MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Zenith's principal source of consolidated earnings is the income from
operations of its property-casualty insurance businesses. Property-
casualty operations are comprised of: Workers' Compensation (47% of 1996
consolidated net premiums earned); Other Property-Casualty, principally
automobile, homeowners, farmowners and commercial coverages and health insurance
(45% of 1996 consolidated net premiums earned); and Reinsurance (8% of 1996
consolidated net premiums earned). Results of such operations for the three
years ended December 31, 1996 are set forth in the table on page 22.
Historically, Zenith's Workers' Compensation operation has been focused almost
entirely in California. In each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 an
increasing volume of business has been generated outside of California.
Substantially all of Zenith's Other Property-Casualty business is written in
California. Reinsurance business assumed by Zenith provides reinsurance coverage
for world-
wide exposures with a particular emphasis on catastrophe losses and large
property risks. Property insurance and reinsurance coverages expose Zenith to
the risk of significant loss in the event of major adverse natural phenomena,
known in the insurance industry as catastrophes. These catastrophes may cause
significant contemporaneous financial statement losses since catastrophe losses
may not be accrued in advance of the event. Zenith also conducts real estate
operations through Perma-Bilt, a Nevada Corporation ("Perma-Bilt"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary that develops land and constructs private residences for
sale in
Las Vegas, Nevada.
On December 31, 1996, Zenith completed the purchase of Associated General
Commerce Self-Insurers' Trust Fund ("AGC-SIF"), a Florida workers' compensation
self-insurers' fund. AGC-SIF's 1996 earned premium was approximately $43
million.
In 1995, Zenith sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, CalFarm Life Insurance
Company ("CalFarm Life"), to a subsidiary of SunAmerica Inc. for approximately
$120 million in cash, with Zenith retaining the group health insurance business
previously written by CalFarm Life. The results of operations and net assets of
CalFarm Life's life and annuity business are included as discontinued operations
and results of the health insurance operation are included in restated Other
Property-Casualty results in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Net income in 1995 includes a loss of $19.5 million associated with the sale of
CalFarm Life.
The table below sets forth the components of net income for the three years
ended December 31, 1996:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income, after tax $ 34,069 $ 30,690 $ 26,995
Realized gains on investments, after tax 7,025 2,354 929
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-total 41,094 33,044 27,924
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property-casualty underwriting, after tax:
Income (loss) excluding catastrophes 356 (226) 15,652
Catastrophe losses (8,710) (9,945)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property-casualty underwriting income (loss) 356 (8,936) 5,707
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from real estate operations, after tax 1,251 1,349 1,423
Interest expense, after tax (3,170) (4,524) (3,859)
Parent net expenses, after tax (1,931) (1,211) (2,638)
Other items, after tax:
Lawsuit settlement 1,241
Income (loss) from discontinued life and annuity operations (13,122) 8,102
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 37,600 $ 6,600 $ 37,900
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
21
PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
Premiums earned and underwriting results of Zenith's property-casualty
subsidiaries were as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums earned
Workers' Compensation $210,916 $203,252 $216,030
Other Property-Casualty 204,778 192,276 186,661
Reinsurance 37,162 41,985 36,138
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $452,856 $437,513 $438,829
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwriting income (loss) before taxes
Workers' Compensation $(19,462) $(14,548) $ 12,151
Other Property-Casualty 8,076 (12,007) (6,966)
Reinsurance 12,479 12,955 4,322
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 1,093 $(13,600) $ 9,507
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our key operating goal is to achieve a combined ratio of 100%. The combined
ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the key measure of underwriting
profitability traditionally used in the property-casualty insurance business. It
is the sum of net incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses, underwriting
expenses and policyholders' dividends, expressed as a percentage of net premiums
earned. Combined ratios were as follows:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined loss and expense ratios
Workers' Compensation
Losses 55.2% 48.8% 32.3%
Loss adjustment expenses 20.2% 26.8% 27.6%
Underwriting expenses 32.6% 28.8% 26.4%
Dividends to policyholders 1.2% 2.8% 8.1%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined ratio 109.2% 107.2% 94.4%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Property-Casualty
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 67.1% 77.9% 74.4%
Underwriting expenses 29.0% 28.3% 29.3%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined ratio 96.1% 106.2% 103.7%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinsurance
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 49.0% 52.6% 70.7%
Underwriting expenses 17.4% 16.5% 17.3%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined ratio 66.4% 69.1% 88.0%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total combined ratio 99.8% 103.1% 97.8%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22
The profitability of property-casualty insurance underwriting operations is
dependent upon, principally, the adequacy of rates charged to the insured for
insurance protection, the frequency and severity of claims, the ability to
accurately estimate and accrue reported and unreported losses in the correct
period, the level of dividends paid to policyholders, and the ability to service
claims, maintain policies and acquire business efficiently.
The amount by which losses, measured subsequently by reference to payments
and additional estimates, differ from those originally reported for a period is
known as development. This is favorable when losses ultimately settle for less
than the amount reserved or subsequent estimates indicate a basis for reducing
reserves on open claims. The following shows the one-
year loss reserve development for losses and loss expenses for the three main
lines of property-casualty business:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Workers' Other
thousands) Compensation Property-Casualty Reinsurance Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
One-year loss
development in:
1996 $ (869) $ (2,716) $ (224) $ (3,809)
1995 (517) 1,337 (2,955) (2,135)
1994 (12,944) 4,051 (827) (9,720)
Favorable development is shown in brackets.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The exposure of the insurance industry to losses arising out of the cost of
environmental and asbestos damage has been the focus of attention of a number of
interested parties in recent years. The process of evaluating an insurance
company's exposure is subject to significant uncertainties. Among the
complications are lack of historical data, long reporting delays, uncertainty as
to the number and identity of insureds with potential exposure and unresolved
legal issues regarding policy coverage. The legal issues concerning the
interpretations of various insurance policy provisions and whether environmental
and asbestos losses are or were ever intended to be covered are complex. Courts
have reached different and sometimes inconsistent conclusions regarding such
issues as: when the loss occurred and what policies provide coverage, how policy
limits are applied and determined, how policy exclusions are applied and
interpreted, whether clean-up costs are covered as insured property damage and
whether site assessment costs are either indemnity payments or adjusting costs.
Zenith has exposure to asbestos losses in its Workers' Compensation operation
for medical, indemnity and loss adjustment expenses associated with insureds'
long-term exposure to asbestos or asbestos-contained materials. Most of these
claims date back to the 1970's and early 1980's and Zenith's exposure is
generally limited to a pro-rata share of the loss for the period of time
coverage was provided. Zenith also has potential exposure to environmental and
asbestos losses and loss adjustment expenses beginning in 1985 through its
Reinsurance operation and through CalFarm Insurance, which writes liability
coverage under farmowners' and small commercial policies, however such losses
are substantially excluded from all such coverage. The business reinsured by
Zenith contains exclusion clauses for environmental and asbestos losses, and in
1988 an absolute pollution exclusion was incorporated into CalFarm Insurance's
policy forms. All claims for damages resulting from environmental or asbestos
losses are identified and handled by Zenith's most experienced claims/legal
professionals. Environmental and asbestos losses have not been material and
Zenith believes that its reserves for environmental and asbestos losses are
appropriately established based on currently available facts, technology, laws
and regulations. However, due to the long-term nature of these claims, the
inconsistencies of court coverage decisions, plaintiffs' expanded theories of
liability, the risks inherent in major litigation and other uncertainties, the
ultimate exposure from these claims may vary from the amounts currently
reserved.
Zenith is currently in the process of modifying or replacing its computer
systems for year 2000 compliance. This activity is expected to continue through
1999 and the costs of modifications are being expensed as incurred.
Some of the factors that continue to impact the business and economic
environment in which Zenith operates include: an uncertain political and
regulatory environment, both state and federal; the outlook for economic growth
in parts of California; the expansion of Zenith's Workers' Compensation business
outside of California; a highly competitive insurance industry; and the changing
environment for controlling medical, legal and rehabilitation costs, as well as
fraud and abuse. Although management is currently unable to predict the
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
23
effect of any of the foregoing, these trends and
uncertainties could have a material effect on Zenith's future operations and
financial condition.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Underwriting results in the Workers' Compensation operation deteriorated
significantly in 1996 and 1995 compared to 1994. In 1996, the decreased results
were due to higher severity of reported claims in California as well as
continued high operating costs, although somewhat improved from 1995. In 1996,
increased claim costs attributable to 1994 and 1995 accident years were offset
by improvements in claim handling costs for the same periods. The decline in
1995 is the result of lower premium income and the inability of Zenith to adjust
operating expenses commensurate with the decrease in premiums and additional
operating costs associated with the computer system which became operational in
mid-1995.
Effective January 1, 1995, the minimum rate law in California was repealed
and insurers were allowed to charge their own rates for Workers' Compensation
coverage. Competition in the industry based on price became intense, negatively
impacting overall industry rates in 1995 and 1996. Zenith began using its own
actuarially-determined rates in 1995, which were substantially similar to those
in effect at the end of 1994, but raised its rates January 1, 1996, based on
increased costs of adjusting claims. The number of California policies in force
decreased approximately 8% from 1995 to 1996. Premium income in 1995 was
negatively impacted by rate decreases of 12.7% at January 1, 1994 and 16.0% at
October 1, 1994, in the California minimum statutory rates.
Zenith has partially mitigated the impact of decreasing premium and
profitability in its California Workers' Compensation business by diversifying
outside of the state. Zenith's non-
California Workers' Compensation operations include Texas, Arkansas, Illinois,
Pennsylvania, Utah and, effective January 1, 1997, Florida. During 1996, 1995
and 1994, approximately 29%, 22% and 11%, respectively, of earned premiums were
attributable to Zenith's non-California Workers' Compensation operations. Zenith
expects this percentage to increase beginning in the first quarter of 1997 as a
result of the AGC-SIF acquisition. AGC-SIF's 1996 earned premium was
approximately $43 million. National results for Workers' Compensation insurers
in recent years have been favorable by recent historic standards and Zenith's
non-
California underwriting results in 1996 and 1995 were more favorable than its
California results. However, increased competition, nationally, is expected to
follow from these favorable trends and management intends to proceed cautiously
with its national expansion.
The outlook for future profitability in the Workers' Compensation operation
is dependent upon the ability to maintain adequate rates, manage claims costs
and to keep operating expenses in line with premium volume.
Zenith is continuing to develop integrated Workers' Compensation, Health and
Disability insurance products in alliances with selected health insurers, health
maintenance organizations and UNUM Life Insurance Company of America, one of the
nation's largest disability insurance companies, in California and, beginning in
1996, Arkansas. In addition to enhancing the marketability of its Workers'
Compensation policies, Zenith also expects to derive the benefit of applying
managed care techniques to the medical component of Workers' Compensation
claims. Beginning in the second quarter of 1997, Zenith will expand its
alliances to include United HealthCare of California, Inc. and MetraHealth Care
Plan. At this time, it is too early for management to predict the likely outcome
of these initiatives on the future results of its operations.
Zenith is required to participate in the National Workers' Compensation
Reinsurance Pool ("NWCRP"), which is an involuntary assigned risk pool that
covers several states in which Zenith conducts business. Zenith's participation
in NWCRP premiums earned in 1996 and 1995 was approximately $3.6 million and
$1.4 million, respectively. The underwriting results for NWCRP did not
materially impact Workers' Compensation underwriting results in 1996 or 1995.
Florida, as distinguished from other states, has created a trust Fund and
assesses workers' compensation insurers to pay for what is commonly referred to
as "Second Injuries". Assessments have been inadequate to completely fund
obligations of the Fund and the present balance of the Fund is probably
insufficient to
24
pay all current Second Injury liabilities. Zenith expects future political
changes, the nature of which cannot be determined at this time. Zenith has
recorded its receivable from the Fund based on specific Second Injury claims and
historical experience, the recoverability of which is dependent upon such
political activity, if any.
OTHER PROPERTY-CASUALTY
Results for the Other Property-Casualty operation in 1994 have been restated
to include group health insurance, previously written by CalFarm Life, which was
sold in 1995. Health insurance premiums earned were $36.0 million, $34.1
million, and $36.9 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The improved 1996 Other Property-Casualty underwriting results were primarily
due to favorable loss experience, including the absence of any catastrophes.
Underwriting results in 1995 and 1994 were adversely impacted by catastrophe
losses as follows: in 1995, losses of $10.7 million were incurred in conjunction
with California storm damage; and in 1994, losses of $3.2 million were sustained
from claims arising out of the Northridge earthquake.
Premiums earned increased in 1996 and 1995 compared to 1994 due primarily to
new business writings and rate increases for homeowners, earthquake, farmowners
and commercial coverages. Rate increases are subject to prior approval by the
California Department of Insurance (the "Department"). Management is unable to
predict whether requests for future rate increases, if any, will be granted by
the Department. Failure by the Department to act upon such requests would
adversely affect the adequacy of such rates and the profitability of operations
in the associated lines of business.
The California Legislature passed legislation in September 1996 which created
the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). The CEA became operational in
December 1996 and is a privately financed, publicly managed state agency, which
will provide limited earthquake coverage throughout California. Participation in
the CEA is voluntary and Zenith has elected not to participate. Zenith will
continue to offer broader earthquake coverages than available through the CEA as
long as private reinsurance is available and affordable. Zenith can elect to
participate in the CEA at a later date subject to meeting the participation
requirements at that time.
Zenith is required to participate in involuntary market plans, including the
California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan ("CAARP"), the Commercial Automobile
Insurance Procedure ("CAIP") and the California Fair Plan. CAARP, CAIP and the
California Fair Plan are organizations that were established by statute in
California but are serviced by the insurance industry. The 1996, 1995 and 1994
underwriting results for CAARP, CAIP and the California Fair Plan together did
not materially impact the Other Property-Casualty underwriting results.
The private passenger automobile insurance market continues to be affected by
legislative actions, including the mandatory insurance law and the "Personal
Responsibility Act of 1996" created by Proposition 213, both of which were
effective in January 1997, and new rating factor regulations with expected
implementation in late 1997. The new rating factor regulations pertain to the
implementation of Proposition 103 and will further limit the impact of
territorial rating on automobile insurance rates. At this time, it is too early
for management to predict how these regulations will affect the future results
of the private passenger automobile insurance operations and the level of
involuntary automobile assignments from CAARP.
In January, 1997, California experienced wide-spread flooding, primarily in
Northern California. Management estimates that losses will not significantly
affect results of operations in the first quarter of 1997.
REINSURANCE
Zenith's assumed reinsurance operation emphasizes the reinsurance of
accumulated losses from catastrophes and the reinsurance of large property
risks. Because of the severity of losses, culminating with Hurricane "Andrew"
in 1992, rates for such reinsurance increased significantly in 1993. Zenith's
premium revenue from reinsurance increased in 1994 with an increase in the
number of treaties in which it participated and in 1995, Zenith increased its
premium revenues with increased participation in some casualty-oriented
treaties.
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
25
Underwriting results were favorable during the last three years even though
losses were incurred in 1995 of approximately $2.5 million principally
attributable to Hurricane "Marilyn" and in 1994 losses of $9.3 million were
incurred attributable to the Northridge earthquake of January 1994.
The outlook for profitability in the reinsurance operation is dependent upon,
among other things, the level of rates for property and catastrophe reinsurance
and the frequency and severity of world-wide property losses. Premium earned in
our reinsurance operation decreased in 1996 due to selected non-renewal of
certain reinsurance treaties and generally softening of such rates in the
industry. If rates do not improve, premiums may continue to decrease in 1997.
INVESTMENTS
At December 31, 1996, approximately 91% of Zenith's consolidated portfolio of
fixed maturity investments were classified as Available-for-Sale under the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 -- Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. In 1995, Zenith
reclassified certain investments previously classified as "Held-to-Maturity" --
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on investments which are classified as Available-for-Sale is
recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The effect on
consolidated stockholders' equity of the decrease in the value of fixed
maturities classified as Available-for-Sale in 1996 compared to 1995 was a
decrease of $9.1 million, net of deferred taxes. Any future changes in interest
rates will impact stockholders' equity through changes in the values of fixed
maturity investments which are classified as Available-for-Sale.
Zenith's primary investment goal is to maintain safety and liquidity, enhance
principal values and achieve increased rates of return consistent with
regulatory constraints. The allocation amongst various types of securities is
adjusted from time to time based on market conditions, credit conditions, tax
policy, fluctuations in interest rates and other factors.
The change in the carrying value of Zenith's consolidated investment
portfolio in 1996 was as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrying value at beginning of year $ 835,214
Purchases at cost 465,888
Investments acquired in AGC-SIF merger 44,528
Maturities and exchanges of investments (188,797)
Proceeds from sales of investments:
Available-for-sale $(261,410)
Other investments (9,656)
---------
Total proceeds from disposal of investments (271,066)
Realized losses from maturities and exchanges of investments:
Available-for-sale (10)
Realized gains from sales of investments:
Available-for-sale 6,209
Trading portfolio 242
Other investments 4,445
Realized losses from writedowns of investments (79)
---------
Total net realized gains on investments 10,807
Unrealized losses on investments (12,765)
Decrease in short-term investments (34,716)
Net amortization of bonds and preferred stocks and other changes 3,706
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrying value at end of year $ 852,799
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26
At December 31, 1996, and 1995, Zenith's consolidated investment portfolio
emphasized high-quality, taxable bonds and short-term investments. Bonds
constituted 75% and 72%, and short-term investments constituted 13% and 16%, of
the carrying value of Zenith's consolidated investment portfolio at December 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, 97% and 96% of the
consolidated carrying values of investments in bonds were rated investment
grade.
Investment income during the years ended December 31, was as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in
thousands) 1996 1995 1994
- ----------------------------------------------------
Before tax $ 51,154 $ 46,150 $ 40,068
After tax 34,069 30,690 26,995
- ----------------------------------------------------
The yields on invested assets vary with the general level of interest rates,
the average life of invested assets and the amount of funds available for
investment, and for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
- ----------------------------------------------------
Before tax 6.1% 6.0% 5.2%
After tax 4.0% 4.0% 3.5%
- ----------------------------------------------------
REAL ESTATE
Zenith recognized revenue of $41.6 million, $31.7 million and $30.2 million
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, related to its real estate operations
which commenced in 1993. Income from real estate operations before taxes was
$1.9 million, $2.1 million and $2.2 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Construction in progress, including undeveloped land, was $45.1
million at December 31, 1996 compared to $25.5 million at December 31, 1995. In
addition to its continuing home construction, land presently owned may be used
for some commercial construction.
LIQUIDITY AND INFLATION
Zenith's property-casualty insurance subsidiaries create liquidity because
insurance premiums are generally collected prior to disbursements for claims and
benefits. These net cash flows, as set forth on page 37 in the Consolidated
Financial Statements, are invested as described in "Investments" above. Net cash
flows from continuing operating activities were $9.7 million, $9.6 million and
$15.9 million, for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Zenith's principal liquidity requirements in the long-term and the short-term
are the funds needed to pay its expenses, service its outstanding debt, pay any
cash dividends which may be declared to its stockholders and fund the land
acquisitions of its real estate subsidiary, Perma-Bilt. To meet these
requirements, Zenith
has been principally dependent upon its lines of credit of up to $50.0 million,
all of which was available at December 31, 1996, and dividends from Zenith
Insurance. In the opinion of management, Zenith's sources of liquidity are
sufficient to fund its short-term and long-term requirements for liquidity.
Zenith's insurance subsidiaries are subject to insurance regulations which
restrict their ability to distribute dividends. Such dividend capabilities are
set forth in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Such restrictions
have not had, and under current regulations are not expected to have, a material
adverse impact on Zenith. Zenith received dividends from its subsidiaries
amounting to $15.0 million in 1996, $10.5 million in 1995 and $15.0 million in
1994. Maximum dividend capability, without prior approval of the Department, of
Zenith's subsidiaries in 1997 is $26.5 million. Risk-based capital guidelines
issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 1994 for
property-casualty companies are not expected to have any material adverse
consequences for Zenith's insurance subsidiaries.
Perma-Bilt maintains certain bank credit facilities to provide financing for
its development and construction of private residences for sale. At December 31,
1996, maximum permitted borrowing under the facilities was $20.0 million, with a
balance outstanding of $11.1 million. Perma-Bilt is obligated under various
notes arising from its purchase of several parcels of land. The amount
outstanding for such notes at December 31, 1996 was $3.4 million.
Workers' compensation insurers are required to have securities on deposit for
the protection of policyholders in accordance with various states' regulations.
At December 31, 1996, investments carried at their fair value of $305.4 million
were on deposit to comply with such regulations.
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
27
At December 31, 1996, Zenith was authorized to purchase up to 1,104,000
shares of Zenith common stock pursuant to resolutions from its Board of
Directors under a share repurchase program. These purchases, which are made at
prevailing market prices, are discretionary and can be adequately funded from
Zenith's existing sources of liquidity.
Inflation rates impact the financial statements and operating results in
several areas. Fluctuations in inflation rates impact the market value of the
investment portfolio and yields on new investments. Inflation also impacts the
portion of the loss reserves that relates to hospital and medical expenses and
property claims and loss adjustment expenses, but not the portion of loss
reserves that relates to workers' compensation indemnity payments for lost wages
which are fixed by statute. Adjustments for inflationary impacts are implicitly
included as part of Zenith's subsidiaries' continuous review of property-
casualty reserve estimates. Actuarial account of increased costs is considered
in setting adequate rates, and this is particularly important in the health
insurance area where hospital and medical inflation rates have exceeded general
inflation rates. Workers' compensation premium income is determined primarily by
applying a rate to payrolls, and as inflation increases, average wage rates are
generally adjusted, resulting in decreases in premium rates. Operating expenses,
including payrolls, are impacted to a certain degree by the inflation rate.
Social inflation affects the loss reserves for other property-casualty
liability claims for which settlements are determined in court proceedings.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FASB ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 Earnings per Share ("SFAS
No. 128").
SFAS No. 128 requires dual presentation of newly defined basic and diluted
earnings per share on the face of the income statement for all entities with
complex capital structures. The accounting standard is effective for fiscal
years ending after December 15, 1997, including interim periods, and Zenith has
not yet determined the impact of SFAS No. 128.
28
FINANCIAL RECORD
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, Note 1996 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars and shares in thousands,
except per share data)
REVENUES 1
Property-casualty insurance
operations
Premiums earned $ 452,856 $ 437,513
Investment income 51,154 46,150
Realized gains on investments 10,807 3,621
Real estate operations 41,554 31,736
Income from legal settlement
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES 1 556,371 519,020
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
AFTER TAX AND
BEFORE REALIZED GAINS 1, 2 30,575 17,368
Per share 1, 2 1.72 .95
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
AFTER TAX 8 37,600 19,722
Per share 8 2.11 1.08
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
COMPONENTS OF NET INCOME 1
Underwriting income (loss) 3
Excluding catastrophe losses 356 (226)
Including catastrophe losses 356 (8,936)
Net investment income 34,069 30,690
Realized gains on investments 4 7,025 2,354
Real estate operations 1,251 1,349
Parent operations (5,101) (5,735)
Income (loss) from discontinued
life and annuity operations 8 (13,122)
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting and extraordinary
items 5, 6
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME 37,600 6,600
Per share 2.11 .36
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE TO COMMON
STOCKHOLDERS 1.00 1.00
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING 17,834 18,364
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION 1
Total assets 1,242,724 1,115,433
Investments 852,799 835,214
Property-casualty unpaid claims 620,078 517,552
Senior notes, bank debt and other
notes payable 88,861 83,135
Total stockholders' equity 337,503 330,432
Stockholders' equity per share 19.17 18.58
Stockholders' equity per share,
excluding effect of SFAS No. 115 7 19.28 18.18
Return on average equity 11.4% 2.0%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE
STATISTICS (GAAP) 1
Paid loss and loss expense ratio 69.9% 74.3%
Loss and loss expense ratio 69.5% 74.4%
Underwriting expense ratio 29.7% 27.4%
Policyholder dividends ratio .6% 1.3%
Combined ratio before Proposition
103 rollback refund 99.8% 103.1%
Combined ratio after Proposition
103 rollback refund 3 99.8% 103.1%
Net premiums earned-to-surplus
ratio 1.4 1.4
Loss and loss expense
reserves-to-surplus ratio (net
of reinsurance) 9 1.6 1.5
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars and shares in thousands,
except per share data)
REVENUES
Property-casualty insurance
operations
Premiums earned $ 438,829 $ 447,270 $421,557
Investment income 40,068 39,309 45,478
Realized gains on investments 1,428 14,272 9,977
Real estate operations 30,220
Income from legal settlement 1,910 7,561
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES 512,455 508,412 477,012
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
AFTER TAX AND
BEFORE REALIZED GAINS 27,628 27,820 13,204
Per share 1.45 1.44 .70
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
AFTER TAX 29,798 42,177 20,749
Per share 1.56 2.19 1.10
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPONENTS OF NET INCOME
Underwriting income (loss)
Excluding catastrophe losses 15,652 8,801 (14,061)
Including catastrophe losses 5,707 7,436 (23,961)
Net investment income 26,995 26,888 32,953
Realized gains on investments 929 9,443 8,792
Real estate operations 1,423
Parent operations (5,256) (1,590) (6,399)
Income (loss) from discontinued
life and annuity operations 8,102 11,023 7,951
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting and extraordinary
items 9,364
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME 37,900 53,200 28,700
Per share 1.99 2.76 1.52
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE TO COMMON
STOCKHOLDERS 1.00 1.00 1.00
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING 19,090 19,297 18,918
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets 1,093,675 1,125,211 1,060,545
Investments 709,030 754,107 713,579
Property-casualty unpaid claims 510,406 519,418 504,902
Senior notes, bank debt and other
notes payable 76,582 73,989 73,868
Total stockholders' equity 309,860 349,465 301,598
Stockholders' equity per share 16.35 18.55 16.03
Stockholders' equity per share,
excluding effect of SFAS No. 115 18.79 17.90 16.03
Return on average equity 11.7% 16.3% 9.7%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE
STATISTICS (GAAP)
Paid loss and loss expense ratio 69.6% 67.9% 71.4%
Loss and loss expense ratio 66.9% 68.5% 77.1%
Underwriting expense ratio 26.9% 25.5% 26.8%
Policyholder dividends ratio 4.0% 3.4% 0.7%
Combined ratio before Proposition
103 rollback refund 97.8% 97.4% 104.6%
Combined ratio after Proposition
103 rollback refund 97.8% 97.4% 108.4%
Net premiums earned-to-surplus
ratio 1.7 1.6 1.7
Loss and loss expense
reserves-to-surplus ratio (net
of reinsurance) 1.7 1.7 1.9
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 1992 through 1994 restated for health insurance included in
property-casualty operations.
(2) Excludes extraordinary items and cumulative effect of accounting change.
Excludes $1,241,000, or $.06 per share, in 1994 and $4,914,000, or $.26 per
share, in 1993 for the effect of legal settlement. In 1992, also excludes
$10,611,000, or $.56 per share, for the effect of Proposition 103 rollback
refund, after taxes.
(3) Includes Proposition 103 rollback refund of $16,078,000, net of
reinsurance, before tax or $10,611,000 ($.56 per share) after tax in 1992.
(4) Taxes on realized gains were reduced in 1992 and 1993 for the tax benefit
associated with capital losses carried forward from 1990.
(5) Debt redemption costs of $1,355,000, net of $698,000 of tax benefit, (or
$.07 per share) were recognized as an extraordinary item in 1992.
(6) Net income in 1992 includes an increase of $10,719,000 for the cumulative
effect of adoption of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.
(7) Effective December 31, 1993, Zenith adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities (SFAS No. 115), under which the unrealized appreciation or
depreciation, net of deferred taxes, on debt securities classified as
available-for-sale is recorded in stockholders' equity.
(8) In 1995, Zenith sold CalFarm Life (see Note 15 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements).
(9) Computed including AGC-SIF net reserves of $65,429,000 acquired through
merger on December 31, 1996 (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements).
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
31
PROPERTY-CASUALTY LOSS DEVELOPMENT
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The table that follows shows analysis of development of loss and loss
adjustment expense liabilities as originally estimated on a GAAP basis at
December 31 of each year presented. The accounting policies used to estimate
these liabilities are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. Amounts represent all property-casualty operations. Information for
1994 and prior years has been restated to include the health insurance business
previously written by CalFarm Life Insurance Company.
ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE LIABILITY DEVELOPMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996* 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
LIABILITY FOR UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS
ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES, NET $526,427 $463,123
- -------------------------------------------------------
PAID, NET (CUMULATIVE) AS OF:
One year later 185,764
Two years later
Three years later
Four years later
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later
Nine years later
Ten years later
- -------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITY, NET RE-ESTIMATED AS OF:
One year later 459,314
Two years later
Three years later
Four years later
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later
Nine years later
Ten years later
- -------------------------------------------------------
FAVORABLE (DEFICIENT) DEVELOPMENT $ 3,809
- -------------------------------------------------------
NET LIABILITY -- DECEMBER 31, $526,427 $463,123
Receivable from reinsurers and
state trust funds 93,651 54,429
- -------------------------------------------------------
GROSS LIABILITY -- DECEMBER 31, $620,078 517,552
Re-estimated liability, net of
reinsurance 459,314
Re-estimated receivable from
reinsurers 55,692
- -------------------------------------------------------
Re-estimated liability, gross 515,006
- -------------------------------------------------------
FAVORABLE (DEFICIENT) DEVELOPMENT,
GROSS $ 2,546
- -------------------------------------------------------
* On December 31, 1996, Zenith acquired through merger the liabilities for
unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses of Associated General Commerce
Self-Insurers' Trust Fund (AGC-SIF). The AGC-SIF balances included in the
December 31, 1996 amounts were: $65,429,000 net liability for loss and loss
adjustment expenses, $37,261,000 receivable from reinsurers and state trust
funds and $102,690,000 gross liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Zenith's prior year reserves and development have not been restated. All
subsequent development of AGC-SIF's acquired reserves will be reflected as
development of the 1996 year.
The analysis above presents the development of Zenith's balance sheet
liabilities for 1986 through 1996. The first line in the table shows the
liability for loss and loss adjustment expense as estimated at the end of each
calendar year. The first section shows the actual payments of losses and
expenses that relate to each year end liability as they are paid during
subsequent annual periods. The second section includes revised estimates of the
original unpaid amounts, net of reinsurance, including the subsequent payments.
The next line shows the favorable or deficient developments of the original
estimates for each year through 1996, net of reinsurance. This loss reserve
development table is cumulative and, therefore, ending balances should not be
added since the amount at the end of each calendar year includes activity for
both the current and prior years. Hence, the liability at the end of each year
includes an estimate of the amount yet unpaid and still due at the subsequent
re-evaluation date for all previously estimated liabilities. For example, the
liability at the end of 1995 includes an estimate of the amount still due on the
1994 and prior liabilities.
Since conditions and trends that have affected loss and loss adjustment
expense development in the past may not occur in the future in exactly the same
manner, if at all, future results may not be reliably predicted by extrapolation
of the data presented.
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
33
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
LIABILITY FOR UNPAID LOSS AND LOSS
ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES, NET $462,710 $474,499 $471,832 $447,702 $424,373 $386,445 $347,888 $293,981 $223,011
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAID, NET (CUMULATIVE) AS OF:
One year later 175,488 173,699 184,498 184,593 162,642 129,605 118,332 105,939 89,361
Two years later 274,560 272,221 292,914 291,228 264,904 205,132 179,241 159,746 134,848
Three years later 325,916 355,710 352,208 323,685 258,632 216,321 189,980 162,555
Four years later 389,417 390,459 357,233 289,963 245,629 207,890 178,111
Five years later 412,600 380,524 309,524 263,971 225,849 187,558
Six years later 394,741 323,041 275,983 237,474 199,609
Seven years later 332,239 284,877 245,429 207,163
Eight years later 290,126 251,801 212,854
Nine years later 256,423 217,881
Ten years later 221,142
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITY, NET RE-ESTIMATED AS OF:
One year later 460,575 464,779 480,903 467,636 427,458 381,096 341,679 293,526 219,734
Two years later 450,675 453,497 483,334 485,399 442,332 371,272 332,541 290,002 225,541
Three years later 452,330 482,019 485,816 453,802 374,455 327,961 289,074 227,251
Four years later 487,447 488,723 454,744 380,983 325,457 285,801 228,382
Five years later 491,216 455,971 381,703 328,415 280,860 227,972
Six years later 456,860 382,280 328,640 281,385 229,472
Seven years later 382,219 329,058 282,498 231,909
Eight years later 328,465 282,882 234,455
Nine years later 282,454 235,045
Ten years later 236,165
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAVORABLE (DEFICIENT) DEVELOPMENT $ 12,035 $ 22,169 $(15,615) $(43,514) $(32,487) $ 4,226 $ 19,423 $ 11,527 $(13,154)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET LIABILITY -- DECEMBER 31, $462,710 $474,499 $471,832
Receivable from reinsurers and
state trust funds 47,696 44,919 33,070
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
GROSS LIABILITY -- DECEMBER 31, 510,406 519,418 504,902
Re-estimated liability, net of
reinsurance 450,675 452,330 487,447
Re-estimated receivable from
reinsurers 46,318 54,487 70,264
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Re-estimated liability, gross 496,993 506,817 557,711
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
FAVORABLE (DEFICIENT) DEVELOPMENT,
GROSS $ 13,413 $ 12,601 $(52,809)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
34
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, Note 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Investments
Fixed maturities:
At amortized cost (fair value $53,113, 1996 and $57,816, 1995) $ 53,353 $ 56,674
At fair value (cost $608,756, 1996 and $555,922, 1995) 605,630 566,826
Floating rate preferred stocks, at fair value (cost $14,614, 1996 and 1995) 14,071 13,588
Convertible and non-redeemable preferred stocks, at fair value (cost $750, 1996
and $250, 1995) 784 281
Common stocks, at fair value (cost $18,030, 1996 and $18,937, 1995) 22,771 22,656
Short-term investments (at cost, which approximates market) 106,712 137,083
Other investments 49,478 38,106
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investments 1, 2 852,799 835,214
Cash 12,125 6,919
Accrued investment income 10,973 8,810
Premiums receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,725 in 1996
and $612 in 1995 80,545 70,155
Receivable from reinsurers, state trust funds and prepaid reinsurance premiums 8 104,748 64,781
Deposit receivable 14 14,776
Deferred policy acquisition costs 20,752 20,339
Properties and equipment, less accumulated depreciation 3 49,179 48,702
Federal income taxes 6 29,939 14,609
Other assets 1 66,888 45,904
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $1,242,724 $1,115,433
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
34
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, Note 1996 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
LIABILITIES
Policy liabilities and accruals
Unpaid losses and loss expenses 13 $ 620,078 $ 517,552
Unearned premiums 127,209 119,591
Policyholders' dividends accrued 7,670 12,100
Other policyholder funds 9,109 15,491
Reserves on loss portfolio transfers 8,359 9,073
Payable to banks and other notes payable 4 14,508 8,903
Senior notes payable, less unamortized issue costs
of $647, 1996 and $768, 1995 5 74,353 74,232
Other liabilities 43,935 28,059
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 905,221 785,001
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and contingent liabilities 8
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $1 par -- shares authorized 1,000; issued and outstanding,
none in 1996 and 1995
Common stock, $1 par -- shares authorized 50,000; issued 24,447, outstanding 17,604,
1996; issued 24,310, outstanding 17,784, 1995 9 24,447 24,310
Additional paid-in capital 258,875 256,083
Retained earnings 175,684 155,634
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $284, 1996
and $4,752, 1995 1, 2 528 8,825
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
459,534 444,852
Less treasury stock at cost (6,843 shares, 1996 and 6,526 shares, 1995) 9 (122,031) (114,420)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 337,503 330,432
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 1,242,724 $ 1,115,433
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
35
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, Note 1996 1995 1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
CONSOLIDATED REVENUES:
Premium earned 7 $ 452,856 $ 437,513 $ 438,829
Net investment income 2 51,154 46,150 40,068
Realized gains on investments 2 10,807 3,621 1,428
Real estate sales 41,554 31,736 30,220
Income from legal settlement 8 1,910
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues 556,371 519,020 512,455
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Losses and loss expenses incurred 7, 13 314,700 325,589 293,848
Policy acquisition costs 84,093 81,846 77,253
Other underwriting and operating expenses 53,413 39,882 44,868
Policyholders' dividends and participation 2,526 5,660 17,412
Real estate construction and operating costs 39,645 29,661 28,031
Interest expense 4, 5 4,877 6,960 5,937
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 499,254 489,598 467,349
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense 57,117 29,422 45,106
Federal income tax expense 6 19,517 9,700 15,308
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 37,600 19,722 29,798
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from life and annuity operations of CalFarm Life (less income tax expense of
$3,463 and $4,363) 15 6,431 8,102
Loss on disposal of CalFarm Life, including income tax expense of $4,099 15 (19,553)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (13,122) 8,102
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 37,600 $ 6,600 $ 37,900
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations $ 2.11 $ 1.08 $ 1.56
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (.72) .43
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ 2.11 $ .36 $ 1.99
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 17,834 18,364 19,090
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
36
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Premiums collected $ 474,831 $ 457,907 $ 469,151
Investment income received 46,167 45,606 37,819
Proceeds from sales of real estate 41,554 31,736 30,220
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid (316,949) (325,200) (305,142)
Underwriting and other operating expenses paid (127,975) (120,533) (111,275)
Real estate construction costs paid (54,480) (34,307) (36,133)
Reinsurance premiums paid (23,748) (21,586) (21,995)
Dividends paid to policyholders (5,985) (13,744) (18,171)
Interest paid (7,626) (8,390) (6,949)
Income taxes paid (23,090) (4,578) (25,953)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from continuing operating activities, excluding cash from trading portfolio 2,699 6,911 11,572
Net proceeds from sales of trading portfolio investments 7,050 2,677 4,363
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from continuing operating activities, including cash from trading portfolio 9,749 9,588 15,935
Net cash from discontinued operating activities, including cash from trading portfolio 12,655 118,644
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities 9,749 22,243 134,579
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of investments:
Debt securities Held-to-Maturity (5,342) (141,531)
Debt and equity securities Available-for-Sale (447,251) (210,600) (478,179)
Other debt and equity securities and other investments (13,295) (13,885) (5,571)
Proceeds from maturities and exchanges of investments:
Debt securities Held-to-Maturity 8,460 4,284
Debt and equity securities Available-for-Sale 173,287 16,869 30,556
Other debt and equity securities and other investments 2,085 1,839
Proceeds from sales of investments:
Debt and equity securities Available-for-Sale 261,410 293,024 333,949
Other debt and equity securities and other investments 9,656 5,086 238
Proceeds from the sale of CalFarm Life Insurance Company 120,000
Net change in short-term investments 34,716 (38,522) 123,055
Other (5,784) (6,289) (7,301)
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations (30,093) (144,314)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from investing activities 15,857 428 (145,728)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Cash advanced from bank line of credit 43,400 2,100
Cash repaid on bank line of credit (43,400) (2,100)
Cash advanced from bank loans and other notes payable 27,935 30,657 11,316
Cash repaid on bank loans and other notes payable (25,691) (24,225) (8,845)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders (17,605) (18,273) (18,894)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 2,572 4,405 2,093
Purchase of treasury shares (7,611) (29,318) (346)
Net cash provided by financing activities of discontinued operations 15,644 24,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from financing activities (20,400) (21,110) 9,699
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 5,206 1,561 (1,450)
Cash at beginning of year 6,919 5,358 6,808
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AT END OF YEAR $ 12,125 $ 6,919 $ 5,358
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO NET CASH FLOWS
FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Income from continuing operations $ 37,600 $ 19,722 $ 29,798
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,081 4,975 4,001
Realized gains on investments (10,807) (3,621) (1,428)
Net cash from trading portfolio 7,050 2,677 4,363
Net cash flow from discontinued operations 12,655 118,644
Change in assets and liabilities excluding effects from merger of AGC-SIF on
December 31, 1996 (See Note 14):
Decrease (increase) in:
Premiums receivable (3,467) (3,243) (1,518)
Receivable from reinsurers (1,824) (6,168) (1,980)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (413) (1,833) (1,490)
Real estate construction in progress (19,601) (5,596) (12,671)
Increase (decrease) in:
Unpaid losses and loss expenses (164) 7,416 (8,906)
Unearned premiums 7,618 2,234 9,962
Policyholders' dividends accrued and accumulated (5,570) (8,422) (80)
Federal income taxes (3,574) 4,946 (10,644)
Other (180) (3,499) 6,528
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities $ 9,749 $ 22,243 $ 134,579
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
37
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREFERRED COMMON
THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 NOTE STOCK $1 PAR STOCK $1 PAR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per
share data)
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1994 $ 23,910
Net income for 1994
Net unrealized (depreciation) on
investments,
net of deferred tax benefit of
$11,062 2
Exercise of 124,000 stock options 9 124
Tax benefit on options exercised in
1994
Purchase of 15,000 treasury shares
at cost
Cash dividends declared to common
stockholders ($1.00 per share,
paid quarterly)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994 24,034
Net income for 1995
Net unrealized appreciation on
investments,
net of deferred tax expense of
$8,721 2
Exercise of 276,000 stock options 9 276
Tax benefit on options exercised in
1995
Purchase of 1,442,000 treasury
shares at cost
Cash dividends declared to common
stockholders ($1.00 per share,
paid quarterly)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 24,310
Net income for 1996
Net unrealized (depreciation) on
investments,
net of deferred tax benefit of
$4,468 2
Exercise of 137,000 stock options 9 137
Tax benefit on options exercised in
1996
Purchase of 317,000 treasury shares
at cost
Cash dividends declared to common
stockholders ($1.00 per share,
paid quarterly)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 $ 24,447
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
38
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
ADDITIONAL RETAINED (DEPRECIATION) ON TREASURY
PAID-IN CAPITAL EARNINGS INVESTMENTS STOCK TOTAL
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per
share data)
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1994 $ 249,092 $ 148,043 $ 13,176 $ (84,756) $ 349,465
Net income for 1994 37,900 37,900
Net unrealized (depreciation) on
investments,
net of deferred tax benefit of
$11,062 (60,636) (60,636)
Exercise of 124,000 stock options 1,969 2,093
Tax benefit on options exercised in
1994 302 302
Purchase of 15,000 treasury shares
at cost (346) (346)
Cash dividends declared to common
stockholders ($1.00 per share,
paid quarterly) (18,918) (18,918)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994 251,363 167,025 (47,460) (85,102) 309,860
Net income for 1995 6,600 6,600
Net unrealized appreciation on
investments,
net of deferred tax expense of
$8,721 56,285 56,285
Exercise of 276,000 stock options 4,129 4,405
Tax benefit on options exercised in
1995 591 591
Purchase of 1,442,000 treasury
shares at cost (29,318) (29,318)
Cash dividends declared to common
stockholders ($1.00 per share,
paid quarterly) (17,991) (17,991)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 256,083 155,634 8,825 (114,420) 330,432
Net income for 1996 37,600 37,600
Net unrealized (depreciation) on
investments,
net of deferred tax benefit of
$4,468 (8,297) (8,297)
Exercise of 137,000 stock options 2,435 2,572
Tax benefit on options exercised in
1996 357 357
Purchase of 317,000 treasury shares
at cost (7,611) (7,611)
Cash dividends declared to common
stockholders ($1.00 per share,
paid quarterly) (17,550) (17,550)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 $ 258,875 $ 175,684 $ 528 $(122,031) $ 337,503
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
39
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ZENITH NATIONAL INSURANCE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 1
SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES, OPERATIONS AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
Zenith National Insurance Corp. ("Zenith") is engaged through its
wholly-owned property-
casualty insurance subsidiaries in the business of writing workers' compensation
insurance, approximately 71% of which is in California; Reinsurance, principally
of world-wide property and catastrophe risks; and auto, homeowners, farmowners,
health and other coverages primarily in the rural areas of California. Zenith's
subsidiaries sell insurance and reinsurance through agents and brokers and not
directly to consumers. The market for insurance products and services is highly
competitive. Zenith also conducts real estate operations, developing private
residences for sale in Las Vegas, Nevada, through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Perma-Bilt, a Nevada Corporation ("Perma-Bilt"). On December 31, 1996, Zenith
acquired through merger the assets and liabilities of Associated General
Commerce Self-Insurers' Trust Fund ("AGC-SIF"), a Florida workers' compensation
self-insurers' fund (See Note 14). In 1995, Zenith sold its wholly-
owned life insurance subsidiary, CalFarm Life Insurance Company (See Note 15).
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include Zenith and its subsidiaries.
GAAP requires the use of assumptions and estimates in reporting certain assets
and liabilities and related disclosures and actual results could differ from
those estimates. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have
been eliminated in consolidation.
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments are contractual obligations that result in the delivery
of cash or an ownership interest in an entity. Disclosures, included in these
notes, regarding the fair value of financial instruments have been derived using
external market sources, estimates using present value or other valuation
techniques.
The following summarizes the carrying amounts and fair value of Zenith's
financial instruments as of December 31:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995
---------------------- ----------------------
CARRYING FAIR Carrying Fair
(Dollars in thousands) NOTE AMOUNT VALUE amount value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS:
Investments:
Trading securities 2 $ 4,149 $ 4,149 $ 10,944 $ 10,944
Other investments 2 848,650 848,410 824,270 825,412
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
852,799 852,559 835,214 836,356
LIABILITIES:
Other notes payable 4 3,361 3,361
Payable to banks 4 11,147 11,147 8,903 8,903
Senior notes payable 5 74,353 82,406 74,232 85,853
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS
Zenith accounts for its investment portfolio in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities ("SFAS No. 115") which
requires investments in debt and equity securities
to be identified in three categories as follows: held-to-maturity -- those
securities, which by their terms must be redeemed by the issuing company and
that the enterprise has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are
reported at amortized cost; trading securities
- -- those securities that are held principally for the purpose of selling them in
the near term and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses
included in earnings; available-
for-sale -- those securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or
trading securities and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and
losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of
stockholders' equity.
When, in the opinion of management, a decline in market value of investments
is considered to be "other than temporary," such investments are written down to
their net realizable value. The determination of "other than temporary"
includes, in addition to consideration of other relevant factors, a presumption
that if the market value is below cost by a significant amount for a period of
time, a writedown is necessary.
The market value of investments was supplied by the Merrill Lynch pricing
service, with the exception of 39 items whose values were obtained from other
brokers making a market in the investment, the Bloomberg
40
financial news service, and analytical pricing methods for issues for which
there is no market. These market values are considered fair value.
The cost of securities sold is determined by the "identified cost" method.
Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, commercial paper and
U.S. Treasury securities with maturities of less than one year at the time of
purchase. For these short-term investments, the carrying amount is a reasonable
estimate of fair value.
RECOGNITION OF PROPERTY-CASUALTY
REVENUE AND EXPENSE
Property-casualty premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of
the policies. Premiums applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force
are recorded as unearned premiums. Premiums earned reflect an estimate
for earned but unbilled audit premiums. Workers'
compensation insurance premiums are based upon the payroll of the insured.
Policy acquisition costs, consisting of commissions, premium taxes and
certain other underwriting costs, are deferred and amortized as the related
premiums are earned.
Zenith's insurance subsidiaries make provision for the settlement of all
incurred claims, both reported and unreported. The liabilities for unpaid losses
and loss expenses are estimates for the eventual costs of claims incurred but
not settled, less estimates of salvage and subrogation. Estimates for reported
claims are primarily determined by evaluation of individual reported claims.
Estimates for claims incurred but not reported are based on experience with
respect to the probable number and nature of such claims. The methods for making
such estimates and for establishing the resulting liabilities are continually
reviewed and updated and any adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in
earnings currently. Estimates of losses from environmental and asbestos related
claims are included in overall loss reserves and to date have not been material.
Due to the significant uncertainties inherent in establishing such reserves, the
ultimate exposure may vary from the amounts currrently reserved.
An estimated provision for workers' compensation policyholders' dividends is
accrued as the related premiums are earned. Such dividends do not become a fixed
liability unless and until declared by the respective Boards of Directors of
Zenith's insurance subsidiaries. Due to deregulation in California,
policyholders' dividends are not anticipated to be material in the foreseeable
future.
Property insurance and reinsurance coverages expose Zenith to the risk of
significant loss in the event of major adverse natural phenomena, known in the
insurance industry as catastrophes. These catastrophes may cause significant
contemporaneous financial statement losses since catastrophe losses may not be
accrued in advance of the event.
The concentration of Zenith's business in California makes the results of
operations highly dependent upon the State's economy, social and cultural
trends, legislative and regulatory changes, and catastrophic events such as
windstorms and the Northridge earthquake. In addition, premium revenues for most
property-casualty insurance coverages written in California (except workers'
compensation) are subject to prior approval of rates by the California
Department of Insurance.
REINSURANCE
In accordance with general industry practices, Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries annually purchase reinsurance to protect themselves against
liabilities in excess of certain
limits on insurance risks they have underwritten.
Such arrangements are known in the industry as "excess of loss" protection. The
purpose of such reinsurance is to protect Zenith from the impact of large,
unforeseen losses and such reinsurance reduces the magnitude of sudden and
unpredictable changes in net income and the capitalization of insurance
operations.
The ceding of reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer from
primary liability to its policyholder. Balances due from reinsurers on unpaid
losses, including an estimate of such recoverables related to reserves for
incurred but not reported losses, are reported as assets and are included in
receivables from reinsurers. Earned premiums are stated in the consolidated
financial statements after deduction of amounts ceded to reinsurers.
Approximately 53% of amounts recoverable from reinsurers at December 31, 1996
are attributable to reinsurance arrangements with one large United States
reinsurance
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
41
company. No material amounts due from reinsurers have been written off as
uncollectible in the three years ended December 31, 1996.
REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS
Land, land development costs and construction costs, including costs of
acquisition and development, property taxes and related interest are
capitalized. Such costs, and an estimate of the costs to complete a project, are
recognized pro rata against sales of completed units. Such capitalized costs are
included in other assets.
Profitable real estate operations are dependent upon real estate values,
interest rates, construction costs, competition and management ability.
PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
Properties and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is calculated principally on a straight-line basis using the
following useful lives: buildings, 10 to 40 years; furniture, fixture and
equipment, 3 to 10 years.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as
incurred. Additions and improvements to buildings and other fixed assets are
capitalized and depreciated. Upon disposition, the asset cost and related
depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is
included in income.
The cost of purchased software for internal use is capitalized and amortized
over the useful life of the software. The cost of internally-
developed software for internal use is expensed as incurred. The cost of
modifying software for year 2000 compliance is expensed as incurred.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Purchased intangibles and the costs in excess of tangible assets acquired,
including those related to the acquisition of AGC-SIF discussed in Note 14, are
included in Other Assets. The amounts assigned to such assets acquired since
1970 are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 to 25 years.
Amortization expense was $412,000 in 1996 and $487,000 in 1995 and 1994, and
accumulated amortization was $6,168,000 at December 31, 1996 and $5,756,000 at
December 31, 1995. At December 31, 1996, intangible assets were $8,343,000, of
which $6,334,000 are amortizable.
RECLASSIFICATIONS AND RESTATEMENTS
Certain 1995 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1996
presentation. Financial information with respect to Life and Annuity operations
for 1994 has been restated as discontinued operations (see Note 15). Health
insurance for 1994 has been reclassified to property-casualty operations.
NOTE 2
INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost and fair values of investments held-to-maturity,
available-for-sale and trading securities were as follows:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE OF SECURITY
(Dollars in GROSS GROSS
thousands) AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
DECEMBER 31, 1996 COST GAINS (LOSSES) VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Corporate debt $ 5,339 $ (270) $ 5,069
Mortgage-backed 48,014 $ 36 (6) 48,044
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total,
held-to-maturity $ 53,353 $ 36 $ (276) $ 53,113
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
U.S. Treasuries $ 173,971 $ 57 $ (694) $ 173,334
Corporate debt 334,448 4,018 (5,036) 333,430
Mortgage-backed 77,906 197 (1,821) 76,282
Redeemable preferred
stocks 19,467 449 (196) 19,720
Equities 32,503 5,027 (1,189) 36,341
Short-term investments 106,712 106,712
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, available-
for-sale $ 745,007 $ 9,748 $ (8,936) $ 745,819
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADING
Corporate debt $ 2,964 $ (100) $ 2,864
Equities 891 $ 394 1,285
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, trading $ 3,855 $ 394 $ (100) $ 4,149
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
42
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE OF SECURITY
(Dollars in GROSS GROSS
thousands) AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
DECEMBER 31, 1995 COST GAINS (LOSSES) VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Mortgage-backed $ 56,674 $ 1,142 $ 57,816
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total,
held-to-maturity $ 56,674 $ 1,142 $ 57,816
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
U.S. Treasuries $ 176,997 $ 641 $ (251) $ 177,387
Corporate debt 231,198 10,485 (126) 241,557
Mortgage-backed 117,876 427 (861) 117,442
Redeemable preferred
stocks 19,849 643 20,492
Equities 32,910 4,185 (1,566) 35,529
Short-term investments 137,083 137,083
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, available-
for-sale $ 715,913 $ 16,381 $ (2,804) $ 729,490
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADING
U.S. Treasuries $ 7,044 $ (17) $ 7,027
Corporate debt 2,958 (37) 2,921
Equities 891 $ 105 996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, trading $ 10,893 $ 105 $ (54) $ 10,944
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 1995, Zenith owned certain debt securities issued by ITT Corporation
("ITT") with an amortized cost of $7,302,000 and a market value of $8,089,000.
In June of 1995, Zenith received information from ITT and other sources
concerning the proposed treatment of its debt securities, including those owned
by Zenith, in connection with a plan of reorganization of ITT into three new
companies. Management concluded from this information that a significant
deterioration in creditworthiness, as described in SFAS No. 115, would occur
with respect to Zenith's investments in ITT debt securities upon consummation of
the reorganization. Accordingly, these securities were transferred from the
held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio and unrealized
appreciation on these securities amounting to $787,000 was recorded as an
adjustment to stockholders' equity in the second quarter of 1995.
On December 28, 1995, under the guidance of FASB Special Report, A Guide to
Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity Securities -- Questions and Answers, Zenith re-evaluated its
portfolio of held-to-maturity securities. As a result, Zenith reclassified
certain held-to-maturity securities, with an amortized cost of $76,029,000 and
an unrealized gain of $6,651,000 at the date of transfer, to available-
for-sale.
Debt securities at December 31, 1996, are due as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) AMORTIZED FAIR
DECEMBER 31, 1996 COST VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
Due after ten years $ 53,353 $ 53,113
- ------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 53,353 $ 53,113
- ------------------------------------------------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
Due in one year or less $ 136,372 $ 136,435
Due after one year through
five years 222,680 222,836
Due after five years through
ten years 186,933 187,040
Due after ten years 166,519 163,167
- ------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 712,504 $ 709,478
- ------------------------------------------------------
Fluctuating interest rates will impact stockholders' equity, profitability
and maturities of certain debt and preferred securities. 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.
Mortgage-backed securities are shown as being due at their average expected
maturity dates. Redeemable preferred stocks with sinking fund redemption periods
are shown as being due at the mid-
point of the sinking fund period. During the past three years, Zenith has not
incurred any material losses due to the credit quality of its investments and
has not included in its financial statements any allowance for possible future
losses.
The gross realized gains on sales of investments classified as
available-for-sale during 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $8,564,000, $4,161,000 and
$4,310,000, respectively and the gross realized losses were $2,355,000,
$1,604,000 and $2,140,000, respectively.
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
43
Investment income is summarized as follows:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed maturities
Bonds $ 37,968 $ 37,019 $ 29,391
Redeemable
preferred stocks 1,578 1,143 2,199
Equity securities
Floating rate
preferred stocks 876 1,229 1,439
Convertible and
nonredeemable
preferred stocks 402 281 484
Common stocks 758 571 441
Short-term investments 9,257 6,555 6,931
Other 3,608 1,703 2,112
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
54,447 48,501 42,997
Less investment expenses 3,293 2,351 2,929
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income $ 51,154 $ 46,150 $ 40,068
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Investments carried at their fair value of $305,440,000 at December 31, 1996
and $310,107,000 at December 31, 1995 were on
deposit with regulatory authorities in compliance
with insurance company regulations.
At December 31, 1996, Zenith and its subsidiaries owned $5,886,000, at fair
value, of securities issued by Reliance Insurance Company, its parent and
affiliates. Reliance Insurance Company is a major stockholder of Zenith. At
December 31, 1996, Zenith and its subsidiaries owned $12,500,000, at fair value,
of securities in Delta Life Corporation. The Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Delta Life Corporation is also a Director of Zenith.
NOTE 3
PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
Properties and equipment consist of the following:
- ------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------
Land $ 14,836 $ 14,836
Buildings 31,642 31,142
Furniture, fixtures and
equipment 32,249 26,218
- ------------------------------------------------------
78,727 72,196
Less accumulated depreciation 29,548 23,494
- ------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 49,179 $ 48,702
- ------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation expense amounted to $5,503,000, $4,949,000 and $4,267,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
NOTE 4
PAYABLE TO BANKS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
Zenith has lines of credit available of $50 million. As of December 31, 1996
and 1995, there were no outstanding balances on these unsecured lines of credit.
Interest on funds borrowed through one of these lines of credit is payable at
the bank's prime rate, less .55%, or a fixed rate chosen by Zenith, and at the
bank's prime rate, less .50%, or a fixed rate chosen by Zenith on the other line
of credit.
Under these agreements, certain restrictive covenants apply including the
maintenance of a specific level of net worth for Zenith and its insurance
subsidiaries.
There were no borrowings on the lines of credit in 1996. The weighted average
interest rate for 1995 and 1994 was 6.8% and 8.5%, respectively. The prime
interest rate was 8.25% and 8.5% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Perma-Bilt has two construction loan agreements, each providing for a
subdivision lot development loan and a construction revolving line of credit
loan, bearing interest at prime plus 1.5% and prime plus 1.25%, respectively.
Each agreement pertains to a separate residential housing project and the
maximum that may be borrowed under the two agreements combined is $20,048,000.
At December 31, 1996, $11,147,000 was outstanding with respect to these loans.
The loans mature between June 20, 1997 and January 10, 1998. The carrying value
of these variable-rate loans approximates fair value at December 31, 1996.
Perma-Bilt is also obligated under various notes payable arising from its
purchase of several parcels of property. Such notes are collateralized by the
land parcels and bear interest at rates between 8% and 12%, with a maximum
maturity of September 2001. The balance outstanding with respect to these notes
was $3,361,000 at December 31, 1996.
NOTE 5
SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE
Zenith issued $75,000,000 of 9% Senior Notes due 2002 (the "9% Notes") at par
in May 1992. Interest on the notes is payable semi-
annually. The notes are general unsecured obligations of Zenith. Issue costs of
$1,213,000
44
are being amortized over the term of the notes and $121,000, $121,000 and
$122,000 of such costs were amortized during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Covenants contained in the indenture include restrictions on the ability of
Zenith and its subsidiaries to incur secured debt and the right of holders of
the 9% Notes to require Zenith to repurchase the 9% Notes upon a decline in the
rating of the 9% Notes within ninety days after the occurrence of certain
events. Those events are: (a) a person or group becomes the beneficial owner of
more than 50% of Zenith common stock; (b) 10% or more of Zenith common stock is
acquired by Zenith within any 12-month period; or (c) the sum of the fair market
value of distributions (other than regular dividends or distributions of capital
stock) and the consideration for purchases of Zenith common stock by Zenith
during a 12-month period is 30% or more of the fair market value of outstanding
Zenith common stock. The fair value at December 31, 1996 of the 9% Notes is
$82,406,000 based on a price published by a rating agency.
Interest incurred on all borrowing is summarized as follows:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest capitalized for real estate
operations $3,127 $1,572 $1,219
Interest not related to real estate
operations 4,877 6,960 5,937
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest incurred $8,004 $8,532 $7,156
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 6
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The components of the provision (benefit) for taxes on income from continuing
operations are:
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Current $ 19,979 $ 5,947 $ 16,716
Deferred (462) 3,753 (1,408)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total federal income taxes $ 19,517 $ 9,700 $ 15,308
- ------------------------------------------------------------
The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% and
Zenith's effective tax rate on income from continuing operations, as reflected
in the financial statements, is explained as follows:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory federal income tax $19,991 $10,298 $15,787
Increase (reduction) in taxes:
Dividend received
deduction (846) (710) (944)
Other 372 112 465
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Total federal income taxes $19,517 $ 9,700 $15,308
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred taxes are provided based upon temporary differences between the tax
and book basis of assets and liabilities. The components of the net deferred tax
assets and liabilities were as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995
(Dollars in thousands) DEFERRED TAX Deferred Tax
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ASSETS LIABILITIES Assets Liabilities
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Differences between the tax
basis and carrying value of
investments, principally
unrealized appreciation on
available-for-sale
investments $ 602 $ 6,291
Deferred policy acquisition
costs 7,263 7,119
Purchased intangibles 1,991 5,372
Properties and equipment 2,385 2,224
Property-casualty loss reserve
discount $ 28,070 $ 25,408
Limitation on deduction for
unearned premiums 8,515 7,921
Policyholders' dividends
accrued 2,286 4,235
Other 2,272 5,348 1,711 4,079
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41,143 17,589 39,275 25,085
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax assets $ 23,554 $ 14,190
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zenith's deferred tax assets are considered fully realizable because of the
historic profitability of Zenith's property-casualty operations, therefore no
valuation allowance was recorded at December 31, 1996 and 1995.
Property-casualty loss reserves are not discounted for book purposes, however
the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requires property-casualty loss reserves to be
discounted for tax purposes.
Current taxes receivable and deferred taxes were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------
Current taxes $ 6,385 $ 419
Deferred taxes 23,554 14,190
- --------------------------------------------------------
Federal income taxes $ 29,939 $ 14,609
- --------------------------------------------------------
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
45
Zenith files a consolidated federal income tax return. Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries pay premium taxes on gross premiums written in lieu of state income
or franchise tax.
NOTE 7
REINSURANCE
Reinsurance transactions reflected in the financial statements are as
follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Ceded reinsurance netted
against earned premiums
for the year $ 24,642 $ 21,112 $ 21,521
Ceded reinsurance netted
against property and
casualty losses and loss
adjustment expenses
incurred 12,396 15,532 17,133
Net assumed reinsurance
included in earned
premiums for the year 41,930 45,367 37,787
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Zenith Insurance has an assumed reinsurance agreement with Reliance Insurance
Company, a major stockholder of Zenith. Estimated costs paid to Reliance
relating to this arrangement amounted to $181,000, $460,000 and $370,000 for
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Such costs are unrelated to the business
conducted between AGC-SIF and Reliance Insurance Company discussed in Note 14.
Zenith maintains excess of loss and catastrophic reinsurance protection which
varies based on the type of coverage. Excess of loss reinsurance covers losses
per occurrence in excess of $350,000 for property, $550,000 for workers'
compensation and $700,000 for liability and umbrella. Zenith's catastrophic
reinsurance coverage provides protection against aggregate losses per event up
to $45,000,000 for property and $100,000,000 for workers' compensation. Assumed
reinsurance business is not covered by such catastrophe reinsurance. Credit
quality of reinsurers may impact profitability and stockholders' equity. No
losses have been incurred from uncollectible reinsurance during the past three
years and no allowances are carried on the financial statements for
unrecoverable reinsurance.
NOTE 8
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Zenith and its subsidiaries lease space for some of its offices expiring
through 2002, equipment on leases expiring through 1998 and automobiles on two
through five-year leases. The minimum rentals on these operating leases as of
December 31, 1996 are as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) EQUIPMENT
AND
YEAR AUTO FLEET OFFICES TOTAL
- ------------------------------------------------------------
1997 $ 799 $ 2,680 $ 3,479
1998 374 2,675 3,049
1999 64 2,336 2,400
2000 1,912 1,912
2001 1,437 1,437
Thereafter 1,463 1,463
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 1,237 $ 12,503 $ 13,740
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Rental expenses for 1996, 1995 and 1994 amounted to $5,358,000, $5,397,000
and $5,033,000, respectively.
Zenith is a corporate underwriting member of Lloyd's and has committed funds
of $6.4 million to support the underwriting of a certain syndicate.
Zenith and its subsidiaries are involved in certain litigation. In the
opinion of management and legal counsel, such litigation is either without merit
or the ultimate liability, if any, will not have a material effect on the
consolidated financial condition of Zenith.
CONTINGENCIES SURROUNDING
RECOVERABILITY OF STATE DISABILITY
TRUST FUND RECEIVABLES
Florida has created a trust fund ("SDTF") and assesses workers' compensation
insurers to pay for what is commonly referred to as "Second Injuries".
Assessments, based upon premium written, have been inadequate to completely fund
obligations of SDTF. Zenith expects future political changes to affect SDTF, the
nature of which cannot be determined at this time. Zenith has recorded a
receivable from SDTF at December 31, 1996 based on specific claims identified by
AGC-SIF and its historical recovery experience, the recoverability of which is
dependent upon such political changes, if any. Zenith has not recorded a
liability for any future assessments from SDTF.
46
CONTINGENCIES SURROUNDING ESTIMATES
OF LIABILITIES FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND
LOSS EXPENSES
On July 5, 1995, Zenith's new workers' compensation computer system became
operational. In addition to enhancing data processing, the new system is
designed, among other things, to improve work flow in the workers' compensation
claims handling process. Management observed certain unusual claim reserving
trends and patterns in 1995 and 1996, possibly related to disruption of normal
work flows due to implementation of the new system. Work flows in the future may
continue to be impacted as training and optimization of the new system
continues. Management believes that its estimate for liabilities for unpaid
workers' compensation losses and loss adjustment expenses (amounting to
$409,138,000 of total reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of
$620,078,000) at December 31, 1996 included in these financial statements is
adequate. However, subsequent re-interpretation of currently available data or
any new information that becomes available may change the estimate of such
liabilities in future periods and such changes, if any, will be reflected in the
financial statements of the period in which they occur.
RESOLUTION OF CONTINGENCIES
SURROUNDING CERTAIN LITIGATION
Other income of $1,910,000 was recognized in 1994 relating to the settlement
in 1993 of litigation associated with Zenith's write-down of non-investment
grade securities in 1990.
NOTE 9
COMMON STOCK
Under employee non-qualified stock option plans adopted by the Board of
Directors and Stockholders in 1978 and in 1996, options are granted to officers
and key employees for the purchase of Zenith's common stock at 100% of
the market price at the date of grant. The options
outstanding at December 31, 1996 expire five years after the date of grant or
three months after termination of employment. Options granted vest one-fourth
per year after the first year. One grant for one million shares is for a term of
ten years and vests one-fifth per year after the first year.
Zenith has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS No.
123") effective for the year ended December 31, 1996. Accordingly, no
compensation cost has been recognized for the stock option plans. Had
compensation cost for Zenith's stock option plans been determined based on the
fair value at the grant date for awards in 1996 and 1995 consistent with the
provisions of SFAS No. 123, Zenith's net income and net income per share would
have been reduced to the pro-forma amounts indicated below:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands except per share
data) 1996 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net income -- as reported $ 37,600 $ 6,600
Net income -- pro-forma 36,647 6,541
Earnings per share -- as reported 2.11 .36
Earnings per share -- pro-forma 2.00 .36
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
The pro-forma effect on net income for 1996 and 1995 is not representative of
the pro-forma effect on net income in future years because it does not take into
consideration pro-forma compensation expense related to grants made prior to
1995.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-
Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions
used for grants in 1996: dividend yield of 4.2%; expected volatility of 27.4%;
risk-free interest rate of 6.5% and expected lives of 4 years for options with a
five-year term and 10 years for options with a ten-year term.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during 1996 and
1995 was $6.16 and $4.43, respectively.
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
47
Additional information with respect to stock options is as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
NUMBER EXERCISE
(Options in thousands) OF SHARES PRICE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at January 1, 1994 1,304 $19.74
Granted 190 23.49
Exercised 124 16.88
Expired or cancelled 75 18.87
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994 1,295 20.62
Granted 509 21.52
Exercised 276 15.96
Expired or cancelled 394 21.24
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995 1,134 21.94
Granted 1,422 24.51
Exercised 136 18.90
Expired or cancelled 72 22.56
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996 2,348 $23.65
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
The number of shares exercisable and the weighted average exercise price of
options outstanding at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 474,000 and $22.44,
335,000 and $21.40 and 764,000 and $19.19, respectively.
The range of exercise price of options outstanding at December 31, 1996 was
$16.68-$28.19 per share. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the
options with a five-year term was 3.3 years. Such life for the options with a
ten-year term was 9.2 years.
At December 31, 1996, Zenith had authority from its Board of Directors to
purchase 1,104,000 common shares at prevailing market prices.
NOTE 10
DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
State insurance regulations limit the maximum dividends that may be paid to
Zenith by its insurance company subsidiaries during any 12-month period without
prior regulatory approval. Stockholder's equity of Zenith's insurance
subsidiaries, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
amounted to $327,948,000 as of December 31, 1996, of which $26,534,000 can be
paid in 1997 to Zenith in dividends without prior approval, leaving a restricted
balance of $301,414,000.
NOTE 11
STATUTORY FINANCIAL DATA
Capital stock and surplus and net income of Zenith's insurance subsidiaries
on a statutory basis as reported to regulatory authorities were as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in
thousands)
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------
Capital stock and
surplus $ 265,341 $ 223,019 $ 230,040
Net income 33,384 17,157 32,856
- ------------------------------------------------------
The insurance business is subject to state-by-
state regulation and legislation focused on solvency, pricing, market conduct,
claims practices, underwriting, accounting, investment criteria and other areas.
Such regulation and
legislation is constantly changing and compliance
is essential and is an inherent risk of the business.
NOTE 12
UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands
except per share data)
YEAR ENDED MARCH JUNE SEPTEMBER DECEMBER
DECEMBER 31, 1996 31 30 30 31
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Premium earned $ 112,237 $ 108,255 $ 112,492 $ 119,872
Net investment
income 12,054 12,836 12,574 13,690
Realized gains on
investments 4,272 3,778 178 2,579
Real estate sales 5,985 8,810 11,822 14,937
Net income 12,400 10,700 9,100 5,400
Net income per share .70 .60 .51 .30
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in
thousands
except per share
data)
YEAR ENDED MARCH JUNE SEPTEMBER DECEMBER
DECEMBER 31, 1995 31 30 30 31
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Premium earned $ 107,059 $ 106,439 $ 108,401 $ 115,614
Net investment
income 11,291 11,949 11,510 11,400
Realized gains
on investments 166 1,013 1,548 894
Real estate sales 8,820 11,273 8,859 2,784
Income from continuing
operations 4,358 7,511 6,000 1,853
Income from
continuing
operations per
share .23 .40 .34 .10
Net income (loss) 6,900 10,200 (11,800) 1,300
Net income (loss)
per share .36 .54 (.66) .07
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Amounts for the first two quarters of 1995 have been restated to reflect the
life and annuity operations of CalFarm Life Insurance Company as discontinued
operations.
48
NOTE 13
LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT
EXPENSE RESERVES
The following table represents a reconciliation of changes in liabilities for
unpaid property-
casualty losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three years ended December
31, 1996.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning of year, net of
reinsurance recoverable $ 463,123 $ 462,710 $ 474,499
Incurred claims:
Current year 318,509 327,724 303,568
Prior years (3,809) (2,135) (9,720)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total incurred claims 314,700 325,589 293,848
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Payments:
Current year (131,061) (149,688) (131,938)
Prior years (185,764) (175,488) (173,699)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total payments (316,825) (325,176) (305,637)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
End of year, net of
reinsurance 460,998 463,123 462,710
Reinsurance recoverable 56,390 54,429 47,696
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
End of year, before AGC-SIF 517,388 517,552 510,406
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
AGC-SIF reserves acquired on
December 31, 1996, net 65,429
AGC-SIF recoverable from
reinsurers & state trust
funds 37,261
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
End of year $ 620,078 $ 517,552 $ 510,406
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory reserves differ from GAAP in 1996 by the amount of the deposit
receivable from Reliance, which is treated as reinsurance recoverable for
statutory purposes.
NOTE 14
ACQUISITION
On December 31, 1996, Zenith completed the previously-announced acquisition
of AGC-SIF. Under the terms of the acquisition, Zenith acquired by merger all of
AGC-SIF's assets and assumed its liabilities, including the liabilities of the
insured Members of AGC-SIF for future assessments. Over a three-year period,
Zenith will distribute to AGC-SIF's Members a minimum amount of $1.14 million to
a maximum amount equal to AGC-SIF's Adjusted GAAP Net Worth, as defined in the
Agreement, based on a formula and audited by an independent certified public
accounting firm.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the assets and
liabilities of AGC-SIF at December 31, 1996 were merged into Zenith's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Zenith Insurance Company, and are included in Zenith's
December 31, 1996 consolidated balance sheet.
The following table summarizes the fair value of AGC-SIF's assets acquired
and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
- -----------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) DECEMBER
31, 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Invested assets, primarily U.S. Government
issues $ 44,527
Cash 2,662
Premiums receivable 6,923
Receivable from reinsurers and state trust funds 38,143
Deposit receivable 14,776
Other assets, including intangible assets 8,137
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $ 115,168
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities
Unpaid losses and loss expenses $ 102,690
Other liabilities 12,478
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities $ 115,168
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Intangible assets arising from the merger amounted to approximately
$2,889,000 which will be amortized over 20 years. The purchase price allocation
has been prepared on a preliminary basis, subject to adjustment should new or
additional facts become known.
The following pro-forma financial information combines Zenith and AGC-SIF's
results of operations assuming that the acquisition took place at the beginning
of 1995. These pro-
forma results are not necessarily indicative of future operations of the
combined company.
- --------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands
except per share data) 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $ 600,469 $ 564,114
Income from continuing operations 35,932 18,837
Net income 35,932 5,715
Earnings per share:
Income from continuing
operations 2.01 1.03
Net income 2.01 .31
- --------------------------------------------------------
AGC-SIF purchased aggregate excess and specific excess reinsurance for
protection against losses in excess of stated retentions in each year of
coverage. The maximum coverage varies by year. For the three years ended
December 31, 1996, the retention was $750,000 per occurrence and the maximum
coverage was the statutory limit. Beginning in 1997, reinsurance for business
written in Florida will be combined with Zenith's existing reinsurance
arrangements as described in Note 7.
AGC-SIF maintained certain reinsurance agreements with Reliance Insurance
Company, which is a major stockholder of Zenith. On December 31, 1996, Zenith
acquired balances relating to these contracts of $20,215,000, of which
$14,776,000 is included as a deposit receivable in
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
49
Zenith's consolidated balance sheet. The remainder is included in receivable
from reinsurers.
NOTE 15
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During the fourth quarter of 1995, Zenith completed the sale of its
wholly-owned subsidiary, CalFarm Life Insurance Company ("CalFarm Life"), to a
subsidiary of SunAmerica, Inc. for approximately $120 million in cash. The group
health insurance business of CalFarm Life was retained by Zenith. The sale
resulted in a loss of approximately $19.5 million, after tax, which was
recognized by Zenith principally in the third quarter of 1995. The life and
annuity operations of CalFarm Life are presented as discontinued operations and
prior-year financial statements have been restated. The unrealized loss
associated with investments classified as available-for-sale in the life and
annuity operation at December 31, 1994 was $22,539,000 net of deferred taxes.
Group health insurance operations are included in the property-casualty business
segment.
Revenues for the discontinued operation were $88,610,000 and $83,357,000 for
1995 and 1994, respectively. After tax income for the discontinued operation
from the measurement date to the disposal date was $3,960,000.
NOTE 16
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Zenith's operations are conducted through two business segments. These
segments and their respective operations are as follows:
PARENT
Zenith is a holding company owning directly or indirectly all of the capital
stock of certain
California insurance and insurance-related companies. In 1993, Zenith commenced
a real estate operation through a newly formed subsidiary, Perma-Bilt.
PROPERTY-CASUALTY OPERATIONS
Zenith's property-casualty insurance operations offer multiple product line
direct insurance and reinsurance. Investments and related income of the
property-casualty insurance companies are available for payment of claims and
benefits and have not been identified with individual product lines.
50
The following table is a summary of results by major segments:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1996 1995 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY-CASUALTY
Net written premiums $ 458,061 $ 439,882 $ 448,640
Net earned premiums 452,856 437,513 438,829
Investment income 48,457 45,931 39,611
Underwriting income (loss) 1,093 (13,600) 9,507
Income from continuing operations after taxes and before
realized gains(1) 32,629 21,608 32,405
Income from continuing operations after taxes 39,654 23,934 33,327
Identifiable assets 1,137,520 1,005,133 961,212
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARENT
Real estate sales 41,554 31,736 30,220
Investment income 2,697 219 457
(Loss) from continuing operations after taxes and before
realized gains(1) (2,054) (4,240) (3,536)
(Loss) from continuing operations after taxes (2,054) (4,212) (3,529)
Identifiable assets 108,350 115,429 28,752
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED TOTAL
Net earned premiums 452,856 437,513 438,829
Real estate sales 41,554 31,736 30,220
Investment income 51,154 46,150 40,068
Underwriting income (loss) 1,093 (13,600) 9,507
Income from continuing operations after taxes and before
realized gains(1)(2) 30,575 17,368 27,628
Income from continuing operations 37,600 19,722 29,798
Income (loss) from discontinued life and annuity
operations, net of tax (13,122) 8,102
Net income 37,600 6,600 37,900
Per share 2.11 .36 1.99
Total assets(3) $ 1,242,724 $ 1,115,433 $ 1,093,675
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Realized gains on investments after taxes were as
follows:
1996 1995 1994
---------------------------------------
Property-Casualty $ 7,025 $ 2,326 $ 922
Parent 28 7
---------------------------------------
Consolidated Total $ 7,025 $ 2,354 $ 929
(2) Excludes $1,241,000 in 1994 for effect of legal settlement.
(3) Reflects elimination entry of $3,146,000, $5,129,000 and $661,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively and net assets of discontinued operations of $104,372,000 in 1994.
NOTE 17
UNAUDITED COMMON STOCK MARKET PRICES
The following table shows the high and low common stock prices during each
quarter for the past two years.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995
---------------------- ----------------------
HIGH LOW High Low
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31 247/8 211/8 223/4 193/8
June 30 287/8 237/8 22 20
September 30 281/2 261/4 241/4 20
December 31 28 251/4 245/8 20
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CalFarm
[THE ZENITH]
51
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Zenith National Insurance Corp.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Zenith
National Insurance Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders'
equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Zenith National
Insurance Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Los Angeles, California, February 14, 1997
52