Filed pursuant to rule
424(b)(3) registration
number 333-102016
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
NOTICE OF SPECIAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING
WHAT: Special Shareholders' Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, February 18, 2003, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
WHERE: Ramada Inn, 2143 North Broadway Lexington, Kentucky 40516
We are having a Special Shareholders' Meeting of First Alliance Corporation
("First Alliance") to:
- - Vote on a merger agreement with a subsidiary of Citizens, Inc.
("Citizens") dated November 7, 2002 (the "Merger"); and
- - Transact any other business that may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournment.
We describe the proposed merger more fully in the proxy statement/prospectus
attached to this notice.
IF THE MERGER IS APPROVED WHO CAN VOTE
- ------------------------- ------------
- - Shares of First Alliance will be converted into - Only First Alliance shareholders at the close of
shares of Citizens Class A common stock as business on January 14, 2003, may vote at the meeting.
described in the accompanying document.
- - First Alliance will become a subsidiary of
Citizens, Inc.
RIGHT TO DISSENT
If you disagree with the Merger, you may seek payment for your
First Alliance shares by strictly following the dissent
procedures described in Appendix B.
Shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Whether or not
you plan to attend the meeting, please fill in, date, sign, and return promptly
the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. With your
proxy, your shares will be voted at the meeting as instructed if you cannot
attend in person. Even if you send in your proxy, you may reclaim your right to
vote in person when you attend the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Michael N. Fink, President
Lexington, Kentucky
January 17, 2003
(ii)
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT FOR SPECIAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING
TO BE HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2003
CITIZENS, INC. PROSPECTUS
[CITIZENS LOGO] CLASS A COMMON STOCK, NO PAR
VALUE
UP TO 2,900,000 SHARES
This document:
- - is furnished by the Board of Directors of First Alliance to request a
proxy for voting your First Alliance common stock on the Plan and
Agreement of Merger dated November 7, 2002 (the "Merger Agreement") among
First Alliance, Citizens and Citizens Acquisition, Inc. ("Acquisition"), a
recently formed subsidiary of Citizens; and
- - registers the shares of Class A common stock of Citizens to be issued in
exchange for First Alliance shares if the Merger occurs. Citizens Class A
common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"CIA." On January 9, 2003, the closing price of Citizens Class A common
stock was $6.89 per share.
------------------------
THE MERGER
If the Merger occurs, and you do not dissent to the Merger in accordance
with the procedures described in Appendix B, you will receive a number of
shares of Citizens Class A common stock having an aggregate market value
equal to the agreed value of the shares of First Alliance common stock
owned by you. The per share market value of Citizens Class A common stock
will equal its average closing price as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the closing date of
the Merger. The First Alliance Board of Directors has agreed to a value of
your First Alliance common stock of $3.02 per share. Fractional shares
will be rounded up to the nearest whole share of Citizens Class A common
stock. If the Merger occurs, Citizens will mail you instructions for
exchanging your First Alliance shares for Citizens Class A common stock.
Citizens has two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. Both
classes of common stock are equal in rights except that:
o each share of Class A common stock is entitled to twice the
amount of cash dividends declared and paid on each share of
Class B common stock, and
o holders of Class B common stock have the exclusive right to
elect a simple majority of the members of Citizens' Board of
Directors.
The First Alliance Board Of Directors UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS that
shareholders APPROVE the Merger.
------------------------
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities, or determined if
this proxy statement-prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
------------------------
THE SECURITIES OF CITIZENS INVOLVE SIGNIFICANT RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 12.
------------------------
The date of this proxy statement-prospectus is January 14,
2003, and it is first being mailed to the shareholders of First Alliance
on or about January 17, 2003.
(iii)
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
----
AVAILABLE INFORMATION 1
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE 1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 3
SUMMARY 4
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER 6
SUMMARY SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 10
RISK FACTORS 12
SPECIAL MEETING OF FIRST ALLIANCE SHAREHOLDERS 19
PROPOSED MERGER 21
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES 34
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS 37
INFORMATION CONCERNING FIRST ALLIANCE 39
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS 40
EXPERTS 43
LEGAL MATTERS 43
OTHER MATTERS 43
APPENDIX A - Plan and Agreement of Merger - First Alliance Corporation,
Citizens, Inc. and Citizens Acquisition, Inc.
APPENDIX B - Subtitle 13 of the Kentucky 1988 Business Corporation Act
APPENDIX C - First Alliance Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-KSB For the
Year Ended December 31, 2001 and Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders.
APPENDIX D - First Alliance Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB For the
Quarter Ended September 30, 2002.
APPENDIX E - Opinion of Financial Advisor to First Alliance Corporation
------------------------
THIS PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT CITIZENS THAT IS NOT INCLUDED OR DELIVERED
WITH THIS DOCUMENT. YOU MAY OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION WITHOUT CHARGE BY
REQUEST TO SECRETARY, CITIZENS, INC., P.O. BOX 149151, AUSTIN, TEXAS
78714-9151; TELEPHONE (512) 837-7100. TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY, ANY
REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE AT LEAST FIVE BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE
MEETING, OR FEBRUARY 11, 2003.
------------------------
(iv)
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Both Citizens and First Alliance file annual, quarterly, and special
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"). Those reports, proxy statements and other information
can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, telephone (800) SEC-0330, and at the regional offices of the SEC at 233
Broadway, New York, New York 10279, and Suite 1400, Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies can be obtained at prescribed
rates from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, copies may be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York
10005. Both Citizens' and First Alliance's SEC filings may be viewed on the SEC
Internet website at http://www.sec.gov.
Citizens has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 under
the Securities Act of 1933, for the shares of Citizens Class A common stock to
be issued in connection with the transactions described in this proxy
statement-prospectus. In accordance with SEC rules and regulations, this proxy
statement-prospectus does not contain all the information in the registration
statement. For further information, please see the registration statement,
including its exhibits. Statements contained in this proxy statement-prospectus
concerning the provisions of documents are not necessarily complete, and in each
instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to
the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the registration statement.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents have been filed by Citizens (File No. 0-16509) and
First Alliance (File No. 33-67312) with the SEC pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and are incorporated by reference into
this proxy statement-prospectus:
o Citizens' Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 27, 2002, for the year
ended December 31, 2001;
o the description of Citizens' Class A common stock contained in its
Registration Statement on Form 8-A declared effective by the SEC on or
about August 22, 2002;
o Citizens' Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed on or about (i) May 14,
2002 for the period ended March 31, 2002, (ii) August 14, 2002, for the
period ended June 30, 2002, and (iii) November 14, 2002, for the period
ended September 30, 2002;
o Citizens' Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on or about July 17, 2002 and
August 7, 2002;
o First Alliance's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB filed on or about (i)
May 15, 2002 for the period ended March 31, 2002, and (ii) August 15, 2002
for the period ended June 30, 2002;
o First Alliance's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on or about April 4,
2002 and November 20, 2002.
All documents filed by Citizens and First Alliance pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this proxy
statement-prospectus and prior to the shareholder meeting of First Alliance are
incorporated by reference into this proxy statement-prospectus from the date of
the filing of the documents.
1
Any statement contained in this proxy statement-prospectus or incorporated
in this document by reference will be deemed to be modified or superseded for
purposes of this proxy statement-prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained in this document or in any subsequently filed document that is also
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement-prospectus modifies or
supersedes such statement.
2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this proxy statement-prospectus are not
statements of historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These statements
include specifically identified forward-looking statements within this proxy
statement-prospectus. In addition, statements in future filings by Citizens and
First Alliance with the SEC, in press releases, and in oral and written
statements made by or with the approval of Citizens or First Alliance which are
not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements, include: (i)
projections of revenues, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment
or non-payment of dividends, capital structure, and other financial items; (ii)
statements of plans and objectives of Citizens or First Alliance or any of their
management or Boards of Directors; (iii) statements of future economic
performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying those statements.
Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "targeted,"
"may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause
actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Factors that
could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking
statements include: (i) the strength of foreign and U.S. economies in general
and the strength of the local economies from which applications for insurance
may be received; (ii) the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal
policies and laws on insurance sales and operations; (iii) inflation, interest
rates, market and monetary fluctuations and volatility; (iv) the timely
development of and acceptance of new products and services and perceived overall
value of these products and services by existing and potential customers; (v)
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits; (vi) concentrations
of business from persons residing in third world countries; (vii) the ability of
Citizens to consummate and integrate acquisitions; (viii) the persistency of
existing and future insurance policies sold by Citizens and First Alliance; (ix)
the dependence of Citizens on its Chairman of the Board; (x) the ability to
control expenses; (xi) the effect of changes in laws and regulations, including
those concerning insurance and tax, with which Citizens and First Alliance must
comply; (xii) the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may
be adopted by the regulatory agencies as well as the Financial Accounting
Standards Board; (xiii) changes in the organization and compensation plans of
Citizens and First Alliance; (xiv) the costs and effects of litigation and of
unexpected or adverse outcomes in litigation; and (xv) the success of Citizens
and First Alliance at managing the above risks.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the
statements are made, and Citizens and First Alliance undertake no obligation to
update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after
the date on which a statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events.
3
SUMMARY
This is a summary. Please read the entire proxy statement-prospectus
before you make an investment decision.
PARTIES TO THE MERGER
First Alliance, a Kentucky corporation, is a life insurance holding
company. First Alliance's principal executive office is located at 3385
Executive Drive, Suite 308, Lexington, Kentucky 40505 and its telephone number
is (859) 299-7656.
Citizens, a Colorado corporation, is a life insurance holding company.
Citizens' principal executive office is located at 400 East Anderson Lane,
Austin, Texas 78752, and its telephone number is (512) 837-7100.
Acquisition, a Kentucky corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Citizens which was formed solely for the purpose of merging with and into First
Alliance as part of the Merger. In the Merger, First Alliance will be the
surviving corporation, and it will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Citizens.
Acquisition will cease to exist after the Merger.
On October 30, 2002, Citizens purchased approximately 9.9% of the common
stock of Mid American Century Life Insurance Corporation, a Missouri life
insurance company, from its parent company, Mid American Alliance Corporation,
for $524,000. First Alliance and its affiliates own approximately 12.5% of the
common stock of Mid American Alliance Corporation. Other than this recent stock
purchase, neither First Alliance, nor any of its officers or directors are
affiliated with Citizens, nor are any officers or directors of Citizens
affiliated with First Alliance.
The common stock of First Alliance is not listed on a stock exchange or
traded regularly through security brokerage firms, and there is virtually no
trading activity. Consequently, First Alliance is unable to determine a reliable
market value for its stock. For an explanation of the manner in which Citizens
and First Alliance negotiated the share exchange ratios, see "Proposed
Merger--Background and Reasons--First Alliance."
The Class A common stock of Citizens is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "CIA". On November 6, 2002, the day preceding the day
that Citizens and First Alliance signed the Plan and Agreement of Merger, the
closing price of Citizens Class A common stock was $8.68 per share.
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF FIRST The special meeting of First Alliance shareholders will
ALLIANCE be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern
Standard Time, at the Ramada Inn, 2143 North Broadway,
Lexington, Kentucky 40516.
4
PERSONS ENTITLED TO VOTE; RECORD DATE The record date for shareholders of First Alliance to
vote at the special meeting is the close of business on
January 14, 2003. Only shareholders as of the record date
will be notified of, and be entitled to vote at, the
special meeting.
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED At the special meeting, shareholders of First Alliance
will be asked to vote upon a Merger Agreement under
which Acquisition will be merged into First Alliance,
and First Alliance shares to which dissenters' rights
have not been perfected will be converted into Class A
common stock of Citizens.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF The First Alliance Board of Directors has unanimously
FIRST ALLIANCE approved of the Merger Agreement and RECOMMENDS that the
shareholders vote FOR APPROVAL of the Merger. The First
Alliance Board reviewed several factors in reaching its
decision to recommend that shareholders vote to approve
the Merger. The First Alliance Board has also received
an opinion of Professional Bank Services, Inc., an
investment banking firm, that the Merger is fair from a
financial point of view to the shareholders of First
Alliance. See "Proposed Merger--Background and Reasons--
Recommendation of First Alliance's Board of Directors."
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER The Chairman of the Board and President of First
Alliance, Michael N. Fink, as well as Scott J.
Engebritson, Vice-Chairman of the Board of First
Alliance, have interests in the Merger in addition to
their interests as shareholders of First Alliance. Upon
the closing of the Merger, Citizens will enter into
five-year employment agreements with both persons. See
"Proposed Merger--Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger."
PROXY REVOCABILITY Proxies of shareholders of First Alliance are revocable
at any time prior to voting at the special meeting.
See "Special Meeting of First Alliance Shareholders--
Revocability of Proxies."
5
REQUIRED VOTES Approval of the Merger and the transactions contemplated
thereby requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding shares of First Alliance common stock.
See "The Special Meeting of First Alliance Shareholders--
Voting Securities." No shareholder vote of Citizens is
required by the Merger Agreement or applicable law.
OUTSTANDING SHARES As of the record date there were 5,691,656 shares of
First Alliance common stock outstanding. As of the
record date, First Alliance's directors, executive
officers and their affiliates held 1,215,500 shares of
First Alliance common stock or a total of 21.9% of the
shares entitled to vote.
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
CONSIDERATION FOR YOUR SHARES If the Merger occurs, you will receive a number of
shares of Citizens Class A common stock equal in market
value to the value of the shares of First Alliance
common stock owned by you. The per share market value of
Citizens Class A common stock will equal its average
closing price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the
closing of the Merger. The value of your First Alliance
common stock has been agreed by the First Alliance Board
of Directors to be $3.02 per share. Fractional shares
will be rounded up to the nearest whole share of
Citizens Class A common stock. Fractional shares will
not be issued. Any First Alliance shareholder who
perfects dissenters' rights under Kentucky law will
receive cash in lieu of Citizens Class A common stock.
See "Proposed Merger--Receipt of Citizens Shares" and
"Rights of Dissenting Shareholders."
CLOSING DATE The parties anticipate that the closing of the Merger
will occur and the Merger will become effective shortly
after the conditions in the Merger Agreement (including
shareholder approval) are satisfied.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO CLOSING First Alliance has agreed that it will not:
- enter into any transactions prior to the Merger
with Citizens other than in the ordinary course of
business;
6
o pay shareholder dividends or increase the
compensation of officers; nor
o enter into any agreement or transaction which will
adversely affect its respective financial
condition. See "Proposed Merger--Conduct of
Business Pending the Merger; the Covenants of the
Parties."
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS First Alliance shareholders may dissent from the Merger
applicable to them and demand payment of their share
values in cash. If holders of more than 2.5% of the
outstanding shares of First Alliance (approximately
142,300 shares) perfect their dissenter's rights,
Citizens may cancel the Merger. See "Rights of
Dissenting Shareholders," "Proposed Merger--Other
Conditions to Consummation of the Merger," and Appendix
B which contains copies of the Kentucky statutes for
dissenting shareholder procedures.
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER In addition to approval by the shareholders of First
Alliance, the Merger is subject to satisfaction of other
conditions including:
o approval by the Commissioners of Insurance of
Kentucky and Arkansas, as well as the
Superintendent of Insurance of Missouri;
o the performance by each party of its obligations;
o the absence of any legal proceeding relating to
the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement;
o the continued material accuracy of representations
made by each party; and
o the delivery of legal opinions. See "Proposed
Merger -- Other Conditions."
7
OPERATIONS OF FIRST ALLIANCE AFTER THE MERGER Following the Merger, First Alliance will continue to
operate in its location under a joint management team,
with the consolidation of computer data processing in
Citizens' system. Citizens will continue to evaluate the
personnel, business practices and opportunities for
First Alliance and may make such changes as it deems
appropriate following the Merger.
SUMMARY OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS The Merger is intended to be treated as a
reorganization. Accordingly, for federal income tax
purposes it is anticipated that:
o no gain or loss will generally be recognized by
holders of First Alliance common stock on the
exchange of their shares of stock for Citizens
Class A common stock;
o the holding period for Citizens Class A common
stock received in the Merger will include the
holding period for the First Alliance common stock
surrendered in exchange therefor; and
o the aggregate adjusted tax basis of Citizens Class
A common stock received by a First Alliance
shareholder will be the same as the basis of the
stock surrendered in exchange therefor.
o holders of First Alliance common stock who properly
exercise dissenters' rights and receive cash in
lieu of Citizens Class A common stock will result
in a taxable gain if the amount of cash received
exceeds their basis in the First Alliance shares.
Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon receipt
of an opinion of counsel substantially to such effect.
However, a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service is
not being sought in connection with the Merger. The
opinions of counsel are subject to certain assumptions
and qualifications and are not binding on the Internal
Revenue Service. If the Merger was not to qualify as
a reorganization, the exchange of shares would be taxable.
See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences."
8
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE FIRST ALLIANCE The Merger Agreement may be terminated by any party if
MERGER AGREEMENT the Merger does not become effective by May 7, 2003. See
"Proposed Merger---Other Conditions." The Merger
Agreement may also be terminated at any time prior to
becoming effective:
o by unanimous consent of the parties;
o by any party if a suit, action, or proceeding
threatens to prohibit the Merger; or
o by any party who discovers a material error in the
representations of another party.
OTHER MATTERS The First Alliance Board knows of no other matters that
will come before the meeting. If any additional matters
come before the meeting, the proxies will be voted at
the discretion of the proxy holders.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained or incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement-prospectus relate to
future matters which are qualified in certain respects.
See "Forward-Looking Statements," "Available
Information" and "Incorporation of Documents by
Reference."
9
SUMMARY SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The tables below set forth in summary certain selected financial data of
Citizens and First Alliance.
Citizens' financial data at or for the nine months ended September 30,
2002 and 2001 is derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of
Citizens and subsidiaries incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement-prospectus. Citizens' financial data at or for the years ended
December 31, 1997 through 2001 is derived from audited consolidated financial
statements of Citizens and its subsidiaries. The data for Citizens is presented
in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP").
First Alliance's financial data at or for the nine months ended September
30, 2002 and 2001 is derived from the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of First Alliance included elsewhere or incorporated by reference in
this proxy statement/prospectus. First Alliance's financial data at or for the
years ended December 31, 1997 through 2001 is derived from audited consolidated
financial statements of First Alliance and its subsidiaries. The data for First
Alliance is presented in conformity with GAAP.
CITIZENS, INC.
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
AT OR FOR THE NINE MONTHS AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues $ 59,320 $ 49,418 $ 67,647 $ 66,678 $ 71,877 $ 72,685 $ 65,027
Net income (loss) 2,900 2,464 3,963 2,053 1,271 (6,721) 3,426
Basic and diluted earnings
(loss) per share .10 .09 .16 .08 .05 (.27) .14
Total assets 320,478 287,195 282,086 267,842 255,485 253,384 249,519
Total liabilities 222,860 204,222 199,364 190,529 183,218 178,480 169,938
Total shareholders' equity 97,617 82,973 82,722 77,313 72,267 74,904 79,581
Book value per share(1) 3.28 2.87 2.86 2.68 2.50 2.66 2.90
- ---------
(1) Reflects stock dividends paid in 2002, 2000 and 1999.
10
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
At or for the Nine Months At or for the Year Ended
Ended September 30, December 31,
------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues $ 5,916 $ 4,029 $ 5,582 $ 4,481 $ 4,113 $ 2,895 $ 1,655
Net income (loss) 993 (29) (149) (60) 140 134 (681)
Basic and diluted earnings
(loss) per share .18 (.01) (.03) (.01) .02 .02 (.12)
Total assets 28,662 22,542 23,896 21,085 18,694 15,233 13,298
Total liabilities 18,331 13,064 14,485 10,935 7,758 4,406 2,732
Total shareholders' equity 10,331 9,478 9,411 10,150 10,936 10,827 10,566
Book value per share 1.84 1.71 1.69 1.84 1.94 1.93 1.89
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE INFORMATION
The following table presents historical per share data of Citizens and
First Alliance. The comparative per share data are derived from, and should be
read together with, the audited historical financial statements and unaudited
interim financial statements of Citizens that are incorporated by reference into
this proxy statement-prospectus and the audited historical financial statements
and unaudited interim financial statements of First Alliance included elsewhere
in this proxy statement-prospectus. Pro forma per share data cannot be
calculated since the number of shares of Citizens' Class A common stock to be
issued cannot be determined until immediately prior to the closing of the
Merger. See "Available Information" and First Alliance's annual and year-to-date
financial statements included as Appendices C and D to this proxy
statement-prospectus.
FIRST
CITIZENS ALLIANCE
-------- --------
Earnings/(loss) per share - basic and diluted
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 $ .16 $(.03)
Nine months ended September 30, 2002 $ .10 $ .18
Book value per share as of September 30, 2002 $3.28 $1.84
11
RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully the risks described below in assessing the
Merger and an investment in Citizens Class A common stock.
A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK HAVE BEEN REGISTERED FOR
SALE BY EXISTING CITIZENS SHAREHOLDERS, WHICH COULD DEPRESS THE MARKET PRICE OF
THE STOCK.
Sales of significant amounts of shares of Citizens Class A common stock in
the public market could depress the price of the stock. Further, even without
actual sales, the prospect of significant amounts of shares being offered into
the public market may depress the price of Class A common stock. There is an
effective registration statement with the SEC permitting the public offer and
sale by certain holders of Citizens Class A common stock, including Harold E.
Riley, Chairman of the Board. Mr. Riley, as of January 17, 2003, owned 4,838,522
shares of Class A common stock or approximately 16.5% of outstanding Citizens
Class A common stock.
LOSS OF THE SERVICES OF THE CITIZENS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD WOULD LIKELY HINDER
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE OPERATING AND MARKETING PROGRAMS OF CITIZENS AND ITS
STRATEGY FOR EXPANDING ITS BUSINESS.
Citizens relies heavily on the active participation of its Chairman of the
Board, Harold E. Riley, in connection with the development and execution of
operating and marketing plans and strategy for expanding its business. For
instance, in the past Citizens has expanded business significantly through the
acquisition of other insurance companies. Mr. Riley's experience with mergers
and acquisitions has been of considerable value in pursuing these opportunities.
Citizens anticipates that this expertise will continue to be of substantial
value in connection with any future acquisitions of insurance companies. The
loss of his services would likely have a significant adverse effect on Citizens
in these respects.
THE MERGER HAS BEEN STRUCTURED SO AS TO RESULT IN A TAX-DEFERRED EXCHANGE OF
YOUR STOCK FOR THE CITIZENS CLASS A COMMON STOCK. HOWEVER, THERE CAN BE NO
ASSURANCES IN THIS REGARD, AND IF TAX-DEFERRED TREATMENT WERE TO BE DENIED, YOU
COULD OWE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES ON ANY GAIN DEEMED TO BE REALIZED BY YOU UPON THE
EXCHANGE OF YOUR STOCK.
The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are intended to be a
tax-deferred exchange for First Alliance shareholders who do not properly
exercise dissenters' rights. However, neither Citizens nor First Alliance has
obtained nor do Citizens or First Alliance intend to obtain a ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service concerning whether the Merger will in fact be treated
as a tax-deferred exchange. First Alliance and Citizens will each, however,
obtain an opinion of counsel which will support the conclusions contained in
this proxy statement-prospectus regarding the material federal income tax
consequences of the Merger and transactions contemplated thereby. You should
understand that an opinion of counsel is not binding on the Internal Revenue
Service and the Internal Revenue Service could successfully assert a contrary
position. Also, the conditions and assumptions upon which counsel's opinion is
qualified may not continue to exist and the laws or regulations affecting the
material federal income tax consequences of the Merger may change. In either
event, the tax aspects of the Merger may be adversely affected, and such effect
may be material, resulting in the exchange of First Alliance shares being
taxable. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the Merger will be accorded
the tax treatment intended and that you will realize the tax consequences
described in this proxy statement-prospectus. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences."
12
HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK RECEIVED IN THE MERGER WILL BE MINORITY
SHAREHOLDERS. THESE MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT CONTROL CITIZENS, WILL HAVE A
LIMITED ABILITY TO INFLUENCE CITIZENS' BUSINESS POLICIES AND CORPORATE ACTIONS,
AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ELECT ANY DIRECTORS OF CITIZENS.
It is difficult for minority shareholders of Citizens to elect any of its
directors or otherwise exert influence over its business. Citizens' outstanding
Class B common stock elects a majority of the board of directors of Citizens.
All of the Class B common stock is owned indirectly by Harold E. Riley, Chairman
of the Board, through the Harold E. Riley Trust. Additionally, Mr. Riley is the
largest Class A shareholder. Therefore, as a practical matter, Mr. Riley has
effective control over significant corporate transactions. Additionally,
cumulative voting of shares is not permitted by Citizens' articles of
incorporation. These factors would also make it more difficult and time
consuming for a third party to acquire control of Citizens or to change the
board of directors of Citizens.
ALMOST 80% OF CITIZENS' REVENUES COME FROM OVERSEAS. THIS INVOLVES RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH BUSINESS IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES, SUCH AS MIGHT RESULT FROM
POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC INSTABILITY, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OR NEW LAWS OR
REGULATIONS.
There is a risk of loss of a significant portion of sales overseas should
adverse events occur in the countries from which Citizens receives applications.
Almost 80% of Citizens' revenues come from Latin America. Its international
operations consist of issuance of ordinary whole-life insurance policies around
the world. These policies have an average face amount of $70,000 and are
marketed by independent marketing firms primarily to heads of households in the
top 3% to 5% income bracket around the world.
YOU SHOULD NOT ANTICIPATE RECEIVING CASH DIVIDENDS ON YOUR CITIZENS CLASS A
COMMON STOCK, BECAUSE CITIZENS HAS NOT PAID ANY CASH DIVIDENDS AND DOES NOT
ANTICIPATE DOING SO IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
To date Citizens has not paid cash dividends on its Class A common stock
or Class B common stock. It is Citizens' policy to retain earnings for use in
the operation and expansion of its business.
POLICY LAPSES IN EXCESS OF THOSE ACTUARIALLY ANTICIPATED WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE
IMPACT ON CITIZENS' FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.
The profitability of Citizens could be reduced if its lapse and surrender
rate were to exceed the assumptions upon which it priced its insurance policies.
Policy sales costs are deferred and recognized over the life of a policy. Excess
policy lapses, however, cause the immediate expensing or amortizing of deferred
policy sales costs.
13
CITIZENS OPERATES IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, MATURE INDUSTRY, WHICH COULD LIMIT
ITS ABILITY TO GAIN OR MAINTAIN ITS POSITION IN THE INDUSTRY.
Citizens competes with 1,500 to 2,000 other life insurance companies in
the United States, some of which Citizens also competes with internationally.
The life insurance business is highly competitive. This is in part because it is
a mature industry in the United States which, in recent years, has experienced
no growth in life insurance sales. Competition has also increased because the
life insurance industry is consolidating, with larger, more efficient
organizations emerging from consolidation. Furthermore, mutual insurance
companies are converting to stock ownership, which should give them greater
access to capital markets, resulting in greater competition with respect to
corporate finance as well. Additionally, legislation became effective in 2000
permitting commercial banks, insurance companies and investment banks to
combine. This law permits, for instance, a commercial bank to acquire or form an
insurance company. These factors have increased competitive pressures in
general.
Many life insurance companies have greater financial resources, longer
business histories, and more diversified lines of insurance coverage than
Citizens has. These companies also generally have larger sales forces. Citizens
also faces competition from companies operating in foreign countries and
marketing in person as well as with direct mail sales campaigns. Although
Citizens may be at a competitive disadvantage to these entities, it believes
that its products are competitive in the marketplace.
Citizens' international marketing plan stresses making available
dollar-denominated life insurance products to high net worth individuals
residing around the world. Citizens experiences competition primarily from the
following sources around the world:
LOCALLY OPERATED COMPANIES WITH LOCAL CURRENCY POLICIES. Citizens
competes with companies formed and operated in the country in which the
insureds reside. Generally, these companies are subject to risks of
currency fluctuations, and use mortality tables based on experience of the
local population as a whole. These mortality tables are typically based on
significantly shorter life spans than those Citizens uses. As a result,
the economic return of policies issued by locally operated companies is
more uncertain than for U.S. dollar policies, such as Citizens issues.
Also, as a result of the foregoing factors, the statistical cost of
insurance for these companies tends to be higher than Citizens.
FOREIGN OPERATED COMPANIES WITH LOCAL CURRENCY POLICIES. Another
group of competitors consists of companies which are foreign to the
countries in which the policies are sold but use the local currencies of
those countries. Local currency policies entail risks of uncertainty due
to local currency fluctuations as well as the perceived instability and
weakness of local currencies. Citizens has observed that local currency
policies, whether issued by foreign or locally operated companies, tend to
focus on universal life insurance and annuities instead of whole life
insurance as Citizens does.
FOREIGN OPERATED COMPANIES WITH U.S. DOLLAR POLICIES. Citizens also
faces direct competition from companies that operate in the same manner as
Citizens does. Citizens competes using its history of performance and its
products.
Citizens' ability to compete is dependent upon, among other things, its
ability:
14
o to market its insurance products;
o to develop competitive and profitable products; and
o its ability to maintain low unit costs.
TAX LAW CHANGES COULD REDUCE CERTAIN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES WHICH CITIZENS LIFE
INSURANCE PRODUCTS MAY HAVE OVER NON-INSURANCE PRODUCTS.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, income taxes payable by policyholders on
investment earnings are deferred during the accumulation period of certain life
insurance and annuity products. This favorable tax treatment may give certain
Citizens products a competitive advantage over other non-insurance products. To
the extent that the Internal Revenue Code is revised to reduce the tax-deferred
status of life insurance and annuity products, or to increase the tax-deferred
status of competing products, all life insurance companies, including those of
Citizens, would be adversely affected with respect to their ability to sell
products. Also, depending on grandfathering provisions, the surrenders of
existing annuity contracts and life insurance policies might increase. In
addition, life insurance products are often used to fund estate tax obligations.
Legislation was enacted in 2001 under which the estate tax will be repealed
during the year 2010, but in the absence of interim legislation extending the
repeal, it will expire at the end of that year. There may be interim legislation
which will modify or do away with this estate tax repeal, make repeal permanent,
or otherwise modify the estate tax. If the estate tax is eliminated, the demand
for certain life insurance products would be adversely affected. Citizens cannot
predict what future tax initiatives may be proposed with respect to the estate
tax or other taxes which may affect Citizens, although Citizens' international
clients are generally not subject to U.S. income taxes.
THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IS HIGHLY REGULATED AND CITIZENS' ACTIVITIES ARE
RESTRICTED AS A RESULT. CITIZENS EXPENDS SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF TIME AND INCURS
SUBSTANTIAL EXPENSES IN CONNECTION WITH COMPLYING WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS,
AND CITIZENS IS SUBJECT TO THE RISK THAT MORE BURDENSOME REGULATIONS COULD BE
IMPOSED ON IT.
Compliance with regulation in the United States by Citizens is costly and
time consuming. Insurance companies in the U.S. are subject to extensive
regulation in the states where they do business. This regulation primarily
protects policyholders rather than stockholders. The regulations require:
o prior approval of acquisitions of insurance companies;
o certain solvency standards; licensing of insurers and their agents;
investment limitations;
o deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders;
o approval of policy forms and premium rates;
o triannual examinations; and
o reserves for unearned premiums, losses and other matters.
15
Citizens is subject to this regulation in each state in the U.S. in which it is
licensed to do business. This regulation involves additional costs and restricts
operations. Citizens cannot predict the form of any future regulatory
initiatives.
Citizens is regulated by the Colorado Division of Insurance under the
Colorado Insurance Holding Company Act. Certain "extraordinary" intercorporate
transfers of assets and dividend payments from its life insurance subsidiaries
require prior approval by the Colorado Insurance Commissioner. Citizens also
files detailed annual reports with the Colorado Division of Insurance and all of
the states in which it is licensed. The business and accounts of its life
insurance subsidiaries are subject to examination by the Colorado Division of
Insurance, as well as inquiries and follow up, including investigations, of the
various insurance regulatory authorities of the states in which Citizens'
insurance subsidiaries are licensed.
The principal insurance subsidiary of Citizens is qualified to do business
as an insurance company only in the U.S. It does not have any assets or
employees in foreign countries. In connection with business from foreign
countries, Citizens only accepts applications at its main office. In addition,
Citizens requires premium payments to be in U.S. dollars, which may include
checks drawn on U.S. banks. Citizens is not currently subject to regulation in
the various foreign countries from which it receives applications for insurance.
Although Citizens provides insurance to foreign citizens, independent marketing
firms, rather than employees of Citizens, submit the applications. In this way
Citizens avoids conducting business in the foreign countries. However, Citizens
is unable to predict if foreign regulation will be implemented and, if so, the
effect of any such regulation on Citizens' business.
FLUCTUATING INTEREST RATES COULD REDUCE CITIZENS' PROFITABILITY.
Rapid interest rate changes can result in increases in the lapse rates of
policies in-force and hamper an insurance company's ability to achieve a profit.
Citizens does not issue interest-sensitive or universal life insurance policies
and it has only a small amount of annuity business. Citizens does, however, have
an investment portfolio that would likely be adversely affected in the event of
material increases in interest rates. An insurance company's profitability
depends, in large part, on investing premiums and policy reserves at a higher
interest rate than the returns distributed to existing policies.
CITIZENS' INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS OF DEFAULT AND REDUCTIONS IN MARKET
VALUES.
The invested assets of Citizens are subject to customary risks of defaults
and changes in market values. Factors that may affect the overall default rate
on, and market value of, the invested assets of Citizens include interest rate
levels, financial market performance, and general economic conditions.
16
THERE IS A RISK THAT CITIZENS MAY NOT CONTINUE ITS PAST STRATEGY OF ACQUIRING
OTHER U.S. LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES, AND THAT IT MAY NOT REALIZE IMPROVEMENTS TO
ITS FINANCIAL RESULTS AS A RESULT OF PAST AND FUTURE ACQUISITIONS.
Over the past several years, Citizens has acquired a number of small U.S.
life insurance companies. Citizens' objective in pursuing this acquisition
strategy has been to increase the size of the U.S. segment of its business,
improve its competitive position and increase its earnings, in part by allowing
it to realize certain operating efficiencies associated with economies of scale.
However, there can be no assurance that suitable acquisitions, presenting
opportunities for continued growth and operating efficiencies, will continue to
be available to Citizens, or that it will realize the anticipated financial
results from its acquisitions.
REINSURERS WITH WHICH CITIZENS DOES BUSINESS MAY NOT HONOR THEIR OBLIGATIONS,
LEAVING CITIZENS LIABLE FOR THE REINSURED COVERAGE, AND CITIZENS' REINSURERS
COULD INCREASE THEIR PREMIUM RATES.
Citizens obtains a large amount of reinsurance from other insurance
companies. However, Citizens remains liable with respect to ceded insurance
should any reinsurer fail to meet the obligations assumed by it. The cost of
reinsurance is, in some cases, reflected in its premium rates. Under certain
reinsurance agreements, the reinsurer may increase the rate it charges Citizens
for the reinsurance. However, if the cost of reinsurance were to increase with
respect to policies for which Citizens has guaranteed the rates, Citizens could
be adversely affected.
CITIZENS IS SUBJECT TO A RISK OF LOSING CASH BALANCES THAT ARE NOT INSURED.
Citizens maintains cash balances in one bank, J.P. Morgan Chase, Austin,
Texas, that are significantly in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
coverage. If this bank were to fail, Citizens would likely lose a substantial
amount of its cash. Citizens monitors the solvency of this bank and does not
believe a material risk of loss exists because this bank is substantially above
the federally mandated levels of capital and liquidity.
INCREASED UNCERTAINTY DUE TO TERRORIST ATTACKS AND WAR.
Terrorists attacks, such as the attacks that occurred in New York,
Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001, and current and future
war risks may adversely impact the results of operation, financial condition,
ability to raise capital or future growth of Citizens. The impact that the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, may have on the life insurance industry
in general, and on Citizens in particular, is not known at this time. Citizens
does not conduct business in New York, Pennsylvania or Washington, D.C. and has
not received any claims as a result of the terrorist acts. Uncertainty
surrounding retaliatory military strikes or a sustained military campaign may
impact the operations of Citizens in unpredictable ways, including general
disruptions to commerce and the possibility that financial infrastructure
facilities could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of
terror or war. In addition, war or the risk of war may also have an adverse
effect on national and global economies. A lower level of economic activity
could result in a decline in the use of life and accidental health insurance
services and could increase lapse ratios of insurance in-force.
CITIZENS IS SUBJECT TO LITIGATION FROM TIME TO TIME WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT
ITS FINANCIAL CONDITION AND DETRACT FROM MANAGEMENT'S TIME.
17
Citizens is subject to litigation from time to time which, if determined
adversely to it, could have a material negative effect on the financial
condition of Citizens. For example, Citizens is currently a defendant in
litigation which a trial court granted a class action certification. Although
this certification is being appealed by Citizens, and it believes that it has
substantial grounds for reversal, no assurances can be given that Citizens will
ultimately be successful in this litigation. Adverse determinations of lawsuits
of this type may have an adverse effect on Citizens' financial condition, and if
they proceed to trial, will detract from management's time which would otherwise
be devoted to Citizens' business.
18
SPECIAL MEETING OF FIRST ALLIANCE SHAREHOLDERS
Date, Time and Place of Meeting
FIRST ALLIANCE SPECIAL MEETING
A special meeting of First Alliance shareholders will be held on Tuesday,
February 18, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, at The Ramada Inn, 2143
North Broadway, Lexington, Kentucky 40516.
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING
This proxy statement-prospectus was mailed to First Alliance shareholders
on January 17, 2003 to solicit proxies to vote for the proposed Merger of First
Alliance and Acquisition under which First Alliance will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Citizens.
As of the date of this proxy statement-prospectus, neither Citizens nor
First Alliance are aware of other business that will come before the First
Alliance special meeting. Should any other matter requiring a vote of
shareholders arise, the proxies named in the enclosed forms of proxy will vote
the shares in their discretion with respect to any such matter.
VOTING SECURITIES
Only First Alliance shareholders of record at the close of business on
January 14, 2003 will be entitled to vote at the First Alliance special meeting.
On that date, there were issued and outstanding 5,691,695 shares of First
Alliance common stock. Each share of First Alliance common stock is entitled to
one vote per share with respect to the Merger. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding common stock of First Alliance is necessary to
approve the Merger.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGERS
The following table sets forth information as of January 14, 2003,
regarding ownership of common stock of First Alliance by the only persons known
by First Alliance to own beneficially more than 5% thereof and by all directors
and executive officers as a group:
Ownership of Class
------------------------------------------
Shareholder Shares Percent of Class
- ----------- ------ ----------------
5% Holders
Michael N. Fink (1)
2285 Executive Drive, Suite 308
Lexington, KY 40505 553,000 9.9%
Scott J. Engebritson (2)
2285 Executive Drive, Suite 308
19
Lexington, KY 40505 427,500 7.7%
Directors and Executive Officers
as a Group (8 persons) 1,215,500 21.9%
- ----------
(1) These shares are owned jointly with spouse.
(2) The shares are held in trust for two children and a nephew of Mr.
Engebritson, who is the trustee.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Any First Alliance proxy may be revoked before its exercise at the special
meeting or any adjournment thereof by:
o giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of First
Alliance prior to the special meeting;
o giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary at the special
meeting; or
o signing and delivering a proxy bearing a later date.
The presence of a shareholder at the special meeting will not revoke his or her
proxy. However, being present at the special meeting allows a shareholder to
revoke any prior proxy and to vote in person.
PROXY SOLICITATION
First Alliance will pay the costs of soliciting proxies. Officers and
employees of First Alliance may solicit proxies by telephone and personally, in
addition to solicitation by mail. These persons will receive their regular
salaries but no special compensation for soliciting proxies. First Alliance will
reimburse brokers, custodians, nominees or other fiduciaries for their
reasonable charges and expenses in forwarding materials to beneficial owners of
shares.
20
PROPOSED MERGER
BACKGROUND AND REASONS
In mid-August 2002, the Chairman of the Board of Citizens, Harold E.
Riley, along with Don Dennis, the former control party of a company acquired by
Citizens in 1999, called Michael Fink, the Chairman of the Board and President
of First Alliance, to discuss whether First Alliance would be interested in
pursuing discussions concerning a combination of the two companies. The parties
agreed that Mr. Riley would travel to Lexington, Kentucky to pursue discussions.
On August 26, 2002, Mr. Riley traveled to Lexington to meet with Mr. Fink and
Scott Engebritson, Vice Chairman of First Alliance. There the parties discussed
their respective businesses at length and whether it would be beneficial for the
parties to continue discussions about a business combination.
On September 10, 2002, Mr. Riley, accompanied by Mark Oliver, President of
Citizens, traveled to Lexington to meet with Messrs. Fink and Engebritson.
Meetings took place there over three days and discussions and negotiations
ensued with respect to the evaluations of the companies and how a business
combination would take place. Shortly thereafter, a draft agreement was
circulated by Citizens to First Alliance, comments were received by the parties
and negotiations continued to take place. On October 17, 2002, Messrs. Riley and
Oliver traveled to Lexington to meet with Messrs. Fink and Engebritson. On
October 18, 2002, Messrs. Fink and certain management members traveled to
Austin, Texas to meet with Citizens and review the operations of Citizens.
During this time the parties continued to work on the Merger Agreement, and
various provisions continued to be negotiated. On November 4, 2002, the Board of
Directors of First Alliance met to discuss and approve the Merger Agreement. On
November 7, 2002, the Board of Directors of Citizens met to discuss and approve
the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement was executed on November 7, 2002.
In addition, during the time of the negotiations, Citizens determined to
purchase a 9.9% interest in an affiliated company of First Alliance,
Mid-American Century Life Insurance Corporation, a Missouri life insurance
company from its parent. The purchase price was $524,000. First Alliance and its
affiliates own approximately 11.3% of the common stock of the parent company of
Mid-American Century.
The valuation of the companies to the proposed transactions centered on a
share exchange ratio. Management of Citizens and First Alliance recognized that,
due to the lack of any ascertainable market for the shares of First Alliance, an
alternative valuation would be necessary. In contrast, the New York Stock
Exchange market for the shares of Citizens permitted the parties to agree upon a
fair market valuation for Citizens.
FIRST ALLIANCE
Management of Citizens and management of First Alliance reviewed carefully
the assets and liabilities of First Alliance, and it was concluded that
determination of the exchange ratio value for First Alliance should use a
statutory book value basis, adjusted to reflect values which are standard within
the life insurance industry. The capital and surplus of First Alliance was
reviewed as well as its annual insurance premium revenue valued at multiple
factors depending upon the profitability of the products and paid-up policy
reserves. State licenses, agency force, and non-admitted capital and surplus
assets of life insurance subsidiaries were reviewed. These values are summarized
in the table below.
21
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
Capital and surplus - subsidiary 4,467,627 X 1 4,467,627
Market value adjustment of
investments (902,150) X 1 (907,813)
Premium income (annualized)
ordinary life 3,569,667 X1 3,569,667
Pre-need life 1,121,333 X 1.75 1,962,333
single premium life 309,000 X .25 77,250
credit life 700,000 X 1 X Profit 14,000
credit accident and health 450,000 X 1 X Profit 9,000
Annuity reserves 7,100,000 X .5%/YR X3 106,500
Paid up reserves 200,000 X 2%/YR X 3 12,000
Agency force (based on annualized life 2,400,000 X 1 2,400,000
premium)
Investments in subsidiaries and partnerships 4,741,521 4,741,521
Value of management services agreement(1) 464,789
State insurance license value 5 X 50,000 250,000
-----------
TOTAL VALUE 17,166,874
===========
Number of First Alliance shares outstanding 5,691,656
VALUE PER SHARE $ 3.02
- ----------
(1) $100,000 per year profit for five years at net present value discounted by
3%.
The resulting values were reviewed at length by Citizens and by the First
Alliance Board. Also discussed at length were how payment would be made to First
Alliance shareholders, and the tax consequences of the Merger. The Board of
First Alliance agreed to the final total adjusted book value per share.
RECOMMENDATION OF FIRST ALLIANCE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The First Alliance Board of Directors RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.
The Board believes that the exchange ratio to the First Alliance shareholders is
fair. The management and Board of Directors of First Alliance, after careful
study and evaluation of the economic, financial, legal and market factors, also
believe that the Merger could provide Citizens with increased opportunity for
profitable expansion of its business, which in turn should benefit First
Alliance shareholders who become Citizens shareholders.
The terms of the Merger were the result of arm's-length negotiations
between Citizens and First Alliance over a several month period, with a
significant effort by First Alliance management with assistance
22
of legal counsel. Among the factors considered by the Board of Directors of
First Alliance in deciding to approve and recommend the Merger were:
1. The terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, which the First
Alliance Board and management believe results in a fair price for
the First Alliance shares;
2. The financial condition, business assets and liabilities and
management of Citizens;
3. The financial and business prospects of Citizens;
4. The increased liquidity to First Alliance shareholders including:
o the market on the New York Stock Exchange for Citizens Class A
common stock; and
o the lack of market for the First Alliance common stock;
5. Economies of scale available in the event of combination of the
companies including, in particular, reduction in the total number of
regulatory filings;
6. The business, operations, financial condition, earnings and
prospects of First Alliance;
7. The expectation that the Merger will generally be a tax-deferred
transaction to First Alliance and its shareholders (see "Certain
Federal Income Tax Considerations");
8. The growth and liquidity potential to First Alliance shareholders as
future holders of Citizens Class A common stock compared to the
historical growth and liquidity of the First Alliance common stock;
9. The current and prospective economic environment and competitive
constraints facing small insurance companies;
10. The First Alliance Board of Directors' evaluation of the risks to
consummation of the Merger, including the risk associated with
obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; and
11. The possible alternatives to the Merger, the range of possible
values to the First Alliance shareholders of such alternatives, and
the timing and likelihood of actually receiving, and risks and
rewards associated with seeking to obtain, those values.
The First Alliance Board did not assign any specific or relative weight to
these factors in its consideration. All of the above factors contributed in
determining the consideration received.
The Merger is also intended to be a tax-deferred exchange, thereby giving
First Alliance shareholders the equity participation in Citizens without
initially incurring taxes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences."
The First Alliance Board believes that it reviewed in sufficient depth the
respective conditions of First Alliance, Citizens and their subsidiaries as well
as the terms of the Merger Agreement.
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION.
Professional Bank Services, Inc. ("PBS") was engaged by First Alliance to
advise the Board of Directors of First Alliance as to the fairness of the
consideration, from a financial perspective, to be paid by Citizens to First
Alliance shareholders as set forth in the Merger Agreement.
PBS is a financial institutions consulting firm with offices located
throughout the United States. As part of its investment banking business, PBS is
regularly engaged in reviewing the fairness of financial institution acquisition
transactions from a financial perspective and in the valuation of financial
institutions and other businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers, acquisitions, estate settlements, and
23
other transactions. Neither PBS nor any of its affiliates has a material
financial interest in First Alliance or Citizens. PBS was selected to advise the
Board of Directors of First Alliance based upon its familiarity with Kentucky
financial institutions and knowledge of the financial industry as a whole.
PBS performed certain analyses described herein and presented the range of
values for First Alliance resulting from such analyses to the Board of Directors
of First Alliance in connection with its advice as to the fairness of the
consideration to be paid by Citizens.
A Fairness Opinion of PBS was delivered to the Board of Directors of First
Alliance on December 19, 2002, at a special meeting of the Board of Directors. A
copy of the Fairness Opinion, which includes a summary of the assumptions made
and information analyzed in deriving the Fairness Opinion, is attached as
Appendix E to this proxy statement-prospectus and should be read in its
entirety.
In arriving at its Fairness Opinion, PBS reviewed certain publicly
available business and financial information relating to First Alliance and
Citizens. PBS considered certain financial and stock market data of First
Alliance and Citizens, compared that data with similar data for certain other
publicly-held insurance companies and considered the financial terms of certain
other comparable insurance transactions that had recently been effected. PBS
also considered such other information, financial studies, analyses and
investigations and financial, economic and market criteria that it deemed
relevant. In connection with its review, PBS did not independently verify the
foregoing information and relied on such information as being complete and
accurate in all material respects. Financial forecasts prepared by PBS were
based on assumptions believed by PBS to be reasonable and to reflect currently
available information. PBS did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal
of the assets of First Alliance or Citizens.
As part of preparing its Fairness Opinion, PBS performed a due diligence
review of Citizens on December 3, 2002 at its corporate headquarters in Austin,
Texas. As part of the due diligence, PBS reviewed the following items: Forms
10-Q, 10-K and 8-K for 2000, 2001 and year to date 2002 filed by Citizens with
the Securities and Exchange Commission; year-end 2000 and 2001 audited annual
reports for Citizens; April 26, 2002 Definitive Proxy Statement of Citizens;
Independent audit, firm management letters and management responses thereto for
the last two years; September 30, 2002 independent actuarial report of Citizens;
listing and status of all pending litigation; the most recent State insurance
examination of Citizens' wholly owned subsidiary Citizens Insurance Company of
America ("CICA"); CICA's most recent recoverability test for deferred policy
acquisition cost amortization and capitalization schedule; and various other
internal reports of Citizens.
PBS reviewed and analyzed the historical performance of First Alliance
including: December 31, 2001 audited annual report of First Alliance; all Forms
10-QSB, 10-KSB and 8-K for 2001 and year to date 2002 filed by First Alliance
with the Securities and Exchange Commission; April 8, 2002 Definitive Proxy
Statement of First Alliance; December 31, 2001 Annual Statement of First
Alliance filed with the Insurance Department of the State of Kentucky; June 30,
2002 Quarterly Statement of First Alliance filed with the Insurance Department
of the State of Kentucky. PBS reviewed and tabulated statistical data regarding
the insurance portfolio, securities portfolio and other performance ratios and
statistics of First Alliance. Financial projections were prepared and analyzed
as well as other financial studies, analyses and investigations as deemed
relevant for the purposes of the opinion of PBS. In review of the aforementioned
information, PBS took into account its assessment of general market and
financial conditions, its experience in other transactions, and its knowledge of
the financial institutions and insurance industry generally.
24
In connection with rendering the Fairness Opinion and preparing its
written and oral presentation to the Board of Directors of First Alliance, PBS
performed a variety of financial analyses, including those summarized herein.
The summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses
performed by PBS in this regard. The preparation of a Fairness Opinion involves
various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of
financial analysis and the application of these methods to the particular
circumstances and therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to
summary description. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors
summarized below, PBS believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole
and that selecting portions of its analyses and of the factors considered by it,
without considering all analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of
the evaluation process underlying its opinion. In performing its analyses, PBS
made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and
economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond First Alliance's
or Citizens' control. The analyses performed by PBS are not necessarily
indicative of actual values or future results, which may be significantly more
or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. In addition, analyses
relating to the values of businesses do not purport to be appraisals or to
reflect the process by which businesses actually may be sold.
In performing an acquisition comparison analysis, PBS reviewed all life
insurance acquisition transactions since January 1, 2000 (the "Comparable
Group") for which detailed financial information was available. There have been
42 life insurance acquisition transactions since January 1, 2000. The purpose of
the analysis was to obtain an evaluation range based on these Comparable Group
life insurance acquisition transactions. Median multiples of book value,
earnings, earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization
("EBITDA"), net premium revenues and total revenues implied by the comparable
transactions were utilized in obtaining a range for the acquisition value of
First Alliance. In addition to reviewing recent Comparable Group life insurance
transactions, PBS performed separate comparable analyses for acquisitions of
life insurance companies which, like First Alliance, had assets under $100
million, had a negative return on average equity, were headquartered in the
United States, where the currency received by the seller consisted of either all
common stock or cash and common stock, and transactions which had been announced
after June 30, 2001 when Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
141 and SFAS 142 went into effect. Median values for the 42 Comparable Group
acquisitions expressed as multiples of book value, earnings, net premiums, total
revenues and EBITDA were 1.36X, 17.53X, 2.08X, 1.00X and 8.98X, respectively.
The median multiples of book value, earnings, net premiums and total revenues
for acquisitions of life insurers, which like First Alliance, had assets under
$100 million were 1.37X, 22.73X, 1.28X and 0.58X, respectively. For acquisitions
of Comparable Group life insurers with a negative return on average equity the
median multiples of book value, earnings, net premiums and total revenues were
1.28X, not meaningful, 1.34X and 078X, respectively. For Comparable Group life
insurers headquartered in the United States the median values expressed as
multiples of book value, earnings, net premiums, total revenues and EBITDA were
1.37X, 17.53X, 2.43X, 1.33X and 8.98X, respectively. For Comparable Group life
insurers in which the selling entity received either common stock or cash and
stock as consideration, the median values expressed as multiples of book value,
earnings, net premiums, total revenues and EBITDA were 1.39X, 17.96X, 2.43X,
1.33X and 8.98X, respectively. For Comparable Group life insurance transactions
announced since June 30, 2001 the median values expressed as multiples of book
value, earnings, net premiums, total revenues and EBITDA were 1.39X, 17.21X,
2.77X, 0.99X and 11.79X, respectively.
For the purposes of this analysis, the following table demonstrates
adjustments made by PBS to First Alliance's stated financial results for the
nine months ending September 30, 2002:
25
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 FINANCIAL STATEMENT ADJUSTMENTS
September 30, 2002 Annualized Gross Premiums $ 5,859,000
September 30, 2002 Annualized Premiums Ceded (1,235,000)
Annualized Net Premiums Earned $ 4,624,000
September 30, 2002 Total Annualized Revenues $ 7,887,000
Non-recurring Annualized Gains on Sale Stock (1,266,000)
Adjusted Annualized Revenues $ 6,621,000
September 30, 2002 Annualized Pre-tax Earnings $ 1,405,000
Non-recurring Annualized Gains on Sale Stock (1,266,000)
Non-recurring Annualized Service Agreement Termination Fees (319,000)
September 30, 2002 Annualized Interest Costs 631,000
September 30, 2002 Annualized Depreciation Expense 54,000
Annualized Amortization Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs 897,000
Adjusted Earnings before Tax, Depreciation & Amortization $ 1,402,000
September 30, 2002 Annualized Pre-tax Income $ 1,405,000
Non-recurring Annualized Gains on Sale Stock (1,266,000)
Non-recurring Service Agreement Termination Fees (319,000)
Tax Adjustment at 35.0% 63,000
Annualized Adjusted Net Income $ (117,000)
Shares Outstanding 5,691,695
September 30, 2002 Common Equity $10,331,000
In the proposed Merger, each First Alliance common share issued and
outstanding will be exchanged for the number of Citizens Class A common shares
equal in market value to $3.02, based on the average daily closing price of
Citizens Class A common shares for the 20 trading days preceding the Closing
Date (the "Floating Exchange Ratio"). The proposed consideration to be received
represents an aggregate value of approximately $17,189,000 for all 5,691,695
First Alliance common shares outstanding, as further defined in the Merger
Agreement. Based on the November 7, 2002 closing stock price of Citizens Class A
common stock of $7.50 as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange the Floating
Exchange Ratio would equal approximately 0.4027 Citizens shares per common share
of First Alliance. The $3.02 per common share of First Alliance represents a
multiple of First Alliance's September 30, 2002 stated common equity of 1.66X, a
multiple of First Alliance's September 30, 2002 annualized adjusted net income
which is not meaningful due to First Alliance's adjusted earnings losses, a
multiple of First Alliance's September 30, 2002 annualized net premium revenues
of 3.72X, a multiple of First Alliance's September 30, 2002 annualized adjusted
revenues of 2.60X and a multiple of First Alliance's September 30, 2002
annualized adjusted EBITDA of 12.25X.
The following tables demonstrate the market value of the proposed
transaction's percentile ranking with respect to the above Comparable Group life
insurance transactions.
26
TRANSACTION VALUE PERCENTILE RANKINGS
MULTIPLE OF MULTIPLE OF
CATEGORY BOOK VALUE EARNINGS
- -------- ---------- --------
PROPOSED TRANSACTION 1.66X Not Meaningful
("NM")
All Comparable Group Acquisitions Since 1/01/00 75.20% NM
Assets Under $100 Million 100.00 NM
Return on Average Assets (ROAE) is Negative 100.00 NM
U.S. Transactions 74.50 NM
Consideration is All Stock or Cash & Stock 71.60 NM
Comparable Group since June 30, 2001 97.50 NM
27
TRANSACTION VALUE PERCENTILE RANKINGS
MULTIPLE OF MULTIPLE OF
NET PREMIUM TOTAL MULTIPLE
CATEGORY REVENUES REVENUES OF EBITDA
- -------- -------- -------- ---------
PROPOSED TRANSACTION 3.72X 2.60X 12.25X
All Comparable Group Acquisitions 71.30% 89.80% 85.90%
Assets Under $100 Million 78.30 78.00 Not Available
ROAE is Negative 100.00 100.00 Not Available
U.S. Transactions 68.70 88.50 85.90
Consideration is Stock or Mix 72.90 86.90 85.90
Comparable Group since June 30, 2001 81.40 84.90 63.30
With respect to adjusted net asset value analysis, PBS reviewed the
balance sheet data of First Alliance to determine the amount of material
adjustments required to the stockholders' equity of First Alliance based on
differences between the market value of First Alliance's assets and their value
reflected on First Alliance's financial statements. PBS determined that one
adjustment was warranted. PBS subtracted the stated value of First Alliance's
deferred policy acquisition costs of approximately $4,923,000. The aggregate
adjusted net asset value of First Alliance was determined to be $5,408,000 or
$0.95 per First Alliance common share.
With respect to discounted earnings analysis, a dividend discount analysis
was performed by PBS pursuant to First Alliance which a range of values of First
Alliance was determined by adding (i) the present value of estimated future
dividend streams that First Alliance could generate over a five-year period and
(ii) the present value of the "terminal value" of First Alliance's earnings at
the end of the fifth year. The "terminal value" of First Alliance's earnings at
the end of the five-year period was determined by applying a multiple of 1.36
times the projected terminal year's ending equity. The 1.36X multiple represents
the median price paid as a multiple of earnings for all Comparable Group
transactions since January 1, 2002 for which detailed financial information is
available.
Dividend streams and terminal values were discounted to present values
using a discount rate of 13%. This rate reflects assumptions regarding the
required rate of return of holders or buyers of First Alliance's common stock.
The aggregate value of First Alliance, determined by adding the present value of
the total cash flows, was $8,790,000 or $1.54 per share. In addition, using the
five-year projection as a base, a twenty-year projection was prepared assuming
an annual growth rate in assets of 20.0% in years one through five and 15.0% in
years six through twenty. Return on assets was 0.20% in year one and increased
to 1.50% by year eight and was held constant at this level for the remainder of
the analysis. Dividends were not assumed to be paid throughout the analysis.
This long-term projection resulted in an aggregate value of $7,703,000 or $1.35
per common share.
With respect to pro forma merger analysis, PBS compared the historical
performance of First Alliance to that of Citizens, the contribution of First
Alliance and Citizens to the income statement and balance sheet of the pro forma
combined company was analyzed.
The effect of the affiliation on the historical and pro forma financial
data of First Alliance was
28
prepared and analyzed. First Alliance's historical financial data was compared
to the pro forma combined historical and projected earnings, book value and
tangible book value per share.
The Fairness Opinion is directed only to the question of whether the
consideration to be received by First Alliance's shareholders under the Merger
Agreement is fair and equitable from a financial perspective and does not
constitute a recommendation to any First Alliance shareholder to vote in favor
of the merger. No limitations were imposed on PBS regarding the scope of its
investigation or otherwise by First Alliance.
Based on the results of the various analyses described above, PBS
concluded that the consideration to be received by the shareholders of First
Alliance under the Merger Agreement is fair and equitable from a financial
perspective to the shareholders of First Alliance.
PBS will receive fees of approximately $18,000 for all services performed
in connection with rendering of the Fairness Opinion. In addition, First
Alliance has agreed to indemnify PBS and its directors, officers and employees,
from liability in connection with the transaction, and to hold PBS harmless from
any losses, actions, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities related to any of
PBS' acts or decisions made in good faith and in the best interest of First
Alliance.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendation of the First Alliance Board with regard
to the Merger, First Alliance shareholders should be aware that Messrs. Fink and
Engebritson have interests in the Proposed Merger that are in addition to the
interests of First Alliance shareholders generally. Upon effectiveness of the
Merger, Citizens intends to enter into five year employment agreements with each
of Messrs. Fink and Engebritson, under which they will render their full-time
services to Citizens. Mr. Fink's annual salary will be $300,000 during the first
year of his employment, $200,000 during the second and third years of his
employment and $150,000 per year during the fourth and fifth years of his
employment. Mr. Engebritson's annual salary will be $160,000 for each year of
his employment. Each may receive bonuses based upon the achievement of certain
performance objectives.
The members of the First Alliance Board were aware of the foregoing
interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the Merger and
the transactions contemplated thereby.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
The Merger is subject to approval of the Kentucky Commissioner of
Insurance, the Superintendent of Insurance of Missouri and the Arkansas
Commissioner of Insurance. An application for approval was filed on or about
December 3, 2002 with the Kentucky Department of Insurance, December 8, 2002
with the Superintendent of Insurance of Missouri, and December 8, 2002 with the
Arkansas Department of Insurance. The Commissioner of Insurance of the State of
Colorado has issued a letter of non-objection to the transaction. The parties do
not believe the Merger is subject to any other insurance regulatory approval.
Neither Citizens nor First Alliance is aware of any other governmental or
regulatory approvals required for consummation of the Merger.
29
SUMMARY OF THE MERGER
This is a summary of the Plan and Agreement of Merger, which is
incorporated herein and attached hereto as Appendix A. You should read the Plan
and Agreement of Merger in addition to this Summary. See "Available Information"
and "Incorporation of Documents by Reference."
Delivery of Citizens Class A Common Stock; Closing Date. If the Merger
occurs, Citizens Class A common stock will be available for distribution at a
closing ("Closing") on a closing date ("Closing Date") as soon as possible after
all regulatory approvals and shareholder approvals are obtained in accordance
with Kentucky law. In order for the Merger to be consummated, the Merger must be
approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of the First Alliance common
stock. The Merger between Citizens and First Alliance will become effective
("Effective Date") on or as soon after the meeting as possible (assuming
shareholder approval). It is presently anticipated that the Effective Date will
occur on or before March 31, 2003, but there can be no assurance that the
conditions to the Merger will be satisfied and that the Merger will be
consummated on that date or any other date. The parties to the Merger have
agreed to take all actions reasonably necessary to consummate the proposed
transactions.
Representations, Warranties and Covenants; Legal Proceedings Disclosure.
Each party to the Merger has represented to the other with respect to
organization, good standing, capitalization and other related matters, as well
as certain matters with respect to pending legal proceedings.
Receipt of Citizens Shares - Procedures. If the Merger is approved at the
meeting, First Alliance shareholders who do not perfect dissenters' rights will
be notified of the approval and furnished with a "Letter of Transmittal" to send
to an exchange agent ("Exchange Agent") that will be identified in the Letter of
Transmittal. DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR FIRST ALLIANCE SHARES AT THIS TIME. If the
Merger is completed:
o a Letter of Transmittal will be sent to you;
o you should send in your shares with the Letter of Transmittal; and
o the Exchange Agent will exchange your First Alliance shares for
Citizens Class A common stock in the ratio set forth in the Merger
after it receives your Letter of Transmittal and First Alliance
stock certificates.
Exchange Agent. First Alliance will appoint Mellon Investor Services LLC,
South Hackensack, New Jersey (Citizens' current stock transfer agent) as
Exchange Agent and may appoint one or more forwarding agents to accept delivery
of the First Alliance's stock certificates for forwarding to the Exchange Agent.
The instructions accompanying the Letter of Transmittal will provide details for
surrendering certificates for First Alliance shares and the procedure for
obtaining certificates for Citizens Class A common stock, including instructions
for obtaining certificates for Citizens Class A common stock for lost or
destroyed certificates of First Alliance shares.
Authorization of the Exchange Agent may be terminated by Citizens at any
time after six months following the Effective Date. If terminated, any shares
and funds held by the Exchange Agent for First Alliance shareholders will be
transferred to Citizens or its designee, who will thereafter serve as Exchange
Agent.
30
Shareholder Rights Prior to Share Exchange. The Exchange Agent will not be
entitled to vote or exercise any rights of ownership of the First Alliance
shares held by it prior to the issuance of Citizens Class A common stock to
former holders of such shares, except that it will receive any distributions
paid or distributed with respect to the First Alliance shares for the account of
the persons exchanging such shares. No distributions are expected with respect
to Citizens Class A common stock.
After the Effective Date, there will be no transfers on the First Alliance
stock transfer books of shares which were issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Date. If after the Effective Date certificates
representing First Alliance shares are properly presented to the Exchange Agent
or directly to First Alliance or Citizens, they will be canceled and exchanged
for certificates representing Citizens Class A common stock in the ratio set
forth in the attached Exchange Agreement.
Unclaimed Shares or Cash. If outstanding certificates for First Alliance
shares or payment for any dissenting shares are not claimed, they may be turned
over to a governmental authority in accordance with the respective abandoned
property laws of the various jurisdictions.
In Colorado (Citizens' state of incorporation) if an owner of stock cannot
be located and does not come forward for a period of five years, and if the last
known address of the shareholder is in Colorado, then the stock must be turned
over to the state treasurer. If the last known address of the shareholder is in
another state, the stock must be turned over to the other state if that state's
laws so provide, otherwise the stock must be turned over to the state of
Colorado.
Abandoned property laws vary from state to state. However, to the extent
it might be permitted by abandoned property and other applicable law, such
unclaimed items shall become the property of Citizens (and to the extent not in
its possession shall be paid over to it) free and clear of all claims or
interest of any persons previously entitled to such items. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, neither the Exchange Agent nor any party to the Merger will be liable
to any First Alliance shareholder for amounts paid to any governmental authority
having jurisdiction of such unclaimed item pursuant to abandoned property or
other applicable laws of such jurisdiction.
Fractional Shares. Fractional shares of Citizens stock will not be issued
under the Merger. Instead, fractional shares will be rounded up to the nearest
whole share of Citizens Class A common stock.
Accounting. It is anticipated that the Merger will be accounted for as a
purchase in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
Other Conditions; Termination or Amendment of the Merger. In addition to
First Alliance shareholder approval of the Merger, the obligations of Citizens
and First Alliance to complete the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of a
number of closing conditions, including:
o performance by each party to the Merger of its respective
obligations;
o approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the States of Kentucky
and Arkansas, as well as the Superintendent of Insurance of Missouri
(and any other governmental entity with jurisdiction over the
transaction);
o absence of any proceedings instituted or threatened to restrain,
enjoin or prohibit the transactions contemplated by the Merger;
31
o continued accuracy in all material respects of the representations
and warranties made by each party in the Merger;
o delivery of certain legal opinions and closing certificates;
o filing Articles of Merger, for the transaction with the requisite
governmental authorities; and
o the closing of the Merger Agreement.
In addition, Citizens may decline to proceed with the Merger if
dissenters' rights are perfected for more than 2.5% of the outstanding First
Alliance shares.
Any party may waive its unsatisfied conditions to complete the Merger,
except those which are required by law (such as shareholder and regulatory
approval).
The Merger may be terminated and abandoned at any time (whether before or
after approval by the First Alliance shareholders) by unanimous consent of
Citizens and First Alliance, or by any party for whose benefit a closing
condition has not been satisfied or waived. Any terms or conditions of the
Merger, except those required by law, may be waived by the Board of Directors of
the party entitled to the benefit thereof. The Merger may be amended by mutual
agreement of the Board of Directors of each party.
Expenses and Liability for Termination. Each of the parties to the Merger
will pay its own fees and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction
contemplated by the Merger, including costs incurred in connection with the
termination of the Merger.
Status Regarding Possible Waiver, Modification, or Termination of
Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement-prospectus, to the best of the
knowledge of the parties to the Merger, there are no conditions precedent which
must be waived by any party in order for the Merger to be consummated, nor does
any party intend to seek to modify or terminate the Merger based on existing
circumstances.
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger; Other Covenants of the Parties.
First Alliance and Citizens have agreed that neither of them will, prior to the
Merger:
o enter into any transactions except in the ordinary course of
business;
o pay any dividends nor increase the compensation of any officer or
directors; or
o enter into any transaction which would adversely affect its
respective financial conditions.
Each party has agreed to provide the other with information as to any
significant corporate developments during the term of the Merger and to promptly
notify the other parties if it discovers that any of its representations,
warranties or covenants contained in the Merger or any document delivered in
connection therewith was not true and correct in all material respects or became
untrue or incorrect in any material respect. All of the parties to the Merger
have agreed to take all such actions as may be reasonably necessary and
appropriate in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger.
The First Alliance Board of Directors, subject to its fiduciary
obligations to its shareholders, has agreed to use its best efforts to obtain
the requisite approval of First Alliance shareholders for the Merger and the
transactions contemplated thereby.
32
Operations of First Alliance after the Merger. Following the Merger, First
Alliance will continue to operate in its locations under a joint management
team, with the consolidation of computer data processing in Citizens' system.
Citizens will continue to evaluate the personnel, business practices and
opportunities for First Alliance and may make such changes as it deems
appropriate following the Merger.
It is anticipated that the following individuals will serve as executive
officers of First Alliance upon effectiveness of the Merger:
Name Office
---- ------
Rick D. Riley Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Mark A. Oliver Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer
Michael N. Fink President and Assistant Treasurer
Val Smith Executive Vice President, Chief Actuary
Marcia Emmons Secretary
The Board of Directors of First Alliance upon effectiveness of the Merger
is expected to be the composed of the following individuals:
Harold E. Riley Walden P. Little
Rick D. Riley Steven F. Shelton
Mark A. Oliver Ralph M. Smith, Th.D.
Jeffrey J. Wood Timothy T. Timmerman
Dr. Richard C. Scott Dr. E. Dan Gage
In addition, with the approval of the Kentucky Commissioner of Insurance,
Citizens intends to enter into a management services agreement with First
Alliance under which Citizens would provide data processing systems, management
expertise and staff to First Alliance on a "cost plus 12.5%" basis. This
agreement is similar in substance to agreements that Citizens has with its other
insurance subsidiaries.
Stock Transfer Restrictions Applicable to "Affiliates" of First Alliance.
The Merger provides that any shareholder who is an "affiliate" of First
Alliance, as defined in the rules adopted under the Securities Act of 1933, will
enter into an agreement to not dispose of any Citizens shares received by him or
her in violation of certain transfer restrictions under SEC Rules 144 and 145.
33
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income
tax consequences to U.S. holders who exchange First Alliance common stock for
Citizens Class A common stock pursuant to the Merger, and is not a summary of
all potential tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by the Merger
agreement or the Merger itself. The discussion which follows is based on the
U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), U.S. Treasury
Regulations adopted under the Code, administrative rulings and pronouncements
and judicial decisions as of the date of this proxy statement-prospectus, all of
which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change
could alter the tax consequences to First Alliance shareholders, as described
below. There can be no assurance that such changes will not occur.
Shareholders of First Alliance should be aware that this discussion does
not deal with all federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to
particular shareholders in light of their particular circumstances. This
discussion also does not apply to shareholders which:
o are certain types of persons, such as securities dealers, financial
institutions, insurance companies, foreign persons, real estate
investment trusts, regulated investment companies, or tax-exempt
entities;
o hold their stock as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale,
conversion or other integrated transaction;
o do not hold their stock as capital assets; or
o are individuals who acquired their shares in connection with the
exercise of employee stock options, under stock purchase plans or
otherwise as compensation.
In addition, the following discussion does not address any tax consequences of:
o the Merger under foreign, state or local tax laws;
o transactions effectuated prior to, after or concurrently with the
transactions discussed in this proxy statement-prospectus (whether
or not any such transactions are undertaken in connection with the
Merger), including any transaction in which shares of First Alliance
stock are acquired or shares of Citizens Class A common stock are
disposed of; or
o the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code.
ACCORDINGLY, FIRST ALLIANCE SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING ANY
APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM.
The anticipated federal income tax consequences to First Alliance
shareholders are as follows:
(a) No gain or loss will be recognized by holders of First Alliance stock
solely upon their receipt in the Merger of Citizens Class A common stock in
exchange therefor.
(b) The aggregate tax basis of Citizens Class A common stock received by a
First Alliance shareholder in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax
basis of the First Alliance stock surrendered by that shareholder in exchange
therefor.
34
(c) The holding period of Citizens Class A common stock received by each
First Alliance shareholder in the Merger will include the period for which the
First Alliance stock surrendered in exchange therefor was held, provided that
the First Alliance stock so surrendered is held as a capital asset at the time
of the consummation of the Merger.
(d) Cash received by the First Alliance shareholders who properly exercise
their dissenters' rights will be treated as having been received in redemption
of the shares so cashed out, and may result in taxable gain or loss, measured by
the difference (if any) between the amount of cash received and such
shareholder's basis in the First Alliance stock. Provided the shares were held
as a capital asset at the time of the redemption, such gain or loss will
constitute capital gain or loss. It is possible that for some First Alliance
shareholders, the distribution of cash may be treated as a dividend taxable as
ordinary income.
RELATED TAX ISSUES
The parties are not requesting and will not request a ruling from the IRS
in connection with the Merger. First Alliance, however, will receive an opinion
from its counsel and Citizens will receive an opinion from its counsel to the
effect that the Merger will constitute a reorganization resulting in the
anticipated federal tax consequences (the "Tax Opinions"). First Alliance
shareholders should be aware that the Tax Opinions do not bind the IRS or the
courts. There is no assurance that the IRS will not assert a contrary position
regarding the tax consequences of the Merger, nor is there any assurance that
the IRS would not prevail in the event the tax consequences of the Merger were
litigated. The Tax Opinions will not address any tax consequences of the Merger
under applicable foreign, state or local income tax laws. The Tax Opinions are
subject to certain assumptions and qualifications, including but not limited to
the truth and accuracy of representations made by Citizens and First Alliance,
including representations in certain certificates to be delivered to counsel by
the respective managements of Citizens and First Alliance.
First Alliance shareholders should be aware that the IRS may examine
transactions taking place before, contemporaneously with, or after a
reorganization to determine whether reorganization treatment is appropriate, or
in some cases to determine whether shareholders will be taxed on other economic
benefits that are included as part of the overall transaction. Thus, loan
transactions between parties, compensation arrangements, noncompete agreements,
consulting arrangements and other transactions could be reviewed by the IRS.
A successful IRS challenge to the reorganization status of the Merger
would result in shareholders of First Alliance recognizing taxable gain or loss
with respect to each share of stock surrendered equal to the difference between
the shareholder's basis in such shares and the fair market value of Citizens
Class A common stock received in exchange therefor. In such event, a
shareholder's aggregate basis in Citizens Class A common stock received would
equal its fair
35
market value at the time of the exchange, and the shareholder's holding period
for such stock would begin the day after the exchange is completed.
Pursuant to Section 1.368-3(b) of the Regulations, the shareholders of
First Alliance must file with their income tax returns for the year in which the
Merger is consummated, a statement which provides details pertinent to the
nonrecognition of gain or loss arising from the Merger, including the cost or
other basis of stock transferred in the Merger and the amount of stock received
in the Merger.
Under Section 3406 of the Code, First Alliance shareholders may be subject
to "backup withholding" on "reportable payments," if any, to be received by them
if they fail to furnish their correct taxpayer identification numbers to
Citizens or for certain other reasons. For each calendar year, Citizens will
report to these persons and to the IRS the amount of any reportable payments
during that year and the amount of tax withheld, if any, with respect to the
reportable payments.
36
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS
The following summary of dissenters' rights available to First Alliance
shareholders identifies and discusses all of the material information necessary
to perfect dissenters' rights. However, this summary is not intended to be a
complete statement of applicable Kentucky law and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to Subtitle 13, Sections 271B.13-010 to -310 of the Kentucky
Business Corporation Act (the "Act"), set forth in their entirety in Appendix B.
UNDER THE MERGER AGREEMENT, CITIZENS HAS THE RIGHT TO ABANDON THE MERGER
IF THE HOLDERS OF MORE THAN 2.5% OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF FIRST ALLIANCE
DISSENT FROM THE MERGER AND SEEK PAYMENT FOR THEIR SHARES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
ACT.
IN ORDER TO EXERCISE DISSENTERS' RIGHTS, A SHAREHOLDER MUST FULLY AND
EXACTLY COMPLY WITH THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS. FIRST ALLIANCE AND CITIZENS URGE
SHAREHOLDERS TO READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS DISCUSSION AND THE STATUTORY PROVISIONS
ATTACHED AS APPENDIX B TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.
Right to Dissent. A shareholder of First Alliance is entitled to dissent
and, if the Merger is completed, obtain payment of the fair value for his or her
shares. Fair value is defined in Section 271B.13-010 of the Act as the value of
the dissenter's shares immediately before the completion of the Merger,
excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the Merger.
In order to be entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his or her
shares, a shareholder cannot challenge the Merger unless the Merger is unlawful
or fraudulent with respect to the shareholder or First Alliance.
Procedure for Exercise of Dissenters' Rights. In order for a shareholder
to exercise dissenters' rights and receive payment for the shareholder's shares,
he or she must comply exactly with the requirements in Subtitle 13 of the Act.
To briefly summarize, subject to certain other requirements, the
shareholder must, before the vote is taken at the meeting of shareholders,
deliver to First Alliance (at 3385 Executive Drive, Suite 308, Lexington,
Kentucky 40505) a written notice of intent to demand payment for his or her
shares if the Merger is completed. In addition, the shareholder must not vote in
favor of the Merger.
If the Merger is approved, then within 10 days afterwards, First Alliance
will send written notices to the dissenting shareholders which meet the
requirements in the foregoing paragraph. The notice will also include a form for
demanding payment, identify a date, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after
the notice, by which First Alliance must receive the payment demand and include
instructions for the shareholder to surrender the certificates for the shares.
The form for demanding payment will include the date of the first announcement
to news media or to the shareholders of the terms of the Merger and require the
shareholder to certify whether he or she acquired beneficial ownership of the
shares before that date.
If the Merger were not to be completed within 60 days after the date set
by which First Alliance must receive the payment demand, then First Alliance
must return the certificates for the shares.
If a shareholder who meets the above requirements owned the shares before
the first announcement
37
to news media or to the shareholders of the terms of the Merger, as soon as the
Merger is completed, or upon receipt of a payment demand, if later, First
Alliance will pay the shareholder the amount that First Alliance estimates to be
the fair value of the shareholder's shares, plus interest accrued (at the
average rate currently paid by First Alliance on its principal bank loans or, if
none, at a rate that is fair and equitable) from the Effective Date. Included
with the payment will be certain of First Alliance's financial statements, an
explanation of how the interest was calculated and a statement of the
shareholder's right to demand additional payment as explained below.
If the shareholder meets the above requirements but did not acquire the
shares before announcement date to the news media or the shareholders, First
Alliance may elect not to pay its estimate of fair value and accrued interest to
the shareholder. However, First Alliance will send an offer to the shareholder
with an estimate of the fair value of the shares, an explanation of how accrued
interest was calculated and a statement of the shareholder's right to demand
payment for the shares. If shareholder agrees to accept this amount in full
satisfaction of his or her demand, then First Alliance will nonetheless pay its
estimate and accrued interest to the shareholder.
A dissenting shareholder may notify First Alliance in writing of his or
her own estimate of the fair value of the shares and interest due, and demand
payment of such amount (less First Alliance's previous payment, if any, of its
estimate of fair value and accrued interest), if:
o the shareholder believes the amount paid or offered by First
Alliance is less than the fair value or interest was incorrectly
calculated; or
o First Alliance fails, within 60 days after the Merger, to either pay
its estimate of fair value and accrued interest (if the shareholder
acquired the shares before the first announcement of the merger
terms to the news media or the shareholders) or return the
certificates for the shares to the shareholder.
In order to be able to demand payment as set forth in this paragraph, the
shareholder must provide the written notice to First Alliance within 30 days
after it made or offered payment for the shares.
Judicial Appraisal of Shares. If a shareholder's demand, as set forth in
the immediately foregoing paragraph, remains unsettled, First Alliance will,
within 60 days after receiving the demand, petition the court in Fayette County,
Kentucky, to determine the fair value of the shares and accrued interest. If
such a lawsuit were to be commenced, First Alliance would be required to make
all other dissenting shareholders, whose demand for payment remained unsettled,
parties to the lawsuit. If First Alliance were to fail to commence this lawsuit,
it would then be required to pay each dissenting shareholder, whose demand
remained unsettled, the unsettled amount demanded.
The court may appoint one or more appraisers to assist in making the
determination of the fair value of the shares. After the court determines the
fair value and accrued interest, each dissenting shareholder joined to the
lawsuit will be entitled to judgment for either:
o the amount by which the fair value and accrued interest exceeds the
amount previously paid by First Alliance, if any, or,
o if First Alliance did not previously pay its estimate and interest
to the shareholder, the fair value and accrued interest determined
by the court.
38
The court will determine all costs of the proceedings, including
reasonable compensation and expenses of any appraisers, and assess them against
the corporation, unless the court determines that the dissenting shareholders
acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith in demanding payment. The
court may also assess fees and expenses of counsel and any experts for the
shareholders against the corporation if it failed to comply with the foregoing
requirements, or against the corporation or any of the dissenting shareholders
if they acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith. If the court finds
that the services of counsel for any dissenting shareholder substantially
benefited any other dissenters under similar circumstances, the court may award
to the counsel fees from amounts recovered by the shareholders who were
benefited.
INFORMATION CONCERNING FIRST ALLIANCE
Information concerning First Alliance is set forth in Appendix C and
Appendix D attached to this proxy statement-prospectus.
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COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS
Upon consummation of the Merger, the holders of issued and outstanding
First Alliance stock will receive Citizens Class A common stock. The rights of
the holders of Citizens shares are governed by Citizens' Articles of
Incorporation, its bylaws and Colorado law, while the rights of holders of First
Alliance shares are governed by First Alliance's Articles of Incorporation, its
bylaws and Kentucky law. In most respects, the rights of holders of Citizens
Class A common stock and holders of First Alliance shares are similar. The
following is a brief comparison of the rights of the holders of First Alliance
stock, and Citizens Class A common stock.
AUTHORIZED SHARES
The aggregate number of shares which Citizens is authorized to issue is
50,000,000 shares of Class A common stock with no par value and 1,000,000 shares
of Class B common stock with no par value; of which 29,303,287 shares and
817,696 shares, respectively, are issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
The aggregate number of shares which First Alliance is authorized to issue
is 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which 5,691,695 shares
are issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable.
The foregoing numbers do not include treasury shares.
DIVIDEND RIGHTS
If Citizens were to declare and pay any cash dividends, the cash dividends
paid upon each share of Citizens Class A common stock would be twice the cash
dividends paid on each share of Citizens Class B common stock. If First Alliance
were to declare and pay any dividends, the dividends paid upon the shares of
First Alliance stock would be the same for all shares.
VOTING RIGHTS
Those who hold First Alliance stock on the date the Merger becomes
effective will be entitled as a group to hold approximately 2,290,000 shares of
Citizens Class A common stock (assuming a market value of Citizens Class A
common stock of $7.50 per share), or approximately 7.2% of the Class A shares
that Citizens anticipates will then be outstanding.
The voting rights of Citizens Class A common stock and Class B common
stock are equal in all respects except that the holders of Class B common stock
have the exclusive right to elect a simple majority of the members of Citizens'
Board of Directors, and the holders of the Class A common stock have the
exclusive right to elect the remaining directors. The holders of Citizens common
stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
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Each outstanding share of First Alliance stock is entitled to one vote
upon each matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders of First Alliance.
First Alliance shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights in the election
of directors.
The Articles of Incorporation of Citizens provide that when, with respect
to any action to be taken by Citizens shareholders, the Colorado Corporation
Code (now superseded by the Colorado Business Corporation Act) requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled
to vote thereon, or of any class or series, such action may be taken by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled
to vote on such action. The power to amend the Articles of Incorporation,
approve mergers and approve extraordinary asset transfers are all subject to
this requirement. Under Colorado law, the holders of the Citizens Class A common
stock and Class B common stock must vote as two separate groups, respectively,
and a sufficient vote by each voting group would be required in connection with
the foregoing actions.
For First Alliance, the Kentucky Business Corporation Act requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares to approve the same
types of transactions. With respect to the Merger the approval of a majority of
the outstanding First Alliance shares entitled to vote is required. Each share
of First Alliance common stock is entitled to one vote with respect to the
Merger.
Citizens' Articles of Incorporation provide that Citizens' Board of
Directors has the power to enact, alter, amend and repeal Citizens' bylaws not
inconsistent with the laws of Colorado or Citizens' Articles of Incorporation,
as the Board of Directors deems best for the management of Citizens. However,
Colorado statutes give shareholders the right to amend and repeal bylaws even if
not so provided for in the bylaws themselves.
The articles of incorporation of First Alliance provide that the power to
alter, amend, or repeal the bylaws is vested in the Board of Directors. However,
the bylaws provide that the shareholders or the Board of Directors may adopt new
bylaws or alter or repeal the bylaws. Under the Kentucky Business Corporation
Act, the First Alliance shareholders have the right to amend and repeal the
bylaws of First Alliance even though the Board of Directors also has this right.
Special meetings of Citizens' shareholders may be called by the Chairman
of the Board, by the Board of Directors, or by the holders of 10% or more of all
Citizens shares entitled to vote. Special meetings of First Alliance
shareholders may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman or Vice
Chairman of the Board, the President, or the holders of 33-1/3% of the shares
entitled to vote.
The bylaws of Citizens provide that one-third of the votes entitled to be
cast on a matter by a voting group constitutes a quorum of that voting group.
The bylaws of First Alliance provide that a majority of the shares of stock
entitled to vote constitutes a quorum of the shareholders of First Alliance.
Both Citizens' and First Alliance's bylaws provide that the shareholders
may take action without a meeting if all shareholders entitled to vote consent
to the action in writing.
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PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
First Alliance and Citizens shares may be issued at any time, and from
time to time, in such amounts and for such consideration as may be fixed by the
Boards of Directors of the respective corporations. No holder of shares of
either corporation has any pre-emptive or preferential right to purchase or to
subscribe for any shares of capital stock or other securities which may be
issued by the corporation.
LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
Citizens' and First Alliance's Articles of Incorporation, as authorized
under Colorado and Kentucky law, respectively, each contain a provision to the
effect that no director shall be personally liable to the corporation or any of
its shareholders for damages for any breach of duty as a director except to the
extent this provision is limited by law.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Citizens or
First Alliance, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares are
entitled to share, on a share-for-share basis, any of the assets or funds in
their respective corporations which are distributable to the shareholders upon
such liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
ASSESSMENT AND REDEMPTION
The Citizens shares to be issued upon consummation of the Merger will be
fully paid and nonassessable. First Alliance shares, upon issuance in accordance
with the Kentucky Business Corporation Act, are deemed to be fully paid and
nonassessable. No shares or any class of stock of either Citizens or First
Alliance is subject to redemption, conversion or further assessment.
TRANSFER AGENT
The transfer agent for First Alliance is Fifth-Third Bank, Cincinnati,
Ohio. The transfer agent for Citizens shares is Mellon Investor Services LLC,
South Hackensack, New Jersey.
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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Citizens, Inc. and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and for each of the years in the three year
period ended December 31, 2001, are incorporated herein by reference to
Citizens, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2001
and are so included herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent
certified public accountants, appearing in such Annual Report on Form 10-K and
upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of First Alliance and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and for each of the years in the two year
period ended December 31, 2001, are incorporated herein by reference to the
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the Year Ended December 31, 2001 of First
Alliance, and are so included herein in reliance upon the report of Kerber, Eck
& Braeckel, LLP, independent certified public accountants, appearing in such
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality under Colorado law of Citizens Class A common stock to be
issued pursuant to the Merger will be passed upon by Jones & Keller, P.C.,
Denver, Colorado. Jones & Keller, P.C. has also given the tax opinions
referred to under "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences." Certain legal
matters in connection with the Merger, including a tax opinion to First
Alliance, will be passed upon for First Alliance by Phillip E. Allen, Esq.,
Louisville, Kentucky.
OTHER MATTERS
The First Alliance Board does not intend to bring any matters before the
meeting other than those specifically set forth in the notice of the meeting
accompanying this proxy statement-prospectus and it does not know of any matters
to be brought before the meeting by others. If any other matters properly come
before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying
proxies to vote such proxies in accordance with the judgment of the First
Alliance Board.
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APPENDIX A
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
CITIZENS, INC.
AND
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
First Alliance Corporation
Citizens, Inc.
and
Citizens Acquisition, Inc.
This Plan and Agreement of Merger ("this Agreement") is by and among First
Alliance Corporation ("First Alliance"), Citizens, Inc. ("Citizens") and
Citizens Acquisition, Inc. ("Acquisition").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Citizens is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of
Colorado and Acquisition is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the
State of Kentucky;
WHEREAS, First Alliance is a corporation duly organized under the laws of
the State of Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, Citizens desires to acquire First Alliance through a merger of
Acquisition into First Alliance under Kentucky law;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed among the parties as follows:
ARTICLE I
The Merger
1.1 Subject to approval of this Agreement by the Insurance Commissioner of
the State of Kentucky, and subject to the conditions set forth herein on the
"Effective Date" (as herein defined), First Alliance and Acquisition shall enter
into and file Articles of Merger, attached hereto as Exhibit "A," under which
Acquisition shall merge with and into First Alliance (the "Merger"), and First
Alliance shall be the surviving corporation, and shareholders of First Alliance
that do not dissent to the Merger shall receive Class A common stock of Citizens
as set forth in Section 1.2. The transaction contemplated by this Agreement
shall be completed at a closing ("the Closing") on a closing date ("the Closing
Date") which shall be as soon as possible after all regulatory approvals and
shareholder approvals are obtained in accordance with law as set forth in this
Agreement.
On the Closing Date, all of the documents to be furnished to First
Alliance and Citizens, including the documents to be furnished pursuant to
Article VII of this Agreement, shall be delivered to Jones & Keller, P.C.,
counsel to Citizens, to be held in escrow until the Effective Date or the date
of termination of this Agreement, whichever first occurs and thereafter shall be
promptly distributed to the parties as their interests may appear.
1.2 On the Effective Date, all shareholders of Alliance that do not
dissent shall receive as consideration shares of Citizens Class A common stock
equal in market value to the average closing price of such stock as reported by
the New York Stock Exchange for the 20 trading days preceding the Closing Date
for every share of Alliance owned based upon an embedded value of $3.02 per
share of the common stock of Alliance, as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof. The
offer and sale of the Citizens Class A common stock to be issued hereunder shall
be registered by Citizens pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable
state securities laws.
1.3 If this Agreement is duly adopted by the holders of the requisite
number of shares, in accordance with the applicable laws and subject to the
other provisions hereof, such documents as may be required by law to consummate
the Merger shall be filed as required by law to effectuate same, and it shall
become effective. The time of filing the last document required by law to
consummate the Merger shall be the "Effective Date" for this Agreement. For
accounting purposes, this Agreement shall be effective as of 12:01 a.m., on the
last day of the month preceding the Effective Date.
ARTICLE II
Issuance and Exchange of Shares
2.1 The shares of Citizens Class A common stock shall be distributed to
First Alliance shareholders (other than those shares as to which dissenters'
rights have been perfected in accordance with Kentucky law).
2.2 On the Effective Date, each holder of a certificate or certificates
representing shares of First Alliance, upon presentation and surrender of such
certificate or certificates to the Exchange Agent of Citizens, shall be entitled
to receive the consideration set forth herein, except that holders of those
shares as to which dissenters' rights shall have been asserted and perfected
pursuant to Kentucky law shall not be converted into shares of Citizens Class A
common stock, but shall represent only such rights as are permitted under the
Kentucky Business Corporation Act. Upon such presentation, surrender, and
exchange as provided in this Section 2.2, certificates representing shares of
First Alliance previously held shall be canceled. Until so presented and
surrendered, each certificate or certificates which represented issued and
outstanding shares of First Alliance at the Effective Date shall be deemed for
all purposes to evidence the right to receive the consideration set forth in
Section 1.2 of this Agreement. If a certificate or certificates representing
shares of First Alliance have been lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed, the
Exchange Agent shall require the submission of an indemnity agreement and may
require the submission of a bond in lieu of such certificate.
2.3 No fractional shares of Citizens stock shall be issued as a result of
the Merger. In the event the
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issuance of shares of Citizens stock hereunder results in any shareholder being
entitled to a fraction of a whole share of Citizens stock, the number of shares
to be issued to such shareholder shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share.
2.4 The stock transfer books of First Alliance shall be closed on the
Closing Date, and thereafter no transfers of the common stock of First Alliance
will be made.
ARTICLE III
Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Citizens
No representations or warranties are made by any director, officer, employee or
shareholder of Citizens, except as and to the extent stated in this Agreement or
in a separate written statement (the "Citizens Disclosure Statement") attached
hereto as Exhibit "B". Citizens hereby represents, warrants and covenants to
First Alliance, except as stated in the Citizens Disclosure Statement, as
follows:
3.1 Citizens is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Colorado, and has the corporate power
and authority to own or lease its properties and to carry on its business as it
is now being conducted. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Citizens,
copies of which have been delivered to First Alliance, are complete and
accurate, and the minute books of Citizens contain a record, which is complete
and accurate in all material respects, of all meetings, and all corporate
actions of the shareholders and board of directors of Citizens.
3.2 The aggregate number of shares which Citizens is authorized to issue
is 50,000,000 shares of Class A common stock with no par value and 1,000,000
shares of Class B common stock with no par value; of which 29,303,287 shares of
such Class A common stock (not including treasury shares) and 817,696 shares of
Class B common stock are issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable
as of September 30, 2002. No shares of Preferred stock are issued or
outstanding. The two classes of stock of Citizens are equal in all respects,
except that (a) the Class B common stock elects a simple majority of the Board
of Directors of Citizens, and the Class A common stock elects the remaining
directors, and (b) the Class A common stock receives twice the cash dividends on
a per share basis compared to the Class B common stock. There were 161,663
shares of Class A common stock held as treasury stock of Citizens and 2,398,031
shares of Class A common stock owned by Citizens Insurance Company of America
and deemed to be treasury stock as of September 30, 2002. The shares of Class A
common stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger will, upon issuance, be fully
paid and non-assessable and listed with the New York Stock Exchange
The subsidiaries of Citizens are each an association, corporation, or
other entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or association; each has the power
and authority to lease its properties and to carry on its business as now being
conducted; and each holds or shall hold all licenses, franchises, permits or
other governmental authorizations required to enable it to conduct its business
or own its properties in every jurisdiction in which it currently conducts
business or owns property where the failure to do so would have a material
adverse effect on the business of the subsidiary. All outstanding shares of
capital stock of each subsidiary are duly and validly authorized and issued,
fully paid and non-assessable.
3.3 Citizens has complete and unrestricted power to enter into and, upon
the appropriate approvals as required by law, to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
3.4 Neither the making of nor the compliance with the terms and provisions
of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated herein by
Citizens will conflict with or result in a breach or violation of the Articles
of Incorporation or Bylaws of Citizens.
3.5 The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been
duly authorized and approved by Citizens' Board of Directors.
3.6 Citizens has delivered to First Alliance consolidated financial
statements of Citizens and its subsidiaries, dated December 31, 2001 and June
30, 2002 (unaudited), and the annual convention statement of Citizens Insurance
Company of America ("CICA") for the year ended December 31, 2001. All such
statements, herein sometimes called "Citizens Financial Statements", are
complete and correct in all material respects and, together with the notes to
these financial statements, present fairly the financial position and results of
operations of Citizens and Citizens Insurance Company of America for the periods
included. The December 31, 2001 and June 30, 2002 consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and the December 31, 2001 statement of Citizens Insurance Company of
America has been prepared in accordance with statutory accounting principles.
3.7 Since the dates of the Citizens Financial Statements there have not
been any material adverse changes in the business or condition, financial or
otherwise, of Citizens or CICA.
3.8 Citizens has delivered to First Alliance a list and description of all
pending legal and regulatory proceedings involving Citizens or CICA and, except
for these proceedings, there are no legal proceedings or regulatory proceedings
involving material claims pending, or to the knowledge of the officers of
Citizens, threatened against Citizens or CICA or adversely affecting in any
material respect any of their assets, or properties, and neither Citizens nor
CICA is in any material breach, violation, or default under any material
contract or instrument to which Citizens or CICA is a party, and no event has
occurred which with the lapse of time or action by a third party would result in
a material breach, violation, or default by Citizens or CICA under any material
contract or other instrument to which Citizens or CICA is a party or by which
they or any of their properties may be bound or affected, or under their
respective Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.
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3.9 The assets of CICA have admissible values at least equal to the
amounts attributed to them on its December 31, 2001 annual convention statement.
3.10 In all material respects the policy and claim reserves of Citizens
Insurance Company of America have been properly provided for and are adequate to
comply with all regulatory requirements regarding same.
3.11 The representations and warranties of Citizens shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Effective
Date.
3.12 Citizens has delivered, or will deliver within two weeks of the date
of this Agreement, to First Alliance true and correct copies of Citizens Annual
Report to Shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 and each
of its other reports to shareholders and filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the years ended December 31, 1999, 2000, and
2001 and for 2002 year-to-date. Citizens will also deliver to First Alliance on
or before the Closing Date any reports relating to the financial and business
condition of Citizens which are filed with the SEC after the date of this
Agreement and any other reports sent generally to its shareholders after the
date of this Agreement.
Citizens has duly filed all reports required to be filed by it under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
3.13 Citizens has delivered to First Alliance a copy of each of the
federal income tax returns of Citizens for the year ended December 31, 2001 and
for any additional open years. The provisions for taxes in Citizens accounting
records' are believed by Citizens to be sufficient for payment of all accrued
and unpaid federal, state, county and local taxes of Citizens (including any
penalties or interest payable) whether or not disputed for the periods then
ended and for all prior fiscal periods. All returns and reports of other
information required or requested by federal, state, county, and local tax
authorities have been filed or supplied in a timely fashion, and all such
information is true and correct in all material respects. Provision has been
made for the payment of all taxes due to date by Citizens, including taxes for
the current year ending December 31, 2002. No federal income tax return of
Citizens is currently under audit.
3.14 Citizens has no employee benefit plans, except as disclosed in the
Citizens Financial Statements and for a group accident and health and dental
plan for employees.
3.15 No representation or warranty by Citizens in this Agreement, the
Citizens Disclosure Statement or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material
fact necessary to make such representation or warranty not misleading.
3.16 Citizens shall cause itself and its officers, directors and
affiliates to refrain from purchasing Class A common stock of Citizens for the
20 trading days preceding Closing.
ARTICLE IV
Representations, Warranties and Covenants of First Alliance
No representations or warranties are made by any director, officer, employee or
shareholder of First Alliance, except as and to the extent stated in this
Agreement or in a separate written statement (the "First Alliance Disclosure
Statement") attached hereto as Exhibit "C". First Alliance hereby represents,
warrants and covenants to Citizens, except as stated in the First Alliance
Disclosure Statement, as follows:
4.1 Each of First Alliance and First Alliance Insurance Company ("FAIC")
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Kentucky, and has the corporate power and authority to own
or lease its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of First Alliance and FAIC,
copies of which have been delivered to Citizens, are complete and accurate, and
the minute books of First Alliance and FAIC contain a record, which is complete
and accurate in all material respects, of all meetings and all corporate actions
of the shareholders and Boards of Directors of First Alliance and FAIC.
4.2 The aggregate number of shares which First Alliance is authorized to
issue is 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, and 1,000,000 shares
of Preferred Stock of which 5,691,695 shares of Common Stock, and 0 shares of
Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. There
are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to purchase, or subscribe
to, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of First
Alliance capital stock. First Alliance owns all of the outstanding shares of
FAIC.
The subsidiaries of First Alliance and FAIC are each an association,
corporation, or other entity duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or association;
each has the power and authority to lease its properties and to carry on its
business as now being conducted; and each holds or shall hold all licenses,
franchises, permits or other governmental authorizations required to enable it
to conduct its business or own its properties in every jurisdiction in which it
currently conducts business or owns property and where the failure to do so
would have a material adverse effect on the business of the subsidiary. All
outstanding shares of capital stock of each subsidiary are duly and validly
authorized and issued, fully paid and non-assessable. First Alliance directly or
indirectly owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of such
subsidiaries.
4.3 First Alliance and FAIC each have complete and unrestricted power to
enter into and, upon the appropriate approvals as required by law, to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
4.4 Neither the making of nor the compliance with the terms and provisions
of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated herein by
First Alliance and FAIC will conflict with or
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result in a breach or violation of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of
First Alliance or FAIC.
4.5 The execution of his Agreement has been duly authorized and approved
by the Board of Directors of First Alliance.
4.6 First Alliance has delivered to Citizens consolidated financial
statements of First Alliance and its subsidiaries, dated December 31, 2001 and
June 30, 2002 (unaudited), and the annual convention statement of FAIC as of
December 31, 2001. All such statements, herein sometimes called "First Alliance
Financial Statements" are (and will be) complete and correct in all material
respects and, together with the notes to the financial statements, present
fairly the financial position and results of operations of First Alliance and
FAIC of the periods indicated. The December 31, 2001 and June 30, 2002
consolidated financial statements of First Alliance have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the December 31,
2001, annual convention statement of FAIC is prepared in accordance with
statutory principles.
4.7 Since the dates of the First Alliance Financial Statements there have
not been any material adverse changes in the business or condition, financial or
otherwise, of First Alliance or FAIC. First Alliance and FAIC do not have any
material liabilities or obligations, secured or unsecured (whether accrued,
absolute, contingent or otherwise) except as disclosed in the First Alliance
Financial Statements.
4.8 First Alliance has delivered to Citizens a list and description of all
pending legal and regulatory proceedings involving First Alliance or FAIC, none
of which will materially adversely affect them, and, except for these
proceedings, there are no legal proceedings or regulatory proceedings involving
material claims pending, or, to the knowledge of other officers of First
Alliance, threatened against First Alliance or FAIC or affecting any of their
assets or properties, and neither First Alliance nor FAIC is in any material
breach or violation of or default under any contract or instrument to which
First Alliance or FAIC is a party, and no event has occurred which with the
lapse of time or action by a third party could result in a material breach,
violation, or default by First Alliance or FAIC under any contract or other
instrument to which First Alliance or FAIC is a party or by which they or any of
their respective properties may be bound or affected, or under their respective
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.
4.9 Neither First Alliance nor FAIC shall enter into or consummate any
transactions prior to the Effective Date other than in the ordinary course of
business and will pay no dividend, or increase the compensation of officers and
will not enter into any agreement or transaction which would adversely affect
their financial condition.
4.10 The assets of FAIC have admissible values at least equal to the
amounts attributed to them on its June 30, 2002 statutory financial statement
and values at least equal to those attributed to them on its December 31, 2001
annual convention statement.
4.11 Neither FAIC nor First Alliance is a party to any contract
performable in the future except insurance policies, customary agent contracts,
normal reinsurance agreements and those which will not adversely affect FAIC or
First Alliance.
4.12 All policy and claim services of FAIC have been properly provided for
and are adequate to comply with all regulatory requirements regarding same.
4.13 The representations and warranties of First Alliance shall be true
and correct as of the date hereof and as of the Effective Date.
4.14 First Alliance has delivered, or will deliver within two weeks of the
date of this Agreement, to Citizens true and correct copies of First Alliance'
Annual Report to Shareholders for the years ended December 31, 1999, 2000, and
for 2001. First Alliance will also deliver to Citizens on or before the Closing
Date any reports relating to the financial and business condition of First
Alliance which are prepared after the date of this Agreement and any other
reports sent generally to its shareholders after the date of this Agreement.
First Alliance has duly filed all reports required to be filed by it under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Federal Securities Laws"). No such reports, or any reports sent
to the shareholders of First Alliance generally, contained any untrue statement
of material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements in such report, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
4.15 First Alliance has delivered to Citizens a copy of each of the
federal income tax returns of First Alliance and FAIC for the year ended
December 31, 2001 and for any additional open years. The provisions for taxes in
First Alliance's and FAIC's accounting records are believed by First Alliance
and FAIC to be sufficient for payment of all accrued and unpaid federal, state,
county and local taxes of First Alliance and FAIC (including any penalties or
interest payable) whether or not disputed for the periods then ended and for all
prior fiscal periods. All returns and reports or other information required or
requested by federal, state, county, and local tax authorities have been filed
or supplied in a timely fashion, and all such information is true and correct in
all material respects. Provision has been made for the payment of all taxes due
to date by First Alliance and FAIC, including taxes for the current year ending
December 31, 2002. No federal income tax return of First Alliance or FAIC is
currently under audit.
4.16 First Alliance and FAIC have no employee benefit plans.
4.17 No representation or warranty by First Alliance in this Agreement,
the First Alliance Disclosure Statement or any certificate delivered pursuant
hereto contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any
material fact necessary to make such representation or warranty not misleading.
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ARTICLE V
Obligations of the Parties Pending the Effective Date
5.1 This Agreement shall be duly submitted to the shareholders of First
Alliance for the purpose of considering and acting upon this Agreement in the
manner required by law at a meeting of shareholders on a date selected by First
Alliance, such date to be the earliest practicable date after the proxy
statement is first sent to First Alliance shareholders without objection by
applicable governmental authorities, provided that First Alliance will have at
least 30 days to solicit proxies. Citizens will furnish to First Alliance the
information relating to Citizens required by the Federal Securities Laws to be
included in the proxy statement. Citizens represents and warrants that at the
time of the First Alliance shareholders' meeting, the proxy statement, insofar
as it relates to Citizens and contains information furnished by Citizens
specifically for use in such proxy statement, (a) will comply in all material
respects with the provisions of the Federal Securities Laws and (b) will not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
5.1A First Alliance represents and warrants that at the time of the First
Alliance shareholder meeting, the proxy statement, insofar as it relates to
First Alliance and contains information furnished by First Alliance specifically
for use in such proxy statement, will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. The Board of Directors of First Alliance,
subject to its fiduciary obligations to shareholders, shall use its best efforts
to obtain the requisite approval of First Alliance shareholders of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. First Alliance, FAIC and
Citizens shall take all reasonable and necessary steps and actions to comply
with and to secure First Alliance shareholder approval of this Agreement by a
majority vote of the votes entitled to be cast upon the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement as may be required by the statutes, rules and
regulations of such states.
5.2 At all times prior to the Effective Date, during regular business
hours each party will permit the other to examine its books and records and the
books and records of its subsidiaries and will furnish copies thereof on
request. It is recognized that, during the performance of this Agreement, each
party may provide the other parties with information which is confidential or
proprietary information. During the term of this Agreement, and for four years
following the termination of this Agreement, the recipient of such information
shall protect such information from disclosure to persons, other than members of
its own or affiliated organizations and its professional advisers, in the same
manner as it protects its own confidential or proprietary information from
unauthorized disclosure, and shall not use such information to the competitive
detriment of the disclosing party. In addition, if this Agreement is terminated
for any reason, each party shall promptly return or cause to be returned all
documents or other written records of such confidential or proprietary
information, together with all copies of such writings.
No information shall be considered confidential or proprietary if it is
(a) information already in the possession of the party to whom disclosure is
made, (b) information acquired by the party to whom the disclosure is made from
other sources, or (c) information in the public domain or generally available to
interested persons or which at a later date passes into the public domain or
becomes available to the party to whom disclosure is made without any wrongdoing
by the party or any of its affiliates to whom the disclosure is made.
5.3 First Alliance and Citizens shall promptly provide each other with
information as to any significant developments in the performance of this
Agreement, and shall promptly notify the other if it discovers that any of its
representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement or in any
document delivered in connection with this Agreement was not true and correct in
all material respects or became untrue or incorrect in any material respect.
5.4 As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement,
Citizens will prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4
(the "Registration Statement") covering the issuance of Citizens shares in the
Merger. Each of Citizens and First Alliance will use all reasonable efforts to
have or cause the Registration Statement to become effective as promptly as
practicable, and will take any action required to be taken under any applicable
federal or state securities laws in connection with the issuance of shares of
Citizens Class A common stock in the Merger. Citizens will use all reasonable
efforts to cause the Registration Statement to remain effective through the
Effective Date. Citizens and First Alliance will furnish all information
concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as the other may reasonably
request in connection with such actions.
As promptly as practicable after the Registration Statement shall have
become effective, First Alliance will mail a notice of special meeting to its
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the First Alliance
Stockholders' Meeting.
If at any time prior to the Effective Date any event or circumstance
relating to First Alliance or any of its Affiliates, or its or their respective
officers or directors should be discovered by First Alliance that should be set
forth in an amendment to the Registration Statement, First Alliance will
promptly inform Citizens, and Citizens will undertake to amend or supplement the
Registration Statement and the prospectus contained therein accordingly.
If at any time prior to the Effective Date any event or circumstance
relating to Citizens or any of its Affiliates, or to their respective officers
or directors, should be discovered by Citizens that should be set forth in an
amendment to the Registration Statement, Citizens will promptly inform First
Alliance, and Citizens will undertake to amend or supplement the Registration
Statement and the prospectus contained therein accordingly.
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No amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement will be made by
Citizens without prior consultation with First Alliance. Citizens and First
Alliance each will advise the other, promptly after it receives notice thereof,
of the time when the Registration Statement has become effective or any
supplement or amendment has been filed, the issuance of any stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the suspension of
the qualification of Citizens Class A common stock issuable in connection with
the Merger for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, any request by the staff of
the SEC for amendment of the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement, the
receipt from the staff of the SEC of comments thereon or any request by the
staff of the SEC for additional information with respect thereto.
Citizens will use all reasonable efforts to cause the shares of Citizens
Class A common stock to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing
(subject to official notice of issuance) on the New York Stock Exchange prior to
the Effective Date. To the knowledge of Citizens, there are no facts and
circumstances that would preclude Citizens Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger from being approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
5.5 All parties to this Agreement shall take all such action as may be
reasonably necessary and appropriate and shall use their best efforts in order
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable.
ARTICLE VI
Procedure for Merger
6.1 The parties shall file with the Insurance Commissioner of Kentucky
within 30 days from this date, all of the documents required by the Kentucky
Insurance Code and such other filings with Insurance regulatory authorities in
other states as may be required by the laws of such states.
ARTICLE VII
Conditions Precedent to the Consummation of the Merger
The following are conditions precedent to the consummation of the
Agreement on or before the Effective Date:
7.1 Citizens and First Alliance shall have performed and complied with all
of their respective obligations hereunder which are to be complied with or
performed on or before the Effective Date and First Alliance and Citizens shall
provide one another at the Closing with a certificate to the effect that such
party has performed each of the acts and undertakings required to be performed
by it on or before the Closing Date pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
7.2 This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have
been duly and validly authorized, approved and adopted, at a meeting of the
shareholders of First Alliance duly and properly called for such purpose in
accordance with the applicable laws.
7.3 This Agreement is subject to the provisions of applicable insurance
laws and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and shall not become effective
until approval is obtained from the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of
Kentucky and such other states in accordance with the provisions of the laws of
said states. Citizens and First Alliance, as soon as practical after the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, agree to file such forms and materials
as may be necessary or warranted in obtaining such approval and to use their
best efforts to obtain such approval of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Neither Citizens, First Alliance nor any of their subsidiaries shall
be obligated to file a suit or to appeal from any Commissioner of Insurance's
adverse ruling, nor shall Citizens, First Alliance nor any of their subsidiaries
be obligated to make any material changes in any lawful, good faith management
policy in order to gain such approval. In the event approval is denied, this
Agreement shall terminate immediately and the parties shall have no further
liability hereunder.
7.4 No action, suit or proceeding shall have been instituted or shall have
been threatened before any court or other governmental body or by any public
authority to restrain, enjoin or prohibit the transactions contemplated herein,
or which might subject any of the parties hereto or their directors or officers
to any material liability, fine, forfeiture or penalty on the grounds that the
transactions contemplated hereby, the regulation, or have otherwise acted
improperly in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby, and the
parties hereto have been advised by counsel that, in the opinion of such
counsel, such action, suit or proceeding raises substantial questions of law or
fact which could reasonably be decided adversely to any party hereto or its
directors or officers.
7.5 All actions, proceedings, instruments and documents required to carry
out this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and the form and
substance of all legal proceedings and related matters shall have been approved
by counsel for Citizens and First Alliance.
7.6 The representations and warranties made by Citizens and First Alliance
in this Agreement shall be true as though such representations and warranties
had been made or given on and as of the Effective Date, except to the extent
that such representations and warranties may be untrue on and as of the
Effective date because of (1) changes caused by transactions suggested or
approved in writing by Citizens or (2) events or changes (which shall not, in
the aggregate, have materially and adversely affected the business, assets, or
financial condition of First Alliance, FAIC or Citizens) during or arising after
the date of this Agreement.
7.7 The parties shall believe that: (1) The Merger will constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of
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Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 368(a)(2)(E), and Citizens and First
Alliance will each be a "party to a reorganization" within the meaning of IRC
Section 368(b). No gain or loss will be recognized by the First Alliance
shareholders upon the exchange of their shares for shares of Citizens Class A
common stock.
(2) The tax basis of the shares of Citizens Class A common stock received
by a First Alliance shareholder will be the same as the basis of the First
Alliance shares surrendered by that shareholder in the Exchange.
(3) The holding period for tax purposes of the shares of Citizens Class A
common stock received by a First Alliance shareholder will include the period
during which such shareholder held the First Alliance shares as a capital asset
on the date of the consummation of the Exchange.
(4) Cash received by First Alliance shareholders who properly exercise
their dissenters' rights will be treated as having been received in redemption
of the shares so cashed out, and may result in taxable gain or loss, measured by
the difference (if any) between the amount of cash received and such
shareholder's basis in the First Alliance stock. Provided the shares were held
as capital assets at the time of the redemption, such gain or loss will
constitute capital gain or loss, and such gain or loss will be taxed at varying
federal tax rates depending upon the holding period for such shares. It is
possible, that for some shareholders, the distribution of cash may be treated as
a dividend taxable as ordinary income.
(5) No material gain or loss will be recognized by Citizens, FAIC or First
Alliance as a result of the Merger.
7.8(a) First Alliance shall have furnished Citizens with:
(1) a certified copy of a resolution or resolutions duly adopted by
the Board of Directors of First Alliance approving this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by it and directing the submission thereof to a vote
of the shareholders of First Alliance;
(2) a certified copy of a resolution or resolutions duly adopted by
the requisite number and classes of outstanding shares of First Alliance capital
stock approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by it in
accordance with applicable law; and
(3) an opinion of Phillip E. Allen, Esq. dated as of the Closing
Date as set forth in Exhibit "E" attached hereto; and
(4) an agreement from each "affiliate" of First Alliance as defined
in the rules adopted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit "D" to the effect that (a) the affiliate is familiar
with SEC Rules 144 and 145; and (b) none of the shares of Citizens Class A
common stock will be transferred by or through the affiliate in violation of the
Federal Securities Laws; and (c) the affiliate acknowledges that sales,
transfers or dispositions of Citizens Class A common stock may only be made
pursuant to Rules 144 and 145 during the two-year period following the Closing
Date.
7.9 Citizens shall have furnished First Alliance with:
(1) a certified copy of a resolution or resolutions duly adopted by
the Board of Directors of Citizens, approving this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by it, and
(2) opinions dated the Effective Date of Jones & Keller, P.C.,
counsel for Citizens, as set forth in Exhibits "F" and "G" attached hereto.
7.10 First Alliance and Acquisition shall approve and file the Articles of
Merger, consistent with this Agreement, for this transaction with the requisite
governmental authorities.
7.11 Citizens shall have obtained the authorization of the New York Stock
Exchange with respect to a listing of all of the shares of Citizens Class A
common stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger.
ARTICLE VIII
Termination and Abandonment
8.1 Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Agreement may be terminated and abandoned at any time (whether before or
after the approval and adoption thereof by the shareholders of First Alliance)
prior to the Effective Date:
(a) By mutual consent of Citizens, FAIC and First Alliance; or
(b) By Citizens or First Alliance, if any condition set forth in Article
VII relating to the other party has not been met and has not been waived; or
(c) By Citizens or First Alliance, if any suit, action or other proceeding
shall be pending or threatened by the federal or a state government before any
court or governmental agency, in which it is sought to restrain, prohibit or
otherwise affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; or
(d) By any party, if there is discovered any material error, misstatement
or omission in the
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representations and warranties of another party; or
(e) By Citizens, if dissenters' rights are perfected in accordance with
Kentucky law for more than 2.5% of the outstanding shares of First Alliance; or
(f) By any party if the Effective Date is not within 180 days from the
date hereof; or
(g) If the Kentucky Commissioner of Insurance denies the application for
approval of the Merger, in which case this Agreement shall automatically be
terminated as provided in Section 7.3 unless the parties mutually agree to
contest such denial.
8.2 Any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement may be waived at any
time by the party which is entitled to the benefit thereof, by action taken by
its Board of Directors; provided, however, that such action shall be taken only
if, in the judgment of the Board of Directors taking the action, such waiver
will not have a materially adverse effect on the benefits intended under this
Agreement to the party waiving such term or condition.
ARTICLE IX
Termination of Representation and Warranties and Certain Agreements
9.1 The respective representations and warranties of the parties hereto,
shall expire with, and be terminated and extinguished by consummation of the
Agreement; provided, however, that the covenants and agreements of the parties
hereto shall survive in accordance with their terms.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous
10.1 This Agreement embodies the entire agreement between the parties, and
supersedes all prior agreements, representations or warranties among the parties
other than those set forth herein or those provided for herein.
10.2 To facilitate the execution of this Agreement, any number of
counterparts hereof may be executed, and each such counterpart shall be deemed
to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall
constitute but one instrument.
10.3 Each of the parties hereto will pay its own fees and expenses
incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Citizens and First Alliance each represent to the other that it has not employed
any investment bankers, brokers, finders, or intermediaries in connection with
the transaction contemplated hereby who might be entitled to any fee or other
payment from First Alliance, FAIC or Citizens or any subsidiary of any of them
upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for
Don Dennis, whose fee shall be the responsibility of Citizens, and for such
investment banking firm as retained and paid by First Alliance for the purpose
of rendering a fairness opinion relating to the Merger.
10.4 All parties to the Agreement agree that if it becomes necessary or
desirable to execute further instruments or to make such other assurances as are
deemed necessary, the party requested to do so will use its best efforts to
provide such executed instruments or do all things necessary or proper to carry
out the purpose of this Agreement.
10.5 This Agreement may be amended upon approval of the Board of Directors
of each party provided that the number of shares issuable hereunder shall not be
amended without approval of the requisite shareholders of First Alliance.
10.6 Any notices, requests, or other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be delivered personally or sent by overnight courier service,
fees prepaid, addressed as follows:
To Citizens, Inc.: To First Alliance:
Citizens, Inc. First Alliance Corporation
400 East Anderson Lane 2285 Executive Dr., Suite 308
Austin, Texas 78752 Lexington, Kentucky 40505
ATTN: Mark A. Oliver ATTN: Michael N. Fink
President President
with copies to: with copies to:
Jones & Keller, P.C. PHILLIP E. ALLEN, ESQ. Suite 1600 The Marketplace, Suite
130 1625 Broadway 12910 Shelbyville Road Denver, Colorado 80202 Louisville,
Kentucky 40243 ATTN: Reid Godbolt, Esq.
or such other addresses as shall be furnished in writing by any party, and any
such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date
received.
10.7 No press release or public statement will be issued relating to the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement without prior approval of Citizens
and First Alliance. However, either Citizens or First Alliance may issue at any
time any press release or other public statement it believes on the advice of
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its counsel it is obligated to issue to avoid liability under the law relating
to disclosures, but the party issuing such press release or public statement
shall make a reasonable effort to give the other party prior notice of and
opportunity to participate in such release or statement.
10.8 This Agreement shall be deemed to have been drafted by both parties, and
therefore the rule of construing ambiguities against the party drafting a
contract shall be inapplicable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their hands and seals as of
November 7, 2002.
CITIZENS, INC.
By: /s/ Mark A. Oliver
------------------------------
Mark A. Oliver, President
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Michael N. Fink
------------------------------
Michael N. Fink, President
CITIZENS ACQUISITION, INC.
By: /s/ Mark A. Oliver
------------------------------
Mark A. Oliver, President
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EXHIBIT A
ARTICLES OF MERGER
CITIZENS, INC.
CITIZENS ACQUISITION, INC., and
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
THESE ARTICLES OF MERGER, dated this day ____ of _______, 2002, pursuant to
Sections 271B.10 through .50 of the Kentucky Business Corporation Act
(hereinafter referred to as the "Act"), is entered into, by and among Citizens,
Inc. ("Citizens"), a Colorado corporation; Citizens Acquisition, Inc.
("Acquisition"), a Kentucky corporation wholly-owned by Citizens; and First
Alliance Corporation ("First Alliance" or the "Surviving Corporation"), a
Kentucky corporation, with First Alliance and Acquisition sometimes being
referred to herein as the "Constituent Corporations."
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of the parties hereto deem it
advisable that Acquisition be merged into First Alliance (the "Merger"), as
hereinafter specified;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, and in order to prescribe the terms and conditions of the
Merger, the mode of carrying the same into effect, the manner of converting the
shares of each of the Constituent Corporations and such other details and
provisions as are deemed desirable, the parties hereto agree as follows:
FIRST: The Constituent Corporations have agreed to merge, and the terms
and conditions of said Merger, the mode of carrying the same into effect and the
manner and basis of converting or exchanging the shares of issued stock of each
of the Constituent Corporations into different stock or other consideration, and
the manner of dealing with any issued stock of the Constituent Corporations not
to be so converted or exchanged, are and shall be as set forth herein. In
connection with the Merger described below, Citizens is agreeing, among other
things, to furnish a sufficient number of shares of its authorized but unissued
Class A Common Stock, no par value, to carry out the terms of the Merger
contemplated hereby.
SECOND: The parties to these Articles of Merger are Acquisition, First
Alliance and Citizens.
THIRD: First Alliance shall be the surviving corporation (the "Surviving
Corporation") of the merger of Acquisition into and with First Alliance.
FOURTH: The principal office of Acquisition and Citizens, Inc. is 400 East
Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78752. The principal office of First Alliance is
2285 Executive Drive Suite 308, Lexington, Kentucky 40505.
FIFTH: The Boards of Directors of Acquisition and Citizens, on
_____________, 2002, declared that a merger upon the terms and conditions set
forth in these Articles of Merger was advised, authorized and approved, and the
Board of Directors of Acquisition directed their submission to Citizens, the
sole stockholder of Acquisition, for approval.
The Board of Directors of First Alliance, on ________, 2002, by a duly adopted
resolution, declared that a merger upon the terms and conditions set forth in
these Articles of Merger was advised, authorized and approved, and directed
their submission to the shareholders of First Alliance, for approval.
These Articles of Merger were duly submitted to and approved by the affirmative
vote of one hundred percent (100%) of all of the votes entitled to be cast
thereon pursuant to an action by unanimous written consent of the sole
shareholder of Acquisition, as permitted by the Articles of Incorporation of
Acquisition and the laws of the State of Kentucky.
These Articles of Merger were duly submitted to and approved by the affirmative
vote of ______ percent (____%) of all of the votes entitled to be cast thereon
at a meeting of the shareholders of First Alliance held on ______ __, 2002, as
permitted by the Articles of Incorporation of First Alliance and the laws of the
State of Kentucky.
SIXTH: The Articles of Incorporation of First Alliance shall constitute
the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation.
SEVENTH: Acquisition has authority to issue shares of one class of capital
stock, namely ten thousand (10,000) shares of common stock, $.01 par value per
share ("Acquisition Common Stock"). Citizens, Inc. has authority to issue shares
of two classes of capital stock, namely 50,000,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock, no par value per share ("Citizens Class A Common Stock"), and 1,000,000
shares of Class B Common Stock, no par value per share.
EIGHTH: First Alliance has authority to issue shares of two classes of
capital stock, namely, ____________ shares of Common Stock, no par value and
_____________ shares of Preferred Stock, ______ par value per share.
NINTH: The manner and basis of converting or exchanging the issued and
outstanding stock of each of the Constituent Corporations into different stock
or other consideration and the treatment of any issued stock of the Constituent
Corporations not to be so converted or exchanged on the Effective Time (as
defined in Article Tenth below) of the Merger contemplated hereby shall be as
follows:
(a) Except to the extent qualified in subparagraphs (b) and (c)
immediately below, at the Effective Time, First Alliance shareholders will
receive one (1) share of Class A Common stock of Citizens, Inc. for each
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___________ shares of First Alliance Common Stock issued and outstanding.
(b) No script or fractional share certificates of Citizens Class A Common
stock shall be issued as a result of the Merger contemplated hereby, but in lieu
of each fractional share, the shareholder of First Alliance entitled to a
fractional share shall have said fractional share rounded up to the next whole
share.
(c) After the Merger contemplated hereby shall have become effective,
except as otherwise provided by the Act with respect to dissenting shareholders,
each holder of an outstanding certificate or certificates theretofore
representing First Alliance Common Stock shall surrender the same to the
Exchange Agent of Citizens and each such holder thereupon shall be entitled to
receive in exchange therefor a certificate or certificates representing the
number of shares of Citizens Class A Common Stock into which the First Alliance
Common Stock represented by the certificate or certificates so surrendered shall
have been converted or exchanged by the provisions hereof. Until such surrender,
First Alliance Common Stock shall be deemed for all corporate purposes, other
than the payment of dividends, to evidence ownership of the number of full
shares of Citizens
Class A Common Stock to be delivered with respect to such shares. Unless and
until any such outstanding certificates shall be so surrendered, no dividend
payable to the holders of record of First Alliance Common Stock as of any date
subsequent to the Effective Time shall be paid to the holders of such
outstanding certificates, but upon surrender of any such certificate or
certificates, there shall be paid to the record holder of the certificate or
certificates of First Alliance Common Stock delivered with respect to the shares
represented by the surrendered certificate or certificates, without interest,
the amount of such dividends which shall have theretofore become payable to them
with respect to such shares of First Alliance Common Stock.
(d) Each share of Acquisition Common Stock, if any, which remains unissued
and all Treasury shares of Acquisition on the Effective Time of the Merger
contemplated hereby shall be canceled.
(e) Each share of Acquisition Common Stock which is issued and outstanding
on the Effective Time shall be converted into one share of First Alliance Common
Stock and shall not be deemed to be converted into shares of Class A Common
Stock of Citizens.
TENTH: At the Effective Time:
(a) the assets and liabilities of Acquisition shall be taken up on the
books of the Surviving Corporation at the amount at which they shall at that
time be carried on the books of Acquisition, and
(b) all of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes, and
franchises of Acquisition, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all
debts due to Acquisition on whichever account shall be vested in the Surviving
Corporation, and all property rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes
and franchises, and all and every other interest shall be thereafter as
effectually the property of the Surviving Corporation as they were of
Acquisition, and all debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of Acquisition
shall thenceforth attach to the Surviving Corporation and may be enforced
against it to the same extent as if said debts, liabilities, obligations and
duties had been incurred or contracted by it.
The Merger provided for by these Articles of Merger shall become effective at
__:__ p.m., Central Time, on _____ __, 2002, (the "Effective Time"), and the
separate existence of Acquisition except insofar as continued by statute, shall
cease on the date that these Articles of Merger, duly advised, approved, signed,
acknowledged, sealed and verified by Citizens, Acquisition and Surviving
Corporation, as required by the laws of the State of Kentucky, are filed for
record with the Secretary of State.
ELEVENTH: The Merger contemplated hereby may be terminated at any time
prior to the time these Articles of Merger are filed in the office of the
Secretary of State of Kentucky (a) by consent of Citizens and the Constituent
Corporations expressed by action of their respective Boards of Directors and
without further shareholder action, whether or not theretofore adopted by the
shareholders of the Constituent Corporations, but the filing of these Articles
of Merger in the office of the Secretary of State of Kentucky shall conclusively
evidence that any such termination has not occurred and that any right of
termination has not been exercised and has been waived.
TWELFTH: The parties hereto may, by written agreement among them
authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, amend these Articles of
Merger at any time prior to the Effective Time, provided that, after the meeting
of shareholders of First Alliance, no amendment shall be made which changes the
terms of these Articles of Merger in a way which is materially adverse to the
shareholders of First Alliance, unless such amendment is approved by the
shareholders of First Alliance.
Any condition to the performance of Citizens, Acquisition or First Alliance
which may legally be waived at or prior to the Effective Time may be waived at
any time by the party entitled to the benefit thereof by action taken or
authorized by the Board of Directors of the waiving party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Citizens and each of the Constituent Corporations, pursuant
to the approval and authority duly given by resolutions or unanimous written
consents adopted by their respective Boards of Directors, have caused these
Articles of Merger to be signed in their respective corporation names and their
behalf by the respective Presidents and witnessed or attested by their
respective Secretaries as of the ____ day of ________, 2002, each of whom
affirms, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true.
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
ATTEST:
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________________________________ By:_______________________________
Secretary Michael N. Fink, President
CITIZENS ACQUISITION, INC.
ATTEST:
________________________________ By:_________________________________
Marcia F. Emmons, Secretary Mark A. Oliver, President
ATTEST:
________________________________ By:_________________________________
Marcia F. Emmons, Secretary
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THE UNDERSIGNED, President of First Alliance Corporation, who executed on behalf
of said corporation the foregoing Articles of Merger, of which this Certificate
is made a part, hereby acknowledges, in the name and on behalf of said
corporation, the foregoing Articles of Merger to be the corporate act of said
corporation and further certifies that, to the best of his knowledge,
information and belief, the matters and facts set forth therein with respect to
the approval thereof are true in all material respects, under the penalties of
perjury.
------------------------------------
Michael N. Fink, President
THE UNDERSIGNED, President of Citizens Acquisition, Inc., who executed on behalf
of said corporation the foregoing Articles of Merger, of which this Certificate
is made a part, hereby acknowledges, in the name and on behalf of said
corporation, the foregoing Articles of Merger to be the corporate act of said
corporation and further certifies that, to the best of his knowledge,
information and belief, the matters and facts set forth therein with respect to
the approval thereof are true in all material respects, under the penalties of
perjury.
------------------------------------
MARK A. OLIVER, PRESIDENT
THE UNDERSIGNED, President of Citizens, Inc., who executed on behalf of said
corporation the foregoing Articles of Merger, of which this Certificate is made
a part, hereby acknowledges, in the name and on behalf of said corporation and
further certifies that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief,
the matters and facts set forth therein with respect to the approval thereof are
true in all material respects, under the penalties of perjury.
------------------------------------
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EXHIBIT B
CITIZENS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Article III of the Agreement of Merger ("Merger
Agreement") by and among First Alliance, Citizens, and Acquisition, Citizens
hereby makes the following disclosures respecting the similarly numbered
sections in the Merger Agreement:
3.2 Citizens filed a Form S-3 ("Statement") Registration Statement under
the Securities Act of 1933 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
which became effective on August 30, 2001. The Statement registers 2,000,000
shares of Citizens Class A Common Stock for sale to the public through the
Citizens, Inc. Stock Investment Plan ("the Plan"), the creation of which is
included in the Statement. Although the Statement by definition registers shares
for sale to the public, the activities of the Plan involve the acquisition of
Citizens Class A Common Stock through the public market, rather than directly
from the public. The Plan provides for the participation by owners of insurance
policies issued by the Citizens' subsidiaries, existing holders of Citizens
Class A common stock, employees of Citizens, Inc., members of the marketing
force of any of Citizens' subsidiaries, or any member of the public in general
who elects to participate. The Plan is sponsored by Citizens, Inc. and will be
administered by Mellon Bank.
3.8 Delia Bolanos Andrade, Luis Martin Tapia Alberti, Sonio Lucia Montoya
Botero, Luisa F. Botero and Carlos A Botero, Roberto Carlos Paniagua Cardona,
Luis Rberto Paniagua Grisales, Blanca Numbia Cardona, and Fernando Hakim Daccach
v. Citizens Insurance Company of America, Citizens, Inc., Negocios Savoy, S.A.,
Harold E. Riley, and Mark A. Oliver, Cause Number 99-09099 Travis County, Texas.
On July 31, 2002, class action certification was granted by a Travis County,
Texas district court judge to the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in 1999. The
suit alleges that life insurance policies sold to certain non-U.S. residents by
Citizens Insurance Company of America are securities and were sold in violation
of the registration provisions of the Texas securities laws. The suit seeks
class action status naming as a class all non-U.S. residents who made premium
payments since August 1996 and assigned policy dividends to a trust for the
purchase of Citizens, Inc. Class A common stock. The remedy sought is rescission
of the insurance premium payments. An appeal of the class action certification
by the district court has been made to the Texas Court of Appeals. Litigation
counsel and defendants believe that the district court ruling is significantly
in error and that there are substantial grounds for reversal. During the time of
the appeal, the district court proceedings will be stayed. In the event the case
proceeds to a trial, the defendants intend to defend vigorously against the
claims.
Velma U Bayhi and David Bayhi v. Donald G. Welsh, Funeral Homes of Louisiana,
Inc. dba Baker Funeral Home, Citizens, Inc., Lumbermens Mutual casualty Company
and Kemper Insurance Companies, Cause number 468864 division M in the 19th
District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The funeral home is a
subsidiary of Citizens, Inc. Mrs. Bayhi is making a claim for injuries from a
collision between a hearse driven by Mr. Welsh and her stalled car. The hearse
was insured with Lumbermens through Kemper. Mr. Bayhi also claims that he
suffered emotional distress because he observed the crash.
George M. Campbell v. American Liberty Life Insurance Company, Case number
94-1625. Originally filed in the Parish of Ouachita, Louisiana in 1994-re-filed
in 1998. Mr. Campbell had a hospitalization policy covering cancer. He filed a
claim for two hospital stays at a V. A. hospital, but did not submit any bills
from the hospital. The claim was denied because the policy required that the
hospital provide services " for compensation from its patients ." There was no
activity in the case, until July, 2001, when defendant received a Request for
Production of a certified copy of Mr. Campbell's policy.
Juanita Hall v. Citizens Insurance Company of America and Rex Beverly, Civil
Action Number CV 99-190, Marengo County, Alabama. Mrs. Hall claims that Rex
Beverly and Assured Investors Life Insurance Company misrepresented the death
benefit payable upon her husband's death. Following defendant's motion for
summary judgment the court dismissed all tort claims and left open only a
contract claim that the amount of the death benefit paid was incorrect. A
rehearing was granted, and parties are waiting for the courts final ruling on
motion for summary judgment.
Velma Jenkins v. United Security Life Insurance Company, Jack Lane, and
fictitious defendants. Filed as Cause Number 2001-142 in the Circuit Court of
Noxubee County, Mississippi and removed to the United States District Court for
the Southern District of Mississippi Eastern Division as Civil Action Number
4:01-CV-156LN. Remanded to County Court and all claims above $75,000 have been
dismissed with prejudice. Plaintiff alleges that she intended to purchase a
supplement to her major medical insurance coverage, but was sold a
hospitalization policy. Plaintiff alleges that the agent and the insurance
company engaged in a pattern and practice of misrepresentation and fraud as to
the benefits and coverage on policies sold to consumers in the State of
Mississippi. Plaintiff made claims under her policy for medication and for out
patient treatments all of which were denied because the policy covered
hospitalization. Plaintiff filed Interrogatories and Requests for Production
with her original complaint. No hearings have been set.
Mary Hart Whittington, Mayoda C. Parker, Sharon P. Browning, Patricia M. Brown,
Mary Catherine Rawles, and Barry Maricelli v. Citizens Insurance Company Of
America f/k/a United Security Life Insurance Company, American Investment
Network f/k/a Great American Investment Network, Larry T. Reynolds, Virgil
Styles, and Jesse L. Byrd. Cause number 251-01-713civ, filed in the Circuit
Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi. Plaintiffs
allege that the whole-life nature of the insurance policies was misrepresented
to them as an investment because the policies would pay dividends. The
plaintiff's allege fraud, negligent misrepresentation, negligence, civil
conspiracy, breach of contract, conversion, and violation of Mississippi
Securities laws.
Maria Alicia Nino vs. Lack's Valley Stores Ltd., et.al., Cause No. C-1767-02-G;
in the 370th Judicial District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas. Plaintiffs
initiated this suit in Hidalgo County, Texas seeking
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certification of a class and seeking monetary damages. Citizens Insurance
Company of America, as successor in Interest to National Security Life and
Accident Insurance Company, and Citizens Insurance Company of America
(collectively "Citizens") were named as Defendants. Plaintiff's allege
violations of consumer protection laws and breaches of contract in the sale of
credit life and disability insurance and credit property insurance. Plaintiffs
complain that an excess premium or policy fee was charged. An agent fee, not a
policy fee or excess premium, was apparently charged to some members of the
class, but not by Citizens. The case has been removed from State District Court
to the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas. A pretrial and
scheduling conference is set for December 5, 2002. In addition to the Motion to
Transfer Venue, Citizens has filed an Answer and a Motion to Sever.
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EXHIBIT C
FIRST ALLIANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Article IV of the Plan and Agreement of Merger
("Merger Agreement") by and among First Alliance, Citizens, and Acquisition,
First Alliance hereby makes the following disclosures respecting the similarly
numbered sections in the Merger Agreement:
4.2 The aggregate number of shares which First Alliance is authorized to
issue is 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which 5,691,695 are
issued and outstanding, and 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, no par value,
of which no shares are issued and outstanding.
First Alliance owns all of the outstanding shares of all of its Subsidiaries
with the exception of KYWIDE Insurance Management, Inc. of which it owns ninety
(90) percent. KYWIDE Insurance Management, Inc. is currently inactive.
4.7 Since June 30, 2002, there have not been any material adverse changes
in the business or condition of First Alliance other than continued losses from
operations.
4.10 The assets of FAIC have admissible values at least equal to the
amounts attributed to them on its June 30, 2002 statutory financial statement
with the exception of market declines in equity investments.
4.11 First Alliance is contractually obligated to provide accounting and
administrative services for Mid American Alliance; Mid American Century Life
Insurance Company; Security Alliance Insurance Company; Integrity Capital
Corporation and Mid Atlantic Capital Corporation.
4.16 First Alliance provides employee benefits in the form of group
accident and health insurance; 401(k) retirement benefits; group life insurance
and a Section 125 plan.
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EXHIBIT D
AFFILIATE AGREEMENT
Citizens, Inc.
400 East Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas 78752
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have been advised that I have been identified as a possible "affiliate" of
First Alliance Insurance Company, a Kentucky corporation (the "Company"), as
that term is defined for purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the
General Rules and Regulations (the "Rules and Regulations") of the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act"), although nothing contained herein should be construed as an
admission of such fact.
Pursuant to the terms of that certain Plan and Agreement of Merger, dated as of
_______________, 2002 (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, Citizens,
Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Citizens"), and Citizens Acquisition, Inc., a
Kentucky corporation ("Acquisition"). Citizens shall acquire all of the issued
and outstanding common stock, no par value, of the Company ("Company Stock") for
shares of no par value Class A common stock of Citizens ("Citizens Stock")
pursuant to a merger (the "Merger"), in which Acquisition will merge with and
into First Alliance. As a result of the Merger, I will receive shares of
Citizens Stock in exchange for shares of Company Stock owned by me on the
Effective Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of the Merger as determined
pursuant to the Exchange Agreement.
A. In connection therewith, I represent, warrant and agree that:
1. I will not make any sale, transfer or other disposition of Citizens
Stock I receive as a result of the Exchange in violation of the Securities Act
or the Rules and Regulations.
2. I have been advised that the issuance of Citizens Stock to me as a
result of the Merger has been registered with the Commission under the
Securities Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-4. However, I have also
been advised that, because at the time the Merger was submitted for a vote of
the stockholders of the Company I may have been an "affiliate" of the Company,
and the distribution by me of the shares of Citizens Stock I receive as a result
of the Merger has not been registered under the Securities Act, such shares must
be held by me indefinitely unless (i) such distribution of such shares has been
registered under the Securities Act, (ii) a sale of such shares is made in
conformity with the provisions of Rule 145 promulgated by the Commission under
the Securities Act or (iii) such sale is pursuant to a transaction which, in the
opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to Citizens or as described in a
"no-action" or interpretive letter from the staff of the Commission, is not
required to be registered under the Securities Act.
3. I have carefully read this letter and the Merger Agreement and have
discussed the requirements of the Merger Agreement and other limitations upon
the sale, transfer or other disposition of the shares of Citizens Stock to be
received by me, to the extent I have felt necessary, with my counsel or with
counsel for the Company.
B. Furthermore, in connection with the matters set forth herein, I
understand and agree that:
1. Citizens is under no further obligation to register the sale, transfer
or other disposition of the shares of Citizens Stock received by me as a result
of the Merger or to take any other action necessary in order to make compliance
with an exemption from registration available, except as set forth in paragraph
C below.
2. Stop transfer instructions will be given to the transfer agent of
Citizens with respect to the shares of Citizens Stock I will receive as a result
of the Merger, and there will be placed on the certificates representing such
shares, or any certificates delivered in substitution therefore, a legend
stating in substance:
The shares represented by this certificate were issued in a transaction to which
Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933 applies. The shares represented by
this certificate may be transferred only in accordance with the terms of an
agreement dated __________________, 2002 between the registered holder hereof
and Citizens, Inc., a copy of which agreement is on file at the principal
offices of Citizens, Inc.
3. Unless the transfer by me of my shares of Citizens Stock is a sale made
in conformity with the provisions of Rule 145 of the Rules and Regulations or
made pursuant to a registration under the Securities Act, Citizens reserves the
right to put on the certificates issued to my transferee a legend stating in
substance:
The shares represented by this certificate have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 and were acquired by the holder not with a view to, or
for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof within the meaning of
the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be sold, pledged or otherwise transferred
except pursuant to a registration statement or in accordance with an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.
It is understood and agreed that the legends set forth above shall be removed,
and substitute certificates shall be delivered without any such legend, and the
transfer agent will be instructed to effectuate transfers of shares of Citizens
Stock if the undersigned delivers to Citizens a letter from
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the staff of the Commission or an opinion of counsel in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Citizens to the effect that such legend is not
required for the purposes of the Securities Act.
C. Citizens hereby represents, warrants and agrees that: For as long as
resales of any shares of Citizens Stock owned by me are subject to Rule 145,
Citizens will use all reasonable efforts to make all filings of the nature
specified in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 144 of the Rules and Regulations.
Very truly yours,
Date: ______________________ [Name of Affiliate]
ACCEPTED:
CITIZENS, INC.
By:_______________________________
Mark A. Oliver, President
Date: ______________________
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EXHIBIT E
_____________, 2002
Citizens, Inc.
Citizens Insurance Company of America
400 East Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas 78752
Re: Plan and Agreement of Merger among First Alliance Corporation, Citizens,
Inc., and Citizens Acquisition, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to First Alliance Corporation ("First Alliance") in
connection with the above referenced agreement. This letter is provided to you
pursuant to Section 7.8(3) of the Plan and Agreement of Merger, dated as of
________________, 2002 (the "Agreement"), First Alliance, Citizens, Inc. and
Citizens Acquisition, Inc. Except as otherwise indicated herein, capitalized
terms used in this letter are defined as set forth in the Agreement or the
Accord (see below).
This letter is governed by, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, the
Legal Opinion Accord (the "Accord") of the ABA Section of Business Law (1991).
As a consequence, it is subject to a number of qualifications, exceptions,
definitions, limitations on coverage and other limitations, all as more
particularly described in the Accord, and this letter should be read in
conjunction therewith.
In giving the opinion expressed below, insofar as such opinion relates to other
than Federal law or the laws of jurisdiction other than the State of Kentucky,
we advise that our opinion is with respect to Federal law and the laws of the
State of Kentucky only and that, to the extent such opinion is derived from laws
of other jurisdictions, the statements are based on examinations of relevant
authorities and are believed to be correct, but we have obtained no legal
opinions as to such matters from attorneys licensed to practice in such other
jurisdictions. Accordingly, the law covered by the opinion expressed herein is
limited to the Federal law of the United States and the law of the State of
Kentucky.
We have relied upon factual representations made by First Alliance in Article IV
of the Agreement and we have reviewed such documents and given consideration to
such matters of law and fact as we have deemed appropriate to render this
opinion. We have been furnished with, and examined originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of all such records of
First Alliance, agreements and other instruments, certificates of officers and
representatives of First Alliance, certificates of public officials, and other
documents, as we have deemed necessary or desirable as a basis for the opinions
hereinafter expressed. As to questions of fact material to such opinions,we have
where relevant facts were not independently verified or established, relied upon
certificates of officers of First Alliance.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the other qualifications and
limitations stated in this letter, we are of the opinion that:
1. The execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement by First
Alliance shall not result in a breach of, or constitute a default (or an event
which, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a
default) under any contract, commitment, agreement, indenture, mortgage, pledge
agreement, note, bond, license, or other instrument or obligation to which First
Alliance is a party or by which First Alliance is bound or the charter or bylaws
of First Alliance or other governing instruments of First Alliance;
2. The Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by First
Alliance and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of First Alliance
enforceable against First Alliance in accordance with its terms (subject to the
applicability of equitable principles or the effect of bankruptcy or creditors'
rights laws on the enforceability of the Agreement);
3. First Alliance is a Kentucky corporation validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Kentucky;
4. First Alliance has full corporate power and authority to enter into the
Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated by the Agreement;
5. To our knowledge, there are no civil or criminal actions, suits,
arbitrations, administrative or other proceedings or governmental investigations
pending or threatened against First Alliance which will constitute a breach of
the representations, warranties or covenants under the Agreement or will prevent
First Alliance from consummating the transactions contemplated by the Agreement;
6. The authorized and outstanding capital stock of First Alliance is as
stated in Section 4.2 of the Agreement;
7. To our knowledge, except as set forth in the Agreement or First
Alliance Disclosure Statement, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options,
warrants, rights, convertible securities, calls, commitments, privileges or
other arrangements, preemptive or contractual, calling for or requiring the
acquisition of, or the issuance, transfer, sale or other disposition of any
shares of the capital stock of First Alliance, or calling for or requiring the
issuance of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for shares
of capital stock of First Alliance; and
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8. The execution, delivery, and performance of the Agreement, and the
performance by First Alliance of its obligations thereunder, are not in
contravention of any law, ordinance, rule or regulation of Kentucky or of the
United States, and will not contravene any order, writ, judgment, injunction,
decree, determination, or award of any court or other authority having
jurisdiction, and will not cause the suspension or revocation of any
authorization, consent, approval, or license presently in effect, which affects
or binds First Alliance or any of its material properties, and will not have a
material adverse effect on the validity of the Agreement or on the validity of
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement or constitute
grounds for the loss or suspension of any permits, licenses, or other
authorizations used in the business of First Alliance.
This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinion is implied
or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. This opinion is rendered
pursuant to Section 7.8(3) of the Agreement and, to the extent, if any, that the
law of the State of Kentucky permits you to rely upon it, it is to be limited in
its use to reliance by you in consummating the transactions described herein and
no other person or entity may rely or claim reliance upon this opinion.
This opinion is rendered as of the date hereof, and we undertake no, and hereby
disclaim any, obligation to advise you of any changes in or new developments
which might affect any matters or opinions set forth herein.
The use of the words "to our knowledge" means that during the course of our
current and past representation of First Alliance and our past representation of
First Alliance no information has come to the attention of the attorneys
involved in the transaction described herein that could give any such attorney
actual knowledge of the existence of the documents or facts so qualified. Except
as set forth herein, this Firm has not undertaken any investigation to determine
the existence of such documents or facts, and no inference as to our knowledge
thereof shall be drawn from the fact of our representation of any party or
otherwise.
Very truly yours,
Phillip E. Allen, Esq.
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EXHIBIT F
_____________, 2002
First Alliance Corporation
2285 Executive Drive, Suite 308
Lexington, Kentucky 40505
Re: Plan and Agreement of Merger among First Alliance Corporation, Citizens,
Inc. and Citizens Acquisition, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Citizens, Inc. ("Citizens") in connection with the
above referenced agreement. This letter is provided to you pursuant to Section
7.9(2) of the Plan and Agreement of Merger, dated as of __________________, 2002
(the "Agreement") among First Alliance Corporation ("First Alliance"), Citizens
and Citizens Acquisition, Inc. Except as otherwise indicated herein, capitalized
terms used in this letter are defined as set forth in the Agreement or the
Accord (see below).
This letter is governed by, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, the
Legal Opinion Accord (the "Accord") of the ABA Section of Business Law (1991).
As a consequence, it is subject to a number of qualifications, exceptions,
definitions, limitations on coverage and other limitations, all as more
particularly described in the Accord, and this letter should be read in
conjunction therewith.
In giving the opinion expressed below, insofar as such opinion relates to other
than Federal law or the laws of jurisdiction other than the State of Colorado,
we advise that our opinion is with respect to Federal law and the laws of the
State of Colorado only and that, to the extent such opinion is derived from laws
of other jurisdictions, the statements are based on examinations of relevant
authorities and are believed to be correct, but we have obtained no legal
opinions as to such matters from attorneys licensed to practice in such other
jurisdictions. Accordingly, the law covered by the opinion expressed herein is
limited to the Federal law of the United States and the law of the State of
Colorado.
We have relied upon factual representations made by Citizens in Article IV of
the Agreement and we have reviewed such documents and given consideration to
such matters of law and fact as we have deemed appropriate to render this
opinion. We have been furnished with, and examined originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of all such records of
Citizens, agreements and other instruments, certificates of officers and
representatives of Citizens, certificates of public officials, and other
documents, as we have deemed necessary or desirable as a basis for the opinions
hereinafter expressed. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, we
have, where relevant facts were not independently verified or established,
relied upon certificates of officers of Citizens.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the other qualifications and
limitations stated in this letter, we are of the opinion that:
1. The execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement by Citizens
will not result in a breach of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with
or without notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under
any contract, commitment, agreement, indenture, mortgage, pledge agreement,
note, bond, license, or other instrument or obligation to which Citizens is a
party or by which Citizens is bound or the charter or bylaws of Citizens or
other governing instruments of Citizens;
2. The Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
Citizens and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Citizens enforceable
against Citizens in accordance with its terms (subject to the applicability of
equitable principles or the effect of bankruptcy or creditors' rights laws on
the enforceability of the Agreement);
3. Citizens is a Colorado corporation validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Colorado;
4. Citizens has full corporate power and authority to enter into the
Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated by the Agreement;
5. To our knowledge, there are no civil or criminal actions, suits,
arbitrations, administrative or other proceedings or governmental investigations
pending or threatened against Citizens which will constitute a breach of the
representations, warranties or covenants under the Agreement or will prevent
Citizens from consummating the transactions contemplated by the Agreement;
6. The authorized and outstanding capital stock of Citizens is as stated
in Section 3.2 of the Agreement;
7. To our knowledge, except as set forth in the Agreement or Citizens'
Disclosure Statement, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants,
rights, convertible securities, calls, commitments, privileges or other
arrangements, preemptive or contractual, calling for or requiring the
acquisition of, or the issuance, transfer, sale or other disposition of any
shares of the capital stock of Citizens, or calling for or requiring the
issuance of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for shares
of capital stock of Citizens; and
8. The execution, delivery, and performance of the Agreement, and the
performance by Citizens of its obligations thereunder, are not in contravention
of any law, ordinance, rule or regulation of Colorado or of the United States,
and will not contravene any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree,
determination, or award of any court or other authority having jurisdiction, and
will not cause the
A-21
suspension or revocation of any authorization, consent, approval, or license
presently in effect, which affects or binds Citizens or any of its subsidiaries
or any of their material properties, and will not have a material adverse effect
on the validity of the Agreement or on the validity of the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Agreement or constitute grounds for the loss or
suspension of any permits, licensES, or other authorizations used in the
business of Citizens.
This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinion is implied
or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. This opinion is rendered
pursuant to Section 7.9(2) of the Agreement and, to the extent, if any, that the
law of the State of Colorado permits you to rely upon it, it is to be limited in
its use to reliance by you in consummating the transactions described herein and
no other person or entity may rely or claim reliance upon this opinion.
This opinion is rendered as of the date hereof, and we undertake no, and hereby
disclaim any, obligation to advise you of any changes in or new developments
which might affect any matters or opinions set forth herein.
The use of the words "to our knowledge" means that during the course of our
current and past representation of Citizens and our past representation of
Citizens no information has come to the attention of the attorneys involved in
the transaction described herein that could give any such attorney actual
knowledge of the existence of the documents or facts so qualified. Except as set
forth herein, this Firm has not undertaken any investigation to determine the
existence of such documents or facts, and no inference as to our knowledge
thereof shall be drawn from the fact of our representation of any party or
otherwise.
Very truly yours,
Jones & Keller, P.C.
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EXHIBIT G
________________________, 2002
Citizens, Inc.
400 East Anderson Lane, 6th Floor
Austin, Texas 78752
Re: Plan and Agreement of Merger among First Alliance Corporation,
Citizens, Inc. and Citizens Acquisition, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Our opinion as expressed below is based upon the following documents
("Documents"): (1) the information contained in the proxy statement-prospectus
dated _______________, 2003 (the "Proxy Statement") as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission; (2) the Plan and Agreement of Merger (the "Plan") dated
November 7, 2002, among First Alliance Corporation ("First Alliance"), Citizens,
Inc. ("Citizens") and Citizens Acquisition, Inc. ("Acquisition"), together with
the Exhibits thereto; and (3) officers' certificates provided by the officers of
Citizens and First Alliance. Our opinion as expressed below is also based upon
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("IRC"), the regulations
promulgated thereunder and the current administrative positions of the Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS") contained in published Revenue Rulings and Revenue
Procedures, and existing judicial decisions, all of which are subject to change
or modification by subsequent legislative, regulatory, administrative or
judicial decisions which could adversely affect our opinions.
This letter is governed by, and shall be interpreted in accordance
with, the Legal Opinion Accord (the "Accord") of the ABA Section of Business Law
(1991). As a consequence, it is subject to a number of qualifications,
exceptions, definitions, limitations on coverage and other limitations, all as
more particularly described in the Accord, and this letter should be read in
conjunction therewith.
"Merger" refers to the transaction set forth in the Plan. Capitalized
terms herein have the same meaning as in the Plan.
The consequences described herein are not applicable to nonresident
aliens, to foreign corporations, to debtors under the jurisdiction of a court in
a case under Title 11 of the United States Code or in a receivership,
foreclosure or similar proceeding, to shareholders that are real estate
investment trusts, to shareholders that are regulated investment companies, to
shareholders that are tax exempt persons, to shareholders that are persons that
hold their First Alliance Common Stock as part of a position in a "straddle" or
as part of a "hedging" or other integrated transaction, to shareholders that are
investment companies within the meaning of IRC Section 351(e), to shareholders
who are dealers in securities, to shareholders who do not hold their common
stock as capital assets, to shareholders who are financial institutions or to
shareholders who
A-23
acquired or will acquire their shares in connection with stock option or stock
purchase plans or in other compensatory transactions.
The principal reasons for the Merger can be summarized as follows:
(1) to become part of a combined entity with greater financial
strength and an enhanced competitive position as compared to the
separate entities;
(2) to achieve improved capitalization and economies of scale;
and
(3) to provide greater liquidity to First Alliance
shareholders.
This letter is conditioned on the accuracy of the factual information,
assumptions and representations contained in the Proxy Statement and provided by
Citizens and First Alliance, including the principal reasons for the Merger
expressed above and the following:
(1) that Citizens and First Alliance, in arriving at the
method used to determine the number of shares of Citizens Class A
Voting Common Stock to be received by each First Alliance shareholder,
attempted in good faith to value the First Alliance Common Stock to be
transferred and to value the Citizens Class A Voting Common Stock to be
exchanged for such First Alliance Common Stock in an effort to ensure
that each shareholder receiving Citizens Class A Voting Common Stock
pursuant to the Merger receive a number of shares of such stock
approximately equal in value to the First Alliance Common Stock
exchanged therefor;
(2) that prior to the Merger, Citizens will be in control of
Acquisition within the meaning of IRC Section 368(c);
(3) that following the Merger, First Alliance will hold at
least 90 percent of the fair market value of its net assets and at
least 70 percent of the fair market value of its gross assets and at
least 90 percent of the fair market value of Acquisition's net assets
and at least 70 percent of the fair market value of Acquisition's gross
assets held immediately prior to the Merger. For purposes of this
representation, amounts paid by First Alliance to dissenters, amounts
paid by First Alliance to shareholders who receive cash or other
property, amounts used by First Alliance to pay reorganization
expenses, and all redemptions and distributions (except for regular,
normal dividends) made by First Alliance will be included as assets of
First Alliance immediately prior to the Merger, which it does not hold
after the Merger;
(4) that First Alliance has no plan or intention to issue
additional shares of its stock that would result in Citizens losing
control of First Alliance within the meaning of IRC Section 368(c);
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(5) that none of Citizens, First Alliance, any entity related
thereto as described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-1(e) or
shareholder thereof, have any plan or intention to redeem or otherwise
reacquire any Citizens Class A Voting Common Stock to be issued to
First Alliance shareholders in the Merger, and will not so redeem or
otherwise reacquire such stock;
(6) that Citizens has no plan or intention to liquidate First
Alliance; to merge First Alliance with or into another corporation; to
sell or otherwise dispose of the stock of First Alliance except for
transfers of stock to corporations controlled by Citizens, as defined
in IRC Section 368(c); or to cause First Alliance to sell or otherwise
dispose of any of its assets or of any of the assets acquired from
Acquisition, except for dispositions made in the ordinary course of
business or transfers of assets to a corporation controlled by First
Alliance, as defined in IRC Section 368(c);
(7) that following the Merger, Citizens will continue the
historic business of First Alliance or use a significant portion of its
historic business assets in a business;
(8) that Citizens, Acquisition, First Alliance and First
Alliance shareholders will assume and pay their respective
reorganization expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
Merger;
(9) that there is no corporate indebtedness between Citizens
and First Alliance or between Acquisition and First Alliance that was
issued, acquired or will be settled at a discount;
(10) that Acquisition will have no liabilities assumed by
First Alliance, and will not transfer to First Alliance any assets
subject to liabilities, in the Merger;
(11) that in the Merger, shares of First Alliance Common Stock
representing control of First Alliance, as defined in IRC Section
368(c), will be exchanged solely for voting Common Stock of Citizens.
For purposes of this representation, shares of First Alliance Common
Stock exchanged for cash or other property originating with Citizens
will be treated as outstanding First Alliance Common Stock on the date
of the Merger;
(12) that on the Effective Date of the Merger, First Alliance
will not have outstanding any warrants, options, convertible securities
or any other type of right pursuant to which any person could acquire
stock in First Alliance that, if exercised or converted, would affect
Citizens' acquisition or retention of control of First Alliance, as
defined in IRC Section 368(c);
A-25
(13) that Citizens does not own, nor has it owned during the
past five (5) years, directly or indirectly, any shares of First
Alliance Common Stock;
(14) that neither Citizens nor First Alliance are investment
companies as defined in IRC Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv);
(15) that neither Citizens nor First Alliance are under the
jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or similar case within the
meaning of IRC Section 368(a)(3) (A);
(16) that the Merger will be consummated and qualify as a
statutory merger in full compliance with Kentucky law, subject to the
perfection of dissenters' rights, if any, and will be consummated in
accordance with the terms of the Plan;
(17) that in the event more than 2.5 percent of the
shareholders of First Alliance dissent to the Merger, Citizens would
exercise its option not to proceed with the Merger (as permitted under
the Plan) and the Merger consequently would not be consummated;
(18) that no First Alliance Common Stock will be acquired for
consideration other than solely Citizens Class A Voting Common Stock.
For purposes of this representation, First Alliance Common Stock
redeemed for cash or other property furnished by Citizens will be
considered as acquired by Citizens. Further, no liabilities of First
Alliance or of the First Alliance shareholders will be assumed by
Citizens, nor will any of the First Alliance Common Stock be subject to
any liabilities;
(19) that Citizens will not assume or repay any First Alliance
debt guaranteed by First Alliance shareholders nor will Citizens assume
or repay any outstanding loans between First Alliance and its
shareholders;
(20) that no compensation or agreement for services received
by any shareholder of First Alliance, or any entity related to a First
Alliance shareholder, will be separate consideration for, or allocable
to, any of their shares of First Alliance Common Stock; no shares of
Citizens Class A Voting Common Stock received by any First Alliance
shareholder, or any entity related to any First Alliance shareholder,
will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any employment
agreement or compensation agreement; and the compensation paid to any
First Alliance shareholder, or any entity related to a First Alliance
shareholder, will be for services actually performed, will be
reasonable in light of the services to be performed and will be
commensurate with amounts paid to third parties bargaining at
arm's-length for similar services;
A-26
(21) that First Alliance will pay its dissenting shareholders
the value of their First Alliance Common Stock out of its own funds. No
funds will be supplied or are required to be supplied (by law or
otherwise) for that purpose, directly or indirectly, by Citizens, nor
will Citizens, directly or indirectly, reimburse First Alliance for any
payments to dissenters; and
(22) that on the Effective Date of the Merger, the fair market
value of the assets of First Alliance will exceed the sum of its
liabilities plus the liabilities, if any, to which its assets are
subject;
For purposes of rendering this opinion, we have assumed that the
Documents provide a true, complete and accurate description of all relevant
facts and circumstances surrounding the Merger and all such facts will be true,
complete and accurate at all relevant times. In rendering this opinion, we are
relying on, and the opinion is expressly conditioned on, the Merger being
carried out in all material respects, and in the same form, as described in the
Documents. This opinion will be signed on the Effective Time of the Merger.
Jones & Keller has made no independent verification of any of the facts
and representations set forth in the Documents, and therefore, has relied upon
the completeness, correctness and accuracy of the Documents for purposes of
rendering this opinion. While Jones & Keller may have had discussions with
management personnel of Citizens and First Alliance in connection with rendering
this opinion, (i) the substance of those discussions is in all material respects
is reflected in the Citizens Officer's Certificate and the First Alliance
Officer's Certificate, (ii) the management personnel of Citizens and First
Alliance have imparted no information materially additional to, or inconsistent
with, that contained in the Citizens Officer's Certificate and the First
Alliance Officer's Certificate, (iii) Jones & Keller has assumed that any
information imparted in such discussions with management personnel is true, and
has not made (and has at no time had any means of making) any independent
verification of any information imparted in such discussions, and (iv) the
issuance of this opinion shall not imply anything to the contrary of (i) - (iii)
preceding. For purposes of rendering this opinion, Jones & Keller has assumed
that all representations or warranties (including representations as to future
conduct, e.g. that no inconsistent filing or return position will be taken)
qualified by "to the knowledge of," "belief" or "expect" or similar
qualifications are true without any such qualification, and that future conduct
will occur consistently with such knowledge, belief, expectation or similar
qualification.
The opinion expressed below is rendered only with respect to the
specific matters described herein, and we express no opinion, and no opinion
should be implied or inferred, with respect to any other federal income tax
aspects of the Merger beyond the matters expressly stated. Shareholders residing
or conducting business in foreign countries, states or municipalities having tax
laws could be required to pay tax with respect to the Merger in those countries,
states or municipalities. We do not express any opinion as to foreign, state or
local tax consequences of the Merger. We do not opine as
A-27
to the taxable or nontaxable status of any previous transactions not part of the
Merger. We do not express any opinion regarding alternative minimum tax issues,
employee benefit issues, consolidated return issues or IRC Section 306 or 382
consequences of the Merger, nor do we express an opinion on the valuations of
First Alliance or Citizens assets or common stock or the ratio of exchange of
First Alliance Common Stock for Citizens Class A Voting Common Stock. Should any
of the facts, circumstances or assumptions specified herein be subsequently
determined incorrect or inaccurate, our conclusions may vary from those set
forth below and such variance could be material.
Accordingly, in our opinion:
(1) The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the
meaning of IRC Section 368(a) and Citizens, Acquisition and First
Alliance will each be a "party to a reorganization" within the meaning
of IRC Section 368(b). No gain or loss will be recognized by the
shareholders of First Alliance solely upon the exchange of their shares
of First Alliance Common Stock for shares of Citizens Class A Voting
Common Stock. IRC Section 354(a).
(2) The tax basis of the shares of Citizens Class A Voting
Common Stock received by a shareholder of First Alliance will be the
same as the basis of the First Alliance Common Stock surrendered in
exchange therefor by that shareholder in the Merger. IRC Section
358(a); Treasury Regulation Section 1.358-1(a).
(3) The holding period of the shares of Citizens Class A
Voting Common Stock received by a shareholder of First Alliance will
include the period during which such shareholder held the First
Alliance Common Stock exchanged therefor, to the extent that such stock
was held by the shareholder as a capital asset on the date of the
consummation of the Merger. IRC Section 1223(1).
(4) Cash received by First Alliance shareholders who properly
exercise their dissenters' rights will be treated as having been
received in redemption of the shares so cashed out, and may result in
taxable gain or loss, measured by the difference (if any) between the
amount of cash received and such shareholder's basis in the First
Alliance Common Stock. Provided the shares were held as capital assets
at the time of the redemption, such gain or loss will constitute
capital gain or loss, and such gain or loss will be long term capital
gain or loss if the holding period for such shares was greater than one
year. It is possible, that for some First Alliance shareholders, the
distribution of cash may be treated as a dividend taxable as ordinary
income. IRC Sections 302, 301.
Each shareholder of First Alliance must file pursuant to Treasury
Regulation Section 1.368-3(b), with his or her income tax return for the year in
which the Merger is consummated, a statement which provides details relating to
the property transferred and securities received in the Merger.
A-28
The preceding discussion and opinions are based on our interpretations
of the facts and assumptions, based on the IRC, the regulations thereunder and
judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to
change by subsequent regulatory, administrative, legislative or judicial actions
which could have an adverse effect on the validity of our opinion. In addition,
our opinion is based on the information contained in the Documents and assumes
that the facts, assumptions and representations contained therein could, in
fact, be established in a court of law in accordance with the appropriate
governing laws and burdens of proof.
This opinion is rendered as of the date hereof, and we undertake no,
and hereby disclaim any, obligation to advise you of any changes in or new
developments which might affect any matters or opinion set forth herein. The
opinion merely represents our interpretation of existing federal income tax law,
and is not binding on the IRS or any court of law. No ruling has been, or will
be, sought from the Internal Revenue Service as to the Federal tax consequences
of the Merger. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not adopt a position
contrary to our opinion and prevail in a court of law.
If the Merger is transacted as outlined in the facts given, the
material tax issues addressed singularly and in the aggregate will more likely
than not be upheld under challenge by the IRS.
Each First Alliance shareholder should consult his own qualified tax
advisor to evaluate the tax effects of the Merger based on his personal facts
and circumstances.
Very truly yours,
JONES & KELLER, P.C.
A-29
APPENDIX B
SUBTITLE 13 OF THE KENTUCKY 1988 BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
APPENDIX B
KENTUCKY BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
SUBTITLE 13. DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
RIGHT TO DISSENT AND OBTAIN PAYMENT FOR SHARES
271B.13-010 DEFINITIONS FOR SUBTITLE.
As used in this subtitle:
(1) "Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter, except
that in the case of a merger where the issuing corporation is not the
surviving corporation, then, after consummation of the merger,
"corporation" shall mean the surviving corporation.
(2) "Dissenter" means a shareholder who is entitled to dissent from corporate
action under KRS 271B.13-020 and who exercises that right when and in the
manner required by KRS 271B.13-200 to 271B.13-280.
(3) "Fair value," with respect to a dissenter's shares, means the value of the
shares immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to
which the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion would be
inequitable. In any transaction subject to the requirements of KRS
271B.12-210 or exempted by KRS 271B.12-220(2), "fair value" shall be at
least an amount required to be paid under KRS 271B.12-220(2) in order to
be exempt from the requirements of KRS 271B.12-210.
(4) "Interest" means interest from the effective date of the corporate action
until the date of payment, at the average rate currently paid by the
corporation on its principal bank loans or, if none, at a rate that is
fair and equitable under all the circumstances.
(5) "Record shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are registered
in the records of a corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to the
extent of the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with a
corporation.
(6) "Beneficial shareholder" means the person who is a beneficial owner of
shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee as the record shareholder.
(7) "Shareholder" means the record shareholder or the beneficial shareholder.
B-1
271B.13-020 RIGHT TO DISSENT.
(1) A shareholder shall be entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of the
fair value of his shares in the event of, any of the following corporate
actions:
(a) Consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation is a
party:
1. If shareholder approval is required for the merger by KRS
271B.11-030 or the articles of incorporation and the
shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger; or
2. If the corporation is a subsidiary that is merged with its
parent under KRS 271B.11-040;
(b) Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation is
a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, if the
shareholder is entitled to vote on the plan;
(c) Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially all, of
the property of the corporation other than in the usual and regular
course of business, if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the
sale or exchange, including a sale in dissolution, but not including
a sale pursuant to court order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan
by which all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale
will be distributed to the shareholders within one (1) year after
the date of sale;
(d) An amendment of the articles of incorporation that materially and
adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because
it:
1. Alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares to a distribution
or in dissolution;
2. Creates, alters, or abolishes a right in respect of redemption, including
a provision respecting a sinking fund for the redemption or repurchase, of
the shares;
3. Excludes or limits the right of the shares to vote on any matter other
than a limitation by dilution through issuance of shares or other
securities with similar voting rights; or
4. Reduces the number of shares owned by the shareholder to a fraction of a
share if the fractional share so created is to be acquired for cash under
KRS 271B.6-040;
(e) Any transaction subject to the requirements of KRS 271B.12-210 or
exempted by KRS 271B.12-220(2); or
(f) Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the
extent the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the
board of directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders
are entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.
(2) A shareholder entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his shares under
this chapter shall not challenge the corporate action creating his
entitlement unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with respect to
the shareholder or the corporation.
271B.13-030 DISSENT BY NOMINEES AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS.
B-2
(1) A record shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than all
the shares registered in his name only if he shall dissent with respect to
all shares beneficially owned by any one (1) person and notify the
corporation in writing of the name and address of each person on whose
behalf he asserts dissenters' rights. The rights of a partial dissenter
under this subsection shall be determined as if the shares as to which he
dissents and his other shares were registered in the names of different
shareholders.
(2) A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares held
on his behalf only if:
(a) He submits to the corporation the record shareholder's written
consent to the dissent not later than the time the beneficial
shareholder asserts dissenters' rights; and
(b) He does so with respect to all shares of which he is the beneficial
shareholder or over which he has power to direct the vote.
271B.13-200 NOTICE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS.
(1) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under KRS
271B.13-020 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, the meeting
notice must state that shareholders are or may be entitled to assert
dissenters' rights under this subtitle and the corporation shall undertake
to provide a copy of this subtitle to any shareholder entitled to vote at
the shareholders' meeting upon request of that shareholder.
(2) If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under KRS 271B.13-020 is
taken without a vote of shareholders, the corporation shall notify in
writing all shareholders entitled to assert dissenters' rights that the
action was taken and send them the dissenters' notice described in KRS
271B.13-220.
271B.13-210 NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMAND PAYMENT.
(1) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under KRS
271B.13-020 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, a
shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters' rights:
(a) Shall deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken written
notice of his intent to demand payment for his shares if the
proposed action is effectuated; and
(b) Shall not vote his shares in favor of the proposed action.
(2) A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (1) of
this section shall not be entitled to payment for his shares under this
chapter.
271B.13-220 DISSENTERS' NOTICE.
(1) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under KRS
271B.13-020 is authorized at a shareholders' meeting, the corporation
shall deliver a written dissenters' notice to all shareholders who
satisfied the requirements of KRS 271B.13-210.
(2) The dissenters' notice shall be sent no later than ten (10) days after the
date the proposed corporate action
B-3
was authorized by the shareholders, or, if no shareholder authorization
was obtained, by the board of directors, and shall:
(a) State where the payment demand must be sent and where and when
certificates for certificated shares must be deposited;
(b) Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent transfer of the
shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received;
(c) Supply a form for demanding payment that includes the date of the first
announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the
proposed corporate action and requires that the person asserting
dissenters' rights certify whether or not he acquired beneficial
ownership of the shares before that date;
(d) Set a date by which the corporation must receive the payment demand,
which date may not be fewer than thirty (30), nor more than sixty (60)
days after the date the notice provided in subsection (1) of this section
is delivered; and
(e) Be accompanied by a copy of this subtitle.
271B.13-230 DUTY TO DEMAND PAYMENT.
(1) A shareholder who is sent a dissenters' notice described in KRS
271B.13-220 shall demand payment, certify whether he acquired beneficial
ownership of the shares before the date required to be set forth in the
dissenters' notice pursuant to subsection (2)(c) of KRS 271B.13-220, and
deposit his certificates in accordance with the terms of the notice.
(2) The shareholder who demands payment and deposits his share certificates
under subsection (1) of this section shall retain all other rights of a
shareholder until these rights are canceled or modified by the taking of
the proposed corporate action.
(3) A shareholder who does not demand payment or deposit his share
certificates where required, each by the date set in the dissenters'
notice, shall not be entitled to payment for his shares under this
subtitle.
271B.13-240 SHARE RESTRICTIONS.
(1) The corporation may restrict the transfer of uncertificated shares from
the date the demand for their payment is received until the proposed
corporate action is taken or the restrictions released under KRS
271B.13-260.
(2) The person for whom dissenters' rights are asserted as to uncertificated
shares shall retain all other rights of a shareholder until these rights
are canceled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.
271B.13-250 PAYMENT.
B-4
(1) Except as provided in KRS 271B.13-270, as soon as the proposed corporate
action is taken, or upon receipt of a payment demand, the corporation
shall pay each dissenter who complied with KRS 271B.13-230 the amount the
corporation estimates to be the fair value of his shares, plus accrued
interest.
(2) The payment shall be accompanied by:
(a) The corporation's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year
ending not more than sixteen (16) months before the date of payment,
an income statement for that year, a statement of changes in
shareholders' equity for that year, and the latest available interim
financial statements, if any;
(b) A statement of the corporation's estimate of the fair value of the
shares;
(c) An explanation of how the interest was calculated; and
(d) A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under KRS
271B.13-280.
271B.13-260 FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION.
(1) If the corporation does not take the proposed action within sixty (60)
days after the date set for demanding payment and depositing share
certificates, the corporation shall return the deposited certificates and
release the transfer restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares.
(2) If after returning deposited certificates and releasing transfer
restrictions, the corporation takes the proposed action, it shall send a
new dissenters' notice under KRS 271B.13-220 and repeat the payment demand
procedure.
271B.13-270 AFTER-ACQUIRED SHARES.
(1) A corporation may elect to withhold payment required by KRS 271B.13-250
from a dissenter unless he was the beneficial owner of the shares before
the date set forth in the dissenters' notice as the date of the first
announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed
corporate action.
(2) To the extent the corporation elects to withhold payment under subsection
(1) of this section, after taking the proposed corporate action, it shall
estimate the fair value of the shares, plus accrued interest, and shall
pay this amount to each dissenter who agrees to accept it in full
satisfaction of his demand. The corporation shall send with its offer a
statement of its estimate of the fair value of the shares, an explanation
of how the interest was calculated, and a statement of the dissenter's
right to demand payment under KRS 271B.13-280.
271B.13-280 PROCEDURE IF SHAREHOLDER DISSATISFIED WITH PAYMENT OR OFFER.
(1) A dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of his own estimate of
the fair value of his shares and amount of interest due, and demand
payment of his estimate (less any payment under KRS 271B.13-250), or
reject the corporation's offer under KRS 271B.13-270 and demand payment of
the fair value of his shares and interest due, if:
B-5
(a) The dissenter believes that the amount paid under KRS 271B.13-250 or
offered under KRS 271B.13-270 is less than the fair value of his
shares or that the interest due is incorrectly calculated;
(b) The corporation fails to make payment under KRS 271B.13-250 within
sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding payment; or
(c) The corporation, having failed to take the proposed action, does not
return the deposited certificates or release the transfer
restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares within sixty (60) days
after the date set for demanding payment.
(2) A dissenter waives his right to demand payment under this section unless
he shall notify the corporation of his demand in writing under subsection
(1) of this section within thirty (30) days after the corporation made or
offered payment for his shares.
271B.13-300 COURT ACTION.
(1) If a demand for payment under KRS 271B.13-280 remains unsettled, the
corporation shall commence a proceeding within sixty (60) days after
receiving the payment demand and petition the court to determine the fair
value of the shares and accrued interest. If the corporation does not
commence the proceeding within the sixty (60) day period, it shall pay
each dissenter whose demand remains unsettled the amount demanded.
(2) The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the Circuit Court of the
county where a corporation's principal office (or, if none in this state,
its registered office) is located. If the corporation is a foreign
corporation without a registered office in this state, it shall commence
the proceeding in the county in this state where the registered office of
the domestic corporation merged with or whose shares were acquired by the
foreign corporation was located.
(3) The corporation shall make all dissenters (whether or not residents of
this state) whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as in
an action against their shares and all parties shall be served with a copy
of the petition. Nonresidents may be served by registered or certified
mail or by publication as provided by law.
(4) The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced under
subsection (2) of this section shall be plenary and exclusive. The court
may appoint one (1) or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and
recommend decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers have the
powers described in the order appointing them, or in any amendment to it.
The dissenters shall be entitled to the same discovery rights as parties
in other civil proceedings.
(5) Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding shall be entitled to
judgment:
(a) For the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of
his shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the
corporation; or
(b) For the fair value, plus accrued interest, of his after-acquired
shares for which the corporation elected to withhold payment under
KRS 271B.13-270.
B-6
271B.13-310 COURT COSTS AND COUNSEL FEES.
(1) The court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under KRS 271B.13-300 shall
determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable
compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court. The court
shall assess the costs against the corporation, except that the court may
assess costs against all or some of the dissenters, in amounts the court
finds equitable, to the extent the court finds the dissenters acted
arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith in demanding payment under
KRS 271B.13-280.
(2) The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts for
the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:
(a) Against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters, if
the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with
the requirements of KRS 271B.13-200 to 271B.13-280; or
(b) Against either the corporation or a dissenter, in favor of any other
party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and
expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good
faith with respect to the rights provided by this subtitle.
(3) If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were of
substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that the
fees for those services should not be assessed against the corporation,
the court may award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the
amounts awarded the dissenters who were benefited.
B-7
APPENDIX C
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001.
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO .
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 33-67312
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------
(NAME OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER IN ITS CHARTER)
KENTUCKY 61-1242009
.-------------------------- -------------------------------------
(STATE OF INCORPORATION) (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
2285 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, SUITE 308 LEXINGTON, KY 40505
----------------------------------------------- ----------
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) ZIP CODE
ISSUERS TELEPHONE NUMBER 859-299-7656
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS
-------------------
NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS
----------------------------------
CLASS A COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
CHECK WHETHER THE ISSUER (1) FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY SECTION
13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, AND (2) HAS
BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS. YES [X] NO[ ]
CHECK IF THERE IS NO DISCLOSURE OF DELINQUENT FILERS IN RESPONSE TO ITEM 405 OF
Regulation S-B is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will 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-KSB
or any amendment to this form 10-KSB [X]
State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $5,582,327
State the aggregate market value of the voting equity held by non-affiliates: Of
the 5,561,455 shares of common stock of the registrant issued and outstanding as
of March 1, 2002, 4,370,955 shares are held by non-affiliates. Because of the
absence of an established trading market for the common stock, the registrant is
unable to calculate the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates as of a specified date within the past 60 days.
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practical date. Common Stock, No Par Value:
5,561,455 shares as of March 1, 2002
Documents Incorporated by Reference
C-1
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled
to be held June 7, 2002 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
Certain Exhibits to the Company's prior filing of Form 10-K for 1995 and the
Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment Number 4, File Number 33-67312,
which was declared effective on March 4, 1994 are incorporated by reference into
Part III.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes [ ] No [X ]
FORM 10-KSB
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I.
Item 1. Description of Business C-3
Item 2. Description of Property C-8
Item 3. Legal Proceedings C-8
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders C-8
Part II.
Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters C-8
Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation C-8
Item 7. Financial Statements C-14
Item 8. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure C-35
Part III.
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and
Control Persons; Compliance With Section 16(a)
of the Exchange Act C-35
Item 10. Executive Compensation C-35
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management. C-36
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions C-35
Item 13. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K C-36
Signatures C-38
C-2
PART I
Item 1. Description of Business
General
First Alliance Corporation ("the Company") was organized on February 16, 1993
for the purpose of forming, owning and managing life insurance companies. The
Company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Kentucky
Department of Financial Institutions a $12,500,000 public stock offering.
On October 28, 1995, the Company completed the public stock offering. The
company raised total capital of $13,750,000 which includes a 10% over-sale of
$1,250,000 contemplated in the public filing. Six million dollars of the
proceeds of the stock sale were used to capitalize the life insurance
subsidiary, First Alliance Insurance Company ("FAIC"). Three million dollars of
the proceeds could be used to capitalize the venture capital company based on a
schedule as determined by the Company's Board of Directors. During 1997 and
1996, $316,000 and during 1999, $127,500 of the proceeds was used in the
capitalization of the Company's wholly owned venture capital subsidiary, First
Kentucky Capital Corporation ("FKCC").
In February 1999 the Company commenced an offering of 200,000 shares of class A
common stock no par value for $2.50 per share. The offering relied on exemptions
from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder and related exemptions at the
state level. Additionally, these securities are restricted from transfer for
thirty months from the date of purchase. The Company offered the shares of
common stock directly to potential subscribers on a direct participation basis.
During 2000 the Company completed the sale of 200,000 shares that raised total
proceeds of $500,000 and incurred offering cost of $55,608.
In August 2001 the Company commenced an offering of 500,000 shares of class A
common stock no par value for $3.00 per share. The securities are exempted from
registration in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of
1933 and related exemptions at the state level. Additionally, these securities
are restricted from transfer for thirty months from the date of purchase. The
Company offered the shares of common stock directly to potential subscribers on
a direct participation basis. At December 31, 2001, the Company had sold 38,800
shares that raised total proceeds of $116,400 and incurred offering cost of
$37,903.
First Alliance Corporation
The Company is a holding company that engages in the business of life insurance,
annuities, and accident and health insurance through First Alliance Insurance
Company ("FAIC") and Benefit Capital Life Insurance Company ("BCLIC"), from the
date of its acquisition on December 31, 1999 through the date of its disposition
effective February 28, 2001, (herein collectively, the "Life Insurance
Subsidiaries"). FAIC has contracted with the Company to provide administrative
and data processing services for insurance operations. The Company provides
accounting services for First American Capital Corporation ("FACC") of Topeka,
Kansas and its subsidiaries. The Company owns approximately 9.7% of FACC's
outstanding common shares. The Company provides underwriting and accounting
services for Mid-American Alliance Corporation ("MAAC") of Jefferson City,
Missouri and its insurance subsidiaries, of which it owns approximately 11.9%.
Investment income provides additional income to the Company. The Company has
service agreements with Integrity Capital Corporation ("ICC") of Indianapolis,
Indiana and Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation ("MACC") of Charleston, West
Virginia and owns 9.75% of ICC and 9.75 % of MACC.
First Kentucky Capital Corporation
The Company funded its wholly owned venture capital subsidiary with $316,000
during 1996 and 1997. During 1999, FAC provided additional capital of $127,500.
FKCC provides capital for Kentucky-based business for both start-up companies
and expansion of existing business. During 1996 and 1997, FKCC made three
venture capital investments and one investment was made during 1999.
FKCC purchased newly issued common stock of MAC, Lexington, Kentucky,
representing a 51% interest, for $50,000 on April 12, 1996. MAC purchased
receivables from medical providers at a discount. On December 31, 1997, FKCC
entered into an agreement to sell its interest in MAC for $8,000 in cash and
notes receivable of $147,049. Due to the uncertainty of collectibility of the
notes, the Company has a valuation allowance of $6,616 at December 31, 2001. The
unpaid balance on this agreement was $6,616 at December 31, 2001 and 2000.
On June 16, 1999, FKCC executed a commitment to purchase three units of the
Prosperitas Investment Partners, LP ("Prosperitas") for $450,000. Prosperitas is
a venture capital fund based in Louisville, Kentucky. An initial payment of
$22,500, which represents 5% of the total investment, was paid upon the
execution of the subscription agreement. Upon receipt by Prosperitas of the
Small Business Investment Company ("SBIC") license from the U.S. Small Business
Association, an additional $127,500 was invested. The investment at December 31,
2001 was $300,000 with the remaining amount of the commitment due on the fourth
anniversary of the investment.
KYWIDE Insurance Management, Inc.
On March 21, 2001, FAIC purchased 500 shares of common stock, representing all
of the outstanding shares of common stock of KYWIDE Insurance Management, Inc.
("KIM"), for $1.00. The seller retained the right to purchase 400 shares of
common stock of KIM at a price of $1.00 per share if and when KIM meets certain
operating criteria within 18 months after the closing date. During 2001, KIM
achieved one of the operating criteria and is eligible to purchase 100 shares.
KIM is an insurance agency licensed by the Kentucky Department of Insurance to
solicit life, accident, health, annuities, property and casualty insurance. KIM
was purchased to market life insurance products of FAIC through the existing
clientele of
C-3
the property and casualty insurance agencies contracted with KIM.
Alliance Insurance Management, Inc.
During 2001 Alliance Insurance Management, Inc. ("AIM") was formed by FAC for
the purpose of selling life and health insurance products of insurance companies
other than FAIC. AIM began operations in December 2001. AIM will focus on
products that cannot be marketed by FAIC due to the competitive nature and
inherent costs associated with certain types of insurance. These products
include low cost term insurance and health insurance. The ultimate focus of
management is to provide a variety of products to our customers. AIM will also
market the current products of FAIC. When FAIC can competitively offer these
products and bear the burden of the excessive costs, AIM will solely market FAIC
products.
First Computer Services, LLC
During 2001, the Company purchased a 50% interest in First Computer Services,
LLC ("FCS") which is jointly owned with FACC. FCS owns computer hardware and
software that will operate a Company policy administration, underwriting, claim
processing and accounting system. This system will be used for policy
administration for new products and existing policies will be converted to this
system in the future.
First Alliance Insurance Company
On May 17, 1995, FAIC received a Certificate of Authority from the Kentucky
Department of Insurance ("KDI"). On November 1, 1995, insurance operations
commenced. Under generally accepted accounting principles, FAIC has more than
$8,275,187 of capital and surplus and is wholly owned by the Company. FAIC is
also licensed to transact life and annuity business in Indiana, Kansas, Ohio and
Tennessee. Currently, FAIC markets its products only in Kentucky and Indiana.
FAIC has contracted with the Company to provide administrative and data
processing services. As discussed in the following paragraph, the only expenses
to be directly incurred by FAIC are direct agency expenses including commissions
Benefit Capital Life Insurance Company
On December 30, 1999, FAIC, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired 100% of the
common stock of Benefit Capital Life Insurance Company from an unaffiliated
insurance holding company (the BCLIC Acquisition). Benefit Capital was licensed
in the state of Louisiana only and had statutory capital and surplus of
approximately $413,000. Effective February 28, 2001, BCLIC was sold and the 2001
operating results included in the consolidated statements of operations were
revenues of $15,364 and benefits, losses and expenses of $20,789.
Administration
Effective November 1, 1995, the Company entered into a service agreement with
FAIC to provide personnel, facilities, and services to FAIC. FAIC has no
employees. The services to be performed pursuant to the service agreement are
underwriting, claim processing, accounting, processing and servicing of
policies, and other services necessary to carry on FAIC's business. Under the
agreement FAIC paid monthly fees based on life and annuity premiums received by
FAIC. The percentages were 25 percent of first-year premiums; 20 percent of
second-year premiums; 15 percent of third-year premiums; 10 percent of
fourth-year premiums and 5 percent of premiums in years five and thereafter.
FAIC retained direct agency expenses such as agent training and licensing,
agency meeting expenses, and other directly related expenditures. On January 1,
2001, the existing service agreement was terminated and a new agreement became
effective. Under the agreement effective January 1, 2001, FAIC pays the actual
costs of incurred expenses plus a markup of 15%. The services to be performed
are the same under each agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, FAIC
had incurred expenses of $2,178,155, $847,530, and $821,562 for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Products of FAIC
The primary insurance product currently marketed by FAIC is a modified payment
whole life insurance policy with a flexible premium deferred annuity rider. A
modified payment whole life insurance policy requires premium payments to be
made for a certain number of years after which the policyholder is entitled to
full policy benefits. Typical premium paying periods for modified payment whole
life insurance polices are ten, fifteen and twenty years. FAIC's product,
marketed as the "Alliance 2000," combines both a ten and twenty payment period
based on the issue age of the insured. Issue ages from zero to 20 and 66 through
80 are ten-pay polices and issue ages from age 21 to 65 are twenty-pay policies.
Premium payments are split between the life insurance and annuity based on
percentages established in the product design. First-year premium payments are
allocated 100% to life insurance and renewal payments are split 50% to life and
50% to annuity. The product is sold in premium units with the ability to
purchase either fractional or multiple units. At the end of the required premium
paying period, the policyholder may continue to make full premium payments into
the annuity rider to provide greater annuity accumulations.
The initial product was designed to provide predetermined life insurance
benefits based on the age of the insured. The base coverage decreases each year
until an ultimate benefit amount is attained. The annuity rider does not contain
any fees or loads. Surrender charges in the annuity are based on a regressive
scale which starts at 10% in the first year and decreases by 1% each year until
after the tenth policy year whereupon there are no surrender charges.
This product is the result of a modification of FAIC's initial insurance product
that was introduced in November of 1995. The initial insurance product was a
twenty-pay ordinary life policy with a flexible premium deferred annuity rider.
For issue ages zero to 50, there was an annual income protection benefit
C-4
rider (decreasing term rider).
FAIC also offers credit life and accident and health insurance products (see
"Credit Insurance Agreement" below) as well as a ten-year term life insurance
policy, preneed insurance products and a single premium deferred annuity
product.
Product Marketing and Sales
FAIC markets its primary insurance product through captive agents; approximately
32 captive agents are licensed to sell this product. FAIC uses the same
face-to-face marketing techniques for this as the Company did for its public
stock offering. The marketing plan is designed in its entirety around the
Company's stockholder base, which provides an excellent referral system for
product sales.
During 2001 the Company designed and began selling preneed insurance products.
These products are sold primarily to persons over the age of 50 and are sold be
agents who are affiliated with funeral homes. The primary product being sold is
a single premium life product. The Company also sells products with 3, 5 and 10
years payment terms. There are 47 agents licensed to sell the preneed products.
FAIC also markets credit life and disability insurance products to banks
throughout the state of Kentucky. Marketing of these products is accomplished
through an agreement with the Kentucky Bankers Association (KBA). A
representative of the KBA promotes FAIC's credit insurance products through
banks that are members of the KBA. Marketing of these products commenced in
December of 1998. There are approximately 460 agents licensed to sell credit
insurance.
FAIC is licensed to market its products in the states of Indiana, Kansas,
Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Marketing in Indiana began in late 1998. Marketing
in Kansas, Ohio and Tennessee may not begin until a substantial policyholder
base is established in Kentucky and Indiana.
Credit Insurance Agreement
On November 1, 1998, FAIC entered into a credit insurance agreement with North
Central Life Insurance Company of St. Paul, Minnesota ("North Central"). Under
the terms of the agreement, FAIC reinsures 100% of all credit life and accident
and health insurance it writes in Kentucky. FAIC receives a ceding commission
equal to 2 1/2% (two and a half percent) of credit insurance premiums written,
plus 100% of commissions paid to agents. Additionally, North Central provides
all policy administration. During 2001, 2000 and 1999, FAIC received $544,126,
$520,018 and $230,129, respectively, of ceding commissions pursuant to the
agreement. FAIC remains primarily liable in the event North Central is unable to
meet its obligations under the terms of the reinsurance agreement. North Central
is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company.
Insurance In Force
The following table provides information concerning the Life Insurance
Subsidiaries' volume of life insurance coverage in force for each of the last
three years.
Year ended December 31
(Dollars in Thousands) 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Beginning of period $229,279 $195,895 $119,863
Acquired business of Benefit Capital 17,327
New business issued during the period:
Individual 79,186 58,027 79,466
Credit Life 34,950 36,091 10,310
-------- -------- --------
Total $343,415 $290,013 $226,966
Terminations during period
Sale of Benefit Capital 15,231
Individual 39,426 36,663 26,852
Credit Life 26,227 24,071 4,219
-------- -------- --------
In-force end of period $262,531 $229,279 $195,895
======== ======== ========
Reinsurance ceded at end of period $103,441 $ 86,207 $ 69,947
======== ======== ========
Reinsurance
Consistent with the general practice of the life insurance industry, FAIC
reinsures a portion of the coverage provided by the life insurance products they
offer. The maximum amount of risk that FAIC retains on its ordinary life
products is $50,000 on any one insured. The remaining coverage is reinsured with
Business Men's Assurance Company of America, located in Kansas City, Missouri.
Additional reinsurance is provided for the 10-year term product through Optimum
Re Insurance Company of Dallas, Texas. The retention limit on the 10-year term
product is $50,000. All credit life and accident and health insurance written by
FAIC is 100% reinsured with North Central Life Insurance Company of St. Paul,
Minnesota. At December 31, 2001, FAIC has reinsured $76,320,000 of ordinary life
insurance coverage. The company also reinsures $27,121,000 of credit life
insurance and $64,897,000 of accidental death benefits. To the extent that the
reinsurance companies are unable to meet their obligations under the reinsurance
agreements, the Company remains primarily liable for the entire amount at risk.
C-5
Underwriting
FAIC follows underwriting procedures designed to assess and quantify insurance
risks before issuing life insurance policies. Such procedures require medical
examinations (including blood tests, where permitted) of applicants for policies
of life insurance in excess of certain policy limits. These requirements are
graduated according to the applicant's age and vary by policy type. FAIC also
relies upon medical records and upon each applicant's written application for
insurance, which is generally prepared under the supervision of a trained agent.
Evaluating the impact of future Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ("AIDS")
claims under life insurance policies issued is extremely difficult, in part due
to the insufficiency and conflicting data regarding the number of persons now
infected with the AIDS virus, uncertainty as to the speed at which the AIDS
virus has and may spread through the general population, and advancements in
medical treatment options. FAIC has implemented, where legally permitted,
underwriting procedures designed to assist in the detection of the AIDS virus in
applicants.
Investments
The Company derives a substantial portion of its revenue from investments. FAIC
maintains diversified investment portfolios that are held primarily to fund
future policyholder obligations. State insurance laws impose certain
restrictions on the nature and extent of investments by insurance companies.
FAIC made substantial investments in equity securities during 2000. Neither the
Company nor its subsidiaries owned any collateralized mortgage-backed securities
as of December 31, 2001 that would be included in the high-risk classification.
Competition
The life insurance industry is extremely competitive. There are numerous
insurance companies which are substantially larger, have substantially greater
financial resources, offer more diversified product lines and have larger sales
organizations than FAIC. Competition is also encountered from the expanding
number of banks and other financial intermediaries that sell competing products.
FAIC must compete with other insurers to attract and retain qualified agents to
market FAIC's products.
Governmental Regulation
FAIC is subject to comprehensive regulation in the states in which they are
authorized to conduct business. The laws of such states establish supervisory
agencies with broad administrative powers to: (i) grant and revoke licenses to
transact business; (ii) regulate and supervise trade practices and market
conduct; (iii) establish guaranty associations; (iv) license agents; (v) approve
policy forms; (vi) approve premium rates for some lines of business; (vii)
establish reserve requirements; (viii) prescribe the form and content of
required financial statements and reports; (ix) determine the reasonableness and
adequacy of statutory capital and surplus; and (x) regulate the type and amount
of permitted investments. The Kentucky Department of Insurance also periodically
examines the business and accounts of FAIC.
FAIC also can be required, under the solvency or guaranty laws of most states in
which they do business, to pay assessments (up to prescribed limits) to fund
policyholder losses or liabilities of other insurance companies that become
insolvent. These assessments may be deferred or foregone under most guaranty
laws if they would threaten an insurer's financial strength and, in certain
instances, may be offset against future premium or intangible property taxes.
Kentucky has enacted legislation which regulates insurance holding company
systems, including acquisitions, extraordinary dividends, terms of affiliate
transactions, and other related matters. Under the Kentucky statutes, FAIC may
not during any year pay dividends on their common stock to their parent company
in excess of the lesser of the net gain from operations for the preceding year
or 10% of their capital and surplus at the end of the preceding year, without
the consent of the Kentucky Commissioner of Insurance. For 2001, the maximum
amount of dividends that FAIC could pay, without the Commissioner's approval, is
$61,514.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") has taken several
steps to address public concerns regarding insurer solvency. These steps
included implementing a state certification program designed to promote
uniformity among the insurance laws of the various states and developing insurer
reporting requirements that focus on asset quality, capital adequacy,
profitability, asset/liability matching, and liquidity. These requirements
include establishment of asset valuation reserves ("AVR") and interest
maintenance reserves ("IMR"), risk-based capital ("RBC") rules to assess the
capital adequacy of an insurer, and a revision to the Standard Valuation Law
("SVL") that specifies minimum reserve levels and requires cash flow testing in
which projected cash inflows from assets are compared to projected cash outflows
for liabilities to determine reserve adequacy.
FAIC's AVR, as of December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 is shown in Item 6.
"Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operations."
RBC provides a means of establishing the capital standards for insurance
companies to support their overall business operations with regard to their size
and risk profile. The four categories of major risk involved in the formula are
[i] asset risk - the risk with respect to the insurer's assets; [ii] insurance
risk - the risk of adverse insurance experience with respect to the insurer's
liabilities and obligations; [iii] interest rate risk - the interest risk with
respect to the insurer's business; and [iv] business risk - all other business
risk. A company's RBC is calculated by applying factors to various asset,
premium and reserve items, with higher factors for those items with greater
underlying risk and lower for less risky items. RBC standards are used by
regulators to set in motion appropriate
C-6
regulatory actions relating to insurers that show signs of weak or deteriorating
conditions. They also provide an additional standard for minimum capital, below
which companies would, be placed in conservatorship. Based on RBC computations
as of December 31, 2001, FAIC has capital levels which are at least 400% of the
minimum requirements.
Action taken by the NAIC in these and other areas may have a significant impact
on the regulation of insurance companies during the next several years. Given
their comparatively small size, it may be expected that FAIC would be affected
by more stringent regulatory policy, both under existing laws and any new
regulatory initiatives. Such effects could include curtailment or discontinuance
of insurance underwriting in one or more states, mandated increases in capital
and surplus, and/or other effects.
Federal Income Taxation
FAIC is taxed under the life insurance company provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Under the Code, a life insurance
company's taxable income incorporates all income, including life and health
premiums, investment income, and certain decreases in reserves. The Code
currently establishes a maximum corporate tax rate of 35%. The Code currently
requires capitalization and amortization over a five or ten year period of
certain policy acquisition costs incurred in connection with the sale of certain
insurance products. These provisions apply to life, health, and annuity
business. Certain proposals to make additional changes in the federal income tax
laws, including increasing marginal tax rates, and regulations affecting
insurance companies or insurance products, continue to be considered at various
times in the United States Congress and by the Internal Revenue Service. The
Company currently cannot predict whether any additional changes will be adopted
in the foreseeable future or, if adopted, whether such measures will have a
material effect on its operations.
Reserves
In accordance with applicable insurance laws, the Life Insurance Subsidiaries
have established and carry as liabilities actuarial reserves to meet their
policy obligations. Life insurance reserves, when added to interest thereon at
certain assumed rates and premiums to be received on outstanding policies, are
required to be sufficient to meet policy obligations. The actuarial factors used
in determining reserves in the statutory basis financial statements are based
upon statutorily-prescribed mortality and interest rates. Reserves maintained
for health insurance include the unearned premiums under each policy, reserves
for claims that have been reported but not yet paid, and reserves for claims
that have been incurred but have not been reported.
The reserves carried in the financial statements included elsewhere in this Form
10-KSB are calculated on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States and differ from the reserves specified by the laws of the
various states and carried in the financial statements of the Life Insurance
Subsidiaries prepared on the basis of statutory accounting principles. These
differences arise from the use of different mortality and morbidity tables and
interest assumptions, the introduction of lapse assumptions into the reserve
calculation, and the use of the level premium reserve method on all insurance
business. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
certain additional information regarding reserve assumptions under accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States.
Financial Information Relating to Industry Segments
Financial information related to specific segments of the Company's business is
presented below. All sales of life insurance by FAIC and BCLIC are to
unaffiliated customers. BCLIC's financial information is included from December
31, 1999 through February 28, 2001.
Years ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Premiums earned, net of reinsurance:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 4,679,692 $ 3,711,547 $ 3,329,812
============ ============ ============
Revenues:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 5,484,519 $ 4,235,693 $ 3,882,532
Venture capital operations 884 -- 30,923
Corporate operations 96,924 245,280 199,834
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 5,582,327 $ 4,480,973 $ 4,113,289
============ ============ ============
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 556,993 $ 873,928 $ 1,045,750
Venture capital operations (96) -- 30,923
Corporate operations (274,391) (672,810) (681,655)
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 282,506 $ 201,118 $ 395,018
============ ============ ============
Assets:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 22,435,019 $ 19,163,645 $ 16,729,347
Venture capital operations 309,635 208,766 208,766
Corporate operations 1,151,023 1,712,838 2,125,589
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 23,895,677 $ 21,085,249 $ 19,063,702
============ ============ ============
C-7
Employees
As of March 15, 2002 there were 21 full-time employees.
Item 2. Description of Property
The Company leases approximately 6,100 square feet located at 2285 Executive
Drive, Lexington, Kentucky. The lease expires on January 31, 2002. Annual rent
expense for the year ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 totaled $101,208,
$91,268 and $87,386, respectively. Currently, the Company policy is not to
invest in real estate or real estate mortgages, although a change in such policy
would not require a vote of security holders.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
There are no legal proceedings pending against the Company or its subsidiaries
or of which any of their property is the subject. There are no proceedings in
which any director, officer, affiliate or shareholder of the Company, or any of
their associates, is a party adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or has a material interest adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matter was submitted during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by
this Form 10-KSB to a vote of the Company's security holders, through the
solicitation of proxies or otherwise.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
(a.) Market Information
Trading of the Company's common stock is limited and sporadic and an established
public market does not exist.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
In August 2001 the Company commenced an offering of 500,000 shares of class A
common stock no par value for $3.00 per share. The securities are exempted from
registration in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of
1933 and related exemptions at the state level. Additionally, these securities
are restricted from transfer for thirty months from the date of purchase. The
shares of common stock were offered directly to potential subscribers on a
direct participation basis by the Company. At December 31, 2001, the Company had
sold 38,800 shares that raised total proceeds of $116,400 and incurred offering
cost of $37,903.
(b.) Holders
As of March 1, 2002, there are approximately 5,500 shareholders of the Company's
outstanding common stock.
(c.) Dividends
The Company has not paid any cash dividends since inception (February 16, 1993).
The Board of Directors of the Company has not adopted a dividend payment policy;
however, dividends must necessarily depend upon the Company's earnings and
financial condition, applicable legal restrictions, and other factors relevant
at the time the Board of Directors considers a dividend policy. Cash available
for dividends to shareholders of the Company must initially come from income and
capital gains earned on its investment portfolio, management service fees and
dividends paid by FAIC. Provisions of the Kentucky Insurance Code relating to
insurance holding companies subject transactions between the Company and FAIC,
including dividend payments by FAIC, to certain standards generally intended to
prevent such transactions from adversely affecting the adequacy of life
insurance subsidiaries' capital and surplus available to support policyholder
obligations. See Item 1. "Description of Business - Governmental Regulation." In
addition, under the Kentucky Business Corporation Act, the Company may not pay
dividends if, after giving effect to a dividend, it would not be able to pay its
debts as they become due in the usual course of business or if its total
liabilities would exceed its total assets.
During 2001 the Company paid a 5% stock dividend that included a $335 payment
for fractional shares.
Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
The Company makes forward-looking statements from time to time and desires to
take advantage of the "safe harbor" which is afforded such statements under the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 when they are accompanied by
meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements.
The statements contained in the following Management's Discussion and Analysis
or Plan of Operation, statements contained in future filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and publicly disseminated press releases, and statements
which may be made from time to time in the future by management of the Company
in presentations to shareholders, prospective investors, and others interested
C-8
in the business and financial affairs of the Company, which are not historical
facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the
forward-looking statements. Any projections of financial performances or
statements concerning expectations as to future developments should not be
construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results or developments will,
in fact, occur. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement
will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly different from
that set forth in such forward-looking statement. In addition to the risks and
uncertainties of ordinary business operations, the forward-looking statements of
the Company referred to above are also subject to risks and uncertainties. The
Company operates in a highly competitive business environment, and its
operations could be negatively affected by matters discussed under the caption,
"Competition", on page 6 of this Form 10-KSB.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto.
During 2001 net income decreased $89,340 compared to 2000 results and loss per
share increased 148% to a loss per share of $.03 compared to a $.01 loss per
share in the prior year while equity per share decreased 8% to $1.69. A
significant portion of the loss is attributable to marketing cost related to the
cost of entering new markets that were expensed and not capitalized. Also the
decline in interest rates reduced the amount of investment income that could be
earned on bond and cash investments.
Acquisitions
Benefit Capital Life Insurance Company
On December 30, 1999, FAIC, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired 100% of the
common stock of Benefit Capital Life Insurance Company from an unaffiliated
insurance holding company (the BCLIC Acquisition). Benefit Capital is licensed
in the state of Louisiana only and had statutory capital and surplus of
approximately $413,000. The aggregate purchase price for the BCLIC Acquisition
was approximately $636,000 (including net cost associated with the acquisition
of approximately $54,000). The BCLIC acquisition was financed with the working
capital of FAIC and 25,000 shares of Company stock valued at $62,500. The BCLIC
Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. BCLIC's results of operations are
included in the consolidated statements from the date of acquisition to the date
of disposal. A capital contribution of $37,000 was made during 2000.
Dispositions
Purchase of FAC Stock and Sale of Benefit Capital Life Insurance Company
On June 27, 2000, the Company purchased 132,000 shares of FAC common stock from
Chris Haas ("Haas"), former Chairman of the Board of the Company, for $2.49 per
share for an aggregate purchase price of $328,680 and entered into an agreement
with Haas to exchange all the outstanding common capital stock of BCLIC for
268,000 shares of FAC common stock. FAC purchased BCLIC from FAIC for $670,000
cash and FAC exchanged BCLIC for 268,000 shares of FAC stock. The sale of BCLIC
to Haas was completed on March 5, 2001. BCLIC's 2001 operating results included
in the consolidated statements of operations were revenues of $15,364 and
benefits, losses, and expenses of $20,789.
Consolidated Financial Condition
Significant changes in the consolidated balance sheet of 2001 compared to 2000
reflect the operations of the Company, the sale of BCLIC and capital
transactions discussed below.
At December 31, 2001, the Company's available-for-sale fixed maturities had a
fair value of $8,894,904 and amortized cost of $8,530,517. The available-
for-sale portfolio consists of fixed maturities and equity securities. This
portfolio is reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of
applicable deferred taxes, reflected as a separate component in shareholders'
equity. The Company's fixed maturities portfolio decreased approximately .2%
during 2001 and decreased approximately 4% in 2000, on an amortized cost basis.
The net change for 2001 was immaterial. The 2000 decrease resulted primarily
from repositioning funds into the equities markets. Moody's rating service rated
all of the Company's fixed maturities portfolio Aaa to Baa2.
The Company's investment in equity securities decreased $843,941 and $1,032,388
during 2001 on a cost and fair value basis, respectively, after increasing
$2,785,730 and $1,724,214 on a cost and fair value basis, respectively in 2000
As of December 31, 2001 there were $1,224,670 of net unrealized losses in equity
securities, as compared to a $1,036,223 unrealized loss at December 31, 2000.
One security accounted for $212,081 and $190,639 of such unrealized losses at
December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
As more extensively discussed under Consolidated Results of Operations, the
Company realized net capital gains and (losses) from its investments during the
three-year period ended December 31, 2001. Management believes these pretax net
gains and (losses) which total ($186,872), ($146,418) and $205 during 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively, are more than would have been obtained from a more
conservative investment strategy involving only investment grade bonds. Net
capital gains or (losses) for a given period are not necessarily indicative of
those for future periods.
At December 31, 2001 and 2000 the Company held notes receivable of $770,280 and
$569,788, net of a valuation allowance of $116,616 and $149,698, respectively.
At December 31, 2001, the Company had $4,159 of notes receivable that had been
non-income producing for the twelve months prior to December 31, 2001.
The decrease of $85,000 in other invested assets during 2001 resulted from the
Company's additional
C-9
investment in a venture capital limited partnership and the sale of an 8%
interest in a limited liability company that specializes in the placement of
rated and hard to place life insurance products.
The Company has maintained significant cash and short-term balances over the
past several years, principally to hedge against the uncertainty of future
interest rates.
Deferred policy acquisition costs increased $1,354,137 net of amortization of
$1,235,457 during 2001. Policy acquisition expenses related to new insurance
sales totaled $2,589,594 and were capitalized during 2001.
Total policy liabilities as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 were $11,972,326 and
$9,406,470, respectively. Approximately 40% of the 2001 total consist of future
policy benefit and unearned premium reserves while policyholder deposit
liabilities represent 57% of the total.
Policyholder deposits liabilities as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 were
$7,358,247 and $4,859,854, respectively.
Shown below is a progression of the Company's policyholder deposit activity for
the year ended December 31, 2001.
Year ended December 31, 2001 Total Annuity Other
----- ------- -----
Beginning Balance $4,859,854 $4,629,330 $230,524
Deposits 2,255,118 2,195,548 59,570
Benefit Capital deposits (42,725) -- (42,725)
Withdrawals (276,545) (226,903) (49,642)
Interest credited 562,545 550,593 11,952
----------- ----------- ---------
Ending Balance $7,358,247 $7,148,568 $209,679
========== ========== =========
The growth in policyholder deposit liabilities has resulted from the annuity
rider deposits that begin in the second policy year.
The Company has a relatively low effective federal income tax rate, which can
fluctuate significantly due to the application of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The most
significant provision under SFAS No.109 affecting the Company is the
disallowance of the small life insurance company deduction when computing
deferred taxes. The small life insurance deduction allows the Life Insurance
Subsidiaries to reduce their taxable income by 60% before computing their
current provision for tax. By disallowing this, deduction in the computation of
deferred taxes, SFAS No.109 significantly increases the deferred taxes on the
Life Insurance Subsidiaries' temporary differences. Thus, when a significant
increase or decrease occurs in the Company's net temporary differences, the
related deferred tax is computed using the 35% federal tax rate, whereas tax
will actually be paid on these net liabilities (when realized) at a lower rate.
The Company's gross deferred federal income tax liabilities and assets are more
fully discussed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. All
operating deferred tax assets of the Company are realizable by offset against
existing deferred tax liabilities.
Capital deferred tax assets must be offset against future capital gains. The
Company believes such gains will materialize and the deferred tax assets will be
realized. The deferred tax assets are offset, to some extent, by valuation
allowances related to the Company and to the Life Insurance Subsidiaries. The
Company's valuation allowance is designed to reduce deferred tax assets to their
estimated ultimate realizable value.
Consolidated Results of Operations
The primary source of revenue for the Company is life insurance premium income.
Premium payments are classified as first-year, renewal and single. Renewal
premiums are any premium payments made after the first year the policy is in
force.
Shown below is the Company's premium income for the three years ended December
31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Premium Income 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
First-year $ 2,451,037 $ 1,432,658 $ 1,886,288
Renewal 2,412,681 2,440,347 1,543,799
Single - Credit insurance 873,535 806,064 368,727
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross premium income $ 5,737,253 $ 4,679,069 $ 3,798,814
Reinsurance premium ceded (1,057,561) (967,522) (469,002)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net premium income $ 4,679,692 $ 3,711,547 $ 3,329,812
=========== =========== ===========
C-10
During 2001, first-year premium income increased $1,018,379 from 2000 levels due
to an increase in new sales, however, 2002 sales are expected to decrease due to
ending the sale of FAIC's founders product. Reinsurance premiums are a direct
reduction of premium income. Credit insurance is 100% reinsured. The reinsurance
premiums related to credit insurance were $873,535, $806,064 and $368,727 in
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Net investment income for 2001 was $738,239, an increase of $29,864 over 2000
results. This increase is primarily due to a larger investment base from FAIC's
operations and lower investment expense. Net investment income in 2000 and 1999
was $708,375 and $659,309, respectively. Investment yields have declined due to
a decline in the yields available on bonds.
Net realized investment losses which total $186,872 during 2001 from the sale of
bonds and common stock and losses recognized on notes receivable are more than
would have been obtained from a more conservative investment strategy involving
only investment grade bonds. During 2000 and 1999, realized investment gains and
losses were $146,418 loss and $205 gain, respectively, from the sale of bonds
and common stocks.
Service fee revenue and other income totaled $357,687 in 2001 which represents a
$150,219 increase over 2000 results of $207,469. The Company provides accounting
support to Mid-American Alliance Corporation and its subsidiaries Mid American
Century Life Insurance Company and Security Alliance Insurance Company, First
American Capital Corporation and its subsidiary First Life America Corporation,
Integrity Capital Corporation and Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation. Fees related
to these accounting services were $300,364, $173,825 and $95,531 in 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively.
The Company incurred a $6,419 loss from its share of the net operating loss of
FCS.
The increase in life insurance policy reserves was $1,114,526, $754,517 and
$870,582 in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Life insurance reserves are
established to provide for the payment of policyholder benefits. Actuaries
consider factors such as premiums, interest, mortality and life expectancy when
calculating reserve factors. Typically, these reserve factors increase as a
policy reaches another anniversary, creating a larger reserve.
Commissions to insurance agents, excluding commissions to credit insurance
agents, totaled $1,467,048, $1,132,622 and $1,304,124 in 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. In December 1998, FAIC began selling credit insurance. During
2001, 2000 and 1999, commission on the sale of credit insurance was $522,288,
$499,867 and $220,838. Commissions are paid to agents on first-year, renewal and
single premium payments. First-year commission percentages are significantly
greater than renewal commission percentages. When new premiums written increase
from year to year and existing policies renew, commission expense increases.
During 2001, the increase in the sale of credit insurance and an increase in
first-year ordinary life premium income, accounts for the $356,847 increase in
commission expense in 2001 over 2000.
Death claims during 2001, 2000 and 1999, net of reinsurance ceded, were
$117,655, $187,484 and $122,135, respectively.
Annuity premiums received are recorded as liabilities rather than income,
pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 97, "Accounting and
Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for
Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments." Interest is incurred
and credited to the annuity fund balances. As policies renew, the annuity fund
balance increases which also increases the base on which interest is earned by
the policyholder. The growth in the annuity fund balance accounts for the
increase in interest expense between years. Interest expense was $574,754,
$340,672 and $200,107 for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Certain costs related to the acquisition of life insurance policies are
capitalized and amortized over the premium-paying period of the policies. These
costs, which are referred to as deferred policy acquisition costs, include
commissions and other costs of acquiring life insurance, which vary with, and
are primarily related to, the production of new insurance contracts. The
capitalized cost will be amortized over the life of the associated policies. In
2001, 2000 and 1999, $2,589,594, $1,281,288 and $1,655,160 of these costs were
capitalized. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs totaled
$1,235,457, $660,311 and $760,468 for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Selling, administrative and general insurance expenses increased $129,360 in a
comparison of 2001 to 2000. These expenses relate to the administration and
issuance of life insurance policies. This increase can be attributed to an
increase in sales and processing costs. Selling, administrative and general
insurance expenses totaled $676,248, $546,888 and $363,166 in 2001, 2000 and
1999, respectively. Salaries, wages and employee benefits totaled $1,752,360,
$1,059,711 and $1,102,195 in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The $692,649
increase in 2001 was primarily attributable to an increase in marketing salaries
and salaries related to the service business.
Professional fees increased $8,938 during 2001 compared to 2000. Professional
fees include accounting, actuarial, consulting, and legal fees. Professional
fees totaled $204,975, $196,037 and $107,708 for 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
Income tax expense for 2001 totaled $431,727. Federal income taxes are
calculated based on the earnings of FAIC. Certain items included in income
reported for financial statements are not included in taxable income for the
current year, resulting in deferred income taxes. Of the $431,727 amount above,
deferred income taxes totaled $431,453 and taxes currently payable were $274. In
2000 total income tax expense was $260,999, of which $225,431 was deferred. In
1999 total income tax expense was $254,540, of which
C-11
$230,783 was deferred.
Statutory Insurance Information
For insurance regulatory and rating purposes, FAIC reports on the basis of
statutory accounting principles ("SAP"). A.M. Best Company ("Best") has given
First Alliance Insurance Company a rating of NR-1 (insufficient data).
To provide a more detailed understanding of First Alliance operations, shown
below are SAP basis assets, asset valuation reserves, statutory capital and
surplus, net income and net operating income for First Alliance Insurance
Company for the five years ended December 31, 2001.
Statutory
Asset Capital Net Asset
Year ended Valuation and Net Operating Valuation
December 31 Assets Reserves [1] Surplus Income Income Reserves [1]
- ----------- ------ ------------ ------- ------ ------ ------------
2001 $16,570,910 $12,215 $4,467,627 $(803,962) $(872,517) $12,215
2000 $14,003,366 $ 9,971 $5,564,827 $ 61,514 $ 181,789 $ 9,971
1999 $12,312,179 $43,635 $6,460,894 $ 100,989 $ 100,989 $43,635
1998 $ 9,865,490 $10,115 $6,306,783 $ 107,578 $ 107,578 $10,115
1997 $ 8,185,820 $ 9,649 $6,227,997 $ 194,977 $ 194,977 $ 9,649
[1] Asset Valuation Reserves are statutory liabilities that act as contingency
reserves in the event of extraordinary losses on invested assets and as a
buffer for policyholders' surplus to reduce the impact of realized and
unrealized investment losses.
During 2001, statutory capital and surplus and asset valuation reserves
decreased by approximately $1,094,956. This decrease resulted primarily from
$357,587 of net unrealized losses and a statutory net loss of $803,962. During
2000, statutory capital and surplus and asset valuation reserves decreased by
approximately $929,731. This decrease resulted primarily from $891,779 of net
unrealized losses, $100,989 shareholder dividend offset by $61,514 of statutory
net income. During 1999, statutory capital and surplus and asset valuation
reserves increased by approximately $187,631. This increase resulted primarily
from $100,989 of statutory income, $24,696 of unrealized investment gains and
$62,500 of additional surplus paid in. During 1998, statutory capital and
surplus and asset valuation reserves increased by approximately $79,252. This
increase resulted primarily from $107,578 of statutory net income offset by
$28,326 of unrealized investment losses.
Statutory capital and surplus, specifically the component called surplus, is
used to fund the expansion of an insurance company's first-year individual life
and accident and health sales. The first-year commission and underwriting
expenses on such sales will normally consume a very high percentage of, if not
exceed, first-year premiums. Accordingly, a statutory loss may occur on these
sales the first year of the policy.
Cash Flow And Liquidity
During 2001, the Company generated $703,889 of positive cash flow from
operations compared to $819,857 in 2000 and $595,304 in 1999. The increases for
the three years can be attributed primarily to increased life and health
insurance premiums received and annuity deposits.
Cash used by investment activities during 2001 of $903,736 resulted primarily
from a decision to increase the investments in available-for-sale fixed
maturities and other invested assets and decrease the investments in equity
securities and the sale of BCLIC. Cash used by investment activities during 2000
of $3,370,739 resulted primarily from a decision to increase the investments in
equity securities, notes receivable and other invested assets. Cash provided by
financing activities in 2001 includes an increase in net policyholder deposits
of $1,979,552 and net proceeds of $78,497 from the sale of common stock of the
Company. Cash provided by financing activities in 2000 includes an increase in
net policyholder deposits of $1,284,394 and a net use of cash of $229,168 from
the purchase and sale of common stock of the Company. Cash provided by financing
activities in 1999 includes an increase in net policyholder deposits of
$1,067,309 and $130,847 from the sale and purchase of common stock of the
Company.
The Company is subject to various market risks. However, the most significant
such risks relate to fluctuations in interest rates and in prices of equity
securities. Regarding interest rates, the value of the Company's fixed-maturity
investment portfolio will increase or decrease in an inverse relationship with
fluctuations In interest rates while net investment income earned on
newly-acquired fixed-maturities increases or decreases in direct relationship
with interest rate changes. From an income perspective, the Company is exposed
to rising interest rates which could be a significant risk, as FAIC's annuity
business is subject to variable interest rates. The Life insurance company's
life insurance policy liabilities bear fixed rates. From a liquidity
perspective, the Company's fixed rate policy liabilities have been relatively
insensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Accordingly, the Company believes
gradual increases in interest rates do not present a significant liquidity
exposure for the life insurance policies. Historically, the Company has
maintained conservative durations in its fixed-maturity portfolio. At December
31, 2001 cash and fixed-maturity investments with maturities of less than five
years equaled more than one hundred percent of total policy liabilities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if interest rates rise significantly in a short
time frame, there can be no assurance that the life insurance industry,
including the Company, would not experience increased levels of surrenders and
reduced sales, and thereby be materially adversely affected.
C-12
The Company has not successfully managed the risk of equity security price
fluctuations during the last two years. In addition to the measures described
above, FAIC complies with the NAIC promulgated Standard Valuation Law ("SVL")
which specifies minimum reserve levels and prescribes methods for determining
them, with the intent of enhancing solvency. Upon meeting certain test, which
FAIC met during 2001 and 2000, the SVL also requires the Company to perform
annual cash flow testing for FAIC. This testing is designed to ensure that
statutory reserve levels will maintain adequate protection in a variety of
potential interest rate scenarios. The Actuarial Standards Board of the American
Academy of Actuaries also requires cash flow testing as a basis for the
actuarial opinion on the adequacy of the reserves which is a required part of
the annual statutory reporting process.
Cash flow testing projects cash inflows from assets and cash outflows for
liabilities in various assumed economic and yield curve scenarios. This is a
dynamic process, whereby the performance of the assets and liabilities is
directly related to the scenario assumptions. (An example would involve the
credited interest rate on annuity products and how such rates vary depending
upon projected earnings rates, which are based upon asset performance under a
particular economic scenario.)
The Company's marketing plan could be modified to emphasize certain product
types and reduce others. New business levels could be varied in order to find
the optimum level. Management believes that the Company's current liquidity,
current bond portfolio maturity distribution and positive cash flow from
operations give it substantial resources to administer its existing business and
fund growth generated by direct sales. The Company will service other expenses
and commitments by: (1) Service fee income from FAIC and affiliated companies,
(2) Dividends from FAIC, which are limited by law to the lesser of prior year
net operating income or 10% of prior year-end capital and surplus unless
specifically approved by the controlling insurance department and (3) corporate
borrowings, if necessary.
C-13
Item 7. Financial Statements
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Page
Consolidated Financial Statements Numbers
-------
Independent Auditors' Report C-15
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 C-16
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999 C-18
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 C-19
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999 C-20
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements C-22
C-14
Independent Auditors' Report
Board of Directors and Shareholders
First Alliance Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Alliance
Corporation (a Kentucky corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001
and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of First Alliance
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ KERBER, ECK & BRAECKEL LLP
Springfield, Illinois
March 20, 2002
C-15
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
2001 2000
---- ----
ASSETS
Investments:
Available-for-sale fixed maturities, at fair value
(amortized cost, $8,530,517 and $8,548,507
in 2001 and 2000, respectively) $ 8,894,904 $ 8,734,400
Equity securities (cost of $2,324,377 and $3,168,318
in 2001 and 2000, respectively) 1,099,707 2,132,095
Policy loans 81,911 100,687
Notes receivable (net of $116,616 and $149,698
valuation allowance in 2001 and 2000, respectively) 770,280 569,788
Other invested assets 425,000 510,000
----------- -----------
Total investments 11,271,802 12,046,970
Cash and cash equivalents 5,902,785 4,044,915
Investment in related parties 371,276 237,500
Receivables from related parties 48,038 35,675
Accrued investment income 182,220 144,074
Premiums receivable 131,638 136,069
Advances to agents 88,828 36,382
Reinsurance recoverable 1,026,524 714,561
Deferred policy acquisition costs 4,718,225 3,364,088
Value of insurance acquired -- 57,224
Goodwill -- 151,027
Office furniture and equipment, less accumulated depreciation
of $129,027 and $116,975 in 2001 and 2000, respectively) 125,121 45,580
Federal income tax recoverable 143 --
Other assets 29,220 71,184
----------- -----------
Total assets $23,895,820 $21,085,249
=========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
C-16
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
December 31,
2001 2000
---- ----
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Policy and contract liabilities:
Annuity contract liabilities $ 7,148,568 $ 4,629,330
Life policy reserves (net of reinsurance
ceded reserves of $478,506 and $340,172
in 2001 and 2000, respectively) 4,791,633 4,379,730
Unearned premium reserves 466,135 358,981
Policy and contract claims 57,301 108,889
Policyholder dividend deposits -- 42,726
Policyholder premium deposits 209,679 187,798
Deposits on pending policy applications 193,313 276,287
Unearned revenue 63,263 77,010
Reinsurance premiums payable 66,901 56,349
------------ ------------
Total policy and contract liabilities 12,996,793 10,117,100
Commissions, salaries, wages and benefits payable 269,100 175,191
Payables to related parties 124,881 --
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 98,461 55,232
Federal income taxes payable:
Current -- 11,583
Deferred 995,292 575,826
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 14,484,527 10,934,932
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value, 8,000,000 shares
authorized; 5,561,455 and 5,527,360 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000 556,146 552,736
Additional paid in capital 13,466,445 12,628,272
Accumulated other comprehensive income (559,183) (561,217)
Retained earnings - deficit (4,052,115) (2,469,474)
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' equity 9,411,293 10,150,317
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 23,895,820 $ 21,085,249
============ ============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
C-17
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
REVENUES
Premium income $ 5,737,253 $ 4,679,069 $ 3,798,814
Premiums ceded (1,057,561) (967,522) (469,002)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net premiums earned 4,679,692 3,711,547 3,329,812
Net investment income 738,239 708,375 659,309
Net realized investment gain (loss) (186,872) (146,418) 205
Service fee revenue 300,364 173,825 95,531
Decrease in equity of unconsolidated subsidiary (6,419) -- --
Other income 57,323 33,644 28,432
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenue 5,582,327 4,480,973 4,113,289
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Death claims 327,977 220,219 330,270
Death claims ceded (208,538) (32,735) (208,135)
Net death claims 119,439 187,484 122,135
Increase in policy reserve 1,114,526 754,517 870,582
Policyholder surrender values 174,765 201,006 49,408
Interest credited on annuities
and premium deposit fund 562,544 340,672 200,107
Commissions 1,467,048 1,132,622 1,304,124
Policy acquisition costs deferred (2,589,594) (1,281,288) (1,655,160)
Amortization expense:
Deferred policy acquisition costs 1,235,457 660,311 760,468
Value of insurance acquired 681 4,087 --
Goodwill -- 7,949 --
Selling, administrative and general expense 676,248 546,888 363,166
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 1,752,360 1,059,711 1,102,195
Professional fees 204,975 196,037 107,708
Advisory board and directors fees 102,437 69,876 87,430
Rent expense 101,208 91,268 87,386
Depreciation expense 36,710 20,547 15,708
Interest expense 10,426 -- --
Other expenses 330,591 288,168 303,014
----------- ----------- -----------
Total benefits and expenses 5,299,821 4,279,855 3,718,271
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 282,506 201,118 395,018
----------- ----------- -----------
Federal income taxes 431,727 260,999 254,540
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (149,221) $ (59,881) $ 40,478
=========== =========== ===========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE -
BASIC AND DILUTED (0.03) (0.01) 0.02
=========== =========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
C-18
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
COMMON STOCK:
Balance, beginning of year 552,736 $ 564,318 $ 562,069
Sale of shares in private placement (38,800, 74,525
and 150,475 in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively) 3,880 7,453 15,047
Company stock acquired (268,000, 190,350 and
127,980 shares in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively) (26,800) (19,035) (12,798)
Stock dividend 263,295 shares @ 3.00 per share 26,330 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, end of year $ 556,146 552,736 564,318
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
Balance, beginning of year 12,628,272 12,466,943 12,180,353
Sale of shares in private placement (38,800, 74,525
and 150,475 in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively) 112,520 178,859 361,140
Cost of public offering (37,903) (1,050) (54,558)
Company stock acquired (268,000, 190,350 and
127,980 shares in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively) -- (16,480) (19,992)
Stock dividend 263,295 shares @ 3.00 per share 763,556 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, end of year 13,466,445 12,628,272 12,466,943
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Balance, beginning of year (561,217) (64,149) 97,469
Net unrealized gain (loss)
on available-for-sale securities,
net of reclassification adjustment (see below) 2,034 (497,068) (161,618)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, end of year (559,183) (561,217) (64,149)
RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT):
Balance, beginning of year (2,469,474) (2,030,679) (2,013,165)
Net income (loss) (149,221) (59,881) 140,478
Company stock acquired (268,000, 190,350 and
127,980 shares in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively) (643,200) (378,914) (157,992)
Stock dividend 263,295 shares @ 3.00 per share (789,885) -- --
Cash dividend 111.65 fractional shares @ 3.00 per share (335) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, end of year (4,052,115) (2,469,474) (2,030,679)
------------ ------------ ------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 9,411,293 $ 10,150,317 $ 10,936,433
============ ============ ============
DISCLOSURE OF RECLASSIFICATION AMOUNT:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during period (104,084) (350,650) (161,823)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gain (loss)
included in net income (106,118) (146,418) 205
------------ ------------ ------------
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities $ 2,034 $ (497,068) $ (161,618)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
C-19
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ (149,221) $ (59,881) $ 140,478
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Increase in policy reserves 1,428,363 413,401 1,240,096
Increase (decrease) in claim liabilities (51,588) 66,790 22,000
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverable (311,963) 338,603 (370,932)
Interest credited on annuities and premium deposits 561,790 340,672 183,734
Provision for depreciation 36,710 20,547 15,708
Amortization of goodwill -- 7,949 --
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs, net (1,354,137) (620,977) (894,692)
Amortization of value of insurance acquired 681 4,087 --
Amortization of premium and accretion of discount 22,336 20,708 23,883
Net realized investment (gain) loss 14,730 146,418 (205)
Increase in policy loans (20,687) (68,493) (5,587)
(Increase) decrease in receivables from related parties (12,363) (21,472) 6,293
Increase in accrued investment income (47,853) (8,592) (21,207)
(Increase) decrease in federal income tax recoverable (143) 7,985 (7,985)
(Increase) decrease in premiums receivable 2,510 (54,379) (31,915)
(Increase) decrease in advances to agents (52,446) 6,616 14,678
(Increase) decrease in other assets 39,137 3,634 (39,458)
Increase (decrease) in deposits on pending policy
applications (82,974) 43,129 16,593
Decrease in unearned revenue (13,747) (9,868) (17,221)
Increase (decrease) in reinsurance premium payable 10,552 (5,101) (3,733)
Increase in commissions, salaries, wages and benefits 93,909 41,809 68,641
Increase in payables to related parties 124,881 -- --
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses
and other liabilities 45,613 (34,537) 57,607
Increase (decrease) in federal income taxes payable (11,583) 11,583 (32,258)
Increase in deferred federal income tax liability 431,385 229,226 230,786
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 703,892 819,857 595,304
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of available-for-sale fixed maturities (2,508,464) (2,790,071) (4,031,911)
Sale of available-for-sale fixed maturities 1,386,823 3,084,201 1,789,689
Purchase of common stock -- (5,136,342) (362,588)
Sale of common stock 681,118 2,237,945 --
Purchase of limited partnership interest (150,000) -- (150,000)
Purchase of limited liability company interest (5,000) (360,000) --
Sale of subsidiary net of cash disposed (232,850) (3,720) (200,092)
(Increase) decrease in notes receivable 182,590 (466,624) 118,472
Short term investments disposed -- 200,000 --
Purchase of investments in unconsolidated affiliates (133,776) (112,500) --
Purchase of furniture and equipment, net (124,177) (23,628) (3,723)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (903,736) (3,370,739) (2,840,153)
C-20
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
Years ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Deposits on annuity contracts, net $ 1,968,645 $ 1,295,669 $ 1,057,423
Policyholder premium deposits (withdrawals), net 10,684 (10,813) 9,886
Policyholder dividend deposits, net 223 (462) --
Proceeds from sale of company stock 116,400 186,312 376,187
Cost of stock offering (37,903) (1,050) (54,558)
Dividends paid (335) -- --
Repurchase of company stock -- (414,430) (190,782)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 2,057,714 1,055,226 1,198,156
----------- ----------- -----------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,857,870 (1,495,656) (1,046,693)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 4,044,915 5,540,571 6,587,264
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $ 5,902,785 $ 4,044,915 $ 5,540,571
=========== =========== ===========
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Exchange of 8% equity investment in Ken Belsky &
Associates, LLC for a note receivable of $350,000 $ 350,000 -- --
=========== =========== ===========
Common stock dividend $ 789,885 -- --
=========== =========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
C-21
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
First Alliance Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated on February 16, 1993
for the primary purpose of forming, owning and managing life insurance
companies. On March 4, 1994, the Company's registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Kentucky Department of Financial
Institutions for a $12,500,000 public stock offering, which included a 10%
"over-sale" provision (additional sales of $1,250,000), was declared effective.
The Company completed its public stock offering on October 28, 1995, raising
total capital of $13,750,000.
The Company had two wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, First Alliance
Insurance Company ("FAIC") domiciled in Kentucky and Benefit Capital Life
Insurance Company ("BCLIC") domiciled in Louisiana, prior to the sale of BCLIC
that was effective February 28, 2001. FAIC was incorporated on December 29, 1994
and initially capitalized with $3,000,000 on January 10, 1995. The Company made
an additional $3,000,000 capital contribution on May 15, 1995 and the Kentucky
Department of Insurance ("KDI") granted FAIC a Certificate of Authority on May
17, 1995. Insurance operations commenced on November 1, 1995. BCLIC was
purchased December 30, 1999 and had capital and surplus of $480,501 at the date
of purchase. Operating results of BCLIC are included in the financial statements
from the date of acquisition through February 28, 2001.
FAIC's initial product was a twenty pay ordinary life insurance policy with a
flexible premium deferred annuity rider and a decreasing term rider for issue
ages 0 to 50. During 1997, the Company modified the insurance product being
marketed. The revised product offers a life insurance policy with an annuity
rider similar to the initial product, however the annual income protection
benefit rider was eliminated and death benefits on the base policy modified.
Additionally, the split between life and annuity premiums and the premium paying
period were changed. In the first year, the full premium is allocated to life
insurance with all renewal premium payments being split half to life and half to
annuity. Depending on the issue age, the premium paying period is either ten or
twenty years.
The product is being sold in premium units with the ability to purchase either
fractional or multiple units. If a greater accumulated annuity value is desired,
the policyholder may continue to make the premium payments, after the completion
of the premium-paying period, with the entire payment funding the annuity. Other
products currently being marketed by FAIC are a single premium deferred annuity,
a ten-year term policy, preneed and credit life and credit accident and health.
FAIC is licensed and sells its product in the states of Indiana, Kansas,
Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Currently, the products are only marketed in
Kentucky and Indiana.
The Company has a wholly owned venture capital subsidiary, First Kentucky
Capital Corporation ("FKCC"), which was capitalized with $224,000 during 1996
and commenced operations on April 12, 1996. Additional capital contributions of
$127,500 and $92,000 were made during 1999 and 1997, respectively. FKCC provides
capital for Kentucky based businesses for both start-up companies and for
expansion of existing businesses. Investments may take the form of loans,
guarantees, commitments, equity, or joint venture agreements, or any combination
thereof.
On June 16, 1999, FKCC executed a commitment to purchase three units of the
Prosperitas Investment Partners, LP ("Prosperitas") for $450,000. Prosperitas is
a venture capital fund based in Louisville, Kentucky. An initial payment of
$22,500, which represents 5% of the total investment, was paid upon the
execution of the subscription agreement. Upon receipt by Prosperitas of the
Small Business Investment Company ("SBIC") license from the U.S. Small Business
Association, an additional $127,500 was invested. An additional investment of
$150,000 was made during 2001. The investment at December 31, 2001 was $300,000
with the remaining amount of the commitment due on the fourth anniversaries of
the initial capital contribution, however the general partner has the right to
accelerate or delay capital calls.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") which differ
from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the KDI and the
Louisiana Department of Insurance ("LDI").
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and
operations of the Company, FAIC, FKCC, AIM, KIM and BCLIC from its date of
acquisition December 31, 1999 through date of disposition, February 28, 2001.
All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior years financial statements
to conform to current year classifications. These reclassifications had no
effect on previously reported net income or shareholder equity.
Managements Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect amounts reported in the financial
C-22
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Investments
The Company classifies all of its fixed maturity and equity securities, except
equity securities of related parties as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale
securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of
applicable deferred taxes, reported in other comprehensive income. Policy loans
are carried at unpaid balances. Notes receivable are carried at unpaid principal
balance, net of allowance for uncollectible amounts. Other invested assets are
carried at cost. Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments
with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and are also
carried at cost which approximates fair value. Realized gains and losses on
sales of investments are recognized in operations on the specific identification
basis. Interest and dividends earned on investments are included in net
investment income.
Investments in related parties are carried at cost except the investment in
First Computer Services, LLC ("FCS") is carried on an equity basis (see Note 7).
Office Furniture and Equipment
Office furniture and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation
using principally the 200% declining balance method over the estimated useful
life of the respective assets. Accumulated depreciation was $129,027 and
$116,975 at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Office Lease
The Company leases approximately 6,100 square feet located at 2285 Executive
Drive, Lexington, Kentucky. The lease expires on January 31, 2002. Annual rent
expense for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 totaled $101,208,
$91,268 and $87,386, respectively.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Commissions and other costs of acquiring life insurance, which vary with, and
are primarily related to, the production of new insurance contracts have been
deferred to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues and gross
profits. The acquisition costs are amortized over the life of the related
policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policy
reserves.
Goodwill and Value of Insurance Acquired
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of purchased subsidiaries,
over amounts assigned (based on estimated fair values at the date of
acquisition) to the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is amortized over
20 years. At December 31, 2001 there is no accumulated amortization due to the
sale of BCLIC. At December 31, 2000 accumulated amortization was $7,949.
Value of insurance acquired is recorded at the estimated value assigned to the
insurance in force of the purchased subsidiary at the date of acquisition. The
assigned value is amortized over the expected remaining life of the insurance in
force. At December 31, 2001 there is no accumulated amortization due to the sale
of BCLIC. At December 31, 2000 accumulated amortization was $4,087.
Life Policy Reserves
The liabilities for future policy benefits on the Company's life insurance
products are computed using the net level premium method and assumptions as to
investment yields, mortality, withdrawals and other assumptions, modified as
necessary to reflect anticipated trends and to include provisions for possible
unfavorable deviations. The assumptions utilized were 7.25% for investment
yields, 1975-1980 select and ultimate tables for mortality, and Linton BA tables
for withdrawal rates.
Annuity Contract Liabilities
Annuity contract liabilities are computed using the retrospective deposit method
and consist of policy account balances, before deducting surrender charges,
which accrue to the benefit of policyholders. Premiums received on annuity
contracts are recognized as an increase in a liability rather than premium
income. Interest credited on annuity contracts is recognized as an expense.
Liability for Policy Claims
Policy claim liabilities are based on known liabilities plus estimated future
liabilities developed from trends of historical data applied to current
exposures.
Policyholder Deposits
Policyholder deposits consist primarily of premium and dividend deposits.
Policyholder premium deposits represent premiums received for the payment of
future premiums on existing policyholder contracts. Interest is credited on
these deposits at the rate of 6%. The premium deposits are recognized as an
increase in a liability rather than premium income. Policyholder dividend
deposits represent dividends paid to policyholders of BCLIC that have been left
with the company to earn interest. Interest was credited on these deposits at
the rate of 4%. Interest credited on premium and dividend deposits is recognized
as an expense.
Participating Insurance
C-23
FAIC's former subsidiary, BCLIC, had $6,106,000 of participating insurance in
force at December 31, 2000. Participating insurance represents 40.1% of BCLIC's
inforce at December 31, 2000, and 2.8% of all insurance inforce at December 31,
2000, and 91.5% of BCLIC's premium income at December 31, 2000 and 1.3% of all
premium income at December 31, 2000. Participating dividends are determined at
the discretion of the board of directors. No dividends were paid during 2001 and
2000.
Premiums
Life insurance premiums for limited payment contracts are recorded according to
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 97, "Accounting and
Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for
Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments." Any gross premium in
excess of net premium is deferred and recognized in income in a constant
relationship with insurance in force.
Federal Income Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred
income taxes are provided for cumulative temporary differences between balances
of assets and liabilities determined under generally accepted accounting
principles and balances determined for tax reporting purposes. Reinsurance
Estimated reinsurance receivables are reported as assets and are recognized in a
manner consistent with the liabilities related to the underlying reinsured
contracts, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 113, "Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration
and Long-Duration Contracts."
Common Stock
Common stock has no par value and a stated value of $.10 per share.
Earnings Per Share
Net income (loss) per common share for basic and diluted earnings per share is
based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the
year. The weighted average outstanding common shares was 5,450,168, 5,602,062
and 5,645,035 during 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Comprehensive Income
As of January 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income". SFAS No. 130
establishes new rules for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and
its components; however, the adoption of this statement had no impact on the
Company's net income or total shareholders' equity. SFAS No. 130 requires
unrealized gains and losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities to be
included in other comprehensive income.
3. ACQUISITION OF BENEFIT CAPITAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
On December 30, 1999, FAIC, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired 100% of the
common stock of Benefit Capital Life Insurance Company from an unaffiliated
insurance holding company ("the BCLIC Acquisition"). The BCLIC Acquisition was
accounted for as a purchase. Results of operations are included in the
consolidated statements from the date of acquisition through February 28,2001.
The aggregate purchase price for the BCLIC Acquisition was approximately
$636,000 (including net cost associated with the acquisition of approximately
$54,000). The BCLIC acquisition was financed with the working capital of FAIC
and 25,000 shares of Company stock valued at $62,500. A capital contribution of
$37,000 was made during 2000.
4. PURCHASE OF FAC STOCK AND SALE OF BENEFIT CAPITAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
On June 27, 2000, the Company purchased 132,000 shares of FAC common stock from
Chris Haas ("Haas"), former Chairman of the Board of the Company, for $2.49 per
share for an aggregate purchase price of $328,680 and entered into an agreement
with Haas to exchange all the outstanding common capital stock of BCLIC for
268,000 shares of FAC common stock. FAC purchased BCLIC from FAIC for $670,000
cash and FAC exchanged BCLIC for 268,000 shares of FAC stock. The sale of BCLIC
to Haas was completed on March 5, 2001. BCLIC's 2001 operating results included
in the consolidated statements of operations were revenues of $15,364 and
benefits, losses, and expenses of $20,789.
5. INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturities and equity
securities at December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 are summarized as follows:
C-24
Investments
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
---- ----- ------ -----
'December 31, 2001:
Fixed maturities
U.S. government bonds $4,430,590 $281,899 $ -- $4,712,489
Municipal bonds 749,887 18,699 -- 768,586
Corporate bonds 3,350,040 86,211 22,422 3,413,829
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total $8,530,517 $386,809 $ 22,422 $8,894,904
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Equity securities $2,324,377 $ 763 $1,225,433 $1,099,707
========== ======== ========== ==========
December 31, 2000:
Fixed maturities
U.S. government bonds $5,292,461 $171,427 $ 9,621 $5,454,267
Municipal bonds 749,771 4,647 476 753,942
Corporate bonds 2,506,275 23,445 3,529 2,526,191
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total $8,548,507 $199,519 $ 13,626 $8,734,400
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Equity securities $3,168,318 $147,725 $1,183,948 $2,132,095
========== ======== ========== ==========
December 31, 1999
Fixed maturities
U.S. government bonds $5,290,951 $ 1,119 $ 70,633 $5,221,437
Municipal bonds 779,662 1,365 16,345 764,682
Corporate bonds 2,826,484 277 38,272 2,788,489
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total $8,897,097 $ 2,761 $ 125,250 $8,774,608
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Equity securities $ 382,588 $ 46,899 $ 21,606 $ 407,881
========== ======== ========== ==========
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities at December 31, 2001, by
contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from
contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations.
Amortized Fair
Cost Value
---- -----
Due in one year or less $1,182,553 $1,210,718
Due after one year through five years 5,624,121 5,954,188
Due after five years through ten years 776,331 804,908
Due after ten years 947,512 925,090
---------- ----------
$8,530,517 $8,894,904
========== ===========
The fair values for investments in fixed maturities are based on quoted market
prices.
Included in investments are securities which have a fair value of $13,971,484 at
December 31, 2001 which are on deposit with the KDI.
The Company limits credit risk by emphasizing investment grade securities and by
diversifying its investment portfolio among government, states, municipals,
political subdivisions and corporate bonds. As a result, management believes
that significant concentrations of credit risk do not exist.
At December 31, 2001, the Company had $4,159 of notes receivable that had been
non-income producing for the twelve months prior to December 31, 2001.
On March 31, 1997, the Company purchased 200,000 shares of Paradise Plus USA,
Inc. and 200,000 shares of Paradise Plus Holding Company, Inc. for a total
investment of $20,000 or $.05 per share. Each company is offering a total of
700,000 shares of its no par value common stock through a private placement
stock offering. As these shares represent organizer shares and are restricted
under Rule 144 of the Act, the common stock investments have been recorded at
cost. In addition, the Company executed a $100,000 promissory note bearing
interest at an annual rate of 8.5% with Paradise Plus Holding Company, Inc. on
March 5, 1997. A valuation allowance of $143,082 was established. At December
31, 2000, the unpaid principal balance on this note was $144,334. During 2001
the note was written off as uncollectible.
Effective June 14, 2001 the Company sold an 8% interest in KBA to KBA for
$350,000. Under the terms of the sale, KBA issued a 12% promissory note in the
amount of the sale price. The note is interest only until May 1, 2002. The
interest rate on the note decreases to 10% effective May 1, 2002. The note and
accrued interest are to be paid in thirty-six equal monthly payments beginning
June 1, 2002 and the balance is due May 31, 2005. The thirty-six monthly
payments are based on a sixty month-amortization schedule.
On May 2, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with Ken Belsky and
Associates, LLC to provide a credit facility of 600,000 at a 10% rate of
interest to KBA. Advances under the credit facility may be made as follows: (i)
$300,000 as of the closing date through March 31, 2001 and (ii) $300,000 as of
the satisfaction of the funding conditions through March 31, 2001, funding
conditions were met on March 10, 2000. Upon the Company's advance to Borrower of
the first $100,000, Borrower will issue a one percent
C-25
(1%) membership interest in Borrower to the Company and upon the Company's
advance to borrow of any amount in excess of $300,000, Borrower will issue an
additional one percent (1%) membership interest in Borrower to the Company.
Principal and interest under the credit facility shall be due and payable as
follows: monthly payments of interest only on the outstanding balance of the
loans through March 1, 2001 and then principal and interest will be payable in
thirty (30) equal monthly installments beginning April 1, 2001. Prior to June
14, 2001, $250,000 had been loaned pursuant to the agreement.
On June 14, 2001, the Company and KBA agreed to terminate the original agreement
for the Company to provide a credit facility to KBA and to amend and modify
KBA's $250,000 note. The Company loaned KBA an additional $50,000 bringing total
loans to borrower to $300,000. No payments of principal or interest will be due
on the loan until April 1, 2002. Interest shall accrue on the note at the rate
of 12% per annum through February 28, 2002. The interest rate on the note
decreases to 10% effective March 1, 2002. Beginning April 1, 2002 the adjusted
principal balance due plus accrued and unpaid interest are to be paid in
thirty-six equal monthly payments and the balance is due March 31, 2005. The
thirty-six monthly payments are based on a sixty-month amortization schedule.
Gross gains of $9,548, $4,773 and $205 were realized on the sale of
available-for-sale fixed maturity investments during 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively and gross losses of $3,749 and $38,524 were realized on the sale of
available-for-sale fixed maturity investments during 2001 and 2000. There were
no realized investment losses during 1999.
Gross gains of $75,977 and $115,587 and gross losses of $228,782 and $228,254
were realized on the sale of available-for-sale equity securities during 2001
and 2000, respectively. There were no realized investment gains or losses on the
sale of available-for-sale equity securities during 1999.
As of December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, the Company had recorded an allowance
for uncollectible accounts on notes receivable of $116,616, $149,698 and
$149,698.
C-26
The following are the components of net investment income:
Net Investment Income
Years ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
--------- --------- ---------
Fixed maturities $ 525,291 $ 588,308 $ 339,448
Equity securities 10,691 15,153 286
Notes receivables 77,956 17,043 18,801
Short-term and other investments 144,844 138,328 319,624
--------- --------- ---------
Gross investment income 758,782 758,832 678,159
Investment expenses (20,543) (50,457) (18,850)
--------- --------- ---------
Net investment income $ 738,239 $ 708,375 $ 659,309
========= ========= =========
6. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Credit risk is limited by emphasizing investment grade securities and by
diversifying the investment portfolio among government, special revenue public
utility and corporate bonds. The Company has not experienced any significant
losses in such investments and believes it is not exposed to any significant
credit risk. The Company and its subsidiaries maintain cash balances at several
financial institutions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures
accounts up to $100,000 at each institution. Uninsured balances aggregate
$720,709 at December 31, 2001. The Company has not experienced any losses in
such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on
cash and cash equivalents.
7. INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM RELATED PARTIES
The Company holds investments in related parties of $371,276 and $237,500 at
December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Of these amounts, $262,500 and
$237,500 represent organizer shares purchased in the initial private placement
of the respective entity at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These
investments are restricted under Rule 144 of the Act. There are no quoted market
prices for these investments. These investments are carried at cost in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $108,776 at December 31,
2001 represents the Company's investment in First Computer Services, LLC
("FCS"). The company uses the equity method to account for this investment. The
Company also had receivables from these entities of $48,038 and $35,675 at
December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
On August 8, 1996, the Company purchased 525,000 shares of the common stock of
First American Capital Corporation ("FACC") of Topeka, Kansas, for $52,500. On
January 15, 1999, FACC completed its public stock offering raising total capital
of $14,562,000. The proceeds of the public offering were used to form a Kansas
domiciled life insurance company, First Life America Corporation. The Company
owns 9.7% of the outstanding common stock of FACC at December 31, 2001. At
December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had accounts receivable from FACC of
$18,022 and $18,047, respectively.
On August 8, 1996, the Company purchased 725,000 shares of the common stock of
Mid-American Alliance Corporation ("MAAC") of Jefferson City, Missouri, for
$72,500. MAAC has raised total capital of $10,832,840 from the sale of private
placement shares and through a $16,000,000 Missouri intrastate public stock
offering. The Company owns approximately 11.9% of the outstanding common stock
of MAAC at December 31, 2001 On December 31, 1997, MAAC acquired Mid American
Century Life Insurance Company ("MACLIC"), a Missouri domiciled life insurance
company. These shares are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, they
are subject to restrictions on transferability and resale and may not be
transferred or resold except as permitted under the act and applicable state
securities laws, pursuant to registration or exemption therefrom. Scott
Engebritson, Company Vice-Chairman, is Chief Executive Officer and President of
MAAC. Thomas Evans, Company Secretary and Treasurer, is Assistant Secretary and
Treasurer of MAAC. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had accounts
receivable from MAAC of $10,963 and $10,119, respectively.
On June 12, 2000, the Company purchased, through a private placement, 585,000
shares of no par value Class A common stock of Integrity Capital Corporation
("ICC") of Indianapolis, Indiana for $58,500. At December 31, 2001, ICC had
raised $860,000 from the sale of private placement shares and $2,215,730 from
its public offering. After ICC's private placement and public offerings are
complete, the Company will own approximately 9.75% of the common stock. These
shares are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, they are subject to
restrictions on transferability and resale and may not be transferred or resold
except as permitted under the Act and applicable state securities laws, pursuant
to registration or exemption therefrom. Michael Fink, Company President, is
Chairman of the Board of ICC and Thomas Evans, Company Secretary and Treasurer,
is Secretary and Treasurer of ICC. At December 31, 2001 and 2000 the Company had
accounts receivable from ICC of $5,027 and $573, respectively.
On July 6, 2000, the Company purchased, through a private placement, 540,000
shares of no par value Class A common stock of Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation
("MCC") of Charleston, West Virginia for $54,000. At December 31, 2001 MCC had
raised $850,000 from the sale of private placement shares and $1,120,100 from
its public offering. After MCC's private placement and public offerings are
complete, the Company will own approximately 9.75% of the common stock. These
shares are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, they are subject to
restrictions on transferability and resale and may not be transferred or resold
except as permitted under the Act and applicable state securities laws, pursuant
to registration or exemption therefrom. Michael Fink, Company President is
Co-Chairman of the Board of MCC. At December 31, 2001 and 2000 the Company had
accounts receivable from MCC of $8,000 and $2,782, respectively.
C-27
On August 16, 2001, the Company purchased, through a private placement, 250,000
shares of no par value Class A common stock of Arkansas Security Capital
Corporation ("ASCC") of Springdale, Arkansas for $25,000. At December 31, 2001
ASCC had raised $240,000 from the sale of private placement shares. ASCC plans
to conduct another private placement of $600,000 in March of 2002. ASCC then
plans to register an Arkansas intrastate public offering of $12,000,000. These
shares are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, they are subject to
restrictions on transferability and resale and may not be transferred or resold
except as permitted under the Act and applicable state securities laws, pursuant
to registration or exemption therefrom. Scott Engebritson, Company Vice-Chairman
is Chairman of the Board of ASCC.
During 2001, the Company purchased a 50% interest in First Computer Services,
LLC ("FCS"). FCS owns the computer hardware and software that operates a Company
policy administration, underwriting, claim processing, and accounting system.
Mike Fink, President of the Company is Vice President of FCS. The Company uses
the equity method to account for this investment, which is owned jointly by the
Company and First American Capital Corporation. As of December 31, 2001, the
carrying value of the FCS investment was $108,776. This amount represents an
initial investment of $115,195 reduced by a net operating loss of $6,419. At
December 31, 2001, FCS had assets of $217,552, no liabilities, equity of
$217,552, and a net loss from operations of $12,838.
8. VENTURE CAPITAL SUBSIDIARY INVESTMENTS
FKCC purchased newly issued common stock of MAC, Lexington, Kentucky,
representing a 51% interest, for $50,000 on April 12, 1996. MAC purchased
receivables from medical providers at a discount. On December 31, 1997, FKCC
entered into an agreement to sell its interest in MAC for $8,000 in cash and
notes receivable of $147,049. Due to the uncertainty of collectability of the
notes, the Company has a valuation allowance of $6,616 at December 31, 2001 and
2000. The unpaid balance on this agreement was $6,616 at December 31, 2001 and
2000.
On June 16, 1999, First Kentucky Capital Corporation executed a commitment to
purchase three units of the Properties Investment Partners, LP ("Properties")
for $450,000. Properties is a venture capital fund based in Louisville,
Kentucky. An initial payment of $22,500, which represents five percent of the
total investment, was paid upon the execution of the subscription agreement. On
November 29, 1999 a payment of $127,500 was made and on January 31, 2001 a
$150,000 payment was made. The total investment at December 31, 2001 and 2000
was $300,000 and $150,000, respectively. The remaining amount of the commitment
is due on the fourth anniversary of the initial capital contribution, however
the general partner has the right to accelerate or delay capital calls.
9. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with FKCC and AIM but
does not file a consolidated return with FAIC. FAIC is taxed as a life insurance
company under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and was required to
file a separate tax return for its initial six years of existence. Federal
income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
consisted of the following:
Years ended December 31,
----------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- --------
Current $ 274 $ 35,568 $ 23,757
Deferred 431,453 225,431 230,783
-------- -------- --------
Federal income tax expense $431,727 $260,999 $254,540
======== ======== ========
Federal income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the
statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as follows:
Years ended December 31,
----------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
--------- --------- ---------
Federal income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate $ 98,877 $ 68,380 $ 134,306
Small life insurance company deduction -- (72,666) (60,672)
Increase in valuation allowance 99,432 243,596 180,759
Surtax exemptions -- (9,626) (10,802)
Other 233,418 31,315 10,949
--------- --------- ---------
Federal income tax expense $ 431,727 $ 260,999 $ 254,540
========= ========= =========
Deferred federal income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences
between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes
and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations.
C-28
Significant components of the Company's net deferred tax liability are as
follows:
December 31,
-----------------------------
2001 2000
----------- -----------
Deferred tax liability:
Deferred policy acquisition $ 1,306,311 $ 882,152
Due and deferred premiums 46,581 46,929
----------- -----------
Total deferred tax liability 1,352,892 929,081
Deferred tax asset:
Policy reserves and contract liabilities 10,943 20,283
Unearned revenue 22,142 24,700
Reinsurance premiums 23,415 19,159
Net unrealized investment losses 301,100 289,113
Net operating loss carry forward 1,680,824 1,581,392
Alternative minimum tax credit carry forward 44,846 44,846
----------- -----------
Total deferred tax asset 2,083,270 1,979,493
Valuation allowance (1,725,670) (1,626,238)
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax asset 357,600 353,255
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax liability $ 995,292 $ 575,826
=========== ===========
The Company has net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $4,804,481,
expiring in 2009 through 2021. These net operating loss carry forwards are not
available to offset FAIC income. FAIC has alternative minimum tax credit carry
forwards of $44,846, which have no expiration date. Federal income taxes paid
during 2000 and 1999 were $16,000 and $26,000, respectively. No federal income
tax was paid during 2001.
10. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
The insurance subsidiary is domiciled in Kentucky and prepares its
statutory-basis financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting
practices ("SAP") prescribed or permitted by the Kentucky Department of
Insurance. Currently, "prescribed" statutory accounting practices include state
insurance laws, regulations, and general administrative rules, as well as the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") Accounting Practices
and Procedures Manual and a variety of other NAIC publications. "Permitted"
statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices that are not
prescribed; such practices may differ from state to state, may differ from
company to company within a state, and may change in the future. Effective
January 1, 2001, the Kentucky Department of Insurance required companies
domiciled in the State of Kentucky prepare their statutory basis financial
statements in accordance with the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures
manual - version effective January 1, 2001, subject to any deviations prescribed
or permitted by the State of Kentucky insurance commissioner. Accounting changes
adopted to conform to the provisions of the NAIC Accounting Practices and
Procedures manual - version effective January I, 2001, are reported as changes
in accounting principles and an adjustment to unassigned funds (surplus). The
cumulative effect of the change in accounting principles was $45,828.
Net income for 2001, 2000 and 1999 and capital and surplus at December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999 for the Company's insurance operations as reported in these
financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP as compared to amounts
reported in accordance with SAP prescribed or permitted by the KDI and LDI are
as follows:
GAAP SAP
--------------------------- ----------------------------
Capital Capital
Net and Net and
Income Surplus Income Surplus
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
2001 $ 125,266 $8,292,869 $ (803,962) $4,467,627
2000 $ 612,929 $8,275,892 $ 83,479 $5,564,827
1999 $ 791,210 $8,154,804 $ 100,989 $6,460,894
FAIC carried its investment in BCLIC at cost after deduction for amortization of
goodwill and other intangibles, and adjustments for subsequent operating
results. The admitted value of FAIC's investment in BCLIC was $670,000 and
$635,757 at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Principal differences between GAAP and SAP include: a) costs of acquiring new
policies are deferred and amortized for GAAP; b) value of insurance inforce
acquired is established as an asset for GAAP; c) benefit reserves are calculated
using more realistic investment, mortality and withdrawal assumptions for GAAP;
d) deferred income taxes are provided for GAAP; e) assets and liabilities of
acquired companies are adjusted to their fair values at acquisition, with the
amount of the purchase price in excess of the fair
C-29
value recorded as goodwill under GAAP; f) statutory asset valuation reserves and
interest maintenance reserves are not required for GAAP; and g)
available-for-sale fixed maturity investments are reported at fair value with
unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of shareholders'
equity for GAAP.
Statutory restrictions limit the amount of dividends which may be paid by FAIC
to the Company. Generally, dividends, in excess of the lesser of (a) 10% of
statutory shareholder's surplus as of the preceding December 31, or (b)
statutory net operating income for the preceding year may not be paid without
prior regulatory approval. In addition, FAIC must maintain the minimum statutory
capital and surplus, $1,250,000, required for life insurance companies domiciled
in Kentucky.
10. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (CONTINUED)
The KDI and LDI impose minimum risk-based capital ("RBC") requirements on
insurance enterprises that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for
determining the amount of RBC specify various weighing factors that are applied
to financial balances or various levels of activity based on the perceived
degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by ratio (the "Ratio") of
the enterprises regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to
its authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC. Enterprises below
specific trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of
which requires specified corrective action. FAIC and BCLIC have a Ratio that is
in excess of the minimum RBC requirements; accordingly, FAIC and BCLIC meet the
RBC requirements.
11. REINSURANCE
To minimize the risk of claim exposure, FAIC reinsures all amounts of risk on
any one life in excess of $50,000 for individual life insurance. Credit life and
accident and health benefits and accidental death benefits are 100% reinsured.
All amounts of risk in excess of FAIC's retention on individual life insurance,
except for term insurance is ceded to Business Men's Assurance Company ("BMA").
At December 31, 2001 and 2000, FAIC ceded $103,441,209 and $78,308,236 of
insurance inforce and received reserve credits of $478,506 and $340,172
respectively. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement with BMA, FAIC pays no
reinsurance premiums on first year individual business. However, SFAS No. 113
requires the unpaid premium to be recognized as a first year expense and
amortized over the estimated life of the reinsured policies. FAIC records this
unpaid premium as "Reinsurance premiums payable" in the accompanying balance
sheet and recognized as "Reinsurance premiums ceded" in the accompanying income
statement. At December 31, 2001, and 2000, the unpaid reinsurance premiums net
of amortization totaled $66,901 and $56,349, respectively. During 2001, 2000 and
1999, FAIC paid $1,048,594, $969,589 and $472,735 of reinsurance premiums,
respectively.
BCLIC reinsured 50% of the risk to $10,000 and 100% of the risk over $10,000 on
any one life. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, BCLIC ceded $7,898,481 and
$8,612,671 of reinsurance in force and received reserve credits of $11,477 and
$13,158.
To the extent that the reinsurance companies are unable to meet their
obligations under the reinsurance agreements, the Company remains primarily
liable for the entire amount at risk.
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Effective November 1, 1995, the Company entered into a service agreement with
FAIC to provide personnel, facilities, and services to FAIC. The services to be
performed pursuant to the service agreement are underwriting, claim processing,
accounting, processing and servicing of policies, and other services necessary
to facilitate FAIC's business. The agreement was in effect until December 31,
2000, at which time a new management and administration agreement became
effective. Under the agreement in effect for 2000, FAIC paid monthly fees based
on life and annuity premiums delivered by FAIC. The percentages are 25% of first
year premiums; 20% of second year premiums; 10% of third year premiums; and 5%
of premiums in years four and thereafter. FAIC will retain general insurance
expenses related to its sales agency, such as agent training and licensing,
agency meeting expenses, and agent's health insurance. Under the agreement
effective January 1, 2001, FAIC pays actual cost plus a markup of 15%. The
services to be performed are the same under each agreement. Pursuant to the
terms of the agreements, FAIC had incurred expenses of $2,178,155, $847,530, and
$821,562 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
The Company entered into service agreements with FACC and MAAC effective
September 1, 1996. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, the Company
provides, data processing, accounting and reporting services in return for a
$2,000 per month service fee from each company.
In December of 1998, the Company contracted with FACC to provide underwriting
and accounting services for FLAC and FACC. The agreement dated September 1, 1996
between the Company and FACC was terminated with the execution of the new
agreement. Under the terms of the management agreement, the FACC pays fees based
on a percentage of delivered premiums of FLAC. The percentages are five and one
half percent (5.5%) for first year premiums; four percent (4%) of second year
premiums; three percent (3%) of third year premiums; two percent (2%) of fourth
year premiums and one percent (1%) for year five and one percent (1%) for years
six through ten for ten year policies and one-half percent (.5%) in years six
through twenty for twenty year policies.
In February 1999, the MAAC fees increased to $3,000 per month and upon
completion of the their public stock offering effective April 2000, the fees
decreased to $1,000 per month.
The Company entered into a service agreement with MACLIC effective April 14,
2000. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, the Company provides data
processing, accounting, reporting services, policy underwriting and issue
services, policy owner services and claims processing in return for fees of
$2,500
C-30
per month plus an amount equal to the policy fees collected on MACLIC insurance
policies.
Effective October 1, 2000, the Company contracted with MAAC to provide
accounting services to Security Alliance Insurance Company ("SAIC"), a
subsidiary of MACLIC. Under the terms of the service agreement MAAC pays fees of
$500 per month for all months except March, June, September and December, $750
per month for the months of March, June and September and $1,000 for the month
of December.
The Company entered into service agreements with Integrity Capital Corporation
effective March 1, 2001 and Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation on April 1, 2001.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, the Company provides data processing,
accounting and reporting services in return for a $4,000 per month service fee
from each entity.
C-31
During 2001, the Company purchased a 50% interest in FCS. FCS owns the computer
hardware and software that operates a Company policy administration,
underwriting, claim processing, and accounting system. The Company's initial
investment in FCS was $115,195. FACC owns the remaining 50% of FCS.(See Note 7)
Service Fees Accounts Receivable
------------------------------------ ----------------------
Related Party Years ended December 31, December 31,
2001 2000 1999 2001 2000
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
FACC $142,785 $117,246 $ 60,531 $ 18,022 $ 18,047
MAAC 19,858 22,500 35,000 10,963 10,119
MACLIC 61,721 34,079 -- 6,026 4,154
ICC 40,000 -- -- 5,027 --
MCC 36,000 -- -- 8,000 --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total $300,364 $173,825 $ 95,531 $ 48,038 $ 32,320
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
13. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The fair values of financial instruments, and the methods and assumptions used
in estimating their fair values, are as follows:
Fixed Maturities
Fixed maturities are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets. The fair value of fixed maturities is based on quoted market
prices. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the fair value of fixed maturities was
$8,894,904 and $8,734,400, respectively.
Equity Securities
The fair values of equity securities are based on market prices where available.
Equity securities are carried at fair value in the accompanying financial
statements. At December 31, 2001 and 2000 the fair value of equity securities
was $1,099,077 and $2,132,095, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair value.
At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents was
$5,902,785 and $4,044,915, respectively.
Notes Receivable
The carrying amount of notes receivable approximates their fair value. At
December 31, 2001 and 2000 the fair value of notes receivable was $770,280 and
$569,788, respectively.
Policy Loans
The carrying value of policy loans approximates their fair value. At December
31, 2001 and 2000, the fair value of policy loans was $81,911 and $100,687,
respectively.
Other Invested Assets
The carrying value of other invested assets approximates their fair value. At
December 31, 2001 and 2000 the fair value of other invested assets was $425,000
and $510,000, respectively.
Investments in Related Parties
The Company holds investments in related parties of $262,500 and $237,500 at
December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These investments represent organizer
shares purchased in the initial private placement of the respective entities and
are restricted under Rule 144 of the Act. Accordingly, there are no quoted
market prices for these investments. These investments are carried at cost in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $108,776 at December
31, 2001 represents the Company's investment in First Computer Services, LLC
("FCS"). The company uses the equity method to account for this investment. (See
Note 7)
Investment Contracts
The carrying value of investment-type fixed annuity contracts approximates their
fair value. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the fair value of investment-type
fixed annuity contracts were $7,148,568 and $4,629,330, respectively.
14. STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN
The Company adopted a stock compensation plan on June 7, 1999. The maximum
number of shares to be awarded under the plan is 500,000. Participants are any
employee, director, officer, consultant or advisor of the Company or its
subsidiaries or who derive more than 50% of their annual income from those
entities ("Insurance Agents"). Stock may be granted under the plan for present
or past services rendered, future services to be rendered, or as bonuses in
recognition of past service or performance. The stock acquired
C-32
pursuant to the plan is non-transferable for a period of two years from the date
of acquisition. At December 31, 2001 no grant had been made under the plan.
15. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
In 1999, the Financial Accounting and Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income." SFAS 130 requires the detail of comprehensive income for the reporting
period be disclosed in the financial statements. Comprehensive income consists
of net income or loss for the current period adjusted for income, expenses gains
and losses that are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity
rather than in the statement of operations. The financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with SFAS 130.
The components of comprehensive income along with the related tax effects are
presented for 2001, 2000 and 1999 as follows:
2001 2000 1999
--------- --------- ---------
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains/(losses) during the period $(160,129) $(791,227) $(244,669)
Tax benefit (expense) 56,045 269,017 83,186
--------- --------- ---------
(104,084) (522,210) (161,483)
Less:
Adjustment for gains realized in net income 87,022 -- 205
Tax benefit (expense) (30,458) -- (70)
Tax rate adjustment (8,503) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
48,061 -- 135
Plus:
Adjustment for losses realized in net income 237,198 38,093 --
Tax benefit (expense) (83,019) (12,951) --
--------- --------- ---------
154,179 25,142 --
--------- --------- ---------
Other comprehensive income $ 2,034 $(497,068) $(161,618)
========= ========= =========
Net income (loss) $(149,221) $ (59,881) $ 140,478
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax effect 2,034 (497,068) (161,618)
--------- --------- ---------
Comprehensive income/(loss) $(147,187) $(556,949) $ (21,140)
========= ========= =========
Net income/(loss) per common share - basic
and diluted $ (0.03) $ (0.10) $ --
========= ========= =========
16. SEGMENT INFORMATION
SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information", became effective for 1998 and superseded SFAS No. 14. SFAS No. 131
requires a "management approach" (how management internally evaluates the
operating performance of its business units) in the presentation of business
segments. The segment data that follows has been prepared in accordance with
SFAS No. 131 which is consistent with prior year presentation. The operations of
the Company and its subsidiaries have been classified into three operating
segments as follows: life and annuity insurance operations, venture capital
operations, and corporate operations. Segment information as of December 31,
2001, 2000 and 1999 and for the years then ended is as follows:
2001 2000 1999
------------ ------------ ------------
Revenues:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 5,484,519 $ 4,235,693 $ 3,882,532
Venture capital operations 884 -- 30,923
Corporate operations 96,924 245,280 199,834
------------ ------------ ------------
Total $ 5,582,327 $ 4,480,973 $ 4,113,289
============ ============ ============
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 556,993 $ 873,928 $ 1,045,750
Venture capital operations (96) -- 30,923
Corporate operations (274,391) (672,810) (681,655)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total $ 282,506 $ 201,118 $ 395,018
============ ============ ============
Assets:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 22,435,019 $ 19,163,645 $ 16,729,347
Venture capital operations 309,635 208,766 208,766
Corporate operations 1,151,023 1,712,838 2,125,589
------------ ------------ ------------
Total $ 23,895,677 $ 21,085,249 $ 19,063,702
============ ============ ============
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 1,236,658 $ 675,783 $ 760,468
Venture capital operations -- -- --
Corporate operations 36,190 17,111 15,708
------------ ------------ ------------
Total $ 1,272,848 $ 692,894 $ 776,176
============ ============ ============
C-33
17. PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERING
In February 1999 the Company commenced an offering of 200,000 shares of class A
common stock no par value for $2.50 per share. The securities are exempted from
registration in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of
1933 and related exemptions at the state level. Additionally, these securities
are restricted from transfer for thirty months from the date of purchase. The
shares of common stock were offered directly to potential subscribers on a
direct participation basis by the Company. The Company completed the sale of
200,000 shares that raised total proceeds of $500,000 and incurred offering
cost, including commissions, of $55,608.
In August 2001 the Company commenced an offering of 500,000 shares of class A
common stock no par value for $3.00 per share. The securities are exempted from
registration in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of
1933 and related exemptions at the state level. Additionally, these securities
are restricted from transfer for thirty months from the date of purchase. The
Company offered the shares of common stock directly to potential subscribers on
a direct participation basis. At December 31, 2001, the Company had sold 38,800
shares that raised total proceeds of $116,400 and incurred offering cost,
including commissions, of $37,903.
18. COMMITMENTS
On June 16, 1999, First Kentucky Capital Corporation executed a commitment to
purchase three units of the Prosperitas Investment Partners, LP ("Prosperitas")
for $450,000. Prosperitas is a venture capital fund based in Louisville,
Kentucky. An initial payment of $22,500, which represents five percent of the
total investment, was paid upon the execution of the subscription agreement. On
November 29, 1999 a payment of $127,500 was made and on January 31, 2001 a
$150,000 payment was made. The total investment at December 31, 2001 and 2000
was $300,000 and $150,000, respectively. The remaining amount of the commitment
is due on the fourth anniversary of the initial capital contribution, however
the general partner has the right to accelerate or delay capital calls.
At June 14, 2001 the agreement to provide a credit facility to KBA was
terminated and the loan was restructured (see Note 5).
On June 21, 2000, the Company agreed to purchase 100,000 shares of its common
stock from Stephen T. Haas and Tracy M. Hoggard for $1.50 per share for an
aggregate purchase price of $150,000, over a period not to exceed 30 months, if
certain conditions occur. On December 7, 2000 a new purchase agreement was
entered into whereby the Company will purchase 12,500 shares per quarter for
eight consecutive quarters, beginning December 7, 2000. At June 30, 2001, 12,500
shares have been purchased by the Company and the remaining shares to be
purchased under the agreement have been purchased by third parties. The Company
has no obligation remaining under the agreement
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None
PART III
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons;
Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company within 120 days after
the end of its 2001 fiscal year.
Item 10. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company within 120 days after
the end of its 2001 fiscal year.
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company within 120 days after
the end of its 2001 fiscal year.
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company within 120 days after
the end of its 2001 fiscal year.
C-34
Item 13. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this form 10-KSB:
(1) The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries and the related report of Independent Auditors listed in the Index
to Financial Statements appearing under Item 7 of this Form 10-KSB are
incorporated by reference as set forth herein.
(2) The exhibits set forth on the following Exhibit Index are filed with this
report or are incorporated by reference as set forth herein.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number Name of Exhibit
- ------ ---------------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended (1)
3.2 By-laws, as amended (1)
4 Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including
indentures (1)
10 Material Contracts
(a) Lease (1)
(b) Sub-lease (2)
(c) Advisory Board Contract (1)
(d) Service agreement between First Alliance Insurance Company and First
Alliance Corporation (2)
(e) Management Employment Agreements (2)
(f) Lease agreement dated February 26, 1999 (3)
(g) Management agreement between First Alliance Corporation and First
American Capital Corporation (4)
(h) Management and Administration Agreement between First Alliance
Insurance Company and First Alliance Corporation (filed herewith)
11 Statement regarding computation of per share earnings (5)
21.1 List of subsidiaries (filed herewith)
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
- ----------
(1) Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-1, Amendment Number 4, File Number 33-67312, which was declared
effective on March 4, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's 1995 Form 10-K, File Number
33-67312, and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's 1998 Form 10-K, File Number
33-67312, and incorporated herein by reference.
(4) Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's 2000 Form 10-KSB, File Number
33-67312, and incorporated herein by reference
(5) Note 2 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Report beginning on Page 28
C-35
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
By /s/ Michael N. Fink Date 3/26/2002
-----------------------------------------------
Michael N. Fink, Chairman/President
C-36
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
By /s/ Michael N. Fink Date 3/26/2002
----------------------------------------------
Michael N. Fink, Chairman/President/Director
By /s/ Scott J. Engebritson Date 3/26/2002
----------------------------------------------
Scott J. Engebritson, Vice-Chairman/Director
By /s/ Thomas I. Evans Date 3/26/2002
---------------------------------------------
Thomas I. Evans, Sr. VP/Secretary/Treasurer/Director
By /s/ Jimmy Dan Conner Date 3/26/2002
---------------------------------------------
Jimmy Dan Conner, Director
By /s/ Denzel E. Crum Date 3/26/2002
----------------------------------------------
Denzel E. Crum, Director
By /s/ James M. Everett Date 3/26/2002
---------------------------------------------
James M. Everett, Director
By /s/ Charles L. Hamilton Date 3/26/2002
----------------------------------------------
Charles L. Hamilton, Director
By /s/ Ronda S. Paul Date 3/26/2002
---------------------------------------------
Ronda S. Paul, Director
C-37
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2002 AT 10:00 A.M.
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF:
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of First Alliance
Corporation, (the "Company"), will be held Monday, June 10, 2002 at 10:00 A.M.
at the Ramada Inn, 2143 N. Broadway, Lexington, Kentucky, 40516 for the
following purposes:
1. To elect eight directors of the Company to serve for one year and until their
successors are elected and qualified (the election of directors);
2. To amend Article 4 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation to change the
Company's Authorized Capital Stock;
3. To ratify the Appointment of Kerber, ECK & Braeckel LLP as Independent
Auditors for the next fiscal year; and
4. To consider and act upon such other business as may properly be brought
before the meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 8, 2002 as the
record date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote
at the Annual Meeting.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE URGED TO MARK,
DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY SO THAT YOUR VOTE CAN BE
RECORDED. If you are present at the meeting and desire to do so, you may revoke
your proxy and vote in person.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
/s/ Thomas I. Evans
-------------------
Thomas I. Evans
Secretary
Dated: April 8, 2002
Lexington, Kentucky
First Alliance Corporation
2285 Executive Drive, Suite 308
Lexington, Kentucky 40505
IMPORTANT
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN YOUR ENCLOSED PROXY, WHETHER OR
NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. SHAREHOLDERS CAN HELP THE COMPANY
AVOID THE NECESSITY AND EXPENSE OF SENDING FOLLOW-UP LETTERS TO ENSURE A QUORUM
BY PROMPTLY RETURNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY. THE PROXY CARD REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF
MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
C-38
PROXY STATEMENT
This statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be
used at the Annual Shareholders Meeting ("Annual Meeting") of First Alliance
Corporation (the "Company"), a Kentucky corporation to be held on Monday, June
10, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ramada Inn, 2143 N. Broadway, Lexington, Kentucky,
40516.
This proxy statement is being sent to each holder of record of the outstanding
shares of no par value common stock of the Company (the "Common Stock"), as of
April 8, 2002 (the Record Date), in order to furnish each shareholder
information relating to the business to be transacted at the meeting. This proxy
statement and the enclosed proxy are being mailed to shareholders of the Company
on or about April 19, 2002. The Company will bear the cost of soliciting proxies
from its shareholders. If necessary, officers and regular employees of the
Company may by telephone, telegram or personal interview, request the return of
proxies.
VOTING
The enclosed Proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors. If
you are unable to attend the meeting on June 10, 2002, please complete the
enclosed proxy and return it to us so that your shares will be represented. When
the enclosed Proxy is duly executed and returned in advance of the meeting, and
is not revoked, the shares represented thereby will be voted in accordance with
the authority contained therein. Any shareholder giving a proxy may revoke such
proxy at any time before it is voted by delivering to the Secretary of the
Company a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later
date, or by attending the meeting and voting in person. If a proxy fails to
specify how it is to be voted, it will be voted at the discretion of the
Chairman of the Board.
Under Kentucky law, abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of
determining the existence of a quorum. However, abstentions and broker non-votes
are not counted in determining the number of votes required for the election of
directors or the passage of any matter submitted to shareholders.
OUTSTANDING VOTING SECURITIES
On the Record Date, the Company had issued and outstanding 5,561,455 shares (the
Outstanding Shares) of no par value common stock. No other voting securities of
the Company are outstanding. Shareholders of record as of April 8, 2002, are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. The holders of such shares are
entitled to one vote per share except in the election of directors for which the
shareholder has cumulative voting rights pursuant to Kentucky State Law.
Cumulative voting rights for the election of directors means that each
shareholder's total number of votes is determined by multiplying the number of
shares held by the number of directors being elected. The shareholder has the
right to vote pro-ratably for all directors by checking the box labeled "FOR",
withhold authority to vote by checking the box labeled "WITHHOLD AUTHORITY" or
vote a specific number of shares for each director by checking the box labeled
"Special Allocation" and entering the number of shares voted on the line next to
the director's name. NOTE: If shares voted by "Special Allocation" exceed total
votes available to the shareholder, the proxy is spoiled and none of the votes
can be recorded.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
In accordance with the laws of Kentucky and the Articles of Incorporation and
the Bylaws of the Company, as amended, the Company is managed by its executive
officers under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board elects
executive officers, evaluates their performance, works with management in
establishing business objectives, and considers other fundamental corporate
matters, such as the issuance of stock or other securities, the purchase or sale
of a business, and other significant corporate business transactions. The Board
of Directors of the Company is composed of eight (8) directors, three of whom
also serve as officers.
At the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, eight (8) directors are to
be elected, each director will hold office until the next annual meeting and
until his successor is elected and qualified. The persons named in the proxy
intend to vote the proxies as designated for the eight (8) nominees listed below
and the eight nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected.
Should any of the nominees listed below become unable or unwilling to accept
nomination or election, it is intended, in the absence of contrary
specifications, that the proxies will be voted for the balance of those named
and for a substitute nominee or nominees; however, management now knows of no
reason to anticipate such an occurrence. All of the nominees have consented to
be named as nominees and to serve as directors if elected. The following table
shows with respect to each of the directors and nominees of the Company and with
respect to all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group: (i)
the total number of shares of all classes of stock of the Company beneficially
owned as of the Record Date and the nature of such ownership; and (ii) the
percent of the issued and outstanding shares of stock so owned as of the same
date:
C-39
<Table>
<Caption>
Name, Age,
and Present
Positions with Director Principal Occupation(s) or Ownership of Percent of
the Company Since Employment(s) During Past Five Years Class Shares Class
- ---------------------- --------- ------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ----------
Michael N. Fink
46
Chairman of the Board 1993 Present principal positions with the Company; Chairman 553,000(1) 9.94%
and President of First American Capital Corporation and
subsidiaries since 1996; Chairman of Integrity
Capital Corporation since 2000 and Co-Chairman
of Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation since 2000.
Scott J. Engebritson
44
Vice-Chairman 1993 Present principal positions with the Company; Chairman of 427,500(2) 7.69%
of the Board Mid American Alliance Corporation since 1996 and Co-
Chairman of Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation.
Thomas I. Evans
36
Secretary, Treasurer,
Senior Vice President
and Director 2000 Present principal positions with the Company; -- --
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of Mid American
Alliance Corporation and subsidiaries since
2000 and Secretary/Treasurer of Integrity
Capital Corporation since 2000.
Jimmy Dan Conner
49
Director 1993 President, Old Colony Insurance Service, Inc. 30,000 0.54%
Denzel E.("Denny") Crum
65
Director 1993 Former Head Basketball Coach, University of Louisville 60,000(3) 1.08%
James M. Everett
57
Director 1993 President and CEO, Collaborative Sourcing. 30,000(4) 0.54%
Former Director, Kentucky Council Area
Development Districts 1983-1999
Charles L. Hamilton
75
Director 1993 Owns and operates numerous interests in real estate,
agri-business and agriculture. 105,000 1.89%
Ronda S. Paul
58
Director 1993 Attorney 10,000 0.18%
</Table>
(1) Mr. Fink holds his shares jointly with his spouse except for 10,000
shares which were purchased pursuant to the Uniform Gift to
(2) Mr. Engebritson shares are held in a trust for two children and a
nephew. Mr. Engebritson is the trustee.
(3) Mr. Crum purchased 5,000 shares for a minor son pursuant to the Uniform
Gift to Minors Act.
(4) Mr. Everett shares are held jointly with adult daughter.
Meetings and Committees of the Members of the Board of Directors
During 2001, there were four meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors has delegated certain functions to standing committees of the Board.
The Executive Committee is authorized to perform all of the functions of the
Board of Directors except as limited by the Company's Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws and by certain provisions contained in the resolution creating the
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee did not hold any meetings during
2001. The members of the Executive Committee for 2001 were Messrs. Fink and
Engebritson. The Audit Committee's prescribed functions are [i] to recommend to
the Board of Directors the accounting firm to be selected as the independent
auditors for the Company and its subsidiaries and [ii] to act on behalf of the
Board in meeting with the independent auditors and the appropriate corporate
officers to review matters relating to corporate financial reporting, accounting
procedures, policies and controls, and the scope of the respective audits of the
independent auditors. In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for
reviewing and reporting the results of each audit and making recommendations to
the Board with respect to financial reporting and accounting practices,
policies, controls and safeguards. The Board of Directors has adopted a written
charter for the Audit Committee which is attached as Exhibit A. The Audit
Committee held (1) meeting during 2001. The Audit Committee members are Ronda S.
Paul and James M. Everett. All members of the Audit Committee are independent
from management of the Company. The Compensations Committee's prescribed
functions are to review and approve the compensation of the Chief Executive
Officer and each of the other executive officers and makes appropriate
recommendations to the board of Directors with respect thereto on the basis of
factors, including qualifications, level of responsibility and individual
performance. The Compensation Committee had (1) meeting during 2001. The
Compensation Committee members are Jimmy Dan Conner and Charles
C-40
Hamilton. The Investment Committee's prescribed functions are [i] review and
access the technical investment and administrative capabilities and expertise;
[ii] recommend the adoption of written investment plan and policies; and [iii]
review, on no less than a quarterly basis, a summary report of the investment
portfolio, investment transactions and practices. The Investment Committee had
(4) meetings during 2001. The Investment Committee members are Denzel E.
("Denny") Crum, and Jimmy Dan Conner.
During the year ended December 31, 2001, all of the directors attended at
least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and
committees on which they served.
PROPOSAL 2
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE 4 OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The Board of Directors propose to amend Article 4 of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation to (i) change the designation of the Class A Common Stock to
Common Stock, (ii) increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from
8,000,000 to 20,000,000, (iii) eliminate the authorized shares of Class B Common
Stock and Convertible, Callable $5.00 par value Preferred Stock, and (iv)
authorize the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of Series Preferred Stock.
Approval of Proposal No. 2 requires that the votes cast for the proposal
exceed the votes cast against the proposal.
The Board of Directors of the Company has unanimously approved and recommends
that the foregoing amendments to Article 4 of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation be approved.
REASONS FOR AMENDMENTS
The Company is authorized to issue 8,000,000 shares of no par value Class A
Common Stock ("Common Stock"), 250 shares of no par value non-voting Class B
Common Stock ("Class B Common Stock"), and 550,000 shares of convertible,
callable, $5.00 par value, 6% non-cumulative, non-voting Preferred Stock
("Convertible Preferred Stock"). Each share of Convertible Preferred Stock is
entitled to a liquidation preference of $5.00, callable at the option of the
Company for $25.00 and convertible into four (4) shares of Common Stock within
six (6) months after issuance.
Common Stocks. No shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock are issued and
outstanding, and the Company has no plans to issue any shares of Class B Common
Stock. Therefore, the Board of Directors recommends that Article 4 of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation be amended to delete the Class B Common
Stock.
At December 31, 2001, the Company had 5,561,455 shares of Common Stock issued
and outstanding and had reserved 500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance
under the Company's Stock Compensation Plan.
To facilitate growth, the Company has issued and sold shares of Common Stock for
cash in private transactions, the proceeds of which were used to provide working
capital (See "Financings" below).
As a result of the prior issuances of shares of Common Stock and the reservation
of shares of Common Stock to fund the Company's Stock Compensation Plan, the
Company has only a limited number of shares of Common Stock available for future
issuances unless its Articles of Incorporation is amended to increase its
authorized shares of Common Stock.
The Board of Directors believes that the ability to issue additional shares of
Common Stock may be essential to the Company's continued growth. However, the
Company does not have any plans, arrangements or understandings to issue any
shares of Common Stock resulting from the proposed increase.
Preferred Stocks. No shares of the Company's Convertible Preferred Stock are
issued and outstanding, and the Company has no plans to issue any shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors believes the Convertible
Preferred Stock's characteristics, rights and restrictions fixed in the
Company's Articles of Incorporation deprive the Company of the flexibility it
needs to tailor the preferred stock's characteristics, rights and restrictions
should it ever need to issue any shares of preferred stock in the future.
Therefore, the Board of Directors recommends that the Article 4 of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation be amended to delete the Convertible Preferred Stock
and to authorize the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of Series Preferred Stock.
However, the Company does not have any plans, arrangements of understandings to
issue any shares of Series Preferred Stock.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Common Stock. Except as otherwise provided by law, all shares of Common Stock
are identical in all respects and have equal voting rights and privileges. With
respect to any matter on which the holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote,
such holders have one vote for each outstanding share of Common Stock
respectively owned of record by them except for the election of directors. At
each election for directors each holder of Common Stock is entitled to vote at
such election has the right to cast, in person or by
C-41
proxy, as many votes in the aggregate as he is entitled to vote multiplied by
the number of directors to be elected as such election.
Series Preferred Stock. The Series Preferred Stock vests authority in the board
of directors, by resolution, to divide any or all of the authorized shares of
Series Preferred Stock into series and, within the limitations imposed by law
and the articles of incorporation, to fix and determine, as to each such series:
(1) The number of shares and designation of such series;
(2) The voting rights and powers, if any, of the holders of shares of such
series; provided, however, except as otherwise required by law, each share of
Series Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to more than one (1) vote on any
matter voted on by the holders of Common Stock;
(3) The annual dividend rate and whether cumulative or non-cumulative, or
partially cumulative;
(4) The prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, shares of
such series may be redeemed;
(5) The amounts payable on shares of such series in the event of any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the affairs
of the corporation;
(6) Whether the shares of such series shall have a preference, as to the
payment of dividends or otherwise, over the shares of any other series;
(7) The terms, if any, upon which shares of such series may be convertible
into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or of any other
series of the same or any other class or classes, including the price or prices
and the rate of conversion or exchange, any adjustments thereof, and all other
terms and conditions;
(8) The sinking fund provisions, if any, for the redemption or purchase of
shares of such series and
(9) Such other provisions as may be fixed by the board of directors of the
corporation pursuant to Kentucky law.
EFFECT OF AMENDMENTS
Common Stock. The Board of Directors is authorized to issue and sell shares of
the Company's Common Stock for any valid corporate purpose at such prices at it
may determine to be in the best interest of the Company. Although the Board of
Directors believes that it is important to the Company's continued growth that
additional shares of Common Stock be made available for future issuance, the
Company does not have any present plans, arrangements or understandings to issue
any shares of Common Stock resulting from such increase.
Holders of Common Stock do not have a preemptive right to purchase additional
shares of Common Stock. Therefore, the issuance of additional shares of Common
Stock would have a dilutive effect on the percentage of equity of the Company
owned by the present holders of Common Stock. Also, depending on the prices at
which additional shares of Common Stock are issued, such issuances could have a
dilutive effect on the net book value and net earnings per share of the Common
Stock.
Series Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors will have authority, without
further action by shareholders, to issue from time to time, up to 1,000,000
shares of Series Preferred Stock, in one of more series, and to fix the
designations, preferences, powers and relative, participating, optional or
special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof,
including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of
redemption, and liquidation preferences, any and all of which may be greater
than the rights of the Common Stock; provided, however, except as otherwise
required by law, each share of Series Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to
more than one (1) vote on any matter voted on by the Common Stockholders. The
Board of Directors, without shareholder approval, can, from time to time, issue
Series Preferred Stock with conversion and other rights which could adversely
affect the rights of the holders of Common Stock. Series Preferred Stock could
be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control
of the Company without any further action by shareholders.
Financings. During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company issued and sold
38,800 shares of Common Stock in private placements under Rule 506 of Regulation
D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for $3.00 per share.
The Company received aggregate net proceeds, after offering expenses, in the
amount of $78,497, which were used to provide working capital.
The Company is currently effecting a Rule 506 offering of 500,000 shares of
Common Stock in the State of Ohio for $3.50 per share. The net proceeds of the
sale will be used to provide working capital.
C-42
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 2
PROPOSAL 3
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP served as the Company s independent auditors for the
fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998. In serving its
primary function as outside auditors for the Company, Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP
performed the following audit services: [i] examination of the annual financial
statements for the Company and its subsidiaries; and [ii] review of the Company
s Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A
representative from Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP will not be present at the annual
meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 3
C-43
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of the Record Date, regarding
ownership of Common Stock of the Company by the only persons known by the
Company to own beneficially more than 5% thereof:
<Table>
<Caption>
Ownership of Class
----------------------------------------
Shareholder Shares Percent of Class (1)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------ --------------------
5% Holders
Michael N. Fink (2)
2285 Executive Drive, Suite 308
Lexington, KY 40505 553,000 9.94%
Scott J. Engebritson (3)
2285 Executive Drive, Suite 308
Lexington, KY 40505 427,500 7.69%
Directors and Executive Officers
as a Group 8 persons 1,215,500 21.86%
</Table>
(1) Based on the Outstanding Shares of the Company's common stock outstanding
as of the Record Date.
(2) These shares are owned jointly with spouse.
(3) The shares are held in trust for two children and a nephew of Mr.
Engebritson, who is the trustee.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
<Table>
<Caption>
Present Positions Principal Occupation(s) or
Name/Age With the Company Employment(s) During Past Five Years
- ----------------- ------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
Michael N. Fink Chairman of the Board and President Present principal positions with the Company; Chairman of
46 First American Capital Corporation and subsidiaries since
1996; Chairman of Integrity Capital Corporation since
2000 and Co-Chairman of Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation
since 2000.
Scott J. Engebritson Vice-Chairman of the Board Present principal positions with the Company; Chairman
43 of Mid American Alliance Corporation since 1996 and
Co-Chairman of Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation.
Thomas I. Evans Secretary, Treasurer, Senior Present principal positions with the Company; Assistant
36 Vice President and Director Secretary/Treasurer of Mid-American Alliance Corporation and
subsidiaries since 2000 and Secretary/Treasurer of
Integrity Capital Corporation since 2000.
</Table>
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent (10%)
of the Company's Common Stock to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of common stock. Officers, directors and greater than 10 percent
shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies
of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the Company's knowledge, based on a review of the copies of such reports and
certain representations furnished to the Company, during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2001, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its
officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were
satisfied.
C-44
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table provides certain summary information concerning compensation
paid or accrued by the Company to or on behalf of the Company's President and
Chief Executive Officer and its Vice-Chairman (together named Executive
Officers) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999.
Disclosure for the remaining executive officers is not required because none had
annual salary and bonus that exceeded $100,000.
Summary Compensation Table
<Table>
<Caption>
Annual Bonus Other
Name and Principal Positions Year Salary($) ($)(1) Compensation($)(2)
- ---------------------------- ------- ---------- --------- ------------------
Michael N. Fink 2001 97,657 137,571
Chairman, President and CEO 2000 81,592 101,775
1999 81,128 75,512
Scott J. Engebritson 2001 69,764 110,057
Vice-Chairman 2000 55,895 80,164
1999 81,128 86,664
</Table>
(1) Includes incentive compensation pursuant to employment agreements effective
November 1, 1995.
(2) Other Annual compensation consists of automobile allowances and term life
and disability insurance premiums. The aggregate cost to the Company of
such personal benefits did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the
aggregate annual salary and bonus for Messrs. Fink and Engebritson.
Executive Contracts
The executives, consisting of Messrs. Engebritson Fink and Evans (the
"Executives"), entered into employment agreements. Messrs. Engebritson and Fink
entered into agreements dated November 1, 1995. The initial term of the
agreements was four years. During 1999, the Board of Directors extended the
contracts until the completion of the marketing of First Alliance Insurance
Company's product referred to as the "Alliance 2000". On October 1, 2001, the
Board of Directors amended the employment agreements of Messrs. Engebritson and
Fink. Under the amended agreements, Messrs. Engebritson's and Fink's base salary
would be $160,000 and $200,000 , respectively. The term of the agreements are
for one year.
The Executives receive incentive compensation based on a percentage of monthly
first year delivered premiums of life insurance (excluding annuity premiums) of
the initial product of First Alliance Insurance Company known as the "Alliance
2000". Additionally, Messrs. Fink and Engebritson will receive a percentage of
renewal life insurance premiums on the "Alliance 2000". Renewal premiums are
defined as premiums paid on policies renewing on the first and subsequent policy
anniversaries. At any time, the Board of Directors can review and renegotiate
the incentive compensation if it is unanimously agreed that the payment of
incentive compensation is resulting in economic detriment to the Company. The
employment agreements contain provisions for bonuses other than incentive
compensation subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
Under the agreements, Messrs. Engebritson and Fink are provided $7,200 of annual
auto allowances, $500,000 of term life insurance at the Company's expense,
disability insurance, and an annual physical examination. The Company will only
pay standard risk life insurance premiums on the term life policies. Any
additional substandard premiums will be paid at the Executive's expense. The
Executives can participate in any deferred compensation, pension, other
retirement income programs; and stock option plans applicable to executive-level
employees of the Company as approved by the Board of Directors. At this time,
none of these programs have been developed.
On October 31, 2001, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr.
Evans. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Mr. Evans would receive a base
salary of $85,000. Additionally, Mr. Evans is provided an annual expense
allowance of $6,360, term life insurance in the amount of $100,000 at the
Company's expense for standard risk premiums, disability insurance, and an
annual physical examination. The term of the agreement is for one year.
Directors' Fees
Directors who are not officers of the Company each receive an annual retainer of
$1,000 and $750 for each Board of Directors' meeting attended. Directors are
compensated $100
C-45
for a telephonic Board of Directors meeting and $100 for committee meetings held
independently of Board of Directors meetings. Officers of the Company do not
receive additional compensation for attendance at Board of Directors' meetings.
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the audited
financial statements included in the Company's Form 10-KSB to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2001.
The Committee met with Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP, independent auditors,
regarding all matters required to be discussed by SAS 61. Additionally, the
Committee has received written disclosures and the letter from Kerber, Eck &
Braeckel LLP required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1
(Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). The Audit Committee recommends
to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in
the Company's Annual Report and Form 10-KSB for filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ronda Paul James Everett
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Company contracted with First American Capital Corporation (FACC) to
provide underwriting and accounting services for FACC and its subsidiary, First
Life America Corporation (FLAC). Under the terms of the management agreement,
the FACC pays fees based on a percentage of delivered premiums of FLAC. The
percentages are five and one half percent (5.5%) for first year premiums; four
percent (4%) of second year premiums; three percent (3%) of third year premiums;
two percent (2%) of fourth year premiums and one percent (1%) for year five and
one percent (1%) for years six through ten for ten year policies and one-half
percent (.5%) in years six through twenty for twenty year policies.
The Company contracted with Mid American Alliance Corporation (MAAC) to
provide accounting and administrative services. MAAC pays $2,000 per month for
these services. The Company entered into a service agreement with Mid American
Century Life Insurance Company (MACLIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of MAAC, to
provide data processing, accounting, reporting services, policy underwriting and
issue services, policy owner services and claims processing in return for fees
of $2,500 per month plus an amount equal to the policy fees collected on MACLIC
insurance policies.
During 2001, the Company contracted with Integrity Capital Corporation ("ICC")
and Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation ("MCC") to provide accounting and
administrative services. Under the terms of the agreements, ICC and MCC each pay
the Company $4,000 per month.
Under the terms of the agreements, FACC incurred expenses of $142,785, $117,246
and $60,531 during 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, MAAC incurred expenses of
$12,608, $22,500 and $35,000 during 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, MACLIC
incurred expenses of $61,721 and $34,079 during 2001 and 2000, respectively, ICC
incurred expenses of $40,000 during 2001 and MCC incurred expenses of $36,000
during 2001. Various officers and directors of the Company hold similar
positions with FACC, MAAC, MACLIC, ICC and MCC.
The Company owns approximately 9.9% of the Common Stock of First American
Capital Corporation, 11% of the Common Stock of Mid American Alliance
Corporation, 10% of the Common Stock of Integrity Capital Corporation and 10% of
the Common Stock of Mid Atlantic Capital Corporation.
OTHER MATTERS
Fees Paid to the Independent Auditors
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP for professional
services rendered for the audit of the Company's annual consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2001 and the reviews of the unaudited
interim financial statements included in the Company's Form 10-QSB for the year
ended December 31, 2001 ("Audit Services") were $46,717.
Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees
Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP did not perform any professional services with
respect to financial information systems design and implementation for the year
ended December 31, 2001 ("Technology Services").
All Other Fees
Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP did not perform any services other than Audit
Services for the year ended December 31, 2001.
C-46
Shareholder Proposals
Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the 2003 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders must be received by the Company at its principal office in
Lexington, Kentucky not later than January 31, 2002 for inclusion in the proxy
statement for that meeting. At the time the proposal is submitted, the proposing
shareholder shall be a record or beneficial owner of at least one (1) percent of
securities entitled to be voted on the proposal at the meeting and have held
such securities for at least one year, and shall continue to own such securities
through the date on which the meeting is held.
C-47
2001 Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-KSB FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001,
WITHOUT EXHIBITS, IS BEING DELIVERED WITH THIS PROXY STATEMENT, BUT DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE A PART OF THE PROXY STATEMENT. A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-KSB
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES REQUIRED TO BE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH STOCKHOLDER ON SUCH
STOCKHOLDER'S WRITTEN REQUEST TO: THOMAS I. EVANS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
SECRETARY AND TREASURER, FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION, 2285 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, SUITE
308, LEXINGTON, KY 40505.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
/s/ Thomas I. Evans
-----------------------------
Dated: April 8, 2002 Thomas I. Evans, Secretary
C-48
EXHIBIT A
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
Responsibilities of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is charged with the oversight of the Company's financial
reporting process, the system of the Company's internal financial controls, and
the audit process.
Organization of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee shall consist of at least two directors of the Company to be
elected annually by the Board of Directors, each of whom shall be an independent
director of the Company within the meaning of Rule 4200(a)(15) of the National
Association of Securities Dealers.
The Audit Committee shall elect one of its members to serve as Chairman of the
Committee and one to serve as Secretary of the Committee.
Meetings of the Committee
As many meetings of the Audit Committee shall be held as are needed to enable
the Audit Committee to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. Meetings may be
called by the Chairman of the Committee or by any member of the Committee by
giving oral or written notice of the meeting to all of the other members of the
Committee not less than one day prior to the meeting. A majority of the members
of the Audit Committee shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting
business.
Meetings of the Audit Committee may be held in person or by telephonic
communications, which permit each participating member of the Committee to
communicate with all of the other participating members of the Committee.
The Chairman of the Audit Committee shall preside at all meetings of the Audit
Committee. If the Chairman is absent, the other members of the Committee shall
select one of them to serve as Chairman.
The Secretary of the Audit Committee shall keep written minutes of each meeting.
The minutes shall be signed by the Secretary and the Chairman and placed in the
Company's minute book. If the Secretary is absent, the other members of the
Committee shall select one of them to serve as Secretary of the Meeting.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee shall: review the adequacy of the Company's internal
financial control structure; review the activities, organizational structure and
qualifications of the Company's internal audit function; recommend appointment
of the Company's external auditors; receive the written disclosures and the
letter from the Company's external auditors required by Independence Standards
Board Standard No. 1; review the Company's external auditors fee arrangements;
review the Company's external auditors proposed audit scope and approach;
discuss with the Company's external auditors the matters required to be
discussed by SAS 61; review the performance of the Company's external auditors;
conduct a review of the Company's financial statements, including Management's
Discussion and Analysis, and audit findings, including significant suggestions
for improvements to management by the external auditors; review and discuss the
Company's audited financial statements with management; if satisfied with the
audited financial statements, recommend to the Board of Directors their
inclusion in the Company's Annual Report and Form 10-KSB; review the Company's
interim financial reports; review significant accounting and reporting issues,
including recent professional and regulatory pronouncements, and understand
their impact on the Company's financial statements; review with the Company's
counsel any legal matters that could have a significant impact on the Company's
financial statements; review the findings of any examinations by regulatory
agencies; review the Company's policies and procedures in effect for the review
of officers expenses and perquisites; if necessary, institute special
investigations and, if appropriate, hire special counsel or experts to assist
and perform other oversight functions as request by the full Board of Directors.
Reports Required by the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee shall regularly update the Board of Directors about the
activities of the Audit Committee.
C-49
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION COMMON STOCK
PROXY CARD FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD JUNE 10, 2002
Michael N. Fink, Chairman of First Alliance Corporation is herein duly appointed
as proxy to vote the shares represented by this Form of Proxy at the Company's
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 10, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the
Ramada Inn, 2143 N. Broadway, Lexington, Kentucky.
(1) ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (see proxy statement for instructions)
FOR all nominees listed below
- -----
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below
- -----
SPECIAL ALLOCATION (enter number of shares voted next to Director)
- -----
Michael N. Fink Jimmy Dan Conner Denzel E. ("Denny") Crum
------- ------- -----
Scott J. Engebritson James M. Everett Thomas I. Evans
-------- ------- -----
Charles L. Hamilton Ronda S. Paul
------- -------
(2) AMEND ARTICLE 4 OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
- ------ ------ ------
(3) Approval of Kerber, Eck & Braeckel, LLP as independent auditors
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
- ----- ----- -----
Signature
- -----------------------------------
Date
- -----------------------------------
Note: Please sign using the name(s) in which stock is titled.
C-50
APPENDIX D
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-QSB
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
(MARK ONE)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO .
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 33-67312
--------
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
--------------------------
(EXACT NAME OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
KENTUCKY 61-1242009
---------------------------- ------------------------
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (I.R.S. EMPLOYER NUMBER)
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
2285 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, SUITE 308 LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY 40505
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(859) 299-7656
---------------
(ISSUER'S TELEPHONE NUMBER)
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE INSURERS
STATE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING OF EACH OF THE ISSUER'S CLASSES OF COMMON
EQUITY, AS OF THE LATEST PRACTICAL DATE.
COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE 5,602,584 SHARES AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2002
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes No X
--- ---
D-1
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-QSB
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page No.
--------
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
at September 30, 2002 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2001 D-3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2002 and 2001 (Unaudited) D-5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the nine months ended September 30, 2002
and 2001 (Unaudited) D-6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements D-8
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations D-10
Item 3. Controls and Procedures D-11
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Changes in Securities D-11
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K D-11
Signatures D-12
Certifications D-13
D-2
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, December 31,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments:
Available-for-sale fixed maturities, at fair value
(amortized cost, $16,719,512 and $8,530,517
in 2002 and 2001, respectively) ......................... $ 17,311,496 $ 8,894,904
Equity securities (cost of $2,324,377 in 2002 and 2001) ... 655,623 1,099,707
Policy loans .............................................. 194,910 81,911
Notes receivable (net of $110,000 and $116,616
valuation allowance in 2002 and 2001, respectively) ..... 801,814 770,280
Other invested assets ..................................... 575,000 425,000
------------ ------------
Total investments ........................................... 19,538,843 11,271,802
Cash and cash equivalents ................................... 1,872,607 5,902,785
Investment in related parties ............................... 306,969 371,276
Receivables from related parties ............................ 32,114 48,038
Accrued investment income ................................... 216,490 182,220
Premiums receivable ......................................... 177,435 131,638
Advances to agents .......................................... 106,279 88,828
Reinsurance recoverable ..................................... 1,212,547 1,026,524
Deferred policy acquisition costs ........................... 4,922,677 4,718,225
Office furniture and equipment, less accumulated depreciation
of $169,687 and $129,027 in 2002 and 2001, respectively ... 115,461 125,121
Federal income tax recoverable .............................. 83,872 143
Other assets ................................................ 76,480 29,220
------------ ------------
Total assets ................................................ $ 28,661,774 $ 23,895,820
============ ============
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
D-3
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
September 30, December 31,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Policy and contract liabilities:
Annuity contract liabilities ............................... $ 9,372,755 $ 7,148,568
Life policy reserves (net of reinsurance
ceded reserves of $539,292 and $478,506
in 2002 and 2001, respectively) ......................... 6,025,147 4,791,633
Unearned premium reserves .................................. 550,113 466,135
Policy and contract claims ................................. 32,813 57,301
Policyholder premium deposits .............................. 299,797 209,679
Deposits on pending policy applications .................... 10,938 193,313
Unearned revenue ........................................... 58,697 63,263
Reinsurance premiums payable ............................... 63,091 66,901
------------ ------------
Total policy and contract liabilities ........................ 16,413,351 12,996,793
Commissions, salaries, wages and benefits payable ............ 260,098 269,100
Payables to related parties .................................. -- 124,881
Payable for securities ....................................... 500,000 --
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ....................... 94,019 98,461
Federal income taxes payable:
Deferred ................................................... 1,063,584 995,292
------------ ------------
Total liabilities ............................................ 18,331,052 14,484,527
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value, 8,000,000 shares
authorized; 5,602,584 and 5,561,455 shares issued
and outstanding at September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 560,258 556,146
Additional paid in capital ................................... 13,529,113 13,466,445
Accumulated other comprehensive income ....................... (699,900) (559,183)
Retained earnings - deficit .................................. (3,058,749) (4,052,115)
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' equity ................................... 10,330,722 9,411,293
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ................... $ 28,661,774 $ 23,895,820
============ ============
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
D-4
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
2002 2001 2002 2001
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
REVENUES
Premium income ...................... $ 1,274,124 $ 1,294,566 $ 4,394,356 $ 4,100,406
Premiums ceded ...................... (250,150) (168,455) (926,183) (701,500)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net premiums earned ............... 1,023,974 1,126,111 3,468,173 3,398,906
Net investment income ............... 242,733 195,505 661,094 543,116
Net realized investment gain (loss) . 951,595 (7,196) 951,595 (159,408)
Service fee revenue ................. 277,214 79,867 454,744 215,846
Decrease in equity of
unconsolidated affiliate .......... (7,181) -- (21,612) --
Commission income ................... 94,417 8,225 378,002 8,321
Other income ........................ 7,189 4,073 23,562 21,806
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total revenue ..................... 2,589,941 1,406,585 5,915,558 4,028,587
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Death claims ........................ 83,537 (106,195) 275,773 53,945
Death claims ceded .................. (15,633) 138,945 (120,171) --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net death claims .................. 67,904 32,750 155,602 53,945
Increase in policy reserves ......... 203,297 267,081 1,130,563 708,678
Policyholder surrender values ....... 88,130 35,718 147,434 146,725
Interest credited on annuities and
premium deposit fund .............. 128,664 156,018 473,403 390,901
Commissions ......................... 167,584 397,250 879,384 1,103,727
Policy acquisition costs deferred ... (18,485) (747,191) (877,441) (1,785,625)
Amortization expense:
Deferred policy acquisition costs . 165,530 321,972 672,988 657,283
Value of insurance acquired ....... -- -- -- 681
Selling, administrative and
general expense ................... 77,122 305,688 266,968 745,447
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 362,095 429,801 1,279,801 1,171,908
Professional fees ................... 52,680 (101,508) 187,959 --
Advisory board and directors fees ... 6,400 (51,282) 31,759 --
Rent expense ........................ 26,512 (47,573) 79,721 --
Depreciation expense ................ 13,550 5,884 40,660 15,365
Other expenses ...................... 162,225 337,162 393,058 446,696
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total benefits and expenses ....... 1,503,208 1,341,770 4,861,859 3,655,731
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS ................ 1,086,733 64,815 1,053,699 372,856
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Federal income taxes .................. (89,564) 135,383 60,333 402,099
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) ..................... $ 1,176,297 $ (70,568) $ 993,366 $ (29,243)
============ ============ ============ ============
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE -
BASIC AND DILUTED ................... 0.21 (0.01) 0.18 (0.01)
============ ============ ============ ============
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
D-5
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) ................................................. $ 993,366 $ (29,243)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Increase in policy reserves ..................................... 1,317,492 931,613
Decrease in claim liabilities ................................... (24,488) (63,242)
Increase in reinsurance recoverable ............................. (186,023) (220,785)
Interest credited on annuities and premium deposits ............. 464,519 386,022
Provision for depreciation ...................................... 40,660 15,365
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs, net .............. (204,452) (1,128,341)
Amortization of value of insurance acquired ..................... -- 681
Amortization of premium and accretion of discount ............... 17,738 16,864
Net realized investment (gain) loss ............................. (951,595) 135,368
Increase in policy loans ........................................ (112,999) (8,113)
(Increase) decrease in receivables from related parties ......... 15,924 (28,638)
Increase in accrued investment income ........................... (34,270) (46,864)
(Increase) decrease in premiums receivable ...................... (44,347) 35,175
(Increase) decrease in advances to agents ....................... (17,451) (7,482)
Increase in federal income tax recoverable ...................... (83,729) --
(Increase) decrease in other assets ............................. (47,260) 11,651
Increase (decrease) in deposits on pending policy applications .. (182,375) 34,087
Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue ......................... (4,566) 13,189
Increase (decrease) in reinsurance premium payable .............. (5,260) 9,583
Decrease in equity of unconsolidated affiliates ................. 21,612 --
Increase (decrease) in commissions, salaries, wages and benefits (9,002) 64,076
Decrease in payables to related parties ......................... (124,881) --
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities ... (4,442) 31,099
Decrease in federal income taxes payable ........................ -- (11,726)
Increase in deferred federal income tax liability ............... 144,062 401,757
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities ......................... 978,233 542,096
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of available-for-sale fixed maturities ................. (9,140,388) (1,936,189)
Sale of available-for-sale fixed maturities ..................... 1,435,000 1,011,822
Sale of common stock ............................................ -- 681,118
Purchase of limited partnership interest ........................ (150,000) (150,000)
Purchase of limited liability company interest .................. -- (5,000)
Sale of subsidiary net of cash disposed ......................... -- (232,849)
(Increase) decrease in notes receivable ......................... (31,534) 12,304
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates ......................... (9,805) (25,000)
Sale of investment in related party ............................. 1,002,750 --
Purchase of furniture and equipment, net ........................ (31,000) (51,084)
------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities ............................. (6,924,977) (694,878)
D-6
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Deposits on annuity contracts, net ........... $ 1,763,778 $ 1,318,480
Policyholder premium deposits, net ........... 86,008 6,715
Policyholder dividend deposits, net .......... -- 223
Proceeds from sale of company stock .......... 143,951 93,000
Cost of stock offering ....................... (77,171) (20,180)
Dividends paid ............................... -- (335)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities ...... 1,916,566 1,397,903
------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (4,030,178) 1,245,121
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period . 5,902,785 4,044,915
------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD ....... $ 1,872,607 $ 5,290,036
============ ============
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
D-7
FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-QSB. Accordingly,
they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally
accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion
of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals)
considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim
periods have been included.
Certain financial information which is normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles accepted in
the United States of America, but which is not required for interim reporting
purposes, has been omitted. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Company's Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2001. Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior period financial
statements to conform with the current year presentation.
(2) SUBSIDIARY OPERATIONS
First Alliance Corporation's ("Company") wholly owned subsidiaries, Second
Alliance Corporation ("SAC"), First Alliance Insurance Company ("FAIC"),
Alliance Insurance Management,Inc. ("AIM") and KYWIDE Insurance Management, Inc.
("KIM") are included in the condensed consolidated financial information.
Benefit Capital Life Insurance Company ("BCLIC") is included from the date of
acquisition of December 30, 1999 until its sale effective February 28, 2001.
On August 13, 2002 FAC capitalized a wholly owned subsidiary, SAC. On September
13, 2002 FAC transferred all the shares of its wholly owned subsidiary, FAIC, to
SAC solely in exchange for all the authorized and unissued shares of SAC. FAIC
became an indirect subsidiary of FAC.
(3) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of comprehensive income along with the related tax effects are
presented for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001
as follows:
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
2002 2001 2002 2001
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) during the period ..... $ (46,294) $ (38,168) $ (216,487) $ (83,627)
Tax (expense) benefit ................................ 16,204 13,359 75,771 37,772
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax effect .... (30,090) (24,809) (140,716) (45,855)
============ ============ ============ ============
Net income (loss) ...................................... $ 1,176,297 $ (70,568) $ 993,366 $ (29,243)
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax effect .. (30,090) (24,809) (140,716) (45,855)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Comprehensive income (loss) ............................ $ 1,146,207 $ (95,377) $ 852,650 $ (75,098)
============ ============ ============ ============
(4) INVESTMENTS
On January 31, 2002 the Company, through its subsidiary, FAIC invested an
additional $150,000 in Properties Investment Partners, LP ("Properties") as a
result of a capital call by Properties.
D-8
(5) SEGMENT INFORMATION
The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries have been classified into
three operating segments as follows: life and annuity insurance operations,
venture capital operations, and corporate operations. Segment information for
the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 is as
follows:
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
2002 2001 2002 2001
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Revenues:
Life and annuity insurance
operations ....................... $ 1,274,810 $ 1,323,249 $ 4,174,085 $ 4,004,368
Venture capital operations ......... -- -- -- 884
Corporate operations ............... 1,315,132 83,337 1,741,474 23,336
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total ............................ $ 2,589,942 $ 1,406,586 $ 5,915,558 $ 4,028,588
============ ============ ============ ============
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Life and annuity insurance
operations ....................... $ 165,241 $ 51,212 $ 102,976 $ 624,506
Venture capital operations ......... -- (604) (327) 100
Corporate operations ............... 921,492 14,207 951,050 (251,750)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total ............................ $ 1,086,733 $ 64,815 $ 1,053,699 $ 372,856
============ ============ ============ ============
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Life and annuity insurance
operations ....................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 519
Venture capital operations ......... -- -- -- --
Corporate operations ............... 13,550 5,884 40,660 14,846
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total ............................ $ 13,550 $ 5,884 $ 40,660 $ 15,365
============ ============ ============ ============
Segment asset information as of:
September 30, December 31,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
Assets:
Life and annuity insurance operations $ 26,216,794 $ 22,435,162
Venture capital operations ........... -- 309,635
Corporate operations ................. 2,444,980 1,151,023
------------ ------------
Total .............................. $ 28,661,774 $ 23,895,820
============ ============
(6) EARNINGS PER SHARE
Net income (loss) per common share for basic and diluted earnings per share is
based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the
year. The weighted average outstanding common shares for the three months ending
September 30, 2002 and 2001 was 5,661,802 and 5,525,397, respectively and for
the nine months ending September 30, 2002 and 2001 was 5,580,131 and 5,413,659,
respectively.
(7) PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERING
On April 9, 2002 the Company commenced an offering of 500,000 shares of class A
common stock no par value for $3.50 per share. The securities are exempted from
registration in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of
1933 and related exemptions at the state level. Additionally, these securities
are restricted from transfer for thirty months from the date of purchase. The
shares of common stock were offered directly to potential subscribers on a
direct participation basis by employees of the Company. At September 30, 2002,
the Company had sold 41,129 shares that raised total proceeds of $143,951 and
incurred offering cost of $77,171. The offering was terminated on August 15,
2002.
(8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company and First American Capital Corporation ("FACC") mutually agreed to
terminate the existing administration agreement effective September 30, 2002.
The Company received $212,000 as the agreed upon payment of the present value of
future residuals due under the agreement. The Company waived its September 30,
2002 residuals and fees and agreed to provide advisory and consulting services
with regard to the services previously provided under the administration
agreement until March 31, 2003.
(9) SALE OF FIRST AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATION COMMON STOCK
On September 30, 2002 the Company sold 525,000 shares of common stock of FACC
for $1.91 per share for a total of $1,002,750. The shares were sold to FACC.
(10) SUBSEQUENT EVENT
D-9
On November 8, 2002 FAC entered into an agreement to exchange all the shares of
FAC for shares of Citizens, Inc., ("Citizens") a Colorado corporation. FAC
shareholders will receive shares of Citizens Class A common stock equal in
market value to the average closing price of such stock as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange for the 20 trading days preceding closing for every share of
FAC owned based on a value of $3.02 per share of the common stock of FAC. The
transaction is subject to approval by FAC shareholders and insurance regulatory
authorities in Kentucky, Missouri and Arkansas.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
The Company makes forward-looking statements from time to time and desires to
take advantage of the "safe harbor" which is afforded such statements under the
Private Securities Reform Act of 1995 when they are accompanied by meaningful
cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
The statements contained in the following "Management's Discussion and Analysis
or Plan of Operation", statements contained in future filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and publicly disseminated press releases, and
statements which may be made from time to time in the future by management of
the Company in presentations to shareholders, prospective investors, and others
interested in the business and financial affairs of the Company, which are not
historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any projections of financial
performances or statements concerning expectations as to future developments
should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results or
developments will, in fact, occur. There can be no assurance that any
forward-looking statement will be realized or that actual results will not be
significantly different from that set forth in such forward-looking statements.
In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business operations, the
forward-looking statements of the Company referred to above are also subject to
risks and uncertainties.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2002 net income increased $1,022,609
from $(29,243) to $993,366, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2001
results. Earnings per share increased to a gain per share of $.18 compared to a
loss per share of $.01 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Equity per
share increased 9% to $1.84. A significant portion of these results is
attributable to a realized investment gain, settlement of future residuals due
under an administration agreement and a federal income tax refund partially
offset by amortization of deferred acquisition expense.
Consolidated Financial Condition
Shareholders' equity totaled $10,330,722 and $9,411,293 at September 30, 2002
and December 31, 2001, respectively. The September 30, 2002 balance reflects a
net increase of approximately 9.8% for the nine-month period then ended.
Comprehensive income (loss) totaled $852,650 and $(75,098) for the nine months
ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively. A significant portion of
comprehensive income activity arose from the Company's fixed maturity and equity
securities portfolio. Equity securities comprised approximately 2% and 5% of the
Company's total assets as of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001,
respectively. Equity portfolio positions did not change on a cost basis and
decreased $444,084 on a market value basis for the first nine months of 2002.
Fixed maturity portfolio positions increased $8,188,995 on an amortized cost
basis and $8,416,592 on a market value basis during the same time period. The
increase of $150,000 in other invested assets during the period resulted from
the Company's investment in a venture capital limited partnership. Cash and cash
equivalents decreased $4,030,178 during the period.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Net premiums increased approximately 7% during the first nine months of 2002
compared to the first nine months of 2001. Revenues for the nine months ended
September 30,2002 totaled $5,915,558 in 2002 and $4,028,587 in 2001.The increase
is primarily attributable to an increase in net premiums of$69,267 that resulted
primarily from an increase in preneed insurance sales, an increase in net
investment income of $117,978 due to an increase in fixed maturity investments,
net realized investment gains of $951,595, primarily from a $950,250 gain from
the sale of common stock of a related party, an increase in service fee revenue
of $238,898 primarily due to the termination and settlement of an administration
agreement with a related party and an increase in commission revenue of $283,585
from brokerage insurance commissions
Cash Flow And Liquidity
Cash flow provided by operations totaled $978,233 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2002 compared to $542,096 provided by operations for the same
period in the prior year. The change resulted primarily from an increase in
policy premiums and commission income. Cash of $6,924,977 was used in investing
activities during the first nine months of 2002. The change resulted primarily
from a net increase in available-for-sale fixed maturities and the purchase of a
limited partnership interest offset be the sale of an investment in a related
party. The $1,916,566 of cash provided by financing activities during the first
nine months of 2002 is due to annuity and premium deposits and proceeds from the
sale of company stock.
D-10
The insurance operations generally provide adequate cash flow from premium
collections and investment income to meet their obligations. Insurance policy
liabilities are primarily long-term and generally are paid from future cash
flows. The Company's bonds and equity security investments are readily
marketable. Although there is no present need or intent to dispose of such
investments, the Company could liquidate portions of their investments if such a
need arose.
Item 3. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
The Company maintains controls and procedures designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or
submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms
of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based upon their evaluation of those
controls and procedures performed within 90 days of the filing date of this
report, the chief executive and chief financial officers of the Company
concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were adequate.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls.
The Company made no significant changes in its internal controls or in other
factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of
the evaluation of those controls by the Chief Executive and Chief Financial
officers.
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Changes in Securities
On April 9, 2002 the Company commenced an offering of 500,000 shares of class A
common stock no par value for $3.50 per share. The securities are exempted from
registration in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of
1933 and related exemptions at the state level. Additionally, these securities
are restricted from transfer for thirty months from the date of purchase. The
shares of common stock were offered directly to potential subscribers on a
direct participation basis by employees of the Company. At September 30,
2002,the Company had sold 41,129 shares that raised total proceeds of $143,951
and incurred offering cost of $77,171. The offering was terminated on August 15,
2002.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
a) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed with this report.
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
----------- ------------------------------------------
99.1 CEO Certification pursuant to 18 USC 1350,
dated November 13, 2002
99.2 CFO Certification pursuant to 18 USC 1350,
dated November 13, 2002
b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed for the quarter ended September 30,2002
D-11
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
First Alliance Corporation
----------------------------
(registrant)
Date November 13, 2002 /s/ Michael N. Fink
- ---------------------- -----------------------
Michael N. Fink,
Chief Executive Officer
Date November 13, 2002 /s/ Thomas I. Evans
- ---------------------- -----------------------
Thomas I. Evans,
Chief Financial Officer
D-12
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Michael N. Fink, certify, that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB of First Alliance
Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and
have:
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this
quarterly report is being prepared;
(b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date
of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
(c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors:
(a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of the
internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and
have identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's
internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses.
Date November 13, 2002 /s/ Michael N. Fink
----------------- -----------------------
Michael N. Fink,
Chief Executive Officer
D-13
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Thomas I. Evans, certify, that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB of First Alliance
Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and
have:
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this
quarterly report is being prepared;
(b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date
of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
(c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors:
(a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of the
internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and
have identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
(b) any fraud,whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses.
Date November 13, 2002 /s/ Thomas I. Evans
----------------- -----------------------
Thomas I. Evans,
Chief Financial Officer
D-14
APPENDIX E
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO FIRST ALLIANCE CORPORATION
November 7, 2002
Board of Directors
First Alliance Corporation
2285 Executive Drive
Lexington, Kentucky 40505
Dear Members of the Board:
You have requested our opinion as investment bankers as to the fairness, from a
financial perspective, to the common shareholders of First Alliance Corporation,
Lexington, Kentucky (the "Company") of the proposed merger of the Company with
Citizens, Inc., Austin, Texas ("Citizens") (the "Merger"). In the proposed
Merger, each Company common share issued and outstanding will be exchanged for
the number of Citizens Class A common shares equal in market value to $3.02,
based on the average daily closing price of Citizens Class A common shares for
the twenty trading days preceding the Closing Date (the "Floating Exchange
Ratio"). The proposed consideration to be received represents an aggregate value
of approximately $17,189,000 for all 5,691,695 Company common shares
outstanding, as further defined in the Plan and Agreement of Merger by and
between Citizens and the Company (the "Agreement"). Based on the November 7,
2002 closing stock price of Citizens Class A common stock of $7.50 as quoted on
the New York Stock Exchange the Floating Exchange Ratio would equal
approximately 0.4027 Citizens shares per Company common share.
Professional Bank Services, Inc. ("PBS") is a financial institution consulting
firm and as part of its investment banking business is continually engaged in
reviewing the fairness, from a financial perspective, of financial institution
acquisition transactions, and in the valuation of financial institutions and
other businesses and their securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions,
estate settlements and other purposes.
For purposes of this opinion, PBS performed a review and analysis of the
historic performance of the Company including:
- - December 31, 2001 audited annual report of the Company.
- - All Forms 10-Q, 10-K and 8-K for 2001 and year to date 2002 filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- - April 8, 2002, Form DEF 14A Proxy Statement of the Company.
- - December 31, 2001 Annual Statement of the Company filed with the Insurance
Department of the State of Kentucky.
- - June 30, 2002 Quarterly Statement of the Company filed with the Insurance
Department of the State of Kentucky.
We have reviewed and tabulated statistical data regarding the insurance
portfolio, securities
E-1
portfolio and other performance ratios and statistics. Financial projections
were prepared and analyzed as well as other financial studies, analyses and
investigations as deemed relevant for the purposes of this opinion. In review of
the aforementioned information, we have taken into account our assessment of
general market and financial conditions, our experience in other transactions,
and our knowledge of the financial institutions industry generally.
A limited scope due diligence review of Citizens has been performed by PBS,
which included an on-site visit by PBS personnel on December 3, 2002, utilizing
various management and financial data for Citizens. The review included the
following:
- - All Forms 10-Q, 10-K and 8-K for 2000, 2001 and year to date 2002 filed by
Citizens with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- - Year-end 2000 and 2001 audited annual reports for Citizens.
- - April 26, 2002, Form DEF 14A Proxy Statement of Citizens.
- - Independent audit, firm management letters and management responses thereto
for the last 2 years.
- - September 30, 2002 independent actuarial report of Citizens.
- - Listing and status of all pending litigation.
- - The most recent State insurance examination of Citizens wholly owned
subsidiary Citizens Insurance Company of America ("CICA").
- - CICA's most recent recoverability test for deferred policy acquisition cost
amortization and capitalization schedule.
We have not compiled, reviewed or audited the financial statements of the
Company or Citizens, nor have we independently verified any of the information
reviewed; we have relied upon such information as being complete and accurate in
all material respects. We have not made independent evaluation of the assets of
the Company or Citizens.
Based on the foregoing and all other factors deemed relevant, it is our opinion
as investment bankers, that, as of the date hereof, the consideration proposed
to be received by the shareholders of the Company under the Agreement is fair
and equitable from a financial perspective.
Very truly yours,
Professional Bank Services, Inc.
E-2