1 ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K /X/ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [Fee Required] For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995 OR / / Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [No Fee Required] Commission File Number 0-16748 ------------------------------ INTERCARGO CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 36-3414667 (State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. employer of incorporation) identification no.) 1450 American Lane 20th Floor Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 (Address of principal executive office and zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 847-517-2990 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: Title of Class -------------------------- Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value Indicate by check mark whether Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ----- ----- Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in the definitive proxy statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ________ Aggregate Market Value of Voting Stock held by nonaffiliates as of March 21, 1996: $72,589,320 Number of Shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 21, 1996: 7,640,981 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report for 1995 (incorporated by reference under Part II). Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (incorporated by reference under Part III). ============================================================================== 2 PART I Item 1. Business. The Company, through Intercargo Insurance Company ("IIC"), its U.S. insurance company subsidiary, is engaged in the business of underwriting specialized insurance coverages for international trade. This includes U.S. Customs bonds, marine cargo insurance, professional liability insurance and property and casualty insurance. U.S. Customs bonds guarantee payment of duties on imported goods and marine cargo insurance protects shippers from loss or damage to goods in transit. IIC's professional liability and property and casualty insurance is marketed to customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other service firms engaged in the international movement of cargo. Additionally, IIC markets contract surety through independent agents. As a result of the Company's participation in a public offering by the Company's Canadian subsidiary, Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. ("Kingsway"), the Company's ownership interest in Kingsway was reduced from 100% to 47%. The offering was made in Canada in December, 1995, with the underwriters' overallotment option having been exercised in January, 1996. Kingsway underwrites commercial nonstandard automobile insurance as its primary line. It also provides property and casualty coverage in niche commercial markets, and specialized insurance coverages for international trade. In the United States, IIC's products are distributed primarily through a wholly-owned subsidiary, International Advisory Services, Inc. ("IAS") and its insurance agency subsidiaries under the trade name, Trade Insurance Services, Inc. IIC opened a branch office in London in April, 1994. This office underwrites marine insurance through independent insurance brokers. In October, 1995, the Company acquired Eastern Insurance Limited, a Hong Kong licensed insurer and renamed the company Intercargo Insurance Company H.K. Limited. The Company plans to commence operations in Hong Kong in April, 1996. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term the "Company" shall mean Intercargo Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. U.S. CUSTOMS BONDS U.S. Customs bonds guarantee that the importer will pay all attendant duties and taxes at the time of entry of merchandise, pay any supplemental duties assessed and 3 observe the laws governing imports. U.S. Customs bonds are required by the U.S. Customs Service ("Customs") from virtually all importers of merchandise into the United States. U.S. Customs bonds facilitate the flow of goods by permitting importers to take possession of such goods prior to final determination of Customs duties and of related regulatory issues. U.S. Customs bonds are of two types, either continuous or single transaction. The required bond amounts are set by Customs directives. Continuous bond amounts are set on an annual basis at 10% of the duties paid by the importer to Customs in the previous calendar year. Approximately 11% of the bonds written by the Company in 1995 were continuous bonds, but continuous bonds represented approximately 57% of the premiums earned by the Company in 1995. The average duty payment required on an import shipment, which is payable by the importer within ten days of entry, is approximately 5% of the value of the shipment. However, if Customs disagrees with the importer's classification or valuation of the shipment, the importer will be required to pay additional duty. Customs also is authorized to assess fines and damages against importers which fail to comply with certain import laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include import quota restrictions, labeling laws, Food and Drug Administration regulations and the regulations of other government agencies. Although the importer remains liable for these adjustments, fines and damages, Customs makes demand for payment upon the insurance company that issued the bond in the event of a default by the importer. The Company carefully evaluates the information available from its database and operating experience in establishing its underwriting parameters. All U.S. Customs bond risks must meet these parameters or be specifically approved by designated underwriters. This evaluation is based on a number of factors including the size of the U.S. Customs bond, the financial strength of the importer, the type of transaction, the type of commodity, the commodity's country of origin and the importer's loss history. The Company has developed a database which integrates information received from production sources with detailed information received from Customs on a weekly basis. The Company uses this database extensively as it provides enhanced capabilities for underwriting control and claims handling. The Company also enhances its underwriting selectivity by declining business written through subproducers which have historically failed to file complete documentation with Customs in a timely manner and through its understanding of the laws and regulations which affect imported cargo. MARINE CARGO INSURANCE A marine cargo policy issued by the Company insures the shipper or consignee against physical loss or damage to cargo while in transit. The Company's marine cargo policies provide coverage for general commercial and industrial goods of all types, but exclude among other things, oil shipments and bulk commodities (such as grain 2 4 shipments). A small portion of the Company's marine business also consists of overland carrier and warehouseman's cargo liability insurance. Marine risks are underwritten based on a number of factors, including type of commodity to be insured (susceptibility to theft and damage), adequacy of packaging, country of origin and destination, extent and type of coverage required, method of transportation and shipping practices and loss experience of the shipper and consignee. The Company issues marine cargo policies primarily for shipments from the U.S. to foreign ports, from foreign ports to the U.S. and, to a limited extent, from one foreign port to another. The Company, however, endeavors to avoid coverage for troubled parts of the world. Marine cargo policies are issued by the Company for an indefinite period of time. The policy insures individual shipments for amounts up to the policy limits at premium rates determined by the Company based upon the factors mentioned above. Premium written on individual shipments is considered to be earned when reported to the Company. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE The Company provides professional liability coverage for customs brokers, freight forwarders and other service firms engaged in the international movement of cargo. Professional liability insurance policies protect insureds against certain claims arising from the unintentional errors or omissions of their operations that result in financial injury to their clients. These policies exclude coverage for punitive damages and are issued on a "claims made" basis, which means that claims involving alleged negligent acts must be reported during the stated policy term. The Company's professional liability program has been endorsed by the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America since 1989. The Company introduced a modified version of its professional liability coverage in 1993. This coverage, referred to as international transit liability (ITL) insurance, includes marine legal liability insurance in addition to professional liability. IIC is the first U.S. based insurance company to offer this type of coverage. The program was developed to compete in new international markets. Unlike the traditional professional liability policy, this policy is issued on an "occurrence" basis which means the covered proximate cause of loss must occur during the policy period. NONSTANDARD AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE Kingsway sells commercial and individual automobile insurance for insureds who cannot meet the underwriting criteria of the standard auto market. Kingsway has established underwriting criteria which it applies to further categorize nonstandard automobile insurance risks to identify appropriate risks for direct coverage and to determine appropriate rates. Generally, the higher loss frequency of nonstandard risks is reflected in surcharged rates. Historically, Kingsway has written substantially all of 3 5 its automobile insurance in Ontario and, to a lesser extent, in Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Quebec. OTHER PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE The Company markets commercial property and casualty products to customs brokers, freight forwarders and other service firms engaged in the international movement of cargo. The Company is authorized to write these coverages in 47 states. The product is designed to meet the specific requirements of the broker/forwarder industry. The Company's property and casualty and marine units combined to offer a truckers program in 1993. The truckers program includes property and casualty coverage, miscellaneous trucking bonds and cargo legal liability insurance. CONTRACT BONDS The Company sells bid, performance and payment bonds for construction and other types of contracts. The Company also underwrites license and permit bonds, miscellaneous financial guarantees, court bonds and specialty fidelity bonds. The Company believes it has developed an industry leading data processing system that ensures quality underwriting while reducing the costs and time of processing business. FOREIGN OPERATIONS See note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information relating to revenues, operating income and identifiable assets related to the Company's Canadian operations, which information is incorporated by reference from the Company's 1995 Annual Report to Stockholders. MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION IAS has agency offices located in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Charleston, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Toronto. Together with a network of subproducers, IAS acts as the principal insurance agency for substantially all of the Company's U.S. insurance product sales and for its marine cargo and professional liability insurance sold in Canada. IAS's agency offices operate under the trade name, Trade Insurance Services, Inc. In addition to IAS and its subproducers, the Company has appointed independent agents. 4 6 IAS sells U.S. Customs bonds and marine cargo insurance primarily through customs brokers, freight forwarders and other service firms engaged in the international movement of cargo. These service firms act as subproducers for IAS and are compensated on insurance business placed through IAS. Customs brokers must be licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to represent importers and arrange for clearance of cargo through Customs. Many customs brokers are also freight forwarders which arrange for the shipment of cargo both in the U.S. and abroad. IAS also generates sales through conventional insurance agencies and markets directly to large shippers of cargo. IAS sells the Company's professional liability and property and casualty insurance directly to customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other service firms engaged in the international movement of cargo. REINSURANCE The Company follows the industry practice of reinsuring a portion of its insured risks, paying to the reinsurer a portion of the premiums received on all policies. Insurance is ceded principally to reduce the net liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. The Company endeavors to place reinsurance with U.S. Treasury approved, A rated by A.M. Best Company, reinsurance companies. Excess of loss reinsurance on the Company's Customs bond business is provided through contracts with three reinsurance companies: Munich American Reinsurance Company ("Munich"), First Excess and Reinsurance Company and Employers Reinsurance Company ("Employers Re"). Excess of loss reinsurance is a form of reinsurance which indemnifies the ceding insurer up to an agreed amount against all or a portion of the amount of loss in excess of a specified retention. The Company now retains risks up to $500,000 per bond or per principal. Under the contracts, the reinsurers automatically assume the risk of losses on the Company's bonds between $500,000 and $3,000,000 on any one principal. Bonds written for amounts greater than $3,000,000 must be submitted to the reinsurers for acceptance on a case-by-case basis and the Company may not fully reinsure all exposures above $3,000,000. Excess of loss reinsurance on the Company's marine cargo insurance is provided through a reinsurance treaty between the Company, Munich and Munich Reinsurance Company. Under the contracts, Munich and Munich Reinsurance Company automatically assume the risk of losses between $200,000 and $5,000,000 on any one occurrence. In addition, the Company has a facultative treaty with Lloyd's of London and several smaller participants which allows it to write policies in excess of $5,000,000 up to a limit of $20,000,000. 5 7 The reinsurance on the Company's professional liability program is placed with Employers Re. The Company retains the first $100,000 of loss on any one policy or occurrence. The reinsurer provides reinsurance of $400,000 in excess of the $100,000 retention and also provides $2,000,000 additional capacity as needed. Reinsurance on the Company's U.S. other property and casualty insurance is provided primarily through Employers Re. The Company's net retention is $100,000. The casualty and liability lines are reinsured on an excess of loss basis under the same facility as the professional liability program above and the property lines are reinsured on a surplus basis. Surplus reinsurance indemnifies the Company by ceding a percentage of premiums and losses based upon total insured value. The reinsurance program to cover contract and miscellaneous bonds is an excess of loss treaty, which cedes losses over $250,000 up to $1,500,000, to several reinsurers, including Kemper Reinsurance Company, Republic Western Insurance Company, Transatlantic Reinsurance Corporation, Security Insurance Company of Hartford and Generali (U.S. Branch). A further $1,500,000 excess of the primary $1,500,000 of catastrophic or accumulated reinsurance is also provided on a quota share basis by several excess of loss reinsurers. The ceding of reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer from its primary liability to the policyholder. The ceding company is required to pay losses even if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance agreement. The Company also remains liable for losses which exceed the limits of coverage afforded by its reinsurance agreements. In addition to the per occurrence limits set forth above, the annual aggregate limit on the Company's Customs bond reinsurance contract is $7.5 million and the annual aggregate limits on the marine cargo reinsurance contract is $15.0 million. LOSSES AND LOSS RESERVES Claims on the Company's marine, professional liability, automobile, other property and casualty and contract bond lines are adjusted by Company personnel. Adjustment procedures include verification of the coverage, investigation of the loss, evaluation of the exposure and final settlement of the claim. The Company's general policy is to adjust and settle claims as quickly as possible. For marine cargo claims, salvage and subrogation are important factors in minimizing loss experience. Substantially all U.S. Customs bond losses are paid to Customs as the party indemnified by the bond. The Company receives periodic notices of importer defaults from Customs in the normal course of business. Because of the nature of the U.S. Customs bond business, the majority of claim notices received from Customs typically do not result in actual claim payments by the Company because of payment by the 6 8 principal, adequate defenses of the principal or the Company with respect to the claim or correction of a non-compliance situation. The two major types of bond claims received from Customs are assessment of additional duty and liquidated damages. The Company's claim adjustment procedures for additional duty assessments include identifying the bond related to the claim, obtaining supporting Customs' entry documentation, reviewing Customs' assessment of higher duty and contacting the importer of record in an attempt to secure payment. Claims for liquidated damages are more complex and require the implementation of several claim adjustment procedures. By working with the Customs broker that filed the import entry and produced the bond, the Company seeks to correct the non-compliance situation. If compliance is not achieved, the Company performs final adjustment procedures or makes payment. The principal remains liable for all claims paid by the Company. The Company's policy is to aggressively pursue the principal under rights of subrogation on any bond that results in a claim payment. In 1986, Customs began to automate its claims procedures, thus accelerating the reporting of claims. The Company has responded by enhancing its own automation of claims data. These enhancements, together with other improvements, have enabled the Company to achieve greater claims resolution through more timely pursuit of bond principals. Additionally, the Company has been preparing for a fully automated interface with Customs. In January 1993, Customs issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding the Automated Surety Interface ("ASI"). This notice provides the preliminary standards and procedures for ASI, allowing the Company to move forward towards more efficient underwriting and processing. On December 8, 1993 the Customs Modernization Act ("Mod Act") was enacted as Title VI of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act ("NAFTA"). The Mod Act contains several provisions which may affect sureties. These include changes in record keeping, interest, automation and liquidation procedures. These changes in total may affect the Company either positively or negatively depending on the final regulations and implementation. The Company maintains reserves for the payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") for all lines of business, on an undiscounted basis. The determination of reserves for losses and LAE is dependent on receipt of information regarding claims and the historical loss experience of the business. Generally, there is a lag between the time losses are incurred and the time they are reported to the Company. The liability for losses and LAE is an estimate of the ultimate unpaid net cost of all losses incurred through December 31 of each year. Since the provision is necessarily based on estimates, the ultimate liability may be more or less than such provision. These estimates include the anticipated recovery of salvage and subrogation based on historical patterns. Case reserves for individual claims are generally not established for 7 9 the U.S. Customs bond business because of the historical problems of attempting to establish case reserves for small losses coupled with: (i) frequent errors in Customs claims, (ii) lack of or erroneous documentation furnished to the Company by Customs, and (iii) the experience of the Company that in excess of 90% of all claims initially reported by Customs are either canceled or settled by the principal. When there is sufficient evidence to document the validity of a claim, it is promptly paid by the Company. As a result, the Company estimates its ultimate losses on U.S. Customs bonds by projecting from its paid claim data. The combination of paid loss projections and the length of time to ultimate settlement adds a high degree of judgment to the reserving process. The reserves established for bond losses are regularly evaluated and adjusted when conditions in loss patterns indicate an adjustment is required. The reserves established for marine losses and professional liability losses are periodically evaluated against cases reported and adjustments to the reserves are recorded as deemed appropriate. Reserves for the Company's automobile and commercial and property and casualty lines are established on a case-by-case basis and include a provision for claims incurred but not yet reported (IBNR). The individual case reserves are reviewed periodically and adjusted as deemed necessary. The following table presents Company reserve balances for the periods indicated (net of ceded reinsurance): 8 10 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ---------------------------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Unpaid Losses and LAE at beginning of period, net of reinsurance recoverables of $3,830, $3,407, and $5,231 $35,006 26,289 23,940 Unpaid Losses and LAE of acquired entities at the beginning of the period 1,300 - 1,945 -------- -------- -------- Adjusted unpaid losses and LAE at the beginning of the period 36,306 26,289 25,885 -------- -------- -------- Provision for Losses and LAE for claims occurring during: U.S. and U.K. operations Current year 28,426 19,921 12,093 Prior years 2,090 1,808 2,584 Canadian operations Current year 17,216 9,541 7,233 Prior years 4,014 329 (796) -------- -------- -------- Total 51,746 41,599 21,114 -------- -------- -------- Less Losses and LAE payments for claims occurring during: U.S. and U.K. operations Current year (9,492) (7,349) (3,936) Prior years (12,049) (9,505) (9,444) Canadian operations Current year (7,292) (11,289) (3,718) Prior years (8,863) (4,739) (3,612) -------- -------- -------- Total (37,696) (32,882) (20,710) Adjustment to deconsolidate Canadian operations (17,201) - - -------- -------- -------- Unpaid Losses and LAE at end of period, net of reinsurance recoverables of $3,138, $3,830 and $3,407 $33,155 35,006 26,289 ======== ======== ======== ______________________________ Any adjustments to reserves are reflected in operating results for the period in which they are made. 9 11 The following table presents development of total Company reserves and liability paid for the periods indicated. Year Ended December 31, 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- (Dollars in thousands) Liability for unpaid losses and LAE $5,193 $7,412 $9,414 $11,459 $12,584 $14,133 $25,867 $23,940 $26,289 $35,006 $33,155 Cumulative amount of liability paid through: One Year Later 3,293 4,130 5,254 6,019 5,216 6,039 12,611 12,531 14,244 20,205 Two Years Later 6,128 7,307 8,803 8,826 8,748 10,893 18,471 17,711 22,819 Three Years Later 8,249 9,436 10,985 11,396 12,106 13,079 21,521 24,280 Four Years Later 9,732 11,203 12,963 14,375 13,525 13,782 28,746 Five Years Later 10,680 12,862 15,400 15,224 13,906 21,892 Six Years Later 12,134 14,805 16,108 15,488 14,179 Seven Years Later 13,835 15,106 16,318 15,766 Eight Years Later 13,950 15,181 16,517 Nine Years Later 13,963 15,134 Ten Years Later 13,891 Liability re-estimated as of: One Year Later 6,050 7,666 10,080 11,629 13,592 13,367 26,551 25,728 28,426 41,110 Two Years Later 7,538 9,379 11,356 14,011 13,301 16,666 25,974 24,667 29,851 Three Years Later 9,251 10,631 13,974 14,502 16,273 15,613 25,060 23,289 Four Years Later 10,069 12,986 15,301 17,499 15,351 14,966 24,192 Five Years Later 12,109 14,618 17,782 16,656 14,790 14,765 Six Years Later 13,445 16,502 17,051 16,038 14,209 Seven Years Later 15,050 15,717 16,736 15,774 Eight Years Later 14,417 15,413 16,565 Nine Years Later 14,084 15,158 Ten Years later 13,907 Cumulative deficiencies (Redundancies) $8,714 $7,746 $7,151 $4,315 $1,625 $632 ($1,675) $(651) $3,562 $6,104 ====== ====== ====== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ======= ======= Generally accepted accounting principles require insurance liabilities on the balance sheet be reported without reduction for anticipated recoverables under reinsurance contracts. Statutory accounting practices continue to permit reporting on a net basis. The following table sets forth the reconciliation of GAAP reported reserves to reserves net of reinsurance as shown above. December 31, 1995 1994 1993 -------- -------- -------- (dollars in thousands) Gross loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $36,293 38,836 29,696 Ceded to other insurance companies (1) 3,138 3,830 3,407 -------- -------- -------- Net liability as stated above $33,155 35,006 26,289 ======== ======== ======== ____________________________ (1) Before reduction for funds held from reinsurers As indicated in the above tables, the Company has experienced adverse loss development for policy years prior to 1991, and policy years 1993 and 1994. Reserve 10 12 deficiencies for 1991 and prior have developed primarily in the U.S. Customs bond line of business. Historical reserve deficiencies resulted from several causes, including modifications in the administrative procedures utilized by Customs in the claims assessment and collection area; the previously described computerization of the claims administration process by Customs; certain court decisions regarding claims administration procedures that were decided favorably to Customs and certain extraordinary losses experienced by the Company. The extraordinary losses were related to a discontinued line of bond business for environmental and safety requirements for imported automobiles, a discontinued program for travel agents and a Customs determination on certain steel importations involving countervailing duty and anti-dumping issues. (In accordance with Customs procedures operative at the time, these risks were primarily secured by many single entry bonds.) The aggregate cumulative losses on these items is approximately $5,500,000, net of reinsurance ceded. The Customs regulations have been modified to restrict such aggregation of liability in the future. Moreover, the database now permits the Company to track and control such aggregations on a more timely basis. In 1993, reserve estimates for professional liability developed greater than originally estimated. The Company's experience with a certain segment of its insured population has been identified as the source of the adverse experience. Certain aspects of the Mod Act are expected to allow this group to be able to limit its exposure to loss in the future. Coupled with enhanced pricing and underwriting control, the Company believes these changes should result in improved loss experience in this area. As prior period reserve inadequacies became apparent, the Company took several actions to strengthen its reserve posture by increasing its premium rate, adjusting its current reserve practices and affecting lump sum increases to the reserves. During 1995, it became apparent that the estimated unpaid claims for liabilities established at December 31, 1994 on Kingsway's business lines would exceed initial expectations and loss reserves were increased accordingly by $4.0 million. In addition, the reserves reported to Kingsway by the Canadian Facility Association Risk Sharing Pool as at December 31, 1994 increased substantially during 1995. The Risk Sharing Pool was created by legislation in Ontario to ensure the availability of automobile insurance to every motorist in Ontario. Every insurer writing automobile insurance is required to share in these losses in proportion to their business in the Province. Also, during 1995, loss experience related to U.S. operations for 1994 and prior suggested reserve increases amounting to $5.2 million were required for the marine cargo, contract surety and other property and casualty lines. These increases were offset by savings of $3.1 million on 1994 and prior U.S. Customs bonds reserve estimates. Claims experience tends to be dependent upon the frequency of claims versus the severity of individual claims. Severity exposures are the subject of certain excess of loss 11 13 reinsurance treaties as described above. Until recent Customs' automation, obtaining reliable information on the frequency of claims was difficult and was further compounded by the historically long delays in Customs' claims assessment and processing. Currently, Customs forwards a computer tape of outstanding bills for additional duty and liquidated damages to the Company on a weekly basis. This data is input to the Company's computer and used to initiate claims handling procedures. The Company's bond and marine cargo losses are generally tied to the value of the goods as of the date of shipment and generally are not adversely affected by inflation; however, LAE is subject to the effects of inflation. LAE is composed primarily of hourly fee costs for attorneys, adjusters and survey firms. Such professional services typically are subject to rate increases at the discretion of the provider. While the Company makes every effort to control the rates and hours of service, it is imperative to retain qualified personnel familiar with the business of the Company and the insurance industry. COMPETITION The insurance industry is highly competitive. The Company faces competition from bond underwriters, marine and non-marine insurers and numerous other insurance companies. These insurers vary in terms of size, quality, operating histories and financial, marketing and management resources. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial resources than the Company. The U.S. Customs bond business is highly specialized and requires significant technical knowledge in order to properly underwrite and respond to claims. Additionally, the automated processing systems which the U.S. Customs Service has installed for its own use necessitate that surety companies also be automated for claims. In addition to the ability to use the data tapes, and data base information, the time frames available for collection and payment have been shortened, requiring sureties to respond on a daily basis. There are over 300 companies in the United States Department of the Treasury's approved list of companies acceptable as sureties and reinsurers of federal bonds including U.S. Customs bonds. While there is no reliable data available from which to determine the amount or volume of U.S. Customs bonds written by these companies, the Company believes that it and one of its competitors, Washington International Insurance Company, are the dominant underwriters for U.S. Customs bonds. Many major insurance companies, agents and brokers compete for marine cargo insurance business. The Company believes that its ability to compete in this market is enhanced by its relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders. 12 14 The Company has few competitors in the U.S. for its professional liability product and believes that it has the largest professional liability program in the U.S. offering this type of coverage. In Canada, alternative coverages are marketed by competitors in conjunction with a broad form marine and liability policy. The Company developed a new form, the International Transit Liability Policy ("ITL"), to be more compatible to Canadian market expectations. The Company believes that its ability to provide prompt, efficient service to customs brokers and freight forwarders, as well as its expertise and understanding of the risks involved in those industries, provide a competitive advantage over other carriers in both its professional liability lines and its property and casualty lines. REGULATION U.S. Federal Regulation. U.S. Customs bonds are sold pursuant to federal regulations requiring virtually every importer of goods into the United States to post a bond. IIC currently maintains a Certificate of Authority as a surety company qualified to write U.S. Customs bonds pursuant to federal law and applicable regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Treasury (the "Treasury"). The Treasury determines the maximum amount of risk retention per bond for each qualified insurance company. IIC is qualified to write U.S. Customs bonds and retain an aggregate up to $2,237,000 of liability on any one bond. Although no specific statutory requirements exist, the Treasury generally recommends no greater than a three to one ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus for sureties licensed to write U.S. Customs bonds. The Company has met this guideline for the last five years. Insurance companies issuing U.S. Customs bonds and customs brokers selling such bonds are extensively regulated by the Treasury, including an annual review of their financial statements. As a result of extensive federal regulation, the Company believes that under the McCarran Ferguson Act, its U.S. Customs bonds business is exempt from state regulation. No state has taken any action to require the Company's compliance with its licensure requirements with respect to its U.S. Customs bond business. State Regulation. The Company and its U.S. insurance subsidiary is subject to regulation under the various state insurance laws where the subsidiary is licensed, including each particular state's insurance holding company law ("Holding Company Law"). Such regulation is designed generally to protect policyholders rather than investors and relates to such matters as the standards of solvency which must be met and maintained; the licensing of insurers and their agents; the nature of and examination of the affairs of insurance companies, which includes periodic financial and market conduct examinations by regulatory authorities; annual and other reports, 13 15 prepared on a statutory accounting basis, required to be filed on the financial condition of insurers or for other purposes; establishment and maintenance of reserves for unearned premiums and losses; and requirements regarding numerous other matters. In general, the Company's insurance subsidiary must file rates for insurance directly underwritten with the insurance department of each state in which it operates. Further, state insurance statutes typically place limitations on the amount of dividends or other distributions payable by domiciled insurance companies in order to protect their solvency. Holding Company Laws impose standards on certain transactions between registered insurers and their affiliates, which include, among other things, that the terms of the transactions be fair and reasonable and that the books, accounts and records of each party be maintained so as to clearly and accurately disclose the precise nature and details of the transactions. Holding Company Laws also generally require that any person or entity desiring to acquire more than a specified percentage (commonly 10%) of the Company's outstanding voting securities is required first to obtain approval of the applicable state insurance regulators. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) facilitates the regulation of multistate companies through uniform reporting requirements, standardized procedures for financial examinations, and uniform regulatory procedures embodied in model acts and regulations. Current developments address the reporting and regulation of the adequacy of capital and surplus. The NAIC has finalized its risk-based capital model act for property/casualty companies. At December 31, 1995, Intercargo Insurance Company's required risk-based capital was $4,472,879; reported capital and surplus was $26,638,852. INVESTMENT POLICY The Company's investment policy requires that invested assets be comprised of investment grade, fixed income securities of short to medium term. The Company does not invest in real estate or real estate securities, "high yield" bonds or derivatives. The Company's philosophy is to hold its investments to maturity when feasible, but will redeploy assets when market conditions dictate. Substantially all of the Company's investment portfolio is comprised of investment grade securities issued by the U.S. federal government, various state and local governments and major U.S. corporations. EMPLOYEES At December 31, 1995, the Company had 186 U.S.employees. Of these, 31 were managerial personnel and 155 were clerical employees. Except for 21 part-time employees, all such persons are employed on a full-time basis. The Company believes that it enjoys favorable relations with its employees. 14 16 Item 2. Properties The Company occupies leased space in Schaumburg, Illinois where its principal executive offices are located. The Company shares its principal executive offices with IAS. IAS has eleven individual leases in locations where it maintains sales and service offices. Item 3. Litigation There are no pending material legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of the properties of the Company or its subsidiaries is subject, except for claims arising in the ordinary course of business. In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in certain litigation. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such litigation will not have a material effect on the financial condition of the Company. Item 4. Submission of Matter to a Vote of Security Holders None. 15 17 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters The information regarding the Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters is included in the Registrant's 1995 Annual Report to Stockholders under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis - Market Information," which is incorporated herein by reference. Item 6. Selected Financial Data The Selected Financial Data are contained in the Registrant's 1995 Annual Report to Stockholders under the heading "Selected Financial Data," which is incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are contained in the Registrant's 1995 Annual Report to Stockholders under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis," which is incorporated herein by reference. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data The consolidated financial statements and related notes required in response to this item are contained in the Registrant's 1995 Annual Report to Stockholders, which financial statements and notes are incorporated herein by reference. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure There has been no change in accountants within the 24 months prior to the date of the consolidated financial statements contained in this report, nor any disagreements with such accountants. 16 18 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant For information regarding Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant, reference is made to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 17, 1996, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation For information regarding executive compensation, reference is made to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 17, 1996, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management For information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, reference is made to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 17, 1996, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions For information regarding certain relationships and related transactions, reference is made to the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 17, 1996, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1995 which is incorporated herein by reference. 17 19 INTERCARGO 10-K ---------- ---- PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K (a)(1)For information concerning the following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant, reference is made to the Registrant's 1995 Annual Report to Stockholders, which financial information is incorporated herein by reference. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1995. The following consolidated financial statements of Kingsway Financial Services, Inc., the Company's Canadian subsidiary, are being filed separately under cover of Form TH and will be filed electronically in accordance with Rule 201(b) of Regulation S-T: Independent Auditor's Report dated February 16, 1996. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1994 and 1993. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993. (a)(2)The following consolidated financial statement schedules of the Company listed below are contained in the index to Financial Statement Schedules on page FS-1 herein: Schedule I Summary of investments -- other than investments in related parties Schedule II Condensed financial information of registrant 18 20 Schedule IV Reinsurance Schedule VI Supplemental information concerning property/casualty operations (b) Reports on Form 8-K No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended December 31, 1995 (c) Exhibits. See Exhibit Index immediately following financial statement schedules. 19 21 INTERCARGO CORPORATION INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Page ---- Independent Auditors' Report FS-2 SCHEDULES Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties (Schedule I) FS-3 Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Schedule II) FS-4 Reinsurance (Schedule IV) FS-7 Supplemental Information Concerning Property/Casualty Insurance Operations (Schedule VI) FS-8 22 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Intercargo Corporation: Under date of March 28, 1996, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets of Intercargo Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1995, as contained in the 1995 annual report to stockholders. These consolidated financial statements and our report thereon are incorporated by reference in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year 1995. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related consolidated supplementary financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These supplementary financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these supplementary financial statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such supplementary financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for investments to adopt the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," at January 1, 1994. KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP Chicago, Illinois March 28, 1996 FS-2 23 SCHEDULE I INTERCARGO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS--OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES December 31, 1995 (dollars in thousands) Amount at Which Fair Shown in the Type of Investment Cost (1) Value Balance Sheets - ------------------ ---- ----- -------------- (Available for Sale) Fixed Maturities: U.S. Government and Agency obligations $13,670 13,739 13,739 State, municipal, and other tax advantaged securities 19,776 20,445 20,445 Corporate securities 9,545 9,812 9,812 Other fixed maturity investments 774 773 773 ------- ------ ------ Total fixed maturities 43,765 44,769 44,769 Equity securities 3,618 3,474 3,474 ------- ------ ------ Total investments $47,383 48,243 48,243 ======= ====== ====== _______________________________ (1) Investments in fixed maturities are reflected at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discounts. See notes to consolidated financial statements. See accompanying report of independent auditors. FS-3 24 SCHEDULE II INTERCARGO CORPORATION CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Registrant only) (dollars in thousands) December 31, ---------------- 1995 1994 ---------------- ASSETS Investment in affiliates $11,898 - Cash and cash equivalents 1,180 530 Equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation 569 938 Investments in subsidiaries 29,476 35,385 Notes receivable Due from affiliates 8,260 10,110 Due from non-affiliates 209 460 Other assets 1,988 1,250 ------- ------- Total assets $53,580 48,673 ======= ======= LIABILITIES Accrued expenses and other liabilities $184 246 Federal income tax payable 40 51 Notes payable 9,735 8,325 Payable to affiliates - 130 ------- ------- Total liabilities 9,959 8,752 ------- ------- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock -- $1 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issues and outstanding, 7,640,981 7,641 7,641 Additional paid-in capital 24,104 24,104 Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation (1,179) (2,002) Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities 567 (1,546) Retained earnings 12,488 11,724 ------- ------- Total stockholders' equity 43,621 39,921 ------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $53,580 48,673 ======= ======= See notes to consolidated financial statements. See accompanying report of independent auditors. FS-4 25 SCHEDULE II - Continued INTERCARGO CORPORATION CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Registrant only) (in thousands) December 31, -------------------- 995 1994 1993 ------ ----- ----- Revenues Revenues from affiliates $17 70 56 Net investment and other income 1,261 665 283 ------ ----- ----- Total 1,278 735 339 ------ ----- ----- Expenses Interest expense 937 367 163 General and administrative expense 481 1,034 980 ------ ----- ----- Total 1,418 1,401 1,143 ------ ----- ----- Operating loss (140) (666) (804) Federal income tax benefit 48 226 273 Equity in the operating earnings of subsidiaries, net of income taxes 2,231 5,421 2,669 ------ ----- ----- Net income $2,139 4,981 2,138 ====== ===== ===== See notes to consolidated financial statements. See accompanying report of independent auditors. FS-5 26 SCHEDULE II - Continued INTERCARGO CORPORATION CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (Registrant only) (in thousands) December 31, ------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $2,139 4,981 2,138 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities: Realized gains (241) - - Equity of operating earnings of subsidiaries, net of income tax (2,231) (5,421) (2,669) Increase (decrease) in payable to affiliates (130) (934) 631 Depreciation and amortization 2 219 257 Change in income tax accounts (11) (173) 323 (Increase) decrease in notes receivable Affiliates 1,850 (1,505) (8,605) Non-affiliates 251 382 (199) Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities (62) 154 (264) Other, net (676) (422) (580) ------- ------- ------- Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities 891 (2,719) (8,968) ------- ------- ------- Cash flows from investing activities: Long-term fixed maturities: Purchases - - (457) Sales - 796 404 Equity securities: Sales - 347 457 Net (purchases) sales of short-term maturities - 2,993 (2,968) Dividends received from subsidiary 250 - 2,007 Contribution of capital to subsidiary (5,000) (3,600) - Sale of Kingsway common stock 4,107 - (35) (Purchase) Sale of equipment, net 367 (458) (51) ------- ------- ------- Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (276) 78 (643) ------- ------- ------- Cash flows from (used in) financing activities: Proceeds from stock offering - - 6,375 Proceeds from exercise of stock equivalents - 50 359 Dividends paid to stockholders (1,375) (1,375) (1,141) Proceeds from loans 1,410 325 8,000 ------- ------- ------- Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 35 (1,000) 13,593 ------- ------- ------- Net increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 650 (3,641) 3,982 Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of the period 530 4,171 189 ------- ------- ------- End of the period $1,180 530 4,171 ======= ======= ======= See notes to consolidated financial statements. See accompanying report of independent auditors. FS-6 27 SCHEDULE IV INTERCARGO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES REINSURANCE (dollars in thousands) Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Percentage Ceded to Assumed of amount Gross other from other Net assumed to amount companies companies amount net - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property and liability premiums Year ended: December 31, 1995 $98,460 $13,594 $1,288 $86,154 1.49% December 31, 1994 86,216 11,565 146 74,797 .20% December 31, 1993 54,924 9,722 291 45,493 .64% See accompanying report of independent auditors. FS-7 28 SCHEDULE VI INTERCARGO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (dollars in thousands) Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Reserves for Incurred Related to Deferred Unpaid Claims Discount, ------------------- Policy and Claim if any, Net (1) (2) Affiliation with Acquisition Adjustment Deducted in Unearned Earned Investment Current Prior Registrant Costs Expenses Column C Premiums Premiums Income Year Year - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated property- casualty entities Year ended: December 31, 1995 $4,898 $36,293 -- $17,691 $86,154 $6,273 $45,642 $6,104 December 31, 1994 6,602 38,836 -- 31,586 74,797 4,378 39,462 2,137 December 31, 1993 5,215 29,696 -- 26,470 45,493 3,990 19,326 1,788 Column A Column I Column J Column K - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amortization Paid Claims of Deferred and Claim Affiliation with Policy Acq. Adjustment Premiums Registrant Costs Expenses Written - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated property- casualty entities Year ended: December 31, 1995 $22,829 $37,696 $90,804 December 31, 1994 18,511 32,882 80,737 December 31, 1993 14,336 20,710 55,006 See accompanying report of independent auditors. FS-8 29 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Dated: March 30, 1996 INTERCARGO CORPORATION By: /s/ James R. Zuhlke ------------------------------ James R. Zuhlke, President and Chief Executive Officer 30 Signature Date -------------------------------------- -------------- /s/ James R. Zuhlke March 30, 1996 -------------------------------------- James R. Zuhlke Chairman of the Board; President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Michael L. Sklar March 30, 1996 -------------------------------------- Michael L. Sklar Director /s/ Arthur J. Fritz, Jr. March 30, 1996 -------------------------------------- Arthur J. Fritz, Jr. Director /s/ Arthur L. Litman March 30, 1996 -------------------------------------- Arthur L. Litman Director /s/ Kenneth A. Bodenstein March 30, 1996 -------------------------------------- Kenneth A. Bodenstein Director /s/ Albert J. Gallegos March 30, 1996 -------------------------------------- Albert J. Gallegos Director /s/ Robert B. Sanborn March 30, 1996 -------------------------------------- Robert B. Sanborn Director /s/ Lawrence P. Goecking March 30, 1996 -------------------------------------- Lawrence P. Goecking Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 31 EXHIBIT INDEX Description ----------- Exhibit Number - ------- 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, including amendments thereto.(1) 3.2 Bylaws of the Company, including amendments thereto.(1) 4 Specimen Certificate of Common Stock.(2) 10.1 Form of Company's 1987 Non-Qualified and Incentive Stock Option Plan.(1) *10.2 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.(3) 10.3 Secured Loan Agreement between the Company and LaSalle National Bank dated June 4, 1993(4). 10.4 First Amendment dated January 1, 1995, to Secured Loan Agreement between the Company and LaSalle National Bank dated June 4, 1993.(5) 10.5 Revolving Note dated June 4, 1993, executed by the Company in favor of LaSalle National Bank.(4) *10.6 Indemnification Agreements between the Company and the following directors: Kenneth A. Bodenstein, John H. Robinson, Arthur L. Litman, Arthur J. Fritz, Jr., Albert J. Gallegos and James R. Zuhlke.(3) *10.7 Supplemental Life Insurance Policy for James R. Zuhlke.(3) *10.8 Employment Agreement dated August 25, 1993, between the Company and Robert S. Kielbas. (4) *10.9 Employment Agreement dated January 1, 1994 between the Company and Lawrence P. Goecking.(5) *10.10 Supplemental Life Insurance Policy for Robert S. Kielbas.(5) 32 *10.11 Indemnification Agreement dated February 18, 1994 between the Company and Robert B. Sanborn.(5) *10.12 Indemnification Agreement dated December 1, 1993 between the Company and Lawrence P. Goecking.(5) 11 Statement regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings. (filed herewith) 12 Statement regarding Computation of Ratios. (filed herewith) 13 Portions 1995 Annual Report to Stockholders incorporated by reference. (filed herewith) 21 Subsidiaries of the Company. (filed herewith) 23 Consent of Independent Auditors. (filed herewith) 27 Financial Data Schedule. (filed herewith) 28 Information from reports furnished to State Insurance regulatory P authorities (filed separately in paper format). The Company's Canadian subsidiaries are not required to file Schedules O and P with the Ontario Insurance Commissioner. Accordingly, no such schedules have been filed herewith. - --------------------- (1) Filed with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-18, Registration No. 33-21270C and incorporated herein by reference. (2) Filed with Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-18, Registration No. 33-21270C and incorporated herein by reference. (3) Filed with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-2, Registration No. 33-45658 and incorporated herein by reference. (4) Filed with the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference. (5) Filed with the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. *Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.