SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998 Commission File No. 0-3681
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California 95-221-1612
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
4484 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (323)937-1060
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
Title of Class Name of Exchange on Which Registered
-------------- ------------------------------------
Common Stock New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act
NONE
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ____
-----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's voting stock held by non-
affiliates of the Registrant at March 8, 1999, was approximately $888,043,000
(based upon the closing sales price of such date, as reported by the Wall Street
Journal).
At March 8, 1999, the Registrant had issued and outstanding an aggregate of
54,684,438 shares of its Common Stock.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of Registrant to be held on May 12, 1999 are incorporated herein by
reference into Part III hereof.
Item 1. Business
--------
General
Mercury General Corporation ("Mercury General") and its subsidiaries
(collectively, "the Company") are engaged primarily in writing all risk
classifications of automobile insurance in a number of states, principally
California. During 1998, private passenger automobile insurance and commercial
automobile insurance accounted for 91.7% and 4.1%, respectively, of the total
Company's direct premiums written. The percentage of direct automobile premiums
written during 1998 by state was 93.9% in California, 2.0% in Oklahoma, 1.3% in
Texas, 1.0% in Georgia, 0.9% in Illinois, 0.8% in Florida and a negligible
amount in Kansas. The Company also writes homeowners insurance, mechanical
breakdown insurance, commercial and dwelling fire insurance and commercial
property insurance. The non-automobile lines of insurance accounted for 4.2% of
direct written premiums in 1998, of which approximately 50% was in commercial
lines.
The Company offers automobile policyholders the following types of
coverage: bodily injury liability, underinsured and uninsured motorist,
property damage liability, comprehensive, collision and other hazards specified
in the policy. The Company's published maximum limits of liability for bodily
injury are $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and, for property damage,
$250,000 per accident. Subject to special underwriting approval, the combined
policy limits may be as high as $1,000,000 for vehicles written under the
Company's commercial automobile plan. Under the majority of the Company's
automobile policies, however, the limits of liability are $100,000 per person,
$300,000 per accident and $50,000 for property damage or less.
In 1999, A.M. Best & Co. ("A.M. Best") assigned a rating of A+ (Superior)
to all of the Company's insurance subsidiaries except American Mercury Insurance
Company ("AMIC") and American Mercury Lloyds Insurance Company ("AML"). This is
the second highest of the fifteen rating categories in the A.M. Best rating
system, which range from A++ (Superior) to F (In Liquidation). AMIC and AML,
which accounted for less than 6% of the Company's 1998 net written premiums,
were rated A- (Excellent) in 1999 by A.M. Best.
The principal executive offices of Mercury General are located in Los
Angeles, California. The home office of its California insurance subsidiaries
and the Company's computer and operations center is located in Brea, California.
The Company maintains branch offices in a number of locations in California as
well as a branch office in Clearwater, Florida. The non-California
subsidiaries maintain offices in Vernon Hills, Illinois, Atlanta, Georgia,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Cimarron, Kansas. The Company has approximately
2,200 employees.
Organization
Mercury General, an insurance holding company, is the parent of Mercury
Casualty, a California automobile insurer founded in 1961 by George Joseph, its
Chief Executive Officer. Its insurance operations in California are conducted
through three California insurance company subsidiaries, Mercury Casualty
Company
2
("Mercury Casualty"), Mercury Insurance Company ("Mercury Insurance"),
and California Automobile Insurance Company. Two subsidiaries, Mercury
Insurance Company of Georgia and Mercury Insurance Company of Illinois,
received authority in late 1989 to write automobile insurance in those two
states. In 1992, Mercury Indemnity Company of Georgia and Mercury Indemnity
Company of Illinois were formed to write preferred risk automobile insurance in
those two states. Through the Company's first acquisition in December 1996,
three additional subsidiaries were added to the group: American Fidelity
Insurance Company, domiciled in Oklahoma; Cimarron Insurance Company, domiciled
in Kansas; and AFI Management Company, Inc., a Texas corporation which serves as
the attorney-in-fact for American Fidelity Lloyds Insurance Company, a Texas
insurer. Accordingly, their operations are included in the consolidated
financial statements of the Company effective December 1, 1996. During 1997, the
names of American Fidelity Insurance Company and American Fidelity Lloyds
Insurance Company were changed to American Mercury Insurance Company and
American Mercury Lloyds Insurance Company, respectively. In June 1998, Cimarron
Insurance Company was sold for cash. Cimarron's results, which are not material
to the Company's operations, are included in the Company's 1998 operating
results up to the sale date.
Mercury General furnishes management services to its California, Georgia,
Illinois and Oklahoma subsidiaries. Mercury General, its subsidiaries, and AML
are referred to as the "Company" unless the context indicates otherwise.
Mercury General Corporation individually is referred to as "Mercury General."
The term "California Companies" refers to Mercury Casualty, Mercury Insurance
and California Automobile Insurance Company.
Underwriting
The Company sets its own automobile insurance premium rates, subject to
rating regulations issued by the Insurance Commissioners of the applicable
states. Automobile insurance rates on voluntary business in California have
been subject to prior approval by the California Department of Insurance ("DOI")
since November 1989. The Company uses its own extensive data base to establish
rates and classifications. The California DOI has in effect rating factor
regulations that influence the weight the Company ascribes to various
classifications of data.
At December 31, 1998, "good drivers" (as defined by the California
Insurance Code) accounted for approximately 74% of all voluntary private
passenger automobile policies in force in California, while the higher risk
categories accounted for approximately 26%. The renewal rate in California (the
rate of acceptance of offers to renew) averages approximately 95%.
In October 1998, the Company began offering a monthly pay policy through
its California Automobile Insurance Company subsidiary targeted at higher risk
drivers who do not fall into existing risk classifications. An insignificant
amount of this business was in-force at December 31, 1998.
The Company's Oklahoma and Texas private passenger automobile business in
force, underwritten through AMI, is primarily standard and preferred risks. AMI
3
began offering a non-standard policy during 1998 in Texas. The amount of non-
standard policies in force at December 31, 1998 was insignificant.
The Company's Florida private passenger automobile business in force,
underwritten by Mercury Casualty Company, is primarily standard and preferred
risks.
Production and Servicing of Business
The Company sells its policies through more than 1,700 independent agents,
of which approximately 800 are located in California, approximately 300 are
located in Florida and approximately 540 others represent AMI in Oklahoma,
Kansas and Texas. Approximately half of the agents in California have
represented the Company for more than ten years. The agents, most of whom also
represent one or more competing insurance companies, are independent contractors
selected and appointed by the Company.
One agency produced approximately 19%, 18% and 17% during 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively, of the Company's total direct premiums written. This agency
was sold during 1998 to a large national broker. The buyer has informed the
Company that they intend to continue producing business for the Company. No
other agent accounted for more than 2% of direct premiums written.
The Company believes that its agents' compensation is higher than the
industry average. During 1998 total commissions and bonuses incurred averaged
16.7% of direct premiums written. The Company is not responsible for any of
its agents' expenses.
In April 1998, the Company began its first major radio and billboard
advertising campaign in California to supplement its existing newspaper and
direct mail advertising campaigns. The newspaper campaign has been in place
since the fourth quarter 1995 and has met the Company's expectations. The cost
of the newspaper program is primarily borne by the Company's agents. The cost
of the radio and billboard campaign is primarily borne by the Company. Although
the radio and billboard campaign have not met Company expectations, the Company
intends to continue the program in the current competitive climate (See
Competitive Conditions).
Claims
Claims operations are conducted by the Company. The claims staff in
California, Georgia, Illinois, Florida and Oklahoma administers all claims and
directs all legal and adjustment aspects of the claims process. The Company
adjusts most claims without the assistance of outside adjusters.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
The Company maintains reserves for the payment of losses and loss
adjustment expenses for both reported and unreported claims. Loss reserves are
4
estimated based upon a case-by-case evaluation of the type of claim involved and
the expected development of such claim. The amount of loss reserves and loss
adjustment expense reserves for unreported claims are determined on the basis of
historical information by line of insurance. Inflation is reflected in the
reserving process through analysis of cost trends and reviews of historical
reserving results.
The ultimate liability may be greater or lower than stated loss reserves.
Reserves are closely monitored and are analyzed quarterly by the Company's
actuarial consultants using new information on reported claims and a variety of
statistical techniques. The Company does not discount to a present value that
portion of its loss reserves expected to be paid in future periods. The Tax
Reform Act of 1986 does, however, require the Company to discount loss reserves
for Federal income tax purposes.
5
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance deductions,
as shown on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the periods
indicated.
Year ended December 31,
------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(Amounts in thousands)
Net reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses, beginning of year........................ $386,270 $311,754 $250,990
Reserves acquired from purchase of American
Mercury Insurance Company........................... -- -- 24,231
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Provision for insured events of the
current year................................ 693,877 641,911 505,726
Increase (decrease) in provision for
Insured events of prior years............... (9,409) 12,818 (3,868)
------ ------ ------
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment
expenses.................................. 684,468 654,729 501,858
------- ------- -------
Payments:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses attribu-
table to insured events of the current
year......................................... 437,612 373,823 298,099
Losses and loss adjustment expenses attribu-
table to insured events of prior years....... 247,310 206,390 167,226
------- ------- -------
Total payments............................... 684,922 580,213 465,325
------- ------- -------
Net reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses at the end of the period................... 385,816 386,270 311,754
Reinsurance recoverable.............................. 20,160 22,791 24,931
------- ------- -------
Gross liability at end of year....................... $405,976 $409,061 $336,685
======= ======= =======
The AMI purchase agreement includes an indemnification by the seller on the
loss and loss adjustment expense reserves of AMI at the acquisition date,
excluding the mechanical breakdown line, to avoid any impact on the Company's
financial statements from any future adverse development on the acquisition date
loss reserves.
Losses incurred in 1998 include approximately $0.5 million of adverse
development related to acquisition date loss reserves of AMI. As per guidance
provided by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) release EITF D-54, the
Company has recorded the effects of the reserve guarantee separately as a
component of other receivables and other income rather than netting the effects
directly against the loss reserve and loss expense accounts.
6
The difference between the reserves reported in the Company's consolidated
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") and those reported in the statements filed with the
Department of Insurance in accordance with statutory accounting principles
("SAP") is shown in the following table:
December 31,
---------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(Amounts in thousands)
Reserves reported on a SAP basis.........$385,816 $386,270 $311,754
Reinsurance recoverable.................. 20,160 22,791 24,931
-------- -------- --------
Reserves reported on a GAAP basis........$405,976 409,061 $336,685
======== ======== ========
Under SAP reserves are stated net of reinsurance recoverable in contrast to
GAAP where reserves are stated gross of reinsurance recoverable.
The following table represents the development of loss reserves for the
period 1988 through 1998. The top line of the table shows the reserves at the
balance sheet date net of reinsurance recoverable for each of the indicated
years. This represents the estimated amount of losses and loss adjustment
expenses for claims arising in all prior years that are unpaid at the balance
sheet date, including losses that had been incurred but not yet reported to the
Company. The upper portion of the table shows the cumulative amounts paid as of
successive years with respect to that reserve liability. The lower portion of
the table shows the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded reserves
based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year, including cumulative
payments made since the end of the respective year. The estimate changes as
more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for
individual years. A redundancy (deficiency) exists when the original reserve
estimate is greater (less) than the re-estimated reserves at December 31, 1998.
In evaluating the information in the table, it should be noted that each
amount includes the effects of all changes in amounts for prior periods. This
table does not present accident or policy year development data. Conditions and
trends that have affected development of the liability in the past may not
necessarily occur in the future. Accordingly, it may not be appropriate to
extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based on this table.
As of December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Amounts in thousands)
Net reserves for
losses and loss
adjustment expenses. $241,037 $291,408 $301,354 $280,157 $239,203 $214,525 $223,392 $250,990 $311,754 $386,270 $385,816
Paid (cumulative)
as of:
One year later..... 139,874 167,850 181,781 151,866 135,188 143,272 145,664 167,226 206,390 247,310
Two years later.... 195,453 227,503 238,030 197,640 184,119 187,641 198,967 225,158 283,914
Three years later.. 218,335 249,371 254,884 213,824 197,371 204,606 214,403 248,894
Four years later... 226,384 256,659 261,058 218,067 201,365 207,704 219,596
Five years later... 229,168 259,147 263,011 220,057 202,383 209,930
Six years later.... 229,773 259,781 262,741 220,313 203,578
Seven years later.. 229,815 259,769 262,770 221,098
Eight years later.. 229,693 259,769 263,527
Nine years later... 229,793 260,444
Ten years later.... 230,286
7
As of December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Amounts in thousands)
Net reserves re-estimated as of:
One year later.....$230,249 $269,934 $285,212 $230,991 $204,479 $204,451 $216,684 $247,122 $324,572 $376,861
Two years later.....233,607 269,652 265,618 218,404 204,999 207,089 222,861 254,920 329,210
Three years later...234,757 259,635 259,624 220,620 203,452 210,838 221,744 257,958
Four years later....228,909 256,694 264,259 221,118 204,603 210,890 222,957
Five years later....228,326 260,365 264,127 221,264 203,705 211,192
Six years later.....230,102 260,402 263,336 220,721 204,161
Seven years later...229,998 260,098 263,045 220,974
Eight years later...229,809 260,031 263,341
Nine years later....229,882 260,233
Ten years later.....230,081
Net Cumulative Redundancy
(deficiency)....... 10,956 31,175 38,013 59,183 35,042 3,333 435 (6,968) (17,456) 9,409
As of December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Amounts in thousands)
Gross liability - end of year 240,183 215,301 227,499 253,546 336,685 409,061 405,976
Reinsurance recoverable (980) (776) (4,107) (2,556) (24,931) (22,791) (20,160)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net liability - end of year 239,203 214,525 223,392 250,990 311,754 386,270 385,816
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Gross re-estimated liability - latest 209,907 218,013 235,230 266,973 356,066 400,981
Re-estimated recoverable - latest (5,746) (6,821) (12,273) (9,015) (26,856) (24,120)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net re-estimated liability - latest 204,161 211,192 222,957 257,958 329,210 376,861
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency) 30,276 (2,712) (7,731) (13,427) (19,381) 8,080
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
For the calendar year 1997, the Company's previously estimated loss
reserves produced a redundancy. The Company attributes the favorable loss
development primarily to the effect of Proposition 213, a California initiative
passed in November 1996 that prevents uninsured motorists, drunk drivers and
fleeing felons from collecting awards for "pain and suffering." See Regulations
- -California Financial Responsibility Law. This new law produced an overall
reduction in loss severity for calendar year 1997. In addition, a new law,
effective January 1, 1997 requiring proof of insurance before registration of a
motor vehicle resulted in a much smaller pool of uninsured motorists, thereby
decreasing the frequency of uninsured motorists claims. See Regulations-
California Financial Responsibility Law.
For the calendar years 1995 and 1996, the Company's previously estimated
loss reserves produced deficiencies. These deficiencies relate to increases in
the Company's ultimate estimates for loss adjustment expenses which are based
principally on the Company's actual experience. The adverse development on such
reserves reflects the increases in the legal expenses of defending the Company's
insureds arising from the Company's policy of aggressively defending, including
litigating, exaggerated bodily injury claims arising from minimal impact
automobile accidents.
For the calendar years 1988 through 1994, the Company's previously
estimated loss reserves produced redundancies. The Company attributes this
favorable loss development to several factors. First, the Company had completed
its development of a full complement of claims personnel early in this period.
Second, during 1988, the California Supreme Court reversed what was known as the
"Royal Globe" doctrine, which, since 1978, had permitted third party plaintiffs
8
to sue insurers for alleged "bad faith" in resolving claims, even when the
plaintiff had voluntarily agreed to a settlement. This doctrine had placed
undue pressures on claims representatives to settle legitimate disputes at
unfairly high settlement amounts. After the reversal of Royal Globe, the
Company believes that it has been able to achieve fairer settlements, because
both parties are in a more equal bargaining position. Third, during the years
1988 through 1990, the volume of business written in the Assigned Risk Program
expanded substantially as rates were suppressed at grossly inadequate levels.
Following the California Insurance Commissioner's approval of an 85% temporary
rate increase in September 1990, the volume of assigned risk business has
declined by nearly 80%. Many of the claims associated with the high volume of
assigned risk business in the 1988-1990 period were later found to be fraudulent
or grossly exaggerated and were settled in subsequent periods for substantially
less than had been initially reserved.
Operating Ratios
Loss and Expense Ratios
-----------------------
Loss and underwriting expense ratios are used to interpret the
underwriting experience of property and casualty insurance companies. Losses
and loss adjustment expenses, on a statutory basis, are stated as a percentage
of premiums earned because losses occur over the life of a policy. Underwriting
expenses on a statutory basis are stated as a percentage of premiums written
rather than premiums earned because most underwriting expenses are incurred when
policies are written and are not spread over the policy period. The statutory
underwriting profit margin is the extent to which the combined loss and
underwriting expense ratios are less than 100%. The Company's loss ratio,
expense ratio and combined ratio, and the private passenger automobile industry
combined ratio, on a statutory basis, are shown in the following table. The
Company's ratios include lines of insurance other than private passenger
automobile written by Mercury Casualty and AMI. Since these other lines
represent only a small percentage of premiums written, the Company believes its
ratios can be compared to the industry ratios included in the table.
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Loss Ratio........................... 61.1% 63.5% 66.6% 67.8% 68.4%
Expense Ratio........................ 26.3 24.7 24.0 24.0 24.6
---- ----- ---- ---- ----
Combined Ratio....................... 87.4% 88.2% 90.6% 91.8% 93.0%
==== ===== ==== ==== ====
Industry combined ratio (all
writers) (1)....................... 99.7%(2) 99.5% 101.0% 101.3% 101.3%
Industry combined ratio (excluding
direct writers) (1)................ N.A. 100.1% 102.6% 102.0% 101.3%
- ------------------------------------
(1) Source: A.M. Best, Aggregates & Averages (1995 through 1998), for all
property and casualty insurance companies (private passenger automobile
line only, after policyholder dividends).
(2) Source: A.M. Best, "Best's Review, January 1999," "Review Preview."
(N.A.) Not available.
9
Premiums to Surplus Ratio
-------------------------
The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the insurance
companies' statutory ratios of net premiums written to policyholders' surplus.
While there is no statutory requirement applicable to the Company which
establishes a permissible net premium writings to surplus ratio, widely
recognized guidelines established by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC") indicate that this ratio should be no greater than 3 to
1.
Year ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Amounts in thousands, except ratios)
Net premiums written..... $1,144,051 $1,086,241 $795,873 $636,590 $550,838
Policyholders' surplus... $ 767,223 $ 679,359 $594,799 $479,114 $411,898
Ratio.................... 1.5 to 1 1.6 to 1 1.3 to 1 1.3 to 1 1.3 to 1
Risk-Based Capital Requirements
-------------------------------
In December 1993, the NAIC adopted a risk-based capital formula for
casualty insurance companies which establishes recommended minimum capital
requirements for casualty companies. The formula has been designed to capture
the widely varying elements of risks undertaken by writers of different lines of
insurance having differing risk characteristics, as well as writers of similar
lines where differences in risk may be related to corporate structure,
investment policies, reinsurance arrangements and a number of other factors.
Based on the formula adopted by the NAIC, the Company has estimated the Risk-
Based Capital Requirements of each of its insurance subsidiaries as of December
31, 1998. Each of the companies exceeded the highest level of minimum required
capital.
Investments and Investment Results
The investments of the Company are made by the Company's Chief Investment
Officer under the supervision of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company
follows an investment policy which is regularly reviewed and revised. The
Company's policy emphasizes investment grade, fixed income securities and
maximization of after-tax yields. The Company does not invest with a view to
achieving realized gains. However, sales of securities are undertaken, with
resulting gains or losses, in order to enhance after-tax yield and keep the
portfolio in line with current market conditions. Tax considerations are
important in portfolio management, and have been made more so since 1986 when
the alternative minimum tax was imposed on casualty companies. Changes in loss
experience, growth rates and profitability produce significant changes in the
Company's exposure to alternative minimum tax liability, requiring appropriate
shifts in the investment asset mix between taxable bonds, tax-exempt bonds and
equities in order to maximize after-tax yield. The optimum asset mix is subject
to continuous review. At year-end, approximately 79% of the Company's
portfolio, at market values, was invested in medium to long term, investment
grade tax-exempt revenue and municipal bonds. The average Standard & Poor's
rating of the
10
Company's bond holdings was AA- at December 31, 1998.
The nominal average maturity of the bond portfolio, was 16.6 years at
December 31, 1998, but the call-adjusted average maturity of the portfolio is
shorter, approximately 7.3 years, because holdings are heavily weighted with
high coupon issues which are expected to be called prior to maturity. The
modified duration of the bond portfolio reflecting anticipated early calls was
5.8 years at December 31, 1998. Duration is a measure of how long it takes, on
average, to receive all the cash flows produced by a bond, including
reinvestment of interest. Because of its sensitivity to interest rates, it is a
proxy for a bond's price volatility. The longer the duration, the greater the
price volatility in relation to changes in interest rates.
Holdings of lower than investment grade bonds constitute approximately 1%
of total investments. The Company continually evaluates the recoverability of
its investment holdings. When a decline in value of fixed maturities or equity
securities is considered other than temporary, a loss is recognized in the
Consolidated Statement of Income. Equity holdings consist primarily of
perpetual preferred stocks and relatively high yielding electric utility common
stocks on which dividend income is partially tax-sheltered by the 70% corporate
dividend exclusion.
The following table summarizes the investment results of the Company for
the five years ended December 31, 1998.
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1998(1) 1997(1) 1996(1) 1995 1994
----------- ----------- --------- --------- -----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Averaged invested assets (includes
short-term cash investments).(2)................ $1,474,534 $1,262,925 $975,058 $827,861 $727,866
Net investment income:
Before income taxes....................... 96,169 86,812 70,180 62,964 54,586
After income taxes........................ 87,199 77,917 63,371 57,035 49,787
Average annual return on investments:
Before income taxes....................... 6.5% 6.9% 7.2% 7.6% 7.5%
After income taxes........................ 5.9% 6.2% 6.5% 6.9% 6.8%
Net realized investment gains
(losses) after income taxes..................... (2,552) 3,232 (2,062) 681 (6,485)
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized gains on
all investments after income taxes.............. $ 5,065 $ 27,175 $ (6,271) $ 37,960 $(36,503)
(1) Includes AMI for the month of December 1996 and the full years 1997 and
1998.
(2) Fixed maturities at cost, equities at market.
11
The following table sets forth the composition of the investment portfolio
of the Company at the dates indicated:
December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------------- ------------------- --------------------
Amortized Market Amortized Market Amortized Market
Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value
------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
Taxable Bonds............. $ 28,339 $ 29,163 $ 50,096 $ 50,662 $ 76,494 $ 76,113
Tax-Exempt State and
Municipal Bonds.......... 1,174,630 1,251,475 1,021,259 1,085,613 781,586 808,761
Sinking Fund Preferred
Stocks................... 42,471 44,270 76,239 78,711 66,713 69,234
---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total Fixed Maturity
Investments........... 1,245,440 1,324,908 1,147,594 1,214,986 924,793 954,108
Equity Investments incl.
Perpetual Preferred
Stocks................... 220,449 219,745 169,943 173,522 148,264 148,112
Short-term Cash Invest-
ments.................... 45,992 45,992 59,740 59,740 66,067 66,067
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Investments......... $1,511,881 $1,590,645 $1,377,277 $1,448,248 $1,139,124 $1,168,287
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
At December 31, 1998, the Company had a net unrealized gain on all investments
of $78,764,000 before income taxes.
Competitive Conditions
The property and casualty insurance industry is highly competitive. The
insurance industry consists of a large number of companies, many of which
operate in more than one state, offering automobile, homeowners and commercial
property insurance, as well as insurance coverage in other lines. Many of the
Company's competitors have larger volumes of business and greater financial
resources than the Company. Based on regularly published statistical
compilations, the Company in 1998 was the sixth largest writer of private
passenger automobile insurance in California. All of the insurance companies
having greater shares of the California market sell insurance either directly or
through exclusive agents, rather than through independent agents.
The property and casualty insurance industry is highly cyclical, character-
ized by periods of high premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity
followed by periods of severe price competition and excess capacity. In the
Company's view, competitive pressures have become more pronounced in the last
several years. Some of the major writers in California have recently instituted
rate cuts and most competitors have instituted one or more rate cuts over the
last twenty-four months. In addition, many competitors have increased their
marketing efforts.
Price and reputation for service are the principal means by which the
Company competes with other automobile insurers. The Company believes that it
has a good reputation for service, and it has, historically, been among the
12
lowest-priced insurers doing business in California according to surveys
conducted by the California DOI. In the most recent survey conducted in 1998,
the Company's rates for most classes of insureds were among the lowest available
in most territories throughout the state. In addition to good service and
competitive pricing, for those insurers dealing through independent agents, as
the Company does, the marketing efforts of agents is a means of competition.
The current and future competitive climate for private passenger automobile
insurance in California remains uncertain. All rates charged by private
passenger automobile insurers are subject to the prior approval of the
California Insurance Commissioner. New rating factor regulations have recently
been issued and the filings required under those regulations have been approved.
See "Regulation - Automobile Insurance Rating Factor Regulations."
The Company encounters similar competition in each state in which it
operates outside California.
Reinsurance
The Company no longer maintains reinsurance for its liability coverage in
California. Effective January 1, 1994, the Company terminated its liability
reinsurance coverage with Employers Reinsurance Corporation ("ERC") because of
rising premiums and under utilization of such coverage. The Company regularly
evaluates the need for liability reinsurance.
The Company maintains property reinsurance under a treaty which was
effective April 1, 1995 with National Reinsurance Corporation, which is rated A+
by A.M. Best. The treaty provides $900,000 coverage in excess of $100,000 for
each risk subject to a maximum of $2,700,000 for any one occurrence. A second
layer of coverage provides an additional $1,000,000 in excess of the first
$1,000,000 per risk subject to a maximum of $2,000,000 for any one occurrence.
This treaty was replaced with Swiss Re effective January 1, 1999. The new
treaty provides $750,000 coverage in excess of $250,000 for each risk subject to
a maximum of $2,250,000 for any one occurrence. A second layer of coverage
provides an additional $1,000,000 in excess of the first $1,000,000 per risk.
The Company maintains treaty reinsurance with Swiss Re, effective October
1, 1998, where risks written under personal umbrella policies are ceded to Swiss
Re on a 100% quota share basis. The maximum coverage is $5 million per risk.
Prior to 1998, the Company maintained catastrophe reinsurance for property
and automobile physical damage business. Effective October 1, 1998, the Company
did not renew this catastrophe reinsurance. The reinsurance program was not
renewed because the Company believes it has adequate capitalization to absorb
catastrophe losses in these lines. In addition, the Company expects a
significant reduction in its catastrophe exposure from earthquakes due to the
placement, beginning in the second quarter of 1998, of earthquake risks written
in conjunction with homeowners policies, with the California Earthquake
Authority (CEA). See Regulation - California Earthquake Authority.
13
ERC reinsures AMI through working layer treaties for property and casualty
losses in excess of $200,000. For the years 1990 through 1996 the mechanical
breakdown line of business was reinsured with Constitution Reinsurance
Corporation through a quota-share treaty covering 50%-85% of the business
written depending on the year the policy incepted. For policies effective on or
after January 1, 1997, AMI is retaining the full exposure. AMI has other
reinsurance treaties and facultative arrangements in place for various smaller
lines of business.
If the reinsurers were unable to perform their obligations under the
reinsurance treaty, the Company would be required, as primary insurer, to
discharge all obligations to its insureds in their entirety.
Regulation
The Company's business in California is subject to regulation and
supervision by the California DOI, which has broad regulatory, supervisory and
administrative powers.
The powers of the California DOI primarily include the prior approval of
insurance rates and rating factors and the establishment of standards of
solvency which must be met and maintained. The regulation and supervision by
the California DOI are designed principally for the benefit of policyholders and
not for insurance company shareholders. The California DOI conducts periodic
examinations of the Company's insurance subsidiaries. The last examination
conducted of the California Companies was as of December 31, 1997. The reports
on the results of that examination recommended no adjustments to the statutory
financial statements as filed by the Company.
The insurance subsidiaries outside California, including AMI, are subject
to the regulatory powers of the insurance departments of those states. Those
powers are similar to the regulatory powers in California enumerated above.
Generally, the regulations relate primarily to standards of solvency and are
designed for the benefit of policyholders and not for insurance company
shareholders.
In California, insurance rates have required prior approval since November
1989. Georgia and Kansas are also prior approval states, while Illinois only
requires that rates be filed with the Department of Insurance prior to their
use. Texas, Oklahoma and Florida have a modified version of prior approval
laws. In all states, the insurance code provides that rates must not be
"excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory."
The Georgia DOI recently conducted an examination of Mercury Insurance
Company of Georgia and Mercury Indemnity Company of Georgia as of December 31,
1997. While the audit was completed during the fall of 1998, the Georgia DOI
has not yet issued the final examination reports. The Company does not
anticipate any audit recommendations that would change the statutory financial
statements as filed. The Illinois DOI conducted an examination of Mercury
Insurance Company of Illinois and Mercury Indemnity Company of Illinois as of
December 31, 1995.
14
The reports on that audit have recommended no changes to the statutory financial
statements as filed. The states of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas will also conduct
periodic examinations of AMI.
The operations of the Company are dependent on the laws of the state in
which it does business and changes in those laws can materially affect the
revenue and expenses of the Company. The Company retains its own legislative
advocates in California. The Company also makes financial contributions to
officeholders and candidates. In 1998 and 1997, those contributions amounted to
$1,137,000 and $96,000, respectively. The Company believes in supporting the
political process and intends to continue to make such contributions in amounts
which it determines to be appropriate.
Insurance Guarantee Association
-------------------------------
In 1969, the California Insurance Guarantee Association (the "Association")
was created pursuant to California law to provide for payment of claims for
which insolvent insurers of most casualty lines are liable but which cannot be
paid out of such insurers' assets. The Company is subject to assessment by the
Association for its pro-rata share of such claims based on premiums written in
the particular line in the year preceding the assessment by insurers writing
that line of insurance in California. Such assessments are based upon estimates
of losses to be incurred in liquidating an insolvent insurer. In a particular
year, the Company cannot be assessed an amount greater than 1% of its premiums
written in the preceding year. The only assessment imposed during the past five
years was an immaterial amount in 1994. Assessments are recouped through a
mandated surcharge to policyholders the year after the assessment. Insurance
subsidiaries in the other states are subject to the provisions of similar
insurance guaranty associations. No material assessments were imposed in the
last five years in those states either.
Holding Company Act
-------------------
The California Companies are subject to regulation by the California DOI
pursuant to the provisions of the California Insurance Holding Company System
Regulatory Act (the "Holding Company Act"). Pursuant to the Holding Company
Act, the California DOI may examine the affairs of each company at any time.
The Holding Company Act requires disclosure of any material transactions by or
among the companies. Certain transactions and dividends defined to be of an
"extraordinary" type may not be effected if the California DOI disapproves the
transaction within 30 days after notice. Such transactions include, but are not
limited to, sales, purchases, exchanges, loans and extensions of credit, and
investments, in the net aggregate, involving more than the lesser of 3% of the
Company's admitted assets or 25% of surplus as to policyholders, as of the
preceding December 31. An extraordinary dividend is a dividend which, together
with other dividends or distributions made within the preceding 12 months,
exceeds the greater of 10% of the insurance company's policyholders' surplus as
of the preceding December 31 or the insurance company's net income for the
preceding calendar year. An insurance company is also required to notify the
California DOI of any dividend after declaration, but prior to payment.
The Holding Company Act also provides that the acquisition or change of
15
"control" of a California domiciled insurance company or of any person who
controls such an insurance company cannot be consummated without the prior
approval of the Insurance Commissioner. In general, a presumption of "control"
arises from the ownership of voting securities and securities that are
convertible into voting securities, which in the aggregate constitute 10% or
more of the voting securities of a California insurance company or of a person
that controls a California insurance company, such as Mercury General. A person
seeking to acquire "control," directly or indirectly, of the Company must
generally file with the Insurance Commissioner an application for change of
control containing certain information required by statute and published
regulations and provide a copy of the application to the Company. The Holding
Company Act also effectively restricts the Company from consummating certain
reorganizations or mergers without prior regulatory approval.
The insurance subsidiaries in Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas are
subject to holding company acts in those states, the provisions of which are
substantially similar to those of the Holding Company Act. Regulatory approval
was obtained from California, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas before the acquisition
of AMI was completed.
Assigned Risks
--------------
Automobile liability insurers in California are required to sell bodily
injury liability, property damage liability, medical expense and uninsured
motorist coverage to a proportionate number (based on the insurer's share of the
California automobile casualty insurance market) of those drivers applying for
placement as "assigned risks." Drivers seek placement as assigned risks because
their driving records or other relevant characteristics, as defined by
Proposition 103, make them difficult to insure in the voluntary market. During
the last five years, approximately 0.7% of the direct automobile insurance
premium written by the Company was for assigned risk business. In 1998,
assigned risks represented 0.4% of total automobile direct premiums written and
0.5% of total automobile direct premium earned. Premium rates for assigned risk
business are set by the California DOI. In October 1990, more stringent rules
for gaining entry into the plan were approved, resulting in a substantial
reduction in the number of assigned risks insured by the Company since 1991.
Effective January 1, 1994, the California Insurance Code requires that rates
established for the plan be adequate to support the plan's losses and expenses.
The last rate increase approved by the Commissioner approximated 4.8% and became
effective June 1, 1995. The Commissioner has approved a rate decrease of 28.3%
effective February 1, 1999. The Company is prepared for an increase in the
number of assignments based on the rate decrease. However, the magnitude of the
increase in new assignments is difficult to predict because of the overall
competitive climate of the voluntary insurance market.
Automobile Insurance Rating Factor Regulations
----------------------------------------------
Commencing November 8, 1989, Proposition 103 required that property and
casualty insurance rates must be approved by the Insurance Commissioner prior to
their use, and that no rate shall be approved which is excessive, inadequate,
16
unfairly discriminatory or otherwise in violation of the provisions of the
initiative. The proposition specified three statutory factors required to be
applied in "decreasing order of importance" in determining rates for private
passenger automobile insurance: (1) the insured's driving safety record, (2)
the number of miles the insured drives annually, and (3) the number of years of
driving experience of the insured. The new law also gave the Insurance
Commissioner discretion to adopt other factors by regulation that have a
substantial relationship to risk of loss. The new statute further provided that
insurers are required to give at least a 20% discount to "good drivers," as
defined, from rates that would otherwise be charged to such drivers and that no
insurer may refuse to insure a "good driver."
The Company, and most other insurers, historically charged different rates
for residents of different geographical areas within California. The rates for
urban areas, particularly in Los Angeles, have been generally substantially
higher than for suburban and rural areas. The Company's geographical rate
differentials have been derived by actuarial analysis of the claims costs in a
given area.
In September 1996, the California Insurance Commissioner issued new
permanent rating factor regulations which replaced emergency regulations which
have been in use since their issuance in 1989. They required all automobile
insurers in California to submit new rating plans complying with the regulations
in early 1997. The Company submitted its new proposed rating plan on March 11,
1997.
The Company's plan, and the new plans of most other California automobile
insurers, were approved by the Department in October 1997. The Company's plan
became effective October 1, 1997. The rate changes resulting from
implementation of the new plan did not have a material effect on the Company's
competitive position or its profitability.
California Financial Responsibility Law
---------------------------------------
Effective January 1, 1997 California enacted a new law which requires proof
of insurance for the registration (new or renewal) of a motor vehicle. It also
provides for substantial penalties for failure to supply proof of insurance if
one is stopped for a traffic violation. Media attention to the new law
resulted in a surge of new business applications during the first half of 1997.
The renewal experience of this new business has been similar to that of the
Company's existing business.
In November 1996 an initiative sponsored by the California Insurance
Commissioner was overwhelmingly approved by the California voters. It provides
that uninsured drivers who are injured in an automobile accident are able to
recover only actual, out-of-pocket medical expenses and lost wages and are not
entitled to receive awards for general damages, i.e., "pain and suffering." This
restriction also applies to drunk drivers and fleeing felons. The law has helped
in controlling loss costs.
17
California Earthquake Authority
- -------------------------------
The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a Quasi-Governmental
organization that was established to provide a market for earthquake coverage to
California homeowners. During the second quarter of 1998, the Company began
placing all new and renewal earthquake coverage offered with its homeowners
policy through the California Earthquake Authority. The Company receives a
small fee for placing business with the CEA.
Upon the occurrence of a major seismic event, the CEA has the ability to
assess participating companies for losses. These assessments are made after CEA
capital has been expended and are based upon each company's participation
percentage multiplied by the amount of the total assessment. Based upon Mercury
Casualty Company's participation percentage, and recently published statistical
information from the CEA, the Company, at December 31, 1998, estimates its
assessment exposure to a "Northridge" - type earthquake to be approximately $3.2
million and its maximum total exposure to CEA assessments to be approximately
$6.5 million.
Item 2. Properties
----------
The home office of the California insurance subsidiaries and the Company's
computer facilities are located in Brea, California in an 80,000 square foot
office building owned by the Company.
Since December 1986, Mercury General's executive offices are located in a
36,000 square foot office building in Los Angeles, California, owned by Mercury
Casualty. The Company occupies approximately 95% of the building and leases the
remaining office space to others.
In October 1992, the Company purchased a 158,000 square foot office
building in Brea, California. The Company occupies approximately 77% of the
facility and leases the remaining office space to others.
The Company leases all of its other office space. Office location is not
material to the Company's operations, and the Company anticipates no difficulty
in extending these leases or obtaining comparable office space.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
-----------------
The Company is, from time to time, named as a defendant in various lawsuits
incidental to its insurance business. In most of these actions, plaintiffs
assert claims for punitive damages which are not insurable under California
judicial decisions. The Company vigorously defends these actions, unless a
reasonable settlement appears appropriate. The Company believes that adverse
results, if any, in the actions currently pending should not have a material
effect on the Company's operations or financial position.
18
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
---------------------------------------------------
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders by the Company
during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the executive
officers of the Company as of March 16, 1999:
Name Age Position
- ---- --- --------
George Joseph 77 Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer
Michael D. Curtius 48 President and Chief Operating Officer
Cooper Blanton, Jr. 72 Executive Vice President
Bruce E. Norman 50 Senior Vice President in charge of
Marketing
Joanna Y. Moore 43 Vice President and Chief Claims Officer
Kenneth G. Kitzmiller 52 Vice President in charge of Underwriting
Gabriel Tirador 34 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Judy A. Walters 52 Vice President - Corporate Affairs and
Secretary
Richard Glassman 41 Vice President - Information Systems
Mr. Joseph, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chairman of its
Board of Directors, has served in those capacities since 1961. Mr. Joseph has
more than 45 years experience in the property and casualty insurance business.
Mr. Curtius, President and Chief Operating Officer, has been employed by
the Company since 1977. In October 1987, Mr. Curtius was named Vice President
and Chief Claims Officer, and in August 1991 he was appointed Executive Vice
President. He was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of Mercury
General and the California Companies in May 1995 and elected to the Board of
Directors of Mercury General and the California Companies in 1996. In December
of 1996 he was appointed Vice Chairman of AMIC. Mr. Curtius has over 20 years
of experience in the insurance industry.
Mr. Blanton, Executive Vice President, joined the Company in 1966 and
supervised its underwriting activities from 1967 until September 1995. He was
appointed Executive Vice President of Mercury Casualty and Mercury Insurance in
1983 and was named Executive Vice President of Mercury General in 1985. In May
1995 he was named President of the Georgia and Illinois insurance company
subsidiaries and in February 1996 he was elected to the Board of Directors of
those companies. In January 1999 he was named Chairman of the Board of AMIC.
Mr. Blanton has over 40 years of experience in underwriting and other aspects of
the property and casualty insurance business.
Mr. Norman, Senior Vice President in charge of Marketing, has been employed
by the Company since 1971. Mr. Norman was named to this position in February
1999, and has been a Vice President since October 1985 and a Vice President of
Mercury Casualty since 1983. Mr. Norman has supervised the selection and
19
training of agents and managed relations between agents and the Company since
1977. In February 1996 he was elected to the Board of Directors of the
California Companies.
Ms. Moore, Vice President & Chief Claims Officer, joined the Company in the
claims department in March 1981. She was named Vice President of Claims of
Mercury General in August 1991 and has held her present position since July
1995.
Mr. Kitzmiller, Vice President in charge of Underwriting, has been employed
by the Company in the underwriting department since 1972. In August 1991 he
was appointed Vice President of Underwriting of Mercury General and has
supervised the underwriting activities of the Company since early 1996.
Mr. Tirador, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, served as the
Company's assistant controller from March 1994 to December 1996. During January
1997 to February 1998 he served as the Vice President and Controller of the
Automobile Club of Southern California. He rejoined the Company in February
1998 in his current capacity. Mr. Tirador has over twelve years experience in
the property and casualty insurance industry and is a Certified Public
Accountant.
Ms. Walters has been employed by the Company since 1967, and has served as
its Secretary since 1982. Ms. Walters was named Vice President - Corporate
Affairs in June 1998.
Mr. Glassman has been employed by Mercury since February 1993. In August
1995 he was appointed Assistant Vice President and assumed the position of
Manager of Information Services, which he had been directing since earlier that
year. In June 1998, Mr. Glassman was appointed Vice President - Information
Systems. He has a vast background in technology, sales and marketing.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Security
--------------------------------------------------------------
Holder Matters
--------------
Price Range of Common Stock
The common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: MCY).
The following table shows the high and low sales prices per share in each
quarter during the past two years as reported in the consolidated transaction
reporting system. The quotations have been adjusted for a two-for-one stock
split that was effective September 16, 1997.
1997 High Low
---- ---
1st Quarter......................... $32.750 $26.125
2nd Quarter......................... $38.094 $29.250
3rd Quarter......................... $45.875 $36.000
4th Quarter......................... $55.500 $40.750
20
1998 High Low
---- ---
1st Quarter......................... $63.625 $46.000
2nd Quarter......................... $66.313 $58.250
3rd Quarter......................... $69.438 $36.563
4th Quarter......................... $45.625 $33.250
1999
1st Quarter (January 1 - March 8)... $45.500 $32.938
Dividends
Following the public offering of its common stock in November 1985, the
Company has paid regular quarterly dividends on its common stock. During 1998
and 1997, the Company paid dividends on its common stock of $0.70 per share and
$0.58 per share, respectively. The 1997 per share amount is adjusted to reflect
a two-for-one stock split in September 1997. On February 5, 1999, the Board of
Directors declared a $.21 quarterly dividend ($.84 annually) payable on March
31, 1999 to stockholders of record on March 17, 1999.
The common stock dividend rate has been increased fifteen times since
dividends were initiated in January, 1986, at an annual rate of $0.05, adjusted
for the two-for-one stock splits in September 1992 and September 1997. For
financial statement purposes, the Company records dividends on the declaration
date. The Company expects to continue the payment of quarterly dividends. The
continued payment and amount of cash dividends will depend upon, among other
factors, the Company's operating results, overall financial condition, capital
requirements and general business conditions.
As a holding company, Mercury General is largely dependent upon dividends
from its subsidiaries to pay dividends to its shareholders. These subsidiaries
are subject to state laws that restrict their ability to distribute dividends.
The state laws permit a casualty insurance company to pay dividends and advances
within any 12-month period, without any prior regulatory approval, in an amount
up to the greater of 10% of statutory earned surplus at the preceding December
31, or net income for the calendar year preceding the date the dividend is paid.
Under this test, the direct insurance subsidiaries of the Company are entitled
to pay dividends to Mercury General during 1999 of up to approximately $98
million. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and
"Business -- Regulation -- Holding Company Act."
Shareholders of Record
The approximate number of holders of record of the Company's common stock
as of March 8, 1999 was 255. The approximate number of beneficial holders as of
March 8, 1999 was 9,197 according to the Bank of New York, the Company's
transfer agent.
21
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
------------------------------------
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Income Data:
Premiums earned..................................... $1,121,584 $1,031,280 $754,724 $616,326 $529,390
Net investment income............................... 96,169 86,812 70,180 62,964 54,586
Realized investment gains(losses)................... (3,926) 4,973 (3,173) 1,048 (9,853)
Realized gain from sale of
subsidiary 2,586 -- -- -- --
Other............................................... 5,710 4,881 3,233 3,341 3,123
---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Total Revenues................................... 1,222,123 1,127,946 824,964 683,679 577,246
---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Losses and loss adjustment
expenses.......................................... 684,468 654,729 501,858 416,556 360,557
Policy acquisition costs............................ 252,592 224,883 160,019 128,743 112,682
Other operating expenses............................ 44,941 33,579 24,493 22,017 20,566
Interest............................................ 4,842 4,976 2,004 2,040 1,025
---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Total Expenses................................... 986,843 918,167 688,374 569,356 494,830
---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes.......................... 235,280 209,779 136,590 114,323 82,416
Income taxes........................................ 57,754 53,473 30,826 24,022 16,121
---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Net Income....................................... $ 177,526 $ 156,306 $105,764 $ 90,301 $ 66,295
========== ========== ======== ======== ========
Per Share Data:
Basic earnings per share *.......................... $ 3.23 $ 2.84 $ 1.93 $ 1.65 $ 1.22
========== ========== ======== ======== ========
Diluted earnings per share *........................ 3.21 2.82 1.92 1.65 1.21
========== ========== ======== ======== ========
Dividends paid *.................................... $ .70 $ .58 $ .48 $ .40 $ .35
========== ========== ======== ======== ========
December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total investments................................... $1,590,645 $1,448,248 $1,168,287 $923,194 $751,614
Premiums receivable................................. 107,950 104,216 83,748 58,902 48,741
Total assets........................................ 1,877,025 1,725,532 1,419,927 1,081,656 911,693
Unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses................................ 405,976 409,061 336,685 253,546 227,499
Unearned premiums................................... 327,129 309,376 260,878 168,404 148,654
Notes payable....................................... 78,000 75,000 75,000 25,000 25,000
Deferred income tax
liability (asset).................................. 22,639 19,722 6,349 10,158 (10,190)
Shareholders' equity................................ 917,375 799,592 641,222 565,188 457,161
Book value per share*............................... 16.80 14.51 11.69 10.34 8.38
*Adjusted for a two-for-one stock split effective September 1997.
__________________
22
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations
---------------------
Overview
- --------
The operating results of property and casualty insurance companies are
subject to significant fluctuations from quarter-to-quarter and from year-to-
year due to the effect of competition on pricing, the frequency and severity of
losses, including the effect of natural disasters on losses, general economic
conditions, the general regulatory environment in those states in which an
insurer operates, state regulation of premium rates and other factors such as
changes in tax laws. The property and casualty industry has been highly
cyclical, with periods of high premium rates and shortages of underwriting
capacity followed by periods of severe price competition and excess capacity.
The Company operates primarily in the state of California, which was the
only state it produced business in prior to 1990. The Company expanded its
operations into Georgia and Illinois in 1990. With the acquisition of American
Fidelity Insurance Group (AFI)in December 1996, now American Mercury Insurance
Group (AMI), the Company expanded into the states of Oklahoma and Texas. The
Company further expanded its operations into the state of Florida during 1998.
During 1998, approximately 92% of the Company's direct premiums written,
including AMI, were derived from California.
In California, as in various other states, all property and casualty rates
must be approved by the Insurance Commissioner before they can be used.
In February 1994, the California Insurance Commissioner approved new rates
which were designed to improve the Company's competitive position for new
insureds. These rate changes, which became effective on May 1, 1994, provided
for decreases in premium rates for new insureds. Further rate modifications
were approved and made effective on October 15, 1995, April 15, 1996, October 1,
1997, April 1, 1998 and November 15, 1998. The rate change made April 1, 1998
reduced rates by approximately 7% and was primarily made to improve Mercury's
competitive position in the marketplace. Except for the April 1, 1998 rate
change, the rate changes made over the last several years have been
substantially revenue-neutral overall, with physical damage rates being
increased and bodily injury liability rates decreased. The rate change made
effective May 1, 1994 resulted in a substantial increase in new business being
submitted to the Company. The subsequent rate modifications have allowed the
Company to maintain ongoing growth in policy count. Since March 31, 1994,
Private Passenger Automobile ("PPA") policies in force in California have
increased from approximately 300,000 to 743,000 at December 31, 1998, an annual
rate of increase of over 20%.
In September 1996, the California Insurance Commissioner issued new
permanent rating factor regulations designed to implement the requirements that
automobile insurance rates be determined by (1) driving safety record, (2) years
of driving experience, (3) miles driven per year and (4) whatever optional
factors are determined by the Insurance Commissioner to have a substantial
23
relationship to the risk of loss and adopted by regulation. The law further
requires that each of the four factors be applied in decreasing order of
importance.
The Company submitted a proposed rating plan in response to these
regulations in March 1997. The Company's plan was approved by the California DOI
and became effective October 1, 1997. Although the rate changes produced some
minor dislocations, implementation of the new plan did not have a material
effect on the Company's overall competitive position or its profitability.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 1998 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums earned in 1998 of $1,121.6 million increased 8.8%, reflecting unit
growth which was somewhat offset by reduced average premiums per policy. The
reduction in average premium per policy was primarily the result of the 7% rate
decrease taken for California business in April 1998. In addition, a large
portion of the new California business written during 1997, which grew at a rate
of 28.5% due to a new law requiring proof of insurance to register a car,
qualified for a discount on renewal in 1998. Consequently, the average premium
per policy declined in 1998 as compared to 1997.
Net premiums written in 1998 of $1,144.1 million increased 5.3% over a year
earlier, continuing a growth trend which began in the second quarter of 1994.
The Company increased its marketing efforts in April 1998, launching a fully
integrated radio and billboard advertising program. Although the campaign has
not met expectations, the Company believes continuing the advertising program is
necessary in the current competitive climate. The California automobile
insurance marketplace remains intensely competitive. Most of the major direct
writers, who represent the Company's chief competition, have instituted one or
more rate reductions over the last twenty-four months and many have
significantly increased their marketing efforts.
The loss ratio in 1998 (loss and loss adjustment expenses related to
premiums earned) was 61.0%, compared with 63.5% in 1997. The favorable loss
experience is largely related to the effectiveness of Proposition 213, an
initiative made effective January 1, 1997 which prohibits recovery of non-
economic (pain and suffering) losses by uninsured motorists or drunk drivers
injured in automobile accidents. The 7% rate reduction beginning on April 1,
1998 negatively affected the Company's loss ratio during a large portion of
1998. The full impact of the rate reduction on the Company's loss ratio will be
felt in 1999 and succeeding periods.
The expense ratio (policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses
related to premiums earned) was 26.6% in 1998 and 25.1% in 1997. The increase
in the expense ratio was largely attributable to increased base commissions and
profit-related bonuses to agents, expenses associated with the advertising
program implemented in April 1998, and start up costs from the Company's entry
into the Florida market.
24
Total losses and expenses in 1998, excluding interest expense of $4.8
million, were $982.0 million, resulting in an underwriting gain for the period
of $139.6 million, compared with an underwriting gain of $118.1 million in 1997.
Investment income in 1998 was $96.2 million, compared with $86.8 million in
1997. The after-tax yield on average investments of $1,474.5 million (fixed
maturities at cost, equities at market) was 5.91%, compared with 6.17% on
average investments of $1,262.9 million in 1997. The effective tax rate on
investment income was 9.3% in 1998, compared to 10.3% in 1997. The lower tax
rate in 1998 reflects the benefits derived from replacing taxable issues held in
the AMI investment portfolio, when purchased in December 1996, to non-taxable
issues throughout the 1997 and 1998 fiscal years. The redemption of bonds
acquired during higher interest periods has been a negative influence on
realized yields in each of the last several years and is expected to continue in
1999. Bonds matured and called in 1998 totaled $65.3 million, compared with
$54.0 million in 1997. Approximately $47 million of bonds are expected to
mature or be called in 1999. Average yields being obtained during the first
quarter of 1999 on new investments are 50 to 75 basis points lower than the
average yield realized during 1998.
Realized investment losses in 1998 were $3.9 million, compared with
realized gains of $5.0 million in 1997. The gains and losses in both years were
principally incurred to enhance investment income on both fixed maturities and
equity securities, including perpetual preferred stocks. The losses realized in
1998 were designed to utilize expiring capital gains tax benefits.
Realized gain from sale of subsidiaries of $2.6 million was derived from
the sale for cash of Cimmaron Insurance Company, an inactive company acquired in
the American Mercury Insurance Group purchase made in December 1996.
The income tax provision of $57.8 million in 1998 represented an effective
tax rate of 24.5%, compared with an effective rate of 25.5% in 1997. The 1997
rate is higher primarily because the Company had a large non tax-deductible
charge for ESOP compensation expense in 1997 that did not occur in 1998. ESOP
compensation expense is calculated based on the current market value for the
Company's stock multiplied by shares allocated to employees, however, only the
Company's cost basis is deductible for tax purposes. The increase in the
Company's share price on the shares allocated in 1997, which had been purchased
in 1994, caused the large non-deductible charge that resulted in increasing the
Company's effective tax rate in 1997. This situation did not occur in 1998 as
the shares allocated to employees during 1998 had a similar cost and market
value.
Net income in 1998 was $177.5 million or $3.23 per share, (basic), compared
with $156.3 million, or $2.84 per share, (basic), in 1997. Basic per share
results are based on 55.0 million average shares in 1998 and 55.0 million
average shares in 1997. Diluted per share results were $3.21 in 1998 and $2.82
in 1997.
25
Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1996
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums earned in 1997 of $1,031.3 million (including $65.1 million
contributed by AMI) increased 36.6%, primarily reflecting unit growth and the
fact that 1996 results only include one month of premiums from AMI. Without the
impact of the AMI results, premiums earned increased 28.9%. Average premium
per policy for the year declined slightly. Net premiums written in 1997 of
$1,086.2 million (including $72.8 million contributed by AMI) increased 36.5%
over a year earlier (28% excluding the impact of AMI results), continuing a
growth trend which began in the second quarter of 1994. Growth in written
premiums in California of 28.5% for all of 1997 was aided by a new California
law that became effective January 1, 1997 which requires proof of insurance for
the registration (new or renewal) of a motor vehicle. The greater part of the
new business generated by the new law occurred in the first half of 1997, and
provided for only the minimum liability coverage required by law. The average
premium on this business was substantially less than that produced by full
coverage policies, which constitute a majority of the Company's total premium
volume.
The loss ratio in 1997 (loss and loss adjustment expenses related to
premiums earned) was 63.5%, compared with 66.5% in 1996. The improvement in
loss experience in 1997 is in large part related to the loss cost savings from
the enactment of California Proposition 213 that became effective January 1,
1997. The 1997 loss ratio reflects deficiencies from unfavorable development on
allocated loss adjustment expenses from prior periods. The initial estimates
were based principally on the Company's actual experience and did not fully
reflect the increases in the legal expenses of defending the Company's insureds
arising from the Company's policy of aggressively defending, including
litigating, exaggerated bodily injury claims arising from minimal impact
automobile accidents.
The expense ratio (policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses
related to premiums earned) was 25.1% in 1997 and 24.5% in 1996. The increase in
the expense ratio in 1997 reflects increased provisions for profit-related
bonuses to both agents and employees and the inclusion of the operating results
of AMI for a full year.
Total losses and expenses in 1997, excluding interest expense of $5.0
million, were $913.2 million, resulting in an underwriting gain for the period
of $118.1 million, compared with an underwriting gain of $68.4 million in 1996.
Investment income in 1997, including a contribution from AMI of $6.3
million, was $86.8 million, compared with $70.2 million in 1996. The after-tax
yield on average investments of $1,262.9 million, including AMI, (fixed
maturities at cost, equities at market) was 6.17%, compared with 6.50% on
average investments of $975.1 million in 1996. The effective tax rate on
investment income was 10.3% in 1997, compared with 9.7% in 1996. The effective
tax rate was increased, and the effective after-tax yield was reduced slightly,
by the inclusion of AMI for the full year 1997. The slightly higher tax rate on
investment income in 1997 reflects an increase in the proportion of investment
income derived from taxable bonds held by AMI and dividends on equities,
26
principally perpetual preferred stocks. The redemption of bonds acquired
during higher interest periods has been a negative influence on realized yields
in each of the last several years and will continue in 1998. Bonds matured and
called in 1997 totaled $54.0 million, compared with $72.9 million in 1996.
Realized investment gains in 1997 were $5.0 million, compared with realized
losses of $3.2 million in 1996. The gains and losses in both years reflect
principally income-enhancing swaps of both fixed maturities and equity
securities, including perpetual preferred stocks. The losses realized in 1996
were designed to utilize expiring capital gains tax benefits.
The income tax provision of $53.5 million in 1997 represented an effective
tax rate of 25.5%, compared with an effective rate of 22.6% in 1996. The
increase in the rate is largely attributable to the increased proportion of
realized gains and the increase in underwriting gains, both of which are taxed
at the full corporate rate of 35%, in contrast to investment income which
consists primarily of tax-exempt interest and tax sheltered dividend income.
Net income in 1997 was $156.3 million, or $2.84 per share, (basic),
compared with $105.8 million, or $1.93 per share, (basic), in 1996. Basic share
results are based on 55.0 million average shares in 1997 and 54.8 million
average shares in 1996, adjusted for a two-for-one stock split effective
September 16, 1997. Diluted per share results, calculated in accordance with
new accounting standards, were $2.82 in 1997 and $1.92 in 1996.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash provided from operating activities in 1998, was $192.1 million,
while funds derived from the sale, redemption or maturity of investments was
$941.5 million, of which approximately 79% was represented by the sale of equity
securities. The amortized cost of fixed-maturity investments increased by $97.8
million during the year. Equity investments, including perpetual preferred
stocks, increased by $50.5 million at cost, while short-term cash investments
decreased by $13.7 million. The amortized cost of fixed-maturities available
for sale that were sold, called or matured during the year was $195.2 million.
The market value of all investments held at market as "Available for Sale"
exceeded the amortized cost of $1,511.9 million at December 31, 1998 by $78.8
million. That unrealized gain, reflected in shareholders' equity, as
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of applicable tax effects, was $51.2
million at December 31, 1998 compared with an unrealized gain of $46.1 million
at December 31, 1997. The increase in market values since December 31, 1997
reflects principally the substantial decline in intermediate and long term
interest rates during 1998.
The Company's cash and short term investments totaled $47.9 million at
December 31, 1998. Together with funds generated internally, such liquid assets
are more than adequate to pay claims without the sale of long term investments.
Traditionally, it has been the Company's policy not to invest in high yield
27
or "junk" bonds. In 1995, the Company adopted a policy to place a small
proportion of its investments in the taxable sector in bonds rated lower than
investment grade, but not lower than Ba by Moody's or BB by Standard & Poor's.
At December 31, 1998 bond holdings rated below investment grade totaled $13.6
million at market (cost $12.7 million), or 1% of total investments. The average
rating of the $1,203 million bond portfolio (at amortized cost) was AA-, while
the average effective maturity, giving effect to anticipated early call,
approximates 7.3 years. The modified duration of the bond portfolio at year-end
was 5.8 years, reflecting the heavy weighting of high coupon issues, including
housing issues subject to sinking funds, and other issues which are pre-refunded
or are expected to be called prior to their maturity. Duration measures the
length of time it takes to receive all the cash flows produced by a bond,
including reinvestment of interest. Because it measures four factors (maturity,
coupon rate, yield and call terms) which determine sensitivity to changes in
interest rates, modified duration is considered a much better indicator of price
volatility than simple maturity alone. Bond holdings are broadly diversified
geographically, and, within the tax-exempt sector, consist largely of high
coupon revenue issues, many of which have been pre-refunded and escrowed with
U.S. Treasuries. General obligation bonds of the large eastern cities have
generally been avoided.
Holdings in the taxable sector consist largely of senior public utility
issues. Fixed-maturity investments of $1,245.4 million (amortized cost),
include $42.5 million (amortized cost) of sinking fund preferreds, principally
utility issues. The market value of all fixed maturities exceeded cost by $79.5
million at December 31, 1998. The only securities held which may be considered
derivatives are a small amount of adjustable rate preferred stocks.
Except for Company-occupied buildings, the Company has no direct
investments in real estate and no holdings of mortgages secured by commercial
real estate.
Equity holdings of $219.7 million at market (cost $220.4 million),
including perpetual preferred issues, are largely confined to the public utility
and banking sectors and represent about 24.0% of total shareholders' equity.
The Company had outstanding debt at December 31, 1998 of $78 million. Of
this amount, $75 million has been borrowed under a three year revolving credit
bank loan. The loan agreement requires the Company to meet numerous affirmative
and negative covenants. The proceeds of the loan were used to repay a prior
loan and to acquire AMI, with the balance contributed to the Company's new
insurance subsidiaries. The loan agreement may be extended annually for
additional periods of one year each to maintain the three year maturity date.
The interest rate is variable and is optionally related to the Federal Funds
rate, Bank of New York rate (prime rate) or the Eurodollar London Interbank rate
(LIBOR). Based on the rates effective through February 22, 1999, LIBOR plus
.40, the net interest cost on the loan approximates 5.65%.
The Company also maintains a $100 million line of credit, of which $3
million was drawn on at December 31, 1998 and is due October 31, 1999. The line
28
of credit may be used to fund the Company's stock repurchase program authorized
by the Board of Directors in August 1998 as well as for general corporate
purposes. The interest rate and loan covenants are the same as the Company's
$75 million loan discussed above. The Company plans to extend the maturity date
of this loan during 1999.
Under the stock repurchase program, the Company may purchase over a one-
year period up to $200 million of Mercury General's common stock. The purchases
may be made from time to time in the open market at the discretion of
management. The program will be funded by the sale of lower yielding tax-exempt
bonds, the proceeds of the $100 million credit facility and internal cash
generation. During 1998, the Company purchased 580,000 shares of the common
stock in the open market at an average price of $41.83. The shares purchased
were retired.
In March 1994, the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("the Plan")
purchased 322,000 shares of Mercury General's common stock in the open market at
a price of $14.875 per share, adjusted for the two-for-one stock split effective
September 16, 1997. The purchases were funded by a five year term bank loan of
$5.0 million to the Plan which is guaranteed by the Company. The shares have
been allocated to employees over the amortization period of the loan, with the
initial allocation made in December 1994. The remaining balance of the loan of
$2.0 million was retired in March 1998 with the proceeds of contributions to the
Plan by the Company for the year 1997, and the remaining unallocated shares were
credited to employees' ESOP balances at December 31, 1997. In August 1998, the
Plan purchased 115,000 shares of Mercury General's common stock in the open
market at a price of $43.05 per share. The purchases were funded by a five year
term bank loan of $5 million to the Plan which is guaranteed by the Company.
The shares are being allocated to the employees over a five-year period, with
the initial allocation made in December 1998. Since dividends on unallocated
shares held by the Plan are tax deductible if they are used for debt service, as
are Company contributions to the Plan, the net, after-tax interest cost to the
Company for the borrowed funds used for the Plan stock purchase is less than the
effective rate of interest on the loan, which, in 1998 was 6.00%.
In December 1993, the NAIC adopted a risk-based capital formula for
casualty insurance companies which establishes recommended minimum capital
requirements for casualty companies. The formula has been designed to capture
the widely varying elements of risks undertaken by writers of different lines of
insurance having differing risk characteristics, as well as writers of similar
lines where differences in risk may be related to corporate structure,
investment policies, reinsurance arrangements and a number of other factors.
The Company has estimated the Risk-Based Capital Requirements of each of its
insurance subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998. Each of the companies'
policyholders' surplus exceeded the highest level of minimum required capital.
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had no material commitments for
capital expenditures.
The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a Quasi-Governmental
organization that was established in 1996 to provide a market for earthquake
29
coverage to California homeowners. During the second quarter of 1998, the
Company began placing all new and renewal earthquake coverage offered with its
homeowners policy through the California Earthquake Authority. The Company
receives a small fee for placing business with the CEA.
Upon the occurrence of a major seismic event, the CEA has the ability to
assess participating companies for losses. These assessments are made after CEA
capital has been expended and are based upon each company's participation
percentage multiplied by the amount of the total assessment. Based upon Mercury
Casualty Company's participation percentage, and recently published statistical
information from the CEA, the Company, at December 31, 1998, estimates its
assessment exposure to a "Northridge" - type earthquake to be approximately $3.2
million and its maximum total exposure to CEA assessments to be approximately
$6.5 million.
Industry and regulatory guidelines suggest that the ratio of a property and
casualty insurer's annual net premiums written to statutory policyholders'
surplus should not exceed 3.0 to 1. Based on the combined surplus of all of the
licensed insurance subsidiaries of $767.2 million at December 31, 1998, and net
written premiums for the twelve months ended on that date of $1,144.1 million,
the ratio of writings to surplus was approximately 1.5 to 1.
Year 2000
The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using
two digits rather than four digits to define the applicable year. Computer
programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the year 2000, or as no date. This could result in a
system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including,
among other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send
invoices, or engage in similar normal business operations.
In March of 1998, the Company completed the modifications necessary to its
computer programs and systems for all of its "critical" systems for business
written in California, Georgia, Illinois and Florida. Modifications were made
to both hardware and software. The Company considers policy issuance, premium
billing and collections and its claims systems as its critical systems. The
modifications completed on the above critical systems represent approximately
94% of the Company's total premiums written.
The American Mercury Group, acquired by the Company in December 1996 and
which represents approximately 6% of the Company's total premiums written, is in
the process of completing the modifications necessary, including the conversion
to new critical systems, to become Year 2000 compliant. The Company expects to
have their critical systems to be Year 2000 compliant by the second quarter of
1999.
Other non-critical systems are already Year 2000 compliant or are in the
process of being modified or converted to become Year 2000 compliant. The
Company expects to have its non-critical systems to be Year 2000 compliant by
the
30
second quarter of 1999.
The Company expensed approximately $475,000 in 1998 and $125,000 in 1997,
primarily for internal labor costs, related to Year 2000 modifications. The
Company expects to incur an amount less than what has previously been expensed
for 1999. It is not possible to quantify the aggregate cost to the Company with
respect to the Year 2000 problems, although the Company does not anticipate it
will have a material adverse impact on its business.
While the Year 2000 considerations are not expected to materially impact
the Company's internal operations, they may have a material effect on some of
the Company's agents, suppliers and financial institutions with whom the Company
conducts business, and thus indirectly affect the Company. The Company has
commenced a program to ascertain the compliance status of those companies with
whom the Company conducts material business. This program includes sending out
questionnaires to our major business partners regarding their Year 2000
readiness. Based on the responses received to date, the Company does not
anticipate any material impact on its operations or financial condition.
Mercury General is developing business resumption contingency plans
specific to the Year 2000. Business resumption contingency plans address the
actions that would be taken if critical business functions cannot be carried out
in the normal manner upon entering the next century due to system or supplier
failure.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Company is subject to various market risk exposures including interest
rate risk and equity price risk. The following disclosure reflects estimates of
future performance and economic conditions. Actual results may differ.
The Company invests its assets primarily in fixed maturity investments,
which at December 31, 1998 comprised 83% of total investments at market value.
Tax-exempt bonds represent 95% of the fixed maturity investments with the
remaining amount consisting of sinking fund preferred stocks and taxable bonds.
Equity securities, consisting primarily of preferred stocks, account for 14% of
total investments at market. The remaining 3% of the investment portfolio
consists of highly liquid short-term investments which are primarily U.S.
Treasury backed overnight repurchase agreements and short-term money market
funds.
The value of the fixed maturity portfolio is subject to interest rate risk.
As market interest rates decrease, the value of the portfolio goes up with the
opposite holding true in rising interest rate environments. A common measure of
the interest sensitivity of fixed maturity assets is modified duration, a
calculation that takes maturity, coupon rate, yield and call terms to calculate
an average age of the expected cash flows. The longer the duration, the more
sensitive the asset is to market interest rate fluctuations.
The Company has historically invested in fixed maturity investments with a
goal towards maximizing after-tax yields and holding assets to the maturity or
31
call date. Since assets with longer maturity dates tend to produce higher
current yields, the Company's investment philosophy has resulted in a portfolio
with a moderate duration. This has exposed the portfolio to interest rate risk,
which, in periods of falling interest rates, as was generally experienced over
the last decade, resulted in substantial realized and unrealized gains on the
portfolio holdings.
During 1998, lower market interest rates reduced the duration of the
Company's fixed income portfolio. Bond investments made by the Company
typically have call options attached, which reduce the duration of the asset as
rates decline. Consequently, the average modified duration of the portfolio
decreased from 6.1 years at December 31, 1997 to 5.8 years at December 31, 1998.
Given a hypothetical parallel increase of 100 basis points in interest rates,
the fair value of the fixed maturity portfolio would decrease by approximately
$77.1 million.
The value of the equity investments consists of $47.8 million in common
stocks and $171.9 million in non-sinking fund preferred stocks. The common
stock equity assets are typically valued for future economic prospects as
perceived by the market. The non-sinking fund preferred stocks are typically
valued using credit spreads to U. S. Treasury benchmarks. This causes them to
be comparable to fixed income securities in terms of interest rate risk.
The Company's primary strategy for equity investments is to maximize
current income by accelerating the number of dividends collected on the overall
funds employed. The Company times the purchase and sale of equity investments
to coincide with quarterly dividend payment dates and minimum holding periods as
required by the Internal Revenue Service. This timing strategy results in very
short asset holding periods, often less than three months. The Company believes
that this strategy coupled with the defensive nature of the assets involved
reduces the risk, over time, of significant portfolio valuation fluctuations due
to changes in market interest rates.
In general, credit spreads have widened in the non-sinking fund sector
since the credit crisis of this past summer. The Company's non-sinking fund
preferred stock assets were negatively affected by this market change. The
duration of the Company's non-sinking fund preferred stocks is 8.5 years. This
implies that an upward parallel shift in the yield curve by 100 basis points
would reduce the asset value by approximately $14.7 million, everything else
remaining the same.
The remainder of the equity portfolio, representing 3% of total investments
at market value, consists primarily of public utility common stocks. These
assets are defensive in nature and therefore have low volatility to changes in
market price as measured by their Beta. Beta is a measure of a security's
systematic (non-diversifiable) risk, which is the percentage change in an
individual security's return for a 1% change in the return of the market. The
average Beta for the Company's common stock holdings was 0.49. Based on a
hypothetical 20% reduction in the overall value of the stock market, the fair
value of the common stock portfolio would decrease by approximately $4.7
million.
32
Forward-looking statements
The foregoing discussion contains forward-looking statements regarding the
Company, its business, prospects and results of operations that are subject to
certain risks and uncertainties posed by factors and events that could cause the
Company's actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ
materially from the historical information contained herein and from those that
may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that
could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others, the intense
competition currently existing in the California automobile insurance markets,
the success of the Company in integrating and profitably operating the business
of AMI, and in expanding generally in Florida and other states outside of
California, the impact of the Year 2000, the impact of the permanent rating
factor regulations adopted by the California Insurance Commissioner for private
passenger automobile policies issued in California and the level of investment
yields obtainable in the Company's investment portfolio in comparison to recent
yields, as well as the cyclical and general competitive nature of the property
and casualty insurance industry and general uncertainties regarding loss reserve
estimates and legislative and regulatory changes, particularly in California.
Quarterly Data
Summarized quarterly financial data for 1998 and 1997 is as follows (in
thousands except per share data):
Quarter Ended
--------------------------------------------
March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
----------- -------- -------- --------
1998
- ----
Earned premiums..................... $274,454 $278,768 $282,198 $286,164
Income before income taxes ......... $ 70,107 $ 67,966 $ 54,596 $ 42,611
Net income.......................... $ 51,414 $ 50,255 $ 41,442 $ 34,415
Basic earnings per share............ $ .93 $ .91 $ .75 $ .63
Diluted earnings per share.......... $ .93 $ .90 $ .75 $ .63
Dividends declared per share........ $ .175 $ .175 $ .175 $ .175
1997
- ----
Earned premiums..................... $235,579 $255,119 $267,212 $273,370
Income before income taxes.......... $ 39,870 $ 47,967 $ 55,198 $ 66,744
Net income.......................... $ 30,818 $ 35,893 $ 40,754 $ 48,841
Basic earnings per share............ $ .56 $ .65 $ .74 $ .89
Diluted earnings per share.......... $ .56 $ .65 $ .74 $ .88
Dividends declared per share...... $ .145 $ .145 $ .145 $ .145
33
Item 8. Financial Statements
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Independent Auditors' Report............................................ 35
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997...... 36
Consolidated Statements of Income for Each of the Years in the
Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 1998......................... 37
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the
Years in the Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 1998........... 38
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for Each of the
Years in the Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 1998........... 39
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Years in
the Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 1998..................... 40
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................ 42
34
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Mercury General Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mercury
General Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1998. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mercury
General Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
KPMG LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 12, 1999
35
PAGE>
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
AMOUNTS EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS, except share amounts
A S S E T S
1998 1997
---- ----
Investments:
Fixed maturities available for sale (amortized cost
$1,245,440 in 1998 and $1,147,594 in 1997).............. $1,324,908 $1,214,986
Equity securities available for sale (cost $220,449 in
1998 and $169,943 in 1997).............................. 219,745 173,522
Short-term cash investments, at cost, which approxi-
mates market............................................ 45,992 59,740
---------- ----------
Total investments............................. 1,590,645 1,448,248
Cash........................................................ 1,887 3,011
Receivables:
Premiums receivable...................................... 107,950 104,216
Premium notes............................................ 13,739 13,562
Accrued investment income................................ 22,356 21,895
Other.................................................... 24,884 26,476
---------- ----------
168,929 166,149
Deferred policy acquisition costs........................... 61,947 57,264
Fixed assets, net........................................... 31,901 30,493
Current income taxes recoverable............................ 5,895 --
Other assets................................................ 15,821 20,367
---------- ----------
$1,877,025 $1,725,532
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Losses and loss adjustment expenses......................... $ 405,976 $409,061
Unearned premiums........................................... 327,129 309,376
Notes payable............................................... 78,000 75,000
Loss drafts payable......................................... 38,433 32,058
Accounts payable and accrued expenses....................... 53,196 50,742
Current income taxes payable................................ -- 3,317
Deferred income taxes....................................... 22,639 19,722
Other liabilities........................................... 34,277 26,664
---------- ----------
Total liabilities............................. 959,650 925,940
---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock without par value or stated value.
Authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
54,684,438 shares in 1998 and 55,124,579 in 1997....... 48,830 47,412
Accumulated other comprehensive income................... 51,196 46,131
Unearned ESOP compensation............................... (4,000) --
Retained earnings........................................... 821,349 706,049
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity.................... 917,375 799,592
---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies............................ $1,877,025 $1,725,532
========== ==========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
36
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three years ended December 31, 1998
Amounts expressed in thousands, except per share data
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Revenues:
Earned premiums................................ $1,121,584 $1,031,280 $754,724
Net investment income.......................... 96,169 86,812 70,180
Net realized investment gains (losses)......... (3,926) 4,973 (3,173)
Net realized gain from sale of subsidiary...... 2,586 -- --
Other.......................................... 5,710 4,881 3,233
---------- ---------- --------
Total revenues........................... 1,222,123 1,127,946 824,964
---------- ---------- --------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses............ 684,468 654,729 501,858
Policy acquisition costs....................... 252,592 224,883 160,019
Other operating expenses....................... 44,941 33,579 24,493
Interest....................................... 4,842 4,976 2,004
---------- ---------- --------
Total expenses............................ 986,843 918,167 688,374
---------- ---------- --------
Income before income taxes..................... 235,280 209,779 136,590
Income taxes..................................... 57,754 53,473 30,826
---------- ---------- --------
Net income.................................... $ 177,526 $ 156,306 $105,764
========== ========== ========
Basic earnings per share........................ $ 3.23 $ 2.84 $ 1.93
========== ========== ========
Diluted earnings per share...................... $ 3.21 $ 2.82 $ 1.92
========== ========== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
37
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three Years ended December 31, 1998
Amounts expressed in thousands
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
Net income $177,526 $156,306 $105,764
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising
during period 12,397 44,185 (8,593)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net
gains included in net income (4,605) (2,377) (1,055)
-------- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income (loss),
before tax 7,792 41,808 (9,648)
Income tax expense related to unrealized
holding gains(losses) arising during period 4,339 15,465 (3,008)
Income tax benefit related to reclassification
adjustment for gains included in net income (1,612) (832) (369)
-------- -------- --------
Comprehensive income, net of tax $182,591 $183,481 $ 99,493
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
38
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Three years ended December 31, 1998
Amounts expressed in thousands
1998 1997 1996
------- --------- ---------
Common stock, beginning of year................................................. $ 47,412 $ 42,644 $ 40,895
Proceeds of stock options exercised............................................. 1,216 999 1,104
Tax benefit on sales of incentive stock
options........................................................................ 748 401 220
Release of common stock by the ESOP............................................. (30) 3,368 425
Purchase and retirement of common stock......................................... (516) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Common stock, end of year....................................................... 48,830 47,412 42,644
-------- -------- --------
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning
of year........................................................................ 46,131 18,956 25,227
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive
income......................................................................... 5,065 27,175 (6,271)
-------- -------- --------
Accumulated other comprehensive income,
end of year.................................................................... 51,196 46,131 18,956
-------- -------- --------
Unearned ESOP compensation relating to common
stock purchases by ESOP........................................................ (5,000) (2,000) (3,084)
Amortization of unearned ESOP compensation...................................... 1,000 2,000 1,084
-------- -------- --------
Unearned ESOP compensation, end of year......................................... (4,000) -- (2,000)
-------- -------- --------
Retained earnings, beginning of year............................................ 706,049 581,622 502,150
Purchase and retirement of common stock......................................... (23,775) -- --
Net income...................................................................... 177,526 156,306 105,764
Dividends paid to shareholders.................................................. (38,451) (31,879) (26,292)
-------- -------- --------
Retained earnings, end of year.................................................. 821,349 706,049 581,622
-------- -------- --------
Total shareholders' equity............................................... $917,375 $799,592 $641,222
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
39
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
Amounts expressed in thousands
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 177,526 $ 156,306 $ 105,764
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided from operating activities:
(Decrease) increase in unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses (3,085) 72,376 35,947
Increase in unearned premiums 17,753 48,498 42,276
Increase in premium notes receivable (177) (1,167) (667)
Increase in premiums receivable (3,734) (20,468) (15,460)
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs (4,683) (10,481) (7,080)
Increase in loss drafts payable 6,375 3,026 5,179
(Decrease) increase in accrued income taxes,
excluding deferred tax on change in unrealized gain (8,957) 469 1,016
Increase in accounts payable and accrued
expenses 2,454 14,279 8,385
Depreciation 5,444 5,157 4,067
Net realized investment (gains) losses 3,926 (4,973) 3,173
Net realized gain from sale of subsidiary (2,586) -- --
Bond accretion, net (4,146) (2,295) (1,112)
Other, net 6,030 8,479 15,136
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided from operating activities 192,140 269,206 196,624
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Purchases (295,723) (362,932) (243,779)
Sales 111,779 71,313 41,353
Calls or maturities 84,445 72,515 91,834
Equity securities available for sale:
Purchases (800,620) (608,260) (437,128)
Sales 745,275 590,155 398,306
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary less cash
transferred 11,018 -- --
Purchase of AMI, less cash acquired -- (33,629)
Decrease (increase) in short-term cash investments, net 12,059 6,327 (32,077)
Purchase of fixed assets (7,164) (6,854) (5,971)
Sale of fixed assets 444 1,165 167
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities $(138,487) $(236,571) $(220,924)
(Continued)
40
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Additions to notes payable $ 3,000 $ -- $ 75,000
Principal payments on notes payable -- -- (25,000)
Payment of American Mercury Insurance Company
indemnification holdback -- (1,750) --
Dividends paid to shareholders (38,451) (31,879) (26,291)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 1,965 1,400 1,324
Purchase and retirement of common stock (24,291) -- --
Net increase (decrease) of ESOP loan 3,000 (1,000) --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities (54,777) (33,229) 25,033
-------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash (1,124) (594) 733
Cash:
Beginning of the year 3,011 3,605 2,872
-------- -------- --------
End of the year $ 1,887 $ 3,011 $ 3,605
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
41
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(1) Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation
The Company is primarily engaged in the underwriting of private passenger
automobile insurance in the state of California. In 1998 and 1997 over 90% of
the net written premiums were from California.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mercury
General Corporation (the Company or MGC) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
Mercury Casualty Company, Mercury Insurance Company, California Automobile
Insurance Company, California General Underwriters Insurance Company, Inc.,
Mercury Insurance Company of Georgia, Mercury Insurance Company of Illinois,
Mercury Indemnity Company of Georgia and Mercury Indemnity Company of Illinois.
Effective December 1, 1996 the financial statements also include newly acquired
companies American Mercury Insurance Company (AMIC), Cimarron Insurance Company,
Inc., AFI Management Company, Inc. (AFIMC), and American Mercury Lloyds
Insurance Company (AML). AML is not owned by MGC, but is controlled by MGC
through its attorney-in-fact, AFIMC. The acquisition is discussed further in
Note 8. Effective for 1997 and 1998, the financial statements also include the
newly formed company American Mercury MGA, Inc. (AMMGA), a wholly owned
subsidiary of AMIC. The 1998 financial statements include the results of
Cimarron Insurance Company through June 5, 1998, the date it was sold to an
unrelated party. This sale is discussed further in Note 9. Collectively, the
newly-acquired companies, including AML, are referred to as AMI. All of the
subsidiaries as a group, including AML, but excluding AFIMC and AMMGA, are
referred to as the Insurance Companies. The consolidated financial statements
have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) which differ in some respects from those filed in reports to insurance
regulatory authorities. All significant intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting
period. The most significant assumptions in the preparation of these
consolidated financial statements relate to loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
42
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(1) Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Investments
Fixed maturities available for sale include those securities that
management intends to hold for indefinite periods, but which may be sold in
response to changes in interest rates, tax planning considerations or other
aspects of asset/liability management. Fixed maturities available for sale,
which include bonds and sinking fund preferred stocks, are carried at market.
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates market.
Investments in equity securities, which include common stocks and non-redeemable
preferred stocks, are carried at market.
In most cases, the market valuations were drawn from standard trade data
sources. In no case were any valuations made by the Company's management.
Equity holdings, including non sinking fund preferred stocks, are, with minor
exceptions, actively traded on national exchanges, and were valued at the last
transaction price.
Temporary unrealized investment gains and losses on securities available
for sale are credited or charged directly to shareholders' equity as accumulated
other comprehensive income, net of applicable tax effects. When a decline in
value of fixed maturities or equity securities is considered other than
temporary, a loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
Realized gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of income
based upon the specific identification method.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about
Fair Value of Financial Instruments", and Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 119, "Disclosure about Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair
Value of Financial Instruments", require disclosure of estimated fair value
information about financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate
that value. Under SFAS No. 115, the Company categorizes all of its investments
in debt and equity securities as available for sale. Accordingly, all
investments, including cash and short-term cash investments, are carried on the
balance sheet at their fair value. The carrying amounts and fair values for
investment securities are disclosed in Note 2 and were drawn from standard trade
data sources such as market and broker quotes. The carrying value of
receivables, accounts payable and other liabilities is equivalent to the
estimated fair value of those items. The estimated fair value of notes payable
equals their carrying value, which was based on borrowing rates currently
available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities. The
terms of the notes are discussed in Note 5.
43
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(1) Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Premium Income Recognition
Insurance premiums are recognized as income ratably over the term of the
policies. Unearned premiums are computed on the monthly pro rata basis.
Unearned premiums are stated gross of reinsurance deductions, with the
reinsurance deduction recorded in other assets.
Net premiums written during 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $1,144,051,000,
$1,086,241,000 and $795,873,000, respectively.
One agent produced direct premiums written of approximately 19%, 18% and
17% of the Company's total direct premiums written during 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. This agency was sold during 1998 to a large national broker. The
buyer has informed the Company that they intend to continue producing business
for the Company. No other agent accounted for more than 2% of direct premiums
written.
Premium Notes
Premium notes receivable represent the balance due to the Company from
policyholders who elect to finance their premiums over the policy term. The
Company requires both a downpayment and monthly payments as part of its
financing program. Premium finance fees are charged to policyholders who elect
to finance premiums. The fees are charged at rates that vary with the amount
of premium financed. Premium finance fees are recognized over the term of the
premium note based upon the effective yield.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Acquisition costs related to unearned premiums, which consist of
commissions, premium taxes and certain other underwriting costs, which vary
directly with and are directly related to, the production of business, are
deferred and amortized to income ratably over the terms of the policies.
Deferred acquisition costs are limited to the amount which will remain after
deducting from unearned premiums and anticipated investment income, the
estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses and the servicing costs that will
be incurred as the premiums are earned. The Company does not defer advertising
expenses.
44
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(1) Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses is based upon the
accumulation of individual case estimates for losses reported prior to the close
of the accounting period, plus estimates, based upon past experience, of
ultimate developed costs which may differ from case estimates and of unreported
claims. The liability is stated net of anticipated salvage and subrogation
recoveries. The amount of reinsurance recoverable is included in other
receivables.
Estimating loss reserves is a difficult process as there are many factors
that can ultimately affect the final settlement of a claim and, therefore, the
reserve that is needed. Changes in the regulatory and legal environment,
results of litigation, medical costs, the cost of repair materials and labor
rates can all impact ultimate claim costs. In addition, time can be a critical
part of reserving determinations since the longer the span between the incidence
of a loss and the payment or settlement of the claim, the more variable the
ultimate settlement amount can be. Accordingly, short-tail claims, such as
property damage claims, tend to be more reasonably predictable than long-tail
liability claims. Management believes that the liability for losses and loss
adjustment expenses is adequate to cover the ultimate net cost of losses and
loss adjustment expenses incurred to date. Since the provisions are necessarily
based upon estimates, the ultimate liability may be more or less than such
provisions.
Depreciation
Buildings and furniture and equipment are depreciated over 30-year and 5-
year to 10-year periods, respectively, on a combination of straight-line and
accelerated methods. Automobiles are depreciated over 5 years, using an
accelerated method.
Earnings per Share
During 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share", which requires
presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share for all publicly traded
companies effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 1997. Note 15
contains the required disclosures which make up the calculation of basic and
diluted earnings per share.
45
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(1) Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 (SFAS No. 130),
"Reporting Comprehensive Income," effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997 was adopted by the Company during 1998. The Company is
reporting comprehensive income for the same periods presented on the
Consolidated Statements of Income. The implementation of SFAS No. 130 had no
effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
Segment Reporting
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (SFAS No. 131),
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," became
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS 131
establishes standards for the way information about operating segments is
reported in financial statements. The Company does not have any operations that
require disclosure as operating segments.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Statement of Position 98-1 (SOP 98-1), "Accounting For the Costs of
Computer Software developed or obtained for Internal Use" is effective for
financial statements beginning after December 15, 1998. SOP 98-1 requires that
the cost of internally developed computer software be capitalized. The Company
will implement this standard during the first quarter 1999 and is currently
evaluating the impact that it will have on the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences in the recognition
of income and expense for tax and financial reporting purposes. The Company
accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes".
Reinsurance
In accordance with SFAS No. 113, "Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance
of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts," the liabilities for unearned
premiums and unpaid losses are stated in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements before deductions for ceded reinsurance. The ceded amounts are
immaterial and are carried in other assets and other receivables. Earned
premiums are stated net of deductions for ceded reinsurance.
46
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(1) Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The Insurance Companies, as primary insurers, would be required to pay
losses in their entirety in the event that the reinsurers were unable to
discharge their obligations under the reinsurance agreements.
Statements of Cash Flows
Interest paid during 1998, 1997, and 1996 was $4,494,000, $5,077,000, and
$1,882,000, respectively. Income taxes paid were $65,984,000 in 1998,
$52,611,000 in 1997, and $30,550,000 in 1996.
The subsidiary sold in 1998 consisted primarily of invested assets totaling
$8,408,000 at the sale date.
In 1998, non-cash financing activities included receipt of $276,000 of
common stock tendered at market value to exercise stock options.
The balance sheet of AMI at the acquisition date included the following
assets: investments of $75,310,000, cash of $1,362,000, receivables of
$44,418,000 and other assets of $31,124,000. Liabilities assumed in the
acquisition included unearned premiums of $50,199,000, loss and loss adjustment
expense reserves of $47,039,000 and other liabilities of $19,985,000.
On December 30, 1997, the Company paid $1,750,000 of principal plus $87,500
of interest to the seller of AMI. This amount represented repayment of a one
year note which secured the seller's guaranty of the collectibility of certain
assets of AMI.
Stock-Based Compensation
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"), which is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1995. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation
under the accounting methods prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 25, as allowed by SFAS No. 123. Disclosure of stock-based
compensation determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123 is presented in Footnote
14. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on the
financial statements of the Company.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year balances to
conform to the current year presentation.
47
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(2) Investments and Investment Income
A summary of net investment income is shown in the following table:
Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
-------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- --------- --------
Interest and dividends on fixed maturities................................ $75,602 $67,948 $55,132
Dividends on equity securities............................................ 18,027 16,317 13,385
Interest on short-term cash investments................................... 3,460 3,321 2,126
------- ------- -------
Total investment income................................................. 97,089 87,586 70,643
Investment expense........................................................ 920 774 463
------- ------- -------
Net investment income................................................... $96,169 $86,812 $70,180
======= ======= =======
A summary of net realized investment gains (losses) is as follows:
Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
-------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- --------- --------
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Fixed maturities........................................................ $ 914 $1,400 $ 963
Equity securities....................................................... (4,840) 3,573 (4,136)
------- ------ -------
$(3,926) $4,973 $(3,173)
======= ====== =======
Gross gains and losses realized on the sales of investments (excluding
calls) are shown below:
Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
-------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Gross realized gains.................................................... $ 394 $ 849 $ 515
Gross realized losses................................................... (370) (389) (1,237)
-------- ------- -------
Net.................................................................... $ 24 $ 460 $ (722)
======== ======= =======
Equity securities available for sale:
Gross realized gains.................................................... $ 9,452 $ 7,257 $ 2,925
Gross realized losses................................................... (14,166) (3,565) (7,115)
-------- ------- -------
Net.................................................................... $ (4,714) $ 3,692 $(4,190)
======== ======= =======
48
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(2) Investments and Investment Income (Continued)
A summary of the net increase (decrease) in unrealized investment gains
and losses less applicable income tax expense (benefit), is as follows:
Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- ------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in net unrealized
investment gains and losses:
Fixed maturities available for sale.............................................. $12,076 $38,077 $(8,059)
Income tax expense (benefit)..................................................... 4,227 13,327 (2,821)
------- ------- -------
$ 7,849 $24,750 $(5,238)
======= ======= =======
Equity securities............................................................... $(4,283) $ 3,731 $(1,589)
Income tax expense (benefit).................................................... (1,499) 1,306 (556)
------- ------- -------
$(2,784) $ 2,425 $(1,033)
======= ======= =======
Accumulated unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale
follows:
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
--------------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Unrealized gains.................................................................. $ 80,651 $ 68,718
Unrealized losses................................................................. (1,183) (1,326)
Tax effect........................................................................ (27,814) (23,587)
-------- --------
$ 51,654 $ 43,805
-------- --------
Equity securities available for sale:
Unrealized gains.................................................................. $ 5,934 $ 5,006
Unrealized losses................................................................. (6,638) (1,427)
Tax effect........................................................................ 246 (1,253)
-------- --------
$ (458) $ 2,326
-------- --------
Net unrealized investment gains (classified
as accumulated other comprehensive income
on the balance sheet).......................................................... $ 51,196 $ 46,131
======== ========
49
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(2) Investments and Investment Income (Continued)
The amortized costs and estimated market values of investments in fixed
maturities available for sale as of December 31, 1998 are as follows:
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- --------- -------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies........... $ 10,206 $ 223 $ 1 $ 10,428
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions........................ 1,179,043 78,003 933 1,256,113
Public utilities...................... 881 55 -- 936
Corporate securities.................. 12,839 336 14 13,161
Redeemable preferred stock............ 42,471 2,034 235 44,270
---------- ------- ------ ----------
Totals........................... $1,245,440 $80,651 $1,183 $1,324,908
========== ======= ====== ==========
The amortized costs and estimated market values of investments in fixed
maturities available for sale as of December 31, 1997 are as follows:
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- --------- -------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies........... $ 19,700 $ 123 $ 16 $ 19,807
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions........................ 1,021,259 64,908 554 1,085,613
Public utilities...................... 11,383 151 5 11,529
Corporate securities.................. 19,013 324 11 19,326
Redeemable preferred stock............ 76,239 3,212 740 78,711
---------- ------- ------ ----------
Totals........................... $1,147,594 $68,718 $1,326 $1,214,986
========== ======= ====== ==========
Traditionally, it has been the Company's policy not to invest in high yield or
non-investment grade bonds. In 1995, the Company adopted a policy allowing a
small percentage of its investments to be placed in bonds rated lower than
investment grade, but not lower than Ba by Moody's or BB by Standard & Poor's.
50
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(2) Investments and Investment Income (Continued)
At December 31, 1998 bond holdings rated below investment grade totaled
approximately 1% of total investments. The average Standard and Poor's rating
of the bond portfolio is AA-.
The amortized cost and estimated market value of fixed maturities available for
sale at December 31, 1998, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected
maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have
the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.
Estimated
Amortized Market
Cost Value
------------- ----------
(Amounts in thousands)
--------------------------
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Due in one year or less ..................... $ 4,671 $ 4,774
Due after one year through five years........ 39,201 40,647
Due after five years through ten years....... 66,971 70,750
Due after ten years.......................... 1,134,597 1,208,737
---------- ----------
$1,245,440 $1,324,908
========== ==========
The Company utilizes repurchase agreements for investing funds overnight.
All repurchase agreements utilized require U.S. Treasury securities or
obligations of U.S. government corporations or agencies as collateral.
(3) Fixed Assets
A summary of fixed assets follows:
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
-------------------------
1998 1997
-------- ----------
Land................................ $ 6,084 $ 6,084
Buildings.......................... 22,461 21,802
Furniture and equipment............ 33,120 27,819
Leasehold improvements............. 410 391
-------- --------
62,075 56,096
Less accumulated depreciation...... (30,174) (25,603)
-------- --------
Net fixed assets.................. $ 31,901 $ 30,493
======== ========
51
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(4) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs incurred and amortized to income are as follows:
Years ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ---------- ----------
Balance, beginning of year................. $ 57,264 $ 46,783 $ 33,809
DAC acquired in purchase of AFI........... -- -- 5,850
Costs deferred during the year............. 257,275 235,364 167,143
Amortization charged to expense............ (252,592) (224,883) (160,019)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year....................... $ 61,947 $ 57,264 $ 46,783
========= ========= =========
(5) Notes Payable
Notes payable at December 31, 1998 consist of two revolving credit facilities
with a consortium of banks. A November 21, 1996 credit facility provides for an
aggregate commitment of $75 million, of which $75 million has been drawn and is
outstanding. The $75 million notes are due November 21, 2001. This due date
may be extended annually for additional periods of one year to maintain the
three-year maturity date. The other outstanding debt consists of a 364 day $100
million line of credit dated October 31, 1998. The outstanding draw on this
line of credit is $3 million and is due on October 31, 1999.
The $75 million and $100 million credit facilities are subject to a
commitment fee on the undrawn balances of 0.15% and 0.12%, respectively. In
addition, the $100 million credit facility imposes a utilization fee of 0.05% on
the outstanding debt of both lines of credit if the aggregate principal
outstanding balance of both lines of credit exceeds 66 2/3% of the sum of the
aggregate commitments. For both debts, the interest rate is variable and is
optionally related to the Federal Funds rate, Bank of New York prime rate or the
Eurodollar London Interbank rate (LIBOR). Based on the rates effective through
February 22, 1999, the net interest cost on the loans at December 31, 1998 is
approximately 5.65%.
The terms of the loan agreements include certain affirmative and negative
covenants, all of which are met by the Company at December 31, 1998.
52
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(6) Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income tax
return.
The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following
components:
Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
-----------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Federal
Current.............................................. $ 7,237 $ 54,447 $ 31,880
Deferred............................................. 190 (1,265) (1,139)
-------- -------- --------
$ 57,427 $ 53,182 $ 30,741
======== ======== ========
State
Current.............................................. $ 327 $ 291 $ 85
Deferred............................................. -- -- --
-------- -------- --------
$ 327 $ 291 $ 85
======== ======== ========
Total
Current.............................................. $ 57,564 $ 54,738 $ 31,965
Deferred............................................. 190 (1,265) (1,139)
-------- -------- --------
Total............................................ $ 57,754 $ 53,473 $ 30,826
======== ======== ========
The income tax provision reflected in the consolidated statements of income
is less than the expected federal income tax on income before income taxes as
shown in the table below:
Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
--------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Computed tax expense at 35% ................................ $ 82,348 $ 73,423 $ 47,807
Tax-exempt interest income.................................. (22,547) (19,188) (15,626)
Dividends received deduction................................ (5,437) (5,389) (4,949)
Reduction of losses incurred deduction for 15% of
income on securities purchased after
August 7, 1986............................................. 4,245 3,640 2,974
Other, net.................................................. (855) 987 620
-------- -------- --------
Income tax expense .................................... $ 57,754 $ 53,473 $ 30,826
======== ======== ========
53
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(6) Income Taxes (Continued)
The "temporary differences" that give rise to a significant portion of the
deferred tax asset (liability) relate to the following:
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Deferred tax assets
Discounting of loss reserves and salvage
and subrogation recoverable for tax
purposes................................................................... $ 6,732 $ 6,930 $ 6,123
Other deferred tax assets................................................... 1,389 1,085 1,358
-------- -------- --------
Total gross deferred tax assets........................................... 8,121 8,015 7,481
Less valuation allowance................................................. -- -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net deferred tax assets.................................................. 8,121 8,015 7,481
-------- -------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities
Tax liability on net unrealized gain on
securities carried at market value......................................... (27,567) (24,840) (10,207)
Tax depreciation in excess of book
depreciation............................................................... (1,545) (1,467) (1,270)
Accretion on bonds.......................................................... (1,467) (1,061) (784)
Other deferred tax liabilities.............................................. (181) (369) (1,569)
-------- -------- --------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities..................................... (30,760) (27,737) (13,830)
-------- -------- --------
Net deferred tax liabilities............................................. $(22,639) $(19,722) $ (6,349)
======== ======== ========
54
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(7) Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Activity in the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses is
summarized as follows:
Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- -------
Gross reserves for losses and loss
adjustment expenses at beginning of year........$409,061 $336,685 $253,546
Less reinsurance recoverable..................... (22,791) (24,931) (2,556)
-------- -------- --------
Net reserves, beginning of year.................. 386,270 311,754 250,990
Reserves acquired in purchase of AMI............. -- -- 24,231
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
related to:
Current year................................. 693,877 641,911 505,726
Prior years.................................. (9,409) 12,818 (3,868)
-------- -------- --------
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment
expenses........................................ 684,468 654,729 501,858
-------- -------- --------
Loss and loss adjustment expense payments
related to:
Current year................................. 437,612 373,823 298,099
Prior years.................................. 247,310 206,390 167,226
-------- -------- --------
Total payments................................... 684,922 580,213 465,325
-------- -------- --------
Net reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses at end of year......................... 385,816 386,270 311,754
Reinsurance recoverable.......................... 20,160 22,791 24,931
-------- -------- --------
Gross reserves, end of year...................... $405,976 $409,061 $336,685
======== ======== ========
Decreases in incurred losses relating to 1998 and 1996 reflects the favorable
loss experience during these years attributable to a number of combined factors
which have produced favorable frequency and severity trends.
Increase in incurred losses in 1997 relating to prior years reflects
increases in the Company's estimates for loss adjustment expenses.
55
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(8) Acquisition of American Fidelity Insurance Company
Effective November 30, 1996 the Company acquired all of the issued and
outstanding common stock of American Mercury Insurance Company, formerly
American Fidelity Insurance Company, including its subsidiaries as described in
Note 1, for $35.0 million. The acquisition was paid for in cash with funds
raised by increasing the Company's notes payable under the bank credit agreement
discussed in Note 5. On December 30, 1996 the Company contributed an additional
$15.0 million to AMI. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase
method and resulted in a minimal amount of goodwill. The purchase agreement
includes an indemnification by the seller on the loss and loss adjustment
expense reserves of AMI at the acquisition date, excluding the mechanical
breakdown line, to avoid any impact on the Company's financial statements from
any future adverse development on the acquisition date loss reserves.
AMI writes property and casualty insurance, primarily in Oklahoma and Texas,
where the companies are domiciled. Its primary lines are automobile and
mechanical breakdown insurance. The results of operations for the month of
December 1996 and all of 1997 and 1998, with the exception of Cimarron, which is
discussed in Note 9, are included in the consolidated financial statements of
the Company.
The following unaudited proforma consolidated results of operations show 1996
results, as though the acquisition occurred on January 1, 1996 (Amounts in
thousands except per share date):
Revenues $891,243
Pretax operating income $136,912
Income before income taxes $133,691
Basic earnings per share $ 1.89
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.88
(9) Sale of Subsidiary
In June 1998, the Company sold its 100% interest in Cimarron Insurance
Company for $11.1 million in cash. The Company realized a pre-tax gain of
approximately $2.6 million on this transaction.
Cimarron ceased writing new business in 1997 and all renewal business was
underwritten and retained by American Mercury Insurance Company. The
consolidated results for 1998 include $0.2 million of revenue and $0.1 million
of net income from the operations of Cimarron up the sale date of June 5, 1998.
56
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(10) Dividend Restrictions
The Insurance Companies are subject to the financial capacity guidelines
established by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of their domiciliary
states. The payment of dividends from statutory unassigned surplus of the
Insurance Companies is restricted, subject to certain statutory limitations. For
the year 1999, the direct insurance subsidiaries of the Company are permitted to
pay approximately $98 million in dividends to the Company without the prior
approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the state of domicile. The above
statutory regulations may have the effect of indirectly limiting the ability of
the Company to pay dividends.
(11) Statutory Balances and Accounting Practices
The Insurance Companies prepare their statutory financial statements in
accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the various
state insurance departments. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include
a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(NAIC), as well as state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules.
Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not
so prescribed. As of December 31, 1998, there were no material permitted
statutory accounting practices utilized by the Insurance Companies. During 1998,
the NAIC approved the codification of statutory accounting practices.
Codification will become effective in the year 2001 if it is adopted by the
states. If adopted, it will result in changes to the accounting policies that
insurance enterprises use to prepare their statutory financial statements.
The Insurance Companies' statutory net income, as reported to regulatory
authorities, was $173,473,000, $147,255,000, and $97,979,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The statutory policyholders'
surplus of the Insurance Companies, as reported to regulatory authorities, as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $767,223,000 and $679,359,000, respectively.
The Company has estimated the Risk-Based Capital Requirements of each of its
insurance subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 according to the formula issued
by the NAIC. Each of the companies' policyholders' surplus exceeded the highest
level of minimum required capital.
57
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(12) Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is obligated under various noncancellable lease agreements
providing for office space and equipment rental that expire at various dates
through the year 2008. Total rent expense under these lease agreements, all of
which are operating leases, was $2,074,000, $1,885,000 and $1,583,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Mercury Casualty Company will receive minimum future rentals on various
noncancellable operating leases on a building in Brea, California. The annual
rental commitments, expressed in thousands, are shown as follows:
Rent Rent
Year Expense Income
---- ------- ------
1999.................... $3,059 $ (295)
2000.................... $2,758 $ (100)
2001.................... $2,329 $ --
2002.................... $1,642 $ --
2003............ $ 952 $ --
Thereafter.............. $4,670 $ --
The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits generally
incidental to their business. In most of these actions, plaintiffs assert
claims for exemplary and punitive damages which are not insurable under
California judicial decisions. The Company vigorously defends these actions,
unless a reasonable settlement appears appropriate. Management does not expect
the ultimate disposition of these lawsuits to have a material effect on the
Company's consolidated operations or financial position.
(13) Profit Sharing Plan
The Company, at the option of the Board of Directors, may make annual con-
tributions to an employee profit sharing plan. The contributions are not to
exceed the greater of the Company's net income for the plan year or its retained
earnings at that date. In addition, the annual contributions may not exceed an
amount equal to 15% of the compensation paid or accrued during the year to all
participants under the plan. The annual contribution was $1,100,000 for the
plan year ended December 31, 1998 and $1,000,000 for each plan year ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996.
The Profit Sharing Plan also includes an option for employees to make salary
deferrals under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Company matching
58
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(13) Profit Sharing Plan (Continued)
contributions, at a rate set by the Board of Directors, totaled $1,648,000,
$1,349,000, and $955,000 for the plan years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996.
Effective March 11, 1994 the Profit Sharing Plan also includes a leveraged
employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) that covers substantially all employees.
The Company makes annual contributions to the ESOP equal to the ESOP's debt
service less dividends received by the ESOP. Dividends received by the ESOP on
unallocated shares are used to pay debt service and the ESOP shares serve as
collateral for its debt. As the debt is repaid, shares are released from
collateral and allocated to employees, based on the proportion of debt service
paid in the year. The Company accounts for its ESOP in accordance with Statement
of Position 93-6. Accordingly, the debt of the ESOP, which was $5,000,000,
$2,000,000 and $3,000,000 at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, is
recorded in the balance sheet as other liabilities. The shares pledged as
collateral are reported as unearned ESOP compensation in the shareholders'
equity section of the balance sheet. As shares are committed to be released from
collateral, the Company reports compensation expense equal to the current market
price of the shares, and reduces unearned ESOP compensation by the original cost
of the shares. The difference between the market price and cost of the shares is
charged to common stock. As shares are committed to be released from collateral,
the shares become outstanding for earnings-per-share computations. Dividends on
allocated ESOP shares are recorded as a reduction of retained earnings;
dividends on unallocated ESOP shares are recorded as a reduction of accrued
interest. ESOP compensation expense was $970,000, $5,368,000 and $1,509,000 in
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The ESOP shares as of December 31 were as
follows:
1998 1997
---- ----
Allocated shares -- 193,200
Shares committed-to-be released 23,000 128,800
Unreleased shares 92,000 --
---------- -------
Total ESOP shares 115,000 322,000
========== =======
Market value of unreleased shares at
December 31, $4,031,000 --
========== =======
(14) Common Stock
In September 1997, the common stock of the Company was split two-for-one.
All share information has been adjusted accordingly.
59
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(14) Common Stock (Continued)
The Company adopted a stock option plan in October 1985 (the "1985 Plan")
under which 5,400,000 shares were reserved for issuance. Options granted during
1985 were exercisable immediately. Subsequent options granted become
exercisable 20% per year beginning one year from the date granted. All options
were granted at the market price on the date of the grant and expire in 10
years.
In May 1995 the Company adopted The 1995 Equity Participation Plan (the "1995
Plan") which succeeds the Company's 1985 Plan. Under the 1995 Plan, 5,400,000
shares of Common Stock are authorized for issuance upon exercise of options,
stock appreciation rights and other awards, or upon vesting of restricted or
deferred stock awards. During 1995, the Company granted incentive stock options
under both the 1995 Plan and the 1985 Plan. The options granted become
exercisable 20% per year beginning one year from the date granted and were
granted at the market price on the date of the grant. The options expire in 10
years. At December 31, 1998 no awards other than options have been granted.
As explained in Note 1, the Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting
for its stock option plan. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been
recognized in the Statements of Income. Had compensation cost for the Company's
Plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with
the method of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income would have been reduced by
$454,000, $363,000 and $295,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and
earnings per share (basic and diluted) would have been reduced by .01 in 1998,
would have remained the same in 1997, and been reduced by .01 (basic and
diluted) in 1996. Calculations of the fair value under the method prescribed by
SFAS No. 123 were made using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1998, 1997 and 1996:
dividend yield of 2.0 percent for all years, expected volatility of 32.7 percent
in 1998 and 30 percent for 1997 and 1996 and expected lives of 7 years for all
years. The risk-free interest rates used were 5.4 percent for the options
granted during 1998, 6.4 percent for the options granted during 1997 and 5.5 and
6.4 percent for the options granted during 1996.
60
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(14) Common Stock (Continued)
A summary of the status of the Company's plans as of December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 and changes during the years ending on those dates is presented below:
1998 1997 1996
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Exercise Exercise Exercise
Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Outstanding at beginning of year 629,621 $16.269 717,350 $14.452 724,650 $12.117
Granted during the year 73,000 45.385 45,000 27.406 120,000 23.078
Exercised during the year (144,475) 10.329 (116,729) 8.553 (122,500) 7.713
Canceled or expired (19,000) 51.484 (16,000) 21.750 (4,800) 13.500
-------- -------- --------
Outstanding at end of year 539,146 20.575 629,621 16.269 717,350 14.452
======== ======== ========
Options exercisable at year-end 265,146 277,021 268,150
Weighted-average fair value of
options granted during the year $ 16.37 $ 9.91 $ 8.11
The following table summarizes information regarding the stock options
outstanding at December 31, 1998:
Number Weighted Avg. Weighted Avg. Number Weighted Avg.
Range of Outstanding Remaining Exercise Exercisable Exercise
Exercise Prices at 12/31/98 Contractual Life Price at 12/31/98 Price
- -------------------- ----------- ---------------- ------------- ----------- -------------
$15.00 to 15.9375 346,846 5.75 $15.451 222,846 $15.399
$21.75 to 27.40063 138,300 7.55 24.577 42,300 23.919
$42.3091 to 44.8209 54,000 9.69 43.239 -- --
------- -------
$15.00 to 44.8209 539,146 6.61 20.575 265,146 16.758
======= =======
(15) Earnings Per Share
A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator, adjusted for a two-for-one
stock split effective September 1997, used in the basic and diluted earnings per
share calculation is presented below:
1998 1997 1996
---------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
(000's) (000's) (000's) (000's) (000's) (000's)
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares
(Numera- (Denomi- Per-Share (Numera- (Denomi- Per-Share (Numera- (Denomi- Per-Share
tor) nator) Amount tor) nator) Amount tor) nator) Amount
--------- ------- ------ --------- ------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Basic EPS
- ---------
Income available to
common stockholders $177,526 55,003 $3.23 $156,306 54,997 $2.84 $105,764 54,794 $1.93
Effect of dilutive
securities
Options -- 351 -- 386 -- 304
Diluted EPS
- -----------
Income available to
common stockholders
after assumed
conversions $177,526 55,354 $3.21 $156,306 55,383 $2.82 $105,764 55,098 $1.92
======== ====== ===== ======== ====== ===== ======== ====== =====
61
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
---------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Disclosure
--------------------
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
--------------------------------------------------
Item 11. Executive Compensation
----------------------
Item 12. Security ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
--------------------------------------------------------------
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
----------------------------------------------
Information regarding executive officers of the Company is included in Part
I. For this and other information called for by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13,
reference is made to the Company's definitive proxy statement for its Annual
Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on May 12, 1999, which will be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1998,
and which is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
---------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
1. Financial Statements: The Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended December 31, 1998 are contained herein as listed in the Index to
Consolidated Financial Statements on page 34.
2. Financial Statement Schedules:
Title
-----
Independent Auditors' Report on Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule I -- Summary of Investments -- Other than Investments in
Related Parties
Schedule II -- Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Schedule IV -- Reinsurance
All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable
or the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or
Notes thereto.
62
3. Exhibits:
3.1&& Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended to date.
3.2@@ By-laws of the Company, as amended to date.
4.1* Shareholders' Agreement dated as of October 7, 1985 among the
Company, George Joseph and Gloria Joseph.
10.1&& Form of Agency Contract.
10.2# Management Agreement, as amended, effective July 1, 1992, among
the Company, Mercury Casualty Company, Mercury Insurance Company
and California Automobile Insurance Company.
10.3## Profit Sharing Plan, as Amended and Restated as of March 11,
1994.
10.4## ESOP Feature Trust Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo
Bank, N.A., as Trustee, effective March 1, 1994.
10.5## ESOP Loan Agreement between Union Bank and Wells Fargo Bank,
N.A., as Trustee, of the Mercury General Corporation ESOP
Feature Trust dated as of March 11, 1994.
10.6## Continuing Guaranty, dated as of March 11, 1994, executed by
Mercury General Corporation in favor of Union Bank.
10.7** Amendment 1994-I to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.8** Amendment 1994-II to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.9& Amendment 1996-I to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.10& Amendment 1997-I to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.11&& Amendment 1998-I to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.12& Revolving Credit Agreement by and among Mercury General
Corporation, the Lenders Party Thereto and The Bank of New York,
as Agent dated as of November 21, 1996.
10.13** Property Per Risk Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement between
National Reinsurance Corporation and Mercury Casualty Company,
effective April 1, 1995.
10.14** Endorsement No. 1 to the Property Per Risk Excess of Loss
Agreement effective April 1, 1995.
10.15@@ Endorsement No. 2 to the Property Per Risk Excess of Loss
Agreement effective April 1, 1995.
10.16@@ Endorsement No. 3 to the Property Per Risk Excess of Loss
Agreement effective April 1, 1995.
10.17&& Property Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement effective
September 1, 1996.
10.18@@ Management Agreement effective January 1, 1995 between the
Company and Mercury Insurance Company of Illinois.
10.19@@ Management Agreement effective January 1, 1995 between the
Company and Mercury Indemnity Company of Illinois.
10.20@@ Management Agreement effective January 1, 1995 between the
Company and Mercury Insurance Company of Georgia.
10.21@@ Management Agreement effective January 1, 1995 between the
63
Company and Mercury Indemnity Company of Georgia.
10.22@ The 1995 Equity Participation Plan.
10.23& Stock Purchase Agreement between Mercury General Corporation as
Purchaser and AFC as Seller dated November 15, 1996.
10.24&& Management Agreement effective January 1, 1997 between the
Company and American Mercury Insurance Company, AFI Management
Co., Inc. and Cimarron Insurance Company.
10.25 Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement by and among Mercury
General Corporation, the Lender Party thereto and The Bank of
New York, as Agent, dated as of November 21, 1996.
10.26 Revolving Credit Agreement by and among Mercury General
Corporation, the Lender Party thereto and The Bank of New York,
as Agent, dated as of October 30, 1998.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1 Accountants' Consent.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
* This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form S-1, File No. 33-899, and is incorporated herein by this reference.
# This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1992, and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
## This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
** This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
@ This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form S-8 filed on
March 8, 1996 and is incorporated herein by this reference.
@@ This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
& This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
&& This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
None
64
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
By GEORGE JOSEPH
-------------------------------------
George Joseph
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board
March 8, 1999
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
Chief Executive Officer
and
Chairman of the Board
GEORGE JOSEPH (Principal Executive Officer) March 8, 1999
- -----------------------------
George Joseph
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
GABRIEL TIRADOR (Principal Financial Officer) March 8, 1999
- -----------------------------
Gabriel Tirador
NATHAN BESSIN Director March 8, 1999
- --------------------------
Nathan Bessin
BRUCE A. BUNNER Director March 8, 1999
- --------------------------
Bruce A. Bunner
MICHAEL D. CURTIUS Director March 8, 1999
- --------------------------
Michael D. Curtius
65
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
RICHARD E. GRAYSON Director March 8, 1999
- -------------------------
Richard E. Grayson
GLORIA JOSEPH Director March 8, 1999
- ------------------------
Gloria Joseph
CHARLES MCCLUNG Director March 8, 1999
- ------------------------
Charles McClung
DONALD P. NEWELL Director March 8, 1999
- ------------------------
Donald P. Newell
DONALD R. SPUEHLER Director March 8, 1999
- ------------------------
Donald R. Spuehler
66
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The Board of Directors
Mercury General Corporation:
Under date of February 12, 1999, we reported on the consolidated balance
sheets of Mercury General Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998
and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive
income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-
year period ended December 31, 1998, as contained in the annual report on Form
10-K for the year 1998. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned
consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the related financial
statement schedules as listed under Item 14(a)2. These financial statement
schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statement schedules
based on our audits.
In our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in
relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
KPMG LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 12, 1999
S-1
SCHEDULE I
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 1998
Amounts in Thousands
Amount at
which shown
in the
Type of Investment Cost Value balance sheet
- ------------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Fixed maturities available for sale
Bonds:
U.S. Government......................... $ 10,206 $ 10,428 $ 10,428
States, Municipalities.................. 1,179,043 1,256,113 1,256,113
Public utilities........................ 881 936 936
All other corporate bonds............... 12,839 13,161 13,161
Redeemable preferred stock................ 42,471 44,270 44,270
---------- ---------- ----------
Total fixed maturities available for
sale.................................. 1,245,440 1,324,908 1,324,908
---------- ---------- ----------
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Public utilities........................ 38,260 40,650 40,650
Banks, trust and insurance companies.... 1,666 1,813 1,813
Industrial, Miscellaneous and
all other.............................. 5,233 5,372 5,372
Nonredeemable preferred stocks............ 175,290 171,910 171,910
---------- ---------- ----------
Total equity securities available for
sale.................................. 220,449 219,745 219,745
---------- ---------- ----------
Short-term investments........................ 45,992 45,992
---------- ----------
Total investments..................... $1,511,881 $1,590,645
========== ==========
S-2
SCHEDULE I
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 1997
Amounts in Thousands
Amount at
which shown
in the
Type of Investment Cost Value balance sheet
- ------------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
Fixed maturities available for sale
Bonds:
U.S. Government......................... $ 19,700 $ 19,807 $ 19,807
States, Municipalities.................. 1,021,259 1,085,614 1,085,614
Public utilities........................ 11,383 11,529 11,529
All other corporate bonds............... 19,013 19,326 19,326
Redeemable preferred stock................ 76,239 78,710 78,710
---------- ---------- ----------
Total fixed maturities available for
sale.................................. 1,147,594 1,214,986 1,214,986
---------- ---------- ----------
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Public utilities........................ 25,020 29,144 29,144
Banks, trust and insurance companies.... 567 552 552
Industrial, Miscellaneous and
all other.............................. 1,962 1,980 1,980
Nonredeemable preferred stocks............ 142,394 141,846 141,846
---------- ---------- ----------
Total equity securities available for
sale.................................. 169,943 173,522 173,522
---------- ---------- ----------
Short-term investments........................ 59,740 59,740
---------- ----------
Total investments........................ $1,377,277 $1,448,248
========== ==========
S-3
SCHEDULE II
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Amounts in thousands
ASSETS
1998 1997
--------- --------
Investments:
Fixed maturities available for sale (amortized
cost $1,002 in 1998 and $2,914 in 1997)......... $ 980 $ 2,888
Equity securities, available for sale (cost
$22,885 in 1998 and $28,398 in 1997)............ 22,274 28,555
Short-term cash investments...................... 9,189 6,705
Investment in subsidiaries....................... 979,695 849,608
---------- --------
Total investments.............................. 1,012,138 887,756
Amounts due from affiliates....................... 8,544 5,452
Income taxes...................................... 3,693 3,144
Other assets...................................... 1,963 1,863
---------- --------
$1,026,338 $898,215
========== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Notes payable..................................... $78,000 $ 75,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.............. 22,353 18,594
Other liabilities.................................. 8,610 5,029
---------- --------
Total liabilities........................... 108,963 98,623
---------- --------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock................................... 48,830 47,412
Accumulated other comprehensive income......... 51,196 46,131
Unearned ESOP compensation..................... (4,000) --
Retained earnings.............................. 821,349 706,049
---------- --------
Total shareholders' equity........... 917,375 799,592
---------- --------
$1,026,338 $898,215
========== ========
See notes to condensed financial information
S-4
SCHEDULE II, Continued
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three years ended December 31, 1998
Amounts in thousands
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Revenues:
Net investment income......................... $ 1,956 $ 2,139 $ 1,489
Management fee income from subsidiaries....... 186,387 162,352 118,657
Other......................................... 94 -- 8
-------- -------- --------
Total revenues............................ 188,437 164,491 120,154
-------- --------
Expenses:
Loss adjustment expenses...................... 115,242 102,889 79,934
Policy acquisition costs...................... 33,550 31,543 20,345
Other operating expenses...................... 38,815 28,454 19,336
Interest...................................... 4,839 4,972 2,004
-------- -------- --------
Total expenses............................ 192,446 167,858 121,619
-------- -------- --------
Loss before income taxes and equity in net
income of subsidiaries....................... (4,009) (3,367) (1,465)
Income tax benefit.............................. (2,010) (528) (536)
-------- -------- --------
Loss before equity in net income
of subsidiaries.............................. (1,999) (2,839) (929)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries............ 179,525 159,145 106,693
-------- -------- --------
Net income................................ $177,526 $156,306 $105,764
======== ======== ========
See notes to condensed financial information.
S-5
SCHEDULE II, Continued
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Years ended December 31, 1998
Amounts in thousands
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided from operating activities...... $ 52,908 $ 40,097 $ 32,510
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of American Mercury Insurance
Company......................................... -- -- (34,991)
Capital contribution to subsidiaries............. -- -- (15,000)
Fixed maturities, at market:
Purchases...................................... (2,700) (3,556) (807)
Sales.......................................... 3,849 2,398 475
Calls or maturities............................ 731 1,234 1,072
Equity securities:
Purchases...................................... (75,180) (71,446) (47,597)
Sales.......................................... 79,852 59,786 42,934
Calls.......................................... 222 358 --
(Increase) decrease in short term cash
investments, net................................. (2,484) 1,385 (3,344)
Other, net....................................... -- -- --
------ -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used) in investing
activities.................................. 4,290 (9,841) (57,258)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Additions to notes payable....................... 3,000 -- 75,000
Principal payments on notes payable.............. -- -- (25,000)
Payment of AMI indemnification holdback.......... (1,750) --
Dividends paid to shareholders................... (38,452) (31,879) (26,291)
Purchase and retirement of common stock.......... (24,291) -- --
Stock options exercised.......................... 1,964 1,400 1,324
------ -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used) in financing
activities................................... (57,779) (32,229) 25,033
Net increase (decrease) in cash.................... (581) (1,973) 285
Cash:
Beginning of the year............................ (3,029) (1,056) (1,340)
------ -------- --------
End of the year ................................. $ (3,610) $ (3,029) $ (1,055)
======= ======== ========
See notes to condensed financial information.
S-6
SCHEDULE II, Continued
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 1998 and 1997
The accompanying condensed financial information should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in
this statement.
Management Fee Income
Under a management agreement, the Company performs management services which
include all underwriting and claims servicing functions for its subsidiaries.
The Company is compensated by monthly reimbursement of expenses incurred.
Dividends Received From Subsidiaries
Dividends of $55,000,000, $33,500,000, and $27,700,000 were received by the
Company from its wholly-owned subsidiaries in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively,
and are recorded as a reduction to Investment in Subsidiaries.
Cash Overdraft
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company had cash overdrafts of $3,610,000
and $3,029,000, respectively which are classified in "other liabilities" in the
accompanying condensed balance sheet.
S-7
SCHEDULE IV
MERCURY GENERAL CORPORATION
REINSURANCE
Three years ended December 31, 1998
Amounts in thousands
Ceded to
Gross other Net
amount companies Assumed amount
------ --------- --------- ------
Property and Liability insurance
1998......................... $1,130,597 $14,352 $5,339 $1,121,584
1997......................... $1,055,114 $24,241 $ 407 $1,031,280
1996......................... $ 757,447 $ 3,138 $ 415 $ 754,724
S-8
EXHIBIT INDEX
3.1&& Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended to date.
3.2@@ By-laws of the Company, as amended to date.
4.1* Shareholders' Agreement dated as of October 7, 1985 among the
Company, George Joseph and Gloria Joseph.
10.1&& Form of Agency Contract.
10.2# Management Agreement, as amended, effective July 1, 1992,
among the Company, Mercury Casualty Company, Mercury
Insurance Company and California Automobile Insurance
Company.
10.3## Profit Sharing Plan, as Amended and Restated as of March 11,
1994.
10.4## ESOP Feature Trust Agreement between the Company and Wells
Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee, effective March 1, 1994.
10.5## ESOP Loan Agreement between Union Bank and Wells Fargo Bank,
N.A., as Trustee, of the Mercury General Corporation ESOP
Feature Trust dated as of March 11, 1994.
10.6## Continuing Guaranty, dated as of March 11, 1994, executed by
Mercury General Corporation in favor of Union Bank.
10.7** Amendment 1994-I to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.8** Amendment 1994-II to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.9& Amendment 1996-I to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.10& Amendment 1997-I to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.11&& Amendment 1998-I to the Mercury General Corporation Profit
Sharing Plan.
10.12& Revolving Credit Agreement by and among Mercury General
Corporation, the Lenders Party Thereto and The Bank of New
York, as Agent dated as of November 21, 1996.
10.13** Property Per Risk Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement
between National Reinsurance Corporation and Mercury Casualty
Company, effective April 1, 1995.
10.14** Endorsement No. 1 to the Property Per Risk Excess of Loss
Agreement effective April 1, 1995.
10.15@@ Endorsement No. 2 to the Property Per Risk Excess of Loss
Agreement effective April 1, 1995.
10.16@@ Endorsement No. 3 to the Property Per Risk Excess of Loss
Agreement effective April 1, 1995.
10.17&& Property Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement effective
September 1, 1996.
10.18@@ Management Agreement effective January 1, 1995 between the
Company and Mercury Insurance Company of Illinois.
10.19@@ Management Agreement effective January 1, 1995 between the
Company and Mercury Indemnity Company of Illinois.
10.20@@ Management Agreement effective January 1, 1995 between the
Company and Mercury Insurance Company of Georgia.
10.21@@ Management Agreement effective January 1, 1995 between the
75
Company and Mercury Indemnity Company of Georgia.
10.22@ The 1995 Equity Participation Plan.
10.23& Stock Purchase Agreement between Mercury General Corporation
as Purchaser and AFC as Seller dated November 15, 1996.
10.24&& Management Agreement effective January 1, 1997 between the
Company and American Mercury Insurance Company, AFI
Management Co., Inc. and Cimarron Insurance Company.
10.25 Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement by and among Mercury
General Corporation, the Lender Party thereto and The Bank of
New York, as Agent, dated as of November 21, 1996.
10.26 Revolving Credit Agreement by and among Mercury General
Corporation, the Lender Party thereto and The Bank of New
York, as Agent, dated as of October 30, 1998.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1 Accountants' Consent.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule.
* This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form S-1, File No. 33-899, and is incorporated herein by this reference.
# This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1992, and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
## This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
** This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
@ This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form S-8 filed on
March 8, 1996 and is incorporated herein by this reference.
@@ This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
& This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
&& This document was filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and is incorporated herein by this
reference.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
None
76