1 BANCINSURANCE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 ----------- ----------- ASSETS Investments: Held to maturity: Fixed maturities, at amortized cost (fair value $4,841,414 in 1998 and $4,054,026 in 1997) .. $ 4,702,163 $ 3,940,194 Available for sale: Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost $ 10,763,962 in 1998 and $12,635,652 in 1997) 11,170,469 12,962,626 Equity securities, at fair value (cost $3,434,573 in 1998 and $2,601,150 in 1997) ........... 4,024,800 3,225,061 Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value ................................ 5,824,464 5,753,669 Securities purchased under agreements to resell .............................................. 1,260,857 1,048,075 ----------- ----------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS ........................................................................ 26,982,753 26,929,625 ----------- ----------- Cash .......................................................................................... 4,582,168 1,146,317 Premiums receivable ........................................................................... 1,783,719 755,611 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts ................................... 286,242 297,519 Reinsurance receivable ........................................................................ 2,750 8,000 Prepaid reinsurance premiums .................................................................. 28,400 36,335 Deferred policy acquisition costs ............................................................. 152,678 -- Loans to affiliates ........................................................................... 578,621 606,182 Note receivable ............................................................................... 6,031 67,500 Furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements, net ........................................... 171,764 121,697 Excess of investment over net assets of subsidiaries, net ..................................... 964,453 976,610 Accrued investment income ..................................................................... 269,690 298,234 Other assets .................................................................................. 139,398 160,802 ----------- ----------- TOTAL ASSETS ............................................................................. $35,948,667 $31,404,432 =========== =========== 1 2 BANCINSURANCE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses ............................... $ 3,177,845 $ 1,531,714 Unearned premiums .................................................................... 718,795 698,764 Contract funds on deposit ............................................................ 2,917,868 3,451,371 Reinsurance premiums payable ......................................................... 5,430 27,821 Note payable to bank ................................................................. 4,250,000 5,000,000 Note payable ......................................................................... 28,076 37,073 Taxes, licenses, and fees payable .................................................... 373,679 150,778 Deferred federal income taxes ........................................................ 290,846 296,049 Federal income taxes payable ......................................................... 44,191 741 Commissions payable .................................................................. 438,175 493,212 Other ................................................................................ 1,199,280 637,108 ------------ ------------ TOTAL LIABILITIES ............................................................... 13,444,185 12,324,631 ------------ ------------ Commitments and contingent liabilities Shareholders' equity: Non-voting preferred stock: Class A Serial Preference shares without par value; authorized 100,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding ................................................................... -- -- Class B Serial Preference shares without par value; authorized 98,646 shares; no shares issued or outstanding ................................................. -- -- Common stock without par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; 5,878,277 shares issued 315,567 315,567 Additional paid-in capital .......................................................... 1,495,387 1,495,387 Accumulated other comprehensive income .............................................. 657,844 627,583 Retained earnings ................................................................... 20,136,198 16,741,778 ------------ ------------ 22,604,996 19,180,315 Less: Treasury stock, at cost (35,162 common shares in 1998 and 1997) .............. (100,514) (100,514) ------------ ------------ in 1997) ....................................................................... (100,514) (100,514) ------------ ------------ TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ...................................................... 22,504,482 19,079,801 ------------ ------------ TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ...................................... $ 35,948,667 $ 31,404,432 ============ ============ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 2 3 BANCINSURANCE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOME: Premiums written ......................................... $ 20,971,405 $ 11,179,561 $ 8,358,499 (Increase) decrease in unearned premiums ................. (20,031) 47,023 2,251,545 ------------ ------------ ------------ Premiums earned ...................................... 20,951,374 11,226,584 10,610,044 Premiums ceded ........................................... (82,086) (57,341) (471,940) ------------ ------------ ------------ Net premiums earned .................................. 20,869,288 11,169,243 10,138,104 Investment income (net of expenses of $81,379, $68,621 and $78,003, respectively) ................................ 1,339,816 1,344,815 1,318,137 Net realized gain on investments ......................... 67,274 182,734 246,038 Claims administration fees ............................... 570,302 658,884 550,615 Title and appraisal fees ................................. 1,959,384 1,593,556 -- Management fees .......................................... 1,328,083 809,345 411,176 Other income ............................................. 63,566 71,824 40,804 ------------ ------------ ------------ TOTAL REVENUE ........................................ 26,197,713 15,830,401 12,704,874 ------------ ------------ ------------ LOSSES AND OPERATING EXPENSES: Losses and loss adjustment expenses ...................... 13,340,737 6,070,954 5,864,170 Reinsurance recoveries ................................... -- -- (459,686) Commission expense ....................................... 2,346,798 1,565,826 1,441,430 Other insurance operating expenses ....................... 2,423,997 1,692,041 1,551,578 General and administrative expenses ...................... 3,050,389 2,469,935 734,660 Interest expense ......................................... 285,030 362,997 451,425 ------------ ------------ ------------ TOTAL EXPENSES ....................................... 21,446,951 12,161,753 9,583,577 ------------ ------------ ------------ INCOME BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES ................... 4,750,762 3,668,648 3,121,297 Federal income tax expense ................................ 1,356,342 967,354 780,249 ------------ ------------ ------------ NET INCOME ........................................... $ 3,394,420 $ 2,701,294 $ 2,341,048 ============ ============ ============ Net income per common share ............................... $ .58 $ .46 $ .41 ============ ============ ============ Net income per common share, assuming dilution ............ $ .57 $ .46 $ .40 ============ ============ ============ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 3 4 BANCINSURANCE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income .......................................................... $3,394,420 $2,701,294 $2,341,048 Other comprehensive income: Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during period, net of income taxes of $15,589, $99,314 and $9,548, respectively ..... 30,261 192,786 18,534 ---------- ---------- ---------- Comprehensive income ................................................ $3,424,681 $2,894,080 $2,359,582 ========== ========== ========== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 4 5 BANCINSURANCE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ACCUMULATED ADDITIONAL OTHER TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK COMMON PAID-IN COMPREHENSIVE RETAINED TREASURY SHAREHOLDERS' CLASS A CLASS B STOCK CAPITAL INCOME EARNINGS STOCK EQUITY - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance December 31, 1995 . -- -- $ 315,567 $ 1,466,753 $ 416,263 $ 11,699,436 $(187,609) $ 13,710,410 Net income .............. -- -- -- -- -- 2,341,048 -- 2,341,048 Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of income taxes of $9,548 ................. -- -- -- -- 18,534 -- -- 18,534 Purchase of 59,292 treasury shares ........ -- -- -- -- -- -- (185,675) (185,675) 20,000 shares issued in connection with the exercise of stock options ................ -- -- -- (33,424) -- -- 55,924 ------- ------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ 22,500 Balance December 31, 1996 . -- -- 315,567 1,433,329 434,797 14,040,484 (317,360) 15,906,817 Net income .............. -- -- -- -- -- 2,701,294 -- 2,701,294 Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of income taxes of $99,314 ................ -- -- -- -- 192,786 -- -- 192,786 Issue of 62,500 treasury shares in purchase acquisition ............ -- -- -- 97,120 -- -- 178,661 275,781 20,000 shares issued in connection with the exercise of stock options ................ -- -- -- (35,062) -- -- 38,185 3,123 ------- ------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ Balance December 31, 1997 . -- -- 315,567 1,495,387 627,583 16,741,778 (100,514) 19,079,801 NET INCOME .............. -- -- -- -- -- 3,394,420 -- 3,394,420 CHANGE IN UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS, NET OF INCOME TAXES OF $15,589 ................ -- -- -- -- -- 30,261 -- -- ------- ------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------- ------------ 30,261 BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 1998 . -- -- $ 315,567 $ 1,495,387 $ 657,844 $ 20,136,198 $(100,514) $ 22,504,482 ======= ======= ========= =========== ========= ============ ========= ============ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 5 6 BANCINSURANCE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net income ..................................................................... $ 3,394,420 $ 2,701,294 $ 2,341,048 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Net realized gain on investments .............................................. (67,274) (182,734) (245,436) Net realized loss on disposal of equipment .................................... 52,403 -- -- Depreciation and amortization ................................................. 192,087 160,732 45,114 Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense ................................. (20,792) 1,980 240,830 Increase in premiums receivable ............................................... (1,028,108) (261,289) (93,925) (Increase) decrease in accounts and reinsurance receivable, net ............... 12,584 (122,224) 652,208 Decrease in reinsurance recoverable on paid losses ............................ -- 25,143 499,959 Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs ................................. (152,678) -- -- (Increase) decrease in prepaid reinsurance premiums ........................... 7,935 (6,702) 806,517 (Increase) decrease in loans to affiliates .................................... 27,561 (171,719) (216,719) (Increase) decrease in notes receivable ....................................... 61,469 (67,500) -- (Increase) decrease in note receivable ........................................ 61,469 (67,500) -- (Increase) decrease in accrued investment income .............................. 28,544 10,412 (77,370) (Increase) decrease in other assets ........................................... (74,969) (23,024) 33,528 (Increase) decrease in other assets ........................................... 21,404 (74,969) (23,024) Increase (decrease) in reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses . 1,646,131 171,939 (882,106) Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums ...................................... 20,031 (47,023) (2,251,547) Increase (decrease) in contract funds on deposit .............................. (533,503) 501,263 1,141,096 Increase (decrease) in reinsurance premiums payable ........................... (22,391) (475,985) 111,090 Decrease in note payable ...................................................... (8,997) (9,750) -- Increase in other liabilities ................................................. 773,486 138,303 174,193 ----------- ----------- ----------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES ............................. 4,404,312 2,291,171 2,221,928 ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash flows from investing activities: Proceeds from held to maturity: fixed maturities due to redemption or maturity . 360,000 1,259,000 508,779 Proceeds from available for sale: fixed maturities sold, redeemed and matured .. 1,971,000 2,515,944 3,168,317 Proceeds from available for sale: equity securities sold ....................... 3,154,418 2,235,078 1,865,588 Cost of investments purchased: Held to maturity: fixed maturities ............................................ (709,015) (1,500,543) (241,682) Available for sale: fixed maturities .......................................... (207,946) (3,908,653) (5,152,466) Equity securities ............................................................. (4,314,759) (1,763,653) (1,106,028) Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments and securities purchased under agreements to resell .......................................................... (283,577) 20,809 (721,058) Purchase of furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements ..................... (189,107) (115,163) (22,152) Other .......................................................................... 525 27,918 (143,038) ----------- ----------- ----------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES ...................................... (218,461) (1,229,263) (1,843,740) ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from note payable to bank ............................................. 7,200,000 7,525,000 1,790,000 Repayments of note payable to bank ............................................. (7,950,000) (8,125,000) (1,806,132) Proceeds from stock options exercised .......................................... -- 3,123 22,500 Acquisition of treasury stock .................................................. -- -- (185,675) NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES ...................................... (750,000) (596,877) (179,307) ----------- ----------- ----------- Net increase in cash ............................................................ 3,435,851 465,031 198,881 Cash at beginning of year ....................................................... 1,146,317 681,286 482,405 CASH AT END OF YEAR ............................................................. $ 4,582,168 $ 1,146,317 $ 681,286 =========== =========== =========== Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for: Interest ....................................................................... $ 282,727 $ 389,632 $ 430,662 =========== =========== =========== Income taxes ................................................................... $ 1,530,000 $ 935,000 $ 530,000 =========== =========== =========== Supplemental schedule of noncash investing activities: Common stock issued in purchase acquisition .................................... -- $ 275,781 -- =========== =========== =========== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 6 7 BANCINSURANCE CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (a) ORGANIZATION Bancinsurance Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated in the state of Ohio in 1970. The Company is primarily engaged, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ohio Indemnity, in the underwriting of specialized property and casualty insurance. Insurance written is principally in two lines of business, ultimate loss insurance and a bonded service program. Ohio Indemnity is licensed in forty-seven states and the District of Columbia and licensed for surplus lines in Texas. As such, Ohio Indemnity is subject to the regulations of the Department of Insurance of the State of Ohio (the Department) and the regulations of each state in which it operates. During 1993, BCIS Services, Inc. was incorporated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. BCIS Services provides workers' compensation professional administration and cost control services to employers who self-insure this obligation. During 1997, Custom Title Services, Inc. (formerly known as Title Research Corporation) ("Custom Title") was incorporated in Ohio as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Custom Title is a title lien search and mortgage service company. No single customer of the Company accounts for a predominant share of consolidated revenue, except for two customers in the Ultimate Loss Insurance program. See Note 16. (b) BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") which vary in certain respects from reporting practices prescribed or permitted by the Department. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), as well as state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. Statutory accounting practices differ from GAAP in that: (1) assets must be included in the statutory statements at "admitted asset value" and "nonadmitted assets" must be excluded through a charge against surplus; (2) policy acquisition costs are charged against income as incurred rather than being deferred and amortized over the terms of the related policies; (3) ceded reinsurance balances payable are reflected as a reduction of premiums in the course of collection rather than as a liability and reinsurance receivables are recorded as admitted assets; (4) adjustments reflecting the revaluation of stocks are carried to the equity account as unrealized investment gains or losses, without providing for federal income taxes; and (5) the fixed maturities are carried at amortized cost instead of market value with no unrealized gain or loss reflected in surplus. However, the actual effect of adoption could differ as changes are made to the Codification guidance, prior to its effective date of January 1, 2001. The effects of these differences on shareholder's equity and net income are shown in Note 12. In 1998, the NAIC adopted the Codification of Statutory Accounting Principles guidance, which will replace the current Accounting Practices and Procedures manual as the NAIC's primary guidance on statutory accounting. The NAIC is now considering amendments to the Codification guidance that would also be effective upon implementation. The Codification provides guidance for areas where statutory accounting has been silent and changes current statutory accounting in some areas. The Ohio Insurance Department has adopted the Codification guidance, effective January 1, 2001. The Company has not estimated the potential effect of the Codification guidance if adopted by the Department. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (c) CONSOLIDATION POLICY The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. (d) INVESTMENTS Investments in fixed maturities held as available for sale are carried at fair value. The net unrealized holding gain or loss, net of applicable deferred taxes, is reflected in other comprehensive income. Investments in held to maturity fixed maturities, which include bonds and preferred stocks with mandatory redemption features, where the Company has the ability and intent to hold to maturity or put date, are carried at amortized cost. Available for sale equity securities, which include common stocks and preferred stocks without mandatory redemption features, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of applicable deferred taxes, reflected in other comprehensive income. Short-term investments are reflected at cost which approximates fair value. Realized gains and losses on disposal of investments are determined by the specific identification method and are included in net investment income. The carrying value of investments is revised and the amount of revision is charged to net realized losses on investments when management determines that a decline in the value of an investment is other than temporary. 7 8 (e) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable at December 31, 1998 are comprised of title services and appraisal billings. The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debts based upon management's assessment of the collectibility of receivables and prior experience. (f) EXCESS OF INVESTMENT OVER NET ASSETS OF SUBSIDIARY As allowed by generally accepted accounting principles, the excess of investment over net assets of Ohio Indemnity acquired is not being amortized as the acquisition took place on April 22, 1970, and there is no permanent diminution in value of such excess. On April 2, 1997, Custom Title, a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Bancinsurance Corporation, purchased substantially all of the net assets of Title Research Agency, an Ohio corporation for 62,500 shares of Bancinsurance Corporation common stock, with a value of $275,781. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. Under the purchase method, the results of operations of the acquired Company are included prospectively from the date of acquisition, and the acquisition price is allocated to the acquirees' tangible assets and liabilities based upon their fair values at the date of acquisition, with any residual being goodwill. The Company amortizes this goodwill on a straight-line basis over its estimated economic life of fifteen years. At December 31, 1998, the net book value of goodwill associated with the acquisition was $210,716. (g) RECOGNITION OF REVENUES AND RELATED EXPENSES Insurance premiums are recorded as revenue over the period of risk assumed. For the Company's "Ultimate Loss Insurance" products, a form of physical damage blanket single interest collateral protection insurance sold to lending institutions, premiums are earned in relation to the level of exposure assumed. For the surety product, premiums are earned pro rata. The portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired portion of insurance contracts is recorded in the balance sheet as unearned premiums. Management fees are recorded as revenue in the period redundant reserves are released from the aggregate loss fund established in connection with the Bonded Service program. Claims administration fees reported for BCIS Services and title service and appraisal fees reported for Custom Title are recorded as revenue in the period in which the work was performed and/or services provided. (h) POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS Acquisition expenses, mainly commissions and premium taxes, related to unearned premiums are deferred and amortized over the period the coverage is provided. Anticipated losses and other expenses related to those premiums are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. (i) RESERVE FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES Reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses includes case basis estimates of reported losses and estimates of losses incurred but not reported based upon past experience. The reserve also includes an estimate of the loss adjustment expenses to be incurred in the settlement of items provided for in the reserve for unpaid losses. These reserves are reported net of amounts recoverable from salvage and subrogation. Management believes the reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is adequate. Amounts recoverable from the reinsurer are estimated in a manner consistent with the reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and are recorded as a reinsurance receivable. (j) REINSURANCE The Company's reinsurance transactions are attributable to premiums written in its mortgage protection product and for its automobile physical damage business, which was discontinued in 1995. The Company records its reinsurance transactions in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 113, "Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts." (k) CONTRACT FUNDS ON DEPOSIT The Company has an agreement with a cost containment service firm involving a program designed to control the unemployment compensation costs of certain non-profit employers. Pursuant to this agreement, a bond has been issued insuring the payment of certain reimbursable unemployment compensation benefits on behalf of the employers enrolled in this program. Certain monies allocated toward the payment of these benefits are held by the Company. The Company and the cost containment service firm share any redundancy resulting from the development of the claims to be paid from the contract funds held on deposit. The Company records these management fees in the period redundant reserves are released from the aggregate loss fund. Fees of $1,328,083, $809,345 and $411,176 were recognized in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, as a result of this arrangement. (l) DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION Furniture and fixtures are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over a three year useful life. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the remaining office lease term. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expense as incurred. When furniture and fixtures are sold or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are included in the accompanying statements of income. (m) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. Accordingly, deferred tax liabilities and assets have been recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes are recognized at prevailing income tax rates for temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities for which income tax benefits will be realized in future years. 8 9 (n) DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that fair value: Cash, short-term investments and securities purchased under agreements to resell: For these short-term investments, the carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of fair value. Fixed maturities and equity securities: Fair values are based upon quoted market prices or dealer quotes for comparable securities. Accounts and notes receivable: The carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of fair value. Note payable to bank: Rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. (o) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS For the purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash equivalents include money market instruments with a maturity of ninety days or less when purchased. (2) INVESTMENTS The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments in held to maturity and available for sale securities were as follows: DECEMBER 31, 1998 ------------------------------------------------------------------- GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------- Held to maturity: Fixed maturities: US Treasury securities and obligations of US government corporations and agencies .. $ 1,364,643 $ 57,557 $ -- $ 1,422,200 Obligations of states and political subdivisions ..... 2,787,520 86,248 4,554 2,869,214 Other debt securities ....... 50,000 -- -- 50,000 Redeemable preferred stock .... 500,000 -- -- 500,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 4,702,163 143,805 4,554 4,841,414 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Available for sale: Fixed maturities: Obligations of states and political subdivisions ..... 10,753,274 408,188 1,681 11,159,781 Corporate securities ........ 10,688 -- -- 10,688 Equity securities ............. 3,434,573 853,635 263,408 4,024,800 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 14,198,535 1,261,823 265,089 15,195,269 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Totals ................. $18,900,698 $ 1,405,628 $ 269,643 $20,036,683 =========== =========== =========== =========== 9 10 DECEMBER 31, 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------- GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE ----------------------------------------------------------------- Held to maturity: Fixed maturities: US Treasury securities and obligations of US government corporations and agencies ........ $ 1,160,644 $ 27,156 $ -- $ 1,187,800 Obligations of states and political subdivisions ........... 2,629,550 88,755 2,079 2,716,226 Other debt securities ............. 50,000 -- -- 50,000 Redeemable preferred stock .......... 100,000 -- -- 100,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 3,940,194 115,911 2,079 4,054,026 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Available for sale: Fixed maturities: US Treasury securities and obligations of US government corporations and agencies ........ 853,376 4,164 -- 857,540 Obligations of states and political subdivisions ........... 11,732,276 332,815 11,036 12,054,055 Corporate securities .............. 50,000 1,031 -- 51,031 Equity Securities ................... 2,601,150 728,547 104,636 3,225,061 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 15,236,802 1,066,557 115,672 16,187,687 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Totals ....................... $19,176,996 $ 1,182,468 $ 117,751 $20,241,713 =========== =========== =========== =========== The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in held to maturity and available for sale securities at December 31, 1998 by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. HELD TO MATURITY AVAILABLE FOR SALE AMORTIZED FAIR AMORTIZED FAIR COST VALUE COST VALUE -------------------------------------------------------------------- Due in one year or less .............. $ 375,811 $ 382,437 $ 487,276 $ 493,218 Due after one year through five years 2,040,169 2,121,387 3,785,605 3,926,482 Due after five years through ten years 1,137,879 1,191,837 4,083,757 4,281,506 Due after ten years .................. 598,304 595,753 2,407,324 2,469,263 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 4,152,163 4,291,414 10,763,962 11,170,469 Redeemable preferred stock ........... 500,000 500,000 -- -- Equity securities .................... -- -- 3,434,573 4,024,800 Other debt securities ................ 50,000 50,000 -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 4,702,163 $ 4,841,414 $14,198,535 $15,195,269 =========== =========== =========== =========== Gross investment income, including net realized gains and losses, is summarized below: 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------------------------------- Held to maturity: Fixed maturities ......... $ 237,996 $ 246,173 $ 281,850 Available for sale: Fixed maturities ......... 612,468 696,644 664,909 Equity securities ........ 234,511 336,173 366,357 Short-term investments ....... 382,677 296,266 319,228 Other ........................ 20,817 20,914 9,834 ---------- ---------- ---------- Gross investment income $1,488,469 $1,596,170 $1,642,178 ========== ========== ========== All fixed maturity investments were income producing for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. 10 11 Pre-tax net realized gains (losses) on investments were as follows for each of the years ended December 31: 1998 1997 1996 ----------------------------------------- Gross realized gains: Held to maturity: fixed maturities .. $ -- $ 8,191 $ 3,779 Available for sale: fixed maturities 1,245 6,753 86,529 equity securities 160,119 230,869 187,870 -------- -------- -------- Total gains ...................... 161,364 245,813 278,178 ======== ======== ======== Gross realized losses: Held to maturity: fixed maturities .. 208 392 5 Available for sale: fixed maturities 6,845 1,503 31,585 equity securities . 87,037 61,184 550 -------- -------- -------- Total losses ..................... 94,090 63,079 32,140 ======== ======== ======== Net realized gains ............... $ 67,274 $182,734 $246,038 ======== ======== ======== From time to time, the Company purchases securities under agreements to resell the same securities (repurchase agreements). The amounts advanced under these agreements represent short-term loans. The fair value of the U.S. treasuries and government agencies underlying the agreements, $1,260,857, approximates the carrying value. At December 31, 1998, investments having a par value of $3,825,000 were on deposit with various state insurance departments to meet their respective regulatory requirements. (3) DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs at December 31 are summarized as follows: 1998 ---------- Deferred, January 1 .... $ -- Additions: Commissions ......... 1,008,841 Premium tax .............. 126,200 ---------- 1,135,041 Amortization to expense 982,363 ---------- Deferred, December 31 $ 152,678 ========== Prior to 1998, policy acquisition costs were not capitalized due to the terms of the policies the Company wrote. (4) NOTE RECEIVABLE The promissory note is non-interest bearing and provides for principal payable monthly with a maturity date of March 1, 1999. (5) NOTE PAYABLE TO BANK As of December 31, 1998, the Company had an uncollateralized $10,000,000 revolving line of credit with a maturity date of May 1, 2002 and an outstanding balance of $4,250,000. The revolving credit agreement provides for interest payable quarterly, at the bank's prime rate less one half percent (7.25% per annum at December 31, 1998). (6) NOTE PAYABLE In connection with the acquisition of Custom Title, the Company agreed to assume a note payable to the previous owner of a Custom Title branch office. The cognovit note agreement provides for principal and interest payable monthly at the rate of 6.5% per annum with a maturity date of April 1, 2001. Annual payments are $13,000 and the outstanding balance was $28,076 at December 31, 1998. (7) LEASES AND SHARED EXPENSES The Company routinely leases premises for use as administrative offices, vehicles and office equipment under operating leases for varying periods. Management expects that in the normal course of business, leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases. Consolidated rental expenses under operating leases were $241,109, $202,100 and $141,738 in each of the years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. 11 12 The future minimum lease payments required under these operating leases, as of December 31, 1998 follows: YEAR OPERATING ENDING LEASES ------------------------------------ 1999 $ 215,293 2000 184,740 2001 96,630 2002 88,912 2003 88,992 2004 18,761 ---------- $ 693,328 ========== (8) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES Deferred income taxes for 1998 and 1997 reflect the impact of "temporary differences" between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured on an income tax basis. Temporary differences which give rise to the net deferred tax liability at December 31 are as follows: 1998 1997 -------------------------- Deferred tax assets: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves . $ 48,034 $ 13,660 Unearned premium reserves ........................ 63,539 61,637 Other ............................................ 38,712 -- --------- --------- Subtotal ...................................... 150,285 75,297 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gains on available for sale securities (338,889) (323,300) Discounting of anticipated salvage and subrogation (4,919) (4,919) Deferred policy acquisition costs ................ (51,911) -- Accrued dividends receivable ..................... (603) (2,389) Other ............................................ (44,809) (40,738) --------- --------- Net deferred tax liability .................... $(290,846) $(296,049) ========= ========= Net deferred tax assets and liabilities and federal income tax expense in future years can be significantly affected by changes in enacted tax rates or by unexpected adverse events. The provision for federal income taxes at December 31, consists of the following: 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------------------------------- Current ..................... $1,341,751 $ 965,374 $ 631,144 Deferred .................... 14,591 1,980 149,105 ---------- ---------- ---------- Federal income tax expense $1,356,342 $ 967,354 $ 780,249 ========== ========== ========== The difference between income taxes provided at the Company's effective tax rate and the 34% federal statutory rate at December 31, is as follows: 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------------------------------------- Federal income tax at statutory rate ................ $ 1,615,259 $ 1,247,340 $ 1,061,241 Dividends received and tax exempt interest deductions (270,333) (290,738) (284,618) Other ............................................... 11,416 10,752 3,626 ----------- ----------- ----------- Federal income tax expense ..................... $ 1,356,342 $ 967,354 $ 780,249 =========== =========== =========== (9) BENEFIT PLANS On January 1, 1996, Ohio Indemnity implemented an Employee 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). The 401(k) Plan is available to full-time employees who meet the 401(k) Plan's eligibility requirements. Under the 401(k) Plan, the Company matches 50% of the qualified employee's contribution up to 6% of salary. The total cost of the matching contribution was $85,290, $68,288 and $24,930 for the year ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. 12 13 (10) STOCK OPTION PLANS The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for options issued to employees, officers and directors under its plans. FASB Statement No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123") was issued by the FASB in 1995 and changes the methods for recognition of cost on plans similar to those used by the Company. Adoption of SFAS 123 is optional; however, pro forma disclosures as if the Company adopted the cost recognition requirements under SFAS 123 in 1998, 1997 and 1996 are presented below. The Company has two stock option plans. The 1984 Plan was open to all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. All options were granted before May 17, 1994 for a term of not more than ten years. The options for 95,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 1998 expire at various dates from 2000 through 2004 and range in option price per share from $.625 to $6.00. The 1994 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares, 100,000 shares for any one individual, of the common stock of the Company. Certain key employees, officers, and directors of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the Plan. The Plan is administered by the Stock Option Committee which will determine to whom and when options will be granted along with the terms and conditions of the options. The options for 200,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 1998 expire at dates from 2004 to 2008 and range in option price per share from $2.50 to $6.75. A summary of the status of the Company's stock options as of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and changes during the year ended on those dates is presented below: 1998 1997 1996 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- WGTD. AVG. WGTD. AVG. WGTD. AVG. SHARES EXER. PRICE SHARES EXER. PRICE SHARES EXER. PRICE --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at beginning of year ..... 216,500 $ 3.64 185,500 $ 3.52 199,500 $ 3.28 Granted .............................. 103,500 4.84 71,000 4.04 6,000 3.38 Exercised ............................ -- -- (20,000) 1.61 (20,000) 1.13 Expired .............................. -- -- -- -- -- -- Canceled ............................. (25,000) $ 4.31 (20,000) $ 6.00 -- -- ------ -------- ------- -------- ------- Outstanding at end of year ........... 295,000 $ 4.00 216,500 $ 3.64 185,500 $ 3.52 ======== ====== ======== ======= ======== ======= Options exercisable at year-end ...... 152,500 132,000 159,500 ======== ======== ======== Shares reserved for issuance ......... 570,000 595,000 635,000 ======== ======== ======== Options available for future grant ... 275,000 378,500 449,500 ======== ======== ======== Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year ............ $ 2.6157 $ 2.2211 $ 2.0535 ======== ======== ======== The fair value of each option granted during 1998, 1997 and 1996 is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: (1) expected volatility of 38.91% for 1998 and 47.84% for 1997 and 56.82% for 1996, (2) risk-free interest rate of 5.48% for options granted January 5, 1998, 5.62% for options granted June 3, 1998, 6.25% for options granted January 2, 1997, 6.83% for options granted April 1, 1997, 6.51% for options granted June 4, 1997 and 6.67% for options granted June 15, 1996 and (3) expected life of 6 years for all years. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1998: OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE ------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER WGTD. AVG. WGTD. AVG. NUMBER WGTD. AVG. OUTSTANDING REMAINING EXERCISE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES AT 12/31/98 CONTR.LIFE PRICE AT 12/31/98 PRICE ------------------------------------------------------------------- $ .625 - 1.10 ...... 20,000 1.43 $ .625 20,000 $ .625 1.10 - 1.93 ....... 15,000 2.16 1.125 15,000 1.125 1.9375 - 2.50 ..... 42,500 6.09 2.368 29,500 2.309 2.875 - 4.75 ...... 155,500 8.57 4.371 26,000 3.558 5.25 - 6.75 ....... 62,000 5.50 5.976 62,000 5.976 ------- ---- ----- ------ ----- .625 - 6.75 ...... 295,000 6.76 4.000 152,500 3.675 ======= ==== ===== ======= ===== Had compensation cost for the Company's 1998, 1997, and 1996 grants for stock-based compensation plans been determined consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's net income and net income per common share would approximate the pro forma amounts below: 13 14 AS REPORTED PRO FORMA --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996 Net income ................. $3,394,420 $2,701,294 $2,341,048 $ 3,369,496 $2,686,209 $2,333,507 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Net income per common share, diluted ................. $ .57 $ .46 $ .40 $ .57 $ .46 $ .40 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- The effects of applying SFAS 123 in this pro forma disclosure are not indicative of future amounts. Additional awards in future years are anticipated. (11) DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS Under Ohio law, insurance companies may only pay dividends to shareholders from shareholders' equity determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices. Further, Ohio law limits dividends to shareholders, without prior approval of the Department, to the greater of the prior year's statutory net income or 10% of statutory shareholders' equity. As of December 31, 1998, dividends from Ohio Indemnity in 1999 are limited to $3,718,691 without prior approval of the Department. (12) STATUTORY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NET INCOME As of December 31, 1998, Ohio Indemnity's statutory surplus and net income determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Department differed from shareholders' equity and net income determined in accordance with GAAP by the following: SHAREHOLDERS' NET EQUITY/SURPLUS INCOME -------------- ------ Statutory ............................................. $ 23,910,841 $ 3,718,691 Reconciling items: Non-admitted assets .................................. 2,865 -- Deferred policy acquisition costs .................... 152,678 152,678 Deferred taxes ....................................... (288,739) (14,590) Unrealized gain on available for sale fixed maturities 406,507 -- ------------ ------------ GAAP .................................................. $ 24,184,152 $ 3,856,779 ============ ============ As of December 31, 1997, Ohio Indemnity's statutory surplus differed from GAAP shareholders' equity by an amount of $2,689 in nonadmitted assets, ($293,942) for deferred taxes and $326,973 in unrealized gain on available for sale fixed maturities. Statutory net income for the year ended December 31, 1997 differed from GAAP net income by ($5,310) in deferred taxes. Statutory net income for the year ended December 31, 1996 differed from GAAP net income by $(149,103) in deferred taxes. (13) RESERVE FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES Activity in the reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows: [Dollars in thousands] 1998 1997 1996 ------------------------------------- Balance at January 1 ......... $ 1,532 $ 1,360 $ 2,242 Less reinsurance recoverables 8 15 529 -------- -------- -------- Net Balance at January 1 ..... 1,524 1,345 1,713 -------- -------- -------- Incurred related to: Current year ................ 13,388 6,074 5,761 Prior years ....................... (47) (3) (357) -------- -------- -------- Total incurred ............... 13,341 6,071 5,404 -------- -------- -------- Paid related to: Current year ................ 10,100 4,479 4,424 Prior years ................. 1,590 1,413 1,348 -------- -------- -------- Total paid ................... 11,690 5,892 5,772 -------- -------- -------- Net Balance at December 31 ... 3,175 1,524 1,345 Plus reinsurance recoverables 3 8 15 -------- -------- -------- Balance at December 31 ....... $ 3,178 $ 1,532 $ 1,360 ======== ======== ======== As a result of changes in estimates of insured events in prior years, the provision for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased by $47,000 in 1998 primarily due to salvage and subrogation received from a significant Ultimate Loss Insurance program customer and $3,000 in 1997 due to higher than anticipated salvage and subrogation received from the discontinued Automobile Insurance business. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 15 (14) REINSURANCE The Company maintains a quota share reinsurance agreement for certain insurance products, by which Ohio Indemnity cedes a portion of its insurance to a reinsurer. This arrangement limits the net claim liability potential arising from specific policies. This reinsurance agreement does not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. Consequently, failure of the reinsurer to honor its obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company currently recovers 75% of the paid losses and loss adjustment expense applicable to Mortgage Protection insurance policies. As of December 31, ceded reinsurance decreased commission expense incurred by $38,925 and $23,032 in 1998 and 1997, respectively, and increased commission expense incurred by $62,147 in 1996. (15) RELATED PARTIES Included in loans to affiliates at December 31, 1998 and 1997 is a loan to an officer of Ohio Indemnity, originally due December 8, 1998. Interest only is payable in quarterly installments at the rate of two points above prime. On November 10, 1998, the loan was renewed and increased from $19,000 to $24,000 and the maturity was extended to December 8, 1999. The carrying amount of the loan is a reasonable estimate of fair value. On July 22, 1996, the Company entered into a commercial financing agreement with an Administrator for the marketing and servicing of certain not-for-profit entities in the Bonded Service Program. Under amended terms of the agreement, the Company provides a line of credit, up to a maximum of $300,000, effective to April 30, 1999 (the "Renewal Date"). Interest is payable in quarterly installments at the rate of one point above prime. The outstanding principal balance is payable in full to the Company on or before April 30 of each annual term. In addition, the Administrator must maintain a principal balance of zero for a minimum of 15 consecutive calendar days during each annual term. At December 31, 1998, the Company had loaned the Administrator $195,720 under this agreement. During 1994, the Company entered into a Split-Dollar Insurance Agreement with a bank, as trustee, for the benefit of an officer/shareholder and his spouse. The bank has acquired a second-to-die policy on the lives of the insureds, in the aggregate face amount of $2,700,000. At December 31, 1998, the Company had loaned the trustee $358,901 under this agreement for payment of insurance premiums. Amounts loaned by the Company to the trustee are to be repaid, in full, without interest from any of the following sources; cash surrender value of the underlying insurance contracts, death benefits and/or the sale of 15,000 shares of the Company's common stock contributed by the officer/shareholder to the Trust. The Company holds a $50,000 convertible subordinated debenture, maturing December 31, 2000, issued by Westford Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Company through a common officer and principal shareholder. The executive offices of the Company are shared with consolidated subsidiaries and other affiliated entities. Rental, equipment and bookkeeping expense are allocated among them pursuant to management fee agreements. (16) CONCENTRATIONS A single customer in the Ultimate Loss Insurance program represented $1,724,395, $1,398,541 and $1,553,282 of the Company's net premiums earned in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. A second customer in the Ultimate Loss Insurance program represented $5,300,056 and $1,866,672 of the Company's net premiums earned in 1998 and 1997, respectively. This second customer discontinued their policy in December 1998. See "DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS." (17) QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) The Company's results of operations have varied, and in the future may vary from quarter to quarter principally because of fluctuations in underwriting results. Consequently, quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of full year results, nor are they comparable to the results of other quarters. The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly consolidated financial and operating data: 1998 ------------------------------------------------------- FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER ------------------------------------------------------- Net premiums earned ........... $3,866,481 $5,365,485 $4,685,217 $6,952,105 Net investment and other income 1,204,827 1,289,505 1,659,679 1,174,414 Total revenues ................ 5,071,308 6,654,990 6,344,896 8,126,519 Losses and operating expenses . 4,117,933 5,345,831 5,250,649 6,732,538 Net income .................... 707,501 930,968 784,164 971,787 Net income per common share ... .12 .16 .13 .17 Net income per common share, assuming dilution ........... .12 .16 .13 .16 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 16 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net premiums earned........................ $2,117,072 $2,383,011 $3,247,427 $3,421,733 Net investment and other income............ 526,124 1,370,792 1,211,751 1,552,491 Total revenues............................. 2,643,196 3,753,803 4,459,178 4,974,224 Losses and operating expenses.............. 1,987,232 2,598,898 3,580,088 4,000,661 Net income ................................ 494,552 843,586 658,165 704,991 Net income per common share................ .09 .14 .11 .12 Net income per common share, assuming dilution........................ .09 .14 .11 .12 (18) REGULATORY STANDARD Ohio Indemnity is subject to a Risk Based Capital ("RBC") test applicable to property and casualty insurers. The RBC calculation serves as a benchmark of insurance enterprises' solvency by state insurance regulators by establishing statutory surplus targets which will require certain Company level or regulatory level actions. Based on the Company's analysis, it appears that the Company's total adjusted capital is in excess of all required action levels and that no corrective action will be necessary. (19) LITIGATION On June 11, 1998, the Company filed an action in Franklin County Common Pleas Court against Brian Delphia d/b/a Delphia Carr and Delphia Consulting, Inc., a computer consulting firm, asserting claims for breach of contract relating to a software development project. The computer consultant brought a counter-claim seeking payment of $166,500 for outstanding billings. Mr. Delphia filed a second counter-claim seeking $1,000,000 from the Company for malicious prosecution. The Company believes both counter-claims are without merit and believes it has strong defenses to the claims. (20) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE FOR EARNINGS PER SHARE 1998 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income ..................................... $3,394,420 $2,701,294 $2,341,048 ---------- ---------- ---------- Income available to common stockholders, assuming dilution ........................... $3,394,420 $2,701,294 $2,341,048 ---------- ---------- ---------- Weighted average common shares outstanding ..... 5,843,115 5,822,781 5,780,351 Adjustments for dilutive securities: Dilutive effect of outstanding options ...... 91,974 55,342 50,697 ---------- ---------- ---------- Diluted common shares .......................... 5,935,089 5,878,123 5,831,048 ========== ========== ========== Net income per common share .................... $ .58 $ .46 $ .41 Net income per common share, assuming dilution . $ .57 $ .46 $ .40 (21) SEGMENT INFORMATION In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 requires disclosure of revenues and other information based on the way management organizes the segments of the business for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company operates primarily in the property/casualty insurance industry. There are intersegment management fees but not intersegment sales. The allocations of certain general expenses within segments are based on a number of assumptions, and the reported operating results would change if different methods were applied. Depreciation and capital expenditures are not considered material. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 17 DECEMBER 31, 1998 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WORKERS PROPERTY/CASUALTY TITLE COMPENSATION ALL CONSOLIDATED INSURANCE AGENCY ADMINISTRATION OTHER TOTALS ----------------- ------ -------------- ----- ------------ Revenues from external customers $22,338,307 $ 1,959,384 $ 570,302 $ -- $24,867,993 Intersegment revenues .......... 9,480 -- -- 10,440 19,920 Interest revenue ............... 1,323,824 -- -- 25,816 1,349,640 Interest expense ............... 2,921 4,003 373 277,733 285,030 Depreciation and amortization .. 89,875 40,664 4,741 56,807 192,087 Segment profit (loss) .......... 5,578,439 (165,149) 8,676 (651,284) 4,770,682 Income tax expense (benefit) ... 1,634,827 -- 3,608 (282,093) 1,356,342 Segment assets ................. $33,332,485 $ 626,141 $ 153,570 $ 1,881,571 $35,993,767 DECEMBER 31, 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WORKERS PROPERTY/CASUALTY TITLE COMPENSATION ALL CONSOLIDATED INSURANCE AGENCY ADMINISTRATION OTHER TOTALS ----------------- ------ -------------- ----- ------------ Revenues from external customers $12,310,768 $ 1,593,556 $ 658,884 $ -- $14,563,208 Intersegment revenues .......... 6,280 -- -- 9,740 16,020 Interest revenue ............... 1,257,299 -- -- 25,914 1,283,213 Interest expense ............... -- 9 394 362,594 362,997 Depreciation and amortization .. 47,531 20,418 33,967 59,938 161,854 Segment profit (loss) .......... 4,166,975 (3,116) 39,768 (518,959) 3,684,668 Income tax expense (benefit) ... 1,129,445 5,442 13,764 (181,297) 967,354 Segment assets ................. $28,791,093 $ 591,522 $ 475,763 $ 1,560,496 $31,418,874 DECEMBER 31, 1996 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WORKERS PROPERTY/CASUALTY TITLE COMPENSATION ALL CONSOLIDATED INSURANCE AGENCY ADMINISTRATION OTHER TOTALS ----------------- ------ -------------- ----- ------------ Revenues from external customers $ 11,024,112 $ -- $ 550,615 $ -- $ 11,574,727 Intersegment revenues .......... 5,880 -- -- 9,240 15,120 Interest revenue ............... 1,130,434 -- -- 14,833 1,145,267 Interest expense ............... 4,579 -- 561 446,285 451,425 Depreciation and amortization .. (19,491) -- 33,570 31,035 45,114 Segment profit (loss) .......... 3,727,245 -- (17,234) (573,594) 3,136,417 Income tax expense (benefit) ... 985,462 -- -- (205,213) 780,249 Segment assets ................. $ 26,023,986 $ -- $ 417,040 $ 1,833,926 $ 28,274,952 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 18 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ------------ ------------ REVENUES Total revenues for reportable segment . $ 24,867,993 $ 14,563,208 $ 11,574,727 Interest revenue ...................... 1,349,640 1,283,213 1,145,267 Elimination of intersegment revenues .. (19,920) (16,020) (15,120) ------------ ------------ ------------ Total consolidated revenues ........... $ 26,197,713 $ 15,830,401 $ 12,704,874 ============ ============ ============ PROFIT Total profit for reportable segments .. $ 5,421,966 $ 3,233,631 $ 2,562,823 Other loss ............................ (651,284) 451,037 573,594 Elimination of intersegment profits ... (19,920) (16,020) (15,120) ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before income taxes ............ $ 4,750,762 $ 3,668,648 $ 3,121,297 ============ ============ ============ ASSETS Total assets for reportable segments .. $ 34,112,196 $ 29,858,378 $ 26,441,026 Other assets .......................... 1,881,571 1,560,496 1,833,926 Elimination of intersegment receivables (45,100) (14,442) -- ------------ ------------ ------------ Consolidated assets ................... $ 35,948,667 $ 31,404,432 $ 28,274,952 ============ ============ ============ (22) ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS During 1998, SFAS 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, was issued. This SFAS was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 1998. Statements of Comprehensive Income for years ending December 31, 1997 and 1996 have been added accordingly. In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement, which is effective for periods beginning after June 15, 1999, establishes accounting and reporting standards which require derivatives to be measured at fair value and recognized as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet. The Company's balance sheet and statements of earnings and cash flows will not be materially impacted by this statement, upon adoption. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 19 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Bancinsurance Corporation: In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related statements of income and retained earnings and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bancinsurance Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 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 of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. /s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Columbus, Ohio February 26, 1999 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 20 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW The Company's principal sources of revenue are premiums paid by insureds for insurance policies issued by the Company. Premium volume principally is earned as written due to the nature of the monthly policies issued by the Company for its major line of insurance coverage. The Company's principal costs are losses and loss adjustment expenses. The principal factor in determining the level of the Company's profit is the difference between these premiums earned and losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred. Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are estimates of what an insurer expects to pay on behalf of claimants. The Company is required to maintain reserves for payment of estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses for both reported claims and incurred but not reported ("IBNR") claims. The ultimate liability incurred by the Company may be different from current reserve estimates. Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for IBNR claims are estimated based on many variables including historical and statistical information, inflation, legal developments, economic conditions, general trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors that could affect the adequacy of loss reserves. The Company reviews case and IBNR reserves monthly and makes appropriate adjustments. SUMMARY RESULTS The following table sets forth period to period changes in selected financial data: PERIOD TO PERIOD INCREASE (DECREASE) YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------------------------------- 1997-98 1996-97 ----------------------------- ---------------------------- AMOUNT %CHANGE AMOUNT %CHANGE ------ ------- ------ ------- Premiums written ................ $ 9,791,844 87.6% $ 2,821,062 33.8% Net premiums earned ............. 9,700,045 86.8% 1,031,139 10.2% Net investment income ........... (120,459) (7.9)% (36,626) (2.3)% Total revenue ................... 10,367,312 65.5% 3,125,527 24.6% Loss and loss adjustment expense, net of reinsurance recoveries 7,269,783 119.7% 666,470 12.3% Operating expense ............... 2,093,382 36.5% 2,000,134 53.7% Interest expense ................ (77,967) (21.5)% (88,428) (19.6)% Operating income ................ 1,082,144 29.5% 547,351 17.5% Net income ...................... $ 693,126 25.7% $ 360,246 15.4% The combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss ratio and expense ratio, is the traditional measure of underwriting experience for insurance companies. The following table reflects the loss, expense and combined ratios of Ohio Indemnity on both a statutory and GAAP basis for each of the years ended December 31: 1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- Statutory: Loss ratio ................. 63.9% 54.4% 53.3% Expense ratio .............. 16.6% 21.9% 30.4% ---- ---- ---- Combined ratio ............. 80.5% 76.3% 83.7% ==== ==== ==== GAAP: Loss ratio ................. 63.9% 54.4% 53.3% Expense ratio .............. 16.5% 22.1% 30.5% ---- ---- ---- Combined ratio ............. 80.4% 76.5% 83.8% ==== ==== ==== Investments of Ohio Indemnity's assets are restricted to certain investments permitted by the Ohio insurance laws. The Company's overall investment policy is determined by the Company's Board of Directors and is reviewed periodically. The Company principally invests in investment-grade obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions because the majority of the interest income from such investments is tax-exempt and such investments have generally resulted in favorable net yields. The Company has the ability and intent to hold its held to maturity fixed income securities to maturity or put date, and as a result carries its held to maturity fixed income securities at amortized cost for GAAP purposes. As the Company's fixed income securities mature, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to reinvest in securities with comparable yields. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 21 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AS COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 Premiums Written; Premiums Earned. Premiums written increased 87.6% from $11,179,561 in 1997 to $20,971,405 in 1998, while premiums earned increased 86.8% from $11,169,243 in 1997 to $20,869,288 in 1998. Premiums increased due to strong performance in the Company's expanding core product lines of business. Premiums written for Ultimate Loss Insurance increased 119.2% from $7,656,552 in 1997 to $16,784,547 in 1998. Premiums earned for Ultimate Loss Insurance increased 119.2% from $7,620,000 in 1997 to $16,701,678 in 1998. The increase in premiums written and premiums earned was primarily attributable to six major financial institutions added as customers during 1998 with projected annual premiums for each in excess of $500,000. Sixty smaller financial institutions generating individual annualized premiums ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 were also added as customers throughout the year. In addition, a new creditor-placed collateral and mortgage protection program added during 1997 recorded, in the aggregate, $624,691 and $462,843 of premiums written and $266,578 and $421,765 of premiums earned during 1997 and 1998, respectively. Premiums written for the Bonded Service program increased 18.8% from $3,422,032 in 1997 to $4,066,883 in 1998, while premiums earned from the Bonded Service program increased 18.8% from $3,420,793 in 1997 to $4,064,285 in 1998. The increases in premiums written and premiums earned on the Bonded Service program were primarily attributable to increases in employee enrollment among existing trust members resulting in higher service fees. Net Investment Income. Net investment income decreased 7.9% from $1,527,549 in 1997 to $1,407,090 in 1998. Net realized gains on investments decreased from $182,734 in 1997 to $67,274 in 1998 principally due to recent stock market declines. The Company's investment strategy is based on current market conditions and other factors which it reviews from time to time. The Company's investment portfolio is concentrated in municipal tax-free investment-grade securities. The Company's investment in non-investment-grade fixed maturity investments is insignificant. The average yield on the investment portfolio was 5.3% in 1997 and 1998. Claims Administration Fees. Claims administration fees generated by BCIS Services, a consolidated subsidiary, accounted for $658,884 of the revenues for 1997 and $570,302 in 1998. The decrease of 13.4% was primarily attributable to a decline in claims processing and servicing responsibilities in 1998. Title and Appraisal Fees. Title services and appraisal fees generated by Custom Title, a consolidated subsidiary, accounted for $1,593,556 of the revenues for 1997 and $1,959,384 in 1998. Custom Title commenced business operations in Ohio during the second quarter of 1997. Management Fees. Management fees increased from $809,345 in 1997 to $1,328,083 in 1998. The increase was attributed to recognition of favorable results from a closed year of operations of the Bonded Service program. The Company expects management fees to vary from year to year depending on claims experience in the Bonded Service Program. See Note 1(k) to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Other Income. Other income decreased from $71,824 in 1997 to $63,566 in 1998 primarily as a result of recording $63,657 as a reimbursement for operating expenses previously incurred from an insurance product line sold during the second quarter of 1997. Expenses totaling $72,980 for this business are recorded on the income statement as general and administrative expenses in 1997. Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Recoveries. Losses and loss adjustment expenses totaled $6,070,954, or 54.4% of premiums earned in 1997 versus $13,340,737, or 63.9% of premiums earned in 1998. Losses and loss adjustment expenses, as a percentage of premiums earned, increased for the comparable period because net premiums earned increased at a lower percentage rate than the percentage rate increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses. The absolute increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses was attributable to initial claims primarily associated with two significant policies in the Ultimate Loss Insurance business which incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses of $6,498,445. One significant new customer was added during the third quarter of 1997. See Note 16 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses for the Ultimate Loss Insurance Program increased 142.9% from $5,106,930 in 1997 to $12,576,801 in 1998. Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the Bonded Service Program decreased 55.2% from $576,502 in 1997 to $268,101 in 1998 due to improved loss experience on prior year reserves. Operating Expense. Operating expense consists of commission expense, other insurance operating expense, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses. Operating expense increased 36.5% from $5,727,802 in 1997 to $7,821,184 in 1998. Commission expense increased 49.9% from $1,565,826 in 1997 to $2,346,798 in 1998, primarily due to higher direct commissions associated with a new agency program in the Ultimate Loss Insurance Program and both higher direct and contingent commissions associated with the increase in gross premiums written in the Bonded Service Program. Other insurance operating expenses increased 43.3% from $1,692,041 in 1997 to $2,423,997 in 1998, primarily due to increases in allocable salaries and related benefits, legal, premium taxes and consulting. General and administrative expenses increased 23.5% from $2,469,935 in 1997 to $3,050,389 in 1998 primarily due to recognition of twelve months of operating and administrative expenses incurred by Custom Title (a purchase business combination April 2, 1997) versus nine months of expense recognition during 1997. Additionally, salaries and related costs, consulting and depreciation increased during 1998. BCIS Services incurred operating expenses of $619,032 in 1997 compared with $561,602 in 1998 and Custom Title incurred operating expenses of $1,599,516 during 1997 compared with $2,124,533 in 1998. Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased from $362,997 in 1997 to $285,030 in 1998 due to lower borrowing levels on the Company's revolving credit line. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 22 Federal Income Taxes. The difference between federal income taxes, $967,354 in 1997 and $1,356,342 in 1998, resulted from higher pre-tax income and lower permanent tax differences resulting in a higher effective tax rate. See Note 8 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Statutory Combined Ratios. The change in the statutory combined ratio from 76.3% in 1997 to 80.5% in 1998 was an anticipated increase in the loss ratio due to management's continuing emphasis on larger accounts in the Ultimate Loss Insurance program. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AS COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 Premiums Written; Premiums Earned. Premiums written increased 33.8% from $8,358,499 in 1996 to $11,179,561 in 1997, while premiums earned increased 10.2% from $10,138,104 in 1996 to $11,169,243 in 1997. Premiums increased due to a focus on historically profitable core lines of business and complementary products and services. The addition of a significant new policy in the Ultimate Loss Insurance Program, a new agency program, growth in the Bonded Service Program and reductions in return premiums recorded in 1996 associated with the discontinuance of the Automobile Physical Damage Insurance Program, which had no premiums written or earned during 1997, primarily contributed to the increases. Premiums written for Ultimate Loss Insurance increased 47.3% from $5,198,724 in 1996 to $7,656,552 in 1997. Premiums earned for Ultimate Loss Insurance increased 22.2% from $6,233,308 in 1996 to $7,620,000 in 1997. The increase in premiums written and premiums earned during 1997 reflected increased premium volume primarily attributable to a significant new customer added during the third quarter of 1997. See Note 16 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, a new creditor placed mortgage protection and collateral protection program during 1997 recorded in the aggregate $624,691 and $266,578 of premiums written and premiums earned, respectively, in 1997. Premiums written for the Bonded Service program increased 5.9% from $3,231,642 in 1996 to $3,422,032 in 1997, while premiums earned from the Bonded Service program increased 5.9% from $3,228,725 in 1996 to $3,420,793 in 1997. The increases in net premiums written and premiums earned on the Bonded Service program were primarily attributable to increases in employee enrollment among existing trust members resulting in higher service fees. Net Investment Income. Net investment income remained relatively constant from $1,564,175 in 1996 to $1,527,549 in 1997. Investment income increased from $1,318,137 in 1996 to $1,344,815 in 1997 primarily resulting from a higher invested asset position and lengthened maturities on the bond portfolio. Net realized gains on investments decreased from $246,038 in 1996 to $182,734 in 1997 resulting from the Company's 1997 investment strategy to shelter current year realized gains that were primarily market driven. The average yield on the investment portfolio was 5.6% in 1996 and 5.3% in 1997. Claims Administration Fees. Claims administration fees generated by BCIS Services, a consolidated subsidiary, accounted for $550,615 of the revenues for 1996 and $658,884 in 1997. The increase of 19.7% was primarily attributable to an increase in claims processing and servicing responsibilities. Title and Appraisal Fees. Title and appraisal fees generated by Title Research, a consolidated subsidiary, accounted for $1,593,556 of the revenues for 1997. Title Research commenced business operations in Ohio during the second quarter of 1997. Management Fees. Management fees increased from $411,176 in 1996 to $809,345 in 1997. The increase was attributed to recognition of favorable results from a closed year of operations of the Bonded Service program. See Note 1(k) to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Other Income. Other income increased from $40,804 in 1996 to $71,824 in 1997 primarily as a result of recording $63,657 as a reimbursement for expenses previously incurred from an insurance product line sold. Expenses totaling $72,980 for this business are recorded on the income statement as general and administrative expenses in 1997. Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Recoveries. Losses and loss adjustment expenses totaled $5,404,484, or 53.3% of premiums earned in 1996 versus $6,070,954, or 54.4% of premiums earned in 1997. Losses and loss adjustment expenses, as a percentage of premiums earned, increased for the same period because net premiums earned increased at a lower percentage rate than the percentage rate increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses. This result was primarily due to loss development related to a new policy and deficiency development on prior year reserves. The absolute increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses was primarily attributable to a significant new policy in the Ultimate Loss Insurance Program which incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses of $1,649,340. See Note 16 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses for the Ultimate Loss Insurance Program increased 25.2% from $4,079,921 in 1996 to $5,106,930 in 1997. Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the Bonded Service Program increased 31.5% from $438,355 in 1996 to $576,502 in 1997 due to adverse development on prior year reserves. Loss and loss adjustment expenses from the Automobile Physical Damage Insurance Program decreased from $502,208 in 1996 to $158,136 of net recoveries in 1997 due to higher than anticipated salvage and subrogation and adequate reserves to handle the runoff associated with the discontinued program. Operating Expense. Operating expense consists of commission expense, other insurance operating expense, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses. Operating expense increased 53.7% from $3,727,668 in 1996 to $5,727,802 in 1997. Commission expense increased 8.6% from $1,441,430 in 1996 to $1,565,826 in 1997, primarily due to the addition of a new collateral protection insurance agency program and commission incurred related to the Bonded Service Program. Other insurance operating expenses increased 9.1% from $1,551,578 in 1996 to $1,692,041 in 1997, primarily due to increases in allocable salaries and related benefits, advertising, amortization of bond premiums, consulting and appraisal and prepaid premium taxes. General and administrative expenses increased from $734,660 in 1996 to $2,469,935 in 1997 primarily due to operating and administrative expenses incurred by Title Research from April 2, 1997. Additionally, salaries and related costs, consulting and depreciation increased during 1997. BCIS Services incurred operating expenses of $567,343 in 1996 compared with $619,032 in 1997 and Title Research incurred operating expenses of $1,599,516 during 1997. Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased from $451,425 in 1996 to $362,997 in 1997 due to lower borrowing levels on the Company's revolving credit line. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22 23 Federal Income Taxes. The difference between federal income taxes, $780,249 in 1996 and $967,354 in 1997, resulted from an increase in the effective tax rate primarily due to an increase in taxable income. See Note 8 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Statutory Combined Ratios. The change in the statutory combined ratio from 83.7% in 1996 to 76.3% in 1997 was primarily attributable to a decrease in loss and loss adjustment expense experience primarily associated with the discontinuance of the Automobile Physical Damage Program, which generally carried higher loss ratios than the Company's core lines. DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS In November 1998, one of the Company's significant Ultimate Loss Insurance program customers closed their auto finance division as part of an overall strategy to focus on more profitable areas of lending. This customer represented 25.3% of the Company's premiums written and 25.4% of the Company's premiums earned for 1998 versus 11.0% and 11.0% for 1997, respectively. There were no premiums written or earned during 1996. See "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS". The Company recorded $63,657 as a reimbursement for operating expenses previously incurred from a product line sold May 31, 1997. The business was engaged (during five months of 1997) in administering and marketing of service contracts on consumer goods. Expenses incurred, totaling $72,980, are included in general and administrative expenses in 1997. See "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS." On July 28, 1995, Ohio Indemnity entered into an agreement with the California Department of Insurance to discontinue sales and renewals of private passenger personal lines in automobile physical damage insurance in California for a maximum period of three years. Premiums were predominantly earned through June 1996 as the policies expired. The Automobile Physical Damage Insurance program represented (1.3)% of the Company's premiums written and 37.6% of the Company's premiums earned for 1996. There were no premiums written or earned during 1997 and 1998. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company is an insurance holding company whose principal asset is the stock of Ohio Indemnity. The Company is, and will continue to be, dependent on dividends from Ohio Indemnity to meet its liquidity requirements, including debt service obligations. The Company has a $10 million credit facility to fund working capital requirements. Based on statutory limitations, the maximum amount of dividends that the Company would be able to receive in 1999 from Ohio Indemnity, absent regulatory consent, is $3,718,691. See Note 11 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Ohio Indemnity derives its funds principally from net premiums written, reinsurance recoveries, investment income and contributions of capital from the Company. The principal use of these funds is for payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses, commissions, operating expenses and income taxes. Net cash provided by operating activities equaled $2,221,928, $2,291,171 and $4,404,312 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Net cash used in financing activities was $179,307, $596,877 and $750,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities of the Company was $1,843,740, $1,229,263 and $218,461 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. BCIS Services derives its funds principally from claims administration fees and Custom Title derives its funds principally from title and appraisal fees which are sufficient to meet their respective operating obligations. Although it is impossible to estimate accurately the future cash flows from the operations of Custom Title's business, management believes the Company's effective capital costs may increase. Management is actively exploring further avenues for preserving capital and improving liquidity. The Company maintains a level of cash and liquid short-term investments which it believes will be adequate to meet anticipated payment obligations without being required to liquidate intermediate-term and long-term investments through the end of 1999. Due to the nature of the risks, the Company insures losses and loss adjustment expenses emanating from its policies are characterized by relatively short settlement periods and quick development of ultimate losses compared to claims emanating from other types of insurance products. Therefore, the Company believes that it can estimate its cash needs to meet its loss and expense payment obligations through the end of 1999. The Company's investments at December 31, 1998 consisted primarily of investment-grade fixed income securities. Cash and short-term investments at December 31, 1998 amounted to $11,667,489, or 37.0% of total cash and invested assets. The fair values of the Company's held to maturity fixed income securities are subject to market fluctuations but are carried on the balance sheet at amortized cost because the Company has the ability and intent to hold held to maturity fixed income securities to maturity or put date. Available for sale fixed income securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of applicable deferred taxes, reflected in shareholders' equity. The Company earned net investment income of $1,564,175, $1,527,549 and $1,407,090 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Interest rate risk is the risk that interest rates will change and cause a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. The Company mitigates this risk by attempting to match the maturity schedule of its assets with the expected payouts of its liabilities. To the extent that liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer would have to sell assets prior to maturity and recognize a gain or loss. The Company's total shareholders' equity increased from $15,906,817 in 1996 to $19,079,801 in 1997 to $22,504,482 in 1998 representing a 41.5% increase over the three-year period. Driven by profitable operating earnings, the increase in total shareholders' equity has strengthened the Company's capital position. All material capital commitments and financial obligations of the Company are reflected in the Company's financial statements, except the Company's risk on surety bonds and state mandated performance bonds, written in connection with the Bonded Service program. The financial statements include reserves for losses on such programs for any claims filed and for an estimate of incurred but not reported losses. Such reserves were $396,000 and $477,600 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 24 Under applicable insurance statutes and regulations, Ohio Indemnity is required to maintain prescribed amounts of capital and surplus as well as statutory deposits with the appropriate insurance authorities. Ohio Indemnity is in compliance with all applicable statutory capital and surplus requirements. Ohio Indemnity's investments consist only of permitted investments under Ohio insurance laws. NAIC guidelines recommend that a property/casualty insurer's ratio of annual statutory net premiums written to statutory surplus be no greater than 3 to 1. At December 31, 1998, the ratio of combined annual statutory net premiums written by the Subsidiary to its combined statutory surplus was approximately .9 to 1. The relative capital position is reflective of the Company's low underwriting leverage and conservative investment risk profile. DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK The following discussion about the Company's risk-management activities includes "forward-looking statements" that involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and other relevant market rate or price changes. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying assets are traded. The following is a discussion of the Company's primary market risk exposures and how those exposures are currently managed as of December 31, 1998. The Company's market risk sensitive instruments are entered into for purposes other than trading. The carrying value of the Company's investment portfolio as of December 31, 1998 was $19,897,432, 80% of which is invested in fixed maturity securities. The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturity securities as well as fixed-rate short-term investments. The Company's exposure to equity risk is not significant. The Company has no foreign exchange risk or direct commodity risk. For fixed maturity securities, the short-term liquidity needs and the potential liquidity needs of the business are key factors in managing the portfolio. The portfolio duration relative to the liabilities' duration is primarily managed through cash market transactions. For additional information regarding the Company's objectives and strategies pertaining to the investment portfolio, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this management's discussion and analysis (MD&A). For the Company's investment portfolio, there were no significant changes in the Company's primary market risk exposures or in how these exposures are managed compared to the year ended December 31, 1997. The Company does not anticipate significant changes in the Company's primary market risk exposures or in how those exposures are managed in future reporting periods based upon what is known or expected to be in effect in future reporting periods. The following table summarizes the financial instruments held by the Company at December 31, 1998, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The instruments held by the Company are held for purposes other than trading. Excluded from the financial instruments shown below, are those fixed-rate instruments with a maturity of less than twelve months at December 31, 1998, as we have determined the interest rate risk related to these instruments to be relatively immaterial. Also excluded from the cash flow information disclosed below are cash receipts and payments related to interest. In the normal course of business, the Company also faces risks that are either nonfinancial or non-quantifiable. Such risks principally include credit risk and legal risk and are not represented in the following table: PROJECTED CASH FLOWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER TOTAL FAIR VALUE -------- -------- -------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- ------------ Assets Fixed maturity securities: Held to maturity ............ $575,000 $900,000 $800,000 $ 1,015,000 $100,000 $1,255,000 $ 4,645,000 $ 4,841,414 Available for sale .......... 11,170,469 Short-term investments ........ 20,000 20,000 19,135 Loans to affiliates ........... 358,901 358,901 342,960 Liabilities: Note payable .................. 13,000 13,000 2,076 28,076 25,106 Weighted Average Interest Rate: Fixed maturity securities ... 6.32% 5.60% 3.66% 6.34% 6.23% 5.35% Short-term investments ...... 5.35% Loans to affiliates ......... 0.00% The amounts reported as cash flows in the above table for held-to-maturity fixed maturities represent par values at maturity date or call date, if applicable. The fair values of fixed maturities as disclosed in the above table are based upon quoted market prices or dealer quotes for comparable securities. The fair values of the fixed rate short-term investments, as well as the loans to affiliates are based upon the amount of total cash flows discounted over the applicable term at interest rates that approximate market yields on similar investments at December 31, 1998. The fair value of the notes payable is based on the amount of cash flows discounted over the applicable term at the Company's borrowing rate at December 31, 1998. The cash flows for the loans to affiliates and notes payable represent the principal amounts outstanding at December 31, 1998 at respective due dates. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 25 FACTORS TO CONSIDER FORWARD LOOKING Going forward, management will consider underwriting, acquisition and investment opportunities which fit the Company's strategy of penetrating niche and short-tail risk markets. These decisions will be in areas where management feels they have an understanding of the underwriting and inherent risks. Management is intent on adding independent agents to expand its market presence. The Company will further concentrate on penetrating larger financial institutions for collateral protection insurance and expanding financial institution programs to include mortgage collateral insurance. Opportunities will be considered for underwriting additional non-profit organizations as they continue to consolidate into national trusts and seek to retain and transfer their unemployment claim exposure. One of the Company's significant Ultimate Loss Insurance program customers decided to close their auto finance division as part of an overall strategy to focus on more profitable areas of lending. Management expects the discontinuance of this policy will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results. See "DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS." IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE State of Readiness. The Year 2000 issue relates to the way computer systems and programs define calendar dates; they could fail or make miscalculations due to interpreting a date including "00" to mean 1900, not 2000. During fiscal 1997, the Company completed the installation and testing of its internal financial systems and believes that such systems are Year 2000 compliant. The Company utilizes the latest version of Year 2000 compliant Platinum SQL software for its internal financial system. The Company began work on the Year 2000 Compliance issue for all remaining internal software in fiscal 1997. The scope of the project includes: ensuring the compliance of all applications, operating systems and hardware on network, PC platforms; and addressing the compliance of key business partners. The most significant category of key business partners are financial institutions. Their critical functions include safeguarding and management of investment portfolios and processing of the Company's operating bank accounts. Other partner categories include insurance agencies, communication services, utilities, materials and supplies. Based on the importance of each relationship, the Company is defining a strategy to determine compliance. The target for completion of all phases is the third quarter of 1999. The Company has completed the assessment and strategy phases for applications, operating systems and hardware. Currently, approximately 45% of all policyholder network systems are compliant. The Company has a MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) on staff to review the impact of its Year 2000 risks. Continuing evaluation by our MCSE in developing contingency plans and to complete remediation work on separate portions of the project are on going. Expected completion of all phases is anticipated by third quarter end 1999. Costs to Address the Company's Year 2000 Issue. Since the inception of the project, the Company has incurred external costs of approximately $51,000. Current estimates project a total expense for the project of $150,000. Current year costs were $75,000, and were expensed as incurred. There has not been a material adverse impact on the Company's operations or financial condition as a result of projects being deferred due to resource constraints caused by the year 2000 project. The Company's Contingency Plans. With respect to contingency plans for critical policyholder systems, the Company recognizes that there is a viable alternative if these systems are non-compliant. However, the Company has a targeted completion of critical policyholder systems by third quarter end of 1999, allowing for unanticipated delays. The Company will continue to reassess the need for formal contingency plans, based on progress of Year 2000 efforts by the Company and third parties. Risks of the Company's Year 2000 Issue. Although the Company expects its critical systems to be compliant by third quarter 1999 end, there is no guarantee that these results will be achieved. Specific factors that give rise to this uncertainty include a possible loss of technical resources to perform the work, failure to identify all susceptible systems, non-compliance by third parties whose systems and operations impact the Company, and other similar uncertainties. A reasonable possible worst case scenario might include one or more of the Company's significant policyholder systems being non-compliant, but no loss of current data is anticipated. Such an event will not result in a material disruption to the Company's operations. Specifically, if a third party system is not Year 2000 compliant, the Company could experience an interruption to manage its invested assets and it's operating cash accounts. Should the worst case scenario occur, it could, depending on its duration, have a material impact on the Company's results of operations and financial position. TRENDS Management does not know of any trends, events or uncertainties that will have, or that are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on the Company's liquidity, capital resources or results of operations. The Company's results of operations have varied from quarter to quarter principally because of fluctuations in underwriting results. The Company's experience indicates that more loans for automobile purchases are financed during summer months due to seasonal consumer buying habits. Title and appraisal fees are closely related to the level of real estate activity and the average price of real estate sales. The availability of funds to finance purchases directly affects real estate sales. Other factors include consumer confidence, economic conditions, supply and demand, mortgage interest rates and family income levels. Historically, the first quarter has had the least real estate activity, while the remaining quarters have been more active. Fluctuations in mortgage interest rates can cause shifts in real estate activity outside the normal seasonal pattern. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 26 FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Statements in the following discussion that indicate the Company's or management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the Company's actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested in the forward-looking statements is contained under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the same may be amended from time to time. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The future results and shareholder values of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine these results and values are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company does not have an intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after the date hereof, even if new information, future events, or other circumstances have made them incorrect or misleading. For those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. INFLATION Although the cumulative effects of inflation on premium growth cannot be fully determined, increases in the retail price of automobiles have generally resulted in increased amounts being financed which constitutes one of the bases for determining premiums on Ultimate Loss Insurance. Despite relatively low inflation during 1998, the Company has experienced no material adverse consequences with respect to its growth in premiums. INSURANCE REGULATORY MATTERS On June 20, 1997, the Ohio Department of Insurance issued its triennial examination report on Ohio Indemnity as of December 31, 1996. The examiners reported that the financial statements set forth in the report reflected the financial condition of Ohio Indemnity. Management is not aware of any recommendations by regulatory authorities which would have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on the Company's liquidity, capital resources or results of operations. The NAIC has developed a risk-based capital measurement formula to be applied to all property/casualty insurance companies. This formula calculates a minimum required statutory net worth, based on the underwriting, investment, credit, loss reserve and other business risks inherent in an individual company's operations. Under the current formula, any insurance company which does not meet threshold risk-based capital measurement standards could be forced to reduce the scope of its operations and ultimately could become subject to statutory receivership proceedings. Based on the Company's analysis, it appears that the Company's total adjusted capital is in excess of all required action levels and that no corrective action will be necessary. The Risk Based Capital provisions have been enacted into the Ohio Revised Code. RESERVES The amount of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses is dependent upon a number of factors, including claims frequency and severity, and the nature and types of losses incurred and the number of policies written. These factors may fluctuate from year to year and do not necessarily bear any relationship to the amount of premiums written or earned. As claims are incurred, provisions are made for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses by accumulating case reserve estimates for claims reported prior to the close of the accounting period and by estimating IBNR claims based upon past experience modified for current trends. Notwithstanding the variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the provisions made for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate to meet claims obligations of the Company. Such estimates are reviewed monthly by management and annually by an independent consulting actuary and, as adjustments thereto become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in the Company's results of operations. The Company's independent consulting actuary has opined that loss and loss adjustment expense reserve levels, as of December 31, 1998, were reasonable. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 27 BANCINSURANCE CORPORATION SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Premiums earned ........... $20,869,288 $11,226,584 $10,138,104 $19,783,307 $25,535,824 $19,787,858 $10,657,111 Investment and other income 5,328,425 4,661,158 2,566,770 2,027,037 2,140,734 1,879,007 1,241,158 Total revenues ............ 26,197,713 15,830,401 12,704,874 21,810,344 27,676,558 21,666,865 11,898,269 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance recoveries .. 13,340,737 6,070,954 5,404,484 12,760,094 15,564,508 10,918,649 5,063,855 Operating expenses ........ 8,106,214 6,090,799 4,179,093 7,452,466 9,459,652 7,506,212 3,938,717 Operating income .......... 4,750,762 3,668,648 3,121,297 1,597,784 2,652,398 2,826,614 2,895,697 Income taxes .............. 1,356,342 967,354 780,249 176,698 335,403 580,379 758,167 Net income ................ 3,394,420 2,701,294 2,341,048 1,421,086 2,316,995 2,294,822 2,137,530 Net income per common share, diluted(1) .... $ .57 $ .46 $ .40 $ .24 $ .40 $ .40 $ .37 SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total assets ........... $35,948,667 $31,404,432 $28,274,952 $27,750,234 $43,774,264 $43,612,249 $28,014,631 Note payable to bank ... 4,250,000 5,000,000 5,600,000 5,616,132 5,916,132 5,316,132 3,500,000 Net shareholders' equity $22,504,482 $19,079,801 $15,906,817 $13,710,410 $11,838,424 $ 9,909,742 $ 7,581,232 (1) Earnings per share assuming dilution is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for any dilutive potential common shares for the period. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 28 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 - ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $6,852,544 $4,596,382 $3,326,437 $3,327,362 $2,717,607 $2,413,136 $1,760,841 $1,479,406 653,300 343,776 379,287 275,331 264,709 192,960 147,136 160,803 7,505,844 4,940,158 3,705,724 3,602,693 2,982,316 2,606,096 1,907,977 1,640,209 3,444,370 2,582,505 2,119,556 1,957,693 1,418,484 1,280,981 844,401 634,439 2,786,956 1,739,441 1,074,691 774,083 643,867 544,173 480,737 429,414 1,274,518 618,212 511,477 870,917 919,965 780,942 582,839 576,356 332,108 178,466 72,596 240,220 258,315 276,392 155,288 182,021 942,410 439,746 438,881 630,697 628,226 504,550 273,420 320,578 $ .16 $ .08 $ .08 $ .11 $ .11 $ .08 $ .04 $ .05 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- $15,534,604 $11,581,617 $ 7,492,524 $ 5,755,781 $ 4,021,011 $ 3,456,108 $ 2,680,210 $ 2,696,888 3,350,000 3,600,000 1,600,000 1,650,000 368,000 388,000 408,200 433,292 $ 5,239,984 $ 4,247,832 $ 3,685,010 $ 3,342,282 $ 2,777,141 $ 2,255,976 $ 1,930,873 $ 1,640,687 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 29 MARKET INFORMATION AND DIVIDENDS Bancinsurance Corporation's common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "BCIS." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices for the Company in the over-the-counter market as reported by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. The prices shown represent quotation between dealers, without adjustment for retail markups, markdowns or commissions, and may not represent actual transactions. On February 11, 1999, the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock was $5 1/2. Low Sale High Sale -------- --------- September 30, 1997 .......................... 3 7/8 4 3/8 December 31, 1997 ........................... 4 1/8 5 March 31, 1998 .............................. 4 3/8 6 3/8 June 30, 1998 ............................... 5 3/4 6 3/4 September 30, 1998 .......................... 5 3/4 6 1/2 December 31, 1998 ........................... 4 1/2 6 1/4 HOLDERS The number of holders of record of the Company's common stock as of February 11, 1999 was 915. DIVIDENDS No cash dividends were declared or paid on the Company's outstanding common stock in the two most recent fiscal years. The Company intends to retain earnings to finance the growth of its business and the business of Ohio Indemnity, BCIS Services and Custom Title and, therefore, does not anticipate paying any cash dividends to holders of its common stock. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be dependent upon the Company's results of operations, financial condition, legal and regulatory restrictions, and other factors deemed relevant at the time. Reference is made to Note 11 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the restrictions on payment of dividends to the Company from the Subsidiary. ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of shareholders will be held on June 1, 1999, at 9:30 a.m. local time, at the offices of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur, 41 South High Street, 29th Floor, Columbus, Ohio. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29