,500,000 per life for all Traditional
policies except Farmers Yearly Renewable Term; and $800,000 per life for
Farmers Yearly Renewable Term. The excess is reinsured with a third party
reinsurer. In addition, beginning in January 2000, Farmers Life entered into a
co-insurance agreement with a third party insurer to reinsure the Farmers Level
Term 2000 5, 10 and 20 year products, which replaced the Farmers Premier 5, 10
and 20 year products. Premiums ceded under these agreements totaled
$54,420,000 in 2001, $33,527,000 in 2000 and $13,939,000 in 1999. Life
reinsurance receivables totaled $65,240,000 and $39,063,000 at December 31,
2001 and 2000, respectively.
Z. Operating segments
The Company's principal services are the provision of management services
to the P&C Group Companies and the ownership and operation of the life and
reinsurance subsidiaries. These activities are managed separately as each
offers a unique set of services. As a result, the Company is comprised of the
following three reportable operating segments as defined in SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information": the
management services segment, the life insurance segment and the reinsurance
segment.
The Company, through its AIF relationships with the Exchanges, is AIF for
the Exchanges. As such, the management services segment (Farmers Management
Services) is primarily responsible for providing management services to the
P&C Group Companies. Management fees earned from the P&C Group Companies
totaled $1,582,200,000, $1,492,217,000 and $1,402,107,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The life insurance segment
provides individual life insurance products, including universal life, term
life and whole life insurance and structured settlement and annuity products,
as well as variable universal life and annuity products. Finally, the
reinsurance segment provides reinsurance coverage to a percentage of the
APD business written by the P&C Group Companies.
The basis of accounting used by the Company's management in evaluating
segment performance and determining how resources should be allocated is
referred to as the Company's GAAP historical basis, which
69
excludes the effects of the purchase accounting ("PGAAP") adjustments related
to the acquisition of the Company by B.A.T in December 1988 (see Note A). This
differs from the basis used in preparing the Company's financial statements
included in the SEC Form 10-K and 10-Q Reports, which incorporates the effects
of the PGAAP adjustments.
The P&C Group Companies collectively represent the Company's largest
customer. Management fees earned by the Company as AIF for the Exchanges
totaled $1.6 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, for the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, which represented 54.6%, 43.3%
and 42.9%, respectively, of the Company's consolidated operating revenues
for the same years. The Company has no ownership interest in the P&C Group
Companies and therefore is not directly affected by the underwriting results
of the P&C Group Companies. However, as management fees comprise a
significant part of the Company's revenues, the ongoing financial
performance of the Company depends on the volume of business written by, and
the business efficiency and financial strength of, the P&C Group Companies.
The Company accounts for intersegment transactions as if they were to
third parties and, as such, records the transactions at current market
prices. There were no reportable intersegment revenues among the Company's
three reportable operating segments for the years ended December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999.
The Company operates throughout the U.S. and does not earn revenues or
hold assets in any foreign countries.
Information regarding the Company's reportable operating segments
follows:
Year ended December 31, 2001
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------
GAAP historical basis PGAAP adjustments
Consolidated
------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
Management Life Management Life
PGAAP
services insurance Reinsurance Total services insurance Total
basis
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- -----
- ------
(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues $1,690,334 $ 784,612 (a) $ 426,204 (a) $2,901,150 $ 0 $ (912) $ (912) $
2,900,238
Investment
income 81,500 346,837 42,640 470,977 (1,019) (912) (1,931)
469,046
Investment
expenses 0 (14,547) (5,786) (20,333) 0 0 0
(20,333)
Net realized
gains/(losses) 16,558 41,319 413 58,290 (1,394) 0 (1,394)
56,896
Impairment
losses on
investments (56,420) (82,764) (11,063) (150,247) (731) 0 (731)
(150,978)
Dividends
on preferred
securities of
subsidiary
trusts (42,070) 0 0 (42,070) 0 0 0
(42,070)
Income before
provision for
taxes 862,261 (b) 181,688 36,004 1,079,953 (113,003)(c) (8,751)(d) (121,754)
958,199
Provision for
income taxes 338,384 66,387 10,898 415,669 (27,849) (9,605) (37,454)
378,215
Assets 2,246,691 6,374,947 825,032 9,446,670 2,844,717 (e) 131,754 (f) 2,976,471
12,423,141
Capital
expenditures 125,052 2,961 0 128,013 0 0 0
128,013
Depreciation and
amortization 65,757 93,811 (g) 0 159,568 104,603 (c) 8,191 (d) 112,794
272,362
- -----------------------
(a) Revenues for the insurance operating segments include net investment
income, net realized gains/(losses) and impairment losses on investments.
(b) Amount includes $46.8 million of corporate expenses.
(c) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the amortization of
the AIF relationships ($42.7 million) and goodwill ($60.0 million).
(d) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the amortization of the
VOLBA asset and the reversal of amortization associated with the pre-1988
DAC asset.
(e) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the AIF relationships
($1,153.6 million) and goodwill ($1,621.2 million).
(f) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments related to the DAC (($155.0) million) and
VOLBA ($274.5 million) assets.
(g) Amount includes the historical basis amortization associated with the DAC
asset.
70
Year ended December 31, 2000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------
GAAP historical basis PGAAP adjustments
Consolidated
------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
Management Life Management Life
PGAAP
services insurance Reinsurance Total services insurance Total
basis
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- -----
- ------
(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues $1,588,797 $ 805,967 (a) $1,052,636 (a) $3,447,400 $ 0 $ (918) $ (918) $
3,446,482
Investment
income 127,736 334,840 42,578 505,154 (620) (918) (1,538)
503,616
Investment
expenses 0 (11,933) (11,218) (23,151) 0 0 0
(23,151)
Net realized
gains 68,481 62,285 21,276 152,042 0 0 0
152,042
Impairment
losses on
investments 0 (22,429) 0 (22,429) 0 0 0
(22,429)
Dividends
on preferred
securities of
subsidiary
trusts (42,070) 0 0 (42,070) 0 0 0
(42,070)
Income before
provision for
taxes 958,919 (b) 268,783 77,328 1,305,030 (107,710)(c) (8,777)(d) (116,487)
1,188,543
Provision for
income taxes 366,402 94,112 24,699 485,213 (18,268) (3,721) (21,989)
463,224
Assets 2,218,960 6,077,144 972,838 9,268,942 2,957,720 (e) 140,360 (f) 3,098,080
12,367,022
Capital
expenditures 93,727 7,174 0 100,901 0 0 0
100,901
Depreciation and
amortization 96,961 104,414 (g) 0 201,375 104,264 (c) 8,216 (d) 112,480
313,855
- -----------------------
(a) Revenues for the insurance operating segments include net investment
income, net realized gains/(losses) and impairment losses on investments.
(b) Amount includes $44.7 million of corporate expenses.
(c) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the amortization of
the AIF relationships ($42.7 million) and goodwill ($60.0 million).
(d) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the amortization of the
VOLBA asset and the reversal of amortization associated with the pre-1988
DAC asset.
(e) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the AIF relationships
($1,196.3 million) and goodwill ($1,681.2 million).
(f) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments related to the DAC (($169.8) million) and
VOLBA ($300.1 million) assets.
(g) Amount includes the historical basis amortization associated with the DAC
asset.
71
Year ended December 31, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------
GAAP historical basis PGAAP adjustments
Consolidated
------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
Management Life Management Life
PGAAP
services insurance Reinsurance Total services insurance Total
basis
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- -----
- ------
(Amounts in thousands)
Revenues $1,489,683 $ 753,463 (a) $1,028,526 (a) $3,271,672 $ 0 $ (1,272) $ (1,272) $
3,270,400
Investment
income 118,829 320,760 37,512 477,101 (1,339) (949) (2,288)
474,813
Investment
expenses 0 (12,137) (9,621) (21,758) 0 0 0
(21,758)
Net realized
gains/(losses) 82,667 24,482 635 107,784 (7,429) (323) (7,752)
100,032
Dividends
on preferred
securities of
subsidiary
trusts (42,070) 0 0 (42,070) 0 0 0
(42,070)
Income before
provision for
taxes 924,084 (b) 273,289 53,314 1,250,687 (117,682)(c) (29,105)(d) (146,787)
1,103,900
Provision for
income taxes 347,351 96,740 15,625 459,716 (22,028) (10,761) (32,789)
426,927
Assets 3,215,497 5,516,874 849,192 9,581,563 3,065,440 (e) 149,282 (f) 3,214,722
12,796,285
Capital
expenditures 87,167 2,507 0 89,674 0 0 0
89,674
Depreciation and
amortization 53,163 77,652 (g) 0 130,815 105,079 (c) 28,222(d) 133,301
264,116
- -----------------------
(a) Revenues for the insurance operating segments include net investment
income and net realized gains/(losses).
(b) Amount includes $47.9 million of corporate expenses.
(c) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the amortization of
the AIF relationships ($42.7 million) and goodwill ($60.0 million).
(d) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the amortization of the
VOLBA asset and the reversal of amortization associated with the pre-1988
DAC asset. Included in this amount are adjustments totaling $21.3 million,
increasing expense, due to unfavorable persistency experience on the
pre-1988 business.
(e) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments associated with the AIF relationships
($1,239.1 million) and goodwill ($1,741.3 million).
(f) Amount includes PGAAP adjustments related to the DAC (($190.1) million)
and VOLBA ($328.7 million) assets.
(g) Amount includes the historical basis amortization associated with the
DAC asset which included a $23.3 million adjustment, reducing expense, due
to favorable persistency experience on the fixed universal life business.
72
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
(Unaudited)
Three months ended Year ended
--------------------------------------------------------
Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Dec. 31
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
(Amounts in thousands)
2001
- ------
Revenues:
Farmers Management Services $ 415,074 $ 413,642 $ 428,272 $ 433,346 $ 1,690,334
Insurance Subsidiaries 474,115 275,631 238,498 221,660 1,209,904
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Consolidated 889,189 689,273 666,770 655,006 2,900,238
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Income before provision for
income taxes:
Farmers Management Services 193,526 197,995 164,712 193,025 749,258
Insurance Subsidiaries 67,005 88,258 37,854 15,824 208,941
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Consolidated 260,531 286,253 202,566 * 208,849 * 958,199
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Provision for income taxes:
Farmers Management Services 81,046 79,342 69,316 80,831 310,535
Insurance Subsidiaries 22,975 25,578 13,871 5,256 67,680
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Consolidated 104,021 104,920 83,187 86,087 378,215
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Consolidated net income $ 156,510 $ 181,333 $ 119,379 $ 122,762 $ 579,984
=========== =========== =========== =========== ============
2000
- ------
Revenues:
Farmers Management Services $ 375,332 $ 396,785 $ 407,681 $ 408,999 $ 1,588,797
Insurance Subsidiaries 449,800 458,658 472,324 476,903 1,857,685
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Consolidated 825,132 855,443 880,005 885,902 3,446,482
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Income before provision for
income taxes:
Farmers Management Services 209,908 210,199 215,663 215,439 851,209
Insurance Subsidiaries 73,304 78,427 89,737 95,866 337,334
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Consolidated 283,212 288,626 305,400 311,305 1,188,543
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Provision for income taxes:
Farmers Management Services 86,039 85,015 88,664 88,416 348,134
Insurance Subsidiaries 25,091 26,894 31,022 32,083 115,090
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Consolidated 111,130 111,909 119,686 120,499 463,224
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Consolidated net income $ 172,082 $ 176,717 $ 185,714 $ 190,806 $ 725,319
=========== =========== =========== =========== ============
* Consolidated income before provision for income taxes for the three months
ended September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001 decreased $86,120,000 and
$64,858,000, respectively, due to impairment losses on investments
(see Note L).
73
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosures
On June 7, 2001, FGI filed a report on Form 8-K announcing a change in its
Certifying Accountant.
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Farmers Group, Inc.
MANAGEMENT
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth certain information concerning each
person who is an executive officer or director of FGI as of the filing
date:
Name Age Position
- ------ ----- -----------
Martin D. Feinstein (1) (2) 53 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
Jason L. Katz (1) (2) 54 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Director
Stephen J. Leaman (2) 54 Executive Vice President-Property and Casualty Operations
and Director
John H. Lynch (2) 50 Executive Vice President-Market Management and Director
Keitha T. Schofield (2) 50 Executive Vice President-Support Services and Director
Cecilia M. Claudio (2) 47 Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Director
Gerald E. Faulwell (2) 59 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Stephen J. Feely (2) 53 Senior Vice President-State Operations and Director
Leonard H. Gelfand (2) 57 Senior Vice President, President of Farmers Business Insurance and
Director
Paul N. Hopkins (2) 45 Senior Vice President, President of Strategic Alliances and Director
C. Paul Patsis (2) 53 Senior Vice President, President of Farmers Life and Director
Jerry J. Carnahan (2) 45 Vice President, President of Farmers Personal Lines and Director
- -----------------
(1) Member of the Administrative Committee
(2) Member of the Audit and Compliance Committee
The present position and principal occupation during each of the last five
years of the executive officers and directors named above are set forth below.
Martin D. Feinstein has served as Chairman of the Board since November
1997, Chief Executive Officer of FGI since January 1997, President of FGI
since January 1995 and as a director of FGI since February 1995. In
addition, Mr. Feinstein is a member of the Group Management Board of ZGH.
Previously, Mr. Feinstein served as a director of B.A.T from January 1997 to
September 1998 and held various positions with FGI, including serving as Chief
Operating Officer of FGI from January 1995 to January 1997.
Jason L. Katz has served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel
of FGI since June 1998 and as a director of FGI since May 1986. Previously,
Mr. Katz served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of FGI from
February 1992 to June 1998.
Stephen J. Leaman has served as Executive Vice President-Property and
Casualty Operations since June 2001 and as a director of FGI since April
2000. Previously, Mr. Leaman served as Senior Vice President of Maryland
Casualty Company from January 1997 to June 1997, Executive Vice President of
Maryland Casualty Company from June 1997 to January 1999, Senior Vice
President of FGI and President of Farmers Specialty Products from
74
January 1999 to June 1999 and Senior Vice President of FGI and President of
Farmers Personal Lines from June 1999 to June 2001.
John H. Lynch has served as Executive Vice President-Market Management
since June 2001 and as a director of FGI since July 1998. Previously, Mr.
Lynch served as Vice President-Personal Lines Operations of FGI from January
1997 to October 1997, Senior Vice President-Personal Lines Operations of FGI
from October 1997 to July 1998, Senior Vice President of FGI and President-
Farmers Personal Lines from July 1998 to June 1999 and Executive Vice
President-Field Operations from June 1999 to June 2001.
Keitha T. Schofield has served as Executive Vice President-Support
Services since January 1998 and as a director of FGI since May 1997. Ms.
Schofield served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of
FGI from May 1995 to January 1997 and Chief Information Officer from January
1997 to January 1998.
Cecilia M. Claudio has served as a director of FGI since April 2000 and
as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of FGI since July
1998. Previously, Ms. Claudio served as Chief Information Officer and
Senior Vice President of Information Technology of Anthem, Inc. from 1996 to
May 1998. Additionally, Ms. Claudio has served on the Board of Directors of
Sybase, Inc., a business intelligence and mobile technology company, since
November 1999.
Gerald E. Faulwell has served as a director of FGI since April 2000 and
as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FGI since September
1998. Previously, Mr. Faulwell served as Senior Vice President-Strategic
Planning, Budgeting and Administration of FGI from January 1996 to September
1998.
Stephen J. Feely has served as Senior Vice President of State
Operations since April 2001 and as a director of FGI since April 2000.
Previously, Mr. Feely served as Vice President of FGI and California State
Executive from September 1996 to September 1998, Vice President-State
Operations of FGI from September 1998 to January 2000 and Senior Vice
President and Chief Marketing Officer of FGI from January 2000 to April
2001.
Leonard H. Gelfand has served as a director of FGI since April 2000 and
as Senior Vice President of FGI and President of Farmers Business Insurance
since July 1998. Previously, Mr. Gelfand served as Senior Vice
President-Commercial of FGI and President-Truck Underwriters Association
from January 1995 to July 1998.
Paul N. Hopkins has served as Senior Vice President of FGI and President
of Strategic Alliances since April 2001 and as a director of FGI since April
2000. Previously, Mr. Hopkins served as Vice President-Agencies of FGI from
November 1994 to October 1997, Senior Vice President-Agencies of FGI from
October 1997 to September 1998, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing
Officer of FGI from September 1998 to January 2000 and Senior Vice President-
State Operations of FGI from January 2000 to April 2001.
C. Paul Patsis has served as a director of FGI since April 2000 and as
Senior Vice President of FGI and President of Farmers Life since May 1998.
Previously, Mr. Patsis served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Marketing One, Inc. from 1989 to 1996.
Jerry J. Carnahan has served as a director of FGI since August 2001 and as
Vice President of FGI and President of Farmers Personal Lines since June 2001.
Previously, Mr. Carnahan served as Assistant Vice President and Executive
Director for Nevada from May 1996 to September 1998, Vice President of Sales
from September 1998 to June 1999 and Executive Director for California from
June 1999 to June 2001.
75
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth the annual compensation for services in all
capacities to FGI for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
of those persons who were, as of December 31, 2001, (i) FGI's Chief Executive
Officer and (ii) the other four most highly compensated executive officers of
FGI (the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation
------------------------
All Other
Name and LTIP Payouts Compensation
Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3)
- ------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------ ------------ -------------
Martin D. Feinstein 2001 1,033,333 175,000 155,000
Chairman of the 2000 950,000 896,122 195,804 145,412
Board, President 1999 900,000 1,006,689 0 136,562
and Chief Executive
Officer
Stephen J. Leaman 2001 442,500 312,058 0 66,375
Executive Vice President 2000 365,000 248,670 0 55,869
1999 316,666 272,462 0 48,049
John H. Lynch 2001 417,500 254,066 0 62,625
Executive Vice President 2000 352,500 207,075 0 53,955
1999 285,417 261,586 0 43,308
Jason L. Katz 2001 395,000 310,994 0 59,250
Executive Vice President 2000 377,400 291,761 0 57,767
and General Counsel 1999 364,000 413,017 0 55,232
Keitha T. Schofield 2001 392,800 292,171 0 58,920
Executive Vice President 2000 372,800 263,642 0 57,063
1999 363,000 331,639 0 55,080
- ---------------------
(1) Bonus amounts reported in the year in which service related to such
bonus is rendered. A portion of each amount is not paid until the
year subsequent to the year of service. Information related to 2001
for Mr. Feinstein was not available for inclusion in this Report.
(2) During 2000 and 2001, Mr. Feinstein received payouts associated with
the 1997 and 1998 Zurich Long Term Incentive Plan awards, respectively.
As a member of the Zurich Group Management Board, Mr. Feinstein
participated on a pro-rata basis for the years 1997 and 1998. Awards
are based on the financial performance of ZGH over a three-year period
in relation to the achieved levels of return on equity in excess of
minimum threshold levels. The awards are only determined at the end
of the performance period and are made partially in cash and partially
in Zurich shares. As a result in 2000, Mr. Feinstein received $195,804
in cash and deferred receipt of 466 shares related to the 1997 awards,
and in 2001 Mr. Feinstein received $175,000 in cash and deferred receipt
of 314 shares related to the 1998 awards. The deferred shares are held
by the Zurich Central Share Vehicle.
In 1999, 2000 and 2001, Messrs. Feinstein, Katz, Leaman and Lynch and
Ms. Schofield participated in Zurich and FGI's Long Term Performance
Share Plans. The target number of performance shares to be awarded for
2001 is 1,463, 405, 440, 415 and 402, respectively. The target number of
performance shares to be awarded for 2000 is 976, 272, 244, 237 and 268,
respectively. The target number of performance shares to be awarded for
1999 is 627, 178, 149, 130 and 177, respectively. The number of shares
awarded is linked to performance goals over a three-year period. Shares
for the 1999 plan will be awarded in 2002. Depending upon performance,
the range of shares to be awarded will vary from 0% to 200% of the target
number of shares indicated.
(3) Represents estimated amounts to be contributed by FGI under the Employees'
Profit Sharing Savings Plan Trust (the "Deferred Plan") and reported in
the year of service as earned. To the extent that a participant's annual
benefits under the Deferred Plan exceed certain limits imposed by law,
such amounts will be paid under FGI's nonqualified Employee Benefits
Restoration Plan (the "Benefits Restoration Plan"), which is funded
through a grantor trust.
76
The following table sets forth the options granted to the Named Executive
Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 under the
Zurich Global Share Option Plan.
2001 2000 1999
Options Options Options
Over Over Over
Zurich Zurich Zurich
Financial Services Financial Services Financial Services
Officer Shares (#)(1) Shares (#)(2)(3) Shares (#)(2)(4)
------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Martin D. Feinstein 14,503 3,749 2,293
Stephen J. Leaman 1,613 671 388
John H. Lynch 1,519 651 338
Jason L. Katz 1,482 745 463
Keitha T. Schofield 1,474 735 463
- ---------------------
(1) Zurich share options were granted at an exercise price of 584.85 CHF for
the 2001 grant. As of the grant date, the currency exchange rate was 1.71
CHF per $1. The exercise period related to these options is February 1,
2004 through January 31, 2008.
(2) Due to the Zurich capital structure unification in October 2000, share
options in the previous holding companies, Allied Zurich p.l.c.
("Allied Zurich") and Zurich Allied AG ("Zurich Allied"), were replaced
by share options in the new group holding company, Zurich Financial
Services ("Zurich"). The exercise price of Allied Zurich and Zurich
Allied share options granted in 2000 and 1999 were based on a 10% premium
to the average market value during January 2000 and January 1999,
respectively. The exercise periods related to these options were February
1, 2003 through January 31, 2007 for the 2000 grant and February 1, 2002
through January 31, 2006 for the 1999 grant. As a result of the
unification in October 2000, Allied Zurich share options were converted to
Zurich share options using an exchange ratio of 42.928 while the Zurich
Allied share options were converted using an exchange ratio of 1.00.
(3) The Allied Zurich share options and the Zurich Allied share options were
granted at an exercise price of 7.06 GBP and 901.20 CHF, respectively, for
the 2000 grant. As of the grant date, the currency exchange rate was 0.61
GBP per $1 and 1.59 CHF per $1 for the Allied Zurich share options and the
Zurich Allied share options, respectively. The exercise price of the 2000
Allied Zurich and Zurich Allied share options as of the date of share
unification was 762.46 CHF and 901.20 CHF, respectively.
(4) The Allied Zurich share options and the Zurich Allied share options were
granted at an exercise price of 10.34 GBP and 1,157.10 CHF, respectively,
for the 1999 grant. As of the grant date, the currency exchange rate was
0.61 GBP per $1 and 1.42 CHF per $1 for the Allied Zurich share options
and Zurich Allied share options, respectively. The exercise price of the
1999 Allied Zurich and Zurich Allied share options as of the date of share
unification was 1,116.71 CHF and 1,157.0 CHF, respectively.
Employees' Pension Plan
In addition to the compensation set forth above, the Named Executive
Officers participate with all eligible employees of the Company in the
Company's tax-qualified Employees' Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan"). The
Named Executive Officers also participate in the Benefits Restoration Plan,
funded through a grantor trust, which provides supplemental benefits to the
extent amounts otherwise payable under the Pension Plan and the Deferred Plan
are limited under applicable laws. (Together, the Pension Plan and the
Benefits Restoration Plan are referred to as the "Retirement Plans").
Effective May 7, 1997, the Employee Benefits Restoration Plan was amended
to include awards made under the Executive Incentive Plan as compensation in
calculating pension benefits, starting with the 1996 awards paid in 1997. The
entire benefit derived from inclusion of the Executive Incentive Plan award(s)
will be paid from the Employee Benefits Restoration Plan. This amendment
impacts certain key officers and includes the Named Executive Officers.
The Pension Plan bases retirement benefits upon the employees' final
five-year average annual base salary and the total years of credited service,
subject to a maximum of 35 years of credited service. Employees who are at
least 21 years of age and who have completed one year of service participate in
the Pension Plan retroactive to the first day of the month following their hire
date. Eligible participants become vested and earn a nonforfeitable right
77
to Pension Plan benefits after completing five years of service or upon
reaching the first day of the month in which they become age 65.
Unreduced monthly pension benefits begin at age 62 with 30 years of
service and at age 65 with less than 30 years of service, but participants may
retire as early as age 55 at actuarially reduced rates, provided that they have
at least 15 years of service. Participants who become totally and permanently
disabled may qualify for disability retirement benefits if they have 10 or more
years of service and are between the ages of 35 and 65.
For purposes of illustration, the following table provides examples of the
annual pension benefits payable at age 65 pursuant to the defined benefit
portions of the Retirement Plans, assuming benefits are paid in the form of a
straight life annuity. Such benefits are not reduced for Social Security
payments or other offset amounts.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
Years of Credited Service
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Five-Year Average 15 20 25 30 35
Remuneration
- ------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
450,000 $ 116,916 $ 155,889 $ 194,861 $ 233,833 $ 272,805
500,000 130,041 173,389 216,736 260,083 303,431
600,000 156,291 208,389 260,486 312,583 364,680
700,000 182,541 243,389 304,236 365,083 425,930
800,000 208,791 278,389 347,986 417,583 487,181
900,000 235,041 313,389 391,736 470,083 548,430
1,000,000 261,291 348,389 435,486 522,583 609,680
1,100,000 287,541 383,389 479,236 575,083 670,931
1,200,000 313,791 418,389 522,986 627,583 732,180
1,300,000 340,041 453,389 566,736 680,083 793,430
1,400,000 366,291 488,389 610,486 732,583 854,681
1,500,000 392,541 523,389 654,236 785,083 915,930
1,600,000 418,791 558,389 697,986 837,583 977,180
At the end of 2001, Messrs. Feinstein, Katz, Leaman and Lynch and Ms.
Schofield were credited under the Pension Plans with 28.0, 17.4, 5.0, 24.8 and
6.6 years of service, respectively. The average annual salary for the
five-year period ended December 31, 2001 for Messrs. Feinstein, Katz, Leaman
and Lynch and Ms. Schofield was $1,566,360, $654,440, $538,135, $462,203 and
$587,360, respectively. These figures include the 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and
2000 Executive Incentive Plan Awards paid in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001.
Employment Agreements and Change-in-Control Arrangements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs.
Feinstein and Katz and Ms. Schofield. Each of the agreements provide that if
the executive's employment is terminated following a "Change-in-Control" (as
defined in the agreement), the executive will receive a severance payment equal
to two (2) times the executive's "Cash Compensation" (as defined in the
agreement, but generally including certain base salary, bonus and profit
sharing plan allocation amounts). In addition to the Cash Compensation amount
payable, the executive is also entitled to (i) continued coverage under
applicable group welfare benefit plans of the Company (for example, the
Company's life, disability and health insurance plans), (ii) a benefit under
the Company's long-term incentive plan (determined as if the executive
terminated employment due to retirement, and as if any remaining performance
criteria had been waived) and (iii) a lump sum payment of certain enhanced
benefit amounts under the Company's pension plans (including the supplemental
pension plan). Mr. Feinstein and Katz's agreements provide for a tax gross-up
payment equal to the amount of any excise tax payable under Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In the case of Ms. Schofield,
amounts payable under the agreement will be reduced to the extent necessary to
avoid the application of such excise tax.
78
The payments under each agreement will be made if the executive is
employed at the time of the Change-in-Control and his or her termination is
(i) by the Company other than for "Cause" (as defined in the agreement), (ii)
by the executive for "Good Reason" (as defined in the agreement) or (iii) other
than due to the executive's death, disability or retirement.
The agreement provides for an automatic annual 12-month extension of the
"Initial Term" (as defined in the agreement). In all cases, however, the
agreements will expire upon the death, retirement or disability termination of
the executive.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
N/A
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
All of the outstanding Class A Shares, which have 86.625% of the
voting power of FGI, are owned beneficially and of record by ZGH, Mythenquai 2,
P.O. Box 8022, Zurich, Switzerland. All of the outstanding Class B Shares,
which have 10% of the voting power of FGI, are owned beneficially and of
record by Allied Zurich Holdings Limited, Mourant du Feu & Jeune, P.O. Box 87,
22 Grenville Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PX, Channel Islands. All of the
Class C Shares, which have the remaining 3.375% of the voting power of FGI, are
owned beneficially and of record by the Partnerships (see Note B), Mythenquai
2, CH-8002, Zurich, Switzerland.
The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership
of Zurich ordinary shares as of December 31, 2001 by (a) the Chief Executive
Officer of FGI, (b) each of the four most highly compensated executive officers
of FGI other than the Chief Executive Officer and (c) all directors and
executive officers of FGI, as a group.
Zurich
Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned
---------------------
Name Number Percent
- ------ --------- ---------
Martin D. Feinstein 409 (1)
Stephen J. Leaman 5 (1)
Jason L. Katz 0
John H. Lynch 0
Keitha T. Schofield 0
All Directors and
Executive Officers as a
group 414 (1)
- ------------
(1) Less than 1% of the outstanding Zurich ordinary shares.
79
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
As of December 31, 2001 and 2000, all of the members of the Company's
Board of Directors were employees of the Company as a result of a restructuring
of the Company's Board of Directors in April 2000. Prior to April 2000, certain
directors of the Company were partners in legal firms that received fees for
legal services from the Company and the P&C Group Companies. As such, for the
year ended December 31, 1999, these fees totaled $8,492,000.
As of December 31, 2001, the Company held the following notes receivable
from related parties:
- A $250,000,000 note receivable from ZGAUS. The Company loaned
$250,000,000 to ZGAUS on December 15, 1999 and, in return, received
a medium-term note with a 7.50% fixed interest rate that matures on
December 15, 2004. Interest on this note is paid semi-annually.
Income earned on this note totaled $18,750,000 for each of the years
ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 and $781,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1999.
- $95,000,000 of notes receivable from UKISA. The Company purchased
$1,057,000,000 of notes from UKISA on September 3, 1998.
Subsequently, on March 1, 2000, Eagle Star assigned $175,000,000 of
matured surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies to the Company and,
in return, the Company reduced the outstanding balance of the notes
receivable from UKISA by $175,000,000. Additionally, on September 3,
2000, $25,000,000 of the notes receivable from UKISA, bearing
interest at a coupon rate of 5.44% with an original maturity date of
September 3, 2000, were renewed for medium-term notes with a 6.80%
fixed interest rate maturing in September 2002.
Also, on October 23, 2000, to help fund the payment of a
$1,075,000,000 special dividend associated with the Zurich capital
structure unification in October 2000, the Company sold $580,000,000
of notes receivable from UKISA to ZIC for par value. Finally, on
September 3, 2001, the Company received $214,625,000 from UKISA in
settlement of a $207,000,000 note receivable and $7,625,000 of
accrued interest. This note had a maturity date of September 3, 2001
and a coupon rate of 5.48%.
As a result, as of December 31, 2001, the Company held
$95,000,000 of notes receivable from UKISA each with a maturity date
of September 2002. The $95,000,000 of notes receivable are fixed rate
short-term notes with coupon rates as follows: $25,000,000 at a
coupon rate of 6.80% and $70,000,000 at a coupon rate of 5.67%.
Interest on the UKISA notes is paid semi-annually and, for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, income earned totaled
$14,589,000, $45,425,000 and $59,434,000, respectively.
80
PART IV
ITEM 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(1) Exhibits
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of FGI, restated as of February 6, 2001,
plus Certificates of Designation C-1 through C-6
3.2 Bylaws of FGI (i)
3.3 Form of Certificate of Trust of the Issuer (ii)
3.4 Trust Agreement (ii)
4.1 Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (ii)
4.2 Form of Indenture among FGI and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as
Debenture Trustee (ii)
4.3 Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.1) (ii)
4.4 Form of Junior Subordinated Debentures (included in Exhibit 4.2)
(ii)
4.5 Form of Guarantee by FGI and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as
Guarantee Trustee (ii)
10.1 Form of Subscription Agreement (Farmers Underwriters Association)
(ii)
10.2 Form of Subscription Agreement (Truck Underwriters Association) (ii)
10.3 Form of Subscription Agreement (Fire Underwriters Association) (ii)
10.4 The Farmers Group, Inc. 1993 Premier Award Unit Plan, as amended
November 4, 1993 (ii), as further amended February 14, 1996 (iii),
as further amended November 10, 1997 (v)
10.5 Farmers Group, Inc. Executive Incentive Program (ii), as amended May
7, 1997 and August 13, 1997 (v), as further amended February 10,
1999 (ix), as further amended December 2000
10.6 Description of Farmers Group, Inc. Outside Directors' Retirement
Program (ii)
10.7 The Farmers Group, Inc. Discretionary Management Incentive Program
for Exceptional Performance (ii), as amended December 1996 (iv), as
further amended January 2001 (x)
10.8 Farmers Group, Inc. Employee Benefits Restoration Plan (ii), as
amended May 7, 1997 (v)
10.9 The Zurich Financial Services Group Long Term Performance Share Plan
For Selected Executives (ix)
10.10 Form of Employment Agreement with certain officers (v), as amended
June 15, 1998 (vii), as further amended June 1, 1999 (ix)
10.11 The Zurich Financial Services Group Share Option Plan For Selected
Executives (ix)
12 Statement of Computation of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
16 Letter regarding change in Certifying Accountant (xi)
21 Subsidiaries of FGI (viii)
24 Power of Attorney (ii)
99 Risk Management
- ----------------
(i) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987.
(ii) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's
Registration Statement No. 33-94670 and No. 33-94670-01 on Form S-1.
(iii) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
(iv) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
(v) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
(vi) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September 30, 1998.
(vii) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
(viii) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31,
1999.
(ix) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.
(x) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.
(xi) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit to FGI's Form
8-K filed on June 7, 2001.
81
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Page
------
a. Financial Statements. See Index to Financial Statements and
Quarterly Financial Data for a list of financial statements
included in this Report. 28
b. Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule I - Marketable Securities - Other Investments, as
of December 31, 2001 S-1
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information, for the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 S-2
Schedule IV - Reinsurance, for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 S-3
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, for the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 S-4
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On June 7, 2001, FGI filed a report on Form 8-K announcing a change in
its Certifying Accountant.
82
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, in the City of
Los Angeles, State of California on
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
---------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: March 26, 2002 By: /s/ Martin D. Feinstein
---------------------------------------------
Martin D. Feinstein, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
Principal Executive Officer
/s/ Martin D. Feinstein Chairman of the Board, March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- President and Chief
(Martin D. Feinstein) Executive Officer
Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer
/s/ Gerald E. Faulwell Senior Vice President, March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer
(Gerald E. Faulwell) and Director
Directors
/s/ Jason L. Katz Executive Vice President, March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- General Counsel and Director
(Jason L. Katz)
/s/ Stephen J. Leaman Executive Vice President March 26, 2002
- --------------------------------and Director
(Stephen J. Leaman)
/s/ John H. Lynch Executive Vice President March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- and Director
(John H. Lynch)
/s/ Keitha T. Schofield Executive Vice President March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- and Director
(Keitha T. Schofield)
/s/ Cecilia M. Claudio Senior Vice President, March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- Chief Information Officer
(Cecilia M. Claudio) and Director
/s/ Stephen J. Feely Senior Vice President March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- and Director
(Stephen J. Feely)
/s/ Leonard H. Gelfand Senior Vice President, March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- President of Farmers
(Leonard H. Gelfand) Business Insurance and Director
/s/ Paul N. Hopkins Senior Vice President, March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- President of Strategic
(Paul N. Hopkins) Alliances and Director
/s/ C. Paul Patsis Senior Vice President, March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- President of Farmers Life
(C. Paul Patsis) and Director
/s/ Jerry J. Carnahan Vice President, President March 26, 2002
- ------------------------------- of Farmers Personal Lines and
(Jerry J. Carnahan) Director
S-1
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I - MARKETABLE SECURITIES - OTHER INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2001
(Amounts in thousands)
Market value Amount at which
at balance shown on the
Type of Investment Cost sheet date balance sheet
- -------------------- ------------ ------------- ---------------
Insurance Subsidiaries:
Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
United States government and its agencies $ 1,618,411 $ 1,653,249 $ 1,653,249
States and municipalities 259,050 268,891 268,891
Public utilities 111,685 111,827 111,827
Foreign government 19,938 20,129 20,129
Mortgage backed securities-Corporate 917,690 945,944 945,944
All other corporate 1,645,826 1,677,750 1,677,750
Preferred stocks (redeemable) 21,806 21,307 21,307
------------ ------------- ---------------
4,594,406 4,699,097 4,699,097
------------ ------------- ---------------
Preferred stocks (non-redeemable) 11,123 12,245 12,245
------------ ------------- ---------------
Common stocks:
Public utilities 17,544 16,335 16,335
Banks, trusts and insurance companies 49,684 48,176 48,176
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 286,520 275,173 275,173
------------ ------------- ---------------
353,748 339,684 339,684
------------ ------------- ---------------
Mortgage loans on real estate 28,901 xxxxx 28,901
------------ ------------- ---------------
Policy loans 232,287 xxxxx 232,287
------------ ------------- ---------------
Real estate (1) 80,814 (1) xxxxx 80,814
------------ ------------- ---------------
Joint ventures 3,625 xxxxx 3,625
------------ ------------- ---------------
Certificates of contribution of the
P&C Group Companies 403,000 xxxxx 403,000
------------ ------------- ---------------
Surplus note of the P&C Group Companies 87,500 xxxxx 87,500
------------ ------------- ---------------
S&P 500 call options 36,453 12,690 12,690
------------ ------------- ---------------
Other investments 12,435 xxxxx 12,435
------------ ------------- ---------------
Total investments $ 5,844,292 $ 5,063,716 $ 5,912,278
============ ============= ===============
(1) Net of accumulated depreciation of $25,217.
S-2
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
(Amounts in thousands)
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G
- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Future policy
Deferred benefits, Other policy Premium
policy losses, claims claims and and policy Net
Insurance acquisition and loss Unearned benefits charge investment
Subsidiaries costs (1) expenses premiums payable revenues income
- -------------- ----------- ------------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
FARMERS RE
December 31, 2001 $ 0 $ 18,922 $ 0 $ 0 $ 400,000 $ 36,854
=========== ============= ======== ========== ========== ==========
December 31, 2000 $ 0 $ 89,936 $ 0 $ 0 $1,000,000 $ 31,360
=========== ============= ======== ========== ========== ==========
December 31, 1999 $1,000,000 $ 27,891
========== ==========
FARMERS LIFE
December 31, 2001 $ 835,779 $ 3,896,088 $ 1,504 $ 262,954 $ 493,767 $ 331,378
=========== ============ ======== ========== ========== ==========
December 31, 2000 $ 838,121 $ 3,607,103 $ 1,590 $ 139,957 $ 443,204 $ 321,989
=========== ============ ======== ========== ========== ==========
December 31, 1999 $ 420,358 $ 307,674
========== ==========
TOTAL FARMERS RE & FARMERS LIFE
December 31, 2001 $ 835,779 $ 3,915,010 $ 1,504 $ 262,954 $ 893,767 $ 368,232
=========== ============ ======== ========== ========== ==========
December 31, 2000 $ 838,121 $ 3,697,039 $ 1,590 $ 139,957 $1,443,204 $ 353,349
=========== ============ ======== ========== ========== ==========
December 31, 1999 $1,420,358 $ 335,565
========== ==========
Column A Column H Column I Column J Column K
- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Benefits, Amortization
claims, of deferred
losses and policy Other
Insurance settlement acquisition operating Premiums
Subsidiaries expenses costs (1) expenses written (2)
- -------------- ---------- -------------- ------------ ------------
FARMERS RE
December 31, 2001 $ 281,996 $ 0 $ 108,204 $ 400,000
========== ============= ============ ===========
December 31, 2000 $ 686,874 $ 0 $ 288,433 $ 1,000,000
========== ============= ============ ===========
December 31, 1999 $ 661,260 $ 0 $ 313,952 $ 1,000,000
========== ============= ============ ===========
FARMERS LIFE
<c>
December 31, 2001 $ 280,400 $ 97,408 $ 54,134 $ 0
========== ============= ============ ===========
December 31, 2000 $ 218,086 $ 108,757 $ 55,313 $ 0
========== ============= ============ ===========
December 31, 1999 $ 189,998 $ 102,581 $ 57,597 $ 0
========== ============= ============ ===========
TOTAL FARMERS RE & FARMERS LIFE
<c>
December 31, 2001 $ 562,396 $ 97,408 $ 162,338 $ 400,000
========== ============= ============ ===========
December 31, 2000 $ 904,960 $ 108,757 $ 343,746 $ 1,000,000
========== ============= ============ ===========
December 31, 1999 $ 851,258 $ 102,581 $ 371,549 $ 1,000,000
========== ============= ============ ===========
- -------------------
(1) Includes value of life business acquired
(2) Does not apply to life insurance or title insurance. This amount includes
premiums from reinsurance assumed, and is net of premiums on reinsurance ceded.
S-3
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE
For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
(Amounts in thousands)
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F
- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Percentage
Ceded to Assumed of amount
Gross other from other Net assumed
amount companies companies amount to net
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
2001
- ----------
Life insurance in-force $122,932,279 $ 33,062,102 $ 14,258,822 $ 104,128,999 13.7%
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
Life premium & policy charges 543,658 61,212 11,321 493,767 2.3
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
Non-life premiums 0 0 400,000 400,000 100.0
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
2000
- ----------
Life insurance in-force $112,177,578 $ 21,976,688 $ 9,576,567 $ 99,777,457 9.6%
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
Life premium & policy charges 466,898 33,527 9,833 443,204 2.2
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
Non-life premiums 0 0 1,000,000 1,000,000 100.0
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
1999
- ----------
Life insurance in-force $102,137,710 $ 12,179,486 $ 9,724,860 $ 99,683,084 9.8%
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
Life premiums & policy charges 425,232 13,939 9,065 420,358 2.2
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
Non-life premiums 0 0 1,000,000 1,000,000 100.0
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------
S-4
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE V - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Amounts in thousands)
Balance at Balance at
beginning end of
of year year
------------ ------------
Year
- ----------
2001 $ 3,553 $ 3,798
2000 11,817 3,553
1999 14,206 11,817
Includes allowances for investment properties, mortgage loan reserves and
other miscellaneous reserves.
Exhibit 3.1
1
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
FIRST: The name of this corporation is Farmers Group, Inc.
SECOND: The principal office and place of business of this Corporation in
the State of Nevada shall be located at Scheeline Banking and Trust Company, in
the City of Reno, County of Washoe, State of Nevada, but the Corporation may
maintain an office, or offices, in such Towns, Cities, places and foreign
Countries outside of the State of Nevada, as the Board of Directors may from
time to time determine, or as may be designated by the By-Laws of the
Corporation, and all Corporate business of every kind and nature may be
conducted outside the State of Nevada the same as in the State of Nevada.
THIRD: The nature of the business and the objects and purposes proposed
to be transacted, promoted and carried on by this Corporation are:
1. To purchase and otherwise acquire, become interested in, hold,
sell, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of, or turn to account or realize
upon, all forms of securities including stocks, bonds, debentures, notes,
evidences of indebtedness, certificates of indebtedness, certificates of
interest, commercial papers, mortgages, deeds of trust and other similar
instruments and rights, issued or created by corporations, domestic or foreign,
associations, firms, trustees, syndicates, individuals, governments, states,
municipalities, or other political divisions, or issued or created by others,
and to deal in and with the same, and to issue in exchange therefor or in
payment thereof its own stocks, bonds or other obligations or securities, or
otherwise pay therefor; to exercise in respect thereof any and all rights,
powers and privileges of individual ownership or interest therein, including
the right to vote thereon and to consent or otherwise act with respect thereto;
to do any and all acts and things for the preservation, protection,
improvement, and enhancement in value thereof or designed to accomplish any
such purpose, and to aid by loan, subsidy, guaranty, or in any other manner
those issuing, creating or responsible for any of such securities, all to such
extent as a corporation organized under said General Corporation Law may then
lawfully do.
2. To take, hold, manage or control escrow of any kind or nature and
to act as escrow or escrow holder in escrows of any and every kind.
3. To investigate and report with respect to, and to undertake, carry
on, aid, assist or participate in the litigation or reorganization of,
financial, commercial, mercantile, agricultural, industrial or other business
concerns, firms, associations and corporations, and for that purpose to take
over the properties, manage the affairs and conduct the business of such
concerns, firms associations and corporations, and in the course of such
business to acquire and dispose of, or otherwise turn to account, all or any
negotiable or transferable instruments or securities, including debentures,
bonds, notes, certificates of indebtedness, certificates of interest, and all
kinds of commercial paper.
4. To purchase or otherwise acquire, sell or otherwise dispose of,
realize upon or otherwise turn to account, manage, liquidate or reorganize the
properties, assets, business, undertakings, enterprises or ventures, or any
part thereof, of corporations, associations, firms,
2
individuals, syndicates and others, to further and promote the general business
interests of any thereof, and to improve, extend and place upon a safe and more
permanent foundation any such business, undertaking, enterprises or venture.
5. To act as financial, commercial or general agent or representative
of any corporation, association, firm, syndicate, individual or others, and as
such to develop, improve and extend the property, trade and business interests
thereof, and to aid any lawful enterprise in connection therewith, and in
connection with acting as such, or as agent or broker for any principal to give
any other aid or assistance.
6. To promote and assist, financially or otherwise, corporations,
firms, syndicates, associations, individuals and others and to give any
guaranty in connection therewith or otherwise for the payment of money or for
the performance of any other undertaking or obligation.
7. To borrow money, and for moneys borrowed or in payment for property
acquired, or for any other objects and purposes of the corporation or otherwise
in connection with the transaction of any part of its business, to issue bonds,
debentures, notes and other obligations, secured or unsecured, and to mortgage,
pledge or hypothecate any or all of its properties or assets as security
therefor. To make, accept, endorse, guarantee, execute and issue notes and
other obligations, to mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any stocks, bonds or
other evidences of indebtedness or securities and any other property held by
it, or in which it may be interested, and to loan money with or without
collateral or other security.
8. To guarantee the payment of the principal of and/or interest upon
bonds, notes, or other evidences of secured indebtedness or obligations, or the
performance of the contracts or other undertakings of any corporation,
co-partnership, syndicate, individual or others, and, to such extent, to enter
into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every kind and any lawful
purpose, with any person, firm, association, corporation, syndicate or others.
9. To purchase, hold, sell and transfer the shares of its own capital
stock; provided it shall not use its funds or property for the purchase of its
own shares of capital stock when such use would cause any impairment of its
capital; and provided further that shares of its own capital stock belonging to
it shall not be voted upon directly or indirectly.
10. To purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, own, mortgage, sell,
convey, exchange, option, subdivide, or otherwise dispose of real and personal
property of every class and description and any estate or interest therein,
including leaseholds for any term, in any of the States, Districts, Territories
or Colonies of the United States, and in any and all foreign countries, subject
to the laws of such State, District, Territory, Colony or Country.
11. In general, to manage, operate and carry on any other business in
connection with the foregoing, and to have and exercise all the powers
conferred by the laws of Nevada upon corporations formed under the act
hereinafter referred to, and to do any or all of the things hereinbefore set
forth to the same extent as natural persons might or could do.
12. The foregoing clauses shall be construed both as objects and
powers; and it is hereby expressly provided that the foregoing enumeration of
specific powers shall not be held to limit or restrict in any manner the powers
of this corporation.
3
And in addition to the foregoing to exercise, transact and carry on in all
of the States, Territories and Colonial possessions of the United States,
exclusive of the State of Nevada, the following additional objects and
purposes, to-wit:
13. To act as the agent, under Power of Attorney, or otherwise, of any
number of individuals, partnerships and/or Corporations in the exchange of
reciprocal or inter-insurance contracts, covering any and all forms of hazards
which may be lawfully insured against except that of Life Insurance; to execute
contracts for and on behalf of such Subscribers, whether individually or
collectively, and to collect premiums and other fees for the same; to act as
agent for any such Subscribers in obtaining such Insurance from other
individuals, partnerships and/or Corporations.
14. To establish and maintain, on behalf of such Subscribers, out of
the capital assets of this Company, or otherwise, a reserve in accordance with
law, to meet losses which may accrue and to pay out the funds of Subscribers in
meeting any such losses and any other expenses accruing in regard thereto.
15. To charge and receive from the Subscribers any such premiums
and/or fees as may be fixed in such reciprocal and/or inter-insurance contracts
and to disburse the same without restrictions, except those which may be
required by law in the maintaining of legal reserves to meet losses.
16. To execute any and all bonds, documents, contracts or other
instruments of writing which may be deemed necessary or desirable to carry out
the purpose aforesaid, and to do all things necessary and requisite thereto,
the same as an individual might or could do to carry those purposes into
effect.
FOURTH: The total authorized capital stock of the corporation shall
consist of One Thousand (1,000) shares of common stock having a par value of
One Dollar ($1.00) per share, of which four-hundred fifty (450) shares are to
be Class A Common Stock, Five Hundred (500) shares are to be Class B Common
Stock and fifty (50) shares are to be Class C Common Stock. The holders of the
shares of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to 1.0694444 votes per share
(subject to adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock
distribution or combination with respect to any shares of capital stock of the
Corporation) upon the election of directors and on all other matters upon which
stockholders generally are entitled to vote. The holders of the shares of
Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to 0.1111111 of a vote per share upon
the election of directors and on all other matters upon which stockholders
generally are entitled to vote. The holders of the shares of Class C Common
Stock shall be entitled to 0.375 of a vote per share upon the election of
directors and on all other matters upon which stockholders generally are
entitled to vote as may be provided in a certificate of designation for any
series of the Class C Common Stock.
The holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock
and the Class C Common Stock shall be entitled to notice of any stockholders'
meeting in accordance with the By-Laws of the Corporation, and the holders of
the shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Common
Stock shall vote together as a single class with respect to any matter brought
to a stockholder vote, except as otherwise provided by law or in a certificate
of designation for any series of the Class C Common Stock.
Subject to the rights of the holders of the Class C Common Stock, the
holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock and the holders of the shares of
Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to
4
receive, when and if declared by the board of directors, out of funds of the
Corporation at the time legally available therefor, dividends or distributions
payable either in cash, in stock, or otherwise; provided, however, that the
board of directors may, in its sole discretion, declare dividends or
distributions payable exclusively to the holders of the shares of Class A
Common Stock, or payable exclusively to the holders of the shares of Class B
Common Stock, or payable to the holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock
and the holders of the shares of Class B Common Stock in equal or unequal
amounts, notwithstanding the amount of prior dividends or distributions
declared on either such class or any other factor.
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, the holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock shall be
entitled to receive any and all distributions of money or other property of the
corporation to the exclusion of the holders of the shares of Class B Common
Stock, but subject to the rights of the holders of Class C Common Stock.
The shares of Class C Common Stock shall be designated into such series
having such voting powers, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative
rights, including without limitation the dividend rights, dividend rate,
conversion rights, special voting rights, rights and terms of redemption
(including sinking fund provisions), the redemption price or prices, the
liquidation rights, and the number of shares constituting any such series, or
any or all of them; as are determined by the Corporation's Board of Directors,
or committee thereof, and as set forth in resolutions adopted by the Board of
Directors, or committee thereof, prior to the issuance of any shares of such
series of Class C Common Stock; provided, however, that in the event the
Corporation fails to fully declare or pay the full amount of cash dividends to
which the holders of each series of Class C Common Stock are entitled, cash
dividends on the Class C Common Stock must be declared and paid pro rata based
on the relative number of outstanding shares of each series of Class C Common
Stock as provided in the certificates of designation of each series of Class C
Common Stock.
FIFTH: That the amount of capital with which the Corporation will begin
business is Nine Hundred ($900.00) Dollars.
SIXTH: The members of the Governing Board shall be styled Directors and
the number of such Directors, which shall be not less than three, shall be the
number thereof provided in the By-Laws of this Corporation. The names and post
office addresses of the first Board of Directors are as follows:
5
NAME RESIDENCE
------ ----------
Louis H. Didier Puente, California
Edward R. Moore Route #3, Santa Ana, California
Frank A. Borchard Oxnard, California
Thomas E. Leavey 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg.
Los Angeles, California
John C. Tyler 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg.
Los Angeles, California
Harry L. Person 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg.
Los Angeles, California
A.B. Person 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg.
Los Angeles, California
Geo. D. Rodgers 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg.
Los Angeles, California
J.K. Mahoney 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg.
Los Angeles, California
SEVENTH: The names and post office addresses of the original Subscribers
of these Articles of Incorporation, and the number of shares and amount
subscribed for by each respectively, are as follows:
SHARES NO. OF
NAME RESIDENCE PREFERRED AMOUNT
- ---- ---------- ----------- -------
Louis H. Didier Puente, California One (1) $1.00
Edward R. Moore Route #3, Santa Ana One (1) $1.00
California
Frank R. Borchard Oxnard, California One (1) $1.00
Thomas E. Leavey 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg. One (1) $1.00
Los Angeles, California
John C. Tyler 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg. One (1) $1.00
Los Angeles, California
Harry L. Person 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg. One (1) $1.00
Los Angeles, California
A.B. Person 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg. One (1) $1.00
Los Angeles, California
Geo. D. Rodgers 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg. One (1) $1.00
Los Angeles, California
J. K. Mahoney 616 Broadway Arcade Bldg. One (1) $1.00
Los Angeles, California
EIGHTH: The Capital Stock of this Corporation, after the amount of the
subscription price or par value has been paid in, shall not be subject to
assessment to pay debts of this Corporation, and no stock issued as fully paid
up shall ever be assessable or assessed and the Articles of Incorporation shall
not be amended in this particular.
6
NINTH: This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
TENTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by
Statute the Board of Directors is expressly authorized:
To make, alter and amend the By-Laws of this Corporation, to fix the
amount to be reserved as working capital over and above its capital stock paid
in, to authorize and cause to be executed mortgages and liens upon the real and
personal property of this Corporation;
From time to time to determine whether and to what extent, and at what
times and places, and under what conditions and regulations, the accounts and
books of this Corporation, (other than the stock ledger), or any of them, shall
be open to inspection of stockholders, and no stockholders shall have any right
of inspecting any account, book or documents of this Corporation except as
conferred by the Statute, unless authorized by resolution of the stockholders
or Directors;
If the By-Laws so provide, to designate two (2) or more of its members to
constitute an executive committee, which committee shall for the time being as
provided in said resolution or in the By-Laws of this Corporation have and
exercise any or all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management
of the business affairs of the Corporation, and to have power to authorize the
seal of this Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.
Pursuant to the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of
the stock issued and outstanding, having voting power, given at a stockholders'
meeting duly called for that purpose, or when authorized by a written consent
of at least a majority of the holders of the voting stock issued and
outstanding, the Board of Directors shall have power and authority at any
meeting to sell, lease or exchange all of the property and assets of this
Corporation, including its Good Will and its Corporate franchises, upon such
terms and conditions as its Board of Directors deem expedient for the best
interests of the Corporation.
This Corporation may in its By-Laws confer power upon its Directors in
addition to the foregoing, and in addition to the powers and authorities
expressly conferred upon them by the Statute.
Both stockholders and Directors shall have power if the By-Laws so
provide, to hold their meetings, and to have one or more offices within or
without the State of Nevada, and to keep the books of this Corporation (subject
to the provisions of the Statutes), outside of the State of Nevada, at such
place or places as may be from time to time designated by the Board of
Directors.
ELEVENTH: This Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or
repeal any provisions contained in these Articles of Incorporation (except such
as are expressly stated herein as not to be amended), in the manner now or
hereafter prescribed by Statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders
herein, and granted subject to this reservation.
7
The undersigned certify that the Board of Directors of the corporation, by
unanimous written consent in lieu of meeting dated as of February 6, 2001,
adopted a resolution to amend and restate the articles of incorporation of the
corporation as set forth above, that the holders of all of the outstanding
shares of the common stock of the corporation, by unanimous written consent in
lieu of meeting dated as of February 6, 2001, voted in favor of the amended and
restated articles of incorporation of the corporation as set forth above.
Dated this 7 day of February, 2001.
-----
By:/s/ Julian R.M. Harvey
--------------------------------
Name: Julian R.M. Harvey
Title: Vice President
By:/s/ Doren Hohl
-----------------------------------------
Name: Doren Hohl
Title: Secretary
1
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
CLASS C-1 COMMON STOCK
of
FARMERS GROUP, INC
Pursuant to Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada
Farmers Group, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a corporation organized and
existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada, certifies as follows:
FIRST: The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation (the "Articles of Incorporation") authorize the issuance of up to
50 shares of Class C common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Class C
Common Stock"), and further, authorize the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Board of Directors") by resolution or resolutions, at any
time and from time to time, to divide and establish any or all of the shares
of Class C Common Stock into one or more series of Class C Common Stock, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to fix and determine the
designation of each such series, the number of shares which shall constitute
such series and such voting powers, and such preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof of the shares of each series so
established.
SECOND: The following resolutions authorizing the creation and
issuance of a series of said shares of Class C Common Stock to be known as
Class C-1 Common Stock were duly adopted by the Board of Directors on the
6th day of February, 2001, in accordance with Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of
the Nevada General Corporation Law.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors, pursuant to authority vested in it
by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, hereby authorizes the
issuance of a series of the Corporation's Class C Common Stock, and hereby
fixes the number, designation, preferences, rights, limitations and
restrictions thereof in addition to those set forth in the Articles of
Incorporation as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. In this Certificate of Designation, unless
the context otherwise requires
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person
that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified Person.
"Book-Entry Interest" means a beneficial ownership in Class C-1 Shares,
the ownership and transfers of which are maintained through book entries of the
Registrar as set forth in Section 9.04(b) of this Certificate of Designation.
"Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is
neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or
required by law, regulation or
2
executive order to close in The City of New York. With respect to the LIBOR
Determination Date, "Business Day" means a day on which dealings in deposits in
U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
"Change of Control Event" means the Corporation ceasing to be an
Affiliate of ZGH or any of its Affiliates, including, but not limited to a
Change of Control Tax Event.
"Change of Control Tax Event" means a Change of Control Event which
results in an adverse tax effect on the holders of Trust Capital Securities I.
"Class A Shares" means the Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class B Shares" means the Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class C Shares" means, collectively, the Class C-1 Shares and all
other series of Class C Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the
Corporation, for which a certificate or certificates of designation have
been filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.
"Class C-1 Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01 hereof.
"Class C-1 Indicative Rate" means initially, a fixed annual rate of 6.01%
of the Class C-1 Share Liquidation Preference and on or after March 30, 2006,
a variable rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 150 basis points, reset
quarterly, determined by reference to the Class C-1 Share Liquidation
Preference; provided, however, that such variable rate shall never be greater
than 15%.
"Class C-1 Share Liquidation Amount" means, with respect to each Class
C-1 Share, an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Class C-1 Share
Liquidation Preference, plus an amount (whether or not declared) equal
to the Class C-1 Share Liquidation Preference multiplied by the Class C-1
Indicative Rate multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of days in the current Dividend Period that have passed prior to the
date on which the liquidation occurs and the denominator of which is 360 and
(ii) the Economic Dividend Payable.
"Class C-1 Share Liquidation Preference" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01 hereof.
"Clearing Agency" means the clearing agency with respect to the Class
C-1 Shares.
"Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Common Shares" means, collectively, the Class A Shares and the Class B
Shares.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
"Dividend" means a cash distribution to holders of the Class C-1 Shares
from the Corporation with respect to any applicable Dividend Period and
payable on an applicable Dividend Date.
3
"Dividend Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August and November
in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day)
commencing February 15, 2001, with respect to Dividends for each relevant
Dividend Period on the Class C-1 Shares.
"Dividend Period" means for each Dividend Date, a quarterly period
comprised of two components:
On or prior to March 30, 2006, (i) an arrears component from and
including the date of the original issuance of the Class C-1 Shares (in
the case of the first Dividend Period) or, in all other cases, from
and including the 30th day of any of March, June, September or December
immediately preceding the then current Dividend Date, to but excluding the
then current Dividend Date and (ii) an advance component from and including
the then current Dividend Date to but excluding the next 30th day of any of
March, June, September or December (as the case may be) immediately succeeding
the then current Dividend Date, and no additional dividends will accrue in
respect of such additional day(s). The foregoing is intended to provide for
a computation of dividends on the basis of a 360 day year of twelve 30-day
months with four equal quarterly payments.
After March 30, 2006, (i) an arrears component from and including the
30th day of any of March, June, September or December immediately preceding
the then current Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is not a
Business Day, then the start of the period will be postponed to the next
succeeding Business Day, except that in the case in which the Business Day
falls in the next succeeding calendar month, any such period will start on the
immediately preceding Business Day, to but excluding the then current Dividend
Date, and (ii) an advance component from and including the then current
Dividend Date to but excluding the next 30th day of any of March, June,
September or December (as the case may be) immediately succeeding the then
current Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is not a Business
Day, then the end of the period (and associated first day of the next Dividend
Period) will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day, except that in
the case in which the Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month
any such period will end (and associated first day of the next Dividend Period
will start) on the immediately preceding Business Day.
"Economic Dividend Payable" means initially, as determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank, for the Class C-1 Shares in the aggregate 1.3245033% of, as
applicable, (i) the amount of dividends paid or set apart for payment by the
Corporation on its common shares (including the Class C Shares) during any
Dividend Period, (ii) the amount of any redemption proceeds on the
Corporation's common shares to the extent such proceeds are greater than the
fair market value of the common shares being redeemed, or (iii) the aggregate
amount available for payment of distributions on liquidation with respect to
the Corporation's common shares entitled to payments upon liquidation;
provided that: (A) subsection (i) above shall only apply when determining
whether the Class C-1 Shares are entitled to Dividends, (B) subsection (ii)
above shall only apply upon a redemption of the Corporation's common shares
and (C) subsection (iii) above shall only apply upon a liquidation,
dissolution and winding up of the Corporation. This percentage shall be
adjusted from time to time (for example upon the issuance of common shares
by the Corporation in exchange for cash or property) based upon the percentage
of the Corporation's fair market value represented by the Class C-1 Shares
at the time of such adjustment; provided that any such adjustment shall be
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of
a nationally recognized investment bank.
"Holder" means the beneficial owners of the Class C-1 Shares.
4
"IAI" means a Person that is an "accredited investor" within the meaning
of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act or the analog
provisions of any successor rule.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Junior Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01.
"LIBOR Determination Date" the first LIBOR Determination Date will be
March 28th, 2006, and thereafter will be two Business Days prior to each
June 30th, September 30th, December 30th and March 30th thereafter (except if
any such day is not a Business Day, then the relevant LIBOR Determination Date
will be two Business Days prior to the preceding Business Day).
"LLC I" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding LLC I, a Delaware limited liability
company.
"LLC I Payment Date" means the 30th day of March, June, September and
December in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) when the corresponding RegCaPS I Payment for such period has
been made.
"LLC I Payments" means cash payments on the LLC Preferred Interests I.
LLC I Payments shall not include tax amounts withheld and not refunded.
"LLC Preferred Interest I" means the preferred membership interests in
LLC I.
"Minimum Net Worth Amount" initially means US$ 3 billion. The Minimum
Net Worth Amount will be increased by the proceeds paid to the Corporation in
consideration for the issuance and sale of any of its capital stock ranking
pari passu with or senior to the Class C-1 Shares with respect to the payment
of distributions or amounts payable upon liquidation. The Minimum Net Worth
Amount will be reduced by the amounts paid to purchase or redeem any shares
of Class C Common Stock or any of its capital stock ranking pari passu with
or senior to the Class C-1 Shares or the other Class C Shares, but only by an
amount equal to the liquidation preference of such shares. The net worth of
the Corporation will be determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
"Partnership I" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Limited Partnership I, a
Delaware limited partnership.
"Person" means any legal person, including any individual, corporation,
association, partnership (general or limited), joint venture, trust, estate,
limited liability company, or other legal entity or organization, including a
government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Purchaser" ZGH, or any of its Affiliates.
"QIB" means a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule
144A under the Securities Act.
"RegCaPS I" means any regulatory capital preferred securities of
Partnership I.
5
"RegCaPS I Payment Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August
and November in each year (or on the preceding Business Day if such
day is not a Business Day) commencing February 15, 2001 with respect to the
RegCaPS I Payments for each relevant RegCaPS Payment Period.
"RegCaPS I Payment Period" means for each RegCaPS I Payment Date, a
quarterly period comprised of two components: (i) an arrears component from
and including the date of the original issuance of the RegCaPS I (in the
case of the first RegCaPS I Payment Period) or, in all other cases, from and
including the relevant LLC I Payment Date immediately preceding the then
current RegCaPS I Payment Date to but excluding the then current RegCaPS I
Payment Date and (ii) an advance component from and including the then
current RegCaPS I Payment Date to but excluding the next relevant succeeding
LLC I Payment Date.
"RegCaPS I Payments" means cash remittances, initially, at a fixed
annual rate of 6.01% of the liquidation preference of the RegCaPS I, and on
or after March 30, 2006, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR
plus 150 basis points, reset quarterly to the registered holder of the
RegCaPS I with respect to any applicable RegCaPS I Payment Period and
payable on an applicable RegCaPS I Payment Date.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Exchange Act" means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
"Special Independent Directors" means two (2) independent directors of
the Corporation to be elected by holders of the Class C Shares upon the
occurrence of certain events as stated in this Certificate of Designation
and in the certificates of designation of the other Class C Shares. The
holders of the Class C-1 Shares shall have the right to vote for the Special
Independent Directors only upon the failure of the Corporation to pay
Dividends for 24 consecutive months at the Class C-1 Indicative Rate on
the Class C-1 Shares.
"Three Month LIBOR" means with respect to any LIBOR Determination Date,
a rate determined on the basis of the offered rates for three-month United
States dollar deposits of not less than a principal amount equal to that which
is representative for a single transaction in such market at such time,
commencing on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR
Determination Date, which appears on US LIBOR Telerate Page 3750 as of
approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR Determination Date.
If on any LIBOR Determination Date no rate appears on US LIBOR Telerate
Page 3750 as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, the Paying Agent shall
on such LIBOR Determination Date request the four major reference banks in the
London interbank market selected by the Paying Agent to provide the Paying
Agent with a quotation of the rate at which three-month deposits in United
States dollars, commencing on the second Business Day immediately following
such LIBOR Determination Date, are offered by it to prime banks in the London
interbank market as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to that which is
representative for a single transaction in such market at such time. If at
least two such quotations are provided, Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR
Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations as
calculated by the Paying Agent. If fewer than two quotations are
provided, Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be the
arithmetic mean of the rates quoted as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London
time, on such LIBOR
6
Determination Date by three major banks in the London interbank market
selected by the Paying Agent for loans in United States dollars to leading
European banks, having a three-month maturity commencing on the second
Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Determination Date and in a
principal amount equal to that which is representative for a single
transaction in such market at such time; provided, however, that, if the
banks selected as aforesaid by the Paying Agent are not quoting as mentioned
in this sentence, Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will
be Three-Month LIBOR determined with respect to (i) the immediately
preceding Dividend Period for purposes of the Class C Shares and (ii) the
immediately preceding RegCaPS I Payment Period for purposes of the RegCaPS
I.
"Transfer Agent" means the transfer agent with respect to the Class C-1
Shares which shall initially be the Corporation.
"Trust I" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Trust I, a Delaware statutory
business trust.
"Trust Capital Securities I" means 200,000 trust capital securities,
liquidation preference US $1,000 each, representing undivided beneficial
ownership interests in Trust I.
"U.S. GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States.
"ZGH" means Zurich Group Holding a Swiss stock corporation (as defined in
Article 620 et seq., of the Swiss Code of Obligation), formerly known as
Zurich Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial
Services or its successors and assigns.
"Zurich Financial Services" means Zurich Financial Services, a Swiss
stock corporation (as defined in Article 620 et seq., of the Swiss Code of
Obligation) listed on the Swiss Exchange SWX with a secondary listing on the
London Stock Exchange and the holder of directly or indirectly 100% of the
shares of ZGH or its successors and assigns.
"1940 Act" means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
ARTICLE 2
NUMBER AND DESIGNATION
SECTION 2.01. Number and Designation. 8 and 8/9 shares of the Class C
Common Stock of the Corporation are hereby designated as a series of Class C
Common Stock designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(the "Class C-1 Shares"). The Class C-1 Shares shall have a liquidation
preference of twenty-two million five hundred thousand United States dollars
($22,500,000) per share (the "Class C-1 Share Liquidation Preference").
ARTICLE 3
RANK
SECTION 3.01 Rank. (a)The Class C-1 Shares shall, only with respect to
payment of Dividends at the Class C-1 Indicative Rate (as defined below) and
with respect to the payment of the Class C-1 Share Liquidation Preference upon
the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Corporation, rank senior to
all of the Junior Shares, including the Common Shares. In all other respects,
the Class C-1 Shares shall rank pari passu with the Junior Shares, including
the Common
7
Shares and the other series of Class C Shares and shall participate
equally with the Common Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and shall participate equally
with the Class A Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with respect to
any amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation. The Class C-1 Shares will rank junior in all respects to any
indebtedness of the Corporation. The Class C-1 Shares shall rank pari passu
with the other series of Class C Shares for all purposes. All securities of
the Corporation to which the Class C-1 Shares rank senior (whether with
respect to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, winding up or
otherwise), including the Common Shares, are collectively referred to herein
as the "Junior Shares." The definition of Junior Shares shall also include
any rights or options exercisable for or convertible into any of the Junior
Shares.
(b) Without prior consent of the holders of not less than a majority
of the outstanding Class C-1 Shares, the Corporation shall not issue any
class or series of equity securities whose terms provide that such securities
rank senior to or pari passu with the Class C-1 Shares with respect to the
rights to receive dividends and other distributions or with respect to any
amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; provided that
the Corporation may file certificates of designation and issue shares in
accordance therewith for other series of Class C Shares to be designated as
Class C-2 Common Stock, Class C-3 Common Stock, Class C-4 Common Stock,
Class C-5 Common Stock, and Class C-6 Common Stock, each of which ranks pari
passu with the Class C-1 Shares with respect to distributions paid by the
Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. Further, if the Corporation
has paid in full the lesser of (i) each Dividend on its respective Dividend
Payment Date during the last 24 months at the Class C-1 Indicative Rate, or
(ii) prior to February 9, 2003, all Dividends in an amount at least equal to
the Class C Share Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C
Shares, the Corporation may issue an unlimited amount of additional Class C
Shares and other equity ranking pari passu with the Class C-1 Shares without
the consent of the holders of the Class C-1 Shares.
ARTICLE 4
DIVIDENDS
SECTION 4.01 Rate; Dividend Date. (a) Each Class C-1 Share shall be
entitled to receive cash Dividends on a non-cumulative basis, when as and
if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for
the payment of distributions on each Dividend Date commencing February 15,
2001. Prior to March 30, 2006 the amount of Dividends will be computed on
the basis of twelve 30-day months and will be computed on the basis of equal
quarterly payments. On or after March 30, 2006, the amount of Dividends will
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days in
such Dividend Period. When Dividends are paid on the Class C-1 Shares at less
than the Class C-1 Indicative Rate, all Dividends declared on the Class C
Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding number of shares of
each series of Class C Common Stock and such Dividends declared on the Class
C-1 Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding number of Class
C-1 Shares.
(b) The Paying Agent will calculate Three-Month LIBOR as of each LIBOR
Determination Date and shall make such rate calculation available to holders
of Class C-1 Shares. The Paying Agent also shall determine the Dividends
payable on each Dividend Date and give notice thereof (including the
applicable rate, amount, the applicable period and payment) to the holders
of Class C-1 Shares. The notices set forth in this paragraph shall be sent
by first class mail to the address of each holder of
8
Class C-1 Shares as it appears on the register kept by the Registrar and
shall be available at the offices of the Paying Agent.
SECTION 4.02 Dividend Restrictions. (a) No distribution or redemption,
including without limitation cash dividends, may be declared or paid or set
apart for payment on any Junior Shares and neither the Corporation nor any
of its Affiliates may purchase or redeem for cash any outstanding Junior
Shares, unless:
(i) full Dividends have been declared and paid or set apart
for payment on the Class C-1 Shares in an amount at least equal to the
greater of (A) the Dividends payable or set apart during such Dividend
Period at the Class C-1 Indicative Rate; or (B) the Economic Dividend
Payable;
(ii) Partnership I has paid or set apart for payment the full
amount of RegCaPS I Payments for the current RegCaPS I Payment Period;
(iii) LLC I has set apart or paid the full amount of the LLC I
Payments on an LLC I Payment Date in any period when the corresponding
RegCaPS I Payment for such LLC I Payment Date has been made; and
(iv) in the case of a repurchase or redemption, such repurchase
or redemption does not cause the net worth of the Corporation to be less
than the Minimum Net Worth Amount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as the Corporation has paid or
set apart for payment Dividends on the Class C-1 Shares at least equal to
the greater of (i)(A) or (i)(B) and clauses (ii) (iii) and (iv) above are
satisfied, the Corporation may declare and pay Dividends on any Junior Shares
with respect to such Dividend Period.
(b) (i) If a Dividend is paid or set apart on the Class C-1 Shares
during any Dividend Period at a rate less than the Class C-1
Indicative Rate, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments
on the Junior Shares and may only make dividend payments on its other
securities that rank pari passu with the Class C-1 Shares, if any, in
the same proportion as the partial Dividend paid or set apart on the
Class C-1 Shares for the current Dividend Period bears to the full
Dividend payment determined for such Dividend Period at the Class
C-1 Indicative Rate.
(ii) For so long as the Class C-1 Shares are outstanding, if a
partial RegCaPS I Payment is made or set apart for any RegCaPS I Payment
Period, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments during such
RegCaPS I Payment Period on its Junior Shares and may only make dividend
payments on its other securities that rank pari passu with the Class C-1
Shares in the same proportion as the lesser of (i) the proportion the
partial RegCaPS I Payment made or set apart for the Current RegCaPS I
Payment Period bears to the RegCaPS I Payment determined for such RegCaPS
I Payment Period and (ii) the proportion the partial Dividend paid or set
apart on the Class C-1 Shares for the corresponding Dividend Period bears
to the full Dividend payment for such Dividend Period at the Class C-1
Indicative Rate.
Additionally, for so long as the Class C-1 Shares are outstanding, all
shares of common or preferred stock issued by majority-owned subsidiaries of
the Corporation which shares are not beneficially owned by the Corporation or
its wholly-owned subsidiaries will be subject to the
9
restrictions set forth above on the payment of distributions and other
payments only to the extent that such minority shares are owned by Zurich
Financial Services or one of its controlled Affiliates.
(c) The Corporation intends that the holders of the RegCaPS I shall be
third party beneficiaries of, and entitled to enforce, the provisions of this
Section 4.02 as if such provisions constituted a contract between the
Corporation and the holders of the Class C-1 Shares, and the holders of the
RegCaPS I were third-party beneficiaries to such contracts.
SECTION 4.03. Payment of Dividends. Dividends and other payments on
the Class C-1 Shares will be payable to the holders thereof as they appear
on the books and records of the Corporation on the relevant record dates,
which will be one Business Day prior to the relevant Dividend Date or other
payment date. Such Dividends will be paid either (i) by the Corporation or
(ii) in the event such Class C-1 Shares are not held by an Affiliate of ZGH
through the Paying Agent who will hold amounts received from the Corporation
in respect of the Class C-1 Shares for the benefit of the registered holders
of the Class C-1 Shares. In the event that any Class C-1 Shares do not remain
in book-entry only form, the relevant record dates shall be the 15th day of
the month of the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date. In the event
that any Dividend Date is not a Business Day, payment of the Dividends payable
on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day
(without any interest or other payment in respect of the dividends subject to
such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on
such date.
SECTION 4.04. Changes in the Dividends-Received Percentage. (a) If,
prior to 18 months after the date of the original issuance of the Class C-1
Shares, one or more amendments to the Code are enacted that reduce the
dividends-received deduction (currently 70%), as specified in Section 243
(a)(i) of the Code or any successor provision (the "Dividend-Received
Percentage"), certain adjustments will be made as appropriate in respect
of the Dividends paid by the Corporation, and Post Declaration Date
Dividends and Retroactive Dividends may become payable (as such terms are
defined below), except that no adjustments will be made with respect to any
reduction of the Dividends-Received Percentage below 50%.
(b) The amount per share of each Dividend declared at the applicable
rate described in Section 4.01 above for Dividend payments made on or after
the effective date of such change in the Code will be increased, to the extent
of funds legally available for distribution by the Corporation, by multiplying
the amount of the Dividend payable before adjustment, by a factor, which will
be the number determined in accordance with the following formula (the "DRD
Formula"), and rounding the result to the nearest cent (with one-half cent
rounded up):
I-.35(I-.70)
------------
I-.35(I-DRP)
For purposes of the DRD Formula with regard to the Class C-1 Shares,
"DRP" means the Dividend-Received Percentage (expressed as a decimal)
applicable to the Dividends in question; provided, that in no event shall
the DRP be less than 0.50. No amendment to the Code, other than a change in
the Dividends-Received Percentage enacted prior to 18 months after the date
of the original issuance of the Class C-1 Shares, will give rise to an
adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to
any such amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified
10
opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel selected by the
Corporation or a private letter ruling or similar form of authorization
from the IRS to the effect that such an amendment does not apply to a Dividend
payable on the Class C-1 Shares, then such amendment will not result in the
adjustment provided for pursuant to the DRD Formula with respect to such
Dividend. The opinion referenced in the previous sentence shall be based upon
the legislation amending or establishing the DRP or upon a published
pronouncement of the IRS addressing such legislation. Absent manifest error,
the Corporation's calculation of the Dividends payable as so adjusted
shall be final and not subject to review.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such aforementioned amendment
to the Code is enacted after the Dividend payable on a Dividend Date has been
declared, and if such amendment is effective with respect to such Dividend,
the amount of the Dividend payable on such Dividend Date will not be
increased; instead, additional Dividend payments (the "Post Declaration Date
Dividend"), equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the product of the Dividend
paid by the Corporation on such Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the
Dividend paid by the Corporation on such Dividend Date, will be declared to
the extent funds legally available for distribution by the Corporation to
holders of Class C-1 Shares on the record date applicable to the next
succeeding Dividend Date, or, if Class C-1 Shares are called for redemption
prior to such record date, to holders of Class C-1 Shares on the applicable
redemption date, as the case may be, in addition to any other amounts payable
on such date.
(d) If any such amendment to the Code is enacted and the reduction in
the Dividends-Received Percentage retroactively applies to one or more
Dividend Dates on which the Corporation previously paid Dividends with
respect to the Class C-1 Shares (each, an "Affected Dividend Date"),
additional Dividends (the "Retroactive Dividends") will be declared, to the
extent of funds legally available therefor, to holders of Class C-1 Shares on
the record date applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Dates or, if the
Class C-1 Shares are called for redemption prior to such record date, to
holders of Class C-1 Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case
may be, in an amount equal to the excess of (x) the product of the Dividend
paid by the Corporation on each Affected Dividend Date and the DRD Formula
over (y) the sum of the Dividend paid by the Corporation on each Affected
Dividend Date. The Corporation will only make one payment of Retroactive
Dividends for any such amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions,
if, with respect to any such amendment, the Corporation receives either an
unqualified opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel selected
by the Corporation or a private letter ruling or similar form of authorization
from the IRS to the effect that such amendment does not apply to a Dividend
payable on an Affected Dividend Date for the Class C-1 Shares, then such
amendment will not result in the payment of a Retroactive Dividend with
respect to such Affected Dividend Date. The opinion referenced in the
previous sentence shall be based upon the legislation amending or establishing
the Dividends-Received Percentage or upon a published pronouncement of the IRS
addressing such legislation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment in the dividends
payable by the Corporation shall be made, and no Post Declaration Date
Dividends or Retroactive Dividends shall be payable by the Corporation, in
respect of the enactment of any amendment to the Code 18 months or more after
the date of original issuance of the Class C-1 Shares that reduces the
Dividends-Received Percentage or to the extent such amendment reduces the
Dividends-Received Percentage to less than 50%.
11
(f) In the event that the amount of Dividends payable per share of the
Class C-1 Shares is increased pursuant to the DRD Formula and/or Post
Declaration Date Dividends or Retroactive Dividends are to be paid, the
Corporation will give notice of each such adjustment and, if applicable,
any Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive Dividends to the holders
of Class C-1 Shares.
(g) The various payment restrictions and obligations described above and
applicable in respect of any Dividend Period in which a Dividend on the Class
C-1 Shares is not paid in an amount at least equal to the Class C-1 Indicative
Rate to the extent that any Post Declaration Date Dividend or Retroactive
Dividend is not declared and paid or set apart for payment as and when due in
respect of a reduction in the Dividends Received Percentage; provided that
such payment restrictions and obligations will remain in effect, not only
during the current Dividend Period, but until such Post Declaration Date
Dividend or Retroactive Dividend is declared and paid or set apart for payment.
SECTION 4.05. Earnings and Profits Gross-Up Payments. (a) To the
extent that Dividends paid with respect to the Class C-1 Shares exceeds the
Corporation's earnings and profits as calculated for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, they will not constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction. In such
event, additional distributions will be made by the Corporation to place each
holder of the Class C-1 Shares in the same position it would have been in if
all Dividends from the Corporation were paid from such earnings and profits,
assuming for these purposes that such holder was eligible for the
dividends-received deduction.
(b) If any Dividend on the Class C-1 Shares with respect to any fiscal
year (including any Gross-Up Payment (as defined below)) constitutes, in whole
or in part, a return of capital (or is treated as gain from the sale or
exchange of the Class C-1 Shares) for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a
"Qualifying Dividend"), within 180 days after the end of such fiscal year,
the Corporation will pay (if declared), out of funds legally available
therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Gross-Up Payments to Qualified
Investors (as defined below) with respect to all Qualifying Dividends on
the Class C-1 Shares during such fiscal year. A "Qualified Investor" with
respect to a Qualifying Dividend during a fiscal year means a person who was
entitled to receive such Qualifying Dividend.
(c) A "Gross-Up Payment" to a Qualified Investor with respect to all
Qualifying Dividends on Class C-1 Shares paid by the Corporation during a
fiscal year means an additional Dividend on the Class C-1 Shares to a
Qualifying Investor in an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends paid to such Qualified Investor during such fiscal year,
would cause such Qualified Investor's net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal
income tax consequences and treating, for purposes of calculating net yield in
dollars, the sum of that portion of the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up
Payment otherwise treated as a return of capital as capital gain recognized
upon the taxable sale or exchange of Class C-1 Shares) from the aggregate of
both the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up Payment to be equal to the net
yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences) which would
have been received by such Qualified Investor if the entire amount of the
aggregate Qualifying Dividends had instead been treated as a dividend for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such Gross-Up Payment shall be calculated
using the applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal corporate income tax rate
applicable to ordinary income and capital gains, as the case may be, and,
where applicable, the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration
being given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation
of any specific Qualified Investor (including the application of the
alternative minimum tax or the application of Section 246 of the Code), or
any state or local tax consequences that may arise. The Corporation shall
make a determination, based upon the reasonably estimated earnings and
profits of that portion, if any, of a Qualifying Dividend
12
for a fiscal year that will be treated as dividend for U.S. federal tax
purposes, and such determination shall be final and binding for purposes
of calculating the amount of the Gross-Up Payments with respect to all
Qualifying Dividends for such fiscal year.
SECTION 4.06. Change of Control Gross-Up Payments. If as a result of
a Change of Control Tax Event, there is an increase in any non-refundable
foreign taxes withheld ("Foreign Tax Increase") with respect to RegCaPS I
Payments or Cumulative RegCaPS I Payment Amounts paid to a RegCaPS I
registered holder ("Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments"), additional
distributions shall be made on the Class C-1 Shares in an amount which, when
taken together with the aggregate Dividends paid to the Holders of the Class
C-1 Shares during such fiscal year reduced by the amount of such Foreign Tax
Increase, would cause the net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income
tax consequences other than the use of foreign tax credits resulting from
the Foreign Tax Increase) to be equal to the net yield in dollars (after
U.S. federal income tax consequences) to the Holder from receipt of the
aggregate Dividends paid to the Holder during such fiscal year without any
reduction by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase. The foregoing amount
shall be calculated based on the assumption that the Holder is a U.S.
corporation and using the applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal corporate
income tax rate applicable to ordinary income and capital gains, as the case
may be, and the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration being
given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation of
any specific Holder, or any state or local tax consequences that may arise.
If for a prior fiscal year Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments are made by the
Partnership, the Corporation will pay (if declares), within 90 days after
the end of such fiscal year, out of funds legally available therefor, an
amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Gross-Up Payments to the
Partnership.
ARTICLE 5
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
SECTION 5.01. Liquidation Preference. (a) In the event of any
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the
Corporation, after payment or provision for the liabilities of the Corporation
and the expenses of such dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the holders
of the outstanding Class C-1 Shares will be entitled to receive, the Class
C-1 Share Liquidation Amount, out of the assets of the Corporation or proceeds
thereof available for distribution to holders of Class C-1 Shares. Out of
such amount, the holders of Class C-1 Shares will be entitled to receive the
Class C-1 Share Liquidation Preference before any payment or distribution of
assets is made to holders of the Common Shares or any other Junior Shares.
Amounts payable on the Class C-1 Shares in connection with the liquidation
of the Corporation in excess of the Class C-1 Share Liquidation Preference
are payable (to the extent the Class C-1 Share Liquidation Amount exceeds
the Class C-1 Share Liquidation Preference) on a pari passu basis with any
Common Shares entitled to receive payment or distribution upon a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. If the assets of the
Corporation available for distribution in such event are insufficient to pay
in full the aggregate amount payable to holders of the Class C-1 Shares and
holders of all other classes or series of equity securities of the
Corporation, if any, ranking, as to the distribution of assets upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, on a parity
with the Class C-1 Shares, the assets will be distributed to the holders of
Class C-1 Shares and holders of such other equity interests pro rata, based
on the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After
payment of the Class C-1 Share Liquidation Amount upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of Class C-1
Shares will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution
of assets by the Corporation.
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(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(a) above, holders of Class C-1 Shares
will not be entitled to be paid any amount in respect of a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Corporation until holders of any classes
or series of securities of the Corporation ranking, as to the distribution
of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation,
senior to the Class C-1 Shares have been paid all amounts to which such
classes or series are entitled. Notwithstanding anything else in this
Certificate, neither the sale, lease or exchange (for cash, shares of stock,
securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property
and assets of the Corporation, nor the merger, consolidation or combination of
the Corporation into or with any other person or the merger, consolidation or
combination of any other person into or with the Corporation, shall be deemed
to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, for
the purposes of this Section 5.01.
ARTICLE 6
REDEMPTION
SECTION 6.01. Optional Redemption. (a) The Class C-1 Shares will not
be subject to mandatory redemption at any time. Prior to February 15, 2031,
Class C-1 Shares will not be subject to optional redemption. On or after
February 15, 2031, Class C-1 Shares may be redeemed at the option of the
Corporation at any time, subject to the prior consent of ZGH, in whole but
not in part, at their fair market value (the "Redemption Amount") as
determined by a nationally recognized investment bank retained by the
Corporation.
SECTION 6.02. Procedure for Redemption. (a) Notice of any redemption
of the Class C-1 Shares (a "Redemption Notice") will be given by the
Corporation by mail to each holder of Class C-1 Shares not fewer than 30 nor
more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption. For purposes of the
calculation of the date of redemption and the dates on which notices are given
pursuant to this Section 6.02(a), a Redemption Notice shall be deemed to be
given on the day such notice is first mailed, by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, to holders of the Class C-1 Shares. Each Redemption Notice shall
be addressed to the holders of Class C-1 Shares at the address of each such
holder appearing in the books and records of the Corporation. No defect in
the Redemption Notice or in the mailing thereof with respect to any holder of
Class C-1 Shares shall affect the validity of the redemption proceedings with
respect to any other holder of Class C-1 Shares.
(b) If the Corporation gives a Redemption Notice (which notice will be
irrevocable), then by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption date,
the Corporation (A) if the Class C-1 Shares are in book-entry form with DTC,
will deposit irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable
Redemption Amount and will give DTC irrevocable instruction and authority
to pay the Redemption Amount in respect of the Class C-1 Shares held through
DTC in global form or (B) if the Class C-1 Shares are held in certificated
form (each such certificate a "Class C-1 Share Certificate"), will deposit
with the Paying Agent, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption
Amount of any such Class C-1 Shares and will give to the Paying Agent
irrevocable instructions and authority to pay such amounts to the holders
of Class C-1 Shares, upon surrender of their certificates, by delivery of
check, mailed to the address of the relevant holder appearing on the books
and records of the Corporation on the redemption date. For these purposes,
the applicable Redemption Amount shall not include Dividends which are being
paid to holders of Class C-1 Shares who were holders of Class C-1 Shares on a
relevant record date. Upon satisfaction of the foregoing conditions, then
immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such deposit or
payment, all rights of holders of Class C-1 Shares so called for redemption
will cease, except the right of the holders of Class C-1 Shares to receive
14
the Redemption Amount, but without interest on such Redemption Amount, and
from and after the date fixed for redemption, such Class C-1 Shares will not
receive dividends or bear interest.
(c) In the event that any date fixed for redemption of Class C-1 Shares
is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Amount payable on such
date will be made on the next succeeding Business Day (and without any
interest in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day
falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day in each case, with the same force and effect as if made
on such date fixed for redemption. In the event that payment of the
Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by the
Corporation, Dividends on the Class C-1 Shares called for redemption will
continue to be payable in accordance with the terms hereof from the original
redemption date until the Redemption Amount is actually paid.
(d) The Corporation shall not be required to register or cause to be
registered the transfer of any Class C-1 Shares which have been called for
redemption.
(e) The Class C-1 Shares which have been issued and reacquired in any
manner, including shares purchased or redeemed, shall (upon compliance with
any applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Nevada) have the status
of authorized and unissued Class C-1 Shares and may be reissued.
ARTICLE 7
VOTING RIGHTS
SECTION 7.01. Voting Rights. (a) The holders of the Class C-1 Shares
will be entitled to 0.375 of a vote per share (subject to adjustment in the
event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution or combination
with respect to any shares of capital stock of the Corporation) and will be
entitled to vote with the Common Shares as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of the Common Shares (other than those matters affecting
only the Common Shares, or either of them); provided, however, that at no
time shall the aggregate Voting Power of the Class C-1 Shares be greater
than 0.6% of the total Voting Power of the Corporation. Prior to transferring
ownership of any Class C-1 Shares to a transferee other than an Affiliate of
ZGH and subject to receipt of any required regulatory approval, if any, such
Class C-1 Shares shall be (i) split into a number of shares of Class C-1
Shares equal to and with a liquidation preference equal to the liquidation
amount of the number of Trust Capital Securities I, and (ii) converted on a
one to one basis to the same number of shares of a class of common stock of
the Corporation (the "Conversion Shares") having rights, preferences and
privileges substantially identical to the Class C-1 Shares except that the
Conversion Shares will be entitled to no voting rights other than as required
by law and other than with respect to adverse amendments to the terms of the
Conversion Shares and the issuance of equity securities that rank senior to
or pari passu with the Conversion Shares with respect to the payment of
distributions or amounts upon liquidation, provided that the Corporation
may file certificates of designation and issue shares in accordance
therewith for other Class C Shares which rank pari passu with the Conversion
Shares with respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and with respect
to any amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation. If, however, any necessary regulatory approvals to issue the
Conversion Shares are not obtained, the Class C-1 Shares rather than the
Conversion Shares may be transferred to a transferee other than an Affiliate
of ZGH.
(b) The holders of the Class C-1 Shares and the Conversion Shares will
be entitled to vote separately as a single class on the matters described in
this paragraph. The consent of the holders of
15
not less than a majority of the outstanding Class C-1 Shares and Conversion
Shares, voting as a single class, is required(i) to amend, alter, supplement
or repeal the terms of the Class C-1 Shares and the Conversion Shares (it
being a condition to any such amendment, alteration, supplement or repeal
that it has a substantially identical effect on the rights, preferences and
privileges of both the Class C-1 Shares and the Conversion Shares), or (ii)
if the Corporation has not paid in full the lesser of (A) each of the last
twenty-four months of Dividends on their respective Dividend Payment Dates
at the Class C-1 Indicative Rate, or (B) prior to the second anniversary of
the first issue date, all Dividends at the Class C-1 Indicative Rate that
could have been paid on the Class C-1 Shares and the Conversion Shares, for
the Corporation to issue, or to increase the authorized amount of, the Class
C-1 Shares or the Conversion Shares or any other equity securities that rank
pari passu with or senior to the Class C-1 Shares and the Conversion Shares;
provided that the Corporation may file certificates of designation and issue
shares in accordance therewith for other Class C Shares to be designated as
Class C-2 Common Stock, Class C-3 Common Stock, Class C-4 Common Stock,
Class C-5 Common Stock, and Class C-6 Common Stock, each of which rank pari
passu with the Class C-1 Shares with respect to distributions paid by the
Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation without the consent of the
holders of the Class C-1 Shares or the Conversion Shares.
(c) Whenever Dividends on the Class C-1 Shares and the Conversion Shares
at the Class C-1 Indicative Rate are in arrears for twenty-four or more
consecutive months, the holders of Class C-1 Shares and the Conversion Shares,
voting together with the other Class C Shares as a single class, will be
entitled, subject to any necessary regulatory actions, to elect two Special
Independent Directors to the Board of Directors, at a special meeting called
by the holders of record of at least 25% of the Class C-1 Shares and the
Conversion Shares in the aggregate or by the holders of record of 25% of any
of the other series of Class C Shares pursuant to the terms of the certificate
of designation creating such other series of Class C Shares. The Special
Independent Directors shall vacate office if Dividends at the Class C-1
Indicative Rate are resumed and are paid regularly for at least twelve
consecutive months, unless otherwise provided by the terms of any other
certificate of designation for any other series of Class C Shares. If
Dividends are resumed and paid regularly for at least twelve consecutive
months at the Class C-1 Indicative Rate, the holders of the Class C-1 Shares
and the Conversion Shares shall no longer be entitled to vote for the two
Special Independent Directors on account of that arrearage. When no holder of
Class C-1 Shares is entitled to vote for the two Special Independent
Directors, the Special Independent Directors shall vacate office.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that more than one series of Class
C Shares are entitled to elect Special Independent Directors to the Board of
Directors, such series shall vote together as a single class to elect such two
directors. In no event shall the holders of Class C Shares be entitled to
elect more than two Independent Directors to the Board of Directors.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have the
right, without the prior consent of the holders of Class C-1 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, to amend, alter, supplement or repeal any terms
of the Class C-1 Shares (i) to cure any ambiguity, or to cure, correct or
supplement any defective provision thereof or (ii) to make any other
provision with respect to matters or questions arising with respect to the
Class C-1 Shares and Conversion Shares, if any, that is not inconsistent
with the provisions thereof so long as such action does not materially and
adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the
holders of Class C-1 Shares and Conversion Shares, if any, provided,
however, that any increase in the amount of authorized or issued Class C-1
Shares will be deemed not to materially and adversely affect any of the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of Class C-1 Shares.
16
(e) The consent or votes required in Section 7.01(b) and (c) above
shall be in addition to any approval of stockholders of the Corporation
which may be required by law or pursuant to any provision of the
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation or bylaws, which approval shall be
obtained by vote of the stockholders of the Corporation in the manner
provided in Section 7.01(a) above.
ARTICLE 8
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE CORPORATION
SECTION 8.01. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Amalgamation of the
Corporation. Without the consent of either one Special Independent
Director, if any, or a majority of the holders of Class C-1 Shares, the
Corporation may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or
domesticate with or into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, any corporation
or other entity, except as permitted below. The Corporation may, with the
consent of at least one of the Special Independent Directors, if any, on the
Board of Directors at the time the issue is considered and without the
consent of the holders of the Class C-1 Shares, consolidate, amalgamate,
merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or into, or be replaced by a
corporation organized as such under the laws of any State of the United
States; provided, that:
(a) if the Corporation is not the surviving entity, such successor
entity either (x) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the
Corporation under the Class C-1 Shares or (y) substitutes securities for the
Class C-1 Shares (the "Successor Securities"), so long as the Successor
Securities rank the same as the Class C-1 Shares rank with respect to
Dividends and other payments thereon;
(b) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion,
domestication or replacement does not adversely affect any of the rights,
preferences and privileges of the holders of the Class C-1 Shares (including
any Successor Securities) in any material respect;
(c) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion,
domestication or replacement, the Corporation has received an opinion of a
nationally recognized law firm experienced in such matters to the effect
that (i) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication
or replacement will not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-1 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect and (ii) following such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or replacement, the
Corporation (or such successor entity) will not be required to register
under the 1940 Act; and
(d) distributions with respect to the Class C-1 Shares or Successor
Securities would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
ARTICLE 9
TRANSFER OF CLASS C-1 SHARES
SECTION 9.01. General. The Corporation shall provide for the
registration of Class C-1 Share Certificates and of transfers of Class C-1
Share Certificates. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any
Class C-1 Share Certificate, the Corporation shall cause one or more new
Class C-1 Share Certificates to be issued in the name of the designated
transferee or transferees. Every Class C-1 Share Certificate surrendered
for registration of transfer shall be accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Corporation duly executed by the holder
of such Class C-1 Shares or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing.
Each Class C-1 Share Certificate surrendered for
17
registration of transfer shall be cancelled by the Corporation. A
transferee of a Class C-1 Share Certificate shall be entitled to the rights
and subject to the obligations of a holder of Class C-1 Shares hereunder
upon the receipt by the transferee of a Class C-1 Share Certificate, which
receipt shall be deemed to constitute a request by such transferee that the
books and records of the Corporation reflect such transferee as a holder of
Class C-1 Share.
SECTION 9.02. Definitive Certificates. Unless and until the
Corporation issues a global Class C-1 Share Certificate pursuant to Section
9.03(a), the Corporation shall only issue definitive Class C-1 Share
Certificates to the holders of Class C-1 Shares. The Corporation may treat
the Person in whose name any Class C-1 Share Certificate shall be registered
on the books and records of the Corporation as the sole holder of such Class
C-1 Share Certificate and of the Class C-1 Shares represented by such Class
C-1 Share Certificate for purposes of receiving Dividends and for all other
purposes whatsoever (including without limitation, tax returns and
information reports) and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any
equitable or other claim to or interest in such Class C-1 Share Certificate
or in the Class C-1 Shares represented by such Class C-1 Share Certificate
on the part of any other Person, whether or not the Corporation shall have
actual or other notice thereof.
SECTION 9.03. Book Entry Provisions.
(a) General. The provisions of this Section 9.03(a) shall apply only
in the event that the Class C-1 Shares are distributed to a Person other
than the Purchaser. Upon the occurrence of such event, a global Class C-1
Share Certificate representing the Book-Entry Interests shall be delivered
to DTC, the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Corporation
and any previously issued and still outstanding definitive Class C-1 Share
Certificates shall be of no further force and effect. The global Class C-1
Share Certificate shall initially be registered on the books and records of
the Corporation in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, and no holder
of Class C-1 Shares will receive a new definitive Class C-1 Share
Certificate representing such holder's interest in such Class C-1 Share
Certificate, except as provided in Section 9.03(c). Unless and until new
definitive, fully registered Class C-1 Share Certificates (the "Definitive
Class C-1 Share Certificates") have been issued to the holders of Class C-1
Shares pursuant to Section 9.03(c):
(i) The provisions of this Section shall be in full force and
effect;
(ii) The Corporation shall be entitled to deal with the
Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Certificate (including the
payment of Dividends, Redemption Amounts and liquidation proceeds on the
Class C-1 Share Certificates and receiving approvals, votes or consents
hereunder) as the sole holder of the Class C-1 Share Certificates and
shall have no obligation to the holders of Class C-1 Shares;
(iii) None of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, or any
Special Independent Director or any agents of any of the foregoing shall
have any liability or responsibility for any aspect of the records
relating to or Dividends made on account of beneficial ownership
interests in a global Class C-1 Share Certificate for such beneficial
ownership interests or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interest; and
(iv) Except as provided in Section 9.03(c) below, the holders
of Class C-1 Shares will not be entitled to receive physical delivery
of the Class C-1 Shares in definitive form and
18
will not be considered holders thereof for any purpose under this
Certificate of Designation, and no global Class C-1 Share Certificate
representing Class C-1 Shares shall be exchangeable, except for another
global Class C-1 Share Certificate of like denomination and tenor to be
registered in the name of DTC or Cede & Co., or to a successor depository
or its nominee. Accordingly, each holder of Class C-1 Shares must rely
on the procedures of DTC or if such person is not a Participant, on the
procedures of the Participant through which such person owns its interest
to exercise any rights of a holder under this Certificate of Designation.
(b) Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever the holders of Class C-1
Shares are required to give a notice or other communication to their equity
holders, unless and until definitive Class C-1 Share Certificates shall have
been issued to the holders of Class C-1 Shares pursuant to Section 9.03(c),
the Corporation shall give all such notices and communications specified
herein to be given to the holders of Class C-1 Shares to the Clearing
Agency, and shall have no obligations to the holders of Class C-1 Shares.
(c) Definitive Class C-1 Share Certificates. Definitive Class C-1
Share Certificates shall be prepared by the Corporation and exchangeable for
the global Class C-1 Share Certificate or Certificates if and only if (i)
DTC notifies the Corporation that it is unwilling or unable to continue its
services as a securities depository and no successor depository shall have
been appointed, (ii) DTC, at any time, ceases to be a Clearing Agency
registered under the Exchange Act at such time as DTC shall have been
appointed, or (iii) the Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines that
such global Class C-1 Share Certificate shall be so exchangeable. Upon
surrender of the global Class C-1 Share Certificate or Certificates
representing the Book-Entry Interests by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by
registration instructions, the Corporation shall cause definitive Class C-1
Share Certificates to be delivered to holders of Class C-1 Shares in
accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. The Corporation
shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may
conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such
instructions. The definitive Class C-1 Share Certificates shall be printed,
lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as may be
required by any national securities exchange on which Class C-1 Shares may
be listed and is reasonably acceptable to the Corporation, as evidenced by
its execution thereof.
SECTION 9.04. Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent.
(a) The Corporation will act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying
Agent of the Class C-1 Share for so long as the Class C-1 Shares are held by
an Affiliate of ZGH, for so long as the Class C-1 Shares remain in book-
entry only form.
(b) Except in such case where the Corporation shall act as Registrar
or Paying Agent pursuant to Section 9.04(a) hereof, the Corporation shall
maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, State of New York
(i) an office or agency where Class C-1 Shares may be presented for
registration of transfer or for exchange ("Registrar") and (ii) an office or
agency where Class C-1 Shares may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent").
The Registrar shall keep a register of the Class C-1 Shares and of their
transfer and exchange. The Corporation may appoint the Registrar and the
Paying Agent and may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more
additional paying agents in such other location as it shall determine. The
term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying agent. The Corporation
may change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without prior notice
to any holder. If the Corporation fails to appoint or maintain another
entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Corporation shall act as such.
19
(c) Registration of transfers of Class C-1 Shares shall be effected
without charge by or on behalf of the Corporation, but upon payment (with
the giving of such indemnity as the Corporation may require) in respect of
any tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed.
SECTION 9.05. Transfer Restrictions. The Class C-1 Shares may only be
transferred (i) to QIBs and (ii) to IAIs who, if they are not QIBs, prior to
such transfer, furnish to the Corporation or the Transfer Agent a signed
letter containing certain representations and agreements relating to
restrictions on transfer by such IAI and who hold their Class C-1 Shares
through a DTC Participant. The foregoing restriction may be waived if the
Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines such restrictions are no
longer necessary to preserve the Corporation's exemptions from registration
requirements under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and the
1940 Act. Any purported purchase or transfer of the Class C-1 Shares in
violation of such restrictions will be null and void. Furthermore the
Corporation may also require the sale of Class C-1 Shares held by holders
who fail to comply with the foregoing.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 10.01. Preemptive Rights. No holder of any of the Class C-1
Shares shall have any preemptive or preferential right to acquire or
subscribe for any treasury or unissued shares of any class or series of the
stock of the Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, or any notes,
debentures, bonds, or other securities convertible into or carrying any
right, option or warrant to subscribe for or acquire shares of any class or
series of stock of the Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized,
whether or not the issuance of any such shares, or such notes, debentures,
bonds or other securities, would adversely affect the distribution or voting
rights of such holder, and the Board of Directors of this Corporation may
issue shares of any class or series of stock of this Corporation, without
offering any such shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation,
either in whole or in part, to the existing shareholders of any class or
series of stock of this Corporation.
SECTION 10.02. Conversion Rights. The Class C-1 Shares shall have no
right to convert into the Common Shares, any of the other Class C Shares or
any other equity security or indebtedness of the Corporation other than the
Conversion Shares.
ARTICLE 11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 11.01. General Provisions. The headings of the paragraphs,
subparagraphs, clauses and subclauses of this Certificate of Designation are
for convenience of reference only and shall not define, limit or affect any
of the provisions hereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEEREOF, Farmers Group, Inc. has caused this Certificate of
Designation to be signed and attested by its undersigned Vice President and
Secretary this 7th day of February, 2001.
---
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ Julian R.M Harvey
----------------------------
Name: Julian R.M. Harvey
Title: Vice President
/s/ Doren Hohl
-------------------------------------
Name: Doren Hohl
Title: Secretary
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)ss
COUNTY OF Los Angeles
---------------
On February 7 , 2001 before me, Hazel C. Bautista, personally appeared
- -----------------
Julian R.M. Harvey and Doren Hohl.
X personally known to me.
- ---
- -or-
___ proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the persons whose
names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledge to me that they
executed the same in their authorized capacities, and that by their signatures
on the instrument the persons, or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
/s/ Hazel C. Bautista
-----------------------------------------
Notary Public in and for said County and State
1
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
CLASS C-2 COMMON STOCK
of
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
Pursuant to Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada
Farmers Group, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a corporation organized and
existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada, certifies as follows:
FIRST: The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation (the "Articles of Incorporation") authorize the issuance of up
to 50 shares of Class C common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Class
C Common Stock"), and further, authorize the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Board of Directors") by resolution or resolutions, at any
time and from time to time, to divide and establish any or all of the shares
of Class C Common Stock into one or more series of Class C Common Stock, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to fix and determine the
designation of each such series, the number of shares which shall constitute
such series and such voting powers, and such preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof of the shares of each series so
established.
SECOND: The following resolutions authorizing the creation and issuance
of a series of said shares of Class C Common Stock to be known as Class C-2
Common Stock were duly adopted by the Board of Directors on the 6th day of
February, 2001, in accordance with Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the Nevada
General Corporation Law.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors, pursuant to authority vested in
it by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, hereby authorizes the
issuance of a series of the Corporation's Class C Common Stock, and hereby
fixes the number, designation, preferences, rights, limitations and
restrictions thereof in addition to those set forth in the Articles of
Incorporation as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. In this Certificate of Designation, unless
the context otherwise requires
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person
that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified Person.
"Book-Entry Interest" means a beneficial ownership in Class C-2 Shares,
the ownership and transfers of which are maintained through book entries of
the Registrar as set forth in Section 9.04(b) of this Certificate of
Designation.
"Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is
neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized
or required by law, regulation or
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executive order to close in The City of New York. With respect to the LIBOR
Determination Date, "Business Day" means a day on which dealings in deposits
in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
"Change of Control Event" means the Corporation ceasing to be an
Affiliate of ZGH or any of its Affiliates, including, but not limited to a
Change of Control Tax Event.
"Change of Control Tax Event" means a Change of Control Event which
results in an adverse tax effect on the holders of Trust Capital Securities
II.
"Class A Shares" means the Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class B Shares" means the Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class C Shares" means, collectively, the Class C-2 Shares and all
other series of Class C Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the
Corporation, for which a certificate or certificates of designation have
been filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.
"Class C-2 Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01 hereof.
"Class C-2 Indicative Rate" means initially, a fixed annual rate of
6.58% of the Class C-2 Share Liquidation Preference and on or after March
30, 2011, a variable rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 175 basis points,
reset quarterly, determined by reference to the Class C-2 Share Liquidation
Preference; provided, however, that such variable rate shall never be
greater than 15%.
"Class C-2 Share Liquidation Amount" means, with respect to each Class
C-2 Share, an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Class C-2 Share
Liquidation Preference, plus an amount (whether or not declared) equal to
the Class C-2 Share Liquidation Preference multiplied by the Class C-2
Indicative Rate multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of days in the current Dividend Period that have passed prior to the
date on which the liquidation occurs and the denominator of which is 360 and
(ii) the Economic Dividend Payable.
"Class C-2 Share Liquidation Preference" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01 hereof.
"Clearing Agency" means the clearing agency with respect to the Class
C-2 Shares.
"Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
"Common Shares" means, collectively, the Class A Shares and the Class B
Shares.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
"Dividend" means a cash distribution to holders of the Class C-2 Shares
from the Corporation with respect to any applicable Dividend Period and
payable on an applicable Dividend Date.
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"Dividend Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August and
November in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) commencing February 15, 2001, with respect to Dividends for
each relevant Dividend Period on the Class C-2 Shares.
"Dividend Period" means for each Dividend Date, a quarterly period
comprised of two components:
On or prior to March 30, 2011, (i) an arrears component from and
including the date of the original issuance of the Class C-2 Shares (in the
case of the first Dividend Period) or, in all other cases, from and
including the 30th day of any of March, June, September or December
immediately preceding the then current Dividend Date, to but excluding the
then current Dividend Date and (ii) an advance component from and including
the then current Dividend Date to but excluding the next 30th day of any of
March, June, September or December (as the case may be) immediately
succeeding the then current Dividend Date, and no additional dividends will
accrue in respect of such additional day(s). The foregoing is intended to
provide for a computation of dividends on the basis of a 360 day year of
twelve 30-day months with four equal quarterly payments.
After March 30, 2011, (i) an arrears component from and including the
30th day of any of March, June, September or December immediately preceding
the then current Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is not a
Business Day, then the start of the period will be postponed to the next
succeeding Business Day, except that in the case in which the Business Day
falls in the next succeeding calendar month, any such period will start on
the immediately preceding Business Day, to but excluding the then current
Dividend Date, and (ii) an advance component from and including the then
current Dividend Date to but excluding the next 30th day of any of March,
June, September or December (as the case may be) immediately succeeding the
then current Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is not a Business
Day, then the end of the period (and associated first day of the next
Dividend Period) will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day,
except that in the case in which the Business Day falls in the next
succeeding calendar month any such period will end (and associated first day
of the next Dividend Period will start) on the immediately preceding
Business Day.
"Economic Dividend Payable" means initially, as determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally
recognized investment bank, for the Class C-2 Shares in the aggregate
0.9933775% of, as applicable, (i) the amount of dividends paid or set apart
for payment by the Corporation on its common shares (including the Class C
Shares) during any Dividend Period, (ii) the amount of any redemption
proceeds on the Corporation's common shares to the extent such proceeds are
greater than the fair market value of the common shares being redeemed, or
(iii) the aggregate amount available for payment of distributions on
liquidation with respect to the Corporation's common shares entitled to
payments upon liquidation; provided that: (A) subsection (i) above shall
only apply when determining whether the Class C-2 Shares are entitled to
Dividends, (B) subsection (ii) above shall only apply upon a redemption of
the Corporation's common shares and (C) subsection (iii) above shall only
apply upon a liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Corporation.
This percentage shall be adjusted from time to time (for example upon the
issuance of common shares by the Corporation in exchange for cash or
property) based upon the percentage of the Corporation's fair market value
represented by the Class C-2 Shares at the time of such adjustment; provided
that any such adjustment shall be determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank.
"Holder" means the beneficial owners of the Class C-2 Shares.
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"IAI" means a Person that is an "accredited investor" within the
meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act or the
analog provisions of any successor rule.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Junior Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01 hereof.
"LIBOR Determination Date" the first LIBOR Determination Date will be
March 28th, 2006, and thereafter will be two Business Days prior to each
June 30th, September 30th, December 30th and March 30th thereafter (except
if any such day is not a Business Day, then the relevant LIBOR Determination
Date will be two Business Days prior to the preceding Business Day).
"LLC II" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding LLC II, a Delaware limited
liability company.
"LLC II Payment Date" means the 30th day of March, June, September and
December in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) when the corresponding RegCaPS II Payment for such period has
been made.
"LLC II Payments" means cash payments on the LLC Preferred Interests
II. LLC II Payments shall not include tax amounts withheld and not refunded.
"LLC Preferred Interest II" means the preferred membership interests
in LLC II.
"Minimum Net Worth Amount" initially means US$ 3 billion. The Minimum
Net Worth Amount will be increased by the proceeds paid to the Corporation
in consideration for the issuance and sale of any of its capital stock
ranking pari passu with or senior to the Class C-2 Shares with respect to
the payment of distributions or amounts payable upon liquidation. The
Minimum Net Worth Amount will be reduced by the amounts paid to purchase or
redeem any shares of Class C Common Stock or any of its capital stock
ranking pari passu with or senior to the Class C-2 Shares or the other Class
C Shares, but only by an amount equal to the liquidation preference of such
shares. The net worth of the Corporation will be determined in accordance
with U.S. GAAP.
"Partnership II" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Limited Partnership II,
a Delaware limited partnership.
"Person" means any legal person, including any individual, corporation,
association, partnership (general or limited), joint venture, trust, estate,
limited liability company, or other legal entity or organization, including
a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality
thereof.
"Purchaser" means ZGH, or any of its Affiliates.
"QIB" means a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule
144A under the Securities Act.
"RegCaPS II" means any regulatory capital preferred securities of
Partnership II.
"RegCaPS II Payment Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August
and November in each year (or on the preceding Business Day if such day is
not a Business Day) commencing
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February 15, 2001 with respect to the RegCaPS II Payments for each relevant
RegCaPS Payment Period.
"RegCaPS II Payment Period" means for each RegCaPS II Payment Date, a
quarterly period comprised of two components: (i) an arrears component from
and including the date of the original issuance of the RegCaPS II (in the
case of the first RegCaPS II Payment Period) or, in all other cases, from
and including the relevant LLC II Payment Date immediately preceding the
then current RegCaPS II Payment Date to but excluding the then current
RegCaPS II Payment Date and (ii) an advance component from and including the
then current RegCaPS II Payment Date to but excluding the next relevant
succeeding LLC II Payment Date.
"RegCaPS II Payments" means cash remittances, initially, at a fixed
annual rate of 6.58% of the liquidation preference of the RegCaPS II, and on
or after March 30, 2011, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR
plus 175 basis points, reset quarterly, to the registered holder of the
RegCaPS II with respect to any applicable RegCaPS II Payment Period and
payable on an applicable RegCaPS II Payment Date.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Exchange Act" means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
"Special Independent Directors" means two (2) independent directors of
the Corporation to be elected by holders of the Class C Shares upon the
occurrence of certain events as stated in this Certificate of Designation
and in the certificates of designation of the other Class C Shares. The
holders of the Class C-2 Shares shall have the right to vote for the Special
Independent Directors only upon the failure of the Corporation to pay
Dividends for 24 consecutive months at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate on the
Class C-2 Shares.
"Three-Month LIBOR" means with respect to any LIBOR Determination Date,
a rate determined on the basis of the offered rates for three-month United
States dollar deposits of not less than a principal amount equal to that
which is representative for a single transaction in such market at such
time, commencing on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR
Determination Date, which appears on US LIBOR Telerate Page 3750 as of
approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR Determination Date.
If on any LIBOR Determination Date no rate appears on US LIBOR Telerate
Page 3750 as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, the Paying Agent
shall on such LIBOR Determination Date request the four major reference
banks in the London interbank market selected by the Paying Agent to provide
the Paying Agent with a quotation of the rate at which three-month deposits
in United States dollars, commencing on the second Business Day immediately
following such LIBOR Determination Date, are offered by it to prime banks in
the London interbank market as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on
such LIBOR Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to that which
is representative for a single transaction in such market at such time. If
at least two such quotations are provided, Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR
Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations as
calculated by the Paying Agent. If fewer than two quotations are provided,
Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be the arithmetic
mean of the rates quoted as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on
such LIBOR Determination Date by three major banks in the London interbank
market selected by the Paying
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Agent for loans in United States dollars to leading European banks, having a
three-month maturity commencing on the second Business Day immediately
following such LIBOR Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to
that which is representative for a single transaction in such market at such
time; provided, however, that, if the banks selected as aforesaid by the
Paying Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be Three-Month LIBOR determined
with respect to (i) the immediately preceding Dividend Period for purposes
of the Class C Shares and (ii) the immediately preceding RegCaPS II Payment
Period for purposes of the RegCaPS II.
"Transfer Agent" means the transfer agent with respect to the Class C-2
Shares which shall initially be the Corporation.
"Trust II" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Trust II, a Delaware
statutory business trust.
"Trust Capital Securities II" means 150,000 trust capital securities,
liquidation preference US $1,000 each, representing undivided beneficial
ownership interests in Trust II.
"U.S. GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States.
"ZGH" means Zurich Group Holding a Swiss stock corporation (as defined
in Article 620 et seq., of the Swiss Code of Obligation), formerly known as
Zurich Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial
Services or its successors and assigns.
"Zurich Financial Services" means Zurich Financial Services, a Swiss
stock corporation (as defined in Article 620 et seq., of the Swiss Code of
Obligation) listed on the Swiss Exchange SWX with a secondary listing on the
London Stock Exchange and the holder of directly or indirectly 100% of the
shares of ZGH or its successors and assigns.
"1940 Act" means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
ARTICLE 2
NUMBER AND DESIGNATION
SECTION 2.01. Number and Designation. 6 and 2/3 shares of the Class C
Common Stock of the Corporation are hereby designated as a series of Class C
Common Stock designated as Class C-2 Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(the "Class C-2 Shares"). The Class C-2 Shares shall have a liquidation
preference of twenty-two million five hundred thousand United States dollars
($22,500,000) per share (the "Class C-2 Share Liquidation Preference").
ARTICLE 3
RANK
SECTION 3.01. Rank. (a) The Class C-2 Shares shall, only with
respect to payment of Dividends at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate (as defined
below) and with respect to the payment of the Class C-2 Share Liquidation
Preference upon the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the
Corporation, rank senior to all of the Junior Shares, including the Common
Shares. In all other respects, the Class C-2 Shares shall rank pari passu
with the Junior Shares, including the Common Shares and the other series of
Class C Shares and shall participate equally with the Common Shares
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and the other series of Class C Shares with respect to distributions paid by
the Corporation and shall participate equally with the Class A Shares and
the other series of Class C Shares with respect to any amounts payable upon
the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. The Class C-
2 Shares will rank junior in all respects to any indebtedness of the
Corporation. The Class C-2 Shares shall rank pari passu with the other
series of Class C Shares for all purposes. All securities of the
Corporation to which the Class C-2 Shares rank senior (whether with respect
to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, winding up or otherwise),
including the Common Shares, are collectively referred to herein as the
"Junior Shares." The definition of Junior Shares shall also include any
rights or options exercisable for or convertible into any of the Junior
Shares.
(b) Without prior consent of the holders of not less than a majority
of the outstanding Class C-2 Shares, the Corporation shall not issue any
class or series of equity securities whose terms provide that such
securities rank senior to or pari passu with the Class C-2 Shares with
respect to the rights to receive dividends and other distributions or with
respect to any amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up;
provided that the Corporation may file certificates of designation and issue
shares in accordance therewith for other series of Class C Shares to be
designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-3 Common Stock, Class C-4
Common Stock, Class C-5 Common Stock, and Class C-6 Common Stock, each of
which ranks pari passu with the Class C-2 Shares with respect to
distributions paid by the Corporation and with respect to any amounts
payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
Further, if the Corporation has paid in full the lesser of (i) each Dividend
on its respective Dividend Payment Date during the last 24 months at the
Class C-2 Indicative Rate, or (ii) prior to February 9, 2003, all Dividends
in an amount at least equal to the Class C Share Indicative Rate that could
have been paid on the Class C Shares, the Corporation may issue an unlimited
amount of additional Class C Shares and other equity ranking pari passu with
the Class C-2 Shares without the consent of the holders of the Class C-2
Shares.
ARTICLE 4
DIVIDENDS
SECTION 4.01. Rate; Dividend Date. (a) Each Class C-2 Share shall be
entitled to receive cash Dividends on a non-cumulative basis, when as and if
declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the
payment of distributions on each Dividend Date commencing February 15, 2001.
Prior to March 30, 2006 the amount of Dividends will be computed on the
basis of twelve 30-day months and will be computed on the basis of equal
quarterly payments. On or after March 30, 2006, the amount of Dividends
will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of
days in such Dividend Period. When Dividends are paid on the Class C-2
Shares at less than the Class C-2 Indicative Rate, all Dividends declared on
the Class C Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding number of
shares of each series of Class C Common Stock and such Dividends declared on
the Class C-2 Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding number
of Class C-2 Shares.
(b) The Paying Agent will calculate Three-Month LIBOR as of each LIBOR
Determination Date and shall make such rate calculation available to holders
of Class C-2 Shares. The Paying Agent also shall determine the Dividends
payable on each Dividend Date and give notice thereof (including the
applicable rate, amount, the applicable period and payment) to the holders
of Class C-2 Shares. The notices set forth in this paragraph shall be sent
by first class mail to the address of each holder of Class C-2 Shares as it
appears on the register kept by the Registrar and shall be available at the
offices of the Paying Agent.
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SECTION 4.02. Dividend Restrictions. (a) No distribution or
redemption, including without limitation cash dividends, may be declared or
paid or set apart for payment on any Junior Shares and neither the
Corporation nor any of its Affiliates may purchase or redeem for cash any
outstanding Junior Shares, unless:
(i) full Dividends have been declared and paid or set apart for
payment on the Class C-2 Shares in an amount at least equal to the
greater of (A) the Dividends payable or set apart during such Dividend
Period at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate; or (B) the Economic Dividend
Payable;
(ii) Partnership II has paid or set apart for payment the full
amount of RegCaPS II Payments for the current RegCaPS II Payment Period;
(iii) LLC II has set apart or paid the full amount of the LLC II
Payments on an LLC II Payment Date in any period when the corresponding
RegCaPS II Payment for such LLC II Payment Date has been made; and
(iv) in the case of a repurchase or redemption, such repurchase
or redemption does not cause the net worth of the Corporation to be less
than the Minimum Net Worth Amount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as the Corporation has paid or
set apart for payment Dividends on the Class C-2 Shares at least equal to
the greater of (i)(A) or (i)(B) and clauses (ii) (iii) and (iv) above are
satisfied, the Corporation may declare and pay Dividends on any Junior
Shares with respect to such Dividend Period.
(b) (i) If a Dividend is paid or set apart on the Class C-2 Shares
during any Dividend Period at a rate less than the Class C-2 Indicative
Rate, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments on the Junior
Shares and may only make dividend payments on its other securities that
rank pari passu with the Class C-2 Shares, if any, in the same proportion
as the partial Dividend paid or set apart on the Class C-2 Shares for the
current Dividend Period bears to the full Dividend payment determined for
such Dividend Period at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate.
(ii) For so long as the Class C-2 Shares are outstanding, if a
partial RegCaPS II Payment is made or set apart for any RegCaPS II
Payment Period, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments
during such RegCaPS II Payment Period on its Junior Shares and may
only make dividend payments on its other securities that rank pari
passu with the Class C-2 Shares in the same proportion as the lesser
of (i) the proportion the partial RegCaPS II Payment made or set
apart for the Current RegCaPS II Payment Period bears to the RegCaPS
II Payment determined for such RegCaPS II Payment Period and (ii) the
proportion the partial Dividend paid or set apart on the Class C-2 Shares
for the corresponding Dividend Period bears to the full Dividend payment
for such Dividend Period at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate.
Additionally, for so long as the Class C-2 Shares are outstanding, all
shares of common or preferred stock issued by majority-owned subsidiaries of
the Corporation which shares are not beneficially owned by the Corporation
or its wholly-owned subsidiaries will be subject to the
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restrictions set forth above on the payment of distributions and other
payments only to the extent that such minority shares are owned by Zurich
Financial Services or one of its controlled Affiliates.
(c) The Corporation intends that the holders of the RegCaPS II shall
be third party beneficiaries of, and entitled to enforce, the provisions of
this Section 4.02 as if such provisions constituted a contract between the
Corporation and the holders of the Class C-2 Shares, and the holders of the
RegCaPS II were third-party beneficiaries to such contracts.
SECTION 4.03. Payment of Dividends. Dividends and other payments on
the Class C-2 Shares will be payable to the holders thereof as they appear
on the books and records of the Corporation on the relevant record dates,
which will be one Business Day prior to the relevant Dividend Date or other
payment date. Such Dividends will be paid either (i) by the Corporation or
(ii) in the event such Class C-2 Shares are not held by an Affiliate of ZGH
through the Paying Agent who will hold amounts received from the Corporation
in respect of the Class C-2 Shares for the benefit of the registered holders
of the Class C-2 Shares. In the event that any Class C-2 Shares do not
remain in book-entry only form, the relevant record dates shall be the 15th
day of the month of the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date. In
the event that any Dividend Date is not a Business Day, payment of the
Dividends payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which
is a Business Day (without any interest or other payment in respect of the
dividends subject to such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in
the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and
effect as if made on such date.
SECTION 4.04. Changes in the Dividends-Received Percentage. (a) If,
prior to 18 months after the date of the original issuance of the Class C-2
Shares, one or more amendments to the Code are enacted that reduce the
dividends-received deduction (currently 70%), as specified in Section
243(a)(i) of the Code or any successor provision (the "Dividend-Received
Percentage"), certain adjustments will be made as appropriate in respect of
the Dividends paid by the Corporation, and Post Declaration Date Dividends
and Retroactive Dividends may become payable (as such terms are defined
below), except that no adjustments will be made with respect to any
reduction of the Dividends-Received Percentage below 50%.
(b) The amount per share of each Dividend declared at the applicable
rate described in Section 4.01 above for Dividend payments made on or after
the effective date of such change in the Code will be increased, to the
extent of funds legally available for distribution by the Corporation, by
multiplying the amount of the Dividend payable before adjustment, by a
factor, which will be the number determined in accordance with the following
formula (the "DRD Formula"), and rounding the result to the nearest cent
(with one-half cent rounded up):
I-.35(I-.70)
------------
I-.35(I-DRP)
For purposes of the DRD Formula with regard to the Class C-2 Shares,
"DRP" means the Dividend-Received Percentage (expressed as a decimal)
applicable to the Dividends in question; provided, that in no event shall
the DRP be less than 0.50. No amendment to the Code, other than a change in
the Dividends-Received Percentage enacted prior to 18 months after the date
of the original issuance of the Class C-2 Shares, will give rise to an
adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to
any such amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified
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opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel selected by the
Corporation or a private letter ruling or similar form of authorization from
the IRS to the effect that such an amendment does not apply to a Dividend
payable on the Class C-2 Shares, then such amendment will not result in the
adjustment provided for pursuant to the DRD Formula with respect to such
Dividend. The opinion referenced in the previous sentence shall be based
upon the legislation amending or establishing the DRP or upon a published
pronouncement of the IRS addressing such legislation. Absent manifest
error, the Corporation's calculation of the Dividends payable as so adjusted
shall be final and not subject to review.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such aforementioned
amendment to the Code is enacted after the Dividend payable on a Dividend
Date has been declared, and if such amendment is effective with respect to
such Dividend, the amount of the Dividend payable on such Dividend Date will
not be increased; instead, additional Dividend payments (the "Post
Declaration Date Dividend"), equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the product
of the Dividend paid by the Corporation on such Dividend Date and the DRD
Formula over (y) the Dividend paid by the Corporation on such Dividend Date,
will be declared to the extent funds legally available for distribution by
the Corporation to holders of Class C-2 Shares on the record date applicable
to the next succeeding Dividend Date, or, if Class C-2 Shares are called for
redemption prior to such record date, to holders of Class C-2 Shares on the
applicable redemption date, as the case may be, in addition to any other
amounts payable on such date.
(d) If any such amendment to the Code is enacted and the reduction in
the Dividends-Received Percentage retroactively applies to one or more
Dividend Dates on which the Corporation previously paid Dividends with
respect to the Class C-2 Shares (each, an "Affected Dividend Date"),
additional Dividends (the "Retroactive Dividends") will be declared, to the
extent of funds legally available therefor, to holders of Class C-2 Shares
on the record date applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Dates or, if
the Class C-2 Shares are called for redemption prior to such record date, to
holders of Class C-2 Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case
may be, in an amount equal to the excess of (x) the product of the Dividend
paid by the Corporation on each Affected Dividend Date and the DRD Formula
over (y) the sum of the Dividend paid by the Corporation on each Affected
Dividend Date. The Corporation will only make one payment of Retroactive
Dividends for any such amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions,
if, with respect to any such amendment, the Corporation receives either an
unqualified opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel
selected by the Corporation or a private letter ruling or similar form of
authorization from the IRS to the effect that such amendment does not apply
to a Dividend payable on an Affected Dividend Date for the Class C-2 Shares,
then such amendment will not result in the payment of a Retroactive Dividend
with respect to such Affected Dividend Date. The opinion referenced in the
previous sentence shall be based upon the legislation amending or
establishing the Dividends-Received Percentage or upon a published
pronouncement of the IRS addressing such legislation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment in the dividends
payable by the Corporation shall be made, and no Post Declaration Date
Dividends or Retroactive Dividends shall be payable by the Corporation, in
respect of the enactment of any amendment to the Code 18 months or more
after the date of original issuance of the Class C-2 Shares that reduces the
Dividends-Received Percentage or to the extent such amendment reduces the
Dividends-Received Percentage to less than 50%.
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(f) In the event that the amount of Dividends payable per share of the
Class C-2 Shares is increased pursuant to the DRD Formula and/or Post
Declaration Date Dividends or Retroactive Dividends are to be paid, the
Corporation will give notice of each such adjustment and, if applicable, any
Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive Dividends to the holders of
Class C-2 Shares.
(g) The various payment restrictions and obligations described above
and applicable in respect of any Dividend Period in which a Dividend on the
Class C-2 Shares is not paid in an amount at least equal to the Class C-2
Indicative Rate to the extent that any Post Declaration Date Dividend or
Retroactive Dividend is not declared and paid or set apart for payment as
and when due in respect of a reduction in the Dividends-Received Percentage;
provided that such payment restrictions and obligations will remain in
effect, not only during the current Dividend Period, but until such Post
Declaration Date Dividend or Retroactive Dividend is declared and paid or
set apart for payment.
SECTION 4.05. Earnings and Profits Gross-Up Payments. (a) To the
extent that Dividends paid with respect to the Class C-2 Shares exceeds the
Corporation's earnings and profits as calculated for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, they will not constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction. In such
event, additional distributions will be made by the Corporation to place
each holder of the Class C-2 Shares in the same position it would have been
in if all Dividends from the Corporation were paid from such earnings and
profits, assuming for these purposes that such holder was eligible for the
dividends-received deduction.
(b) If any Dividend on the Class C-2 Shares with respect to any fiscal
year (including any Gross-Up Payment (as defined below)) constitutes, in
whole or in part, a return of capital (or is treated as gain from the sale
or exchange of the Class C-2 Shares) for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a
"Qualifying Dividend"), within 180 days after the end of such fiscal year,
the Corporation will pay (if declared), out of funds legally available
therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Gross-Up Payments to Qualified
Investors (as defined below) with respect to all Qualifying Dividends on the
Class C-2 Shares during such fiscal year. A "Qualified Investor" with
respect to a Qualifying Dividend during a fiscal year means a person who was
entitled to receive such Qualifying Dividend.
(c) A "Gross-Up Payment" to a Qualified Investor with respect to all
Qualifying Dividends on Class C-2 Shares paid by the Corporation during a
fiscal year means an additional Dividend on the Class C-2 Shares to a
Qualifying Investor in an amount which, when taken together with the
aggregate Qualifying Dividends paid to such Qualified Investor during such
fiscal year, would cause such Qualified Investor's net yield in dollars
(after U.S. federal income tax consequences and treating, for purposes of
calculating net yield in dollars, the sum of that portion of the Qualifying
Dividends and the Gross-Up Payment otherwise treated as a return of capital
as capital gain recognized upon the taxable sale or exchange of Class C-2
Shares) from the aggregate of both the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up
Payment to be equal to the net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income
tax consequences) which would have been received by such Qualified Investor
if the entire amount of the aggregate Qualifying Dividends had instead been
treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such Gross-Up
Payment shall be calculated using the applicable maximum marginal U.S.
federal corporate income tax rate applicable to ordinary income and capital
gains, as the case may be, and, where applicable, the Dividends-Received
Percentage, without consideration being given to the time value of money,
the U.S. federal income tax situation of any specific Qualified Investor
(including the application of the alternative minimum tax or the application
of Section 246 of the Code), or any state or local tax consequences that may
arise. The Corporation shall make a determination, based upon the
reasonably estimated earnings and profits of that portion, if any, of a
Qualifying Dividend
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for a fiscal year that will be treated as dividend for U.S. federal tax
purposes, and such determination shall be final and binding for purposes of
calculating the amount of the Gross-Up Payments with respect to all
Qualifying Dividends for such fiscal year.
SECTION 4.06. Change of Control Gross-Up Payments. If as a result of
a Change of Control Tax Event, there is an increase in any non-refundable
foreign taxes withheld ("Foreign Tax Increase") with respect to RegCaPS II
Payments or Cumulative RegCaPS II Payment Amounts paid to a RegCaPS II
registered holder ("Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments"), additional
distributions shall be made on the Class C -2 Shares in an amount which,
when taken together with the aggregate Dividends paid to the Holders of the
Class C-2 Shares during such fiscal year reduced by the amount of such
Foreign Tax Increase, would cause the net yield in dollars (after U.S.
federal income tax consequences other than the use of foreign tax credits
resulting from the Foreign Tax Increase) to be equal to the net yield in
dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences) to the Holder from
receipt of the aggregate Dividends paid to the Holder during such fiscal
year without any reduction by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase. The
foregoing amount shall be calculated based on the assumption that the Holder
is a U.S. corporation and using the applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal
corporate income tax rate applicable to ordinary income and capital gains,
as the case may be, and the Dividends-Received Percentage, without
consideration being given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal
income tax situation of any specific Holder, or any state or local tax
consequences that may arise. If for a prior fiscal year Foreign Taxed
RegCaPS Payments are made by the Partnership, the Corporation will pay (if
declared), within 90 days after the end of such fiscal year, out of funds
legally available therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Change of
Control Gross-Up Payments to the Partnership.
ARTICLE 5
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
SECTION 5.01. Liquidation Preference. (a) In the event of any
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the
Corporation, after payment or provision for the liabilities of the
Corporation and the expenses of such dissolution, liquidation or winding up,
the holders of the outstanding Class C-2 Shares will be entitled to receive,
the Class C-2 Share Liquidation Amount, out of the assets of the Corporation
or proceeds thereof available for distribution to holders of Class C-2
Shares. Out of such amount, the holders of Class C-2 Shares will be
entitled to receive the Class C-2 Share Liquidation Preference before any
payment or distribution of assets is made to holders of the Common Shares or
any other Junior Shares. Amounts payable on the Class C-2 Shares in
connection with the liquidation of the Corporation in excess of the Class C-
2 Share Liquidation Preference are payable (to the extent the Class C-2
Share Liquidation Amount exceeds the Class C-2 Share Liquidation Preference)
on a pari passu basis with any Common Shares entitled to receive payment or
distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation. If the assets of the Corporation available for distribution in
such event are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate amount payable to
holders of the Class C-2 Shares and holders of all other classes or series
of equity securities of the Corporation, if any, ranking, as to the
distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the
Corporation, on a parity with the Class C-2 Shares, the assets will be
distributed to the holders of Class C-2 Shares and holders of such other
equity interests pro rata, based on the full respective preferential amounts
to which they are entitled. After payment of the Class C-2 Share
Liquidation Amount upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the
Corporation, the holders of Class C-2 Shares will not be entitled to any
further participation in any distribution of assets by the Corporation.
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(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(a) above, holders of Class C-2 Shares
will not be entitled to be paid any amount in respect of a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Corporation until holders of any classes or
series of securities of the Corporation ranking, as to the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation,
senior to the Class C-2 Shares have been paid all amounts to which such
classes or series are entitled. Notwithstanding anything else in this
Certificate, neither the sale, lease or exchange (for cash, shares of stock,
securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the
property and assets of the Corporation, nor the merger, consolidation or
combination of the Corporation into or with any other person or the merger,
consolidation or combination of any other person into or with the
Corporation, shall be deemed to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up,
voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes of this Section 5.01.
ARTICLE 6
REDEMPTION
SECTION 6.01. Optional Redemption. (a) The Class C-2 Shares will not
be subject to mandatory redemption at any time. Prior to February 15, 2031,
Class C-2 Shares will not be subject to optional redemption. On or after
February 15, 2031, Class C-2 Shares may be redeemed at the option of the
Corporation at any time, subject to the prior consent of ZGH, in whole but
not in part, at their fair market value (the "Redemption Amount") as
determined by a nationally recognized investment bank retained by the
Corporation.
SECTION 6.02. Procedure for Redemption. (a) Notice of any redemption
of the Class C-2 Shares (a "Redemption Notice") will be given by the
Corporation by mail to each holder of Class C-2 Shares not fewer than 30 nor
more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption. For purposes of the
calculation of the date of redemption and the dates on which notices are
given pursuant to this Section 6.02(a), a Redemption Notice shall be deemed
to be given on the day such notice is first mailed, by first-class mail,
postage prepaid, to holders of the Class C-2 Shares. Each Redemption Notice
shall be addressed to the holders of Class C-2 Shares at the address of each
such holder appearing in the books and records of the Corporation. No
defect in the Redemption Notice or in the mailing thereof with respect to
any holder of Class C-2 Shares shall affect the validity of the redemption
proceedings with respect to any other holder of Class C-2 Shares.
(b) If the Corporation gives a Redemption Notice (which notice will be
irrevocable), then by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption
date, the Corporation (A) if the Class C-2 Shares are in book-entry form
with DTC, will deposit irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the
applicable Redemption Amount and will give DTC irrevocable instruction and
authority to pay the Redemption Amount in respect of the Class C-2 Shares
held through DTC in global form or (B) if the Class C-2 Shares are held in
certificated form (each such certificate a "Class C-2 Share Certificate"),
will deposit with the Paying Agent, funds sufficient to pay the applicable
Redemption Amount of any such Class C-2 Shares and will give to the Paying
Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay such amounts to the
holders of Class C-2 Shares, upon surrender of their certificates, by
delivery of check, mailed to the address of the relevant holder appearing on
the books and records of the Corporation on the redemption date. For these
purposes, the applicable Redemption Amount shall not include Dividends which
are being paid to holders of Class C-2 Shares who were holders of Class C-2
Shares on a relevant record date. Upon satisfaction of the foregoing
conditions, then immediately prior to the close of business on the date of
such deposit or payment, all rights of holders of Class C-2 Shares so called
for redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of Class C-2
Shares to receive
14
the Redemption Amount, but without interest on such Redemption Amount, and
from and after the date fixed for redemption, such Class C-2 Shares will not
receive dividends or bear interest.
(c) In the event that any date fixed for redemption of Class C-2
Shares is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Amount payable
on such date will be made on the next succeeding Business Day (and without
any interest in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business
Day falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day in each case, with the same force and
effect as if made on such date fixed for redemption. In the event that
payment of the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused and not
paid by the Corporation, Dividends on the Class C-2 Shares called for
redemption will continue to be payable in accordance with the terms hereof
from the original redemption date until the Redemption Amount is actually
paid.
(d) The Corporation shall not be required to register or cause to be
registered the transfer of any Class C-2 Shares which have been called for
redemption.
(e) The Class C-2 Shares which have been issued and reacquired in any
manner, including shares purchased or redeemed, shall (upon compliance with
any applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Nevada) have the
status of authorized and unissued Class C-2 Shares and may be reissued.
ARTICLE 7
VOTING RIGHTS
SECTION 7.01. Voting Rights. (a) The holders of the Class C-2 Shares
will be entitled to 0.375 of a vote per share (subject to adjustment in the
event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution or combination
with respect to any shares of capital stock of the Corporation) and will be
entitled to vote with the Common Shares as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of the Common Shares (other than those matters affecting
only the Common Shares, or either of them); provided, however, that at no
time shall the aggregate Voting Power of the Class C-2 Shares be greater
than 0.45% of the total Voting Power of the Corporation. Prior to
transferring ownership of any Class C-2 Shares to a transferee other than an
Affiliate of ZGH and subject to receipt of any required regulatory approval,
if any, such Class C-2 Shares shall be (i) split into a number of shares of
Class C-2 Shares equal to and with a liquidation preference equal to the
liquidation amount of the number of Trust Capital Securities II, and (ii)
converted on a one to one basis to the same number of shares of a class of
common stock of the Corporation (the "Conversion Shares") having rights,
preferences and privileges substantially identical to the Class C-2 Shares
except that the Conversion Shares will be entitled to no voting rights other
than as required by law and other than with respect to adverse amendments to
the terms of the Conversion Shares and the issuance of equity securities
that rank senior to or pari passu with the Conversion Shares with respect to
the payment of distributions or amounts upon liquidation, provided that the
Corporation may file certificates of designation and issue shares in
accordance therewith for other Class C Shares which rank pari passu with the
Conversion Shares with respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and
with respect to any amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation. If, however, any necessary regulatory
approvals to issue the Conversion Shares are not obtained, the Class C-2
Shares rather than the Conversion Shares may be transferred to a transferee
other than an Affiliate of ZGH.
(b) The holders of the Class C-2 Shares and the Conversion Shares will
be entitled to vote separately as a single class on the matters described in
this paragraph. The consent of the holders of
15
not less than a majority of the outstanding Class C-2 Shares and Conversion
Shares, voting as a single class, is required (i) to amend, alter,
supplement or repeal the terms of the Class C-2 Shares and the Conversion
Shares (it being a condition to any such amendment, alteration, supplement
or repeal that it has a substantially identical effect on the rights,
preferences and privileges of both the Class C-2 Shares and the Conversion
Shares), or (ii) if the Corporation has not paid in full the lesser of (A)
each of the last twenty-four months of Dividends on their respective
Dividend Payment Dates at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate, or (B) prior to the
second anniversary of the first issue date, all Dividends at the Class C-2
Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C-2 Shares and the
Conversion Shares, for the Corporation to issue, or to increase the
authorized amount of, the Class C-2 Shares or the Conversion Shares or any
other equity securities that rank pari passu with or senior to the Class C-2
Shares and the Conversion Shares; provided that the Corporation may file
certificates of designation and issue shares in accordance therewith for
other Class C Shares to be designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-3
Common Stock, Class C-4 Common Stock, Class C-5 Common Stock, and Class C-6
Common Stock, each of which rank pari passu with the Class C-2 Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and with respect to any
amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation without the consent of the holders of the Class C-2 Shares or
the Conversion Shares.
(c) Whenever Dividends on the Class C-2 Shares and the Conversion
Shares at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate are in arrears for twenty-four or
more consecutive months, the holders of Class C-2 Shares and the Conversion
Shares, voting together with the other Class C Shares as a single class,
will be entitled, subject to any necessary regulatory actions, to elect two
Special Independent Directors to the Board of Directors, at a special
meeting called by the holders of record of at least 25% of the Class C-2
Shares and the Conversion Shares in the aggregate or by the holders of
record of 25% of any of the other series of Class C Shares pursuant to the
terms of the certificate of designation creating such other series of Class
C Shares. The Special Independent Directors shall vacate office if
Dividends at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate are resumed and are paid
regularly for at least twelve consecutive months, unless otherwise provided
by the terms of any other certificate of designation for any other series of
Class C Shares. If Dividends are resumed and paid regularly for at least
twelve consecutive months at the Class C-2 Indicative Rate, the holders of
the Class C-2 Shares and the Conversion Shares shall no longer be entitled
to vote for the two Special Independent Directors on account of that
arrearage. When no holder of Class C-2 Shares is entitled to vote for the
two Special Independent Directors, the Special Independent Directors shall
vacate office. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that more than
one series of Class C Shares are entitled to elect Special Independent
Directors to the Board of Directors, such series shall vote together as a
single class to elect such two directors. In no event shall the holders of
Class C Shares be entitled to elect more than two Independent Directors to
the Board of Directors.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have the
right, without the prior consent of the holders of Class C-2 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, to amend, alter, supplement or repeal any terms
of the Class C-2 Shares (i) to cure any ambiguity, or to cure, correct or
supplement any defective provision thereof or (ii) to make any other
provision with respect to matters or questions arising with respect to the
Class C-2 Shares and Conversion Shares, if any, that is not inconsistent
with the provisions thereof so long as such action does not materially and
adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the
holders of Class C-2 Shares and Conversion Shares, if any, provided,
however, that any increase in the amount of authorized or issued Class C-2
Shares will be deemed not to materially and adversely affect any of the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of Class C-2 Shares.
16
(e) The consent or votes required in Section 7.01(b) and (c) above
shall be in addition to any approval of stockholders of the Corporation
which may be required by law or pursuant to any provision of the
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation or bylaws, which approval shall be
obtained by vote of the stockholders of the Corporation in the manner
provided in Section 7.01(a) above.
ARTICLE 8
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE CORPORATION
SECTION 8.01. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Amalgamation of the
Corporation. Without the consent of either one Special Independent
Director, if any, or a majority of the holders of Class C-2 Shares, the
Corporation may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or
domesticate with or into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, any corporation
or other entity, except as permitted below. The Corporation may, with the
consent of at least one of the Special Independent Directors, if any, on the
Board of Directors at the time the issue is considered and without the
consent of the holders of the Class C-2 Shares, consolidate, amalgamate,
merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or into, or be replaced by a
corporation organized as such under the laws of any State of the United
States; provided, that:
(a) if the Corporation is not the surviving entity, such successor
entity either (x) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the
Corporation under the Class C-2 Shares or (y) substitutes securities for the
Class C-2 Shares (the "Successor Securities"), so long as the Successor
Securities rank the same as the Class C-2 Shares rank with respect to
Dividends and other payments thereon;
(b) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion,
domestication or replacement does not adversely affect any of the rights,
preferences and privileges of the holders of the Class C-2 Shares (including
any Successor Securities) in any material respect;
(c) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion,
domestication or replacement, the Corporation has received an opinion of a
nationally recognized law firm experienced in such matters to the effect
that (i) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication
or replacement will not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-2 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect and (ii) following such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or replacement, the
Corporation (or such successor entity) will not be required to register
under the 1940 Act; and
(d) distributions with respect to the Class C-2 Shares or Successor
Securities would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
ARTICLE 9
TRANSFER OF CLASS C-2 SHARES
SECTION 9.01. General. The Corporation shall provide for the
registration of Class C-2 Share Certificates and of transfers of Class C-2
Share Certificates. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any
Class C-2 Share Certificate, the Corporation shall cause one or more new
Class C-2 Share Certificates to be issued in the name of the designated
transferee or transferees. Every Class C-2 Share Certificate surrendered
for registration of transfer shall be accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Corporation duly executed by the holder
of such Class C-2 Shares or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing.
Each Class C-2 Share Certificate surrendered for
17
registration of transfer shall be cancelled by the Corporation. A
transferee of a Class C-2 Share Certificate shall be entitled to the rights
and subject to the obligations of a holder of Class C-2 Shares hereunder
upon the receipt by the transferee of a Class C-2 Share Certificate, which
receipt shall be deemed to constitute a request by such transferee that the
books and records of the Corporation reflect such transferee as a holder of
Class C-2 Share.
SECTION 9.02. Definitive Certificates. Unless and until the
Corporation issues a global Class C-2 Share Certificate pursuant to Section
9.03(a), the Corporation shall only issue definitive Class C-2 Share
Certificates to the holders of Class C-2 Shares. The Corporation may treat
the Person in whose name any Class C-2 Share Certificate shall be registered
on the books and records of the Corporation as the sole holder of such Class
C-2 Share Certificate and of the Class C-2 Shares represented by such Class
C-2 Share Certificate for purposes of receiving Dividends and for all other
purposes whatsoever (including without limitation, tax returns and
information reports) and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any
equitable or other claim to or interest in such Class C-2 Share Certificate
or in the Class C-2 Shares represented by such Class C-2 Share Certificate
on the part of any other Person, whether or not the Corporation shall have
actual or other notice thereof.
SECTION 9.03. Book Entry Provisions.
(a) General. The provisions of this Section 9.03(a) shall apply only
in the event that the Class C-2 Shares are distributed to a Person other
than the Purchaser. Upon the occurrence of such event, a global Class C-2
Share Certificate representing the Book-Entry Interests shall be delivered
to DTC, the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Corporation
and any previously issued and still outstanding definitive Class C-2 Share
Certificates shall be of no further force and effect. The global Class C-2
Share Certificate shall initially be registered on the books and records of
the Corporation in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, and no holder
of Class C-2 Shares will receive a new definitive Class C-2 Share
Certificate representing such holder's interest in such Class C-2 Share
Certificate, except as provided in Section 9.03(c). Unless and until new
definitive, fully registered Class C-2 Share Certificates (the "Definitive
Class C-2 Share Certificates") have been issued to the holders of Class C-2
Shares pursuant to Section 9.03(c):
(i) The provisions of this Section shall be in full force and
effect;
(ii) The Corporation shall be entitled to deal with the
Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Certificate (including the
payment of Dividends, Redemption Amounts and liquidation proceeds on the
Class C-2 Share Certificates and receiving approvals, votes or consents
hereunder) as the sole holder of the Class C-2 Share Certificates and
shall have no obligation to the holders of Class C-2 Shares;
(iii) None of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, or any
Special Independent Director or any agents of any of the foregoing shall
have any liability or responsibility for any aspect of the records
relating to or Dividends made on account of beneficial ownership
interests in a global Class C-2 Share Certificate for such beneficial
ownership interests or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interest; and
(iv) Except as provided in Section 9.03(c) below, the holders
of Class C-2 Shares will not be entitled to receive physical delivery
of the Class C-2 Shares in definitive form and
18
will not be considered holders thereof for any purpose under this
Certificate of Designation, and no global Class C-2 Share Certificate
representing Class C-2 Shares shall be exchangeable, except for another
global Class C-2 Share Certificate of like denomination and tenor to be
registered in the name of DTC or Cede & Co., or to a successor depository
or its nominee. Accordingly, each holder of Class C-2 Shares must rely
on the procedures of DTC or if such person is not a Participant, on
the procedures of the Participant through which such person owns its
interest to exercise any rights of a holder under this Certificate
of Designation.
(b) Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever the holders of Class C-2
Shares are required to give a notice or other communication to their equity
holders, unless and until definitive Class C-2 Share Certificates shall have
been issued to the holders of Class C-2 Shares pursuant to Section 9.03(c),
the Corporation shall give all such notices and communications specified
herein to be given to the holders of Class C-2 Shares to the Clearing
Agency, and shall have no obligations to the holders of Class C-2 Shares.
(c) Definitive Class C-2 Share Certificates. Definitive Class C-2
Share Certificates shall be prepared by the Corporation and exchangeable for
the global Class C-2 Share Certificate or Certificates if and only if (i)
DTC notifies the Corporation that it is unwilling or unable to continue its
services as a securities depository and no successor depository shall have
been appointed, (ii) DTC, at any time, ceases to be a Clearing Agency
registered under the Exchange Act at such time as the DTC shall have been
appointed, or (iii) the Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines that
such global Class C-2 Share Certificate shall be so exchangeable. Upon
surrender of the global Class C-2 Share Certificate or Certificates
representing the Book-Entry Interests by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by
registration instructions, the Corporation shall cause definitive Class C-2
Share Certificates to be delivered to holders of Class C-2 Shares in
accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. The Corporation
shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may
conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such
instructions. The definitive Class C-2 Share Certificates shall be printed,
lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as may be
required by any national securities exchange on which Class C-2 Shares may
be listed and is reasonably acceptable to the Corporation, as evidenced by
its execution thereof.
SECTION 9.04. Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent.
(a) The Corporation will act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying
Agent of the Class C-2 Share for so long as the Class C-2 Shares are held by
an Affiliate of ZGH, for so long as the Class C-2 Shares remain in book-
entry only form.
(b) Except in such case where the Corporation shall act as Registrar
or Paying Agent pursuant to Section 9.04(a) hereof, the Corporation shall
maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, State of New York
(i) an office or agency where Class C-2 Shares may be presented for
registration of transfer or for exchange ("Registrar") and (ii) an office or
agency where Class C-2 Shares may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent").
The Registrar shall keep a register of the Class C-2 Shares and of their
transfer and exchange. The Corporation may appoint the Registrar and the
Paying Agent and may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more
additional paying agents in such other location as it shall determine. The
term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying agent. The Corporation
may change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without prior notice
to any holder. If the Corporation fails to appoint or maintain another
entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Corporation shall act as such.
19
(c) Registration of transfers of Class C-2 Shares shall be effected
without charge by or on behalf of the Corporation, but upon payment (with
the giving of such indemnity as the Corporation may require) in respect of
any tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed.
SECTION 9.05. Transfer Restrictions. The Class C-2 Shares may only be
transferred (i) to QIBs and (ii) to IAIs who, if they are not QIBs, prior to
such transfer, furnish to the Corporation or the Transfer Agent a signed
letter containing certain representations and agreements relating to
restrictions on transfer by such IAI and who hold their Class C-2 Shares
through a DTC Participant. The foregoing restriction may be waived if the
Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines such restrictions are no
longer necessary to preserve the Corporation's exemptions from registration
requirements under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and the
1940 Act. Any purported purchase or transfer of the Class C-2 Shares in
violation of such restrictions will be null and void. Furthermore the
Corporation may also require the sale of Class C-2 Shares held by holders
who fail to comply with the foregoing.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 10.01. Preemptive Rights. No holder of any of the Class C-2
Shares shall have any preemptive or preferential right to acquire or
subscribe for any treasury or unissued shares of any class or series of the
stock of the Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, or any notes,
debentures, bonds, or other securities convertible into or carrying any
right, option or warrant to subscribe for or acquire shares of any class or
series of stock of the Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized,
whether or not the issuance of any such shares, or such notes, debentures,
bonds or other securities, would adversely affect the distribution or voting
rights of such holder, and the Board of Directors of this Corporation may
issue shares of any class or series of stock of this Corporation, without
offering any such shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation,
either in whole or in part, to the existing shareholders of any class or
series of stock of this Corporation.
SECTION 10.02. Conversion Rights. The Class C-2 Shares shall have no
right to convert into the Common Shares, any of the other Class C Shares or
any other equity security or indebtedness of the Corporation other than the
Conversion Shares.
ARTICLE 11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 11.01. General Provisions. The headings of the paragraphs,
subparagraphs, clauses and subclauses of this Certificate of Designation are
for convenience of reference only and shall not define, limit or affect any
of the provisions hereof.
20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Farmers Group, Inc. has caused this Certificate of
Designation to be signed and attested by its undersigned Vice President and
Secretary this 7th day of February, 2001.
---
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
By:/s/ Julian R.M. Harvey
----------------------------
Name: Julian R.M. Harvey
Title: Vice President
/s/ Doren Hohl
-------------------------------------
Name: Doren Hohl
Title: Secretary
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)ss
COUNTY OF Los Angeles
---------------
On February 7 , 2001 before me, Hazel C. Bautista, personally appeared
- -----------------
Julian R.M. Harvey and Doren Hohl.
X personally known to me.
- ---
- -or-
___ proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the persons whose
names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledge to me that they
executed the same in their authorized capacities, and that by their signatures
on the instrument the persons, or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
/s/ Hazel C. Bautista
-----------------------------------------
Notary Public in and for said County and State
1
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
CLASS C-3 COMMON STOCK
of
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
Pursuant to Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada
Farmers Group, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a corporation organized and
existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada, certifies as follows:
FIRST: The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation (the "Articles of Incorporation") authorize the issuance of up to
50 shares of Class C common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Class C
Common Stock"), and further, authorize the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Board of Directors") by resolution or resolutions, at any
time and from time to time, to divide and establish any or all of the shares of
Class C Common Stock into one or more series of Class C Common Stock, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to fix and determine the
designation of each such series, the number of shares which shall constitute
such series and such voting powers, and such preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof of the shares of each series so
established.
SECOND: The following resolutions authorizing the creation and
issuance of a series of said shares of Class C Common Stock to be known as
Class C-3 Common Stock were duly adopted by the Board of Directors on the 6th
day of February, 2001, in accordance with Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the
Nevada General Corporation Law.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors, pursuant to authority vested in it
by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, hereby authorizes the
issuance of a series of the Corporation's Class C Common Stock, and hereby
fixes the number, designation, preferences, rights, limitations and
restrictions thereof in addition to those set forth in the Articles of
Incorporation as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. In this Certificate of Designation, unless
the context otherwise requires
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person
that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified Person.
"Book-Entry Interest" means a beneficial ownership in Class C-3 Shares,
the ownership and transfers of which are maintained through book entries of the
Registrar as set forth in Section 9.04(b) of this Certificate of Designation.
"Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is
neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or
required by law, regulation or
2
executive order to close in The City of New York. With respect to the LIBOR
Determination Date, "Business Day" means a day on which dealings in deposits
in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
"Change of Control Event" means the Corporation ceasing to be an Affiliate
of ZGH or any of its Affiliates, including, but not limited to, a Change of
Control Tax Event.
"Change of Control Tax Event" means a Change of Control Event which
results in an adverse tax effect on the holders of Trust Capital Securities
III.
"Class A Shares" means the Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class B Shares" means the Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class C Shares" means, collectively, the Class C-3 Shares and all other
series of Class C Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Corporation,
for which a certificate or certificates of designation have been filed with the
Nevada Secretary of State.
"Class C-3 Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01 hereof.
"Class C-3 Indicative Rate" means initially, 5.96%, and on or after
April 11, 2001, a variable rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 46 basis
points, reset quarterly, and on or after April 11, 2006, a variable rate equal
to Three-Month LIBOR plus 150 basis points, reset quarterly, in each case, the
rate shall be determined by reference to the Class C-3 Share Liquidation
Preference; provided, however, that such variable rate shall never be greater
than 15%.
"Class C-3 Share Liquidation Amount" means, with respect to each Class C-3
Share, an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Class C-3 Share Liquidation
Preference, plus an amount (whether or not declared) equal to the Class C-3
Share Liquidation Preference multiplied by the Class C-3 Indicative Rate
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the
current Dividend Period that have passed prior to the date on which the
liquidation occurs and the denominator of which is 360 and (ii) the Economic
Dividend Payable.
"Class C-3 Share Liquidation Preference" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01 hereof.
"Clearing Agency" means the clearing agency with respect to the Class
C-3 Shares.
"Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Common Shares" means, collectively, the Class A Shares and the Class B
Shares.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
"Dividend" means a cash distribution to holders of the Class C-3 Shares
from the Corporation with respect to any applicable Dividend Period and payable
on an applicable Dividend Date.
3
"Dividend Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August and November
in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day)
commencing February 15, 2001, with respect to Dividends for each relevant
Dividend Period on the Class C-3 Shares.
"Dividend Period" means for each Dividend Date, a quarterly period
comprised of two components: (i) an arrears component from and including the
date of the original issuance of the Class C-3 Shares (in the case of the first
Dividend Period) or, in all other cases, from and including the 11th day of any
of April, July, October or January immediately preceding the then current
Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is not a Business Day, then the
start of the period will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day, to
but excluding the then current Dividend Date, and (ii) an advance component
from and including the then current Dividend Date to but excluding the next
11th day of any of April, July, October or January (as the case may be)
immediately succeeding the then current Dividend Date, provided, that if any
such day is not a Business Day, then the end of the period (and associated
first day of the next Dividend Period) will be postponed to the next succeeding
Business Day.
"Economic Dividend Payable" means initially, as determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank, for the Class C-3 Shares in the aggregate 1.4900662% of, as
applicable, (i) the amount of dividends paid or set apart for payment by the
Corporation on its common shares (including the Class C Shares) during any
Dividend Period, (ii) the amount of any redemption proceeds on the
Corporation's common shares to the extent such proceeds are greater than the
fair market value of the common shares being redeemed, or (iii) the aggregate
amount available for payment of distributions on liquidation with respect to
the Corporation's common shares entitled to payments upon liquidation; provided
that: (A) subsection (i) above shall only apply when determining whether the
Class C-3 Shares are entitled to Dividends, (B) subsection (ii) above shall
only apply upon a redemption of the Corporation's common shares and (C)
subsection (iii) above shall only apply upon a liquidation, dissolution and
winding up of the Corporation. This percentage shall be adjusted from time to
time (for example upon the issuance of common shares by the Corporation in
exchange for cash or property) based upon the percentage of the Corporation's
fair market value represented by the Class C-3 Shares at the time of such
adjustment; provided that any such adjustment shall be determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank.
"Holder" means the beneficial owners of the Class C-3 Shares.
"IAI" means a Person that is an "accredited investor" within the meaning
of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act or the analog
provisions of any successor rule.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Junior Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01 hereof.
"LIBOR Determination Date" the first LIBOR Determination Date will be
April 9th, 2001, and thereafter will be two Business Days prior to each July
11th, October 11th, January 11th and April 11th thereafter (except if any such
day is not a Business Day, then the relevant LIBOR Determination Date will be
two Business Days prior to the preceding Business Day).
"LLC III" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding LLC III, a Delaware limited
liability company.
4
"LLC III Payment Date" means the 11th day of any of April, July, October
and January in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) when the corresponding RegCaPS III payment for such period has
been made.
"LLC III Payments" means cash payments on the LLC Preferred Interests III.
LLC III Payments shall not include tax amounts withheld and not refunded.
"LLC Preferred Interest III" means the preferred membership interests in
LLC III.
"Minimum Net Worth Amount" initially means US$ 3 billion. The Minimum Net
Worth Amount will be increased by the proceeds paid to the Corporation in
consideration for the issuance and sale of any of its capital stock ranking
pari passu with or senior to the Class C-3 Shares with respect to the payment
of distributions or amounts payable upon liquidation. The Minimum Net Worth
Amount will be reduced by the amounts paid to purchase or redeem any shares of
Class C Common Stock or any of its capital stock ranking pari passu with or
senior to the Class C-3 Shares or the other Class C Shares, but only by an
amount equal to the liquidation preference of such shares. The net worth of
the Corporation will be determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
"Partnership III" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Limited Partnership III,
a Delaware limited partnership.
"Person" means any legal person, including any individual, corporation,
association, partnership (general or limited), joint venture, trust, estate,
limited liability company, or other legal entity or organization, including a
government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Purchaser" means ZGH or any of its Affiliates.
"QIB" means a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule
144A under the Securities Act.
"RegCaPS III" means any regulatory capital preferred securities of
Partnership III.
"RegCaPS III Payment Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August
and November in each year (or on the preceding Business Day if such day is not
a Business Day) commencing February 15, 2001 with respect to the RegCaPS III
Payments for each relevant RegCaPS III Payment Period.
"RegCaPS III Payment Period" means for each RegCaPS III Payment Date, a
quarterly period comprised of two components (i) an arrears component from and
including the date of the original issuance of the RegCaPS III (in the case of
the first RegCaPS III Payment Period) or, in all other cases, from and
including the relevant LLC III Payment Date immediately preceding the then
current RegCaPS III Payment Date to but excluding the then current RegCaPS III
Payment Date and (ii) an advance component from and including the then current
RegCaPS III Payment Date to but excluding the next relevant succeeding LLC III
Payment Date.
"RegCaPS III Payments" means cash remittances, initially 5.96%, on or
after April 11, 2001, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus
46 basis points, reset quarterly, and
5
on or after April 11, 2006, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR
plus 150 basis points, reset quarterly, in each case the rate shall be
determined by reference to the liquidation preference of the RegCaPS III, to
the registered holder of the RegCaPS III with respect to any applicable RegCaPS
III Payment Period and payable on an applicable RegCaPS III Payment Date.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Exchange Act" means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
"Special Independent Directors" means two (2) independent directors of the
Corporation to be elected by holders of the Class C Shares upon the occurrence
of certain events as stated in this Certificate of Designation and in the
certificates of designation of the other Class C Shares. The holders of the
Class C-3 Shares shall have the right to vote for the Special Independent
Directors only upon the failure of the Corporation to pay Dividends for 24
consecutive months at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate on the Class C-3 Shares.
"Three-Month LIBOR" means with respect to any LIBOR Determination Date, a
rate determined on the basis of the offered rates for three-month United States
dollar deposits of not less than a principal amount equal to that which is
representative for a single transaction in such market at such time, commencing
on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Determination Date,
which appears on US LIBOR Telerate Page 3750 as of approximately 11:00 a.m.,
London time, on such LIBOR Determination Date.
If on any LIBOR Determination Date no rate appears on US LIBOR Telerate
Page 3750 as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, the Paying Agent shall
on such LIBOR Determination Date request the four major reference banks in the
London interbank market selected by the Paying Agent to provide the Paying
Agent with a quotation of the rate at which three-month deposits in United
States dollars, commencing on the second Business Day immediately following
such LIBOR Determination Date, are offered by it to prime banks in the London
interbank market as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to that which is
representative for a single transaction in such market at such time. If at
least two such quotations are provided, Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR
Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations as calculated
by the Paying Agent. If fewer than two quotations are provided, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of the
rates quoted as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date by three major banks in the London interbank market selected
by the Paying Agent for loans in United States dollars to leading European
banks, having a three-month maturity commencing on the second Business Day
immediately following such LIBOR Determination Date and in a principal amount
equal to that which is representative for a single transaction in such market
at such time; provided, however, that, if the banks selected as aforesaid by
the Paying Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be Three-Month LIBOR determined
with respect to (i) the immediately preceding Dividend Period for purposes of
the Class C-3 Shares and (ii) the immediately preceding RegCaPS III Payment
Period for purposes of the RegCaPS III.
"Transfer Agent" means the transfer agent with respect to the Class C-3
Shares which shall initially be the Corporation.
6
"Trust III" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Trust III, a Delaware statutory
business trust.
"Trust Capital Securities III" means 225,000 trust capital securities,
liquidation amount US $1,000 each, representing undivided beneficial ownership
interests in the assets of Trust III.
"U.S. GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States.
"ZGH" means Zurich Group Holding, a Swiss stock corporation (as defined in
Article 620 et. seq., of the Swiss Code of Obligation) formerly known as Zurich
Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services or
its successors and assigns.
"Zurich Financial Services" means Zurich Financial Services, a Swiss stock
corporation (as defined in Article 620 et seq., of the Swiss Code of
Obligations) listed on the Swiss Exchange SWX with a secondary listing on the
London Stock Exchange and the holder of directly or indirectly 100% of the
shares of ZGH or its successors and assigns.
"1940 Act" means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
ARTICLE 2
NUMBER AND DESIGNATION
SECTION 2.01. Number and Designation. 10 shares of the Class C Common
Stock of the Corporation are hereby designated as a series of Class C Common
Stock designated as Class C-3 Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the
"Class C-3 Shares"). The Class C-3 Shares shall have a liquidation preference
of twenty two million five hundred thousand United States dollars ($22,500,000)
per share (the "Class C-3 Share Liquidation Preference").
ARTICLE 3
RANK
SECTION 3.01. Rank. (a) The Class C-3 Shares shall, only with respect
to payment of Dividends at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate (as defined below) and
with respect to the payment of the Class C-3 Share Liquidation Preference upon
the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Corporation, rank senior to
all of the Junior Shares, including the Common Shares. In all other respects,
the Class C-3 Shares shall rank pari passu with the Junior Shares, including
the Common Shares and the other series of Class C Shares and shall participate
equally with the Junior Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and shall participate equally
with the Class A Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with respect to
any amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation. The Class C-3 Shares will rank junior in all respects to any
indebtedness of the Corporation. The Class C-3 Shares shall rank pari passu
with the other series of Class C Shares for all purposes. All securities of
the Corporation to which the Class C-3 Shares rank senior (whether with respect
to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, winding up or otherwise),
including the Common Shares, are collectively referred to herein as the "Junior
Shares." The definition of Junior Shares shall also include any rights or
options exercisable for or convertible into any of the Junior Shares.
(b) Without prior consent of the holders of not less than a majority of
the outstanding Class C-3 Shares, the Corporation shall not issue any class or
series of equity securities whose terms provide
7
that such securities rank senior to or pari passu with the Class C-3 Shares
with respect to the rights to receive dividends and other distributions or
with respect to any amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up; provided that the Corporation may file certificates of designation and
issue shares in accordance therewith for other series of Class C Shares to be
designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-2 Common Stock, Class C-4 Common
Stock, Class C-5 Common Stock, and Class C-6 Common Stock, each of which ranks
pari passu with the Class C-3 Shares with respect to distributions paid by the
Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. Further, if the Corporation has
paid in full the lesser of (i) each Dividend on its respective Dividend Payment
Date during the last 24 months at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate, or (ii) prior
to February 9, 2003, all Dividends in an amount at least equal to the Class C-3
Share Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C Shares, the
Corporation may issue an unlimited amount of additional Class C-3 Shares and
other equity ranking pari passu with the Class C-3 Shares without the consent
of the holders of the Class C-3 Shares.
ARTICLE 4
DIVIDENDS
SECTION 4.01. Rate; Dividend Date. (a) Each Class C-3 Share shall be
entitled to receive cash Dividends on a non-cumulative basis, when as and if
declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the
payment of distributions on each Dividend Date commencing February 15, 2001.
The amount of Dividends will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the
actual number of days in such Dividend Period. When Dividends are paid on the
Class C-3 Shares at less than the Class C-3 Indicative Rate, all Dividends
declared on the Class C Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding
number of shares of each series of Class C Common Stock and such Dividends
declared on the Class C-3 Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding
number of Class C-3 Shares.
(b) The Paying Agent will calculate Three-Month LIBOR as of each LIBOR
Determination Date and shall make such rate calculation available to holders of
Class C-3 Shares. The Paying Agent also shall determine the Dividends payable
on each Dividend Date and give notice thereof (including the applicable rate,
amount, the applicable period and payment) to the holders of Class C-3 Shares.
The notices set forth in this paragraph shall be sent by first class mail to
the address of each holder of Class C-3 Shares as it appears on the register
kept by the Registrar and shall be available at the offices of the Paying
Agent.
SECTION 4.02. Dividend Restrictions. (a) No distribution or redemption,
including without limitation cash dividends, may be declared or paid or set
apart for payment on any Junior Shares and neither the Corporation nor any of
its Affiliates may purchase or redeem for cash any outstanding Junior Shares,
unless:
(i) full Dividends have been declared and paid or set apart for
payment on the Class C-3 Shares in an amount at least equal to the
greater of (A) the Dividends payable or set apart during such Dividend
Period at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate; or (B) the Economic Dividend
Payable;
(ii) Partnership III has paid or set apart for payment the full
amount of RegCaPS III Payments for the current RegCaPS III Payment
Period;
8
(iii) LLC III has set apart or paid the full amount of the LLC
III Payments on an LLC III Payment Date in any period when the
corresponding RegCaPS III Payment for such LLC III Payment Date has been
made; and
(iv) in the case of a repurchase or redemption, such repurchase
or redemption does not cause the net worth of the Corporation to be less
than the Minimum Net Worth Amount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as the Corporation has paid or set
apart for payment Dividends on the Class C-3 Shares at least equal to the
greater of (i)(A) or (i)(B) and clauses (ii) (iii) and (iv) above are
satisfied, the Corporation may declare and pay Dividends on any Junior Shares
with respect to such Dividend Period.
(b) (i) If a Dividend is paid or set apart on the Class C-3 Shares
during any Dividend Period at a rate less than the Class C-3 Indicative
Rate, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments on the Junior
Shares and may only make dividend payments on its other securities that
rank pari passu with the Class C-3 Shares, if any, in the same proportion
as the partial Dividend paid or set apart on the Class C-3 Shares for the
current Dividend Period bears to the full Dividend payment determined for
such Dividend Period at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate.
(ii) For so long as the Class C-3 Shares are outstanding, if a
partial RegCaPS III Payment is made or set apart for any RegCaPS III
Payment Period, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments during
such RegCaPS III Payment Period on its Junior Shares and may only make
dividend payments on its other securities that rank pari passu with the
Class C-3 Shares in the same proportion as the lesser of (i) the
proportion the partial RegCaPS III Payment made or set apart for the
Current RegCaPS III Payment Period bears to the RegCaPS III Payment
determined for such RegCaPS III Payment Period and (ii) the proportion
the partial Dividend paid or set apart on the Class C-3 Shares for the
corresponding Dividend Period bears to the full Dividend payment for such
Dividend Period at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate.
Additionally, for so long as the Class C-3 Shares are outstanding, all
shares of common or preferred stock issued by majority-owned subsidiaries of
the Corporation which shares are not beneficially owned by the Corporation or
its wholly-owned subsidiaries will be subject to the restrictions set forth
above on the payment of distributions and other payments only to the extent
that such minority shares are owned by Zurich Financial Services or one of its
controlled Affiliates.
(c) The Corporation intends that the holders of the RegCaPS III shall be
third party beneficiaries of, and entitled to enforce, the provisions of this
Section 4.02 as if such provisions constituted a contract between the
Corporation and the holders of the Class C-3 Shares, and the holders of the
RegCaPS III were third-party beneficiaries to such contracts.
SECTION 4.03. Payment of Dividends. Dividends and other payments on the
Class C-3 Shares will be payable to the holders thereof as they appear on the
books and records of the Corporation on the relevant record dates, which will
be one Business Day prior to the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date.
Such Dividends will be paid either (i) by the Corporation or (ii) in the event
such Class C-3 Shares are not held by an Affiliate of ZGH through the Paying
Agent who will hold amounts received from the Corporation in respect of the
Class C-3 Shares for the benefit of the registered
9
holders of the Class C-3 Shares. In the event that any Class C-3 Shares do not
remain in book-entry only form, the relevant record dates shall be the 15th day
of the month of the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date. In the event
that any Dividend Date is not a Business Day, payment of the Dividends payable
on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day
(without any interest or other payment in respect of the dividends subject to
such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
SECTION 4.04. Changes in the Dividends-Received Percentage. (a) If,
prior to 18 months after the date of the original issuance of the Class C-3
Shares, one or more amendments to the Code are enacted that reduce the
dividends-received deduction (currently 70%), as specified in Section 243(a)(i)
of the Code or any successor provision (the "Dividend-Received Percentage"),
certain adjustments will be made as appropriate in respect of the Dividends
paid by the Corporation, and Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive
Dividends may become payable (as such terms are defined below), except that no
adjustments will be made with respect to any reduction of the Dividends-
Received Percentage below 50%.
(b) The amount per share of each Dividend declared at the applicable
rate described in Section 4.01 above for Dividend payments made on or after the
effective date of such change in the Code will be increased, to the extent of
funds legally available for distribution by the Corporation, by multiplying the
amount of the Dividend payable before adjustment, by a factor, which will be
the number determined in accordance with the following formula (the "DRD
Formula"), and rounding the result to the nearest cent (with one-half cent
rounded up):
I-.35(I-.70)
------------
I-.35(I-DRP)
For purposes of the DRD Formula with regard to the Class C-3 Shares, "DRP"
means the Dividend-Received Percentage (expressed as a decimal) applicable to
the Dividends in question; provided, that in no event shall the DRP be less
than 0.50. No amendment to the Code, other than a change in the Dividends-
Received Percentage enacted prior to 18 months after the date of the original
issuance of the Class C-3 Shares, will give rise to an adjustment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to any such
amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified opinion of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or a private
letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the IRS to the effect that
such an amendment does not apply to a Dividend payable on the Class C-3 Shares,
then such amendment will not result in the adjustment provided for pursuant to
the DRD Formula with respect to such Dividend. The opinion referenced in the
previous sentence shall be based upon the legislation amending or establishing
the DRP or upon a published pronouncement of the IRS addressing such
legislation. Absent manifest error, the Corporation's calculation of the
Dividends payable as so adjusted shall be final and not subject to review.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such aforementioned amendment
to the Code is enacted after the Dividend payable on a Dividend Date has been
declared, and if such amendment is effective with respect to such Dividend, the
amount of the Dividend payable on such Dividend Date will not be increased;
instead, additional Dividend payments (the "Post Declaration Date Dividend"),
equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the product of the Dividend paid by the
Corporation on
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such Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the Dividend paid by the
Corporation on such Dividend Date, will be declared to the extent funds legally
available for distribution by the Corporation to holders of Class C-3 Shares on
the record date applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Date, or, if Class
C-3 Shares are called for redemption prior to such record date, to holders of
Class C-3 Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, in
addition to any other amounts payable on such date.
(d) If any such amendment to the Code is enacted and the reduction in the
Dividends-Received Percentage retroactively applies to one or more Dividend
Dates on which the Corporation previously paid Dividends with respect to the
Class C-3 Shares (each, an "Affected Dividend Date"), additional Dividends (the
"Retroactive Dividends") will be declared, to the extent of funds legally
available therefor, to holders of Class C-3 Shares on the record date
applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Dates or, if the Class C-3 Shares
are called for redemption prior to such record date, to holders of Class C-3
Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, in an amount
equal to the excess of (x) the product of the Dividend paid by the Corporation
on each Affected Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the sum of the
Dividend paid by the Corporation on each Affected Dividend Date. The
Corporation will only make one payment of Retroactive Dividends for any such
amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to any
such amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified opinion of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or a
private letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the IRS to the
effect that such amendment does not apply to a Dividend payable on an Affected
Dividend Date for the Class C-3 Shares, then such amendment will not result in
the payment of a Retroactive Dividend with respect to such Affected Dividend
Date. The opinion referenced in the previous sentence shall be based upon the
legislation amending or establishing the Dividends-Received Percentage or upon
a published pronouncement of the IRS addressing such legislation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment in the dividends payable
by the Corporation shall be made, and no Post Declaration Date Dividends or
Retroactive Dividends shall be payable by the Corporation, in respect of the
enactment of any amendment to the Code 18 months or more after the date of
original issuance of the Class C-3 Shares that reduces the Dividends-Received
Percentage or to the extent such amendment reduces the Dividends-Received
Percentage to less than 50%.
(f) In the event that the amount of Dividends payable per share of the
Class C-3 Shares is increased pursuant to the DRD Formula and/or Post
Declaration Date Dividends or Retroactive Dividends are to be paid, the
Corporation will give notice of each such adjustment and, if applicable, any
Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive Dividends to the holders of
Class C-3 Shares.
(g) The various payment restrictions and obligations described above and
applicable in respect of any Dividend Period in which a Dividend on the Class
C-3 Shares is not paid in an amount at least equal to the Class C-3 Indicative
Rate to the extent that any Post Declaration Date Dividend or Retroactive
Dividend is not declared and paid or set apart for payment as and when due in
respect of a reduction in the Dividends-Received Percentage; provided that such
payment restrictions and obligations will remain in effect, not only during the
current Dividend Period, but until such Post Declaration Date Dividend or
Retroactive Dividend is declared and paid or set apart for payment.
11
SECTION 4.05. Earnings and Profits Gross-Up Payments. (a) To the
extent that Dividends paid with respect to the Class C-3 Shares exceeds the
Corporation's earnings and profits as calculated for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, they will not constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction. In such
event, additional distributions will be made by the Corporation to place each
holder of the Class C-3 Shares in the same position it would have been in if
all Dividends from the Corporation were paid from such earnings and profits,
assuming for these purposes that such holder was eligible for the dividends-
received deduction.
(b) If any Dividend on the Class C-3 Shares with respect to any fiscal
year (including any Gross-Up Payment (as defined below)) constitutes, in whole
or in part, a return of capital (or is treated as gain from the sale or
exchange of the Class C-3 Shares) for U.S. federal income tax purposes
(a "Qualifying Dividend"), within 180 days after the end of such fiscal year,
the Corporation will pay (if declared), out of funds legally available
therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Gross-Up Payments to Qualified
Investors (as defined below) with respect to all Qualifying Dividends on the
Class C-3 Shares during such fiscal year. A "Qualified Investor" with respect
to a Qualifying Dividend during a fiscal year means a person who was entitled
to receive such Qualifying Dividend.
(c) A "Gross-Up Payment" to a Qualified Investor with respect to all
Qualifying Dividends on Class C-3 Shares paid by the Corporation during a
fiscal year means an additional Dividend on the Class C-3 Shares to a
Qualifying Investor in an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends paid to such Qualified Investor during such fiscal year,
would cause such Qualified Investor's net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal
income tax consequences and treating, for purposes of calculating net yield in
dollars, the sum of that portion of the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up
Payment otherwise treated as a return of capital as capital gain recognized
upon the taxable sale or exchange of Class C-3 Shares) from the aggregate of
both the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up Payment to be equal to the net
yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences) which would have
been received by such Qualified Investor if the entire amount of the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends had instead been treated as a dividend for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Such Gross-Up Payment shall be calculated using the
applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal corporate income tax rate applicable
to ordinary income and capital gains, as the case may be, and, where
applicable, the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration being
given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation of
any specific Qualified Investor (including the application of the alternative
minimum tax or the application of Section 246 of the Code), or any state or
local tax consequences that may arise. The Corporation shall make a
determination, based upon the reasonably estimated earnings and profits of that
portion, if any, of a Qualifying Dividend for a fiscal year that will be
treated as dividend for U.S. federal tax purposes, and such determination
shall be final and binding for purposes of calculating the amount of the Gross-
Up Payments with respect to all Qualifying Dividends for such fiscal year.
SECTION 4.06. Change of Control Gross-Up Payments. If as a result of a
Change of Control Tax Event, there is an increase in any non-refundable foreign
taxes withheld ("Foreign Tax Increase") with respect to RegCaPS III Payments or
Cumulative RegCaPS III Payment Amounts paid to a RegCaPS III registered holder
("Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments"), additional distributions shall be made on
the Class C -3 Shares in an amount which, when taken together with the
aggregate Dividends paid to the Holders of the Class C-3 Shares during such
fiscal year reduced by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase, would cause
the net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences other than
the use of foreign tax credits resulting from the Foreign Tax Increase) to be
equal to the net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences)
to the
12
Holder from receipt of the aggregate Dividends paid to the Holder during such
fiscal year without any reduction by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase.
The foregoing amount shall be calculated based on the assumption that the
Holder is a U.S. corporation and using the applicable maximum marginal U.S.
federal corporate income tax rate applicable to ordinary income and capital
gains, as the case may be, and the Dividends-Received Percentage, without
consideration being given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income
tax situation of any specific Holder, or any state or local tax consequences
that may arise. If for a prior fiscal year Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments are
made by the Partnership III, the Corporation will pay (if declared), within 90
days after the end of such fiscal year, out of funds legally available
therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Gross-Up Payments
to the Partnership.
ARTICLE 5
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
SECTION 5.01. Liquidation Preference. (a) In the event of any voluntary
or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, after
payment or provision for the liabilities of the Corporation and the expenses of
such dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the holders of the outstanding
Class C-3 Shares will be entitled to receive the Class C-3 Share Liquidation
Amount, out of the assets of the Corporation or proceeds thereof available for
distribution to holders of Class C-3 Shares. Out of such amount, the holders
of Class C-3 Shares will be entitled to receive the Class C-3 Share Liquidation
Preference before any payment or distribution of assets is made to holders of
the Common Shares or any other Junior Shares. Amounts payable on the Class C-3
Shares in connection with the liquidation of the Corporation in excess of the
Class C-3 Share Liquidation Preference are payable (to the extent the Class C-3
Share Liquidation Amount exceeds the Class C-3 Share Liquidation Preference) on
a pari passu basis with any Common Shares entitled to receive payment or
distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
If the assets of the Corporation available for distribution in such event are
insufficient to pay in full the aggregate amount payable to holders of the
Class C-3 Shares and holders of all other classes or series of equity
securities of the Corporation, if any, ranking, as to the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, on a
parity with the Class C-3 Shares, the assets will be distributed to the holders
of Class C-3 Shares and holders of such other equity interests pro rata, based
on the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After
payment of the Class C-3 Share Liquidation Amount upon dissolution, liquidation
or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of Class C-3 Shares will not be
entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the
Corporation.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(a) above, holders of Class C-3 Shares
will not be entitled to be paid any amount in respect of a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Corporation until holders of any classes or
series of securities of the Corporation ranking, as to the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, senior
to the Class C-3 Shares have been paid all amounts to which such classes or
series are entitled.
(c) Notwithstanding anything else in this Certificate, neither the sale,
lease or exchange (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other
consideration) of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the
Corporation, nor the merger, consolidation or combination of the Corporation
into or with any other person or the merger, consolidation or combination of
any other person into or with the Corporation, shall be deemed to be a
dissolution, liquidation or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, for the
purposes of this Section 5.01.
13
ARTICLE 6
REDEMPTION
SECTION 6.01. Optional Redemption. (a) The Class C-3 Shares will not be
subject to mandatory redemption at any time. Prior to February 15, 2031, Class
C-3 Shares will not be subject to optional redemption. On or after February
15, 2031, Class C-3 Shares may be redeemed at the option of the Corporation at
any time, subject to the prior consent of ZGH, in whole but not in part, at
their fair market value (the "Redemption Amount") as determined by a nationally
recognized investment bank retained by the Corporation.
SECTION 6.02. Procedure for Redemption. (a) Notice of any redemption of
the Class C-3 Shares (a "Redemption Notice") will be given by the Corporation
by mail to each holder of Class C-3 Shares not fewer than 30 nor more than 60
days before the date fixed for redemption. For purposes of the calculation of
the date of redemption and the dates on which notices are given pursuant to
this Section 6.02(a), a Redemption Notice shall be deemed to be given on the
day such notice is first mailed, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to
holders of the Class C-3 Shares. Each Redemption Notice shall be addressed to
the holders of Class C-3 Shares at the address of each such holder appearing in
the books and records of the Corporation. No defect in the Redemption Notice
or in the mailing thereof with respect to any holder of Class C-3 Shares shall
affect the validity of the redemption proceedings with respect to any other
holder of Class C-3 Shares.
(b) If the Corporation gives a Redemption Notice (which notice will be
irrevocable), then by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption date,
the Corporation (A) if the Class C-3 Shares are in book-entry form with DTC,
will deposit irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable
Redemption Amount and will give DTC irrevocable instruction and authority to
pay the Redemption Amount in respect of the Class C-3 Shares held through DTC
in global form or (B) if the Class C-3 Shares are held in certificated form
(each such certificate a "Class C-3 Share Certificate"), will deposit with the
Paying Agent, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Amount of any
such Class C-3 Shares and will give to the Paying Agent irrevocable
instructions and authority to pay such amounts to the holders of Class C-3
Shares, upon surrender of their certificates, by delivery of check, mailed to
the address of the relevant holder appearing on the books and records of the
Corporation on the redemption date. For these purposes, the applicable
Redemption Amount shall not include Dividends which are being paid to holders
of Class C-3 Shares who were holders of Class C-3 Shares on a relevant record
date. Upon satisfaction of the foregoing conditions, then immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of such deposit or payment, all rights of
holders of Class C-3 Shares so called for redemption will cease, except the
right of the holders of Class C-3 Shares to receive the Redemption Amount,
but without interest on such Redemption Amount, and from and after the date
fixed for redemption, such Class C-3 Shares will not receive dividends or bear
interest.
(c) In the event that any date fixed for redemption of Class C-3 Shares
is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Amount payable on such
date will be made on the next succeeding Business Day (and without any interest
in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls in the
next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on such
date fixed for redemption. In the event that payment of the Redemption Amount
is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by the Corporation, Dividends on
the Class C-3 Shares called for redemption will continue to be payable in
accordance with the terms hereof from the original redemption date until the
Redemption Amount is actually paid.
14
(d) The Corporation shall not be required to register or cause to be
registered the transfer of any Class C-3 Shares which have been called for
redemption.
(e) The Class C-3 Shares which have been issued and reacquired in any
manner, including shares purchased or redeemed, shall (upon compliance with
any applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Nevada) have the status
of authorized and unissued Class C-3 Shares and may be reissued.
ARTICLE 7
VOTING RIGHTS
SECTION 7.01. Voting Rights. (a) The holders of the Class C-3 Shares
will be entitled to 0.375 of a vote per share (subject to adjustment in the
event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution or combination
with respect to any shares of capital stock of the Corporation) and will be
entitled to vote with the Common Shares as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of the Common Shares (other than those matters affecting
only the Common Shares, or either of them); provided, however, that at no time
shall the aggregate Voting Power of the Class C-3 Shares be greater than 0.675%
of the total Voting Power of the Corporation. Prior to transferring ownership
of any Class C-3 Shares to a transferee other than an Affiliate of ZGH and
subject to receipt of any required regulatory approval, if any, such Class C-3
Shares shall be (i) split into a number of shares of Class C-3 Shares equal to,
and with a liquidation preference equal to the liquidation amount of the number
of Trust Capital Securities III, and (ii) converted on a one-to-one basis to
the same number of shares of a class of common stock of the Corporation (the
"Conversion Shares") having rights, preferences and privileges substantially
identical to the Class C-3 Shares except that the Conversion Shares will be
entitled to no voting rights other than as required by law and other than with
respect to adverse amendments to the terms of the Conversion Shares and the
issuance of equity securities that rank senior to or pari passu with the
Conversion Shares with respect to the payment of distributions or amounts
upon liquidation, provided that the Corporation may file certificates of
designation and issue shares in accordance therewith for other Class C Shares
which rank pari passu with the Conversion Shares with respect to distributions
paid by the Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. If, however, any
necessary regulatory approvals to issue the Conversion Shares are not obtained,
the Class C-3 Shares rather than the Conversion Shares may be transferred to a
transferee other than an Affiliate of ZGH.
(b) The holders of the Class C-3 Shares and the Conversion Shares will be
entitled to vote separately as a single class on the matters described in this
paragraph. The consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the
outstanding Class C-3 Shares and Conversion Shares, voting as a single class,
is required (i) to amend, alter, supplement or repeal the terms of the Class
C-3 Shares and the Conversion Shares (it being a condition to any such
amendment, alteration, supplement or repeal that it has a substantially
identical effect on the rights, preferences and privileges of both the Class
C-3 Shares and the Conversion Shares), or (ii) if the Corporation has not paid
in full the lesser of (A) each of the last twenty-four months of Dividends on
their respective Dividend Payment Dates at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate, or
(B) prior to the second anniversary of the first issue date, all Dividends at
the Class C-3 Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C-3 Shares
and the Conversion Shares, for the Corporation to issue, or to increase the
authorized amount of, the Class C-3 Shares or the Conversion Shares or any
other equity securities that rank pari passu with or senior to the Class C-3
Shares and the Conversion Shares; provided that the Corporation may file
certificates of designation and issue shares in accordance therewith for other
Class C Shares to be designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-2 Common
Stock, Class C-4 Common Stock, Class C-5 Common Stock, and Class C-6
15
Common Stock, each of which rank pari passu with the Class C-3 Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and with respect to any
amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation without the consent of the holders of the Class C-3 Shares or the
Conversion Shares.
(c) Whenever Dividends on the Class C-3 Shares and the Conversion Shares
at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate are in arrears for twenty-four or more
consecutive months, the holders of Class C-3 Shares and the Conversion Shares,
voting together with the other Class C Shares as a single class, will be
entitled, subject to any necessary regulatory actions, to elect two Special
Independent Directors to the Board of Directors, at a special meeting called
by the holders of record of at least 25% of the Class C-3 Shares and the
Conversion Shares in the aggregate or by the holders of record of 25% of any
of the other series of Class C Shares pursuant to the terms of the certificate
of designation creating such other series of Class C Shares. The Special
Independent Directors shall vacate office if Dividends at the Class C-3
Indicative Rate are resumed and are paid regularly for at least twelve
consecutive months, unless otherwise provided by the terms of any other
certificate of designation for any other series of Class C Shares. If
Dividends are resumed and paid regularly for at least twelve consecutive
months at the Class C-3 Indicative Rate, the holders of the Class C-3 Shares
and the Conversion Shares shall no longer be entitled to vote for the two
Special Independent Directors on account of that arrearage. When no holder of
Class C-3 Shares is entitled to vote for the two Special Independent Directors,
the Special Independent Directors shall vacate office. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in the event that more than one series of Class C Shares are
entitled to elect Special Independent Directors to the Board of Directors,
such series shall vote together as a single class to elect such two directors.
In no event shall the holders of Class C Shares be entitled to elect more than
two Independent Directors to the Board of Directors.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have the right,
without the prior consent of the holders of Class C-3 Shares and Conversion
Shares if any, to amend, alter, supplement or repeal any terms of the Class
C-3 Shares (i) to cure any ambiguity, or to cure, correct or supplement any
defective provision thereof or (ii) to make any other provision with respect to
matters or questions arising with respect to the Class C-3 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, that is not inconsistent with the provisions thereof
so long as such action does not materially and adversely affect any of the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of Class C-3 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, provided, however, that any increase in the amount
of authorized or issued Class C-3 Shares will be deemed not to materially and
adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the holder
of Class C-3 Shares.
(e) The consent or votes required in Section 7.01(b) and (c) above shall
be in addition to any approval of stockholders of the Corporation which may be
required by law or pursuant to any provision of the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation or bylaws, which approval shall be obtained by vote of the
stockholders of the Corporation in the manner provided in Section 7.01(a)
above.
ARTICLE 8
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE CORPORATION
SECTION 8.01. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Amalgamation of the
Corporation. Without the consent of either one Special Independent Director,
if any, or a majority of the holders of Class C-3 Shares, the Corporation may
not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or
into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an
16
entirety to, any corporation or other entity, except as permitted below.
The Corporation may, with the consent of at least one of the Special
Independent Directors, if any, on the Board of Directors at the time the
issue is considered and without the consent of the holders of the Class C-3
Shares, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or domesticate
with or into, or be replaced by a corporation organized as such under the laws
of any State of the United States; provided, that:
(a) if the Corporation is not the surviving entity, such successor entity
either (x) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Corporation under
the Class C-3 Shares or (y) substitutes securities for the Class C-3 Shares
(the "Successor Securities"), so long as the Successor Securities rank the same
as the Class C-3 Shares rank with respect to Dividends and other payments
thereon;
(b) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication
or replacement does not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-3 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect;
(c) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion,
domestication or replacement, the Corporation has received an opinion of a
nationally recognized law firm experienced in such matters to the effect that
(i) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or
replacement will not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-3 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect and (ii) following such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or replacement, the
Corporation (or such successor entity) will not be required to register under
the 1940 Act; and
(d) distributions with respect to the Class C-3 Shares or Successor
Securities would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
ARTICLE 9
TRANSFER OF CLASS C-3 SHARES
SECTION 9.01. General. The Corporation shall provide for the
registration of Class C-3 Share Certificates and of transfers of Class C-3
Share Certificates. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Class
C-3 Share Certificate, the Corporation shall cause one or more new Class C-3
Share Certificates to be issued in the name of the designated transferee or
transferees. Every Class C-3 Share Certificate surrendered for registration
of transfer shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Corporation duly executed by the holder of such Class C-3
Shares or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing. Each Class C-3 Share
Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be cancelled by the
Corporation. A transferee of a Class C-3 Share Certificate shall be entitled
to the rights and subject to the obligations of a holder of Class C-3 Shares
hereunder upon the receipt by the transferee of a Class C-3 Share Certificate,
which receipt shall be deemed to constitute a request by such transferee that
the books and records of the Corporation reflect such transferee as a holder of
Class C-3 Share.
SECTION 9.02. Definitive Certificates. Unless and until the Corporation
issues a global Class C-3 Share Certificate pursuant to Section 9.03(a), the
Corporation shall only issue definitive Class C-3 Share Certificates to the
holders of Class C-3 Shares. The Corporation may treat the Person in whose
name any Class C-3 Share Certificate shall be registered on the books and
records of the Corporation as the sole holder of such Class C-3 Share
Certificate and of the Class C-3 Shares represented by such Class C-3 Share
Certificate for purposes of receiving Dividends and for all other purposes
whatsoever
17
(including without limitation, tax returns and information reports) and,
accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest in such Class C-3 Share Certificate or in the Class C-3 Shares
represented by such Class C-3 Share Certificate on the part of any other
Person, whether or not the Corporation shall have actual or other notice
thereof.
SECTION 9.03. Book Entry Provisions.
(a) General. The provisions of this Section 9.03(a) shall apply only in
the event that the Class C-3 Shares are distributed to a Person other than the
Purchaser. Upon the occurrence of such event, a global Class C-3 Share
Certificate representing the Book-Entry Interests shall be delivered to DTC,
the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Corporation and any
previously issued and still outstanding definitive Class C-3 Share Certificates
shall be of no further force and effect. The global Class C-3 Share
Certificate shall initially be registered on the books and records of the
Corporation in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, and no holder of
Class C-3 Shares will receive a new definitive Class C-3 Share Certificate
representing such holder's interest in such Class C-3 Share Certificate, except
as provided in Section 9.03(c). Unless and until new definitive, fully
registered Class C-3 Share Certificates (the "Definitive Class C-3 Share
Certificates") have been issued to the holders of Class C-3 Shares pursuant
to Section 9.03(c):
(i) The provisions of this Section shall be in full force and
effect;
(ii) The Corporation shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing
Agency for all purposes of this Certificate (including the payment of
Dividends, Redemption Amounts and liquidation proceeds on the Class C-3
Share Certificates and receiving approvals, votes or consents hereunder)
as the sole holder of the Class C-3 Share Certificates and shall have no
obligation to the holders of Class C-3 Shares;
(iii) None of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, or any
Special Independent Director or any agents of any of the foregoing shall
have any liability or responsibility for any aspect of the records
relating to or Dividends made on account of beneficial ownership interests
in a global Class C-3 Share Certificate for such beneficial ownership
interests or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interest; and
(iv) Except as provided in Section 9.03(c) below, the holders of
Class C-3 Shares will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Class C-3 Shares in definitive form and will not be considered holders
thereof for any purpose under this Certificate of Designation, and no
global Class C-3 Share Certificate representing Class C-3 Shares shall be
exchangeable, except for another global Class C-3 Share Certificate of
like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or Cede &
Co., or to a successor Depository or its nominee. Accordingly, each
holder of Class C-3 Shares must rely on the procedures of DTC or if such
person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through
which such person owns its interest to exercise any rights of a holder
under this Certificate of Designation.
(b) Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever the holders of the Class C-3
Shares are required to give a notice or other communication to their equity
holders, unless and until definitive Class C-3 Share Certificates shall have
been issued to the holders of Class C-3 Shares pursuant to Section 9.03(c), the
Corporation shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to
be given to the
18
holders of Class C-3 Shares to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no
obligations to the holders of Class C-3 Shares.
(c) Definitive Class C-3 Share Certificates. Definitive Class C-3 Share
Certificates shall be prepared by the Corporation and exchangeable for the
global Class C-3 Share Certificate or Certificates if and only if (i) the DTC
notifies the Corporation that it is unwilling or unable to continue its
services as a securities depository and no successor depository shall have been
appointed, (ii) the DTC, at any time, ceases to be a Clearing Agency registered
under the Exchange Act at such time as the DTC shall have been appointed, or
(iii) the Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines that such global
Class C-3 Share Certificate shall be so exchangeable. Upon surrender of the
global Class C-3 Share Certificate or Certificates representing the Book-Entry
Interests by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the
Corporation shall cause definitive Class C-3 Share Certificates to be delivered
to holders of Class C-3 Shares in accordance with the instructions of the
Clearing Agency. The Corporation shall not be liable for any delay in delivery
of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in
relying on, such instructions. The definitive Class C-3 Share Certificates
shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other
manner as may be required by any national securities exchange on which Class
C-3 Shares may be listed and is reasonably acceptable to the Corporation, as
evidenced by its execution thereof.
SECTION 9.04. Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent.
(a) The Corporation will act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying
Agent of the Class C-3 Share for so long as the Class C-3 Shares are held by
an Affiliate of ZGH, for so long as the Class C-3 Shares remain in book-entry
only form.
(b) Except in such case where the Corporation shall act as Registrar or
Paying Agent pursuant to Section 9.04(a) hereof, the Corporation shall maintain
in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, State of New York (i) an office
or agency where Class C-3 Shares may be presented for registration of transfer
or for exchange ("Registrar") and (ii) an office or agency where Class C-3
Shares may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent"). The Registrar shall keep
a register of the Class C-3 Shares and of their transfer and exchange. The
Corporation may appoint the Registrar and the Paying Agent and may appoint one
or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents in such other
location as it shall determine. The term "Paying Agent" includes any
additional paying agent. The Corporation may change any Paying Agent,
Registrar or co-registrar without prior notice to any holder. If the
Corporation fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying
Agent, the Corporation shall act as such.
(c) Registration of transfers of Class C-3 Shares shall be effected
without charge by or on behalf of the Corporation, but upon payment (with the
giving of such indemnity as the Corporation may require) in respect of any tax
or other governmental charges that may be imposed.
SECTION 9.05. Transfer Restrictions. The Class C-3 Shares may only be
transferred (i) to QIBs and (ii) to IAIs who, if they are not QIBs, prior to
such transfer, furnish to the Corporation or the Transfer Agent a signed letter
containing certain representations and agreements relating to restrictions on
transfer by such IAI and who hold their Class C-3 Shares through a DTC
participant. The foregoing restriction may be waived if the Corporation, in
its sole discretion, determines such restrictions are no longer necessary to
preserve the Corporation's exemptions from registration requirements under the
Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and the 1940 Act. Any purported
19
purchase or transfer of the Class C-3 Shares in violation of such restrictions
will be null and void. Furthermore the Corporation may also require the sale
of Class C-3 Shares held by holders who fail to comply with the foregoing.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 10.01. Preemptive Rights. No holder of any of the Class C-3
Shares shall have any preemptive or preferential right to acquire or subscribe
for any treasury or unissued shares of any class or series of the stock of the
Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, or any notes, debentures, bonds,
or other securities convertible into or carrying any right, option or warrant
to subscribe for or acquire shares of any class or series of stock of the
Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, whether or not the issuance of
any such shares, or such notes, debentures, bonds or other securities, would
adversely affect the distribution or voting rights of such holder, and the
Board of Directors of this Corporation may issue shares of any class or series
of stock of this Corporation, without offering any such shares of any class or
series of stock of the Corporation, either in whole or in part, to the existing
shareholders of any class or series of stock of this Corporation.
SECTION 10.02. Conversion Rights. The Class C-3 Shares shall have no
right to convert into the Common Shares, any of the other Class C Shares or
any other equity security or indebtedness of the Corporation other than the
Conversion Shares.
ARTICLE 11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 11.01. General Provisions. The headings of the paragraphs,
subparagraphs, clauses and subclauses of this Certificate of Designation are
for convenience of reference only and shall not define, limit or affect any of
the provisions hereof.
20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Farmers Group, Inc. has caused this Certificate of
Designation to be signed and attested by its undersigned Vice President and
Secretary this 7th day of February, 2001.
---
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
By:/s/ Julian R.M. Harvey
--------------------------------
Name: Julian R.M. Harvey
Title: Vice President
/s/ Doren Hohl
-----------------------------------------
Name: Doren Hohl
Title: Secretary
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)ss
COUNTY OF Los Angeles
---------------
On February 7 , 2001 before me, Hazel C. Bautista, personally appeared
- -----------------
Julian R.M. Harvey and Doren Hohl.
X personally known to me.
- ---
- -or-
___ proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the persons whose
names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledge to me that they
executed the same in their authorized capacities, and that by their signatures
on the instrument the persons, or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
/s/ Hazel C. Bautista
-----------------------------------------
Notary Public in and for said County and State
1
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
CLASS C-4 COMMON STOCK
of
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
Pursuant to Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada
Farmers Group, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a corporation organized and
existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada, certifies as follows:
FIRST: The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation (the "Articles of Incorporation") authorize the issuance of up to
50 shares of Class C common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Class C
Common Stock"), and further, authorize the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Board of Directors") by resolution or resolutions, at any
time and from time to time, to divide and establish any or all of the shares of
Class C Common Stock into one or more series of Class C Common Stock, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to fix and determine the
designation of each such series, the number of shares which shall constitute
such series and such voting powers, and such preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof of the shares of each series so
established.
SECOND: The following resolutions authorizing the creation and
issuance of a series of said shares of Class C Common Stock to be known as
Class C-4 Common Stock were duly adopted by the Board of Directors on the 6th
day of February, 2001, in accordance with Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the
Nevada General Corporation Law.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors, pursuant to authority vested in it
by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, hereby authorizes the
issuance of a series of the Corporation's Class C Common Stock, and hereby
fixes the number, designation, preferences, rights, limitations and
restrictions thereof in addition to those set forth in the Articles of
Incorporation as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. In this Certificate of Designation, unless
the context otherwise requires
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person
that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified Person.
"Book-Entry Interest" means a beneficial ownership in Class C-4 Shares,
the ownership and transfers of which are maintained through book entries of the
Registrar as set forth in Section 9.04(b) of this Certificate of Designation.
"Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is
neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or
required by law, regulation or
2
executive order to close in The City of New York. With respect to the LIBOR
Determination Date, "Business Day" means a day on which dealings in deposits in
U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
"Change of Control Event" means the Corporation ceasing to be an Affiliate
of ZGH or any of its Affiliates, including, but not limited to, a Change of
Control Tax Event.
"Change of Control Tax Event" means a Change of Control Event which
results in an adverse tax effect on the holders of Trust Capital Securities
IV.
"Class A Shares" means the Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class B Shares" means the Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class C Shares" means, collectively, the Class C-4 Shares and all other
series of Class C Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Corporation,
for which a certificate or certificates of designation have been filed with the
Nevada Secretary of State.
"Class C-4 Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01 hereof.
"Class C-4 Indicative Rate" means initially, 5.98%, and on or after April
18, 2001, a variable rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 53 basis points,
reset quarterly, and on or after April 18, 2008, a variable rate equal to
Three-Month LIBOR plus 155 basis points, reset quarterly, in each case, the
rate shall be determined by reference to the Class C-4 Share Liquidation
Preference; provided, however, that such variable rate shall never be greater
than 15%.
"Class C-4 Share Liquidation Amount" means, with respect to each Class C-4
Share, an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Class C-4 Share Liquidation
Preference, plus an amount (whether or not declared) equal to the Class C-4
Share Liquidation Preference multiplied by the Class C-4 Indicative Rate
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the
current Dividend Period that have passed prior to the date on which the
liquidation occurs and the denominator of which is 360 and (ii) the Economic
Dividend Payable.
"Class C-4 Share Liquidation Preference" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01 hereof.
"Clearing Agency" means the clearing agency with respect to the Class
C-4 Shares.
"Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Common Shares" means, collectively, the Class A Shares and the Class B
Shares.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
"Dividend" means a cash distribution to holders of the Class C-4 Shares
from the Corporation with respect to any applicable Dividend Period and payable
on an applicable Dividend Date.
3
"Dividend Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August and November
in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day)
commencing February 15, 2001, with respect to Dividends for each relevant
Dividend Period on the Class C-4 Shares.
"Dividend Period" means for each Dividend Date, a quarterly period
comprised of two components: (i) an arrears component from and including the
date of the original issuance of the Class C-4 Shares (in the case of the first
Dividend Period) or, in all other cases, from and including the 18th day of
any of April, July, October or January immediately preceding the then current
Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is not a Business Day, then the
start of the period will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day, to
but excluding the then current Dividend Date, and (ii) an advance component
from and including the then current Dividend Date to but excluding the next
18th day of any of April, July, October or January (as the case may be)
immediately succeeding the then current Dividend Date, provided, that if any
such day is not a Business Day, then the end of the period (and associated
first day of the next Dividend Period) will be postponed to the next succeeding
Business Day.
"Economic Dividend Payable" mean initially, as determined in good faith by
the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank, for the Class C-4 Shares in the aggregate 0.8278146% of, as
applicable, (i) the amount of dividends paid or set apart for payment by the
Corporation on its common shares (including the Class C Shares) during any
Dividend Period, (ii) the amount of any redemption proceeds on the
Corporation's common shares to the extent such proceeds are greater than the
fair market value of the common shares being redeemed, or (iii) the aggregate
amount available for payment of distributions on liquidation with respect to
the Corporation's common shares entitled to payments upon liquidation; provided
that: (A) subsection (i) above shall only apply when determining whether the
Class C-4 Shares are entitled to Dividends, (B) subsection (ii) above shall
only apply upon a redemption of the Corporation's common shares and
(C) subsection (iii) above shall only apply upon a liquidation, dissolution and
winding up of the Corporation. This percentage shall be adjusted from time to
time (for example upon the issuance of common shares by the Corporation in
exchange for cash or property) based upon the percentage of the Corporation's
fair market value represented by the Class C-4 Shares at the time of such
adjustment; provided that any such adjustment shall be determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank.
"Holder" means the beneficial owners of the Class C-4 Shares.
"IAI" means a Person that is an "accredited investor" within the meaning
of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act or the analog
provisions of any successor rule.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Junior Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01 hereof.
"LIBOR Determination Date" the first LIBOR Determination Date will be
April 9th, 2001, and thereafter will be two Business Days prior to each July
11th, October 11th, January 11th and April 11th thereafter (except if any such
day is not a Business Day, then the relevant LIBOR Determination Date will be
two Business Days prior to the preceding Business Day).
"LLC IV" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding LLC IV, a Delaware limited liability
company.
4
"LLC IV Payment Date" means the 18th day of any of April, July, October
and January in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) when the corresponding RegCaPS IV payment for such period has
been made.
"LLC IV Payments" means cash payments on the LLC Preferred Interests IV.
LLC IV Payments shall not include tax amounts withheld and not refunded.
"LLC Preferred Interest IV" means the preferred membership interests in
LLC IV.
"Minimum Net Worth Amount" initially means US$ 3 billion. The Minimum Net
Worth Amount will be increased by the proceeds paid to the Corporation in
consideration for the issuance and sale of any of its capital stock ranking
pari passu with or senior to the Class C-4 Shares with respect to the payment
of distributions or amounts payable upon liquidation. The Minimum Net Worth
Amount will be reduced by the amounts paid to purchase or redeem any shares of
Class C Common Stock or any of its capital stock ranking pari passu with or
senior to the Class C-4 Shares or the other Class C Shares, but only by an
amount equal to the liquidation preference of such shares. The net worth of
the Corporation will be determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
"Partnership IV" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Limited Partnership IV, a
Delaware limited partnership.
"Person" means any legal person, including any individual, corporation,
association, partnership (general or limited), joint venture, trust, estate,
limited liability company, or other legal entity or organization, including
a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Purchaser" means ZGH or any of its Affiliates.
"QIB" means a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule
144A under the Securities Act.
"RegCaPS IV" means any regulatory capital preferred securities of
Partnership IV.
"RegCaPS IV Payment Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August
and November in each year (or on the preceding Business day if such day is not
a Business Day) commencing February 15, 2001 with respect to the RegCaPS IV
Payments for each relevant RegCaPS IV Payment Period.
"RegCaPS IV Payment Period" means for each RegCaPS IV Payment Date, a
quarterly period comprised of two components (i) an arrears component from and
including the date of the original issuance of the RegCaPS IV (in the case of
the first RegCaPS IV Payment Period) or, in all other cases, from and including
the relevant LLC IV Payment Date immediately preceding the then current RegCaPS
IV Payment Date to but excluding the then current RegCaPS IV Payment Date and
(ii) an advance component from and including the then current RegCaPS IV
Payment Date to but excluding the next relevant succeeding LLC IV Payment Date.
"RegCaPS IV Payments" means cash remittances initially, at 5.98%, on or
after April 18, 2001, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus
53 basis points, reset quarterly, and
5
on or after April 18, 2008, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR
plus 155 basis points, reset quarterly, in each case the rate shall be
determined by reference to the liquidation preference of the RegCaPS IV, to the
registered holder of the RegCaPS IV with respect to any applicable RegCaPS IV
Payment Period and payable on an applicable RegCaPS IV Payment Date.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Exchange Act" means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
"Special Independent Directors" means two (2) independent directors of the
Corporation to be elected by holders of the Class C Shares upon the occurrence
of certain events as stated in this Certificate of Designation and in the
certificates of designation of the other Class C Shares. The holders of the
Class C-4 Shares shall have the right to vote for the Special Independent
Directors only upon the failure of the Corporation to pay Dividends for 24
consecutive months at the Class C-4 Indicative Rate on the Class C-4 Shares.
"Three-Month LIBOR" means with respect to any LIBOR Determination Date,
a rate determined on the basis of the offered rates for three-month United
States dollar deposits of not less than a principal amount equal to that which
is representative for a single transaction in such market at such time,
commencing on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR
Determination Date, which appears on US LIBOR Telerate Page 3750 as of
approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR Determination Date.
If on any LIBOR Determination Date no rate appears on US LIBOR Telerate
Page 3750 as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, the Paying Agent shall
on such LIBOR Determination Date request the four major reference banks in the
London interbank market selected by the Paying Agent to provide the Paying
Agent with a quotation of the rate at which three-month deposits in United
States dollars, commencing on the second Business Day immediately following
such LIBOR Determination Date, are offered by it to prime banks in the London
interbank market as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to that which is
representative for a single transaction in such market at such time. If at
least two such quotations are provided, Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR
Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations as calculated
by the Paying Agent. If fewer than two quotations are provided, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of the
rates quoted as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date by three major banks in the London interbank market selected
by the Paying Agent for loans in United States dollars to leading European
banks, having a three-month maturity commencing on the second Business Day
immediately following such LIBOR Determination Date and in a principal amount
equal to that which is representative for a single transaction in such market
at such time; provided, however, that, if the banks selected as aforesaid by
the Paying Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be Three-Month LIBOR determined
with respect to (i) the immediately preceding Dividend Period for purposes of
the Class C-4 Shares and (ii) the immediately preceding RegCaPS IV Payment
Period for purposes of the RegCaPS IV.
"Transfer Agent" means the transfer agent with respect to the Class C-4
Shares which shall initially be the Corporation.
6
"Trust IV" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Trust IV, a Delaware statutory
business trust.
"Trust Capital Securities IV" means 125,000 trust capital securities,
liquidation amount US $1,000 each, representing undivided beneficial ownership
interests in the assets of Trust IV.
"U.S. GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States.
"ZGH" means Zurich Group Holding, a Swiss stock corporation (as defined in
Article 620 et. seq., of the Swiss Code of Obligation) formerly known as Zurich
Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services or
its successors and assigns.
"Zurich Financial Services" means Zurich Financial Services, a Swiss stock
corporation (as defined in Article 620 et seq., of the Swiss Code of
Obligations) listed on the Swiss Exchange SWX with a secondary listing on the
London Stock Exchange and the holder of directly or indirectly 100% of the
shares of ZGH or its successors and assigns.
"1940 Act" means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
ARTICLE 2
NUMBER AND DESIGNATION
SECTION 2.01. Number and Designation. 5 and 5/9 shares of the Class C
Common Stock of the Corporation are hereby designated as a series of Class C
Common Stock designated as Class C-4 Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(the "Class C-4 Shares"). The Class C-4 Shares shall have a liquidation
preference of twenty two million five hundred thousand United States dollars
($22,500,000) per share (the "Class C-4 Share Liquidation Preference").
ARTICLE 3
RANK
SECTION 3.01. Rank. (a) The Class C-4 Shares shall, only with respect
to payment of Dividends at the Class C-4 Indicative Rate (as defined below) and
with respect to the payment of the Class C-4 Share Liquidation Preference upon
the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Corporation, rank senior to
all of the Junior Shares, including the Common Shares. In all other respects,
the Class C-4 Shares shall rank pari passu with the Junior Shares, including
the Common Shares and the other series of Class C Shares and shall participate
equally with the Junior Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and shall participate equally
with the Class A Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with respect to
any amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation. The Class C-4 Shares will rank junior in all respects to any
indebtedness of the Corporation. The Class C-4 Shares shall rank pari passu
with the other series of Class C Shares for all purposes. All securities of
the Corporation to which the Class C-4 Shares rank senior (whether with respect
to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, winding up or otherwise),
including the Common Shares, are collectively referred to herein as the
"Junior Shares." The definition of Junior Shares shall also include any rights
or options exercisable for or convertible into any of the Junior Shares.
(b) Without prior consent of the holders of not less than a majority of
the outstanding Class C-4 Shares, the Corporation shall not issue any class or
series of equity securities whose terms provide
7
that such securities rank senior to or pari passu with the Class C-4 Shares
with respect to the rights to receive dividends and other distributions or with
respect to any amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up;
provided that the Corporation may file certificates of designation and issue
shares in accordance therewith for other series of Class C Shares to be
designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-2 Common Stock, Class C-3 Common
Stock, Class C-5 Common Stock, and Class C-6 Common Stock, each of which ranks
pari passu with the Class C-4 Shares with respect to distributions paid by the
Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. Further, if the Corporation has
paid in full the lesser of (i) each Dividend on its respective Dividend Payment
Date during the last 24 months at the Class C-4 Indicative Rate, or (ii) prior
to February 9, 2003, all Dividends in an amount at least equal to the Class C-4
Share Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C Shares, the
Corporation may issue an unlimited amount of additional Class C-4 Shares and
other equity ranking pari passu with the Class C-4 Shares without the consent
of the holders of the Class C-4 Shares.
ARTICLE 4
DIVIDENDS
SECTION 4.01. Rate; Dividend Date. (a) Each Class C-4 Share shall be
entitled to receive cash Dividends on a non-cumulative basis, when as and if
declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the
payment of distributions on each Dividend Date commencing February 15, 2001.
The amount of Dividends will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and
the actual number of days in such Dividend Period. When Dividends are paid
on the Class C-4 Shares at less than the Class C-4 Indicative Rate, all
Dividends declared on the Class C Shares will be paid pro rata based on the
outstanding number of shares of each series of Class C Common Stock and such
Dividends declared on the Class C-4 Shares will be paid pro rata based on the
outstanding number of Class C-4 Shares.
(b) The Paying Agent will calculate Three-Month LIBOR as of each LIBOR
Determination Date and shall make such rate calculation available to holders of
Class C-4 Shares. The Paying Agent also shall determine the Dividends payable
on each Dividend Date and give notice thereof (including the applicable rate,
amount, the applicable period and payment) to the holders of Class C-4 Shares.
The notices set forth in this paragraph shall be sent by first class mail to
the address of each holder of Class C-4 Shares as it appears on the register
kept by the Registrar and shall be available at the offices of the Paying
Agent.
SECTION 4.02. Dividend Restrictions. (a) No distribution or redemption,
including without limitation cash dividends, may be declared or paid or set
apart for payment on any Junior Shares and neither the Corporation nor any of
its Affiliates may purchase or redeem for cash any outstanding Junior Shares,
unless:
(i) full Dividends have been declared and paid or set apart for
payment on the Class C-4 Shares in an amount at least equal to the greater
of (A) the Dividends payable or set apart during such Dividend Period at
the Class C-4 Indicative Rate; or (B) the Economic Dividend Payable;
(ii) Partnership IV has paid or set apart for payment the full
amount of RegCaPS IV Payments for the current RegCaPS IV Payment Period;
8
(iii) LLC IV has set apart or paid the full amount of the LLC IV
Payments on an LLC IV Payment Date in any period when the corresponding
RegCaPS IV Payment for such LLC IV Payment Date has been made; and
(iv) in the case of a repurchase or redemption, such repurchase
or redemption does not cause the net worth of the Corporation to be less
than the Minimum Net Worth Amount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as the Corporation has paid or set
apart for payment Dividends on the Class C-4 Shares at least equal to the
greater of (i)(A) or (i)(B) and clauses (ii) (iii) and (iv) above are
satisfied, the Corporation may declare and pay Dividends on any Junior Shares
with respect to such Dividend Period.
(b) (i) If a Dividend is paid or set apart on the Class C-4 Shares
during any Dividend Period at a rate less than the Class C-4 Indicative
Rate, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments on the Junior
Shares and may only make dividend payments on its other securities that
rank pari passu with the Class C-4 Shares, if any, in the same proportion
as the partial Dividend paid or set apart on the Class C-4 Shares for the
current Dividend Period bears to the full Dividend payment determined for
such Dividend Period at the Class C-4 Indicative Rate.
(ii) For so long as the Class C-4 Shares are outstanding, if a
partial RegCaPS IV Payment is made or set apart for any RegCaPS IV Payment
Period, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments during such
RegCaPS IV Payment Period on its Junior Shares and may only make dividend
payments on its other securities that rank pari passu with the Class C-4
Shares in the same proportion as the lesser of (i) the proportion the
partial RegCaPS IV Payment made or set apart for the Current RegCaPS IV
Payment Period bears to the RegCaPS IV Payment determined for such RegCaPS
IV Payment Period and (ii) the proportion the partial Dividend paid or set
apart on the Class C-4 Shares for the corresponding Dividend Period bears
to the full Dividend payment for such Dividend Period at the Class C-4
Indicative Rate.
Additionally, for so long as the Class C-4 Shares are outstanding, all
shares of common or preferred stock issued by majority-owned subsidiaries of
the Corporation which shares are not beneficially owned by the Corporation or
its wholly-owned subsidiaries will be subject to the restrictions set forth
above on the payment of distributions and other payments only to the extent
that such minority shares are owned by Zurich Financial Services or one of its
controlled Affiliates.
(c) The Corporation intends that the holders of the RegCaPS IV shall be
third party beneficiaries of, and entitled to enforce, the provisions of this
Section 4.02 as if such provisions constituted a contract between the
Corporation and the holders of the Class C-4 Shares, and the holders of the
RegCaPS IV were third-party beneficiaries to such contracts.
SECTION 4.03. Payment of Dividends. Dividends and other payments on the
Class C-4 Shares will be payable to the holders thereof as they appear on the
books and records of the Corporation on the relevant record dates, which will
be one Business Day prior to the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date.
Such Dividends will be paid either (i) by the Corporation or (ii) in the event
such Class C-4 Shares are not held by an Affiliate of ZGH through the Paying
Agent who will hold amounts received from the Corporation in respect of the
Class C-4 Shares for the benefit of the registered
9
holders of the Class C-4 Shares. In the event that any Class C-4 Shares do
not remain in book-entry only form, the relevant record dates shall be the 15th
day of the month of the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date. In the
event that any Dividend Date is not a Business Day, payment of the Dividends
payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a
Business Day (without any interest or other payment in respect of the dividends
subject to such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date.
SECTION 4.04. Changes in the Dividends-Received Percentage. (a) If,
prior to 18 months after the date of the original issuance of the Class C-4
Shares, one or more amendments to the Code are enacted that reduce the
dividends-received deduction (currently 70%), as specified in Section 243(a)(i)
of the Code or any successor provision (the "Dividend-Received Percentage"),
certain adjustments will be made as appropriate in respect of the Dividends
paid by the Corporation, and Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive
Dividends may become payable (as such terms are defined below), except that no
adjustments will be made with respect to any reduction of the Dividends-
Received Percentage below 50%.
(b) The amount per share of each Dividend declared at the applicable rate
described in Section 4.01 above for Dividend payments made on or after the
effective date of such change in the Code will be increased, to the extent of
funds legally available for distribution by the Corporation, by multiplying the
amount of the Dividend payable before adjustment, by a factor, which will be
the number determined in accordance with the following formula (the "DRD
Formula"), and rounding the result to the nearest cent (with one-half cent
rounded up):
I-.35(I-.70)
------------
I-.35(I-DRP)
For purposes of the DRD Formula with regard to the Class C-4 Shares, "DRP"
means the Dividend-Received Percentage (expressed as a decimal) applicable to
the Dividends in question; provided, that in no event shall the DRP be less
than 0.50. No amendment to the Code, other than a change in the Dividends-
Received Percentage enacted prior to 18 months after the date of the original
issuance of the Class C-4 Shares, will give rise to an adjustment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to any such
amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified opinion of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or a private
letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the IRS to the effect that
such an amendment does not apply to a Dividend payable on the Class C-4 Shares,
then such amendment will not result in the adjustment provided for pursuant to
the DRD Formula with respect to such Dividend. The opinion referenced in the
previous sentence shall be based upon the legislation amending or establishing
the DRP or upon a published pronouncement of the IRS addressing such
legislation. Absent manifest error, the Corporation's calculation of the
Dividends payable as so adjusted shall be final and not subject to review.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such aforementioned amendment
to the Code is enacted after the Dividend payable on a Dividend Date has been
declared, and if such amendment is effective with respect to such Dividend, the
amount of the Dividend payable on such Dividend Date will not be increased;
instead, additional Dividend payments (the "Post Declaration Date Dividend"),
equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the product of the Dividend paid by the
Corporation on
10
such Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the Dividend paid by the
Corporation on such Dividend Date, will be declared to the extent funds
legally available for distribution by the Corporation to holders of Class C-4
Shares on the record date applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Date, or,
if Class C-4 Shares are called for redemption prior to such record date, to
holders of Class C-4 Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case may
be, in addition to any other amounts payable on such date.
(d) If any such amendment to the Code is enacted and the reduction in the
Dividends-Received Percentage retroactively applies to one or more Dividend
Dates on which the Corporation previously paid Dividends with respect to the
Class C-4 Shares (each, an "Affected Dividend Date"), additional Dividends
(the "Retroactive Dividends") will be declared, to the extent of funds legally
available therefor, to holders of Class C-4 Shares on the record date
applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Dates or, if the Class C-4 Shares
are called for redemption prior to such record date, to holders of Class C-4
Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, in an amount
equal to the excess of (x) the product of the Dividend paid by the Corporation
on each Affected Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the sum of the
Dividend paid by the Corporation on each Affected Dividend Date. The
Corporation will only make one payment of Retroactive Dividends for any such
amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to any
such amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified opinion of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or
a private letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the IRS to the
effect that such amendment does not apply to a Dividend payable on an Affected
Dividend Date for the Class C-4 Shares, then such amendment will not result in
the payment of a Retroactive Dividend with respect to such Affected Dividend
Date. The opinion referenced in the previous sentence shall be based upon the
legislation amending or establishing the Dividends-Received Percentage or upon
a published pronouncement of the IRS addressing such legislation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment in the dividends payable
by the Corporation shall be made, and no Post Declaration Date Dividends or
Retroactive Dividends shall be payable by the Corporation, in respect of the
enactment of any amendment to the Code 18 months or more after the date of
original issuance of the Class C-4 Shares that reduces the Dividends-Received
Percentage or to the extent such amendment reduces the Dividends-Received
Percentage to less than 50%.
(f) In the event that the amount of Dividends payable per share of the
Class C-4 Shares is increased pursuant to the DRD Formula and/or Post
Declaration Date Dividends or Retroactive Dividends are to be paid, the
Corporation will give notice of each such adjustment and, if applicable, any
Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive Dividends to the holders of
Class C-4 Shares.
(g) The various payment restrictions and obligations described above and
applicable in respect of any Dividend Period in which a Dividend on the Class
C-4 Shares is not paid in an amount at least equal to the Class C-4 Indicative
Rate to the extent that any Post Declaration Date Dividend or Retroactive
Dividend is not declared and paid or set apart for payment as and when due in
respect of a reduction in the Dividends-Received Percentage; provided that such
payment restrictions and obligations will remain in effect, not only during the
current Dividend Period, but until such Post Declaration Date Dividend or
Retroactive Dividend is declared and paid or set apart for payment.
11
SECTION 4.05. Earnings and Profits Gross-Up Payments. (a) To the
extent that Dividends paid with respect to the Class C-4 Shares exceeds the
Corporation's earnings and profits as calculated for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, they will not constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction. In such
event, additional distributions will be made by the Corporation to place each
holder of the Class C-4 Shares in the same position it would have been in if
all Dividends from the Corporation were paid from such earnings and profits,
assuming for these purposes that such holder was eligible for the dividends-
received deduction.
(b) If any Dividend on the Class C-4 Shares with respect to any fiscal
year (including any Gross-Up Payment (as defined below)) constitutes, in whole
or in part, a return of capital (or is treated as gain from the sale or
exchange of the Class C-4 Shares) for U.S. federal income tax purposes
(a "Qualifying Dividend"), within 180 days after the end of such fiscal year,
the Corporation will pay (if declared), out of funds legally available
therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Gross-Up Payments to Qualified
Investors (as defined below) with respect to all Qualifying Dividends on the
Class C-4 Shares during such fiscal year. A "Qualified Investor" with respect
to a Qualifying Dividend during a fiscal year means a person who was entitled
to receive such Qualifying Dividend.
(c) A "Gross-Up Payment" to a Qualified Investor with respect to all
Qualifying Dividends on Class C-4 Shares paid by the Corporation during a
fiscal year means an additional Dividend on the Class C-4 Shares to a
Qualifying Investor in an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends paid to such Qualified Investor during such fiscal year,
would cause such Qualified Investor's net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal
income tax consequences and treating, for purposes of calculating net yield in
dollars, the sum of that portion of the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up
Payment otherwise treated as a return of capital as capital gain recognized
upon the taxable sale or exchange of Class C-4 Shares) from the aggregate of
both the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up Payment to be equal to the net
yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences) which would have
been received by such Qualified Investor if the entire amount of the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends had instead been treated as a dividend for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Such Gross-Up Payment shall be calculated using the
applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal corporate income tax rate applicable
to ordinary income and capital gains, as the case may be, and, where
applicable, the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration being
given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation of any
specific Qualified Investor (including the application of the alternative
minimum tax or the application of Section 246 of the Code), or any state or
local tax consequences that may arise. The Corporation shall make a
determination, based upon the reasonably estimated earnings and profits of that
portion, if any, of a Qualifying Dividend for a fiscal year that will be
treated as dividend for U.S. federal tax purposes, and such determination
shall be final and binding for purposes of calculating the amount of the
Gross-Up Payments with respect to all Qualifying Dividends for such fiscal
year.
SECTION 4.06. Change of Control Gross-Up Payments. If as a result of a
Change of Control Tax Event, there is an increase in any non-refundable foreign
taxes withheld ("Foreign Tax Increase") with respect to RegCaPS IV Payments or
Cumulative RegCaPS IV Payment Amounts paid to a RegCaPS IV registered holder
("Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments"), additional distributions shall be made on
the Class C-4 Shares in an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate
Dividends paid to the Holders of the Class C-4 Shares during such fiscal year
reduced by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase, would cause the net yield
in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences other than the use of
foreign tax credits resulting from the Foreign Tax Increase) to be equal to the
net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences) to the Holder
from
12
receipt of the aggregate Dividends paid to the Holder during such fiscal year
without any reduction by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase. The
foregoing amount shall be calculated based on the assumption that the Holder is
a U.S. corporation and using the applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal
corporate income tax rate applicable to ordinary income and capital gains, as
the case may be, and the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration
being given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation
of any specific Holder, or any state or local tax consequences that may arise.
If for a prior fiscal year Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments are made by the
Partnership IV, the Corporation will pay (if declared), within 90 days after
the end of such fiscal year, out of funds legally available therefor, an
amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Gross-Up Payments to the
Partnership.
ARTICLE 5
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
SECTION 5.01. Liquidation Preference. (a) In the event of any voluntary
or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, after
payment or provision for the liabilities of the Corporation and the expenses of
such dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the holders of the outstanding
Class C-4 Shares will be entitled to receive the Class C-4 Share Liquidation
Amount, out of the assets of the Corporation or proceeds thereof available for
distribution to holders of Class C-4 Shares. Out of such amount, the holders
of Class C-4 Shares will be entitled to receive the Class C-4 Share Liquidation
Preference before any payment or distribution of assets is made to holders of
the Common Shares or any other Junior Shares. Amounts payable on the Class C-4
Shares in connection with the liquidation of the Corporation in excess of the
Class C-4 Share Liquidation Preference are payable (to the extent the Class C-4
Share Liquidation Amount exceeds the Class C-4 Share Liquidation Preference) on
a pari passu basis with any Common Shares entitled to receive payment or
distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
If the assets of the Corporation available for distribution in such event are
insufficient to pay in full the aggregate amount payable to holders of the
Class C-4 Shares and holders of all other classes or series of equity
securities of the Corporation, if any, ranking, as to the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, on a
parity with the Class C-4 Shares, the assets will be distributed to the holders
of Class C-4 Shares and holders of such other equity interests pro rata, based
on the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After
payment of the Class C-4 Share Liquidation Amount upon dissolution, liquidation
or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of Class C-4 Shares will not be
entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the
Corporation.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(a) above, holders of Class C-4 Shares
will not be entitled to be paid any amount in respect of a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Corporation until holders of any classes or
series of securities of the Corporation ranking, as to the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, senior
to the Class C-4 Shares have been paid all amounts to which such classes or
series are entitled.
(c) Notwithstanding anything else in this Certificate, neither the sale,
lease or exchange (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other
consideration) of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the
Corporation, nor the merger, consolidation or combination of the Corporation
into or with any other person or the merger, consolidation or combination of
any other person into or with the Corporation, shall be deemed to be a
dissolution, liquidation or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, for the
purposes of this Section 5.01.
13
ARTICLE 6
REDEMPTION
SECTION 6.01. Optional Redemption. (a) The Class C-4 Shares will not
be subject to mandatory redemption at any time. Prior to February 15, 2031,
Class C-4 Shares will not be subject to optional redemption. On or after
February 15, 2031, Class C-4 Shares may be redeemed at the option of the
Corporation at any time, subject to the prior consent of ZGH, in whole but not
in part, at their fair market value (the "Redemption Amount") as determined by
a nationally recognized investment bank retained by the Corporation.
SECTION 6.02. Procedure for Redemption. (a) Notice of any redemption
of the Class C-4 Shares (a "Redemption Notice") will be given by the
Corporation by mail to each holder of Class C-4 Shares not fewer than 30 nor
more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption. For purposes of the
calculation of the date of redemption and the dates on which notices are given
pursuant to this Section 6.02(a), a Redemption Notice shall be deemed to be
given on the day such notice is first mailed, by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, to holders of the Class C-4 Shares. Each Redemption Notice shall be
addressed to the holders of Class C-4 Shares at the address of each such holder
appearing in the books and records of the Corporation. No defect in the
Redemption Notice or in the mailing thereof with respect to any holder of
Class C-4 Shares shall affect the validity of the redemption proceedings with
respect to any other holder of Class C-4 Shares.
(b) If the Corporation gives a Redemption Notice (which notice will be
irrevocable), then by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption date,
the Corporation (A) if the Class C-4 Shares are in book-entry form with DTC,
will deposit irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable
Redemption Amount and will give DTC irrevocable instruction and authority to
pay the Redemption Amount in respect of the Class C-4 Shares held through DTC
in global form or (B) if the Class C-4 Shares are held in certificated form
(each such certificate a "Class C-4 Share Certificate"), will deposit with the
Paying Agent, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Amount of any
such Class C-4 Shares and will give to the Paying Agent irrevocable
instructions and authority to pay such amounts to the holders of Class C-4
Shares, upon surrender of their certificates, by delivery of check, mailed to
the address of the relevant holder appearing on the books and records of the
Corporation on the redemption date. For these purposes, the applicable
Redemption Amount shall not include Dividends which are being paid to holders
of Class C-4 Shares who were holders of Class C-4 Shares on a relevant record
date. Upon satisfaction of the foregoing conditions, then immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of such deposit or payment, all rights of
holders of Class C-4 Shares so called for redemption will cease, except the
right of the holders of Class C-4 Shares to receive the Redemption Amount, but
without interest on such Redemption Amount, and from and after the date fixed
for redemption, such Class C-4 Shares will not receive dividends or bear
interest.
(c) In the event that any date fixed for redemption of Class C-4 Shares
is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Amount payable on such
date will be made on the next succeeding Business Day (and without any interest
in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls in the
next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on such
date fixed for redemption. In the event that payment of the Redemption Amount
is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by the Corporation, Dividends on
the Class C-4 Shares called for redemption will continue to be payable in
accordance with the terms hereof from the original redemption date until the
Redemption Amount is actually paid.
14
(d) The Corporation shall not be required to register or cause to be
registered the transfer of any Class C-4 Shares which have been called for
redemption.
(e) The Class C-4 Shares which have been issued and reacquired in any
manner, including shares purchased or redeemed, shall (upon compliance with
any applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Nevada) have the status
of authorized and unissued Class C-4 Shares and may be reissued.
ARTICLE 7
VOTING RIGHTS
SECTION 7.01. Voting Rights. (a) The holders of the Class C-4 Shares
will be entitled to 0.375 of a vote per share (subject to adjustment in the
event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution or combination
with respect to any shares of capital stock of the Corporation) and will be
entitled to vote with the Common Shares as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of the Common Shares (other than those matters affecting
only the Common Shares, or either of them); provided, however, that at no time
shall the aggregate Voting Power of the Class C-4 Shares be greater than 0.375%
of the total Voting Power of the Corporation. Prior to transferring ownership
of any Class C-4 Shares to a transferee other than an Affiliate of ZGH and
subject to receipt of any required regulatory approval, if any, such Class C-4
Shares shall be (i) split into a number of shares of Class C-4 Shares equal to,
and with a liquidation preference equal to the liquidation amount of the number
of Trust Capital Securities IV, and (ii) converted on a one-to-one basis to the
same number of shares of a class of common stock of the Corporation (the
"Conversion Shares") having rights, preferences and privileges substantially
identical to the Class C-4 Shares except that the Conversion Shares will be
entitled to no voting rights other than as required by law and other than with
respect to adverse amendments to the terms of the Conversion Shares and the
issuance of equity securities that rank senior to or pari passu with the
Conversion Shares with respect to the payment of distributions or amounts upon
liquidation, provided that the Corporation may file certificates of designation
and issue shares in accordance therewith for other Class C Shares which rank
pari passu with the Conversion Shares with respect to distributions paid by the
Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. If, however, any necessary
regulatory approvals to issue the Conversion Shares are not obtained, the Class
C-4 Shares rather than the Conversion Shares may be transferred to a transferee
other than an Affiliate of ZGH.
(b) The holders of the Class C-4 Shares and the Conversion Shares will
be entitled to vote separately as a single class on the matters described in
this paragraph. The consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the
outstanding Class C-4 Shares and Conversion Shares, voting as a single class,
is required (i) to amend, alter, supplement or repeal the terms of the Class
C-4 Shares and the Conversion Shares (it being a condition to any such
amendment, alteration, supplement or repeal that it has a substantially
identical effect on the rights, preferences and privileges of both the Class
C-4 Shares and the Conversion Shares), or (ii) if the Corporation has not paid
in full the lesser of (A) each of the last twenty-four months of Dividends on
their respective Dividend Payment Dates at the Class C-4 Indicative Rate, or
(B) prior to the second anniversary of the first issue date, all Dividends at
the Class C-4 Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C-4 Shares
and the Conversion Shares, for the Corporation to issue, or to increase the
authorized amount of, the Class C-4 Shares or the Conversion Shares or any
other equity securities that rank pari passu with or senior to the Class C-4
Shares and the Conversion Shares; provided that the Corporation may file
certificates of designation and issue shares in accordance therewith for other
Class C Shares to be designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-2 Common
Stock, Class C-3 Common Stock, Class C-5 Common Stock, and Class C-6
15
Common Stock, each of which rank pari passu with the Class C-4 Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and with respect to any
amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation without the consent of the holders of the Class C-4 Shares or the
Conversion Shares.
(c) Whenever Dividends on the Class C-4 Shares and the Conversion Shares
at the Class C-4 Indicative Rate are in arrears for twenty-four or more
consecutive months, the holders of Class C-4 Shares and the Conversion Shares,
voting together with the other Class C Shares as a single class, will be
entitled, subject to any necessary regulatory actions, to elect two Special
Independent Directors to the Board of Directors, at a special meeting called by
the holders of record of at least 25% of the Class C-4 Shares and the
Conversion Shares in the aggregate or by the holders of record of 25% of any of
the other series of Class C Shares pursuant to the terms of the certificate of
designation creating such other series of Class C Shares. The Special
Independent Directors shall vacate office if Dividends at the Class C-4
Indicative Rate are resumed and are paid regularly for at least twelve
consecutive months, unless otherwise provided by the terms of any other
certificate of designation for any other series of Class C Shares. If
Dividends are resumed and paid regularly for at least twelve consecutive months
at the Class C-4 Indicative Rate, the holders of the Class C-4 Shares and the
Conversion Shares shall no longer be entitled to vote for the two Special
Independent Directors on account of that arrearage. When no holder of Class
C-4 Shares is entitled to vote for the two Special Independent Directors, the
Special Independent Directors shall vacate office. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in the event that more than one series of Class C Shares are
entitled to elect Special Independent Directors to the Board of Directors,
such series shall vote together as a single class to elect such two directors.
In no event shall the holders of Class C Shares be entitled to elect more than
two Independent Directors to the Board of Directors.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have the right,
without the prior consent of the holders of Class C-4 Shares and Conversion
Shares if any, to amend, alter, supplement or repeal any terms of the Class C-4
Shares (i) to cure any ambiguity, or to cure, correct or supplement any
defective provision thereof or (ii) to make any other provision with respect to
matters or questions arising with respect to the Class C-4 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, that is not inconsistent with the provisions thereof
so long as such action does not materially and adversely affect any of the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of Class C-4 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, provided, however, that any increase in the amount
of authorized or issued Class C-4 Shares will be deemed not to materially and
adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders
of Class C-4 Shares.
(e) The consent or votes required in Section 7.01(b) and (c) above shall
be in addition to any approval of stockholders of the Corporation which may be
required by law or pursuant to any provision of the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation or bylaws, which approval shall be obtained by vote of the
stockholders of the Corporation in the manner provided in Section 7.01(a)
above.
ARTICLE 8
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE CORPORATION
SECTION 8.01. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Amalgamation of the
Corporation. Without the consent of either one Special Independent Director,
if any, or a majority of the holders of Class C-4 Shares, the Corporation may
not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or
into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an
16
entirety to, any corporation or other entity, except as permitted below. The
Corporation may, with the consent of at least one of the Special Independent
Directors, if any, on the Board of Directors at the time the issue is
considered and without the consent of the holders of the Class C-4 Shares,
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or
into, or be replaced by a corporation organized as such under the laws of any
State of the United States; provided, that:
(a) if the Corporation is not the surviving entity, such successor entity
either (x) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Corporation under
the Class C-4 Shares or (y) substitutes securities for the Class C-4 Shares
(the "Successor Securities"), so long as the Successor Securities rank the same
as the Class C-4 Shares rank with respect to Dividends and other payments
thereon;
(b) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication
or replacement does not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-4 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect;
(c) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion,
domestication or replacement, the Corporation has received an opinion of a
nationally recognized law firm experienced in such matters to the effect that
(i) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or
replacement will not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-4 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect and (ii) following such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or replacement, the
Corporation (or such successor entity) will not be required to register under
the 1940 Act; and
(d) distributions with respect to the Class C-4 Shares or Successor
Securities would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
ARTICLE 9
TRANSFER OF CLASS C-4 SHARES
SECTION 9.01. General. The Corporation shall provide for the
registration of Class C-4 Share Certificates and of transfers of Class C-4
Share Certificates. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Class
C-4 Share Certificate, the Corporation shall cause one or more new Class C-4
Share Certificates to be issued in the name of the designated transferee or
transferees. Every Class C-4 Share Certificate surrendered for registration of
transfer shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Corporation duly executed by the holder of such Class C-4
Shares or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing. Each Class C-4 Share
Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be cancelled by the
Corporation. A transferee of a Class C-4 Share Certificate shall be entitled
to the rights and subject to the obligations of a holder of Class C-4 Shares
hereunder upon the receipt by the transferee of a Class C-4 Share Certificate,
which receipt shall be deemed to constitute a request by such transferee that
the books and records of the Corporation reflect such transferee as a holder of
Class C-4 Share.
SECTION 9.02. Definitive Certificates. Unless and until the Corporation
issues a global Class C-4 Share Certificate pursuant to Section 9.03(a), the
Corporation shall only issue definitive Class C-4 Share Certificates to the
holders of Class C-4 Shares. The Corporation may treat the Person in whose
name any Class C-4 Share Certificate shall be registered on the books and
records of the Corporation as the sole holder of such Class C-4 Share
Certificate and of the Class C-4 Shares represented by such Class C-4 Share
Certificate for purposes of receiving Dividends and for all other purposes
whatsoever
17
(including without limitation, tax returns and information reports) and,
accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest in such Class C-4 Share Certificate or in the Class C-4 Shares
represented by such Class C-4 Share Certificate on the part of any other
Person, whether or not the Corporation shall have actual or other notice
thereof.
SECTION 9.03. Book Entry Provisions.
(a) General. The provisions of this Section 9.03(a) shall apply only in
the event that the Class C-4 Shares are distributed to a Person other than the
Purchaser. Upon the occurrence of such event, a global Class C-4 Share
Certificate representing the Book-Entry Interests shall be delivered to DTC,
the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Corporation and any
previously issued and still outstanding definitive Class C-4 Share Certificates
shall be of no further force and effect. The global Class C-4 Share
Certificate shall initially be registered on the books and records of the
Corporation in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, and no holder of
Class C-4 Shares will receive a new definitive Class C-4 Share Certificate
representing such holder's interest in such Class C-4 Share Certificate, except
as provided in Section 9.03(c). Unless and until new definitive, fully
registered Class C-4 Share Certificates (the "Definitive Class C-4 Share
Certificates") have been issued to the holders of Class C-4 Shares pursuant
to Section 9.03(c):
(i) The provisions of this Section shall be in full force and
effect;
(ii) The Corporation shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing
Agency for all purposes of this Certificate (including the payment of
Dividends, Redemption Amounts and liquidation proceeds on the Class C-4
Share Certificates and receiving approvals, votes or consents hereunder)
as the sole holder of the Class C-4 Share Certificates and shall have no
obligation to the holders of Class C-4 Shares;
(iii) None of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, or any
Special Independent Director or any agents of any of the foregoing shall
have any liability or responsibility for any aspect of the records
relating to or Dividends made on account of beneficial ownership interests
in a global Class C-4 Share Certificate for such beneficial ownership
interests or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interest; and
(iv) Except as provided in Section 9.03(c) below, the holders of
Class C-4 Shares will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Class C-4 Shares in definitive form and will not be considered holders
thereof for any purpose under this Certificate of Designation, and no
global Class C-4 Share Certificate representing Class C-4 Shares shall be
exchangeable, except for another global Class C-4 Share Certificate of
like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or Cede &
Co., or to a successor depository or its nominee. Accordingly, each
holder of Class C-4 Shares must rely on the procedures of DTC or if such
person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through
which such person owns its interest to exercise any rights of a holder
under this Certificate of Designation.
(b) Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever the holders of the Class C-4
Shares are required to give a notice or other communication to their equity
holders, unless and until definitive Class C-4 Share Certificates shall have
been issued to the holders of Class C-4 Shares pursuant to Section 9.03(c),
the Corporation shall give all such notices and communications specified herein
to be given to the
18
holders of Class C-4 Shares to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no
obligations to the holders of Class C-4 Shares.
(c) Definitive Class C-4 Share Certificates. Definitive Class C-4 Share
Certificates shall be prepared by the Corporation and exchangeable for the
global Class C-4 Share Certificate or Certificates if and only if (i) DTC
notifies the Corporation that it is unwilling or unable to continue its
services as a securities depository and no successor depository shall have been
appointed, (ii) DTC, at any time, ceases to be a Clearing Agency registered
under the Exchange Act at such time as DTC shall have been appointed, or (iii)
the Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines that such global Class C-4
Share Certificate shall be so exchangeable. Upon surrender of the global Class
C-4 Share Certificate or Certificates representing the Book-Entry Interests by
the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the Corporation
shall cause definitive Class C-4 Share Certificates to be delivered to holders
of Class C-4 Shares in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency.
The Corporation shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of such
instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying
on, such instructions. The definitive Class C-4 Share Certificates shall be
printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as may
be required by any national securities exchange on which Class C-4 Shares may
be listed and is reasonably acceptable to the Corporation, as evidenced by its
execution thereof.
SECTION 9.04. Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent.
(a) The Corporation will act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying
Agent of the Class C-4 Share for so long as the Class C-4 Shares are held by
an Affiliate of ZGH, for so long as the Class C-4 Shares remain in book-entry
only form.
(b) Except in such case where the Corporation shall act as Registrar or
Paying Agent pursuant to Section 9.04(a) hereof, the Corporation shall maintain
in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, State of New York (i) an office
or agency where Class C-4 Shares may be presented for registration of transfer
or for exchange ("Registrar") and (ii) an office or agency where Class C-4
Shares may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent"). The Registrar shall keep
a register of the Class C-4 Shares and of their transfer and exchange. The
Corporation may appoint the Registrar and the Paying Agent and may appoint one
or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents in such other
location as it shall determine. The term "Paying Agent" includes any
additional paying agent. The Corporation may change any Paying Agent,
Registrar or co-registrar without prior notice to any holder. If the
Corporation fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying
Agent, the Corporation shall act as such.
(c) Registration of transfers of Class C-4 Shares shall be effected
without charge by or on behalf of the Corporation, but upon payment (with the
giving of such indemnity as the Corporation may require) in respect of any tax
or other governmental charges that may be imposed.
SECTION 9.05. Transfer Restrictions. The Class C-4 Shares may only be
transferred (i) to QIBs and (ii) to IAIs who, if they are not QIBs, prior to
such transfer, furnish to the Corporation or the Transfer Agent a signed letter
containing certain representations and agreements relating to restrictions on
transfer by such IAI and who hold their Class C-4 Shares through a DTC
participant. The foregoing restriction may be waived if the Corporation, in
its sole discretion, determines such restrictions are no longer necessary to
preserve the Corporation's exemptions from registration requirements under the
Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and the 1940 Act. Any purported
19
purchase or transfer of the Class C-4 Shares in violation of such restrictions
will be null and void. Furthermore the Corporation may also require the sale
of Class C-4 Shares held by holders who fail to comply with the foregoing.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 10.01. Preemptive Rights. No holder of any of the Class C-4
Shares shall have any preemptive or preferential right to acquire or subscribe
for any treasury or unissued shares of any class or series of the stock of the
Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, or any notes, debentures, bonds,
or other securities convertible into or carrying any right, option or warrant
to subscribe for or acquire shares of any class or series of stock of the
Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, whether or not the issuance of
any such shares, or such notes, debentures, bonds or other securities, would
adversely affect the distribution or voting rights of such holder, and the
Board of Directors of this Corporation may issue shares of any class or series
of stock of this Corporation, without offering any such shares of any class or
series of stock of the Corporation, either in whole or in part, to the existing
shareholders of any class or series of stock of this Corporation.
SECTION 10.02. Conversion Rights. The Class C-4 Shares shall have no
right to convert into the Common Shares, any of the other Class C Shares or any
other equity security or indebtedness of the Corporation other than the
Conversion Shares.
ARTICLE 11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 11.01. General Provisions. The headings of the paragraphs,
subparagraphs, clauses and subclauses of this Certificate of Designation are
for convenience of reference only and shall not define, limit or affect any of
the provisions hereof.
20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Farmers Group, Inc. has caused this Certificate of
Designation to be signed and attested by its undersigned Vice President and
Secretary this 7th day of February, 2001.
---
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
By:/s/ Julian R.M. Harvey
--------------------------------
Name: Julian R.M. Harvey
Title: Vice President
/s/ Doren Hohl
-----------------------------------------
Name: Doren Hohl
Title: Secretary
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)ss
COUNTY OF Los Angeles
---------------
On February 7 , 2001 before me, Hazel C. Bautista, personally appeared
--- -----------------
Julian R.M. Harvey and Doren Hohl.
X personally known to me.
- ---
- -or-
___ proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the persons whose
names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledge to me that they
executed the same in their authorized capacities, and that by their signatures
on the instrument the persons, or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
/s/ Hazel C. Bautista
----------------------------------------------
Notary Public in and for said County and State
1
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
CLASS C-5 COMMON STOCK
of
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
Pursuant to Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada
Farmers Group, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a corporation organized and
existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada, certifies as follows:
FIRST: The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation (the "Articles of Incorporation") authorize the issuance of up to
50 shares of Class C common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Class C
Common Stock"), and further, authorize the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Board of Directors") by resolution or resolutions, at any
time and from time to time, to divide and establish any or all of the shares of
Class C Common Stock into one or more series of Class C Common Stock, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to fix and determine the
designation of each such series, the number of shares which shall constitute
such series and such voting powers, and such preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof of the shares of each series so established.
SECOND: The following resolutions authorizing the creation and
issuance of a series of said shares of Class C Common Stock to be known as
Class C-5 Common Stock were duly adopted by the Board of Directors on the 6th
day of February, 2001, in accordance with Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the
Nevada General Corporation Law.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors, pursuant to authority vested in it
by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, hereby authorizes the
issuance of a series of the Corporation's Class C Common Stock, and hereby
fixes the number, designation, preferences, rights, limitations and
restrictions thereof in addition to those set forth in the Articles of
Incorporation as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. In this Certificate of Designation, unless
the context otherwise requires
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person
that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified Person.
"Book-Entry Interest" means a beneficial ownership in Class C-5 Shares,
the ownership and transfers of which are maintained through book entries of the
Registrar as set forth in Section 9.04(b) of this Certificate of Designation.
"Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is
neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or
required by law, regulation or
2
executive order to close in The City of New York. With respect to the LIBOR
Determination Date, "Business Day" means a day on which dealings in deposits
in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
"Change of Control Event" means the Corporation ceasing to be an Affiliate
of ZGH or any of its Affiliates, including, but not limited to, a Change of
Control Tax Event.
"Change of Control Tax Event" means a Change of Control Event which
results in an adverse tax effect on the holders of Trust Capital Securities V.
"Class A Shares" means the Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class B Shares" means the Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class C Shares" means, collectively, the Class C-5 Shares and all other
series of Class C Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Corporation,
for which a certificate or certificates of designation have been filed with the
Nevada Secretary of State.
"Class C-5 Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01 hereof.
"Class C-5 Indicative Rate" means initially, 6.21%, and on or after April
4, 2001, a variable rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 71 basis points, reset
quarterly, and on or after April 4, 2011, a variable rate equal to Three-Month
LIBOR plus 175 basis points, reset quarterly, in each case, the rate shall be
determined by reference to the Class C-5 Share Liquidation Preference;
provided, however, that such variable rate shall never be greater than 15%.
"Class C-5 Share Liquidation Amount" means, with respect to each Class C-5
Share, an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Class C-5 Share Liquidation
Preference, plus an amount (whether or not declared) equal to the Class C-5
Share Liquidation Preference multiplied by the Class C-5 Indicative Rate
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the
current Dividend Period that have passed prior to the date on which the
liquidation occurs and the denominator of which is 360 and (ii) the Economic
Dividend Payable.
"Class C-5 Share Liquidation Preference" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01 hereof.
"Clearing Agency" means the clearing agency with respect to the Class C-5
Shares.
"Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Common Shares" means, collectively, the Class A Shares and the Class B
Shares.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
"Dividend" means a cash distribution to holders of the Class C-5 Shares
from the Corporation with respect to any applicable Dividend Period and payable
on an applicable Dividend Date.
3
"Dividend Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August and November
in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day)
commencing February 15, 2001, with respect to Dividends for each relevant
Dividend Period on the Class C-5 Shares.
"Dividend Period" means for each Dividend Date, a quarterly period
comprised of two components: (i) an arrears component from and including the
date of the original issuance of the Class C-5 Shares (in the case of the first
Dividend Period) or, in all other cases, from and including the 4th day of any
of April, July, October or January immediately preceding the then current
Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is not a Business Day, then the
start of the period will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day, to
but excluding the then current Dividend Date, and (ii) an advance component
from and including the then current Dividend Date to but excluding the next 4th
day of any of April, July, October or January (as the case may be) immediately
succeeding the then current Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is
not a Business Day, then the end of the period (and associated first day of the
next Dividend Period) will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day.
"Economic Dividend Payable" means initially, as determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank, for the Class C-5 Shares in the aggregate 1.3245033% of, as
applicable, (i) the amount of dividends paid or set apart for payment by the
Corporation on its common shares (including the Class C Shares) during any
Dividend Period, (ii) the amount of any redemption proceeds on the
Corporation's common shares to the extent such proceeds are greater than the
fair market value of the common shares being redeemed, or (iii) the aggregate
amount available for payment of distributions on liquidation with respect to
the Corporation's common shares entitled to payments upon liquidation; provided
that: (A) subsection (i) above shall only apply when determining whether the
Class C-5 Shares are entitled to Dividends, (B) subsection (ii) above shall
only apply upon a redemption of the Corporation's common shares and (C)
subsection (iii) above shall only apply upon a liquidation, dissolution and
winding up of the Corporation. This percentage shall be adjusted from time to
time (for example upon the issuance of common shares by the Corporation in
exchange for cash or property) based upon the percentage of the Corporation's
fair market value represented by the Class C-5 Shares at the time of such
adjustment; provided that any such adjustment shall be determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank.
"Holder" means the beneficial owners of the Class C-5 Shares.
"IAI" means a Person that is an "accredited investor" within the meaning
of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act or the analog
provisions of any successor rule.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Junior Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01 hereof.
"LIBOR Determination Date" the first LIBOR Determination Date will be
April 9th, 2001, and thereafter will be two Business Days prior to each July
11th, October 11th, January 11th and April 11th thereafter (except if any such
day is not a Business Day, then the relevant LIBOR Determination Date will be
two Business Days prior to the preceding Business Day).
"LLC V" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding LLC V, a Delaware limited liability
company.
4
"LLC V Payment Date" means the 4th day of any of April, July, October and
January in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) when the corresponding RegCaPS V payment for such period has been
made.
"LLC V Payments" means cash payments on the LLC Preferred Interests V.
LLC V Payments shall not include tax amounts withheld and not refunded.
"LLC Preferred Interest V" means the preferred membership interests in
LLC V.
"Minimum Net Worth Amount" initially means US$ 3 billion. The Minimum Net
Worth Amount will be increased by the proceeds paid to the Corporation in
consideration for the issuance and sale of any of its capital stock ranking
pari passu with or senior to the Class C-5 Shares with respect to the payment
of distributions or amounts payable upon liquidation. The Minimum Net Worth
Amount will be reduced by the amounts paid to purchase or redeem any shares of
Class C Common Stock or any of its capital stock ranking pari passu with or
senior to the Class C-5 Shares or the other Class C Shares, but only by an
amount equal to the liquidation preference of such shares. The net worth of
the Corporation will be determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
"Partnership V" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Limited Partnership V, a
Delaware limited partnership.
"Person" means any legal person, including any individual, corporation,
association, partnership (general or limited), joint venture, trust, estate,
limited liability company, or other legal entity or organization, including a
government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Purchaser" means ZGH or any of its Affiliates.
"QIB" means a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule
144A under the Securities Act.
"RegCaPS V" means any regulatory capital preferred securities of
Partnership V.
"RegCaPS V Payment Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August and
November in each year (or on the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) commencing February 15, 2001 with respect to the RegCaPS V
Payments for each relevant RegCaPS V Payment Period.
"RegCaPS V Payment Period" means for each RegCaPS V Payment Date, a
quarterly period comprised of two components (i) an arrears component from and
including the date of the original issuance of the RegCaPS V (in the case of
the first RegCaPS V Payment Period) or, in all other cases, from and including
the relevant LLC V Payment Date immediately preceding the then current RegCaPS
V Payment Date to but excluding the then current RegCaPS V Payment Date and
(ii) an advance component from and including the then current RegCaPS V
Payment Date to but excluding the next relevant succeeding LLC V Payment Date.
"RegCaPS V Payments" means cash remittances, initially at 6.21%, on or
after April 4, 2001, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 71
basis points, reset quarterly, and on or after April 4, 2011, a variable annual
rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 175 points, reset
5
quarterly, in each case the rate shall be determined by reference to the
liquidation preference of the RegCaPS V, to the registered holder of the
RegCaPS V with respect to any applicable RegCaPS V Payment Period and payable
on an applicable RegCaPS V Payment Date.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Exchange Act" means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
"Special Independent Directors" means two (2) independent directors of the
Corporation to be elected by holders of the Class C Shares upon the occurrence
of certain events as stated in this Certificate of Designation and in the
certificates of designation of the other Class C Shares. The holders of the
Class C-5 Shares shall have the right to vote for the Special Independent
Directors only upon the failure of the Corporation to pay Dividends for 24
consecutive months at the Class C-5 Indicative Rate on the Class C-5 Shares.
"Three-Month LIBOR" means with respect to any LIBOR Determination Date, a
rate determined on the basis of the offered rates for three-month United States
dollar deposits of not less than a principal amount equal to that which is
representative for a single transaction in such market at such time, commencing
on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Determination Date,
which appears on US LIBOR Telerate Page 3750 as of approximately 11:00 a.m.,
London time, on such LIBOR Determination Date.
If on any LIBOR Determination Date no rate appears on US LIBOR Telerate
Page 3750 as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, the Paying Agent shall
on such LIBOR Determination Date request the four major reference banks in the
London interbank market selected by the Paying Agent to provide the Paying
Agent with a quotation of the rate at which three-month deposits in United
States dollars, commencing on the second Business Day immediately following
such LIBOR Determination Date, are offered by it to prime banks in the London
interbank market as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to that which is
representative for a single transaction in such market at such time. If at
least two such quotations are provided, Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR
Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations as calculated
by the Paying Agent. If fewer than two quotations are provided, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of the
rates quoted as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date by three major banks in the London interbank market selected
by the Paying Agent for loans in United States dollars to leading European
banks, having a three-month maturity commencing on the second Business Day
immediately following such LIBOR Determination Date and in a principal amount
equal to that which is representative for a single transaction in such market
at such time; provided, however, that, if the banks selected as aforesaid by
the Paying Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be Three-Month LIBOR determined
with respect to (i) the immediately preceding Dividend Period for purposes of
the Class C-5 Shares and (ii) the immediately preceding RegCaPS V Payment
Period for purposes of the RegCaPS V.
"Transfer Agent" means the transfer agent with respect to the Class C-5
Shares which shall initially be the Corporation.
"Trust V" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Trust V, a Delaware statutory
business trust.
6
"Trust Capital Securities V" means 200,000 trust capital securities,
liquidation amount US $1,000 each, representing undivided beneficial ownership
interests in the assets of Trust V.
"U.S. GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States.
"ZGH" means Zurich Group Holding, a Swiss stock corporation (as defined in
Article 620 et. seq., of the Swiss Code of Obligation) formerly known as Zurich
Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services or
its successors and assigns.
"Zurich Financial Services" means Zurich Financial Services, a Swiss stock
corporation (as defined in Article 620 et seq., of the Swiss Code of
Obligation) listed on the Swiss Exchange SWX with a secondary listing on the
London Stock Exchange and the holder of directly or indirectly 100% of the
shares of ZGH or its successors and assigns.
"1940 Act" means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
ARTICLE 2
NUMBER AND DESIGNATION
SECTION 2.01. Number and Designation. 8 and 8/9 shares of the Class C
Common Stock of the Corporation are hereby designated as a series of Class C
Common Stock designated as Class C-5 Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(the "Class C-5 Shares"). The Class C-5 Shares shall have a liquidation
preference of twenty two million five hundred thousand United States dollars
($22,500,000) per share (the "Class C-5 Share Liquidation Preference").
ARTICLE 3
RANK
SECTION 3.01. Rank. (a) The Class C-5 Shares shall, only with respect
to payment of Dividends at the Class C-5 Indicative Rate (as defined below) and
with respect to the payment of the Class C-5 Share Liquidation Preference upon
the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Corporation, rank senior to
all of the Junior Shares, including the Common Shares. In all other respects,
the Class C-5 Shares shall rank pari passu with the Junior Shares, including
the Common Shares and the other series of Class C Shares and shall participate
equally with the Junior Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and shall participate equally
with the Class A Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with respect to
any amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation. The Class C-5 Shares will rank junior in all respects to any
indebtedness of the Corporation. The Class C-5 Shares shall rank pari passu
with the other series of Class C Shares for all purposes. All securities of
the Corporation to which the Class C-5 Shares rank senior (whether with respect
to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, winding up or otherwise),
including the Common Shares, are collectively referred to herein as the "Junior
Shares." The definition of Junior Shares shall also include any rights or
options exercisable for or convertible into any of the Junior Shares.
(b) Without prior consent of the holders of not less than a majority of
the outstanding Class C-5 Shares, the Corporation shall not issue any class or
series of equity securities whose terms provide that such securities rank
senior to or pari passu with the Class C-5 Shares with respect to the rights to
receive dividends and other distributions or with respect to any amounts
payable upon liquidation,
7
dissolution or winding up; provided that the Corporation may file certificates
of designation and issue shares in accordance therewith for other series of
Class C Shares to be designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-2 Common
Stock, Class C-3 Common Stock, Class C-4 Common Stock, and Class C-6 Common
Stock, each of which ranks pari passu with the Class C-5 Shares with respect to
distributions paid by the Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable
upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. Further,
if the Corporation has paid in full the lesser of (i) each Dividend on its
respective Dividend Payment Date during the last 24 months at the Class C-5
Indicative Rate, or (ii) prior to February 9, 2003, all Dividends in an amount
at least equal to the Class C-5 Share Indicative Rate that could have been paid
on the Class C Shares, the Corporation may issue an unlimited amount of
additional Class C-5 Shares and other equity ranking pari passu with the Class
C-5 Shares without the consent of the holders of the Class C-5 Shares.
ARTICLE 4
DIVIDENDS
SECTION 4.01. Rate; Dividend Date. (a) Each Class C-5 Share shall be
entitled to receive cash Dividends on a non-cumulative basis, when as and if
declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the
payment of distributions on each Dividend Date commencing February 15, 2001.
The amount of Dividends will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the
actual number of days in such Dividend Period. When Dividends are paid on the
Class C-5 Shares at less than the Class C-5 Indicative Rate, all Dividends
declared on the Class C Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding
number of shares of each series of Class C Common Stock and such Dividends
declared on the Class C-5 Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding
number of Class C-5 Shares.
(b) The Paying Agent will calculate Three-Month LIBOR as of each LIBOR
Determination Date and shall make such rate calculation available to holders of
Class C-5 Shares. The Paying Agent also shall determine the Dividends payable
on each Dividend Date and give notice thereof (including the applicable rate,
amount, the applicable period and payment) to the holders of Class C-5 Shares.
The notices set forth in this paragraph shall be sent by first class mail to
the address of each holder of Class C-5 Shares as it appears on the register
kept by the Registrar and shall be available at the offices of the Paying
Agent.
SECTION 4.02. Dividend Restrictions. (a) No distribution or redemption,
including without limitation cash dividends, may be declared or paid or set
apart for payment on any Junior Shares and neither the Corporation nor any of
its Affiliates may purchase or redeem for cash any outstanding Junior Shares,
unless:
(i) full Dividends have been declared and paid or set apart for
payment on the Class C-5 Shares in an amount at least equal to the greater
of (A) the Dividends payable or set apart during such Dividend Period at
the Class C-5 Indicative Rate; or (B) the Economic Dividend Payable;
(ii) Partnership V has paid or set apart for payment the full
amount of RegCaPS V Payments for the current RegCaPS V Payment Period;
8
(iii) LLC V has set apart or paid the full amount of the LLC V
Payments on an LLC V Payment Date in any period when the corresponding
RegCaPS V Payment for such LLC V Payment Date has been made; and
(iv) in the case of a repurchase or redemption, such repurchase or
redemption does not cause the net worth of the Corporation to be less than
the Minimum Net Worth Amount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as the Corporation has paid or set
apart for payment Dividends on the Class C-5 Shares at least equal to the
greater of (i)(A) or (i)(B) and clauses (ii) (iii) and (iv) above are
satisfied, the Corporation may declare and pay Dividends on any Junior Shares
with respect to such Dividend Period.
(b) (i) If a Dividend is paid or set apart on the Class C-5 Shares
during any Dividend Period at a rate less than the Class C-5 Indicative
Rate, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments on the Junior
Shares and may only make dividend payments on its other securities that
rank pari passu with the Class C-5 Shares, if any, in the same proportion
as the partial Dividend paid or set apart on the Class C-5 Shares for the
current Dividend Period bears to the full Dividend payment determined for
such Dividend Period at the Class C-5 Indicative Rate.
(ii) For so long as the Class C-5 Shares are outstanding, if a
partial RegCaPS V Payment is made or set apart for any RegCaPS V Payment
Period, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments during such
RegCaPS V Payment Period on its Junior Shares and may only make dividend
payments on its other securities that rank pari passu with the Class C-5
Shares in the same proportion as the lesser of (i) the proportion the
partial RegCaPS V Payment made or set apart for the Current RegCaPS V
Payment Period bears to the RegCaPS V Payment determined for such RegCaPS
V Payment Period and (ii) the proportion the partial Dividend paid or set
apart on the Class C-5 Shares for the corresponding Dividend Period bears
to the full Dividend payment for such Dividend Period at the Class C-5
Indicative Rate.
Additionally, for so long as the Class C-5 Shares are outstanding, all
shares of common or preferred stock issued by majority-owned subsidiaries of
the Corporation which shares are not beneficially owned by the Corporation or
its wholly-owned subsidiaries will be subject to the restrictions set forth
above on the payment of distributions and other payments only to the extent
that such minority shares are owned by Zurich Financial Services or one of its
controlled Affiliates.
(c) The Corporation intends that the holders of the RegCaPS V shall be
third party beneficiaries of, and entitled to enforce, the provisions of this
Section 4.02 as if such provisions constituted a contract between the
Corporation and the holders of the Class C-5 Shares, and the holders of the
RegCaPS V were third-party beneficiaries to such contracts.
SECTION 4.03. Payment of Dividends. Dividends and other payments on the
Class C-5 Shares will be payable to the holders thereof as they appear on the
books and records of the Corporation on the relevant record dates, which will
be one Business Day prior to the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date.
Such Dividends will be paid either (i) by the Corporation or (ii) in the event
such Class C-5 Shares are not held by an Affiliate of ZGH through the Paying
Agent who will hold amounts received from the Corporation in respect of the
Class C-5 Shares for the benefit of the registered
9
holders of the Class C-5 Shares. In the event that any Class C-5 Shares do not
remain in book-entry only form, the relevant record dates shall be the 15th day
of the month of the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date. In the event
that any Dividend Date is not a Business Day, payment of the Dividends payable
on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day
(without any interest or other payment in respect of the dividends subject to
such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
SECTION 4.04. Changes in the Dividends-Received Percentage. (a) If,
prior to 18 months after the date of the original issuance of the Class C-5
Shares, one or more amendments to the Code are enacted that reduce the
dividends-received deduction (currently 70%), as specified in Section 243(a)
(i) of the Code or any successor provision (the "Dividend-Received
Percentage"), certain adjustments will be made as appropriate in respect of the
Dividends paid by the Corporation, and Post Declaration Date Dividends and
Retroactive Dividends may become payable (as such terms are defined below),
except that no adjustments will be made with respect to any reduction of the
Dividends-Received Percentage below 50%.
(b) The amount per share of each Dividend declared at the applicable rate
described in Section 4.01 above for Dividend payments made on or after the
effective date of such change in the Code will be increased, to the extent of
funds legally available for distribution by the Corporation, by multiplying the
amount of the Dividend payable before adjustment, by a factor, which will be
the number determined in accordance with the following formula (the "DRD
Formula"), and rounding the result to the nearest cent (with one-half cent
rounded up):
I-.35(I-.70)
------------
I-.35(I-DRP)
For purposes of the DRD Formula with regard to the Class C-5 Shares, "DRP"
means the Dividend-Received Percentage (expressed as a decimal) applicable to
the Dividends in question; provided, that in no event shall the DRP be less
than 0.50. No amendment to the Code, other than a change in the Dividends-
Received Percentage enacted prior to 18 months after the date of the original
issuance of the Class C-5 Shares, will give rise to an adjustment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to any such
amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified opinion of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or a private
letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the IRS to the effect that
such an amendment does not apply to a Dividend payable on the Class C-5 Shares,
then such amendment will not result in the adjustment provided for pursuant to
the DRD Formula with respect to such Dividend. The opinion referenced in the
previous sentence shall be based upon the legislation amending or establishing
the DRP or upon a published pronouncement of the IRS addressing such
legislation. Absent manifest error, the Corporation's calculation of the
Dividends payable as so adjusted shall be final and not subject to review.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such aforementioned amendment
to the Code is enacted after the Dividend payable on a Dividend Date has been
declared, and if such amendment is effective with respect to such Dividend, the
amount of the Dividend payable on such Dividend Date will not be increased;
instead, additional Dividend payments (the "Post Declaration Date Dividend"),
equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the product of the Dividend paid by the
Corporation on
10
such Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the Dividend paid by the
Corporation on such Dividend Date, will be declared to the extent funds legally
available for distribution by the Corporation to holders of Class C-5 Shares
on the record date applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Date, or, if
Class C-5 Shares are called for redemption prior to such record date, to
holders of Class C-5 Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case may
be, in addition to any other amounts payable on such date.
(d) If any such amendment to the Code is enacted and the reduction in the
Dividends-Received Percentage retroactively applies to one or more Dividend
Dates on which the Corporation previously paid Dividends with respect to the
Class C-5 Shares (each, an "Affected Dividend Date"), additional Dividends (the
"Retroactive Dividends") will be declared, to the extent of funds legally
available therefor, to holders of Class C-5 Shares on the record date
applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Dates or, if the Class C-5 Shares
are called for redemption prior to such record date, to holders of Class C-5
Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, in an amount
equal to the excess of (x) the product of the Dividend paid by the Corporation
on each Affected Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the sum of the
Dividend paid by the Corporation on each Affected Dividend Date. The
Corporation will only make one payment of Retroactive Dividends for any such
amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to any
such amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified opinion of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or a
private letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the IRS to the
effect that such amendment does not apply to a Dividend payable on an Affected
Dividend Date for the Class C-5 Shares, then such amendment will not result in
the payment of a Retroactive Dividend with respect to such Affected Dividend
Date. The opinion referenced in the previous sentence shall be based upon the
legislation amending or establishing the Dividends-Received Percentage or upon
a published pronouncement of the IRS addressing such legislation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment in the dividends payable
by the Corporation shall be made, and no Post Declaration Date Dividends or
Retroactive Dividends shall be payable by the Corporation, in respect of the
enactment of any amendment to the Code 18 months or more after the date of
original issuance of the Class C-5 Shares that reduces the Dividends-Received
Percentage or to the extent such amendment reduces the Dividends-Received
Percentage to less than 50%.
(f) In the event that the amount of Dividends payable per share of the
Class C-5 Shares is increased pursuant to the DRD Formula and/or Post
Declaration Date Dividends or Retroactive Dividends are to be paid, the
Corporation will give notice of each such adjustment and, if applicable, any
Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive Dividends to the holders of
Class C-5 Shares.
(g) The various payment restrictions and obligations described above and
applicable in respect of any Dividend Period in which a Dividend on the Class
C-5 Shares is not paid in an amount at least equal to the Class C-5 Indicative
Rate to the extent that any Post Declaration Date Dividend or Retroactive
Dividend is not declared and paid or set apart for payment as and when due in
respect of a reduction in the Dividends-Received Percentage; provided that such
payment restrictions and obligations will remain in effect, not only during the
current Dividend Period, but until such Post Declaration Date Dividend or
Retroactive Dividend is declared and paid or set apart for payment.
11
SECTION 4.05. Earnings and Profits Gross-Up Payments. (a) To the
extent that Dividends paid with respect to the Class C-5 Shares exceeds the
Corporation's earnings and profits as calculated for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, they will not constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction. In such
event, additional distributions will be made by the Corporation to place each
holder of the Class C-5 Shares in the same position it would have been in if
all Dividends from the Corporation were paid from such earnings and profits,
assuming for these purposes that such holder was eligible for the dividends-
received deduction.
(b) If any Dividend on the Class C-5 Shares with respect to any fiscal
year (including any Gross-Up Payment (as defined below)) constitutes, in whole
or in part, a return of capital (or is treated as gain from the sale or
exchange of the Class C-5 Shares) for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a
"Qualifying Dividend"), within 180 days after the end of such fiscal year, the
Corporation will pay (if declared), out of funds legally available therefor, an
amount equal to the aggregate Gross-Up Payments to Qualified Investors (as
defined below) with respect to all Qualifying Dividends on the Class C-5 Shares
during such fiscal year. A "Qualified Investor" with respect to a Qualifying
Dividend during a fiscal year means a person who was entitled to receive such
Qualifying Dividend.
(c) A "Gross-Up Payment" to a Qualified Investor with respect to all
Qualifying Dividends on Class C-5 Shares paid by the Corporation during a
fiscal year means an additional Dividend on the Class C-5 Shares to a
Qualifying Investor in an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends paid to such Qualified Investor during such fiscal year,
would cause such Qualified Investor's net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal
income tax consequences and treating, for purposes of calculating net yield in
dollars, the sum of that portion of the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up
Payment otherwise treated as a return of capital as capital gain recognized
upon the taxable sale or exchange of Class C-5 Shares) from the aggregate of
both the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up Payment to be equal to the net
yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences) which would have
been received by such Qualified Investor if the entire amount of the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends had instead been treated as a dividend for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Such Gross-Up Payment shall be calculated using the
applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal corporate income tax rate applicable
to ordinary income and capital gains, as the case may be, and, where
applicable, the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration being
given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation of any
specific Qualified Investor (including the application of the alternative
minimum tax or the application of Section 246 of the Code), or any state or
local tax consequences that may arise. The Corporation shall make a
determination, based upon the reasonably estimated earnings and profits of that
portion, if any, of a Qualifying Dividend for a fiscal year that will be
treated as dividend for U.S. federal tax purposes, and such determination
shall be final and binding for purposes of calculating the amount of the
Gross-Up Payments with respect to all Qualifying Dividends for such fiscal year.
SECTION 4.06. Change of Control Gross-Up Payments. If as a result of a
Change of Control Tax Event, there is an increase in any non-refundable foreign
taxes withheld ("Foreign Tax Increase") with respect to RegCaPS V Payments or
Cumulative RegCaPS V Payment Amounts paid to a RegCaPS V registered holder
("Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments"), additional distributions shall be made on
the Class C-5 Shares in an amount which, when taken together with the
aggregate Dividends paid to the Holders of the Class C-5 Shares during such
fiscal year reduced by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase, would cause the
net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences other than
the use of foreign tax credits resulting from the Foreign Tax Increase) to be
equal to the net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences)
to the Holder from
12
receipt of the aggregate Dividends paid to the Holder during such fiscal year
without any reduction by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase. The
foregoing amount shall be calculated based on the assumption that the Holder is
a U.S. corporation and using the applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal
corporate income tax rate applicable to ordinary income and capital gains, as
the case may be, and the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration
being given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation
of any specific Holder, or any state or local tax consequences that may arise.
If for a prior fiscal year Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments are made by the
Partnership V, the Corporation will pay (if declared), within 90 days after the
end of such fiscal year, out of funds legally available therefor, an amount
equal to the aggregate Change of Control Gross-Up Payments to the Partnership.
ARTICLE 5
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
SECTION 5.01. Liquidation Preference. (a) In the event of any voluntary
or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, after
payment or provision for the liabilities of the Corporation and the expenses of
such dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the holders of the outstanding
Class C-5 Shares will be entitled to receive, the Class C-5 Share Liquidation
Amount, out of the assets of the Corporation or proceeds thereof available for
distribution to holders of Class C-5 Shares. Out of such amount, the holders
of the Class C-5 Shares will be entitled to receive the Class C-5 Share
Liquidation Preference before any payment or distribution of assets is made to
holders of the Common Shares or any other Junior Shares. Amounts payable on
the Class C-5 Shares in connection with the liquidation of the Corporation in
excess of the Class C-5 Share Liquidation Preference are payable (to the extent
the Class C-5 Share Liquidation Amount exceeds the Class C-5 Share Liquidation
Preference) on a pari passu basis with any Common Shares entitled to receive
payment or distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation. If the assets of the Corporation available for distribution in
such event are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate amount payable to
holders of the Class C-5 Shares and holders of all other classes or series of
equity securities of the Corporation, if any, ranking, as to the distribution
of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, on a
parity with the Class C-5 Shares, the assets will be distributed to the holders
of Class C-5 Shares and holders of such other equity interests pro rata, based
on the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After
payment of the Class C-5 Share Liquidation Amount upon dissolution, liquidation
or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of Class C-5 Shares will not be
entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the
Corporation.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(a) above, holders of Class C-5 Shares
will not be entitled to be paid any amount in respect of a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Corporation until holders of any classes or
series of securities of the Corporation ranking, as to the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, senior
to the Class C-5 Shares have been paid all amounts to which such classes or
series are entitled.
(c) Notwithstanding anything else in this Certificate, neither the sale,
lease or exchange (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other
consideration) of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the
Corporation, nor the merger, consolidation or combination of the Corporation
into or with any other person or the merger, consolidation or combination of
any other person into or with the Corporation, shall be deemed to be a
dissolution, liquidation or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, for the
purposes of this Section 5.01.
13
ARTICLE 6
REDEMPTION
SECTION 6.01. Optional Redemption. (a) The Class C-5 Shares will not be
subject to mandatory redemption at any time. Prior to February 15, 2031, Class
C-5 Shares will not be subject to optional redemption. On or after February
15, 2031, Class C-5 Shares may be redeemed at the option of the Corporation at
any time, subject to the prior consent of ZGH, in whole but not in part, at
their fair market value (the "Redemption Amount") as determined by a nationally
recognized investment bank retained by the Corporation.
SECTION 6.02. Procedure for Redemption. (a) Notice of any redemption of
the Class C-5 Shares (a "Redemption Notice") will be given by the Corporation
by mail to each holder of Class C-5 Shares not fewer than 30 nor more than 60
days before the date fixed for redemption. For purposes of the calculation of
the date of redemption and the dates on which notices are given pursuant to
this Section 6.02(a), a Redemption Notice shall be deemed to be given on the
day such notice is first mailed, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to
holders of the Class C-5 Shares. Each Redemption Notice shall be addressed to
the holders of Class C-5 Shares at the address of each such holder appearing in
the books and records of the Corporation. No defect in the Redemption Notice
or in the mailing thereof with respect to any holder of Class C-5 Shares shall
affect the validity of the redemption proceedings with respect to any other
holder of Class C-5 Shares.
(b) If the Corporation gives a Redemption Notice (which notice will be
irrevocable), then by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption date,
the Corporation (A) if the Class C-5 Shares are in book-entry form with DTC,
will deposit irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable
Redemption Amount and will give DTC irrevocable instruction and authority to
pay the Redemption Amount in respect of the Class C-5 Shares held through DTC
in global form or (B) if the Class C-5 Shares are held in certificated form
(each such certificate a "Class C-5 Share Certificate"), will deposit with the
Paying Agent, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Amount of any
such Class C-5 Shares and will give to the Paying Agent irrevocable
instructions and authority to pay such amounts to the holders of Class C-5
Shares, upon surrender of their certificates, by delivery of check, mailed to
the address of the relevant holder appearing on the books and records of the
Corporation on the redemption date. For these purposes, the applicable
Redemption Amount shall not include Dividends which are being paid to holders
of Class C-5 Shares who were holders of Class C-5 Shares on a relevant record
date. Upon satisfaction of the foregoing conditions, then immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of such deposit or payment, all rights of
holders of Class C-5 Shares so called for redemption will cease, except the
right of the holders of Class C-5 Shares to receive the Redemption Amount, but
without interest on such Redemption Amount, and from and after the date fixed
for redemption, such Class C-5 Shares will not receive dividends or bear
interest.
(c) In the event that any date fixed for redemption of Class C-5 Shares
is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Amount payable on such
date will be made on the next succeeding Business Day (and without any interest
in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls in the
next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on such
date fixed for redemption. In the event that payment of the Redemption Amount
is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by the Corporation, Dividends on
the Class C-5 Shares called for redemption will continue to be payable in
accordance with the terms hereof from the original redemption date until the
Redemption Amount is actually paid.
14
(d) The Corporation shall not be required to register or cause to be
registered the transfer of any Class C-5 Shares which have been called for
redemption.
(e) The Class C-5 Shares which have been issued and reacquired in any
manner, including shares purchased or redeemed, shall (upon compliance with any
applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Nevada) have the status of
authorized and unissued Class C-5 Shares and may be reissued.
ARTICLE 7
VOTING RIGHTS
SECTION 7.01. Voting Rights. (a) The holders of the Class C-5 Shares
will be entitled to 0.375 of a vote per share (subject to adjustment in the
event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution or combination
with respect to any shares of capital stock of the Corporation) and will be
entitled to vote with the Common Shares as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of the Common Shares (other than those matters affecting
only the Common Shares, or either of them); provided, however, that at no time
shall the aggregate Voting Power of the Class C-5 Shares be greater than 0.6%
of the total Voting Power of the Corporation. Prior to transferring ownership
of any Class C-5 Shares to a transferee other than an Affiliate of ZGH and
subject to receipt of any required regulatory approval, if any, such Class C-5
Shares shall be (i) split into a number of shares of Class C-5 Shares equal to,
and with a liquidation preference equal to the liquidation amount of the number
of Trust Capital Securities V, and (ii) converted on a one-to-one basis to the
same number of shares of a class of common stock of the Corporation (the
"Conversion Shares") having rights, preferences and privileges substantially
identical to the Class C-5 Shares except that the Conversion Shares will be
entitled to no voting rights other than as required by law and other than with
respect to adverse amendments to the terms of the Conversion Shares and the
issuance of equity securities that rank senior to or pari passu with the
Conversion Shares with respect to the payment of distributions or amounts upon
liquidation, provided that the Corporation may file certificates of
designation and issue shares in accordance therewith for other Class C Shares
which rank pari passu with the Conversion Shares with respect to distributions
paid by the Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. If, however, any
necessary regulatory approvals to issue the Conversion Shares are not obtained,
the Class C-5 Shares rather than the Conversion Shares may be transferred to a
transferee other than an Affiliate of ZGH.
(b) The holders of the Class C-5 Shares and the Conversion Shares will be
entitled to vote separately as a single class on the matters described in this
paragraph. The consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the
outstanding Class C-5 Shares and Conversion Shares, voting as a single class,
is required (i) to amend, alter, supplement or repeal the terms of the Class
C-5 Shares and the Conversion Shares (it being a condition to any such
amendment, alteration, supplement or repeal that it has a substantially
identical effect on the rights, preferences and privileges of both the Class
C-5 Shares and the Conversion Shares), or (ii) if the Corporation has not paid
in full the lesser of (A) each of the last twenty-four months of Dividends on
their respective Dividend Payment Dates at the Class C-5 Indicative Rate, or
(B) prior to the second anniversary of the first issue date, all Dividends at
the Class C-5 Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C-5 Shares
and the Conversion Shares, for the Corporation to issue, or to increase the
authorized amount of, the Class C-5 Shares or the Conversion Shares or any
other equity securities that rank pari passu with or senior to the Class C-5
Shares and the Conversion Shares; provided that the Corporation may file
certificates of designation and issue shares in accordance therewith for other
Class C Shares to be designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-2 Common
Stock, Class C-3 Common Stock, Class C-4 Common Stock, and Class C-6
15
Common Stock, each of which rank pari passu with the Class C-5 Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and with respect to any
amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation without the consent of the holders of the Class C-5 Shares or the
Conversion Shares.
(c) Whenever Dividends on the Class C-5 Shares and the Conversion Shares
at the Class C-5 Indicative Rate are in arrears for twenty-four or more
consecutive months, the holders of Class C-5 Shares and the Conversion Shares,
voting together with the other Class C Shares as a single class, will be
entitled, subject to any necessary regulatory actions, to elect two Special
Independent Directors to the Board of Directors, at a special meeting called by
the holders of record of at least 25% of the Class C-5 Shares and the
Conversion Shares in the aggregate or by the holders of record of 25% of any of
the other series of Class C Shares pursuant to the terms of the certificate of
designation creating such other series of Class C Shares. The Special
Independent Directors shall vacate office if Dividends at the Class C-5
Indicative Rate are resumed and are paid regularly for at least twelve
consecutive months, unless otherwise provided by the terms of any other
certificate of designation for any other series of Class C Shares. If
Dividends are resumed and paid regularly for at least twelve consecutive months
at the Class C-5 Indicative Rate, the holders of the Class C-5 Shares and the
Conversion Shares shall no longer be entitled to vote for the two Special
Independent Directors on account of that arrearage. When no holder of Class
C-5 Shares is entitled to vote for the two Special Independent Directors, the
Special Independent Directors shall vacate office. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in the event that more than one series of Class C Shares are
entitled to elect Special Independent Directors to the Board of Directors, such
series shall vote together as a single class to elect such two directors. In
no event shall the holders of Class C Shares be entitled to elect more than two
Independent Directors to the Board of Directors.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have the right,
without the prior consent of the holders of Class C-5 Shares and Conversion
Shares if any, to amend, alter, supplement or repeal any terms of the Class C-5
Shares (i) to cure any ambiguity, or to cure, correct or supplement any
defective provision thereof or (ii) to make any other provision with respect to
matters or questions arising with respect to the Class C-5 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, that is not inconsistent with the provisions thereof
so long as such action does not materially and adversely affect any of the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of Class C-5 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, provided, however, that any increase in the amount
of authorized or issued Class C-5 Shares will be deemed not to materially and
adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders
of Class C-5 Shares.
(e) The consent or votes required in Section 7.01(b) and (c) above shall
be in addition to any approval of stockholders of the Corporation which may be
required by law or pursuant to any provision of the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation or bylaws, which approval shall be obtained by vote of the
stockholders of the Corporation in the manner provided in Section 7.01(a)
above.
ARTICLE 8
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE CORPORATION
SECTION 8.01. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Amalgamation of the
Corporation. Without the consent of either one Special Independent Director,
if any, or a majority of the holders of Class C-5 Shares, the Corporation may
not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or
into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an
16
entirety to, any corporation or other entity, except as permitted below. The
Corporation may, with the consent of at least one of the Special Independent
Directors, if any, on the Board of Directors at the time the issue is
considered and without the consent of the holders of the Class C-5 Shares,
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or
into, or be replaced by a corporation organized as such under the laws of any
State of the United States; provided, that:
(a) if the Corporation is not the surviving entity, such successor entity
either (x) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Corporation under
the Class C-5 Shares or (y) substitutes securities for the Class C-5 Shares
(the "Successor Securities"), so long as the Successor Securities rank the same
as the Class C-5 Shares rank with respect to Dividends and other payments
thereon;
(b) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication
or replacement does not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-5 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect;
(c) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion,
domestication or replacement, the Corporation has received an opinion of a
nationally recognized law firm experienced in such matters to the effect that
(i) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or
replacement will not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-5 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect and (ii) following such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or replacement, the
Corporation (or such successor entity) will not be required to register under
the 1940 Act; and
(d) distributions with respect to the Class C-5 Shares or Successor
Securities would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
ARTICLE 9
TRANSFER OF CLASS C-5 SHARES
SECTION 9.01. General. The Corporation shall provide for the
registration of Class C-5 Share Certificates and of transfers of Class C-5
Share Certificates. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Class
C-5 Share Certificate, the Corporation shall cause one or more new Class C-5
Share Certificates to be issued in the name of the designated transferee or
transferees. Every Class C-5 Share Certificate surrendered for registration of
transfer shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Corporation duly executed by the holder of such Class C-5
Shares or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing. Each Class C-5 Share
Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be cancelled by the
Corporation. A transferee of a Class C-5 Share Certificate shall be entitled
to the rights and subject to the obligations of a holder of Class C-5 Shares
hereunder upon the receipt by the transferee of a Class C-5 Share Certificate,
which receipt shall be deemed to constitute a request by such transferee that
the books and records of the Corporation reflect such transferee as a holder of
Class C-5 Share.
SECTION 9.02. Definitive Certificates. Unless and until the Corporation
issues a global Class C-5 Share Certificate pursuant to Section 9.03(a), the
Corporation shall only issue definitive Class C-5 Share Certificates to the
holders of Class C-5 Shares. The Corporation may treat the Person in whose
name any Class C-5 Share Certificate shall be registered on the books and
records of the Corporation as the sole holder of such Class C-5 Share
Certificate and of the Class C-5 Shares represented by such Class C-5 Share
Certificate for purposes of receiving Dividends and for all other purposes
whatsoever
17
(including without limitation, tax returns and information reports) and,
accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest in such Class C-5 Share Certificate or in the Class C-5 Shares
represented by such Class C-5 Share Certificate on the part of any other
Person, whether or not the Corporation shall have actual or other notice
thereof.
SECTION 9.03. Book Entry Provisions.
(a) General. The provisions of this Section 9.03(a) shall apply only in
the event that the Class C-5 Shares are distributed to a Person other than the
Purchaser. Upon the occurrence of such event, a global Class C-5 Share
Certificate representing the Book-Entry Interests shall be delivered to DTC,
the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Corporation and any
previously issued and still outstanding definitive Class C-5 Share Certificates
shall be of no further force and effect. The global Class C-5 Share
Certificate shall initially be registered on the books and records of the
Corporation in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, and no holder of
Class C-5 Shares will receive a new definitive Class C-5 Share Certificate
representing such holder's interest in such Class C-5 Share Certificate, except
as provided in Section 9.03(c). Unless and until new definitive, fully
registered Class C-5 Share Certificates (the "Definitive Class C-5 Share
Certificates") have been issued to the holders of Class C-5 Shares pursuant to
Section 9.03(c):
(i) The provisions of this Section shall be in full force and
effect;
(ii) The Corporation shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing
Agency for all purposes of this Certificate (including the payment of
Dividends, Redemption Amounts and liquidation proceeds on the Class C-5
Share Certificates and receiving approvals, votes or consents hereunder)
as the sole holder of the Class C-5 Share Certificates and shall have no
obligation to the holders of Class C-5 Shares;
(iii) None of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, or any
Special Independent Director or any agents of any of the foregoing shall
have any liability or responsibility for any aspect of the records
relating to or Dividends made on account of beneficial ownership interests
in a global Class C-5 Share Certificate for such beneficial ownership
interests or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interest; and
(iv) Except as provided in Section 9.03(c) below, the holders of
Class C-5 Shares will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Class C-5 Shares in definitive form and will not be considered holders
thereof for any purpose under this Certificate of Designation, and no
global Class C-5 Share Certificate representing Class C-5 Shares shall be
exchangeable, except for another global Class C-5 Share Certificate of
like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or Cede &
Co., or to a successor depository or its nominee. Accordingly, each
holder of Class C-5 Shares must rely on the procedures of DTC or if such
person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through
which such person owns its interest to exercise any rights of a holder
under this Certificate of Designation.
(b) Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever the holders of the Class C-5
Shares are required to give a notice or other communication to their equity
holders, unless and until definitive Class C-5 Share Certificates shall have
been issued to the holders of Class C-5 Shares pursuant to Section 9.03(c), the
Corporation shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to
be given to the
18
holders of Class C-5 Shares to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no
obligations to the holders of Class C-5 Shares.
(c) Definitive Class C-5 Share Certificates. Definitive Class C-5 Share
Certificates shall be prepared by the Corporation and exchangeable for the
global Class C-5 Share Certificate or Certificates if and only if (i) DTC
notifies the Corporation that it is unwilling or unable to continue its
services as a securities depository and no successor depository shall have been
appointed, (ii) DTC, at any time, ceases to be a Clearing Agency registered
under the Exchange Act at such time as DTC shall have been appointed, or (iii)
the Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines that such global Class C-5
Share Certificate shall be so exchangeable. Upon surrender of the global Class
C-5 Share Certificate or Certificates representing the Book-Entry Interests by
the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the Corporation
shall cause definitive Class C-5 Share Certificates to be delivered to holders
of Class C-5 Shares in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency.
The Corporation shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of such
instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying
on, such instructions. The definitive Class C-5 Share Certificates shall be
printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as may
be required by any national securities exchange on which Class C-5 Shares may
be listed and is reasonably acceptable to the Corporation, as evidenced by its
execution thereof.
SECTION 9.04. Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent.
(a) The Corporation will act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying
Agent of the Class C-5 Share for so long as the Class C-5 Shares are held by an
Affiliate of ZGH, for so long as the Class C-5 Shares remain in book-entry only
form.
(b) Except in such case where the Corporation shall act as Registrar or
Paying Agent pursuant to Section 9.04(a) hereof, the Corporation shall maintain
in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, State of New York (i) an office
or agency where Class C-5 Shares may be presented for registration of transfer
or for exchange ("Registrar") and (ii) an office or agency where Class C-5
Shares may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent"). The Registrar shall keep
a register of the Class C-5 Shares and of their transfer and exchange. The
Corporation may appoint the Registrar and the Paying Agent and may appoint one
or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents in such other
location as it shall determine. The term "Paying Agent" includes any
additional paying agent. The Corporation may change any Paying Agent,
Registrar or co-registrar without prior notice to any holder. If the
Corporation fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying
Agent, the Corporation shall act as such.
(c) Registration of transfers of Class C-5 Shares shall be effected
without charge by or on behalf of the Corporation, but upon payment (with the
giving of such indemnity as the Corporation may require) in respect of any tax
or other governmental charges that may be imposed.
SECTION 9.05. Transfer Restrictions. The Class C-5 Shares may only be
transferred (i) to QIBs and (ii) to IAIs who, if they are not QIBs, prior to
such transfer, furnish to the Corporation or the Transfer Agent a signed letter
containing certain representations and agreements relating to restrictions on
transfer by such IAI and who hold their Class C-5 Shares through a DTC
participant. The foregoing restriction may be waived if the Corporation, in
its sole discretion, determines such restrictions are no longer necessary to
preserve the Corporation's exemptions from registration requirements under the
Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and the 1940 Act. Any purported
19
purchase or transfer of the Class C-5 Shares in violation of such restrictions
will be null and void. Furthermore the Corporation may also require the sale
of Class C-5 Shares held by holders who fail to comply with the foregoing.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 10.01. Preemptive Rights. No holder of any of the Class C-5
Shares shall have any preemptive or preferential right to acquire or subscribe
for any treasury or unissued shares of any class or series of the stock of the
Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, or any notes, debentures, bonds,
or other securities convertible into or carrying any right, option or warrant
to subscribe for or acquire shares of any class or series of stock of the
Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, whether or not the issuance of
any such shares, or such notes, debentures, bonds or other securities, would
adversely affect the distribution or voting rights of such holder, and the
Board of Directors of this Corporation may issue shares of any class or series
of stock of this Corporation, without offering any such shares of any class or
series of stock of the Corporation, either in whole or in part, to the existing
shareholders of any class or series of stock of this Corporation.
SECTION 10.02. Conversion Rights. The Class C-5 Shares shall have no
right to convert into the Common Shares, any of the other Class C Shares or any
other equity security or indebtedness of the Corporation other than the
Conversion Shares.
ARTICLE 11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 11.01. General Provisions. The headings of the paragraphs,
subparagraphs, clauses and subclauses of this Certificate of Designation are
for convenience of reference only and shall not define, limit or affect any of
the provisions hereof.
20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Farmers Group, Inc. has caused this Certificate of
Designation to be signed and attested by its undersigned Vice President and
Secretary this 7th day of February, 2001.
---
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
By:/s/ Julian R.M. Harvey
--------------------------------
Name: Julian R.M. Harvey
Title: Vice President
/s/ Doren Hohl
-----------------------------------------
Name: Doren Hohl
Title: Secretary
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)ss
COUNTY OF Los Angeles
-------------
On February 7 , 2001 before me, Hazel C. Bautista, personally appeared
--- -----------------
Julian R.M. Harvey and Doren Hohl.
X personally known to me.
- ----
- -or-
___ proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the persons whose
names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledge to me that they
executed the same in their authorized capacities, and that by their signatures
on the instrument the persons, or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
/s/ Hazel C. Bautista
----------------------------------------------
Notary Public in and for said County and State
1
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
CLASS C-6 COMMON STOCK
of
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
Pursuant to Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada
Farmers Group, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a corporation organized and
existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Nevada, certifies as follows:
FIRST: The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation (the "Articles of Incorporation") authorize the issuance of up to
50 shares of Class C common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Class C
Common Stock"), and further, authorize the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Board of Directors") by resolution or resolutions, at any
time and from time to time, to divide and establish any or all of the shares of
Class C Common Stock into one or more series of Class C Common Stock, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to fix and determine the
designation of each such series, the number of shares which shall constitute
such series and such voting powers, and such preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof of the shares of each series so
established.
SECOND: The following resolutions authorizing the creation and
issuance of a series of said shares of Class C Common Stock to be known as
Class C-6 Common Stock were duly adopted by the Board of Directors on the 6th
day of February, 2001, in accordance with Sections 78.1955 and 78.315 of the
Nevada General Corporation Law.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors, pursuant to authority vested in it
by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, hereby authorizes the
issuance of a series of the Corporation's Class C Common Stock, and hereby
fixes the number, designation, preferences, rights, limitations and
restrictions thereof in addition to those set forth in the Articles of
Incorporation as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. In this Certificate of Designation, unless
the context otherwise requires
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person
that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified Person.
"Book-Entry Interest" means a beneficial ownership in Class C-6 Shares,
the ownership and transfers of which are maintained through book entries of the
Registrar as set forth in Section 9.04(b) of this Certificate of Designation.
"Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is
neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or
required by law, regulation or
2
executive order to close in The City of New York. With respect to the LIBOR
Determination Date, "Business Day" means a day on which dealings in deposits
in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
"Change of Control Event" means the Corporation ceasing to be an Affiliate
of ZGH or any of its Affiliates, including, but not limited to, a Change of
Control Tax Event.
"Change of Control Tax Event" means a Change of Control Event which
results in an adverse tax effect on the holders of Trust Capital Securities VI.
"Class A Shares" means the Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class B Shares" means the Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of the Corporation.
"Class C Shares" means, collectively, the Class C-6 Shares and all other
series of Class C Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Corporation,
for which a certificate or certificates of designation have been filed with the
Nevada Secretary of State.
"Class C-6 Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01 hereof.
"Class C-6 Indicative Rate" means initially, 6.16%, and on or after April
25, 2001, a variable rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 71 basis points,
reset quarterly, and on or after April 25, 2011, a variable rate equal to
Three-Month LIBOR plus 175 basis points, reset quarterly, in each case, the
rate shall be determined by reference to the Class C-6 Share Liquidation
Preference; provided, however, that such variable rate shall never be greater
than 15%.
"Class C-6 Share Liquidation Amount" means, with respect to each Class C-6
Share, an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Class C-6 Share Liquidation
Preference, plus an amount (whether or not declared) equal to the Class C-6
Share Liquidation Preference multiplied by the Class C-6 Indicative Rate
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the
current Dividend Period that have passed prior to the date on which the
liquidation occurs and the denominator of which is 360 and (ii) the Economic
Dividend Payable.
"Class C-6 Share Liquidation Preference" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01 hereof.
"Clearing Agency" means the clearing agency with respect to the Class C-6
Shares.
"Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Common Shares" means, collectively, the Class A Shares and the Class B
Shares.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
"Dividend" means a cash distribution to holders of the Class C-6 Shares
from the Corporation with respect to any applicable Dividend Period and payable
on an applicable Dividend Date.
3
"Dividend Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August and November
in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day)
commencing February 15, 2001, with respect to Dividends for each relevant
Dividend Period on the Class C-6 Shares.
"Dividend Period" means for each Dividend Date, a quarterly period
comprised of two components: (i) an arrears component from and including the
date of the original issuance of the Class C-6 Shares (in the case of the first
Dividend Period) or, in all other cases, from and including the 25th day of any
of April, July, October or January immediately preceding the then current
Dividend Date, provided, that if any such day is not a Business Day, then the
start of the period will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day, to
but excluding the then current Dividend Date, and (ii) an advance component
from and including the then current Dividend Date to but excluding the next
25th day of any of April, July, October or January (as the case may be)
immediately succeeding the then current Dividend Date, provided, that if any
such day is not a Business Day, then the end of the period (and associated
first day of the next Dividend Period) will be postponed to the next
succeeding Business Day.
"Economic Dividend Payable" means initially, as determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank, for the Class C-6 Shares in the aggregate 1.4900662% of, as
applicable, (i) the amount of dividends paid or set apart for payment by the
Corporation on its common shares (including the Class C Shares) during any
Dividend Period, (ii) the amount of any redemption proceeds on the
Corporation's common shares to the extent such proceeds are greater than the
fair market value of the common shares being redeemed, or (iii) the aggregate
amount available for payment of distributions on liquidation with respect to
the Corporation's common shares entitled to payments upon liquidation; provided
that: (A) subsection (i) above shall only apply when determining whether the
Class C-6 Shares are entitled to Dividends, (B) subsection (ii) above shall
only apply upon a redemption of the Corporation's common shares and (C)
subsection (iii) above shall only apply upon a liquidation, dissolution and
winding up of the Corporation. This percentage shall be adjusted from time to
time (for example upon the issuance of common shares by the Corporation in
exchange for cash or property) based upon the percentage of the Corporation's
fair market value represented by the Class C-6 Shares at the time of such
adjustment; provided that any such adjustment shall be determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors based on the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank.
"Holder" means the beneficial owners of the Class C-6 Shares.
"IAI" means a Person that is an "accredited investor" within the meaning
of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act or the analog
provisions of any successor rule.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Junior Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01 hereof.
"LIBOR Determination Date" the first LIBOR Determination Date will be
April 9th, 2001, and thereafter will be two Business Days prior to each July
11th, October 11th, January 11th and April 11th thereafter (except if any such
day is not a Business Day, then the relevant LIBOR Determination Date will be
two Business Days prior to the preceding Business Day).
"LLC VI" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding LLC VI, a Delaware limited liability
company.
4
"LLC VI Payment Date" means the 25th day of any of April, July, October
and January in each year (or the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) when the corresponding RegCaPS VI payment for such period has
been made.
"LLC VI Payments" means cash payments on the LLC Preferred Interests VI.
LLC VI Payments shall not include tax amounts withheld and not refunded.
"LLC Preferred Interest VI" means the preferred membership interests in
LLC VI.
"Minimum Net Worth Amount" initially means US$ 3 billion. The Minimum Net
Worth Amount will be increased by the proceeds paid to the Corporation in
consideration for the issuance and sale of any of its capital stock ranking
pari passu with or senior to the Class C-6 Shares with respect to the payment
of distributions or amounts payable upon liquidation. The Minimum Net Worth
Amount will be reduced by the amounts paid to purchase or redeem any shares of
Class C Common Stock or any of its capital stock ranking pari passu with or
senior to the Class C-6 Shares or the other Class C Shares, but only by an
amount equal to the liquidation preference of such shares. The net worth of
the Corporation will be determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
"Partnership VI" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Limited Partnership VI, a
Delaware limited partnership.
"Person" means any legal person, including any individual, corporation,
association, partnership (general or limited), joint venture, trust, estate,
limited liability company, or other legal entity or organization, including a
government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Purchaser" means ZGH or any of its Affiliates.
"QIB" means a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule
144A under the Securities Act.
"RegCaPS VI" means any regulatory capital preferred securities of
Partnership VI.
"RegCaPS VI Payment Date" means the 15th day of February, May, August and
November in each year (or on the preceding Business Day if such day is not a
Business Day) commencing February 15, 2001 with respect to the RegCaPS VI
Payments for each relevant RegCaPS VI Payment Period.
"RegCaPS VI Payment Period" means for each RegCaPS VI Payment Date, a
quarterly period comprised of two components (i) an arrears component from and
including the date of the original issuance of the RegCaPS VI (in the case of
the first RegCaPS VI Payment Period) or, in all other cases, from and including
the relevant LLC VI Payment Date immediately preceding the then current RegCaPS
VI Payment Date to but excluding the then current RegCaPS VI Payment Date and
(ii) an advance component from and including the then current RegCaPS VI
Payment Date to but excluding the next relevant succeeding LLC VI Payment Date.
"RegCaPS VI Payments" means cash remittances, initially at 6.16%, on or
after April 25, 2001, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR plus 71
basis points, reset quarterly, and
5
on or after April 25, 2011, a variable annual rate equal to Three-Month LIBOR
plus 175 basis points, reset quarterly, in each case the rate shall be
determined by reference to the liquidation preference of the RegCaPS VI, to the
registered holder of the RegCaPS VI with respect to any applicable RegCaPS VI
Payment Period and payable on an applicable RegCaPS VI Payment Date.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Exchange Act" means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
"Special Independent Directors" means two (2) independent directors of the
Corporation to be elected by holders of the Class C Shares upon the occurrence
of certain events as stated in this Certificate of Designation and in the
certificates of designation of the other Class C Shares. The holders of the
Class C-6 Shares shall have the right to vote for the Special Independent
Directors only upon the failure of the Corporation to pay Dividends for 24
consecutive months at the Class C-6 Indicative Rate on the Class C-6 Shares.
"Three-Month LIBOR" means with respect to any LIBOR Determination Date,
a rate determined on the basis of the offered rates for three-month United
States dollar deposits of not less than a principal amount equal to that which
is representative for a single transaction in such market at such time,
commencing on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR
Determination Date, which appears on US LIBOR Telerate Page 3750 as of
approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR Determination Date.
If on any LIBOR Determination Date no rate appears on US LIBOR Telerate
Page 3750 as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, the Paying Agent shall
on such LIBOR Determination Date request the four major reference banks in the
London interbank market selected by the Paying Agent to provide the Paying
Agent with a quotation of the rate at which three-month deposits in United
States dollars, commencing on the second Business Day immediately following
such LIBOR Determination Date, are offered by it to prime banks in the London
interbank market as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to that which is
representative for a single transaction in such market at such time. If at
least two such quotations are provided, Three-Month LIBOR for such LIBOR
Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations as calculated
by the Paying Agent. If fewer than two quotations are provided, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of the
rates quoted as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
Determination Date by three major banks in the London interbank market selected
by the Paying Agent for loans in United States dollars to leading European
banks, having a three-month maturity commencing on the second Business Day
immediately following such LIBOR Determination Date and in a principal amount
equal to that which is representative for a single transaction in such market
at such time; provided, however, that, if the banks selected as aforesaid by
the Paying Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, Three-Month
LIBOR for such LIBOR Determination Date will be Three-Month LIBOR determined
with respect to (i) the immediately preceding Dividend Period for purposes of
the Class C-6 Shares and (ii) the immediately preceding RegCaPS VI Payment
Period for purposes of the RegCaPS VI.
"Transfer Agent" means the transfer agent with respect to the Class C-6
Shares which shall initially be the Corporation.
6
"Trust VI" means Zurich RegCaPS Funding Trust VI, a Delaware statutory
business trust.
"Trust Capital Securities VI" means 225,000 trust capital securities,
liquidation amount US $1,000 each, representing undivided beneficial ownership
interests in the assets of Trust VI.
"U.S. GAAP" means the generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States.
"ZGH" means Zurich Group Holding, a Swiss stock corporation (as defined in
Article 620 et. seq., of the Swiss Code of Obligation) formerly known as Zurich
Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services or
its successors and assigns.
"Zurich Financial Services" means Zurich Financial Services, a Swiss stock
corporation (as defined in Article 620 et seq., of the Swiss Code of
Obligation) listed on the Swiss Exchange SWX with a secondary listing on the
London Stock Exchange and the holder of directly or indirectly 100% of the
shares of ZGH or its successors and assigns.
"1940 Act" means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
ARTICLE 2
NUMBER AND DESIGNATION
SECTION 2.01. Number and Designation. 10 shares of the Class C Common
Stock of the Corporation are hereby designated as a series of Class C Common
Stock designated as Class C-6 Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the
"Class C-6 Shares"). The Class C-6 Shares shall have a liquidation preference
of twenty two million five hundred thousand United States dollars ($22,500,000)
per share (the "Class C-6 Share Liquidation Preference").
ARTICLE 3
RANK
SECTION 3.01. Rank. (a) The Class C-6 Shares shall, only with respect
to payment of Dividends at the Class C-6 Indicative Rate (as defined below) and
with respect to the payment of the Class C-6 Share Liquidation Preference upon
the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Corporation, rank senior to
all of the Junior Shares, including the Common Shares. In all other respects,
the Class C-6 Shares shall rank pari passu with the Junior Shares, including
the Common Shares and the other series of Class C Shares and shall participate
equally with the Junior Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and shall participate equally
with the Class A Shares and the other series of Class C Shares with respect to
any amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation. The Class C-6 Shares will rank junior in all respects to any
indebtedness of the Corporation. The Class C-6 Shares shall rank pari passu
with the other series of Class C Shares for all purposes. All securities of
the Corporation to which the Class C-6 Shares rank senior (whether with respect
to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, winding up or otherwise),
including the Common Shares, are collectively referred to herein as the "Junior
Shares." The definition of Junior Shares shall also include any rights or
options exercisable for or convertible into any of the Junior Shares.
(b) Without prior consent of the holders of not less than a majority of
the outstanding Class C-6 Shares, the Corporation shall not issue any class or
series of equity securities whose terms provide
7
that such securities rank senior to or pari passu with the Class C-6 Shares
with respect to the rights to receive dividends and other distributions or with
respect to any amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up;
provided that the Corporation may file certificates of designation and issue
shares in accordance therewith for other series of Class C Shares to be
designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-2 Common Stock, Class C-3 Common
Stock, Class C-4 Common Stock and Class C-5 Common Stock, each of which ranks
pari passu with the Class C-6 Shares with respect to distributions paid by the
Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. Further, if the Corporation has
paid in full the lesser of (i) each Dividend on its respective Dividend Payment
Date during the last 24 months at the Class C-6 Indicative Rate, or (ii) prior
to February 9, 2003, all Dividends in an amount at least equal to the Class C-6
Share Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C Shares, the
Corporation may issue an unlimited amount of additional Class C-6 Shares and
other equity ranking pari passu with the Class C-6 Shares without the consent
of the holders of the Class C-6 Shares.
ARTICLE 4
DIVIDENDS
SECTION 4.01. Rate; Dividend Date. (a) Each Class C-6 Share shall be
entitled to receive cash Dividends on a non-cumulative basis, when as and if
declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the
payment of distributions on each Dividend Date commencing February 15, 2001.
The amount of Dividends will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the
actual number of days in such Dividend Period. When Dividends are paid on the
Class C-6 Shares at less than the Class C-6 Indicative Rate, all Dividends
declared on the Class C Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding
number of shares of each series of Class C Common Stock and such Dividends
declared on the Class C-6 Shares will be paid pro rata based on the outstanding
number of Class C-6 Shares.
(b) The Paying Agent will calculate Three-Month LIBOR as of each LIBOR
Determination Date and shall make such rate calculation available to holders of
Class C-6 Shares. The Paying Agent also shall determine the Dividends payable
on each Dividend Date and give notice thereof (including the applicable rate,
amount, the applicable period and payment) to the holders of Class C-6 Shares.
The notices set forth in this paragraph shall be sent by first class mail to
the address of each holder of Class C-6 Shares as it appears on the register
kept by the Registrar and shall be available at the offices of the Paying
Agent.
SECTION 4.02. Dividend Restrictions. (a) No distribution or redemption,
including without limitation cash dividends, may be declared or paid or set
apart for payment on any Junior Shares and neither the Corporation nor any of
its Affiliates may purchase or redeem for cash any outstanding Junior Shares,
unless:
(i) full Dividends have been declared and paid or set apart for
payment on the Class C-6 Shares in an amount at least equal to the greater
of (A) the Dividends payable or set apart during such Dividend Period at
the Class C-6 Indicative Rate; or (B) the Economic Dividend Payable;
(ii) Partnership VI has paid or set apart for payment the full
amount of RegCaPS VI Payments for the current RegCaPS VI Payment Period;
8
(iii) LLC VI has set apart or paid the full amount of the LLC VI
Payments on an LLC VI Payment Date in any period when the corresponding
RegCaPS VI Payment for such LLC VI Payment Date has been made; and
(iv) in the case of a repurchase or redemption, such repurchase or
redemption does not cause the net worth of the Corporation to be less than
the Minimum Net Worth Amount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as the Corporation has paid or set
apart for payment Dividends on the Class C-6 Shares at least equal to the
greater of (i)(A) or (i)(B) and clauses (ii) (iii) and (iv) above are
satisfied, the Corporation may declare and pay Dividends on any Junior Shares
with respect to such Dividend Period.
(b) (i) If a Dividend is paid or set apart on the Class C-6 Shares
during any Dividend Period at a rate less than the Class C-6 Indicative
Rate, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments on the Junior
Shares and may only make dividend payments on its other securities that
rank pari passu with the Class C-6 Shares, if any, in the same proportion
as the partial Dividend paid or set apart on the Class C-6 Shares for the
current Dividend Period bears to the full Dividend payment determined for
such Dividend Period at the Class C-6 Indicative Rate.
(ii) For so long as the Class C-6 Shares are outstanding, if a
partial RegCaPS VI Payment is made or set apart for any RegCaPS VI Payment
Period, the Corporation may not make any dividend payments during such
RegCaPS VI Payment Period on its Junior Shares and may only make dividend
payments on its other securities that rank pari passu with the Class C-6
Shares in the same proportion as the lesser of (i) the proportion the
partial RegCaPS VI Payment made or set apart for the Current RegCaPS VI
Payment Period bears to the RegCaPS VI Payment determined for such RegCaPS
VI Payment Period and (ii) the proportion the partial Dividend paid or set
apart on the Class C-6 Shares for the corresponding Dividend Period bears
to the full Dividend payment for such Dividend Period at the Class C-6
Indicative Rate.
Additionally, for so long as the Class C-6 Shares are outstanding, all
shares of common or preferred stock issued by majority-owned subsidiaries of
the Corporation which shares are not beneficially owned by the Corporation or
its wholly-owned subsidiaries will be subject to the restrictions set forth
above on the payment of distributions and other payments only to the extent
that such minority shares are owned by Zurich Financial Services or one of its
controlled Affiliates.
(c) The Corporation intends that the holders of the RegCaPS VI shall be
third party beneficiaries of, and entitled to enforce, the provisions of this
Section 4.02 as if such provisions constituted a contract between the
Corporation and the holders of the Class C-6 Shares, and the holders of the
RegCaPS VI were third-party beneficiaries to such contracts.
SECTION 4.03. Payment of Dividends. Dividends and other payments on the
Class C-6 Shares will be payable to the holders thereof as they appear on the
books and records of the Corporation on the relevant record dates, which will
be one Business Day prior to the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date.
Such Dividends will be paid either (i) by the Corporation or (ii) in the event
such Class C-6 Shares are not held by an Affiliate of ZGH through the Paying
Agent who will hold amounts received from the Corporation in respect of the
Class C-6 Shares for the benefit of the registered
9
holders of the Class C-6 Shares. In the event that any Class C-6 Shares do not
remain in book-entry only form, the relevant record dates shall be the 15th day
of the month of the relevant Dividend Date or other payment date. In the event
that any Dividend Date is not a Business Day, payment of the Dividends payable
on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day
(without any interest or other payment in respect of the dividends subject to
such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
SECTION 4.04. Changes in the Dividends-Received Percentage. (a) If,
prior to 18 months after the date of the original issuance of the Class C-6
Shares, one or more amendments to the Code are enacted that reduce the
dividends-received deduction (currently 70%), as specified in Section 243(a)(i)
of the Code or any successor provision (the "Dividend-Received Percentage"),
certain adjustments will be made as appropriate in respect of the Dividends
paid by the Corporation, and Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive
Dividends may become payable (as such terms are defined below), except that no
adjustments will be made with respect to any reduction of the
Dividends-Received Percentage below 50%.
(b) The amount per share of each Dividend declared at the applicable rate
described in Section 4.01 above for Dividend payments made on or after the
effective date of such change in the Code will be increased, to the extent of
funds legally available for distribution by the Corporation, by multiplying the
amount of the Dividend payable before adjustment, by a factor, which will be
the number determined in accordance with the following formula (the "DRD
Formula"), and rounding the result to the nearest cent (with one-half cent
rounded up):
I-.35(I-.70)
------------
I-.35(I-DRP)
For purposes of the DRD Formula with regard to the Class C-6 Shares, "DRP"
means the Dividend-Received Percentage (expressed as a decimal) applicable to
the Dividends in question; provided, that in no event shall the DRP be less
than 0.50. No amendment to the Code, other than a change in the
Dividends-Received Percentage enacted prior to 18 months after the date of the
original issuance of the Class C-6 Shares, will give rise to an adjustment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to any such
amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified opinion of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or a private
letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the IRS to the effect that
such an amendment does not apply to a Dividend payable on the Class C-6 Shares,
then such amendment will not result in the adjustment provided for pursuant to
the DRD Formula with respect to such Dividend. The opinion referenced in the
previous sentence shall be based upon the legislation amending or establishing
the DRP or upon a published pronouncement of the IRS addressing such
legislation. Absent manifest error, the Corporation's calculation of the
Dividends payable as so adjusted shall be final and not subject to review.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such aforementioned amendment
to the Code is enacted after the Dividend payable on a Dividend Date has been
declared, and if such amendment is effective with respect to such Dividend, the
amount of the Dividend payable on such Dividend Date will not be increased;
instead, additional Dividend payments (the "Post Declaration Date Dividend"),
equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the product of the Dividend paid by the
Corporation on
10
such Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the Dividend paid by the
Corporation on such Dividend Date, will be declared to the extent funds
legally available for distribution by the Corporation to holders of Class C-6
Shares on the record date applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Date, or,
if Class C-6 Shares are called for redemption prior to such record date, to
holders of Class C-6 Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case
may be, in addition to any other amounts payable on such date.
(d) If any such amendment to the Code is enacted and the reduction in the
Dividends-Received Percentage retroactively applies to one or more Dividend
Dates on which the Corporation previously paid Dividends with respect to the
Class C-6 Shares (each, an "Affected Dividend Date"), additional Dividends (the
"Retroactive Dividends") will be declared, to the extent of funds legally
available therefor, to holders of Class C-6 Shares on the record date
applicable to the next succeeding Dividend Dates or, if the Class C-6 Shares
are called for redemption prior to such record date, to holders of Class C-6
Shares on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, in an amount
equal to the excess of (x) the product of the Dividend paid by the Corporation
on each Affected Dividend Date and the DRD Formula over (y) the sum of the
Dividend paid by the Corporation on each Affected Dividend Date. The
Corporation will only make one payment of Retroactive Dividends for any such
amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if, with respect to any
such amendment, the Corporation receives either an unqualified opinion of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel selected by the Corporation or a
private letter ruling or similar form of authorization from the IRS to the
effect that such amendment does not apply to a Dividend payable on an Affected
Dividend Date for the Class C-6 Shares, then such amendment will not result in
the payment of a Retroactive Dividend with respect to such Affected Dividend
Date. The opinion referenced in the previous sentence shall be based upon the
legislation amending or establishing the Dividends-Received Percentage or upon
a published pronouncement of the IRS addressing such legislation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment in the dividends payable
by the Corporation shall be made, and no Post Declaration Date Dividends or
Retroactive Dividends shall be payable by the Corporation, in respect of the
enactment of any amendment to the Code 18 months or more after the date of
original issuance of the Class C-6 Shares that reduces the Dividends-Received
Percentage or to the extent such amendment reduces the Dividends-Received
Percentage to less than 50%.
(f) In the event that the amount of Dividends payable per share of the
Class C-6 Shares is increased pursuant to the DRD Formula and/or Post
Declaration Date Dividends or Retroactive Dividends are to be paid, the
Corporation will give notice of each such adjustment and, if applicable, any
Post Declaration Date Dividends and Retroactive Dividends to the holders of
Class C-6 Shares.
(g) The various payment restrictions and obligations described above and
applicable in respect of any Dividend Period in which a Dividend on the Class
C-6 Shares is not paid in an amount at least equal to the Class C-6 Indicative
Rate to the extent that any Post Declaration Date Dividend or Retroactive
Dividend is not declared and paid or set apart for payment as and when due in
respect of a reduction in the Dividends-Received Percentage; provided that such
payment restrictions and obligations will remain in effect, not only during the
current Dividend Period, but until such Post Declaration Date Dividend or
Retroactive Dividend is declared and paid or set apart for payment.
11
SECTION 4.05. Earnings and Profits Gross-Up Payments. (a) To the
extent that Dividends paid with respect to the Class C-6 Shares exceeds the
Corporation's earnings and profits as calculated for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, they will not constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction. In such
event, additional distributions will be made by the Corporation to place each
holder of the Class C-6 Shares in the same position it would have been in if
all Dividends from the Corporation were paid from such earnings and profits,
assuming for these purposes that such holder was eligible for the
dividends-received deduction.
(b) If any Dividend on the Class C-6 Shares with respect to any fiscal
year (including any Gross-Up Payment (as defined below)) constitutes, in whole
or in part, a return of capital (or is treated as gain from the sale or
exchange of the Class C-6 Shares) for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a
"Qualifying Dividend"), within 180 days after the end of such fiscal year, the
Corporation will pay (if declared), out of funds legally available therefor, an
amount equal to the aggregate Gross-Up Payments to Qualified Investors (as
defined below) with respect to all Qualifying Dividends on the Class C-6 Shares
during such fiscal year. A "Qualified Investor" with respect to a Qualifying
Dividend during a fiscal year means a person who was entitled to receive such
Qualifying Dividend.
(c) A "Gross-Up Payment" to a Qualified Investor with respect to all
Qualifying Dividends on Class C-6 Shares paid by the Corporation during a
fiscal year means an additional Dividend on the Class C-6 Shares to a
Qualifying Investor in an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends paid to such Qualified Investor during such fiscal year,
would cause such Qualified Investor's net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal
income tax consequences and treating, for purposes of calculating net yield in
dollars, the sum of that portion of the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up
Payment otherwise treated as a return of capital as capital gain recognized
upon the taxable sale or exchange of Class C-6 Shares) from the aggregate of
both the Qualifying Dividends and the Gross-Up Payment to be equal to the net
yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences) which would have
been received by such Qualified Investor if the entire amount of the aggregate
Qualifying Dividends had instead been treated as a dividend for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Such Gross-Up Payment shall be calculated using the
applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal corporate income tax rate applicable
to ordinary income and capital gains, as the case may be, and, where
applicable, the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration being
given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation of any
specific Qualified Investor (including the application of the alternative
minimum tax or the application of Section 246 of the Code), or any state or
local tax consequences that may arise. The Corporation shall make a
determination, based upon the reasonably estimated earnings and profits of that
portion, if any, of a Qualifying Dividend for a fiscal year that will be
treated as dividend for U.S. federal tax purposes, and such determination
shall be final and binding for purposes of calculating the amount of the
Gross-Up Payments with respect to all Qualifying Dividends for such fiscal
year.
SECTION 4.06. Change of Control Gross-Up Payments. If as a result of a
Change of Control Tax Event, there is an increase in any non-refundable foreign
taxes withheld ("Foreign Tax Increase") with respect to RegCaPS VI Payments or
Cumulative RegCaPS VI Payment Amounts paid to a RegCaPS VI registered holder
("Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments"), additional distributions shall be made on
the Class C -6 Shares in an amount which, when taken together with the
aggregate Dividends paid to the Holders of the Class C-6 Shares during such
fiscal year reduced by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase, would cause the
net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences other than the
use of foreign tax credits resulting from the Foreign Tax Increase) to be equal
to the net yield in dollars (after U.S. federal income tax consequences) to the
Holder from
12
receipt of the aggregate Dividends paid to the Holder during such fiscal year
without any reduction by the amount of such Foreign Tax Increase. The
foregoing amount shall be calculated based on the assumption that the Holder is
a U.S. corporation and using the applicable maximum marginal U.S. federal
corporate income tax rate applicable to ordinary income and capital gains, as
the case may be, and the Dividends-Received Percentage, without consideration
being given to the time value of money, the U.S. federal income tax situation
of any specific Holder, or any state or local tax consequences that may arise.
If for a prior fiscal year Foreign Taxed RegCaPS Payments are made by the
Partnership VI, the Corporation will pay (if declared), within 90 days after
the end of such fiscal year, out of funds legally available therefor, an
amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Gross-Up Payments to the
Partnership.
ARTICLE 5
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
SECTION 5.01. Liquidation Preference. (a) In the event of any voluntary
or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, after
payment or provision for the liabilities of the Corporation and the expenses of
such dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the holders of the outstanding
Class C-6 Shares will be entitled to receive, the Class C-6 Share Liquidation
Amount, out of the assets of the Corporation or proceeds thereof available for
distribution to holders of Class C-6 Shares. Out of such amount, the holders
of Class C-6 Shares will be entitled to receive the Class C-6 Share Liquidation
Preference before any payment or distribution of assets is made to holders of
the Common Shares or any other Junior Shares. Amounts payable on the Class C-6
Shares in connection with the liquidation of the Corporation in excess of the
Class C-6 Share Liquidation Preference are payable (to the extent the Class C-6
Share Liquidation Amount exceeds the Class C-6 Share Liquidation Preference) on
a pari passu basis with any Common Shares entitled to receive payment or
distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
If the assets of the Corporation available for distribution in such event are
insufficient to pay in full the aggregate amount payable to holders of the
Class C-6 Shares and holders of all other classes or series of equity
securities of the Corporation, if any, ranking, as to the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, on a
parity with the Class C-6 Shares, the assets will be distributed to the holders
of Class C-6 Shares and holders of such other equity interests pro rata, based
on the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After
payment of the Class C-6 Share Liquidation Amount upon dissolution, liquidation
or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of Class C-6 Shares will not be
entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the
Corporation.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(a) above, holders of Class C-6 Shares
will not be entitled to be paid any amount in respect of a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Corporation until holders of any classes or
series of securities of the Corporation ranking, as to the distribution of
assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, senior
to the Class C-6 Shares have been paid all amounts to which such classes or
series are entitled.
(c) Notwithstanding anything else in this Certificate, neither the sale,
lease or exchange (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other
consideration) of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the
Corporation, nor the merger, consolidation or combination of the Corporation
into or with any other person or the merger, consolidation or combination of
any other person into or with the Corporation, shall be deemed to be a
dissolution, liquidation or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, for the
purposes of this Section 5.01.
13
ARTICLE 6
REDEMPTION
SECTION 6.01. Optional Redemption. (a) The Class C-6 Shares will not
be subject to mandatory redemption at any time. Prior to February 15, 2031,
Class C-6 Shares will not be subject to optional redemption. On or after
February 15, 2031, Class C-6 Shares may be redeemed at the option of the
Corporation at any time, subject to the prior consent of ZGH, in whole but not
in part, at their fair market value (the "Redemption Amount") as determined by
a nationally recognized investment bank retained by the Corporation.
SECTION 6.02. Procedure for Redemption. (a) Notice of any redemption of
the Class C-6 Shares (a "Redemption Notice") will be given by the Corporation
by mail to each holder of Class C-6 Shares not fewer than 30 nor more than 60
days before the date fixed for redemption. For purposes of the calculation of
the date of redemption and the dates on which notices are given pursuant to
this Section 6.02(a), a Redemption Notice shall be deemed to be given on the
day such notice is first mailed, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to
holders of the Class C-6 Shares. Each Redemption Notice shall be addressed to
the holders of Class C-6 Shares at the address of each such holder appearing in
the books and records of the Corporation. No defect in the Redemption Notice
or in the mailing thereof with respect to any holder of Class C-6 Shares shall
affect the validity of the redemption proceedings with respect to any other
holder of Class C-6 Shares.
(b) If the Corporation gives a Redemption Notice (which notice will be
irrevocable), then by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption date,
the Corporation (A) if the Class C-6 Shares are in book-entry form with DTC,
will deposit irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable
Redemption Amount and will give DTC irrevocable instruction and authority to
pay the Redemption Amount in respect of the Class C-6 Shares held through DTC
in global form or (B) if the Class C-6 Shares are held in certificated form
(each such certificate a "Class C-6 Share Certificate"), will deposit with the
Paying Agent, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Amount of any
such Class C-6 Shares and will give to the Paying Agent irrevocable
instructions and authority to pay such amounts to the holders of Class C-6
Shares, upon surrender of their certificates, by delivery of check, mailed to
the address of the relevant holder appearing on the books and records of the
Corporation on the redemption date. For these purposes, the applicable
Redemption Amount shall not include Dividends which are being paid to holders
of Class C-6 Shares who were holders of Class C-6 Shares on a relevant record
date. Upon satisfaction of the foregoing conditions, then immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of such deposit or payment, all rights of
holders of Class C-6 Shares so called for redemption will cease, except the
right of the holders of Class C-6 Shares to receive the Redemption Amount, but
without interest on such Redemption Amount, and from and after the date fixed
for redemption, such Class C-6 Shares will not receive dividends or bear
interest.
(c) In the event that any date fixed for redemption of Class C-6 Shares
is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Amount payable on such
date will be made on the next succeeding Business Day (and without any interest
in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day falls in the
next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on such
date fixed for redemption. In the event that payment of the Redemption Amount
is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by the Corporation, Dividends on
the Class C-6 Shares called for redemption will continue to be payable in
accordance with the terms hereof from the original redemption date until the
Redemption Amount is actually paid.
14
(d) The Corporation shall not be required to register or cause to be
registered the transfer of any Class C-6 Shares which have been called for
redemption.
(e) The Class C-6 Shares which have been issued and reacquired in any
manner, including shares purchased or redeemed, shall (upon compliance with
any applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Nevada) have the status
of authorized and unissued Class C-6 Shares and may be reissued.
ARTICLE 7
VOTING RIGHTS
SECTION 7.01. Voting Rights. (a) The holders of the Class C-6 Shares
will be entitled to 0.375 of a vote per share (subject to adjustment in the
event of any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution or combination
with respect to any shares of capital stock of the Corporation) and will be
entitled to vote with the Common Shares as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of the Common Shares (other than those matters affecting
only the Common Shares, or either of them); provided, however, that at no time
shall the aggregate Voting Power of the Class C-6 Shares be greater than 0.675%
of the total Voting Power of the Corporation. Prior to transferring ownership
of any Class C-6 Shares to a transferee other than an Affiliate of ZGH and
subject to receipt of any required regulatory approval, if any, such Class C-6
Shares shall be (i) split into a number of shares of Class C-6 Shares equal to,
and with a liquidation preference equal to the liquidation amount of the number
of Trust Capital Securities VI, and (ii) converted on a one-to-one basis to the
same number of shares of a class of common stock of the Corporation (the
"Conversion Shares") having rights, preferences and privileges substantially
identical to the Class C-6 Shares except that the Conversion Shares will be
entitled to no voting rights other than as required by law and other than with
respect to adverse amendments to the terms of the Conversion Shares and the
issuance of equity securities that rank senior to or pari passu with the
Conversion Shares with respect to the payment of distributions or amounts upon
liquidation, provided that the Corporation may file certificates of designation
and issue shares in accordance therewith for other Class C Shares which rank
pari passu with the Conversion Shares with respect to distributions paid by the
Corporation and with respect to any amounts payable upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. If, however, any necessary
regulatory approvals to issue the Conversion Shares are not obtained, the Class
C-6 Shares rather than the Conversion Shares may be transferred to a transferee
other than an Affiliate of ZGH.
(b) The holders of the Class C-6 Shares and the Conversion Shares will be
entitled to vote separately as a single class on the matters described in this
paragraph. The consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the
outstanding Class C-6 Shares and Conversion Shares, voting as a single class,
is required (i) to amend, alter, supplement or repeal the terms of the Class
C-6 Shares and the Conversion Shares (it being a condition to any such
amendment, alteration, supplement or repeal that it has a substantially
identical effect on the rights, preferences and privileges of both the Class
C-6 Shares and the Conversion Shares), or (ii) if the Corporation has not paid
in full the lesser of (A) each of the last twenty-four months of Dividends on
their respective Dividend Payment Dates at the Class C-6 Indicative Rate, or
(B) prior to the second anniversary of the first issue date, all Dividends at
the Class C-6 Indicative Rate that could have been paid on the Class C-6 Shares
and the Conversion Shares, for the Corporation to issue, or to increase the
authorized amount of, the Class C-6 Shares or the Conversion Shares or any
other equity securities that rank pari passu with or senior to the Class C-6
Shares and the Conversion Shares; provided that the Corporation may file
certificates of designation and issue shares in accordance therewith for other
Class C Shares to be designated as Class C-1 Common Stock, Class C-2 Common
Stock, Class C-3 Common Stock, Class C-4 Common Stock and Class C-5
15
Common Stock each of which rank pari passu with the Class C-6 Shares with
respect to distributions paid by the Corporation and with respect to any
amounts payable upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation without the consent of the holders of the Class C-6 Shares or the
Conversion Shares.
(c) Whenever Dividends on the Class C-6 Shares and the Conversion Shares
at the Class C-6 Indicative Rate are in arrears for twenty-four or more
consecutive months, the holders of Class C-6 Shares and the Conversion Shares,
voting together with the other Class C Shares as a single class, will be
entitled, subject to any necessary regulatory actions, to elect two Special
Independent Directors to the Board of Directors, at a special meeting called by
the holders of record of at least 25% of the Class C-6 Shares and the
Conversion Shares in the aggregate or by the holders of record of 25% of any of
the other series of Class C Shares pursuant to the terms of the certificate of
designation creating such other series of Class C Shares. The Special
Independent Directors shall vacate office if Dividends at the Class C-6
Indicative Rate are resumed and are paid regularly for at least twelve
consecutive months, unless otherwise provided by the terms of any other
certificate of designation for any other series of Class C Shares. If
Dividends are resumed and paid regularly for at least twelve consecutive months
at the Class C-6 Indicative Rate, the holders of the Class C-6 Shares and the
Conversion Shares shall no longer be entitled to vote for the two Special
Independent Directors on account of that arrearage. When no holder of Class
C-6 Shares is entitled to vote for the two Special Independent Directors, the
Special Independent Directors shall vacate office. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in the event that more than one series of Class C Shares are
entitled to elect Special Independent Directors to the Board of Directors, such
series shall vote together as a single class to elect such two directors. In
no event shall the holders of Class C Shares be entitled to elect more than two
Independent Directors to the Board of Directors.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have the right,
without the prior consent of the holders of Class C-6 Shares and Conversion
Shares if any, to amend, alter, supplement or repeal any terms of the Class C-6
Shares (i) to cure any ambiguity, or to cure, correct or supplement any
defective provision thereof or (ii) to make any other provision with respect to
matters or questions arising with respect to the Class C-6 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, that is not inconsistent with the provisions thereof
so long as such action does not materially and adversely affect any of the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of Class C-6 Shares and
Conversion Shares, if any, provided, however, that any increase in the amount
of authorized or issued Class C-6 Shares will be deemed not to materially and
adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders
of Class C-6 Shares.
(e) The consent or votes required in Section 7.01(b) and (c) above shall
be in addition to any approval of stockholders of the Corporation which may be
required by law or pursuant to any provision of the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation or bylaws, which approval shall be obtained by vote of the
stockholders of the Corporation in the manner provided in Section 7.01(a)
above.
ARTICLE 8
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE CORPORATION
SECTION 8.01. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Amalgamation of the
Corporation. Without the consent of either one Special Independent Director,
if any, or a majority of the holders of Class C-6 Shares, the Corporation may
not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or
into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an
16
entirety to, any corporation or other entity, except as permitted below. The
Corporation may, with the consent of at least one of the Special Independent
Directors, if any, on the Board of Directors at the time the issue is
considered and without the consent of the holders of the Class C-6 Shares,
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, convert or domesticate with or
into, or be replaced by a corporation organized as such under the laws of any
State of the United States; provided, that:
(a) if the Corporation is not the surviving entity, such successor entity
either (x) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Corporation under
the Class C-6 Shares or (y) substitutes securities for the Class C-6 Shares
(the "Successor Securities"), so long as the Successor Securities rank the same
as the Class C-6 Shares rank with respect to Dividends and other payments
thereon;
(b) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication
or replacement does not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-6 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect;
(c) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion,
domestication or replacement, the Corporation has received an opinion of a
nationally recognized law firm experienced in such matters to the effect that
(i) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or
replacement will not adversely affect any of the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the Class C-6 Shares (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect and (ii) following such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, domestication or replacement, the
Corporation (or such successor entity) will not be required to register under
the 1940 Act; and
(d) distributions with respect to the Class C-6 Shares or Successor
Securities would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
ARTICLE 9
TRANSFER OF CLASS C-6 SHARES
SECTION 9.01. General. The Corporation shall provide for the
registration of Class C-6 Share Certificates and of transfers of Class C-6
Share Certificates. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Class
C-6 Share Certificate, the Corporation shall cause one or more new Class C-6
Share Certificates to be issued in the name of the designated transferee or
transferees. Every Class C-6 Share Certificate surrendered for registration of
transfer shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Corporation duly executed by the holder of such Class C-6
Shares or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing. Each Class C-6 Share
Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be cancelled by the
Corporation. A transferee of a Class C-6 Share Certificate shall be entitled
to the rights and subject to the obligations of a holder of Class C-6 Shares
hereunder upon the receipt by the transferee of a Class C-6 Share Certificate,
which receipt shall be deemed to constitute a request by such transferee that
the books and records of the Corporation reflect such transferee as a holder
of Class C-6 Share.
SECTION 9.02. Definitive Certificates. Unless and until the Corporation
issues a global Class C-6 Share Certificate pursuant to Section 9.03(a), the
Corporation shall only issue definitive Class C-6 Share Certificates to the
holders of Class C-6 Shares. The Corporation may treat the Person in whose
name any Class C-6 Share Certificate shall be registered on the books and
records of the Corporation as the sole holder of such Class C-6 Share
Certificate and of the Class C-6 Shares represented by such Class C-6 Share
Certificate for purposes of receiving Dividends and for all other purposes
whatsoever
17
(including without limitation, tax returns and information reports) and,
accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest in such Class C-6 Share Certificate or in the Class C-6 Shares
represented by such Class C-6 Share Certificate on the part of any other
Person, whether or not the Corporation shall have actual or other notice
thereof.
SECTION 9.03. Book Entry Provisions.
(a) General. The provisions of this Section 9.03(a) shall apply only in
the event that the Class C-6 Shares are distributed to a Person other than the
Purchaser. Upon the occurrence of such event, a global Class C-6 Share
Certificate representing the Book-Entry Interests shall be delivered to DTC,
the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Corporation and any
previously issued and still outstanding definitive Class C-6 Share Certificates
shall be of no further force and effect. The global Class C-6 Share
Certificate shall initially be registered on the books and records of the
Corporation in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, and no holder of
Class C-6 Shares will receive a new definitive Class C-6 Share Certificate
representing such holder's interest in such Class C-6 Share Certificate, except
as provided in Section 9.03(c). Unless and until new definitive, fully
registered Class C-6 Share Certificates (the "Definitive Class C-6 Share
Certificates") have been issued to the holders of Class C-6 Shares pursuant to
Section 9.03(c):
(i) The provisions of this Section shall be in full force and
effect;
(ii) The Corporation shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing
Agency for all purposes of this Certificate (including the payment of
Dividends, Redemption Amounts and liquidation proceeds on the Class C-6
Share Certificates and receiving approvals, votes or consents hereunder)
as the sole holder of the Class C-6 Share Certificates and shall have no
obligation to the holders of Class C-6 Shares;
(iii) None of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, or any
Special Independent Director or any agents of any of the foregoing shall
have any liability or responsibility for any aspect of the records
relating to or Dividends made on account of beneficial ownership interests
in a global Class C-6 Share Certificate for such beneficial ownership
interests or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interest; and
(iv) Except as provided in Section 9.03(c) below, the holders of
Class C-6 Shares will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Class C-6 Shares in definitive form and will not be considered holders
thereof for any purpose under this Certificate of Designation, and no
global Class C-6 Share Certificate representing Class C-6 Shares shall be
exchangeable, except for another global Class C-6 Share Certificate of
like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or Cede &
Co., or to a successor depository or its nominee. Accordingly, each
holder of Class C-6 Shares must rely on the procedures of DTC or if such
person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through
which such person owns its interest to exercise any rights of a holder
under this Certificate of Designation.
(b) Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever the holders of the Class C-6
Shares are required to give a notice or other communication to their equity
holders, unless and until definitive Class C-6 Share Certificates shall have
been issued to the holders of Class C-6 Shares pursuant to Section 9.03(c), the
Corporation shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to
be given to the
18
holders of Class C-6 Shares to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no
obligations to the holders of Class C-6 Shares.
(c) Definitive Class C-6 Share Certificates. Definitive Class C-6 Share
Certificates shall be prepared by the Corporation and exchangeable for the
global Class C-6 Share Certificate or Certificates if and only if (i) DTC
notifies the Corporation that it is unwilling or unable to continue its
services as a securities depository and no successor depository shall have been
appointed, (ii) DTC, at any time, ceases to be a Clearing Agency registered
under the Exchange Act at such time as DTC shall have been appointed, or (iii)
the Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines that such global Class C-6
Share Certificate shall be so exchangeable. Upon surrender of the global Class
C-6 Share Certificate or Certificates representing the Book-Entry Interests by
the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the Corporation
shall cause definitive Class C-6 Share Certificates to be delivered to holders
of Class C-6 Shares in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency.
The Corporation shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of such
instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying
on, such instructions. The definitive Class C-6 Share Certificates shall be
printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as may
be required by any national securities exchange on which Class C-6 Shares may
be listed and is reasonably acceptable to the Corporation, as evidenced by its
execution thereof.
SECTION 9.04. Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent.
(a) The Corporation will act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying
Agent of the Class C-6 Share for so long as the Class C-6 Shares are held by an
Affiliate of ZGH, for so long as the Class C-6 Shares remain in book-entry only
form.
(b) Except in such case where the Corporation shall act as Registrar or
Paying Agent pursuant to Section 9.04(a) hereof, the Corporation shall maintain
in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, State of New York (i) an office
or agency where Class C-6 Shares may be presented for registration of transfer
or for exchange ("Registrar") and (ii) an office or agency where Class C-6
Shares may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent"). The Registrar shall keep
a register of the Class C-6 Shares and of their transfer and exchange. The
Corporation may appoint the Registrar and the Paying Agent and may appoint one
or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents in such other
location as it shall determine. The term "Paying Agent" includes any
additional paying agent. The Corporation may change any Paying Agent,
Registrar or co-registrar without prior notice to any holder. If the
Corporation fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying
Agent, the Corporation shall act as such.
(c) Registration of transfers of Class C-6 Shares shall be effected
without charge by or on behalf of the Corporation, but upon payment (with the
giving of such indemnity as the Corporation may require) in respect of any tax
or other governmental charges that may be imposed.
SECTION 9.05. Transfer Restrictions. The Class C-6 Shares may only be
transferred (i) to QIBs and (ii) to IAIs who, if they are not QIBs, prior to
such transfer, furnish to the Corporation or the Transfer Agent a signed letter
containing certain representations and agreements relating to restrictions on
transfer by such IAI and who hold their Class C-6 Shares through a DTC
participant. The foregoing restriction may be waived if the Corporation, in
its sole discretion, determines such restrictions are no longer necessary to
preserve the Corporation's exemptions from registration requirements under the
Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and the 1940 Act. Any purported
19
purchase or transfer of the Class C-6 Shares in violation of such restrictions
will be null and void. Furthermore the Corporation may also require the sale
of Class C-6 Shares held by holders who fail to comply with the foregoing.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 10.01. Preemptive Rights. No holder of any of the Class C-6
Shares shall have any preemptive or preferential right to acquire or subscribe
for any treasury or unissued shares of any class or series of the stock of the
Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, or any notes, debentures, bonds,
or other securities convertible into or carrying any right, option or warrant
to subscribe for or acquire shares of any class or series of stock of the
Corporation now or hereafter to be authorized, whether or not the issuance of
any such shares, or such notes, debentures, bonds or other securities, would
adversely affect the distribution or voting rights of such holder, and the
Board of Directors of this Corporation may issue shares of any class or series
of stock of this Corporation, without offering any such shares of any class or
series of stock of the Corporation, either in whole or in part, to the existing
shareholders of any class or series of stock of this Corporation.
SECTION 10.02. Conversion Rights. The Class C-6 Shares shall have no
right to convert into the Common Shares, any of the other Class C Shares or any
other equity security or indebtedness of the Corporation other than the
Conversion Shares.
ARTICLE 11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 11.01. General Provisions. The headings of the paragraphs,
subparagraphs, clauses and subclauses of this Certificate of Designation are
for convenience of reference only and shall not define, limit or affect any of
the provisions hereof.
20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Farmers Group, Inc. has caused this Certificate of
Designation to be signed and attested by its undersigned Vice President and
Secretary this 7th day of February, 2001.
---
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
By:/s/ Julian R.M. Harvey
--------------------------------
Name: Julian R.M. Harvey
Title: Vice President
/s/ Doren Hohl
-----------------------------------------
Name: Doren Hohl
Title: Secretary
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)ss
COUNTY OF Los Angeles
-----------
On February 7, 2001 before me, Hazel C. Bautista, personally appeared
--- -----------------
Julian R.M. Harvey and Doren Hohl.
X personally known to me.
- ---
- -or-
___ proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the persons whose
names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledge to me that they
executed the same in their authorized capacities, and that by their signatures
on the instrument the persons, or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s)
acted, executed the instrument.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
/s/ Hazel C. Bautista
----------------------------------------------
Notary Public in and for said County and State
Exhibit 10.5
1
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
AS AMENDED DECEMBER 2000
1. Purpose
-------
The Farmers Group, Inc. Executive Incentive Program (the "Program") is
designed to award and compensate key executives who contribute substantially to
the financial success of Farmers Group, Inc., its subsidiaries and its
affiliates (the "Corporation"), and to focus the efforts of such key executives
on the continued success of the Corporation.
2. Administration
--------------
(a) The Program shall be administered by the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) as hereinbelow described. The CEO shall have discretion to select key
executives who are to be eligible to receive awards under the Program with
respect to each fiscal year, and to determine the amount of such awards,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Program and such other
terms and conditions as are not inconsistent with the purposes and provisions
of the Program.
(b) The CEO may establish such rules and regulations as deemed
appropriate for proper administration of the Program and may modify or revoke
such rules and regulations from time to time. In addition, the CEO may make
such determinations and take such action in connection with the Program as are
necessary.
(c) All determinations and interpretations of the CEO shall be final
and binding, except that awards for the CEO and the direct reports to the CEO
are subject to final approval by the Zurich Financial Services Chairman.
3. Eligibility and Participation
-----------------------------
Eligibility and participation in the Program are restricted to the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Corporation and such Home Office Officers and
Field Executives of the Corporation whom the CEO selects to receive awards
under the Program.
4. Determination and Allocation of Awards
--------------------------------------
(a) Awards under the Program shall be made from a pool (the "Pool").
The Pool for a given year shall consist of twenty percent (20%) of Growth in
Earnings (as hereinbelow defined) for that year, less a factor for a decrease
in Exchange Surplus as also defined below.
(b) Growth in Earnings for a particular year shall mean the increase
in the IAS Net Income of the Corporation over the IAS Net Income of the
Corporation for the immediately preceding year. For purposes of determining
the amount of the Pool, IAS Net Income shall be adjusted as follows:
(1) Awards paid or accrued under this Program shall be
excluded;
2
(2) Capital gains or losses attributable to sales of real
estate or equipment used solely in the Corporation's
insurance business shall be excluded to the extent that
they individually or collectively exceed two percent (2%)
of IAS Net Income in any one calendar quarter;
(3) In the event that the statutory rates used in determining
Federal Income Tax and/or California Franchise Tax are
increased or decreased in a particular year from the rates
applicable during the immediately preceding year, or if the
method of determining and reporting said taxes changes due
to a change in accounting method required by a recognized
rule-making body, said taxes applicable to the preceding
year shall be recalculated on an equivalent basis in
determining IAS Net Income for such preceding year;
(4) Capital gains or losses arising from the sale or other
disposition of any joint venture investment of FIG Holding
Company entered into before January 1, 1974 shall be
excluded;
(5) Any expense or income attributable to merger or acquisition
activities shall be excluded; and
(6) Other extraordinary items as approved jointly by the CEO
and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Corporation.
(c) Growth in Earnings for each year shall be determined by the CFO
for the Corporation and verified by the independent certified public
accountants of the Corporation. The Pool shall be an accrued liability in the
consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and the amount accrued in
the Pool shall not be placed in a separate account or in trust or otherwise be
segregated from the general funds of the Corporation.
(d) A three-year weighted average Surplus Ratio shall be calculated
and compared to the Target Surplus Ratio of 33 1/3% (premium written to surplus
of 3 to 1). If the three-year weighted average Surplus Ratio is at or greater
than 33 1/3%, no reduction in the Bonus Pool will be made. If the three-year
weighted average Surplus Ratio is less than 33 1/3%, the Bonus Pool will be
reduced in the following manner. A Maximum Reduction of 20% of the Bonus Pool
will be made when the Exchange Surplus Ratio is 28.57% (premium written to
surplus of 3.5 to 1) or lower. The Maximum Reduction will be reduced
proportionately based on where the three-year weighted average Surplus Ratio
falls between 33 1/3% and 28.57%.
(e) The Award to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation under
the Program for each year shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the
base salary paid to the Chief Executive Officer during the year to which the
award relates, except as outlined in section 4(h) below. The Award amount for
the Chief Executive officer shall be determined by the Zurich Financial
Services Chairman.
(f) Each year during first quarter, the Chief Executive Officer shall
evaluate the performance and contribution to the successful operation of the
Corporation of each Officer and Field Executive of the Corporation and
determine the percentage of the Pool for the preceding year which he believes
should be awarded to each such individual. Such recommendations shall be in an
amount not to exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the Pool, except as outlined
in section 4(h) below, less the percentage of the Pool awarded to the Chief
Executive Officer. Awards for Level I executives shall not exceed 75% of
salary, awards to Level II executives shall not exceed 60% of salary, awards
for Level III executives shall not exceed 40% of salary, except as outlined in
section 4(h) below.
Membership in each level shall be determined by the Chief Executive Officer at
the outset of the
3
performance year.
(g) Such awards may be based on estimated prior year end and financial
results and confirmed when actual year end and financial results are available.
No award made under the Program shall exceed the maximum award applicable to
the level of the incumbent either 75%, 60%, or 40% of the base salary paid to
an individual during the year to which the award relates, except as outlined in
section 4(h) below.
(h) Payment of EIP awards is contingent upon performance of the
Corporation as it relates to the performance of a peer group of companies.
Depending upon which quartile performance falls, individual awards may be
increased/decreased based on individual performance as shown below:
Peer Group Standing Award Adjustment
------------------- ----------------
4th Quartile +33 1/3%
3rd Quartile No Adjustment
2nd Quartile -33 1/3%
1st Quartile -66 2/3%
Should the results in the Peer Group Comparison differ between the Property &
Casualty operations (P&C) and the Life Company, the proportion of each
business' net income to total net income will be used to modify the above
award adjustments.
Should the Award Pool be insufficient to fund the approved awards in the 4th
quartile, additional funds will be added and expensed. In no event will the
amount of the additional funds be greater than one-third of the original Pool
for the year. A comparative analysis is to be provided to the CEO each year to
substantiate the current year's awards.
(i) Payments of awards under the Program shall be within the absolute
discretion of the CEO except as outlined in section 2(c). The CEO shall be
under no obligation to award all of the Pool or any portion thereof.
(j) The Pool shall not accumulate from year to year, and any amount in
the Pool not distributed pursuant to the Program shall revert to net income of
this Corporation.
(k) Payment of awards under the Program shall be made no later than
April 15 after the close of the calendar year to which the award relates.
(l) The Corporation shall have the right to deduct any sums required
to be withheld by federal, state or other applicable laws from payments of
awards under the Program.
5. Rights of Participants and Beneficiaries
----------------------------------------
(a) No individual shall have any vested or protectable
interest in, legal right to, or shall otherwise be entitled to, any amount
under the Program until awards are distributed each year.
Nothing in the Program shall be deemed to give any individual, or his or her
legal representative or assigns, or any other person or entity claiming under
or through him, any contract or right to participate in the benefits of the
Program.
4
(b) The Corporation shall pay all amounts payable hereunder
only to the individual or beneficiaries entitled thereto pursuant to this
Program. The Corporation shall not be liable for the debts, contracts, or
engagements of any individual or his or her beneficiaries, and rights to
payments under this Program may not be taken in execution by attachment or
garnishment, or by any other legal or equitable proceeding while in the hands
of the Corporation; nor shall any individual or his or her beneficiaries have
any right to assign, pledge, or hypothecate any benefits or payments hereunder.
(c) Participation in the Program shall not be construed as
constituting a commitment, guarantee, agreement or understanding of any kind
that the Corporation shall continue to employ any individual.
(d) Any individual eligible to participate in the Program may
designate a beneficiary to receive payments of awards under the Program in the
case of such individual's death.
(e) Commencing with awards to be made for services rendered,
on or after January 1, 1984 and for which awards are to be paid after January
1, 1985, any individual eligible to participate in the Program may request that
payment of all or a portion of any award be deferred until the occurrence of
retirement, death or permanent disability. Such request must be made to the
CEO in writing on or before December 31 of each performance year, which is the
year prior to the date the awards are determined and paid (i.e., a request must
be made on or before December 31, 1988, relating to any award under the Program
which might be determined and paid in 1989). Such request shall specify a
percentage of the award to be deferred in accordance with the guidelines in
effect at the time. Once such a request for deferral is made, it may not be
withdrawn by the participant except with respect to any awards for service to
be performed in calendar years following the year in which the date such
request for withdrawal is made. If the CEO selects the individual for an award
and consents to the request for deferred payment, to any amount so deferred
there will be interest added to the deferred amount for each year or partial
year the payment of the award is deferred. The participant in this Deferred
Payment Plan may elect at the time of initially requesting deferral to commence
payment of benefits within thirty (30) days of retirement, death or the date it
is established to the satisfaction of the CEO that the participant has a
permanent disability, either in a single payment or in five (5) or ten (10)
equal annual payments to which will be added an interest equivalent from the
first payment date computed as provided above.
On single payments made within 30 days of retirement, death or disability, the
interest rate earned between the date of retirement, death or disability until
the date of disbursement will be based on the average yield of the
institutional money market fund in which the Corporation invests.
In the event of extreme hardship, any participant may make a written request to
the CEO for immediate payment. For this purpose, an extreme hardship is an
unanticipated emergency caused by an event beyond the control of the
participant that would result in severe financial hardship if early withdrawal
were not permitted. The amount to be withdrawn must be limited to the amount
necessary to meet the emergency. Amounts deferred under this Section 5 (e)
will be held as part of the general assets of the Corporation and shall not be
set aside or funded in any manner; provided that deferred amounts and any
earnings thereon may be set aside in one or more non-qualified grantor trusts
so long as such arrangements do not result in benefits hereunder being
considered funded for federal tax purposes.
Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, to the extent deferred
amounts are funded through one or more grantor trusts, then earnings or
appreciation thereon shall be determined solely by reference to the experience
of assets in such trust or trusts. This Corporation shall direct the
trustee or trustees of such trust or trusts, as the case may be, as to the
investment of assets in such
5
trust or trusts and the Corporation may, in advising the trustee, offer,
in any manner and to any extent it deems appropriate, Participants the
opportunity to advise the Corporation as to how assets allocated to their
respective accounts are to be invested. In no event may Participants
communicate directly with any trustee in regard to asset investment.
Participants shall in no event have rights greater than those of general
creditors of the Corporation with respect to any amounts held in trust.
Any amounts deferred hereunder as well as any earnings are not subject to
anticipation, alienation or hypothecation by any Participant.
6. Termination of Employment
-------------------------
(a) In the event of death, disability or retirement during the
year to which the award relates, a pro rata award shall be paid to any
individual who would have otherwise received an award under the Program. In
the event of disability or retirement, such award shall be paid to the
individual. In the event of death, such award shall be paid to the
individual's estate or legal representative, as determined by the CEO or, in
the event the individual has designated a beneficiary to receive payments of
awards under the Program in the case of such individual's death, to such
beneficiary.
(b) In the event of termination of employment for any other
reason during the year to which the award relates, such individual's
eligibility to receive any award for such year shall be terminated, although
the Chief Executive Officer may, at his discretion, grant a pro rata award.
(c) In the event of termination of a participant's employment
in the Deferred Payment Plan for any reason other than retirement, permanent
disability or death, payment of all deferred amounts in the Deferred Payment
Plan together with the appropriate interest equivalent will be made in a single
payment within 30 days after the employment termination date. From the date of
termination until distribution, Deferred amounts will earn an interest rate
based on the average yield of the institutional money market fund in which the
Corporation invests.
7. Effective Date, Amendment and Termination of Program
----------------------------------------------------
The amendments to the Program adopted by the Board of Directors on
August 5, 1983 shall be effective for the year ending December 31, 1983. The
amendments to the Program adopted by the Board of Directors in November 1987
and in February 1988 shall be effective for the year ending December 31, 1987
and subsequent years. The amendments to the Program adopted in November 1988
shall be effective for the year ending in December 1988 ad subsequent years.
The amendments to the Program adopted in February 1990 shall be effective for
the year ending in December 1990 and subsequent years. The amendments to the
Program adopted in May and November 1993 shall be effective for the year ending
in December 1993 and subsequent years. The amendments to the Program adopted
in May and August 1997 shall be effective for the year ending in December 1997
and subsequent years. The amendments to the Program adopted in February 1999
shall be effective for the year ending December 31, 1998 and subsequent years.
The amendments to the Program adopted in December 2000 shall be effective for
the year ending December 31, 2000 and subsequent years. The Program may be
amended or terminated at any time by the CEO or the Zurich Financial Services
Chairman. Such amendment or termination shall not adversely affect or alter
any right or obligation with respect to any award previously made hereunder.
8. Special Rule
------------
Benefits under the Program, whether paid currently or deferred under
Section 5, constitute no more than an unsecured promise by the Corporation to
provide said benefits and no participant or beneficiary shall have rights
greater than those of a general creditor of the Corporation
6
in either the general assets of the Corporation or the assets of any trust
established under Section 7 hereof in connection with such benefits.
9. Governing Law
-------------
This Program shall be governed by the laws of the State of
California.
Exhibit 12
FARMERS GROUP, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF THE RATIO
OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Years ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated income before
provision for taxes $ 958,199 $1,188,543 $1,103,900 $ 950,562 $1,002,106
Add:
Portion of rents
representative of interest 12,031 11,189 9,576 7,444 7,120
Interest 42,494 43,002 45,552 43,935 45,031
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income, as adjusted $1,012,724 $1,242,734 $1,159,028 $1,001,941 $1,054,257
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Fixed Charges:
Portion of rents
representative of interest $ 12,031 $ 11,189 $ 9,576 $ 7,444 $ 7,120
Interest 42,494 43,002 45,552 43,935 45,031
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total fixed charges $ 54,525 $ 54,191 $ 55,128 $ 51,379 $ 52,151
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges: 18.6 x 22.9 x 21.0 x 19.5 x 20.2 x
Exhibit 99
1
RISK MANAGEMENT
Disclosure - General Comment
- ----------------------------
When used or incorporated by reference in disclosure documents, the words
"anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "project", "target", "goal" and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. These forward-looking
statements are subject to certain uncertainties, risks and assumptions.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should
underlying assumptions prove to be inaccurate, the actual results may vary
materially from those anticipated, estimated, expected or projected.
Additionally, these forward-looking statements are relevant only as of the
date of the document. The Company's management expressly disclaims any
obligation to publicly release updates or revisions to any forward-looking
statement contained herein to reflect changes in the Company's expectations
with regard to any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any
such statement is based.
Market Risk
- -----------
Generally, market risk represents the risk of loss that may occur due to
potential changes in a financial instrument's valuation or cash flow due to
changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and in equity and
commodity prices. Market risk is inherent to both derivative and
non-derivative financial instruments.
General Risk Management Procedures
- ----------------------------------
The Company's Investment Committee has oversight responsibilities for all
operational and other matters that affect the Company's day-to-day
investment activities. The Investment Committee monitors the market risk faced
by the Company's various entities and portfolios. The asset and liability
management strategy are formulated and monitored by the Investment Committee.
The Committee meets monthly to review, among other things, statements detailing
the Company's market risks and trends, portfolio holdings at book and market
value, equity exposure and surplus positions, and interest rate scenario stress
tests. The stress testing provides insights into the sensitivity of the assets
to interest rate changes. The Committee is comprised of the Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other senior
executives. The Company also conducts extensive cash flow testing on an annual
basis for the Farmers New World Life Insurance Company ("Farmers Life") book of
business. This review examines the adequacy of reserves under various interest
rate environments. The Company examines the asset and liability matching
throughout the year using quarterly scenario tests and monthly asset duration
reports. This Committee also reviews investment policies and procedures and
makes recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Company based upon the
results of its review.
In addition, Farmers Life's Interest Committee has responsibility for
managing spreads between rates credited on interest-sensitive products and
portfolio earnings rates. The Interest Committee is comprised of the following
Farmers Life personnel: Actuary, Treasurer and other officers.
The Company has contracted with Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc. ("ZSI"),
formerly known as Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., for the purpose of
providing investment advice, trade execution and other investment related
services. As of December 31, 2001, Zurich had entered into an agreement to
sell ZSI to Deutsche Bank AG. Deutsche Asset Management, a member of Deutsche
Bank AG, will manage the Insurance Subsidiaries investment portfolio and the
Farmers Management Services investment portfolio after the sale is completed.
ZSI utilizes a number of market risk management tools including, but not
limited to, fixed income securities interest rate sensitivity analysis,
following established limits on trading activity and asset allocation, marking
all equity positions to market on a daily basis, marking all fixed income
positions to market at least monthly and analyzing investment profit and loss
statements and investment holding asset class mix reports. Additionally, ZSI
reports positions, profits and losses, credit quality evaluation results and
trading strategies, including the period's acquisitions
2
and dispositions to the Investment Committee on a monthly basis. The Company
believes that these procedures, which focus on meaningful communication between
ZSI and the Company's senior management, are one of the most important elements
of the risk management process.
Although the Company has a number of procedures to reduce the level of
exposure to interest rate risk and equity price risk, the Company continues to
remain vulnerable to both of these market risks. There can be no assurance
that the Company will not experience changes in stockholders' equity, net
income and net interest income during periods of increasing or decreasing
interest rates and/or equity prices.
The Company's management does not anticipate any significant changes in
the way it currently manages market risks.
Primary Market Risk Exposures
- -----------------------------
The Company's exposure to market risk is primarily attributable to the
interest rate risk and equity price risk inherent in the Company's investment
related activities and in the Company's annuity product underwriting
activities. To a lesser extent, the Company has exposure to interest rate
risk as a result of its issuance of Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred
Securities ("QUIPS").
A description of the Company's primary market risk exposures as of
December 31, 2001 and a brief narrative explaining how each exposure is
currently being managed follows:
Interest Rate Risk
- ------------------
The Company has significant exposure to interest rate risk primarily as a
result of maintaining an investment portfolio which includes interest rate
sensitive financial instruments and as a consequence of underwriting interest
rate sensitive annuity products. Therefore, the Company exposes itself to
interest rate risk, arising from changes in the level or volatility of interest
rates, mortgage prepayment speeds or the shape and slope of the yield curve.
Additionally, the fair value of the Company's QUIPS has exposure to interest
rate risk.
In general, the fair values of fixed-rate financial instruments have an
inverse correlation to changes in interest rates. Therefore, an increase in
interest rates could result in an unfavorable or untimely decrease in the
market value of the Company's fixed income investments. Furthermore, the
Company has classified all of its marketable fixed income investments as
available-for-sale as defined by SFAS No. 115, with the exception of the
grantor trusts which were classified as trading securities as defined by SFAS
No. 115. The available-for-sale fixed income investments are reported on the
balance sheet at market value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax,
excluded from earnings and reported as a component of stockholders' equity.
The trading investments are reported on the "Other assets" line in the Farmers
Management Services section of the balance sheet at market value with both
realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings, net of tax, in
the year in which they occur. As such, an increase in interest rates could
adversely affect the Company's stockholders' equity.
Generally, the change in fair value of the Company's QUIPS, UKISA notes
receivable and ZGAUS note receivable (see Note G) and investments in
certificates of contribution and the surplus notes of the P&C Group Companies
(see Note H) that may arise due to changes in interest rates would not be
reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements, since these
financial instruments are not classified as marketable securities pursuant to
SFAS No. 115.
Exposure Management
- -------------------
The principal objective of the Company's interest rate risk management
activities is to evaluate the interest rate risk included in certain balance
sheet accounts, determine the level of risk appropriate given the Company's
business objectives, operating environment, capital and liquidity requirements
and performance objectives and to manage this risk consistent with approved
guidelines.
3
Farmers Life employs various methodologies to manage its exposure to
interest rate risks. Its asset/liability matching process focuses primarily on
the management of interest rate risk. The duration of insurance liabilities is
compared to the duration of assets backing the insurance product lines,
measured in terms of cash flows. The goal is to prudently balance
profitability and risk for each insurance product class and for Farmers Life as
a whole.
Farmers Life also considers the timing of cash flows arising from market
risk sensitive instruments and insurance portfolios under varying interest rate
scenarios (cash flow testing) to verify its ability to meet future obligations.
Although these activities seek to reduce interest rate exposures, a change in
levels of interest rates remains an uncertainty that could have an impact on
the fair values or earnings of the Company.
Quantitative Disclosure of Interest Rate Risk
- ---------------------------------------------
The table below represents a summary of the par values of the Company's
financial instruments at their expected maturity dates, the weighted average
coupons by those maturity dates and the estimated fair value of those
instruments as of December 31, 2001. The expected maturity categories take
into consideration par amortization (for mortgage backed securities), call
features and sinking fund features.
The estimated market value of available-for-sale securities is based on
bid quotations from security dealers or on bid prices published in securities
pricing services. The fair value of UKISA notes receivable, ZGAUS note
receivable, QUIPS, certificates of contribution and surplus notes of the P&C
Group Companies, mortgage loans, policy loans and future policy benefits, were
analytically determined utilizing discounted cash flow analysis. December 31,
2001 market interest rates were used as discounting rates in the estimation of
fair value.
Generally, the assets included in the table below have fixed stated
interest rates. The QUIPS also have fixed stated rates; whereas, the future
policy benefits-deferred annuities generally include variable rate contract
terms.
4
Financial Instruments - With Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2001
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Expected Maturity Date
There Total
12/31/02 12/31/03 12/31/04 12/31/05 12/31/06 After Par Value Fair
Value
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------
- ----
Farmers Management Services
- ---------------------------
Assets -
Debt Securities Available-
For-Sale:
U.S. Treasury Securities &
Other Obligations of U.S.
Government $ - $ - $ - $ 480 $ - $ 150 $ 630 $
659
Weighted Avg Coupon 5.67% 5.67% 5.67% 5.67% 5.00% 5.00%
Obligations of States &
Political Subs $ - $ 9,130 $ 3,410 $ - $ - $ 5,255 $ 17,795 $
19,250
Weighted Avg Coupon 6.02% 6.02% 6.58% 7.76% 7.76% 7.76%
Corporate Securities $ - $ 7,600 $ - $ - $ - $ 47,020 $ 54,620 $
53,125
Weighted Avg Coupon 6.20% 6.20% 6.09% 6.09% 6.09% 6.09%
Mortgage-Backed Securities $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $
- -
Weighted Avg Coupon 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Other Debt Securities $ 9,300 $ 999 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 10,299 $
9,822
Weighted Avg Coupon 6.42% 6.12% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Mortgage Loans $ 33 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 33 $
34
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 9.50% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Notes Receivable-Affiliates $ 95,000 $ - $250,000 $ - $ - $ - $ 345,000 $
357,447
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 7.19% 7.50% 7.50% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Certificates of contribution
of the P&C Group Companies $ - $ - $ - $ - $449,500 $ 97,330 $ 546,830 $
546,830
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 6.30% 6.30% 6.30% 6.30% 6.31% 7.67%
Liabilities -
QUIPS $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $
506,844
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 8.41% 8.41% 8.41% 8.41% 8.41% 8.41%
Insurance Subsidiaries
- ----------------------
Assets -
Debt Securities Available-
For-Sale:
U.S. Treasury Securities &
Other Obligations of U.S.
Government $ 34,028 $ 2,886 $ 28,007 $ 19,326 $ 7,707 $ 220,441 $ 312,395 $
346,031
Weighted Avg Coupon 7.05% 7.33% 7.33% 7.93% 7.95% 8.27%
Obligations of States &
Political Subs $ 27,243 $ 26,057 $ 31,389 $ 17,013 $ 7,129 $ 144,770 $ 253,601 $
268,891
Weighted Avg Coupon 6.25% 6.23% 6.22% 6.32% 6.38% 6.42%
Debt Securities Issued By
Foreign Governments $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $
20,129
Weighted Avg Coupon 6.13% 6.13% 6.13% 6.13% 6.13% 6.13%
Corporate Securities $ 90,864 $128,056 $ 36,756 $176,560 $163,362 $1,022,707 $1,618,305 $
1,586,168
Weighted Avg Coupon 6.78% 6.77% 6.71% 6.70% 6.69% 6.64%
Mortgage-Backed Securities $ 317,900 $265,291 $284,854 $266,005 $254,431 $1,843,834 $3,232,315 $
2,456,571
Weighted Avg Coupon 5.78% 5.71% 5.68% 5.60% 5.56% 5.51%
Other Debt Securities $ 5,900 $ 900 $ 400 $ - $ 600 $ 13,839 $ 21,639 $
21,307
Weighted Avg Coupon 7.28% 7.59% 7.66% 7.76% 7.76% 7.76%
Certificates of contribution
and surplus note of the
P&C Group Companies $ - $ - $ - $ 87,500 $107,000 $ 296,000 $ 490,500 $
490,500
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 7.93% 7.93% 7.93% 7.93% 7.85% 7.85%
Mortgage Loans $ 15,592 $ 4,253 $ 2,565 $ 1,494 $ 1,399 $ 3,598 $ 28,901 $
31,853
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 9.83% 9.87% 9.96% 10.01% 10.11% 9.88%
Other investments $ 435 $ - $ - $ 4,000 $ 8,000 $ - $ 12,435 $
12,435
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 8.20% 8.50% 8.50% 8.50% 8.50% 0.00%
Policy Loans $ 12,246 $ 11,919 $ 10,589 $ 9,794 $ 9,501 $ 178,238 $ 232,287 $
246,829
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 7.80% 7.80% 7.80% 7.80% 7.80% 7.80%
Liabilities -
Future Policy Benefits -
Deferred Annuities $106,712 $ 97,207 $ 90,635 $ 84,982 $ 82,773 $ 921,758 $1,384,067 $
1,338,784
Weighted Avg Interest Rate 5.62% 5.62% 5.62% 5.62% 5.62% 5.62%
5
Equity Price Risk
- -----------------
As a consequence of maintaining an investment portfolio composed of equity
securities and maintaining purchased S&P 500 call options that hedge certain
liabilities created as a result of underwriting equity-linked annuity products,
the Company is exposed to equity price risk. Equity price risk arises as a
result of changes in the level and volatility of equity prices which in
turn affect the value of equity securities and/or instruments that derive their
value from a particular equity security, basket of equity securities or an
equity securities index.
The Company has classified all of its marketable equity investments as
available-for-sale as defined by SFAS No. 115, with the exception of an
investment in Endurance Specialty Insurance Limited ("Endurance") as well as
investments related to the grantor trusts. The available-for-sale investments
are reported on the balance sheet at market value, with unrealized gains and
losses, net of tax, excluded from earnings and reported as a component of
stockholders' equity.
As of December 31, 2001, the Company held $50.0 million of common stock
of Endurance. The Company purchased the Endurance equity securities in a
private placement offer in December 2001. Accordingly, these investments were
carried at cost as of December 31, 2001 and were reported on the "Other
investments" line in the Farmers Management Services section of the
consolidated balance sheet. In addition, as of December 31, 2001 investments
related to the grantor trusts, which were classified as trading securities under
SFAS No. 115, were reported on the "Other assets" line in the Farmers
Management Services section of the consolidated balance sheet at market value
with both realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings, net
of tax, in the year in which they occurred.
The Company's equity price risk relative to its underwriting of
equity-linked annuity products exists as a result of the potential liability
that may exist at the end of these products' contract terms. At the end of
a seven year term, these annuity products credit interest to the annuity
participant at a rate based on a specified portion of the change in the value
of the S&P 500, subject to a guaranteed annual minimum return. As such, an
increase in the S&P 500 could increase the liability due at the maturity of
these annuity products and adversely affect the Company's stockholders' equity.
Exposure Management
- -------------------
On a monthly basis, the Investment Committee evaluates the level of equity
price risk that it believes the Company should carry giving consideration to,
among other things, the ratio of investments in equity securities as a
percentage of stockholders' equity. Management utilizes a number of equity
price risk management tools including, but not limited to, reviewing equity
investment trading activity, marking all equity positions to market daily,
analyzing investment profit and loss statements and reviewing the industry
sector allocation and capitalization mix of the Company's investments in
marketable equity securities.
As indicated above, the Company is exposed to equity price risk (primarily
the S&P 500) as a consequence of underwriting equity-linked annuity products
through Farmers Life. However, the Company addresses this risk through a
controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative
financial instruments. The Company purchases S&P 500 call options to reduce
the exposure to rising equity prices that results from underwriting the equity
linked annuity product. Call options are contracts that grant the purchaser
the right to buy the underlying index on a certain date for a specified price.
The Interest Committee of Farmers Life monitors option market pricing and
manages the participation rate on the equity-linked annuity products to
minimize the associated equity price risk. See Note M of the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
Quantitative Disclosure of Equity Price Risk
- --------------------------------------------
The table below represents a sensitivity analysis of the equity price risk
that exists within the Company's investment in equity financial instruments.
The equity market risk associated with the equity-linked annuity products is
substantially offset by the related option contracts, therefore, these
instruments taken as a whole, do not materially impact the Company's market
risk position. As such, the table below focuses on the equity investment
securities. The Farmers Management Services equity investment portfolio and
the Insurance Subsidiaries equity investment portfolio
6
both have weighted average betas of .97. The weighted average beta is
calculated as the portfolio weighted average of the individual asset betas.
The individual asset betas are calculated using sixty months of historical
data. The individual asset betas are calculated relative to a broadly defined
universe of approximately 3,100 assets, consisting of companies whose market
capitalization is greater than $250 million. Then a portfolio beta is
calculated for both the Company's portfolio and the benchmark S&P 500 index.
The weighted average beta is equal to the ratio of the portfolio beta to the
S&P 500 beta.
In light of the Company's weighted average beta, the Company expects
the market value of its equity investment portfolio to have a strong
correlation to movements in the S&P 500 index. As indicated in the table
below, if the S&P 500 index were to move by a positive or negative 10%, the
Company estimates that there would be a corresponding 9.7% change in the market
value of both the Farmers Management Services' investment in equity securities
and in the market value of the Insurance Subsidiaries' investment in equity
securities. The change in the market value of the Company's investments in
equity securities would be in the same direction as the change in the S&P 500
index.
Trading Financial Instruments - With Equity Price Risk
As of December 31, 2001
(Amounts in thousands)
Estimated Estimated
Value If Value If
S&P 500 S&P 500
Historical Market Value Index Increased Index Decreased
Cost Basis 12/31/01 By 10% By 10%
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Farmers Management Services
- ---------------------------
Equity Investments $ 184,243 $ 167,637 $ 183,898 $ 151,376
Insurance Subsidiaries
- ----------------------
Equity Investments $ 364,871 $ 351,929 $ 386,066 $ 317,792
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
- --------------------------
Foreign exchange rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in
foreign exchange rates will impact the value or cash flows of financial
instruments. When a company buys or sells a financial instrument denominated in
a currency other than US dollars, exposure exists from the net open currency
position. Until the position is covered by the selling or buying of an
equivalent amount of the same currency or by entering into a financing
arrangement denominated in the same currency, a company is exposed to a risk
that the exchange rate may move in an unfavorable direction against the US
dollar.
The Company does not have any material holdings of financial instruments
denominated in a currency other than US dollars as of December 31, 2001.
Credit Risk
- -----------
Credit risk arises from the potential inability of a counterparty to
perform on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the contract. The
Company's primary credit risk exposure exists as a result of maintaining both a
fixed income investment portfolio and a mortgage loan portfolio. As a holder
of these financial instruments, the Company is exposed to default by the issuer
or to the possibility of market price deterioration as a counterparty may
experience deterioration in its credit quality. The Company has established
policies and procedures to manage this credit risk. For example, the Investment
Committee is responsible for monitoring the credit quality of securities
positions held in the Company's fixed income investment portfolios in order to
quantify and limit the risk to the Company of issuer default or changes in
credit spreads. The Company's management does not believe that there are any
concentrations of credit risk to unaffiliated parties as of the year ended
December 31, 2001. The Company does not currently use derivative products to
manage credit risk.
15