DEF 14A
SCHEDULE 14A
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. ____)
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the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[x] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant toss.240.14a-11(c) orss.240.14a-12
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules
14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
Title of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined)
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identity the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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(4) Date Filed:
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
One East Fourth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
and Proxy Statement
To be Held on November 20, 2002
Dear Shareholder:
We invite you to attend our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on
Wednesday, November 20, 2002, in Cincinnati, Ohio. This booklet includes the
formal notice of the meeting and the proxy statement. The proxy statement tells
you more about the agenda and procedures for the meeting. It also describes how
your Board of Directors operates and provides information about the director
candidates.
We want your shares to be represented at the meeting and we urge you
either to use our telephone voting system, or promptly to complete, sign, date
and return your proxy form.
Sincerely,
Carl H. Lindner
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Cincinnati, Ohio
October 21, 2002
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Time: 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Place: One East Fourth Street
Ninth Floor
Cincinnati, Ohio
Purpose: o Elect Directors
o Conduct other business if properly raised
Record Date: September 30, 2002 - Shareholders of record on
that date are entitled to receive notice of and
to vote at the meeting.
Mailing Date: The approximate mailing date of this proxy
statement and accompanying proxy form is
October 21, 2002.
AFG Meeting: This year, unlike in past
years, the meeting will not be held
concurrently with the meeting of
shareholders of American Financial
Group, Inc. ("AFG"), the Company's
parent company. AFG's 2002 annual
meeting was held in June.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you attend the meeting, you may vote your
shares (1) using the toll-free telephone voting system described on page 1
below, or (2) by mailing a signed proxy form, which is the bottom portion of the
enclosed perforated form. If you do attend the meeting, you may either vote by
proxy or revoke your proxy and vote in person. You may also revoke your proxy at
any time before the vote is taken at the meeting by written revocation, using
the telephone voting system or by submitting a later-dated proxy form.
Table Of Contents
Page
----
GENERAL INFORMATION............................................ 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.......................................... 2
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS......................................... 2
MANAGEMENT..................................................... 3
COMPENSATION................................................... 6
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.............. 11
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS........................................... 12
NOMINATIONS AND SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS.......................... 12
REQUESTS FOR FORM 10-K......................................... 12
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION.................................. F-1
GENERAL INFORMATION
Record Date; Shares Outstanding
As of September 30, 2002, the record date for determining shareholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, the Company had outstanding
two classes of voting securities, its Common Stock, no par value and its Series
J Preferred Stock. At the Record Date, 10,593,000 shares of Common Stock were
outstanding, all of which were held by AFG, and 2,886,161 shares of Preferred
Stock were outstanding. Each share of outstanding Common Stock and Preferred
Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter to be presented at the Meeting.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on any item voted on at the
Meeting.
Cumulative Voting
Shareholders have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors
and one vote per share on all other matters. Cumulative voting allows a
shareholder to multiply the number of shares owned on the record date by the
number of directors to be elected and to cast the total for one nominee or
distribute the votes among the nominees as the shareholder desires. Nominees who
receive the greatest number of votes will be elected. In order to invoke
cumulative voting, notice of cumulative voting must be given in writing to an
executive officer of the Company not less than 48 hours before the time fixed
for the holding of the meeting.
Proxies and Voting Procedures
Registered shareholders may vote by using a toll-free telephone number,
by completing a proxy form and mailing it to the proxy tabulator, or by
attending the meeting and voting in person. The telephone voting facilities will
open on October 21, 2002, and close at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the meeting
date. The telephone voting facilities are open Monday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. until 10:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Time. The telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders
by use of a proxy control number and personal identification number ("PIN") to
allow shareholders to confirm that their instructions have been properly
recorded.
Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or
other nominee should refer to their proxy card or the information forwarded by
such broker, bank or other nominee to see what voting options are available.
To vote by telephone, shareholders should call 1-877-298-0570,
toll-free, using any touch-tone telephone and have their proxy form at hand.
Shareholders will be asked to enter the proxy control number and PIN, then
follow simple recorded instructions. To vote by mail, shareholders should
complete and sign the bottom portion of the proxy form and return only that
portion to the proxy tabulator in the reply envelope provided.
Solicitation of proxies through the mail, in person and otherwise, is
being made by management at the direction of the Company's Board of Directors,
without additional compensation. AFC will pay all costs of soliciting proxies.
In addition, the Company will request brokers and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward proxy-soliciting material to the beneficial owners of
shares held of record by such persons, and AFC will reimburse them for their
expenses.
The execution of a proxy or vote by phone does not affect the right to
vote in person at the meeting, and a proxy or vote by phone may be revoked by
the person giving it prior to the exercise of the powers conferred by it. A
shareholder may revoke a prior vote by writing to the Secretary of AFC at the
Company's principal offices or by properly executing and delivering a proxy
bearing a later date (or recording a later telephone vote). In addition, persons
attending the meeting in person may withdraw their proxies.
If a choice is specified on a properly executed proxy form, the shares
will be voted accordingly. If a proxy form is signed without a preference
indicated, those shares will be voted "FOR" the election of the eight nominees
proposed by the Board of Directors. The authority solicited by this Proxy
Statement includes discretionary authority to cumulate votes in the election of
directors. If any other matters properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment thereof, each properly executed proxy form will be voted in the
discretion of the proxies named therein.
Adjournment and Other Matters
Approval of a motion for adjournment or other matters brought before
the meeting requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares voting at
the meeting. Management knows of no other matters to be presented at the meeting
other than those stated in this document.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors oversees the management of the Company on your
behalf. The Board reviews AFC's long-term strategic plans and exercises direct
decision-making authority in key areas such as choosing the Chief Executive
Officer, setting the scope of his authority to manage the Company's business day
to day, and evaluating management's performance. The Board met 4 times last
year.
The Board of Directors has nominated eight individuals to hold office
until the next annual meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are
elected and qualified. If any of the nominees should become unable to serve as a
director, the proxies will be voted for any substitute nominee designated by the
Board of Directors but, in any event, no proxy may be voted for more than eight
nominees. The eight nominees who receive the greatest number of votes will be
elected.
The nominees for election to the Board of Directors are:
Carl H. Lindner Keith E. Lindner
S. Craig Lindner Carl H. Lindner III
Theodore H. Emmerich William R. Martin
James E. Evans William W. Verity
All of the nominees other than William W. Verity were elected directors
at the last annual meeting of shareholders of the Company held on May 24, 2001.
Mr. Verity has been nominated to take the board seat and Compensation and Audit
Committee memberships formerly held by Mr. Thomas M. Hunt, who resigned from the
Board of Directors' in June. See "Management" and "Compensation" below for
information concerning the background, securities holdings, remuneration and
other matters relating to the nominees.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the
election of these eight nominees as directors.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following shareholders are the only persons known by the Company to
own beneficially 5% or more of its outstanding voting securities as of September
30, 2002:
- ---------------------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
Name and Address Amount and Nature of Percent of
of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Voting Securities
================================== ====================== ===================
American Financial Group, Inc. (a) 10,593,000 shares 78.6%
One East Fourth Street of Common Stock
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
- ---------------------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
(a) Carl H. Lindner, S. Craig Lindner, Carl H. Lindner III,
Keith E. Lindner and trusts for their benefit (collectively, the
"Lindner Family") were the beneficial owners of approximately
43.3% of the voting stock of AFG at September 30, 2002. AFG
and the Lindner Family may be deemed to be controlling persons
of the Company.
-2-
MANAGEMENT
The directors, nominees and executive officers of the Company are:
Director or
Age(1) Position Executive Since
------ ------------------------------------------------- ---------------
Carl H. Lindner 83 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 1959
S. Craig Lindner 47 Co-President and a Director 1979
Keith E. Lindner 43 Co-President and a Director 1981
Carl H. Lindner III 49 Co-President and a Director 1980
Theodore H. Emmerich 76 Director 1988
James E. Evans 56 Senior Vice President and General Counsel
and a Director 1976
Thomas M. Hunt (2) 79 Director 1982
William R. Martin 73 Director 1994
William W. Verity 43 Nominee for Director -
Keith A. Jensen 51 Senior Vice President 1999
Thomas E. Mischell 54 Senior Vice President - Taxes 1985
Fred J. Runk 59 Senior Vice President and Treasurer 1978
(1) As of September 30, 2002.
(2) Mr. Hunt resigned as a director the Company in June 2002. Until his
resignation, he was a member of the Compensation and
Audit Committees. During the past five years, Mr. Hunt has been
Chairman of the Board of Hunt Petroleum Corporation, an oil
and gas production company.
Carl H. Lindner
(Chairman of the Executive Committee) Mr. Lindner is the Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and American
Financial Group, Inc. ("AFG"), the Company's parent company. He is
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Great American Financial Resources,
Inc., an 83%-owned subsidiary of the Company that markets tax-deferred
annuities principally to employees of educational institutions and offers
life and health insurance products. Mr. Lindner is the father of Carl H.
Lindner III, S. Craig Lindner and Keith E. Lindner.
Keith E. Lindner
(Member of the Executive Committee) For more than five years, Mr.
Lindner has served as Co-President and a director of the Company. From
March 1997 until March 2002, Mr. Lindner was Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Chiquita. For more than five years prior to that time, Mr.
Lindner had been President and Chief Operating Officer and a director of
Chiquita. Mr. Lindner is also a director of AFG.
Carl H. Lindner III
(Member of the Executive Committee) For more than five years, Mr.
Lindner has served as Co-President and a director of the Company. For over
ten years, Mr. Lindner has been principally responsible for AFG's property
and casualty insurance operations. Mr. Lindner is also a director of AFG.
S. Craig Lindner
(Member of the Executive Committee) For more than five years, Mr.
Lindner has served as Co-President and a director of the Company. He is
also President and a director of Great American Financial Resources, Inc.
Mr. Lindner is also President of American Money Management Corporation, a
subsidiary that provides investment services for the Company and its
affiliated companies. Mr. Lindner is also a director of AFG.
-3-
Theodore H. Emmerich
(Chairman of the Audit Committee; Member of the Compensation Committee)
Prior to his retirement in 1986, Mr. Emmerich was managing partner of the
Cincinnati office of the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Whinney.
He is also a director of AFG and Summit Mutual Funds, Inc.
James E. Evans
For more than five years, Mr. Evans has served as Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of the Company and AFG. Mr. Evans is also a director
of AFG.
William R. Martin
(Chairman of the Compensation Committee; Member of the Audit Committee)
During the past five years, Mr. Martin has been Chairman of the Board of
MB Computing, Inc., a computer software and services company. Mr. Martin
is also a director of Great American Financial Resources and AFG.
William W. Verity
Mr. Verity has been President of Veritas Asset Management, LLC, an
investment management company, since January 1, 2002, and prior thereto,
he was a partner of Pathway Guidance L.L.C., an executive consulting firm,
since October 2000. For more than five years previously, Mr. Verity was
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ENCOR Holdings, Inc., a developer
and manufacturer of plastic molded components. From 1994 until March 2002,
he was an independent director of Chiquita. Mr. Verity is also a director
of AFG.
Keith A. Jensen
Mr. Jensen was named a Senior Vice President of the Company and AFG in
February 1999. Since February 1997, he has also been Senior Vice President
of Great American Financial Resources. For more than five years prior
thereto he was a partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent
accounting firm.
Thomas E. Mischell
Mr. Mischell has served as Senior Vice President - Taxes of the Company
for over five years.
Fred J. Runk
Mr. Runk has served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the
Company for more than five years.
In March 2002, Chiquita completed a comprehensive financial
restructuring that included a prepackaged plan of reorganization filed in
November of the prior year under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Carl H.
Lindner and Keith E. Lindner were executive officers of Chiquita at the time of
the bankruptcy filing.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires AFC's executive officers,
directors and persons who own more than ten percent of AFC's voting stock to
file reports of ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to
furnish the Company with copies of these reports. The Company believes that all
filing requirements were met during 2001.
-4-
Securities Ownership
The following table sets forth information, as of September 30, 2002,
concerning the beneficial ownership of equity securities of the Company and its
parent and subsidiaries by each director, nominee for director, the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (see "Compensation" below) and
by all directors and executive officers as a group. Such information is based on
data furnished by the persons named. Except as set forth in the following table,
no director or executive officer beneficially owned 1% or more of any class of
equity security of the Company, its parent or any of its subsidiaries
outstanding at September 30, 2002.
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (a)
------------------------------------------------
Name of Shares of Common Shares of Preferred
Beneficial Owner Stock Held Stock Held
- --------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
Carl H. Lindner 10,593,000 (b) ---
Carl H. Lindner III 10,593,000 (b) ---
S. Craig Lindner 10,593,000 (b) ---
Keith E. Lindner 10,593,000 (b) ---
Theodore H. Emmerich --- ---
James E. Evans --- ---
William R. Martin --- 40,126 (c)
William W. Verity --- ---
All directors and executive 10,593,000 (b) 63,494 (d)
officers as a group
(11 persons)
(a) Does not include the following ownership interests in certain
affiliates of the Company: Messrs. Emmerich, Evans, S.C. Lindner and
Martin, and all directors and executive officers as a group beneficially
own 1,561; 11,138; 120,673; 26,141 and 178,753 shares, respectively, of
the Common Stock of Great American Financial Resources.
Does not include the following ownership interests in AFG. Messrs.
Emmerich, Evans, Carl H. Lindner, Carl H. Lindner III, S. Craig Lindner,
Keith E. Lindner and Martin, and all directors and executive officers as a
group beneficially own, 30,342, 372,299, 11,506,575, 6,155,917, 6,155,917,
6,155,917, 53.495 and 31,191,214.
(b) Represents shares held by AFG. The Lindner Family may be deemed to be
the beneficial owners of these shares, which represent 100% of AFC
Common Stock outstanding.
(c) Represents 1.4% of the Preferred Stock outstanding.
(d) Represents 2.2% of the Preferred Stock outstanding.
-5-
COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the aggregate cash compensation for
2001, 2000 and 1999 of the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer and its four other most highly compensated executive officers during
2001 (the "Named Executive Officers"). Such compensation includes amounts paid
by AFC, AFG as well as AFG's subsidiaries and certain affiliates during the
years indicated.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
-------------------------------------------------------------
Name Other Annual Securities Underlying All Other
And Compensation Options Granted Compensation
Principal Position Year Salary (a) Bonus (b) (c) (# of Shares) (d) (e)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl H. Lindner 2001 $950,000 $415,600 $47,000 --- $48,000
Chairman of the Board and 2000 950,500 0 54,000 --- 44,000
Chief Executive Officer 1999 968,000 600,000 65,000 --- 68,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith E. Lindner 2001 950,000 415,600 26,000 --- 29,400
Co-President 2000 950,500 0 35,000 110,000 34,000
1999 968,000 600,000 56,000 50,000 44,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl H. Lindner III 2001 950,000 415,600 74,000 --- 30,400
Co-President 2000 950,500 0 79,000 110,000 29,000
1999 968,000 600,000 106,000 50,000 34,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S. Craig Lindner 2001 950,000 415,600 106,000 --- 30,400
Co-President 2000 950,500 0 98,000 110,000 28,000
1999 968,000 600,000 75,000 50,000 33,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James E. Evans 2001 950,000 400,000 4,000 --- 33,400
Senior Vice President and 2000 950,500 290,000 500 100,000 30,000
General Counsel 1999 968,000 580,000 2,000 45,000 36,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) This column includes salaries paid by Chiquita to Keith E. Lindner of $55,000 in 2001, $47,500 in 2000, and $50,000 in 1999,
and to Carl H. Lindner of $70,000 in 2001, $62,500 in 2000 and $50,000 in 1999.
(b) Bonuses are for the year shown, regardless of when paid. Approximately one-fourth of the bonuses for each individual was
paid in shares of AFG common stock.
-6-
(c) This column includes amounts for personal homeowners and automobile
insurance coverage, and the use of corporate aircraft and automobile
service as follows.
Name Year Insurance Aircraft & Automobile
---------------------- ----- ---------- ---------------------
Carl H. Lindner 2001 $24,000 $23,000
2000 25,000 29,000
1999 21,000 44,000
Keith E. Lindner 2001 21,000 5,000
2000 21,000 14,000
1999 42,000 14,000
Carl H. Lindner III 2001 37,000 47,000
2000 32,000 47,000
1999 29,000 77,000
S. Craig Lindner 2001 43,000 63,000
2000 44,000 54,000
1999 32,000 43,000
James E. Evans 2001 -- 4,000
2000 -- 500
1999 -- 2,000
(d) The number of AFG options shown as granted during 2000 includes the 2001
grant, which was made in late December 2000.
(e) Includes Company or subsidiary contributions or allocations under the
(i) defined contribution retirement plans and (ii) employee savings
plan in which the following Named Executive Officers participate (and
related accruals for their benefit under AFG's benefit equalization
plan which generally makes up certain reductions caused by Internal
Revenue Code limitations in the Company's contributions to certain of
the Company's retirement plans) and Company paid group life insurance
as set forth below.
AFG Auxiliary
RASP Retirement Savings Plan Directors'
Name Year Plan Fees Term Life
----------------------- --------- -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
Carl H. Lindner 2001 $16,500 $8,500 -- -- $23,000
2000 16,500 8,500 -- -- 19,000
1999 20,400 9,600 -- $15,000 23,000
Keith E. Lindner 2001 16,500 8,500 $3,400 -- 1,000
2000 16,500 8,500 8,000 -- 1,000
1999 20,400 9,600 12,000 -- 2,000
Carl H. Lindner III 2001 16,500 8,500 3,400 -- 2,000
2000 16,500 8,500 2,000 -- 2,000
1999 20,400 9,600 2,000 -- 2,000
S. Craig Lindner 2001 16,500 8,500 3,400 -- 2,000
2000 16,500 8,500 2,000 -- 1,000
1999 20,400 9,600 2,000 -- 1,000
James E. Evans 2001 16,500 8,500 3,400 -- 5,000
2000 16,500 8,500 2,000 -- 3,000
1999 20,400 9,600 2,000 -- 4,000
-7-
STOCK OPTIONS
The table below shows AFG stock options exercised by the Named
Executive Officers during 2001, and the number and value of unexercised options
held by them at December 31, 2001. While no options were granted to such persons
in 2001, the expiration dates of certain of the options held by two of the
Company's Co-Presidents were extended to April 2005. No options were granted to
the CEO in 2000 or 2001.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 2001 AND 2001 YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Securities
Shares Underlying Value of Unexercised
Acquired on Unexercised Options In-the-Money Options
Exercise at Year End at Year End (a)
(# of Value -----------------------------------------------------------
Name Company Shares) Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl H. Lindner AFG - - - - - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl H. Lindner III AFG 1,091 $5,047 497,272 144,000 $329,281 $418,440
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S. Craig Lindner AFG 1,091 $6,118 497,272 144,000 $336,287 $418,440
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith E. Lindner AFG 1,091 $4,779 497,272 144,000 $331,548 $418,440
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James E. Evans AFG - - 234,000 127,000 $95,100 $380,400
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The value of unexercised in-the-money options is calculated based on
the New York Stock Exchange closing market price of the Company's
common stock at year-end 2001. This price was $24.55 per share.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of three
directors, none of whom is an employee of the Company, AFG or any of its
subsidiaries. This Committee also acts as the Compensation Committee for AFG.
The Committee's functions include reviewing and making recommendations to the
Board of Directors with respect to the compensation of the Company's senior
executive officers, as defined from time to time by the Board. The term "senior
executive officers" currently includes the Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer (the "CEO") and the Co-Presidents. The Compensation Committee
has the exclusive authority to grant stock options under the Company's Stock
Option Plan to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, including senior
executive officers.
Compensation of Executive Officers. The Company's compensation policy
for all executive officers of the Company has three principal components: annual
base salary, annual incentive bonuses and stock option grants. Before decisions
were made regarding 2001 compensation for senior executives, the Committee had
discussions with Company executives to solicit their thoughts regarding
compensation. Based in part on such discussions as well as the Committee's
review of the Company's financial results for the preceding year, the Committee
deliberated, formed its recommendations, and presented its determinations
regarding salary and bonus to the full Board for its review and approval. The
compensation decisions discussed in this report conformed with recommendations
made by the Committee, the CEO and the Co-Presidents.
Annual Base Salaries. The Committee approved annual base salaries and
salary increases for senior executive officers that were appropriate, in the
Committee's subjective judgment, for their respective positions and levels of
responsibilities. The Committee approved the 2001 salaries of the CEO and the
Co-Presidents, noting that such salaries would be the same rates in 2001 as in
2000, 1999, 1998 and the latter part of 1997.
Annual Bonuses. As was the case for the past five years, the Committee
developed an annual bonus plan for 2001 for the CEO and the Co-Presidents that
would make a substantial portion of their total compensation dependent on the
Company's performance, including achievement of pre-established earnings per
share targets. Other executive officers of the Company were included in the
annual bonus plan for 2001 by action of the Executive Committee.
The annual bonus plan for 2001 made 50% of each participant's annual
bonus dependent on the Company attaining certain earnings per share targets. The
other 50% is based on the Company's overall performance, as subjectively
determined by the Committee. The 2001 annual bonus plan (as in prior years)
provided that 25% of any bonuses be paid in AFG common stock.
-8-
Under the 2001 annual bonus plan, the bonus target amount for the CEO
and each of the Co-Presidents was $950,000 with 0% to 175% of $475,000 (50% of
$950,000) to be paid depending on AFG achieving certain 2001 earnings per share
allocable to insurance operations (the "EPS Component") and 0% to 175% of
$475,000 to be paid based on AFG's overall performance, as subjectively
determined by the Committee (the "Company Performance Component"). The earnings
per share target which would result in the payment of 100% of the EPS Component
bonus was set by the Committee at $1.60. In recommending the 2001 annual bonus
plan to the Board for adoption, the Committee noted that no bonus should be paid
under the plan if 2001 earnings per share from insurance operations are less
than $1.20 (75% of the 2001 EPS target). Not including the effects from the
attack on the World Trade Center and an increase in reserves for asbestos
related claims, AFG reported earnings per share from insurance operations of
$1.55. The Committee noted that the annual bonus plan provides that unusual or
non-recurring items are not be included in determining earnings allocable to
insurance operations. This results in a payment to the CEO and each of the
Co-Presidents of approximately $416,000 under the EPS Component.
The Committee then evaluated the Company's performance during 2001. The
Committee considered a number of factors in discussions of such performance with
senior executives, including the Company's current status of credit ratings,
operating ratios, which were viewed positively, and net earnings and AFG's stock
price from the end of 2000 to the end of 2001 which were viewed negatively. The
Committee noted the improvement in AFG's stock price from the beginning of 2000
to the time of its meeting to consider the 2001 annual bonus plan held in March.
The Committee agreed with management's recommendation that while a bonus under
the Company Performance Component could be justified, no bonus attributable to
that component would be paid.
The annual base salary and bonus target amounts of the CEO and the
Co-Presidents are virtually identical because the Committee reviews them as
working as a management team whose skills and areas of expertise complement each
other.
Stock Option Grants. Stock options represent an important part of the
Company's performance-based compensation system. The Committee believes that
Company shareholders' interests are well served by aligning the Company's senior
executives' interests with those of its shareholders through the grant of stock
options in addition to paying a portion of any annual bonus in common stock.
Options under AFG's Stock Option Plan are granted at exercise prices equal to
the fair market value of common stock on the date of grant and vest at the rate
of 20% per year. The Committee believes that these features provide an optionee
with substantial incentive to maximize the Company's long-term success. Options
for 55,000 shares were granted to each of the Co-Presidents and additional
options were granted to the other senior executives of the Company in December
2000, so that the exercise price of such options would be near the public
offering of AFG Common Stock which was completed in December 2000. While no
options were granted to such persons in 2001, the Committee determined to extend
the expiration dates of certain of the options held by two of the Company's
Co-Presidents to April 2005 to align the expiration dates of the options held by
each Co-President. No options were granted to the CEO in 2000 or 2001.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of three
directors, none of whom is an employee of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. The Committee's functions include reviewing and making
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the compensation of
the Company's senior executive officers, as defined from time to time by the
Board. The term "senior executive officers" currently includes the Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") and the Co-Presidents. The
Compensation Committee has the exclusive authority to grant stock options under
the Company's Stock Option Plan to employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries, including senior executive officers.
Members of the Compensation Committee: William R. Martin, Chairman
February 22, 2002 Theodore H. Emmerich
Thomas M. Hunt
Performance Graph
No performance graph is included as the Company's Common Stock is not
publicly traded.
Certain Transactions
The Company and its subsidiaries have had and expect to continue to
have transactions with AFG's directors, officers, principal shareholders, their
affiliates and members of their families. The Company believes that the
financial terms of these transactions are comparable to those that would apply
to unrelated parties and are fair to AFC.
-9-
Members of the Lindner Family are the principal owners of Provident
Financial Group, Inc. ("Provident"). In 2001, AFC paid Provident $245,000 in
connection with an expense sharing arrangement for a cafeteria operated by
Provident for the employees of both companies. AFC provides security guard and
surveillance services at the main office of Provident for which Provident paid
$100,000 in 2001. Provident leases its main banking and corporate office from
AFC for which Provident paid rent of $3,125,000 in 2001. A subsidiary of
Provident leases equipment to subsidiaries of AFC for which Provident was paid
an aggregate of $805,000 during 2001.
During 2001, AFC paid the Cincinnati Reds $109,000 for tickets to
baseball games. Carl H. Lindner is the Chief Executive Officer of the Reds. In
addition, a subsidiary of AFG, and a company owned by Carl H. Lindner, Carl
H. Lindner III, Keith E. Lindner and S. Craig Lindner, are part owners of the
Reds.
In July 2000, AFC's principal insurance company subsidiary, Great
American Insurance Company, entered into a thirty-year agreement with the Reds,
pursuant to which the Reds' home stadium will be named "Great American Ball
Park" upon its expected completion in time for the 2003 baseball season. Great
American paid the Reds $2 million during 2001, and will pay the Reds
approximately $2.3 million annually over the term of the agreement. For these
payments, Great American will also receive approximately $1.3 million of premium
seating, marketing credits, and related sponsorship rights.
In 2001, an AFC subsidiary purchased a 29% interest in an aircraft for
$1.6 million (fair value as determined by independent third party) from an
entity owned by one of Carl H. Lindner's brothers. The remaining interests in
the aircraft are owned by Carl H. Lindner and his two brothers. Costs of
operating the aircraft are being borne proportionately. During 2001 and prior to
the purchase, AFC and its subsidiaries had chartered the aircraft from the same
entity. The total charges for such aircraft usage were $584,000.
In 1997, Carl H. Lindner and Great American Financial Resources, Inc.
(an 83%-owned subsidiary of AFG) purchased 51% and 49%, respectively, of the
outstanding common stock of a newly incorporated entity formed to acquire the
assets of a company engaged in the production of ethanol. In 2000, the ethanol
company repurchased the 49% interest from GAFRI for amounts which included an
$18.9 million subordinated debenture bearing interest at 12 1/4% with scheduled
repayments through 2005. The balance owed on the subordinated debenture at
year-end 2001 was $12.9 million. Another AFG subsidiary has a working capital
credit facility in place under which the ethanol company may borrow up to $10
million at a rate of prime plus 3%. There were no borrowings outstanding under
this facility in 2001. In 1998, GAFRI made a loan to the ethanol company in the
amount of $4 million, bearing interest at the rate of 14% and maturing in
September 2008.
An AFC subsidiary is the lender under a credit agreement with American
Heritage Holding Corporation, a Florida-based homebuilder which is 49% owned by
AFG and 51% owned by brothers of Carl H. Lindner. The homebuilder may borrow up
to $8 million at 13% per annum, with interest deferred and added to principal.
In January 2001, the maturity date of this loan was extended from March 31, 2001
to March 31, 2003. The highest outstanding balance owed to the AFC subsidiary
during 2001 was $8.0 million and the balance at year-end 2001 was $6.4 million.
The homebuilder was sold to an independent third party in September 2002 and the
loan has been paid in full.
William R. Martin is an independent director of the Company. One of his
adult sons was an employee of the Company's technology group during 2001 and
received compensation of approximately $100,000 during that year. The son is no
longer employed by the Company.
Directors' Compensation
AFC's Board of Directors receives no annual compensation from AFC.
However, they are paid as directors of AFG, as follows:
Pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors' Compensation Plan (the
"Directors' Plan"), all directors who are not officers or employees of the
Company are paid the following fees: an annual retainer of $40,000; an
additional annual retainer of $12,000 for each Board Committee on which the
non-employee director serves; and an attendance fee of $1,000 for each Board or
Committee meeting attended. Non-employee directors who become directors during
the year receive a pro rata portion of these annual retainers. The retainers and
fees to be paid under the Directors' Plan are reviewed by the Board of Directors
from time to time and are subject to change at its discretion.
In order to align further the interests of the Company's non-employee
directors with the interests of shareholders, the Directors' Plan provides that
a minimum of 50% of such directors' annual retainers are paid through the
issuance of shares of AFG Common Stock.
-10-
The Board of Directors has a program under which a retiring Company
director (other than an officer or employee of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries) will, if the director has met certain eligibility requirements,
receive upon retirement (in a lump sum or, if elected, in deferred payments) an
amount equal to five times the then current annual director's fee. For purposes
of this program, retirement means resignation as a Company director or not being
nominated for reelection by shareholders as a Company director. To be eligible
for the retirement benefit, a person must have served as a Company director for
at least four years while not an officer or employee of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries. In addition, a Company director will not become eligible for
the retirement benefit until reaching age 55. A director who receives a
retirement benefit must provide consulting services to the Company on request
for five years following retirement without further compensation (except
reimbursement for expenses). Under the program, a death benefit equal to the
retirement benefit will be paid (in lieu of any retirement benefit under the
program) to the designated beneficiary or legal representative of any person who
dies while serving as a Company director, whether or not eligible for a
retirement benefit at time of death. This death benefit will not be available to
a director who at any time during the two years immediately preceding death was
an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
In addition to providing for the grant of stock options to key
employees, the Stock Option Plan provides for automatic annual grants of options
to each non-employee director of the Company. During 2001, each non-employee
director was granted an option under the foregoing provisions of the AFG Stock
Option Plan to purchase 2,500 shares at an exercise price of $27.95 per share on
June 1, 2001, the exercise price being the fair market value of AFG's common
stock on the date of grant.
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Board of Directors held four meetings and took action in writing
ten times in 2001. The Board has an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee and
a Compensation Committee, but no Nominating Committee.
Executive Committee: The Executive Committee consists of Carl H.
Lindner (Chairman), Carl H. Lindner III, S. Craig Lindner and Keith E. Lindner.
The Committee's functions include analyzing the future development of the
business affairs and operations of the Company, including further expansion of
businesses in which the Company is engaged and acquisitions and dispositions of
businesses. With certain exceptions, the Executive Committee is generally
authorized to exercise the powers of the Board of Directors between meetings of
the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee consulted among themselves
informally many times throughout the year and took action in writing on six
occasions in 2001.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met two times and
took action in writing on three occasions in 2001.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met eight times in 2001.
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee is comprised of three directors, each of whom is
experienced with financial statements and two of whom have past accounting or
related financial management experience. Each of the members of the Audit
Committee is independent as defined by the New York Stock Exchange listing
standards.
The primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in
fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing the financial information
which will be provided to shareholders and others, the systems of internal
control which management has established, and the audit process. The members of
the Committee during 2001 were Theodore H. Emmerich (Chairman), William R.
Martin and Thomas M. Hunt. It is expected that if elected, Mr. Verity will take
the seat of Mr. Hunt on this committee following the meeting.
Management is responsible for the Company's internal controls and the
financial reporting process. The independent accountants are responsible for
performing an independent audit of the Company's consolidated financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and to issue
a report thereon. The Committee's responsibility is to monitor and oversee these
processes. Additionally, the Audit Committee recommends to the Board an
accounting firm to be engaged as the Company's independent accountants.
The Committee has met and held discussions with management and the
independent accountants. Management represented to the Committee that the
Company's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, and the Committee has reviewed and
discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the
independent accountants. The
-11-
Committee discussed with the independent accountants matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communications with Audit
Committees).
The Company's independent accountants also provided to the Committee
the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) and disclosures
required by the Audit Committee Charter, and the Committee discussed with the
independent accountants that firm's independence.
Based on the Committee's discussions with management and the
independent accountants and the Committee's review of the representation of
management and the report of the independent accountants to the Committee, the
Committee recommended that the audited consolidated financial statements be
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2001 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Members of the Audit Committee: Theodore H. Emmerich, Chairman
March 20, 2002 William R. Martin
Thomas M. Hunt
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP served as AFG's as well as the
Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.
Representatives of that firm will attend the meeting and will be given the
opportunity to comment, if they so desire, and to respond to appropriate
questions that may be asked by shareholders. No auditor has yet been selected
for the current year because it is generally the practice of the Company not to
select independent auditors prior to the annual shareholders meeting.
Audit Fees, Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees and All
Other Fees. Ernst and Young's aggregate fees to AFG and the Company for services
related to the audits of financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2001, and for quarterly reviews within that period amounted to approximately
$1.5 million. While they were not billed separately, we estimate that fees for
statutory audits for insurance regulatory purposes and similar audit related
services amounted to approximately one-fourth of the aggregate audit fees.
In addition, during 2001 Ernst & Young billed approximately $161,000
for services related to actuarial reviews, approximately $88,000 for tax
services and approximately $209,000 for all other miscellaneous services. There
were no Ernst & Young fees in 2001 for financial information systems design and
implementation. The Audit Committee considered the non-audit services provided
in satisfying itself as to Ernst & Young's independence.
NOMINATIONS AND SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
In accordance with the Company's Code of Regulations (the
"Regulations"), the only candidates eligible for election at a meeting of
shareholders are candidates nominated by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors and candidates nominated at the meeting by a shareholder who has
complied with the procedures set forth in the Regulations. Shareholders will be
afforded a reasonable opportunity at the meeting to nominate candidates for the
office of director. However, the Regulations require that a shareholder wishing
to nominate a director candidate must have first given the Secretary of the
Company at least five and not more than thirty days prior written notice setting
forth or accompanied by (1) the name and residence of the shareholder and of
each nominee specified in the notice, (2) a representation that the shareholder
was a holder of record of the Company's voting stock and intended to appear, in
person or by proxy, at the meeting to nominate the persons specified in the
notice and (3) the consent of each such nominee to serve as director if so
elected.
The Proxy Form used by AFC for the annual meeting typically grants
authority to management's proxies to vote in their discretion on any matters
that come before the meeting as to which adequate notice has not been received.
In order for a notice to be deemed adequate for the 2003 annual meeting, it must
be received by March 16, 2003. In order for a proposal to be considered for
inclusion in AFC's proxy statement for that meeting, it must be received by
December 31, 2002.
REQUESTS FOR FORM 10-K
The Company will send, upon written request, without charge, a copy of
the Company's current Annual Report on Form 10-K to any shareholder who writes
to Fred J. Runk, Senior Vice President and Treasurer, American Financial
Corporation, One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
-12-
Pages F1 though F-37 which follow are taken from AFC's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. This information is being included
herein in accordance with Rule 14a-3 promulgated under the Securities Act of
1934.
-13-
AFC is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged
primarily in specialty and private passenger automobile insurance businesses and
in the sale of tax-deferred annuities and certain life and supplemental health
insurance products. AFC's property and casualty operations originated in the
1800's and make up one of the twenty-five largest property and casualty groups
in the United States based on statutory net premiums written.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This document contains certain forward-looking
statements that are subject to numerous assumptions, risks or uncertainties. The
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for
forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements can be
identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believes", "expects",
"may", "will", "should", "seeks", "intends", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates"
or the negative version of those words or other comparable terminology. Examples
of such forward-looking statements include statements relating to: expectations
concerning market and other conditions and their effect on future premiums,
revenues, earnings and investment activities; expected losses and the adequacy
of reserves for asbestos, environmental pollution and mass tort claims; rate
increases, improved loss experience and expected expense savings resulting from
recent initiatives.
Actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by
such forward-looking statements for a variety of factors including:
o changes in economic conditions, including interest rates, performance
of securities markets, and the availability of capital;
o regulatory actions;
o changes in legal environment;
o tax law changes;
o levels of catastrophes and other major losses;
o the ultimate amount of liabilities associated with certain asbestos and
environmental-related insurance claims; o adequacy of loss reserves;
o availability of reinsurance and ability of reinsurers to pay their
obligations; and
o competitive pressures, including the ability to obtain rate increases.
The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date of this
report. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking
statements.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Not applicable - Registrant's Common Stock is owned by American Financial
Group, Inc. See Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding
dividends.
F-1
Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth certain data for the periods indicated
(dollars in millions, except per share data).
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Earnings Statement Data:
- -----------------------
Total Revenues $3,929 $3,820 $3,359 $4,084 $4,058
Operating Earnings Before Income Taxes 70 120 310 269 385
Earnings (Loss) Before Extraordinary Items
and Accounting Changes 13 (23) 153 130 208
Extraordinary Items - - (4) (1) (7)
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes (10) (9) (4) - -
Net Earnings (Loss) 3 (32) 145 129 201
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (a) 1.56 2.02 4.01 3.44 4.20
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed charges
and Preferred Dividends (a) 1.45 1.87 3.67 3.15 3.52
Balance Sheet Data:
- ------------------
Total Assets $17,398 $16,407 $16,024 $15,848 $15,738
Long-term Debt:
Holding Companies 228 204 113 315 287
Subsidiaries 271 195 240 177 194
Minority Interest 461 510 490 524 510
Shareholders' Equity 1,478 1,454 1,324 1,531 1,393
(a) Fixed charges are computed on a "total enterprise" basis. For purposes of
calculating the ratios, "earnings" have been computed by adding to pretax
earnings the fixed charges and the minority interest in earnings of
subsidiaries having fixed charges and the undistributed equity in losses
of investees. Fixed charges include interest (excluding interest on
annuity benefits), amortization of debt premium/discount and expense,
preferred dividend and distribution requirements of subsidiaries and a
portion of rental expense deemed to be representative of the interest
factor.
F-2
Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
GENERAL
Following is a discussion and analysis of the financial statements and
other statistical data that management believes will enhance the understanding
of AFC's financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should
be read in conjunction with the financial statements beginning on page F-14.
IT INITIATIVE In 1999, AFC initiated an enterprise-wide study of its
information technology ("IT") resources, needs and opportunities. The
initiative, involving improvements in physical infrastructure and business
support systems, entails extensive effort and costs over a period of several
years. While the costs precede the expected savings, management believes the
benefits will exceed the costs incurred, all of which have been and will be
funded through available working capital.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
RATIOS AFC's debt to total capital ratio at the parent holding company level
(excluding amounts due AFG) was approximately 13% at December 31, 2001 compared
to 12% at December 31, 2000. Including amounts due AFG, the ratio was 28% at the
end of 2001 and 31% at the end of 2000.
AFC's ratio of earnings to fixed charges, excluding and including
preferred dividends, on a total enterprise basis for the year ended December 31,
2001, was 1.56 and 1.45, respectively.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' model law for risk
based capital ("RBC") applies to both life and property and casualty companies.
RBC formulas determine the amount of capital that an insurance company needs to
ensure that it has an acceptable expectation of not becoming financially
impaired. At December 31, 2001, the capital ratios of all AFC insurance
companies substantially exceeded the RBC requirements (the lowest capital ratio
of any AFC subsidiary was 2.1 times its authorized control level RBC; weighted
average of all AFC subsidiaries was 4.9 times).
SOURCES OF FUNDS AFC and American Premier are organized as holding companies
with almost all of their operations being conducted by subsidiaries. These
parent corporations, however, have continuing cash needs for administrative
expenses, the payment of principal and interest on borrowings, shareholder
dividends, and taxes. Funds to meet these obligations come primarily from
dividend and tax payments from their subsidiaries.
Management believes these parent holding companies have sufficient
resources to meet their liquidity requirements. If funds generated from
operations, including dividends and tax payments from subsidiaries, are
insufficient to meet fixed charges in any period, these companies would be
required to generate cash through borrowings, sales of securities or other
assets, or similar transactions.
AFC has a reciprocal Master Credit Agreement with various AFG holding
companies under which these companies make funds available to each other for
general corporate purposes.
AFC has a revolving credit line with several banks under which it can
borrow up to $300 million until December 31, 2002. This credit line provides
ample liquidity and can be used to obtain funds for operating subsidiaries or,
if necessary, for the parent companies. At December 31, 2001, approximately
two-thirds of the credit line has been used. While management expects to
negotiate a replacement bank agreement later this year, market conditions
indicate the maximum amount may be smaller and interest costs will likely be
greater.
F-3
In December 2000, AFC borrowed $155 million under its credit agreement
with AFG to make capital contributions to its property and casualty operations.
In April 1999, AFC used funds borrowed under its credit agreement with AFG to
retire outstanding holding company public debt and borrowings under AFC's credit
line.
For statutory accounting purposes, equity securities of non-affiliates are
generally carried at market value. At December 31, 2001, AFC's insurance
companies owned publicly traded equity securities with a market value of $310
million. In addition, Great American owns GAFRI common stock with a market value
of $657 million and a carrying value of $460 million. Since significant amounts
of these are concentrated in a relatively small number of companies, decreases
in the market prices could adversely affect the insurance group's capital,
potentially impacting the amount of dividends available or necessitating a
capital contribution. Conversely, increases in the market prices could have a
favorable impact on the group's dividend-paying capability.
Under tax allocation agreements with AFC, its 80%-owned U.S. subsidiaries
generally compute tax provisions as if filing separate returns based on book
taxable income computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. The resulting provision (or credit) is currently payable to (or
receivable from) AFC.
INVESTMENTS Approximately two-thirds of AFC's consolidated assets are invested
in marketable securities. A diverse portfolio of primarily publicly traded bonds
and notes accounts for over 97% of these securities. AFC attempts to optimize
investment income while building the value of its portfolio, placing emphasis
upon long-term performance. AFC's goal is to maximize return on an ongoing basis
rather than focusing on short-term performance.
Fixed income investment funds are generally invested in securities with
short-term and intermediate-term maturities with an objective of optimizing
total return while allowing flexibility to react to changes in market
conditions. At December 31, 2001, the average life of AFC's fixed maturities was
about 5-1/2 years.
Approximately 93% of the fixed maturities held by AFC were rated
"investment grade" (credit rating of AAA to BBB) by nationally recognized rating
agencies at December 31, 2001. Investment grade securities generally bear lower
yields and lower degrees of risk than those that are unrated or noninvestment
grade. Management believes that the high quality investment portfolio should
generate a stable and predictable investment return.
Investments in MBSs represented approximately one-fourth of AFC's fixed
maturities at December 31, 2001. MBSs are subject to significant prepayment risk
due to the fact that, in periods of declining interest rates, mortgages may be
repaid more rapidly than scheduled as borrowers refinance higher rate mortgages
to take advantage of the lower current rates. As a result, holders of MBSs may
receive prepayments on their securities, which cannot be reinvested at an
interest rate comparable to the rate on the prepaid MBSs. The majority of MBSs
held by AFC were purchased at a discount. Management believes that the
discounted nature of the MBSs will mitigate the effect of prepayments on
earnings over the anticipated life of the MBS portfolio. Over 90% of AFC's MBSs
are rated "AAA" with substantially all being of investment grade quality. The
market in which these securities trade is highly liquid. Aside from interest
rate risk, AFC does not believe a material risk (relative to earnings or
liquidity) is inherent in holding such investments.
At December 31, 2001, AFC had a net unrealized gain on fixed maturities of
$155.4 million (before income taxes) consisting of $306.3 million in gross
unrealized gains and $150.9 million in gross unrealized losses. At that same
date, AFC also had a net unrealized gain on equity securities of $125.9 million
consisting of $135.7 million in gross gains and $9.8 million in gross losses.
Individual portfolio securities are sold creating gains or losses as market
opportunities exist.
F-4
When a decline in the value of a specific investment is considered to be
"other than temporary," a provision for impairment is charged to earnings
(accounted for as a realized loss) and the cost basis of that investment is
reduced. The determination of whether unrealized losses are "other than
temporary" requires judgment based on subjective as well as objective factors.
Factors considered and resources used by management include:
a) whether the unrealized loss is credit-driven or a result of changes in
market interest rates,
b) the extent to which market value is less than cost basis,
c) historical operating, balance sheet and cash flow data contained in
issuer SEC filings,
d) issuer news releases,
e) near-term prospects for improvement in the issuer and/or its industry,
f) industry research and communications with industry specialists,
g) third party research and credit rating reports,
h) internally generated financial models and forecasts,
i) discussions with issuer management, and
j) ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient
to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.
The $150.9 million in gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities at
December 31, 2001, represents unrealized losses on more than 450 positions. None
of the individual losses exceeds $8 million and only 12 have unrealized losses
exceeding $2 million. All of the securities with unrealized losses are current
in payment of principal and interest.
Based on its analysis of the factors enumerated above, management believes
(i) the issuers of these securities will continue to meet their obligations and
(ii) that AFC has the ability and intent to hold the securities until they
mature or recover in value. Should either of these beliefs change with regard to
a particular security, a charge for impairment would likely be required.
Net realized gains (losses) on securities sold and charges for "other than
temporary" impairment on securities held were as follows (in millions):
Net Realized
Gains (Losses) Charges for
on Sales Impairment Other(a) Total
-------------- ---------- ----- -----
2001 $89.8 ($125.5)(b) $11.6 ($24.1)
2000 (1.7) (27.5) 2.6 (26.6)
1999 31.0 (13.0) 2.1 20.1
1998 40.2 (32.2) (1.7) 6.3
1997 54.7 (6.7) (2.0) 46.0
(a) Includes adjustments to carry derivatives at market and to reflect
the impact of realized gains and losses on the amortization of
deferred policy acquisition costs.
(b) Does not include $16.9 million writedown of certain collateralized
debt obligations which was recorded as the cumulative effect of an
adoption of an accounting change at April 1, 2001.
Increased impairment charges in recent years reflect a rise in corporate
defaults in the marketplace resulting from the weakened economy.
UNCERTAINTIES Aside from risks common to most insurance operations, management
believes that the areas posing the greatest risk of material loss are Great
American's exposure to asbestos, environmental and other mass tort claims and
American Premier's exposure to asbestos, environmental and other contingencies
arising out of its former operations.
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE RESERVES Future costs of claims are
projected based on historical trends adjusted for changes in underwriting
standards, policy provisions, product mix and other factors. Estimating the
liability for unpaid losses and LAE is inherently judgmental and is influenced
by factors which are subject to significant variation. Through the use of
analytical reserve development
F-5
techniques, management monitors items such as the effect of inflation on
medical, hospitalization, material, repair and replacement costs, general
economic trends and the legal environment.
Establishing reserves for A&E claims is subject to uncertainties that are
significantly greater than those presented by other types of claims. For a
discussion of uncertainties, see "Litigation" and "Special A&E Charge" below and
Note M - "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Financial Statements.
LITIGATION AFC's insurance subsidiaries and American Premier are parties
to litigation and receive claims alleging injuries and damages from asbestos,
environmental and other substances and workplace hazards. The outcome of
litigation relating to asbestos and environmental claims is uncertain due to
numerous factors and may result in liabilities materially exceeding amounts AFC
has currently recorded. For a discussion of uncertainties, see Legal Proceedings
in AFC's 2001 Form 10-K.
EXPOSURE TO MARKET RISK Market risk represents the potential economic
loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments.
AFC's exposures to market risk relate primarily to its investment portfolio and
annuity contracts which are exposed to interest rate risk and, to a lesser
extent, equity price risk. To a much lesser extent, AFC's long-term debt is also
exposed to interest rate risk.
FIXED MATURITY PORTFOLIO The fair value of AFC's fixed maturity portfolio
is directly impacted by changes in market interest rates. AFC's fixed maturity
portfolio is comprised of substantially all fixed rate investments with
primarily short-term and intermediate-term maturities. This practice allows
flexibility in reacting to fluctuations of interest rates. The portfolios of
AFC's insurance operations are managed with an attempt to achieve an adequate
risk-adjusted return while maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet policyholder
obligations. AFC's life and annuity operations attempt to align the duration of
their invested assets to the projected cash flows of policyholder liabilities.
The following table provides information about AFC's fixed maturity
investments at December 31, 2001 and 2000, that are sensitive to interest rate
risk. The table shows principal cash flows (in millions) and related weighted
average interest rates by expected maturity date for each of the five subsequent
years and for all years thereafter. Callable bonds and notes are included based
on call date or maturity date depending upon which date produces the most
conservative yield. Mortgage-backed securities ("MBSs") and sinking fund issues
are included based on maturity year adjusted for expected payment patterns.
Actual cash flows may differ from those expected.
December 31, 2001 December 31, 2000
------------------- --------------------
Principal Principal
Cash Flows Rate Cash Flows Rate
---------- ---- ---------- ----
2002 $ 956.2 8.62% 2001 $ 494.2 8.46%
2003 1,407.3 7.84 2002 673.4 7.60
2004 860.1 8.56 2003 1,406.6 7.74
2005 1,081.6 7.50 2004 835.6 8.01
2006 1,109.7 6.89 2005 1,142.1 7.46
Thereafter 5,263.1 7.08 Thereafter 5,737.0 7.41
--------- ---------
Total $10,678.0 7.46% $10,288.9 7.57%
========= =========
Fair Value $10,748.6 $10,164.6
========= =========
EQUITY PRICE RISK Equity price risk is the potential economic loss from
adverse changes in equity security prices. Although AFC's investment in "Other
stocks" is less than 3% of total investments, it is concentrated in a relatively
limited number of positions; approximately four-fifths of the total is in five
investments. While this approach allows management to more closely monitor the
companies and industries in which they operate, it does increase risk exposure
to adverse price declines in a major position.
F-6
Included in "Other stocks" at December 31, 2001 were warrants (valued at
$15.6 million) to purchase common stock of various companies. Under Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, which was adopted as of October
1, 2000, these warrants are generally considered derivatives and marked to
market through current earnings as realized gains and losses.
ANNUITY CONTRACTS Substantially all of GAFRI's fixed rate annuity
contracts permit GAFRI to change crediting rates (subject to minimum interest
rate guarantees of 3% to 4% per annum) enabling management to react to changes
in market interest rates and maintain an adequate spread. The spread could be at
risk, however, if yields available on newly invested funds fell significantly
from current yields and remained lower for a long period. Projected payments (in
millions) in each of the subsequent five years and for all years thereafter on
GAFRI's fixed annuity liabilities at December 31 were as follows.
Fair
First Second Third Fourth Fifth Thereafter Total Value
----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ---------- ------ ------
2001 $750 $680 $650 $630 $610 $2,512 $5,832 $5,659
2000 720 710 660 630 620 2,204 5,544 5,426
Nearly half of GAFRI's fixed annuity liabilities at December 31, 2001,
were two-tier in nature in that policyholders can receive a higher amount if
they annuitize rather than surrender their policy, even if the surrender charge
period has expired. Current stated crediting rates on GAFRI's principal fixed
annuity products average 5% and range from 3% on equity-indexed annuities
(before any equity participation) to 7% on certain new policies (including first
year bonus amounts). GAFRI estimates that its effective weighted-average
crediting rate over the next five years will approximate 5%. This rate reflects
actuarial assumptions as to (i) deaths, (ii) the number of policyholders who
annuitize and receive higher credited amounts and (iii) the number of
policyholders who surrender. Actual experience and changes in actuarial
assumptions may result in different effective crediting rates than those above.
GAFRI's equity-indexed fixed annuities provide policyholders with a
crediting rate tied, in part, to the performance of an existing stock market
index. GAFRI attempts to mitigate the risk in the equity-based component of
these products through the purchase of call options on the appropriate index.
GAFRI's strategy is designed so that an increase in the liabilities due to an
increase in the market index will be substantially offset by unrealized gains on
the call options. Under SFAS No. 133, both the equity-based component of the
annuities and the related call options are considered derivatives and marked to
market through current earnings as annuity benefits. Adjusting these derivatives
to market value had a net effect of less than $1 million on annuity benefits in
2001 and 2000.
DEBT AND PREFERRED SECURITIES The following table shows scheduled
principal payments (in millions) on fixed-rate long-term debt of AFC and its
subsidiaries and related weighted average interest rates for each of the
subsequent five years and for all years thereafter.
December 31, 2001 December 31, 2000
----------------- -----------------
Scheduled Scheduled
Principal Principal
Payments Rate Payments Rate
--------- ---- --------- ----
2002 $ 4.3 7.02% 2001 $ 2.9 6.74%
2003 * 2002 4.7 6.86
2004 * 2003 *
2005 10.1 9.07 2004 14.2 8.38
2006 18.7 6.73 2005 9.7 9.16
Thereafter 126.8 7.17 Thereafter 127.2 7.17
------ ------
Total $161.6 7.23% $159.8 7.38%
====== ======
Fair Value $156.5 $152.9
====== ======
(*) Less than $2 million.
At December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, AFC and its subsidiaries had
$337 million and $239 million in variable-rate debt maturing primarily in 2002
and 2004. The weighted average interest rate on AFC's variable-rate debt was
2.67% at
F-7
December 31, 2001 compared to 7.10% at December 31, 2000. There were
$143 million and $218 million of subsidiary trust preferred securities
outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000, none of which is scheduled for
maturity or mandatory redemption during the next five years; the weighted
average interest rate on these securities was 9.07% at December 31, 2001 and
8.44% at December 31, 2000.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
GENERAL Operating earnings before income taxes were $70 million in 2001, $120
million in 2000 and $310 million in 1999.
Otherwise significantly improved pretax operating results for 2001 include
a $100 million third quarter charge to increase asbestos and environmental
insurance reserves and losses of $25 million resulting from the World Trade
Center ("WTC") terrorist attack. Results for 2000 include a charge of $35
million for reserve strengthening in the California workers' compensation
business, special litigation charges of $41 million and $23 million in income
from the sale of certain lease rights.
Excluding these unusual items, pretax operating results for 2001 were 13%
higher than 2000 as a $64 million improvement in underwriting results was
partially offset by the effect of $15 million in charges to increase
environmental reserves related to certain former operations in 2001 and realized
gains of $31 million in 2000 on the sale of subsidiaries and other investments.
Pretax operating earnings for 2000 were 61% lower than those of 1999 due
primarily to a decline in property and casualty underwriting results (including
the charge for reserve strengthening in the California workers' compensation
business), special litigation charges and lower realized gains, partially offset
by income from the lease rights sale. Results for 1999 include a fourth quarter
charge of $10 million for estimated expenses related to realignment within the
operating units of the life, health and annuity business.
PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE - UNDERWRITING AFC's property and casualty
operations consist of two major business groups: Specialty and Personal.
The Specialty group includes a highly diversified group of business lines.
Some of the more significant areas are inland and ocean marine, California
workers' compensation, agricultural-related coverages, executive and
professional liability, fidelity and surety bonds, collateral protection, and
umbrella and excess coverages.
The Personal group sells nonstandard and preferred/standard private
passenger auto insurance and, to a lesser extent, homeowners' insurance.
Nonstandard automobile insurance covers risks not typically accepted for
standard automobile coverage because of the applicant's driving record, type of
vehicle, age or other criteria.
To understand the overall profitability of particular lines, the timing of
claims payments and the related impact of investment income must be considered.
Certain "short-tail" lines of business (primarily property coverages) have quick
loss payouts which reduce the time funds are held, thereby limiting investment
income earned thereon. On the other hand, "long-tail" lines of business
(primarily liability coverages and workers' compensation) have payouts that are
either structured over many years or take many years to settle, thereby
significantly increasing investment income earned on related premiums received.
Underwriting profitability is measured by the combined ratio which is a
sum of the ratios of underwriting losses, loss adjustment expenses, underwriting
expenses and policyholder dividends to premiums. When the combined ratio is
under 100%, underwriting results are generally considered profitable; when the
ratio is over 100%, underwriting results are generally considered unprofitable.
The combined ratio does not reflect investment income, other income or federal
income taxes.
For certain lines of business and products where the credibility of the
range of loss projections is less certain (primarily the various specialty
businesses listed above), management believes that it is prudent and appropriate
to use conservative assumptions until such time as the data, experience and
projections have more
F-8
credibility, as evidenced by data volume, consistency and maturity of the data.
While this practice mitigates the risk of adverse development on this business,
it does not eliminate it.
While AFC desires and seeks to earn an underwriting profit on all of its
business, it is not always possible to do so. As a result, AFC attempts to
expand in the most profitable areas and control growth or even reduce its
involvement in the least profitable ones.
Since mid-2000, AFC has been actively realigning its mix of business and
resetting its rate structure with a goal of achieving underwriting profits, even
if it entails sacrificing volume. Management expects the improvement experienced
in the latter part of 2001 to continue in 2002.
Underwriting results of AFC's insurance operations outperformed the
industry average for the sixteenth consecutive year (excluding special A&E
charges of $100 million in 2001 and $214 million in 1998). AFC's insurance
operations have been able to exceed the industry's results by focusing on growth
opportunities in the more profitable areas of the specialty and nonstandard auto
businesses.
Net written premiums and combined ratios for AFC's property and casualty
insurance subsidiaries were as follows (dollars in millions):
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Net Written Premiums (GAAP)
--------------------------
Specialty $1,542 $1,324 $1,111
Personal 1,040 1,311 1,154
Other Lines - 3 (2)
------ ------ ------
$2,582 $2,638 $2,263
====== ====== ======
Combined Ratios (GAAP)
----------------------
Specialty 101.7% 107.9% 102.7%
Personal 107.9 108.6 100.7
Aggregate (including A&E and other lines) 108.8% 108.0% 102.0%
SPECIAL A&E CHARGE Estimating ultimate liability for asbestos claims
presents unique and difficult challenges to the insurance industry due to, among
other things, inconsistent court decisions, an increase in bankruptcy filings as
a result of asbestos-related liabilities, novel theories of coverage, and
judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the
scope of coverage. The casualty insurance industry is engaged in extensive
litigation over these coverage and liability issues as the volume and severity
of claims against asbestos defendants continue to increase.
During the third quarter of 2001, AFC recorded an A&E charge of $100
million after experiencing an increase in the number and severity of asbestos
claims and observing the developments of adverse trends in the property and
casualty insurance industry concerning asbestos losses. This charge, accompanied
by a transfer of $36 million from excess reserves for other environmental
claims, resulted in an increase of $136 million in asbestos reserves.
While management believes that the reserves, as strengthened, are a
reasonable estimate of ultimate liability for A&E claims, actual results may
vary materially from the amounts currently recorded due to outstanding issues
and uncertainties such as whether coverage exists, whether claims are to be
allocated among triggered policies and implicated years, whether claimants who
exhibit no signs of illness will be successful in pursuing their claims,
predicting the number of future claims, and the impact of recent bankruptcy
filings.
Further, certain policyholders assert that each bodily injury claim should
be treated as a separate occurrence under the policy, and that their claims are
not subject to aggregate limits on coverage because either their policies did
not contain aggregate limits with respect to products liability coverage or,
faced with exhaustion of products coverage limits, their asbestos claims fall
within non-products liability coverage which is not subject to any aggregate
limit. These claims are now being contested in insurance coverage litigation in
various jurisdictions. In rejecting the claims that are the basis of this
litigation, AFC believes its coverage defenses are substantial and intends to
continue to vigorously defend its position. Nonetheless, the outcome of this
litigation is uncertain and
F-9
such claims may have a material adverse effect upon AFC's future results of
operations and financial condition. For a discussion of asbestos and
environmental litigation, see Legal Proceedings in AFC's 2001 Form 10-K.
SPECIALTY The Specialty group's increase in net written premiums in 2001
reflects the impact of rate increases implemented in 2000 and 2001 and the
realization of growth opportunities in certain commercial markets, partially
offset by the decision to discontinue certain lines of business that were not
achieving adequate returns. Specialty rate increases averaged over 20% in 2001
and are expected to be at least 15% in 2002. The improvement in the combined
ratio compared to 2000 reflects the impact of rate increases and unusually
strong results in several businesses. Excluding the effect of the attack on the
World Trade Center, the Specialty group reported an underwriting profit with a
combined ratio of 99.9% for 2001.
The Specialty group's increase in net written premiums in 2000 reflects
the effect of (i) the January 2000 termination of reinsurance agreements
relating to the California workers' compensation business which were in effect
throughout 1999, (ii) rate increases in certain casualty markets (particularly
California workers' compensation) and (iii) the realization of growth
opportunities in certain commercial markets. Excluding the impact of the
terminated reinsurance agreements, net written premiums were up approximately
14% for 2000. In response to continued losses in the California workers'
compensation business, rate increases implemented for this business averaged 25%
in 2000. Rate increases implemented in the other specialty operations averaged
12% in 2000.
Due primarily to adverse development in prior year losses, AFC recorded a
$35 million pretax charge in the third quarter of 2000 to strengthen loss
reserves in its California workers' compensation business. The combined ratio
for 2000 reflects this reserve strengthening (a combined ratio effect of 2.9
points) and the effect of a highly competitive pricing environment on policies
written during 1999.
PERSONAL The Personal group's decline in net written premiums in 2001
reflects a reinsurance agreement, effective April 1, 2001, under which AFC cedes
90% of the automobile physical damage business written by certain of its
insurance subsidiaries. This agreement is enabling AFC to reallocate some of its
capital to the more profitable specialty operations. Excluding the effect of
this agreement, the Personal group's net written premiums declined about 4% in
2001 as lower business volume was partially offset by the impact of significant
rate increases in 2000 and 2001. The group implemented rate increases of about
14% in 2001 and expects to implement rate increases of at least 7% in 2002. As a
result of rate increases in 2001 and 2000, the combined ratio improved to 107.9%
for 2001.
The Personal group's increase in net written premiums for 2000 reflects
firming market prices in the nonstandard auto market and expanded writings in
certain private passenger automobile markets. These items were partially offset
by the expected decline in volume caused by rate increases implemented
throughout 2000. The combined ratio for 2000 increased due to (i) increased auto
claim frequency and severity (particularly in medical and health related costs),
(ii) the impact of a very competitive pricing environment on policies written
during 1999 and early 2000 and (iii) increased underwriting expenses associated
with the direct and Internet marketing initiatives. In an effort to alleviate
increasing losses, AFC implemented rate increases averaging approximately 13% in
2000.
LIFE, ACCIDENT AND HEALTH PREMIUMS and Benefits Life, accident and health
premiums and benefits increased in 2001 and 2000 due primarily to the
acquisition of a block of supplemental health insurance business in November
2000 and the October 1999 acquisition of United Teacher Associates.
INVESTMENT INCOME Changes in investment income reflect fluctuations in market
rates and changes in average invested assets. Investment income increased in
2001 due primarily to higher average investment in fixed maturity securities,
partially offset by lower average interest rates on those investments.
GAIN ON SALE OF OTHER INVESTMENTS In September 2000, GAFRI realized a $27.2
million pretax gain on the sale of its minority ownership in a company engaged
in the production of ethanol. GAFRI's investment was repurchased by the ethanol
company which, following the purchase, became wholly-owned by AFC's Chairman.
F-10
GAINS (LOSSES) ON SECURITIES Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities
include provisions for other than temporary impairment of securities still held
of $125.5 million in 2001, $27.5 million in 2000 and $13 million in 1999. The
provision for 2001 includes $8 million for the writedown of AFC's investment in
Chiquita from $1.00 per share to $.67 per share.
Realized gains (losses) on securities includes gains of $5.2 million in
2001 and $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 to adjust the carrying value
of AFC's investment in warrants to market value under SFAS No. 133.
GAINS ON SALES OF SUBSIDIARIES In 2001, AFC recognized a $7.1 million pretax
gain on the sale of a small insurance subsidiary. In connection with the sale of
the Japanese division in 2001, AFC recognized a $6.9 million pretax loss and
deferred a gain of approximately $21 million on ceded insurance which is being
recognized over the estimated settlement period (weighted average of 4 years) of
the ceded claims.
In 2000, AFC recognized (i) a $25 million pretax gain representing an
earn-out related to the 1998 sale of its Commercial lines division, (ii) a $10.3
million pretax loss on the sale of Stonewall Insurance Company and (iii) a $10.7
million estimated pretax loss related to the agreement to sell its Japanese
division (completed in 2001).
REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS AFC's subsidiaries are engaged in a variety of real
estate operations including hotels, apartments, office buildings and
recreational facilities; they also own several parcels of land. Revenues and
expenses of these operations, including gains and losses on disposal, are
included in AFC's statement of operations as shown below (in millions).
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Other income $102.6 $95.9 $87.4
Other operating and general expenses 64.9 65.6 62.5
Interest charges on borrowed money 2.3 2.6 2.8
Minority interest expense, net 3.9 1.9 2.1
Other income includes net pretax gains on the sale of real estate assets
of $27.2 million in 2001, $12.4 million in 2000 and $15.2 million in 1999.
OTHER INCOME
2001 COMPARED TO 2000 Other income returned to more normal levels in 2001
due primarily to the absence of income from the sale of lease rights, lease
residuals and other operating assets.
2000 COMPARED TO 1999 Other income increased $78.5 million (45%) in 2000
due primarily to increased fee income generated by certain insurance operations,
income from the sale of lease rights and lease residuals and increased revenues
from real estate operations.
ANNUITY BENEFITS For GAAP financial reporting purposes, annuity receipts are
accounted for as interest-bearing deposits ("annuity benefits accumulated")
rather than as revenues. Under these contracts, policyholders' funds are
credited with interest on a tax-deferred basis until withdrawn by the
policyholder. Annuity benefits reflect amounts accrued on annuity policyholders'
funds accumulated. The rate at which GAFRI credits interest on most of its
annuity policyholders' funds is subject to change based on management's judgment
of market conditions. As a result, management has been able to react to changes
in market interest rates and maintain a desired interest rate spread. While
GAFRI believes the interest rate and stock market environment over the last
several years has contributed to an increase in annuitizations and surrenders,
the company's persistency rate remains approximately 90%. In 2000, annuity
benefits also includes a second quarter charge of $14.2 million related to the
settlement of a policyholder class action lawsuit.
INTEREST ON BORROWED MONEY Changes in interest expense result from fluctuations
in market rates as well as changes in borrowings. AFC has generally financed its
borrowings on a long-term basis which has resulted in higher current costs.
Interest expense decreased in 2001 as lower average interest rates on AFC's
variable rate
F-11
debt and lower average subsidiary indebtedness more than offset higher average
borrowings under the AFC bank line. Interest expense increased in 2000 due to
higher average indebtedness.
OTHER OPERATING AND GENERAL EXPENSES
2001 COMPARED TO 2000 Excluding the 2000 litigation charges discussed
below, other operating and general expenses increased $29 million (7%)due
primarily to a $14.8 million increase in environmental reserves related to
former operations and increased amortization of annuity and life deferred
acquisition costs resulting from increased sales of traditional life insurance
and changes in actuarial assumptions related to variable annuities.
2000 COMPARED TO 1999 Other operating and general expenses for 2000
include second quarter charges of $18.3 million related to an agreement to
settle a lawsuit against a GAFRI subsidiary and $8.8 million for an adverse
California Supreme Court ruling against an AFC property and casualty subsidiary.
Excluding these litigation charges, other operating and general expenses
increased $58.6 million (15%) due primarily to the inclusion of the operations
of UTA following its acquisition in October 1999 and increased expenses from
certain start-up operations.
During 1999, AFC expensed approximately $23 million to successfully ensure
that its systems would function properly in the year 2000 and beyond. Because a
significant portion of the Year 2000 Project was completed using internal staff,
these costs do not represent solely incremental costs.
INCOME TAXES See Note K to the Financial Statements for an analysis of items
affecting AFC's effective tax rate.
INVESTEE CORPORATIONS
CHIQUITA Equity in net losses of investee corporations for 2000 and 1999
includes AFC's proportionate share of the results of Chiquita Brands
International. Chiquita reported net losses attributable to common shareholders
of $112 million in 2000 and $75.5 million in 1999. In 2001, AFC suspended
accounting for Chiquita under the equity method due to Chiquita's pending
restructuring.
Equity in net losses of investees for 2000 includes a $95.7 million pretax
charge to writedown AFC's investment in Chiquita to a market value of
approximately $1 per share. Chiquita's results for 2000 include $20 million in
charges and writedowns of production and sourcing assets in its Fresh Produce
operations.
In late 1999, Chiquita underwent a workforce reduction program that
streamlined certain corporate and staff functions in the U.S., Central America
and Europe. Operating income for 1999 includes a $9 million charge for severance
and other costs associated with the program.
START-UP MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES AFC's pretax operating earnings for 2000
include losses of $6.7 million from two start-up manufacturing businesses
acquired in 2000 from their former owners. AFC sold the equity interests in
these businesses in the fourth quarter of 2000 for a nominal cash consideration
plus warrants to repurchase a significant ownership interest. Beginning in the
fourth quarter of 2000, AFC's equity in the results of operations of these
businesses is included in investee earnings. Loans outstanding to these
businesses totaled $86.1 million at December 31, 2001 and $61.5 million at
December 31, 2000. Because AFC retains the financial risk in these businesses,
it continues accounting for their operations under the equity method as
investees. Accordingly, AFC's carrying value of these businesses was
approximately $45 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000.
In 2001 and 2000, equity in net losses of investee corporations includes
$16.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively, in losses of these businesses.
Investee losses in 2001 include litigation judgments of $4.7 million against one
of the companies relating to the alleged misappropriation of a trade secret and
infringement of a patent. In November 2001, an injunction was issued which would
prohibit the company from using the equipment which was the subject of the trade
secret claim and effectively close the plant. The injunction was subsequently
modified, pending appeal, to permit operations to continue and require certain
F-12
escrow payments. If the investee is unsuccessful in its attempt to have the
injunction lifted or further modified, or if operating results fail to improve,
a substantial portion of AFC's investment ($31.8 million as of December 31,
2001), may be written off.
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGES In 2001, the cumulative effect of
accounting change represents the implementation of a new accounting standard
(EITF 99-20) which resulted in a writedown of $16.9 million ($10.0 million or
$.15 per share after tax and minority interest) of the carrying value of certain
collateralized debt obligations as of April 1, 2001.
In October 2000, AFC implemented Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", which requires all derivatives to be recognized in the balance
sheet at fair value and that the initial effect of recognizing derivatives at
fair value be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle. Accordingly, AFC recorded a charge of $9.1 million (net of minority
interest and taxes) to record its derivatives at fair value at the beginning of
the fourth quarter of 2000.
In 1999, GAFRI implemented Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the
Costs of Start-Up Activities". The SOP requires that costs of start-up
activities be expensed as incurred and that unamortized balances of previously
deferred costs be expensed and reported as the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle. Accordingly, AFC expensed previously capitalized start-up
costs of $3.8 million (net of minority interest and taxes) in the first quarter
of 1999.
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS The following accounting standards have been or will
be implemented by AFC. The implementation of these standards is discussed under
various subheadings of Note A to the Financial Statements; effects of each are
shown in the relevant Notes.
Accounting
Standard Subject of Standard (Year Implemented) Reference
---------- -------------------------------------- ---------
SOP 98-5 Start-up Costs (1999) "Start-up Costs"
SFAS #133 Derivatives (2000) "Derivatives"
EITF 99-20 Asset-backed Securities (2001) "Investments"
SFAS #141 Business Combinations (2001) "Business Combinations"
SFAS #142 Goodwill and Other Intangibles (2002) "Goodwill"
Other standards issued in recent years did not apply to AFC or had only
negligible effects on AFC.
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
141, "Business Combinations", and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets." Under SFAS No. 141, business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001
are required to be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Under
SFAS No. 142, goodwill will no longer be required to be amortized beginning
January 1, 2002, but will be subject to an impairment test at least annually. A
transitional test for impairment is required to be completed in 2002 with any
resulting writedown reported during the first quarter as a cumulative effect of
a change in accounting principle. Other operating and general expenses include
goodwill amortization of $14.5 million in 2001, $17.3 million in 2000 and $14.4
million in 1999. The carrying value of AFC's goodwill at December 31, 2001, was
$316.2 million. AFC has not yet determined what effect, if any, the transitional
test for impairment will have on its earnings or financial position.
F-13
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
--------------------
Page
----
Report of Independent Auditors F-15
Consolidated Balance Sheet:
December 31, 2001 and 2000 F-16
Consolidated Statement of Operations:
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 F-17
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 F-18
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:
Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 F-19
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-20
"Selected Quarterly Financial Data" has been included in Note N to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-14
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors
American Financial Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American
Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of American Financial
Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
March 8, 2002
F-15
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars In Thousands)
December 31,
-----------------------------
2001 2000
---- ----
Assets:
Cash and short-term investments $ 543,644 $ 437,263
Investments:
Fixed maturities - at market
(amortized cost - $10,593,205 and $10,148,248) 10,748,605 10,164,648
Other stocks - at market
(cost - $187,810 and $174,959) 313,710 385,359
Investment in investee corporations - 23,996
Policy loans 211,288 213,469
Real estate and other investments 262,801 270,250
----------- -----------
Total investments 11,536,404 11,057,722
Recoverables from reinsurers and prepaid
reinsurance premiums 2,286,509 1,845,171
Agents' balances and premiums receivable 666,171 700,215
Deferred acquisition costs 818,323 763,097
Other receivables 254,137 239,806
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) 529,590 533,655
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other assets 447,337 508,163
Cost in excess of net assets acquired 316,159 322,380
----------- -----------
$17,398,274 $16,407,472
=========== ===========
Liabilities and Capital:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 4,777,580 $ 4,515,561
Unearned premiums 1,640,955 1,414,492
Annuity benefits accumulated 5,832,120 5,543,683
Life, accident and health reserves 638,522 599,360
Payable to American Financial Group, Inc. 356,689 439,371
Long-term debt:
Holding companies 228,252 204,338
Subsidiaries 270,752 195,087
Variable annuity liabilities (separate accounts) 529,590 533,655
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
liabilities 1,185,146 998,104
----------- -----------
Total liabilities 15,459,606 14,443,651
Minority interest 460,737 509,705
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock - at liquidation value 72,154 72,154
Common Stock, no par value
- 20,000,000 shares authorized
- 10,593,000 shares outstanding 9,625 9,625
Capital surplus 984,125 974,788
Retained earnings 255,127 258,349
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net 156,900 139,200
----------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 1,477,931 1,454,116
----------- -----------
$17,398,274 $16,407,472
=========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-16
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands)
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Income:
Property and casualty insurance premiums $2,593,938 $2,494,892 $2,210,819
Life, accident and health premiums 280,122 230,441 119,160
Investment income 859,484 837,361 834,889
Realized gains (losses) on:
Securities (24,140) (26,581) 20,053
Subsidiaries 170 4,032 -
Other investments - 27,230 -
Other income 219,891 252,735 174,283
---------- ---------- ----------
3,929,465 3,820,110 3,359,204
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 2,080,057 1,961,538 1,588,651
Commissions and other underwriting expenses 741,396 735,241 665,109
Annuity benefits 294,654 293,171 262,632
Life, accident and health benefits 213,022 175,174 86,439
Interest charges on borrowed money 60,556 67,310 64,888
Other operating and general expenses 469,399 467,417 381,743
---------- ---------- ----------
3,859,084 3,699,851 3,049,462
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating earnings before income taxes 70,381 120,259 309,742
Provision for income taxes 15,287 32,812 101,020
---------- ---------- ----------
Net operating earnings 55,094 87,447 208,722
Minority interest expense, net of tax (25,954) (18,051) (38,436)
Equity in net losses of investees, net of tax (16,550) (92,449) (17,783)
---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary items
and accounting changes 12,590 (23,053) 152,503
Extraordinary items - loss on prepayment of debt - - (3,849)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes (10,040) (9,072) (3,854)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net Earnings (Loss) $ 2,550 ($ 32,125) $ 144,800
========== ========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-17
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars In Thousands)
Common Stock Unrealized
Preferred and Capital Retained Gain (Loss)
Stock Surplus Earnings on Securities Total
---------- ------------ -------- ------------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 1998 $72,154 $952,984 $157,218 $348,300 $1,530,656
Net earnings - - 144,800 - 144,800
Change in unrealized - - - (363,000) (363,000)
----------
Comprehensive income (loss) (218,200)
Dividends on Preferred Stock - - (5,772) - (5,772)
Capital Contribution from parent - 12,267 - - 12,267
Other - 5,156 - - 5,156
------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 1999 $72,154 $970,407 $296,246 ($ 14,700) $1,324,107
======= ======== ======== ======== ==========
Net earnings (loss) $ - $ - ($ 32,125) $ - ($ 32,125)
Change in unrealized - - - 153,900 153,900
----------
Comprehensive income 121,775
Dividends on Preferred Stock - - (5,772) - (5,772)
Capital Contribution from parent - 12,267 - - 12,267
Other - 1,739 - - 1,739
------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 2000 $72,154 $984,413 $258,349 $139,200 $1,454,116
======= ======== ======== ======== ==========
Net earnings $ - $ - $ 2,550 $ - $ 2,550
Change in unrealized - - - 17,700 17,700
----------
Comprehensive income 20,250
Dividends on Preferred Stock - - (5,772) - (5,772)
Capital Contributions from parent - 12,267 - - 12,267
Other - (2,930) - - (2,930)
------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 2001 $72,154 $993,750 $255,127 $156,900 $1,477,931
======= ======== ======== ======== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-18
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Operating Activities:
Net earnings (loss) $ 2,550 ($ 32,125) $ 144,800
Adjustments:
Extraordinary items - - 3,849
Cumulative effect of accounting changes 10,040 9,072 3,854
Equity in net losses of investees 16,550 92,449 17,783
Depreciation and amortization 147,235 117,063 94,829
Annuity benefits 294,654 293,171 262,632
Changes in reserves on assets 10,505 3,795 (8,285)
Realized gains on investing activities (2,604) (25,173) (37,889)
Deferred annuity and life policy acquisition costs (137,724) (146,686) (119,382)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance and
other receivables (310,307) 71,090 (100,824)
Decrease (increase) in other assets (41,557) (87,387) 66,302
Increase in insurance claims and reserves 546,522 189,587 112,721
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 162,577 (20,293) (51,773)
Increase (decrease) in minority interest 18,491 (445) 22,224
Dividends from investees - - 4,799
Other, net 12,904 1,927 4,643
---------- ---------- ----------
729,836 466,045 420,283
---------- ---------- ----------
Investing Activities:
Purchases of and additional investments in:
Fixed maturity investments (3,827,768) (1,635,578) (2,034,642)
Equity securities (9,071) (45,800) (80,624)
Subsidiaries - - (285,971)
Real estate, property and equipment (90,111) (88,371) (74,063)
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturity
investments 902,820 689,691 1,047,169
Sales of:
Fixed maturity investments 2,468,492 810,942 1,212,208
Equity securities 15,814 84,147 100,076
Investees and subsidiaries 40,395 30,694 -
Real estate, property and equipment 71,002 30,150 31,354
Cash and short-term investments of acquired
(former) subsidiaries, net (134,237) (132,163) 54,331
Decrease (increase) in other investments (7,827) 5,637 21,439
---------- ---------- ----------
(570,491) (250,651) (8,723)
---------- ---------- ----------
Financing Activities:
Fixed annuity receipts 616,628 496,742 446,430
Annuity surrenders, benefits and withdrawals (622,474) (731,856) (698,281)
Net transfers from fixed to variable annuities (363) (50,475) (19,543)
Additional long-term borrowings 242,613 182,462 269,700
Reductions of long-term debt (143,840) (141,577) (415,478)
Borrowings from AFG 17,077 174,500 266,100
Payments to AFG (100,500) (108,413) (168,800)
Repurchases of trust preferred securities (75,000) (1,427) (5,509)
Capital contribution 18,667 18,667 18,667
Cash dividends paid (5,772) (5,772) (5,772)
---------- ---------- ----------
(52,964) (167,149) (312,486)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net Increase in Cash and Short-term Investments 106,381 48,245 99,074
Cash and short-term investments at beginning of
period 437,263 389,018 289,944
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and short-term investments at end of period $ 543,644 $ 437,263 $ 389,018
========== ========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-19
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX TO NOTES
--------------
A. Accounting Policies I. Minority Interest
B. Acquisitions and Sales of Subsidiaries J. Shareholders' Equity
and Investees K. Income Taxes
C. Segments of Operations L. Extraordinary Items
D. Investments M. Commitments and Contingencies
E. Investment in Investee Corporations N. Quarterly Operating Results
F. Cost in Excess of Net Assets Acquired O. Insurance
G. Payable to American Financial Group P. Additional Information
H. Long-Term Debt Q. Subsequent Event
A. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of American Financial Corporation ("AFC") and its subsidiaries.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years to conform to the
current year's presentation. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated. All acquisitions have been treated as
purchases. The results of operations of companies since their formation or
acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements.
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements
and accompanying notes. Changes in circumstances could cause actual
results to differ materially from those estimates.
INVESTMENTS All fixed maturity securities are considered "available for
sale" and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported
as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Short-term investments
are carried at cost; loans receivable are carried primarily at the
aggregate unpaid balance. Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed
securities are amortized over a period based on estimated future principal
prepayments and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments.
Gains or losses on securities are determined on the specific
identification basis. When a decline in the value of a specific investment
is considered to be other than temporary, a provision for impairment is
charged to earnings and the cost basis of that investment is reduced.
Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 99-20 established a new standard for
recognition of impairment on certain asset-backed investments. Impairment
losses on these investments must be recognized when (i) the fair value of
the security is less than its cost basis and (ii) there has been an
adverse change in the expected cash flows. The new standard became
effective on April 1, 2001. Impairment losses at initial application of
this rule were recognized as the cumulative effect of an accounting
change. Subsequent impairments are recognized as a component of net
realized gains and losses.
INVESTMENT IN INVESTEE CORPORATIONS Investments in securities of 20%- to
50%-owned companies are generally carried at cost, adjusted for AFC's
proportionate share of their undistributed earnings or losses.
Due to Chiquita's announced intention to pursue a plan to restructure its
public debt, AFC wrote down its investment in Chiquita common stock to
market value at December 31, 2000. In 2001, AFC suspended accounting for
the investment under the equity method due to the expected restructuring,
and reclassified the investment to "Other stocks."
F-20
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
COST IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED Through December 31, 2001, the
excess of cost of subsidiaries over AFC's equity in the underlying net
assets ("goodwill") was being amortized over periods of 20 to 40 years.
Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142 (issued
in July 2001), goodwill will no longer be amortized but will be subject to
an impairment test at least annually. SFAS No. 142 is effective beginning
January 1, 2002, with the initial effect of the standard reported as a
first quarter 2002 cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.
INSURANCE As discussed under "Reinsurance" below, unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses and unearned premiums have not been reduced for
reinsurance recoverable.
REINSURANCE In the normal course of business, AFC's insurance
subsidiaries cede reinsurance to other companies to diversify risk and
limit maximum loss arising from large claims. To the extent that any
reinsuring companies are unable to meet obligations under agreements
covering reinsurance ceded, AFC's insurance subsidiaries would remain
liable. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner
consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured
policies. AFC's insurance subsidiaries report as assets (a) the estimated
reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, including an estimate for losses
incurred but not reported, and (b) amounts paid to reinsurers applicable
to the unexpired terms of policies in force. AFC's insurance subsidiaries
also assume reinsurance from other companies. Income on reinsurance
assumed is recognized based on reports received from ceding companies.
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS ("DPAC") Policy acquisition costs
(principally commissions, premium taxes and other marketing and
underwriting expenses) related to the production of new business are
deferred. For the property and casualty companies, DPAC is limited based
upon recoverability without any consideration for anticipated investment
income and is charged against income ratably over the terms of the related
policies.
DPAC related to annuities and universal life insurance products is
amortized, with interest, in relation to the present value of expected
gross profits on the policies. To the extent that realized gains and
losses result in adjustments to the amortization of DPAC related to
annuities, such adjustments are reflected as components of realized gains.
DPAC related to annuities is also adjusted, net of tax, for the change in
amortization that would have been recorded if the unrealized gains
(losses) from securities had actually been realized. This adjustment is
included in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities.
DPAC related to traditional life and health insurance is amortized over
the expected premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion
to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium
revenues.
UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES The net liabilities
stated for unpaid claims and for expenses of investigation and adjustment
of unpaid claims are based upon (a) the accumulation of case estimates for
losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period on direct
business written; (b) estimates received from ceding reinsurers and
insurance pools and associations; (c) estimates of unreported losses based
on past experience; (d) estimates based on experience of expenses for
investigating and adjusting claims and (e) the current state of the law
and coverage litigation. These liabilities are subject to the impact of
changes in claim amounts and frequency and other factors. Changes in
estimates of the liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are
reflected in the Statement of Operations in the period in which
determined. In spite of the variability inherent in such estimates,
management believes that the liabilities for unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses are adequate.
F-21
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
ANNUITY BENEFITS ACCUMULATED Annuity receipts and benefit payments
are recorded as increases or decreases in "annuity benefits accumulated"
rather than as revenue and expense. Increases in this liability for
interest credited are charged to expense and decreases for surrender
charges are credited to other income.
LIFE, ACCIDENT AND HEALTH RESERVES Liabilities for future policy
benefits under traditional life, accident and health policies are computed
using the net level premium method. Computations are based on anticipated
investment yield, mortality, morbidity and surrenders and include
provisions for unfavorable deviations. Reserves established for accident
and health claims are modified as necessary to reflect actual experience
and developing trends.
VARIABLE ANNUITY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Separate accounts related to
variable annuities represent deposits invested in underlying investment
funds on which Great American Financial Resources, Inc. ("GAFRI"), an
83%-owned subsidiary, earns a fee. Investment funds are selected and may
be changed only by the policyholder, who retains all investment risk.
Accordingly, GAFRI's liability for these accounts equals the value of the
account assets.
PREMIUM RECOGNITION Property and casualty premiums are earned over
the terms of the policies on a pro rata basis. Unearned premiums represent
that portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired
terms of policies in force. On reinsurance assumed from other insurance
companies or written through various underwriting organizations, unearned
premiums are based on reports received from such companies and
organizations. For traditional life, accident and health products,
premiums are recognized as revenue when legally collectible from
policyholders. For interest-sensitive life and universal life products,
premiums are recorded in a policyholder account which is reflected as a
liability. Revenue is recognized as amounts are assessed against the
policyholder account for mortality coverage and contract expenses.
POLICYHOLDER DIVIDENDS Dividends payable to policyholders are
included in "Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" and
represent estimates of amounts payable on participating policies which
share in favorable underwriting results. Estimates are accrued during the
period in which premiums are earned. Changes in estimates are included in
income in the period determined. Policyholder dividends do not become
legal liabilities unless and until declared by the boards of directors of
the insurance companies.
MINORITY INTEREST For balance sheet purposes, minority interest represents
(i) the interests of noncontrolling shareholders in AFC subsidiaries,
including preferred securities issued by trust subsidiaries of GAFRI and
(ii) American Financial Group, Inc.'s ("AFG") direct ownership interest in
American Premier Underwriters, Inc. ("American Premier" or "APU") and
American Financial Enterprises, Inc. For income statement purposes,
minority interest expense represents those shareholders' interest in the
earnings of AFC subsidiaries as well as accrued distributions on the trust
preferred securities.
INCOME TAXES AFC files consolidated federal income tax returns which
include all 80%-owned U.S. subsidiaries, except for certain life insurance
subsidiaries and their subsidiaries. Deferred income taxes are calculated
using the liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets
and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial
reporting and tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates. Deferred
tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not that a benefit
will be realized.
F-22
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
BENEFIT PLANS AFC provides retirement benefits to qualified employees of
participating companies through contributory and noncontributory defined
contribution plans contained in AFG's Retirement and Savings Plan. Under
the retirement portion of the plan, company contributions are invested
primarily in securities of AFG and affiliates. Under the savings portion
of the plan, AFC matches a specific portion of employee contributions.
Contributions to benefit plans are charged against earnings in the year
for which they are declared.
AFC and many of its subsidiaries provide health care and life insurance
benefits to eligible retirees. AFC also provides postemployment benefits
to former or inactive employees (primarily those on disability) who were
not deemed retired under other company plans. The projected future cost of
providing these benefits is expensed over the period the employees earn
such benefits.
DERIVATIVES Effective October 1, 2000, AFC implemented SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments
(including derivative instruments that are embedded in other contracts)
and for hedging activities. Prior year financial statements were not
restated. SFAS No. 133 generally requires that derivatives (both assets
and liabilities) be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value with
changes in fair value included in current earnings. The cumulative effect
of implementing SFAS No. 133, which resulted from the initial recognition
of AFC's derivatives at fair value, was a loss of $9.1 million (net of
minority interest and taxes).
Derivatives included in AFC's Balance Sheet consist primarily of
investments in common stock warrants (included in other stocks), the
equity-based component of certain annuity products (included in annuity
benefits accumulated) and call options (included in other investments)
used to mitigate the risk embedded in the equity-indexed annuity products.
START-UP COSTS Prior to 1999, GAFRI deferred certain costs associated with
introducing new products and distribution channels and amortized them on a
straight-line basis over 5 years. In 1999, GAFRI implemented Statement of
Position ("SOP") 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities".
The SOP requires that (i) costs of start-up activities be expensed as
incurred and (ii) unamortized balances of previously deferred costs be
expensed and reported as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle. Accordingly, AFC expensed previously capitalized start-up costs
of $3.8 million (net of minority interest and taxes) effective January 1,
1999.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For cash flow purposes, "investing activities" are
defined as making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt
or equity instruments and property and equipment. "Financing activities"
include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return
on their investments, borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed.
Annuity receipts, benefits and withdrawals are also reflected as financing
activities. All other activities are considered "operating". Short-term
investments having original maturities of three months or less when
purchased are considered to be cash equivalents for purposes of the
financial statements.
F-23
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
B. ACQUISITIONS AND SALES OF SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTEES
SEVEN HILLS INSURANCE COMPANY In July 2001, AFC sold Seven Hills Insurance
Company for $18.4 million, realizing a pretax gain of $7.1 million. AFC
retained all liability for Seven Hills' business related to the period AFC
owned the company.
JAPANESE DIVISION In December 2000, AFC agreed to sell its Japanese
property and casualty division to Mitsui Marine & Fire Insurance Company
of America for $22 million in cash and recorded an estimated $10.7 million
pretax loss. Upon completion of the sale in March 2001, AFC realized an
additional pretax loss of $6.9 million (including post closing
adjustments) and deferred a gain of approximately $21 million on ceded
insurance; the deferred gain is being recognized over the estimated
settlement period (weighted average of 4 years) of the ceded claims. At
the same time, a reinsurance agreement under which Great American
Insurance ceded a portion of its pool of insurance to Mitsui was
terminated. The Japanese division generated net written premiums of
approximately $60 million per year to Great American while Great American
ceded approximately $45 million per year to Mitsui.
STONEWALL INSURANCE COMPANY In September 2000, AFC sold Stonewall
Insurance Company for $31.2 million (net of post closing adjustments),
realizing a pretax loss of $10.3 million. Stonewall was a non-operating
property and casualty subsidiary with approximately $320 million in
assets, engaged primarily in the run-off of approximately $170 million in
asbestos and environmental liabilities associated with policies written
through 1991.
COMMERCIAL LINES DIVISION In 1998, AFC sold its Commercial lines division
to Ohio Casualty Corporation for $300 million cash plus warrants to
purchase shares of Ohio Casualty common stock. AFC received an additional
$25 million (included in gains on sales of subsidiaries) in August 2000
under a provision in the sale agreement related to the retention and
growth of the insurance businesses sold.
START-UP MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES Since 1998, AFC subsidiaries have made
loans to two start-up manufacturing businesses which were previously owned
by unrelated third-parties. During 2000, the former owners chose to
forfeit their equity interests to AFC rather than invest additional
capital. Total loans extended to these businesses prior to forfeiture
amounted to $49.7 million and the accumulated losses of the two businesses
were approximately $29.7 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2000, AFC sold the equity interests to a
group of employees for nominal cash consideration plus warrants to
repurchase a significant ownership interest. Due to the absence of
significant financial investment by the buyers relative to the amount of
loans ($61.5 million at December 31, 2000) owed to AFC subsidiaries, the
sale was not recognized as a divestiture for accounting purposes. Assets
of the businesses ($57.1 million at December 31, 2001 and $55.3 million at
December 31, 2000) are included in other assets; liabilities of the
businesses ($11.8 million at December 31, 2001 and $7.5 million at
December 31, 2000, after consolidation and elimination of loans from AFC
subsidiaries) are included in other liabilities. AFC's equity in the
losses of these two companies during 2001 and the fourth quarter of 2000
of $16.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively, is included in investee
losses in the Statement of Operations.
WORLDWIDE INSURANCE COMPANY In 1999, AFC acquired Worldwide Insurance
Company for $157 million in cash. Worldwide is a provider of direct
response private passenger automobile insurance.
UNITED TEACHER ASSOCIATES In 1999, GAFRI acquired United Teacher
Associates Insurance Company of Austin, Texas ("UTA") for $81 million in
cash. UTA provides supplemental health products and retirement annuities,
and purchases blocks of insurance policies from other insurers.
F-24
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
GREAT AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK AND CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL In 1999, GAFRI acquired Great American Life Insurance Company of
New York, formerly Old Republic Life Insurance Company of New York, for
$27 million and Consolidated Financial Corporation, an insurance agency,
for $21 million.
C. SEGMENTS OF OPERATIONS AFC's property and casualty group is engaged
primarily in specialty and private passenger automobile insurance
businesses. The Specialty group includes a highly diversified group of
specialty business units. Some of the more significant areas are inland
and ocean marine, California workers' compensation, agricultural-related
coverages, executive and professional liability, fidelity and surety
bonds, collateral protection, and umbrella and excess coverages. The
Personal group writes nonstandard and preferred/standard private
passenger auto and other personal insurance coverage. AFC's annuity and
life business markets primarily retirement products as well as life and
supplemental health insurance. AFC's businesses operate throughout the
United States. In 2001, 2000, and 1999, AFC derived less than 2% of its
revenues from the sale of life and supplemental health products in Puerto
Rico and less than 1% of its revenues from the sale of property and
casualty insurance in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Europe and Asia.
The following tables (in thousands) show AFC's assets, revenues and
operating profit (loss) by significant business segment. Operating profit
(loss) represents total revenues less operating expenses.
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
ASSETS
Property and casualty insurance (a) $ 8,796,909 $ 8,200,683 $ 8,158,371
Annuities and life 8,370,904 7,934,851 7,523,570
Other 230,461 247,942 181,884
----------- ----------- -----------
17,398,274 16,383,476 15,863,825
Investment in investees - 23,996 159,984
----------- ----------- -----------
$17,398,274 $16,407,472 $16,023,809
=========== =========== ===========
REVENUES (b)
Property and casualty insurance:
Premiums earned:
Specialty $ 1,409,497 $ 1,223,435 $ 1,047,858
Personal 1,182,651 1,270,328 1,163,223
Other lines (c) 1,790 1,129 (262)
----------- ----------- -----------
2,593,938 2,494,892 2,210,819
Investment and other income 458,410 450,537 450,829
----------- ----------- -----------
3,052,348 2,945,429 2,661,648
Annuities and life (d) 855,733 823,586 665,661
Other 21,384 51,095 31,895
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 3,929,465 $ 3,820,110 $ 3,359,204
=========== =========== ===========
OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS)
Property and casualty insurance:
Underwriting:
Specialty ($ 23,274) ($ 94,857) ($ 28,015)
Personal (93,254) (108,372) (7,685)
Other lines (c)(e) (110,987) 1,342 (7,241)
----------- ----------- -----------
(227,515) (201,887) (42,941)
Investment and other income 296,725 289,549 282,440
----------- ----------- -----------
69,210 87,662 239,499
Annuities and life 100,864 96,211 110,750
Other (f) (99,693) (63,614) (40,507)
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 70,381 $ 120,259 $ 309,742
=========== =========== ===========
(a) Not allocable to segments.
(b) Revenues include sales of products and services as well as other
income earned by the respective segments.
(c) Represents lines in "run-off"; AFC has ceased underwriting new
business in these operations.
(d) Represents primarily investment income.
(e) Includes a charge of $100 million in 2001 related to asbestos and
other environmental matters ("A&E").
(f) Includes holding company expenses.
F-25
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
D. INVESTMENTS Fixed maturities and other stocks at December 31 consisted
of the following (in millions):
2001 2000
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Amortized Market Gross Unrealized Amortized Market Gross Unrealized
----------------- ------------------
Cost Value Gains Losses Cost Value Gains Losses
--------- ------ ------ ------ --------- ------ ------- ------
Fixed maturities:
United States Government
and government agencies
and authorities $ 1,000.1 $ 1,017.8 $ 21.7 ($ 4.0) $ 537.9 $ 553.5 $ 16.9 ($ 1.3)
States, municipalities and
political subdivisions 405.6 414.9 16.2 (6.9) 416.6 426.9 12.2 (1.9)
Foreign government 105.5 108.8 3.5 (.2) 84.1 86.5 2.7 (.3)
Public utilities 772.0 778.8 14.4 (7.6) 634.7 637.3 11.5 (8.9)
Mortgage-backed securities 2,632.9 2,702.5 89.5 (19.9) 2,604.2 2,670.1 79.4 (13.5)
All other corporate 5,616.6 5,673.5 160.2 (103.3) 5,809.3 5,734.6 87.7 (162.4)
Redeemable preferred stocks 60.5 52.3 .8 (9.0) 61.4 55.7 .2 (5.9)
--------- --------- ------ ------ --------- --------- ------ ------
$10,593.2 $10,748.6 $306.3 ($150.9) $10,148.2 $10,164.6 $210.6 ($194.2)
========= ========= ====== ====== ========= ========= ====== ======
Other stocks $ 187.8 $ 313.7 $135.7 ($ 9.8) $ 175.0 $ 385.4 $224.6 ($ 14.2)
========= ========= ====== ====== ========= ========= ====== ======
The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of fixed maturities
based on market value as of December 31, 2001. Data based on amortized
cost is generally the same. Mortgage-backed securities had an average life
of approximately five years at December 31, 2001.
Maturity
------------------------------
One year or less 4%
After one year through five years 25
After five years through ten years 30
After ten years 16
---
75
Mortgage-backed securities 25
---
100%
===
Certain risks are inherent in connection with fixed maturity securities,
including loss upon default, price volatility in reaction to changes in
interest rates, and general market factors and risks associated with
reinvestment of proceeds due to prepayments or redemptions in a period of
declining interest rates.
The only investment which exceeds 10% of Shareholders' Equity is an equity
investment in Provident Financial Group, Inc., having a market value of
$191 million and $272 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on fixed maturity and equity security investments are
summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fixed Equity Tax
Maturities Securities Effects Total
---------- ---------- ------- ---------
2001
----
Realized ($ 15,315) ($ 8,825) $ 8,451 ($ 15,689)
Change in Unrealized 139,000 (84,500) (19,200) 35,300
2000
----
Realized (24,186) (2,395) 9,303 (17,278)
Change in Unrealized 255,200 29,900 (98,200) 186,900
1999
----
Realized (13,191) 33,244 (7,019) 13,034
Change in Unrealized (641,800) (42,500) 237,500 (446,800)
F-26
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Gross gains and losses on fixed maturity investment transactions included
in the Statement of Cash Flows consisted of the following (in millions):
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Gross Gains $108.9 $15.9 $29.1
Gross Losses ($124.2) ($40.1) ($42.3)
E. INVESTMENT IN INVESTEE CORPORATIONS Investment in investee corporations at
December 31, 2000, reflects AFC's ownership of 24 million shares (36%) of
Chiquita common stock. The market value of this investment was $24 million
at December 31, 2000. Chiquita is a leading international marketer,
producer and distributor of quality fresh fruits and vegetables and
processed foods.
Summarized financial information for Chiquita at December 31, is shown
below (in millions).
2000 1999
---- ----
Current Assets $ 847
Noncurrent Assets 1,570
Current Liabilities 613
Noncurrent Liabilities 1,221
Shareholders' Equity 583
Net Sales $2,254 $2,556
Operating Income 27 42
Net Loss (95) (58)
Net Loss Attributable to Common Shares (112) (75)
Chiquita's results for 2000 include $20 million in charges and writedowns
of production and sourcing assets; 1999 results include a $9 million
charge resulting from a workforce reduction program.
In January 2001, Chiquita announced a restructuring initiative that
included discontinuing all interest and principal payments on its public
debt. Due to the expected restructuring, AFC recorded a fourth quarter
2000 pretax charge of $95.7 million to write down its investment in
Chiquita to quoted market value at December 31, 2000. In 2001, AFC
suspended accounting for the investment under the equity method and
reclassified the investment to "Other stocks". In the third quarter of
2001, AFC wrote down its investment in Chiquita by an additional $8
million (to $.67 per share). On March 8, 2002, the court approved
Chiquita's plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Code. The plan calls for the conversion of over $700 million in principal
and accrued interest related to Chiquita's public debt into common equity.
As a result, AFC will receive approximately 171,000 "new" shares (less
than one-half of 1%) in the reorganized company plus warrants expiring in
2009 to purchase an additional 2.9 million shares at $19.23 per share.
F. COST IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED Amortization expense for the excess
of cost over net assets of purchased subsidiaries was $14.5 million in
2001, $17.3 million in 2000 and $14.4 million in 1999. At December 31,
2001 and 2000, accumulated amortization amounted to approximately $182
million and $168 million, respectively.
G. PAYABLE TO AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP AFC has a reciprocal Master Credit
Agreement with various AFG holding companies under which these companies
make funds available to each other for general corporate purposes.
F-27
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
H. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consisted of the following at
December 31, (in thousands):
2001 2000
---- ----
Holding Companies:
AFC notes payable under bank line $203,000 $178,000
American Premier Underwriters, Inc. ("APU")
10-7/8% Subordinated Notes due May 2011,
including premium of $836 and $890
(imputed rate - 9.6%) 11,557 11,611
Other 13,695 14,727
-------- --------
$228,252 $204,338
======== ========
Subsidiaries:
GAFRI 6-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2008 $100,000 $100,000
GAFRI notes payable under bank line 121,100 48,500
Notes payable secured by real estate 36,253 31,201
Other 13,399 15,386
-------- --------
$270,752 $195,087
======== ========
At December 31, 2001, sinking fund and other scheduled principal payments
on debt for the subsequent five years were as follows (in millions):
Holding
Companies Subsidiaries Total
--------- ------------ ------
2002 $213.7 $1.2 $214.9
2003 - 1.2 1.2
2004 - 122.4 122.4
2005 - 10.4 10.4
2006 - 19.1 19.1
Debentures purchased in excess of scheduled payments may be applied to
satisfy any sinking fund requirement. The scheduled principal payments
shown above assume that debentures previously purchased are applied to the
earliest scheduled retirements.
AFC and GAFRI each have an unsecured credit agreement with a group of
banks under which they can borrow up to $300 million and $155 million,
respectively. Borrowings bear interest at floating rates based on prime or
Eurodollar rates. Loans mature in December 2002 under the AFC credit
agreement and in December 2004 under the GAFRI credit agreement. At
December 31, 2001, the weighted average interest rates on amounts borrowed
under the AFC and GAFRI bank credit lines were 2.38% and 2.88%,
respectively.
Cash interest payments of $50 million, $58 million and $59 million were
made on long-term debt in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
I. MINORITY INTEREST Minority interest in AFC's balance sheet is comprised
of the following (in thousands):
2001 2000
---- ----
Interest of AFG (parent) and
noncontrolling shareholders
in subsidiaries' common stock $317,824 $291,792
Preferred securities issued by
subsidiary trusts 142,913 217,913
-------- --------
$460,737 $509,705
======== ========
F-28
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
TRUST ISSUED PREFERRED SECURITIES Wholly-owned subsidiary trusts of GAFRI
have issued preferred securities and, in turn, purchased a like amount of
subordinated debt which provides interest and principal payments to fund
the respective trusts' obligations. The preferred securities must be
redeemed upon maturity or redemption of the subordinated debt. GAFRI
effectively provides unconditional guarantees of its trusts' obligations.
The preferred securities consisted of the following (in thousands):
Date of Optional
Issuance Issue (Maturity Date) 2001 2000 Redemption Dates
------------- ------------------------ ---- ---- -------------------------
November 1996 GAFRI 9-1/4% TOPrS (2026) $72,913 $72,913 Currently redeemable
March 1997 GAFRI 8-7/8% Pfd (2027) 70,000 70,000 On or after 3/1/2007
May 1997 GAFRI 7-1/4% ROPES (2041) - 75,000
In September 2001, GAFRI redeemed its ROPES for $75 million in cash. In
2000, GAFRI repurchased $1.7 million of its preferred securities for $1.4
million in cash.
MINORITY INTEREST EXPENSE Minority interest expense is comprised of (in
thousands):
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Interest of AFG (parent) and
noncontrolling shareholders
in earnings of subsidiaries $14,879 $ 6,092 $26,362
Accrued distributions by subsidiaries
on trust issued securities, net of tax 11,075 11,959 12,074
------- ------- -------
$25,954 $18,051 $38,436
======= ======= =======
J. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY At December 31, 2001 and 2000, American Financial
Group beneficially owned all of the outstanding shares of AFC's Common
Stock.
PREFERRED STOCK Under provisions of both the Nonvoting (4.0 million shares
authorized) and Voting (4.0 million shares authorized) Cumulative
Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors may divide the authorized stock
into series and set specific terms and conditions of each series. At
December 31, 2001 and 2000, the outstanding voting shares of AFC's
Preferred Stock consisted of the following:
SERIES J, no par value; $25.00 liquidating value per share; annual
dividends per share $2.00; redeemable at AFC's option at $25.75
per share beginning December 2005 declining to $25.00 at December
2007 and thereafter; 2,886,161 shares (stated value $72.2 million)
outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000.
F-29
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON MARKETABLE SECURITIES, NET The change in
unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities included the following (in
millions):
Tax Minority
Pretax Effects Interest Net
------ ------- -------- -----
2001
------------------------------------------
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on
securities arising during the period $ 0.8 ($ 0.3) ($ 5.0) ($ 4.5)
Adoption of EITF 99-20 16.9 (6.0) (0.9) 10.0
Realized losses included in net income and
unrealized gains of subsidiary sold 23.6 (8.3) (3.1) 12.2
------ ------ ----- ------
Change in unrealized gain on
marketable securities, net $ 41.3 ($ 14.6) ($ 9.0) $ 17.7
====== ====== ===== ======
2000
-------------------------------------------
Unrealized holding gains on
securities arising during the period $221.1 ($ 75.8) ($18.8) $126.5
Adoption of SFAS No. 133 15.0 (5.3) - 9.7
Realized losses included in net income and
unrealized losses of subsidiary sold 31.3 (10.9) (2.7) 17.7
------ ------ ----- ------
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on
marketable securities, net $267.4 ($ 92.0) ($21.5) $153.9
====== ====== ===== ======
1999
--------------------------------------------
Unrealized holding losses on
securities arising during the period ($612.1) $212.1 $47.7 ($352.3)
Realized gains included in net income (20.1) 7.1 2.3 (10.7)
------ ------ ----- ------
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on
marketable securities, net ($632.2) $219.2 $50.0 ($363.0)
====== ====== ===== ======
K. INCOME TAXES The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the
statutory rate of 35% and income taxes as shown in the Statement of
Operations (in thousands):
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Earnings (loss) before income taxes:
Operating $70,381 $120,259 $309,742
Minority interest expense (31,917) (24,491) (44,937)
Equity in net losses of investees (25,462) (142,230) (27,357)
Extraordinary items - - (6,001)
Accounting changes (15,948) (13,882) (6,370)
------- -------- --------
Total ($ 2,946) ($ 60,344) $225,077
======= ======== ========
Income taxes at statutory rate ($ 1,031) ($ 21,120) $ 78,777
Effect of:
Adjustment to prior year taxes (6,317) - -
Minority interest 4,881 2,177 8,891
Amortization of intangibles 4,568 5,537 4,728
Effect of foreign operations (3,421) 951 (550)
Losses utilized (1,245) (7,000) (5,250)
Dividends received deduction (2,317) (2,378) (2,783)
Tax exempt interest (1,233) (1,571) (1,721)
Nondeductible meals, etc. 1,381 1,300 776
Tax credits (1,243) (5,757) (1,900)
State income taxes 781 298 332
Other (300) (656) (1,023)
-------- --------- ---------
Total Provision (Credit) (5,496) (28,219) 80,277
Amounts applicable to:
Minority interest expense 5,963 6,440 6,501
Equity in net losses of investees 8,912 49,781 9,574
Extraordinary items - - 2,152
Accounting changes 5,908 4,810 2,516
----- -------- --------
Provision for income taxes as shown
on the Statement of Operations $15,287 $ 32,812 $101,020
======= ======== ========
F-30
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Total earnings before income taxes include income subject to tax in
foreign jurisdictions of $8.3 million in 2001, $10.6 million in 2000 and
$8.1 million in 1999.
The total income tax provision (credit) consists of (in thousands):
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Current taxes:
Federal $44,715 $10,324 ($ 7,454)
Foreign - 1,106 32
State 1,201 459 511
Deferred taxes:
Federal (50,679) (39,588) 88,219
Foreign (733) (520) (1,031)
------- ------- -------
($ 5,496) ($28,219) $80,277
======= ======= =======
For income tax purposes, certain members of the AFC consolidated tax group
had the following carryforwards available at December 31, 2001 (in
millions):
Expiring Amount
----------- ------
{ 2002 - 2006 $ 83
Operating Loss { 2007 - 2016 -
{ 2017 - 2021 112
Other - Tax Credits 12
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes.
The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities included
in the Balance Sheet at December 31, were as follows (in millions):
2001 2000
---- ----
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 68.3 $ 78.8
Insurance claims and reserves 268.2 244.3
Other, net 106.5 90.0
------ ------
443.0 413.1
Valuation allowance for deferred
tax assets (40.9) (39.6)
------ ------
402.1 373.5
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs (231.5) (205.8)
Investment securities (101.1) (121.1)
------ ------
(332.6) (326.9)
------ ------
Net deferred tax asset $ 69.5 $ 46.6
====== ======
The gross deferred tax asset has been reduced by a valuation allowance
based on an analysis of the likelihood of realization. Factors considered
in assessing the need for a valuation allowance include: (i) recent tax
returns, which show neither a history of large amounts of taxable income
nor cumulative losses in recent years, (ii) opportunities to generate
taxable income from sales of appreciated assets, and (iii) the likelihood
of generating larger amounts of taxable income in the future. The
likelihood of realizing this asset will be reviewed periodically; any
adjustments required to the valuation allowance will be made in the period
in which the developments on which they are based become known.
Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds, were $10.0 million, $24.4
million and $10.7 million for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
F-31
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
L. EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS Extraordinary items represent AFC's proportionate
share of gains and losses related to debt retirements by the following
companies. Amounts shown are net of minority interest and income taxes
(in thousands):
1999
------
AFC (parent) ($2,993)
APU (parent) (856)
------
($3,849)
======
M. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Loss accruals (included in other
liabilities) have been recorded for various environmental and occupational
injury and disease claims and other contingencies arising out of the
railroad operations disposed of by American Premier's predecessor, Penn
Central Transportation Company ("PCTC"), prior to its bankruptcy
reorganization in 1978 and certain manufacturing operations disposed of by
American Premier.
At December 31, 2001, American Premier had liabilities for environmental
and personal injury claims aggregating $82.2 million. The environmental
claims consist of a number of proceedings and claims seeking to impose
responsibility for hazardous waste remediation costs related to certain
sites formerly owned or operated by the railroad and manufacturing
operations. Remediation costs are difficult to estimate for a number of
reasons, including the number and financial resources of other potentially
responsible parties, the range of costs for remediation alternatives,
changing technology and the time period over which these matters develop.
The personal injury claims include pending and expected claims, primarily
by former employees of PCTC, for injury or disease allegedly caused by
exposure to excessive noise, asbestos or other substances in the
workplace. In December 2001, American Premier recorded a $12.1 million
charge to increase its environmental reserves due to an increase in
expected ultimate claim costs. At December 31, 2001, American Premier had
$57 million of offsetting recovery assets (included in other assets) for
such environmental and personal injury claims based upon estimates of
probable recoveries from insurance carriers.
AFC has accrued approximately $13.4 million at December 31, 2001, for
environmental costs and certain other matters associated with the sales of
former operations.
AFC's insurance subsidiaries continue to receive claims related to
environmental exposures, asbestos and other mass tort claims. Establishing
reserves for these claims is subject to uncertainties that are
significantly greater than those presented by other types of claims. The
liability for asbestos and environmental reserves at December 31, 2001 and
2000, respectively, was $548 million and $463 million; related
recoverables from reinsurers (net of allowances for doubtful accounts) at
those dates were $101 million and $105 million, respectively.
While management believes AFC has recorded adequate reserves for the items
discussed in this note, the outcome is uncertain and could result in
liabilities exceeding amounts AFC has currently recorded. Additional
amounts could have a material adverse effect on AFC's future results of
operations and financial condition. For a discussion of the uncertainties
inherent in asbestos and environmental claims, see Management's Discussion
and Analysis - "Uncertainties - Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves",
"Uncertainties - Litigation", and "Special A&E Charge".
N. QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED) The operations of certain of
AFC's business segments are seasonal in nature. While insurance premiums
are recognized on a relatively level basis, claim losses related to
adverse weather (snow, hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) may be seasonal.
Quarterly results necessarily rely heavily on estimates. These estimates
and certain other factors, such as
F-32
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
the nature of investees' operations and discretionary sales of assets,
cause the quarterly results not to be necessarily indicative of results
for longer periods of time.
The following are quarterly results of consolidated operations for the two
years ended December 31, 2001 (in millions).
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year
------- ------- -------- ------- --------
2001
----------------------------------------
Revenues $973.5 $995.0 $1,016.4 $944.6 $3,929.5
Earnings (loss) before accounting change 17.0 12.6 (51.9) 34.9 12.6
Cumulative effect of accounting change - (10.0) - - (10.0)
Net earnings (loss) 17.0 2.6 (51.9) 34.9 2.6
2000
----------------------------------------
Revenues $884.3 $959.7 $1,013.6 $962.5 $3,820.1
Earnings (loss) before accounting change 48.4 21.2 (13.5) (79.1) (23.0)
Cumulative effect of accounting change - - - (9.1) (9.1)
Net earnings (loss) 48.4 21.2 (13.5) (88.2) (32.1)
The 2001 third quarter results include a $100 million pretax charge to
strengthen asbestos and environmental insurance reserves and pretax losses
of $25 million resulting from the World Trade Center terrorist attack.
The 2000 second quarter results include pretax charges of $32.5 million
related to an agreement to settle a lawsuit against a GAFRI subsidiary and
$8.8 million for an adverse California Supreme Court ruling against an AFC
property and casualty subsidiary. The 2000 third quarter results include a
$35 million pretax charge for reserve strengthening in the California
workers' compensation business, partially offset by $11.2 million in
income from the sale of certain lease rights. Fourth quarter 2000 results
include a $95.7 million pretax writedown of AFC's Chiquita investment,
partially offset by $11.8 million in income from the sale of certain lease
rights.
AFC has realized gains (losses) on sales of subsidiaries in recent years
(see Note B). Realized gains (losses) on securities, affiliates and other
investments amounted to (in millions):
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
2001 ($8.5) ($26.4) $7.0 $3.9 ($24.0)
2000 (1.4) 21.1 6.0 (21.0) 4.7
F-33
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
O. INSURANCE Securities owned by insurance subsidiaries having a carrying
value of about $940 million at December 31, 2001, were on deposit as
required by regulatory authorities.
INSURANCE RESERVES The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses
for certain long-term scheduled payments under workers' compensation, auto
liability and other liability insurance has been discounted at about 8%,
an approximation of long-term investment yields. As a result, the total
liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses at December 31, 2001,
has been reduced by $24 million.
The following table provides an analysis of changes in the liability for
losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (and grossed up),
over the past three years on a GAAP basis (in millions):
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Balance at beginning of period $3,192 $3,224 $3,305
Provision for losses and LAE occurring
in the current year 1,950 2,056 1,691
Net increase (decrease) in provision for
claims of prior years 163 (60) (74)
------ ------ ------
Total losses and LAE incurred (*) 2,113 1,996 1,617
Payments for losses and LAE of:
Current year (831) (905) (780)
Prior years (1,036) (936) (986)
------ ------ ------
Total payments (1,867) (1,841) (1,766)
Reserves of businesses acquired or sold, net (120) (187) 57
Reclass to unearned premiums (65) - -
Reclassification of allowance for
uncollectible reinsurance - - 11
------ ------ ------
Balance at end of period $3,253 $3,192 $3,224
====== ====== ======
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net
of allowance 1,525 1,324 1,571
------ ------ ------
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included
in the Balance Sheet $4,778 $4,516 $4,795
====== ====== ======
(*) Before amortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance of
$33 million in 2001, $34 million in 2000 and $28 million in 1999.
NET INVESTMENT INCOME The following table shows (in millions) investment
income earned and investment expenses incurred by AFC's insurance
companies.
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Insurance group investment income:
Fixed maturities $841.0 $815.5 $806.1
Equity securities 8.1 10.4 12.2
Other 1.1 4.3 .9
------ ------ ------
850.2 830.2 819.2
Insurance group investment expenses (*) (36.8) (41.4) (39.6)
------ ------ ------
$813.4 $788.8 $779.6
====== ====== ======
(*) Included primarily in "Other operating and general expenses" in
the Statement of Operations.
F-34
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
STATUTORY INFORMATION AFC's insurance subsidiaries are required to file
financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities prepared
on an accounting basis prescribed or permitted by such authorities
(statutory basis). Net earnings and policyholders' surplus on a statutory
basis for the insurance subsidiaries were as follows (in millions):
Policyholders'
Net Earnings Surplus
------------------ ---------------
2001 2000 1999 2001 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Property and casualty companies $34 $10 $170 $1,669 $1,763
Life insurance companies (25) 40 37 414 384
In January 2001, AFC's insurance companies adopted the Codification of
Statutory Accounting Principles. The cumulative effect of these changes at
adoption increased the surplus of the property and casualty companies by
$44 million; the effect on surplus of the life insurance companies was not
material.
REINSURANCE In the normal course of business, AFC's insurance subsidiaries
assume and cede reinsurance with other insurance companies. The following
table shows (in millions) (i) amounts deducted from property and casualty
written and earned premiums in connection with reinsurance ceded, (ii)
written and earned premiums included in income for reinsurance assumed and
(iii) reinsurance recoveries deducted from losses and loss adjustment
expenses.
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Direct premiums written $3,560 $3,365 $3,113
Reinsurance assumed 94 76 48
Reinsurance ceded (1,101) (803) (898)
------ ------ ------
Net written premiums $2,553(*) $2,638 $2,263
====== ====== ======
Direct premiums earned $3,393 $3,306 $3,056
Reinsurance assumed 92 45 45
Reinsurance ceded (891) (856) (890)
------ ------ ------
Net earned premiums $2,594 $2,495 $2,211
====== ====== ======
Reinsurance recoveries $ 773 $ 567 $ 811
====== ====== ======
(*) Net of $29.7 million unearned premium transfer related to
the sale of the Japanese division.
P. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Total rental expense for various leases of office
space and equipment was $53 million, $44 million and $39 million for 2001,
2000 and 1999, respectively. Sublease rental income related to these
leases totaled $2.4 million in 2001, $2.5 million in 2000 and $2.6 million
in 1999.
Future minimum rentals, related principally to office space, required
under operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease
terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2001, were as follows: 2002 -
$55 million; 2003 - $47 million; 2004 - $35 million; 2005 - $21 million;
2006 - $15 million; and $36 million thereafter.
Other operating and general expenses included charges for possible losses
on agents' balances, other receivables and other assets in the following
amounts: 2001 - $14.6 million; 2000 - $9.7 million; and 1999 - $5.1
million. Losses and loss adjustment expenses included charges for possible
losses on reinsurance recoverables of $11 million in 2001 and $.4 million
in 1999. The aggregate allowance for all such losses amounted to
approximately $68 million and $74 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively.
F-35
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON MARKETABLE SECURITIES, NET In addition to
adjusting equity securities and fixed maturity securities classified as
"available for sale" to fair value, SFAS 115 requires that certain other
balance sheet amounts be adjusted to the extent that unrealized gains and
losses from securities would result in adjustments had those gains or
losses actually been realized. The components of the Consolidated Balance
Sheet caption "Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net" in
shareholders' equity are summarized as follows (in millions):
Unadjusted Adjusted
Asset Effect of Asset
(Liability) SFAS 115 (Liability)
----------- --------- -----------
2001
----
Fixed maturities $10,593.2 $155.4 $10,748.6
Other stocks 187.8 125.9 313.7
Deferred acquisition costs 827.3 (9.0) 818.3
Annuity benefits accumulated (5,827.9) (4.2) (5,832.1)
------
Pretax unrealized 268.1
Deferred taxes 162.7 (93.2) 69.5
Minority interest (442.7) (18.0) (460.7)
------
Unrealized gain $156.9
======
2000
----
Fixed maturities $10,148.2 $ 16.4 $10,164.6
Other stocks 175.0 210.4 385.4
Deferred acquisition costs 763.1 - 763.1
Annuity benefits accumulated (5,543.7) - (5,543.7)
-----
Pretax unrealized 226.8
Deferred taxes 125.2 (78.6) 46.6
Minority interest (500.7) (9.0) (509.7)
------
Unrealized gain $139.2
======
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The following table presents (in
millions) the carrying value and estimated fair value of AFC's financial
instruments at December 31.
2001 2000
------------------ ------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Value Value Value Value
-------- ------- -------- -------
Assets:
Fixed maturities $10,749 $10,749 $10,165 $10,165
Other stocks 314 314 385 385
Liabilities:
Annuity benefits
accumulated $ 5,832 $ 5,659 $ 5,544 $ 5,426
Long-term debt:
Holding companies 228 229 204 204
Subsidiaries 271 264 195 187
Minority Interest:
Trust preferred securities $ 143 $ 143 $ 218 $ 211
AFC preferred stock 72 61 72 58
When available, fair values are based on prices quoted in the most active
market for each security. If quoted prices are not available, fair value
is estimated based on present values, discounted cash flows, fair value of
comparable securities, or similar methods. The fair value of the liability
for annuities in the payout phase is assumed to be the present value of
the anticipated cash
F-36
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
flows, discounted at current interest rates. Fair value of annuities in
the accumulation phase is assumed to be the policyholders' cash surrender
amount. Fair value of shareholders' equity is based on the quoted market
price of AFC's Common Stock.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK On occasion, AFC and its
subsidiaries have entered into financial instrument transactions which may
present off-balance-sheet risks of both a credit and market risk nature.
These transactions include commitments to fund loans, loan guarantees and
commitments to purchase and sell securities or loans. At December 31,
2001, AFC and its subsidiaries had commitments to fund credit facilities
and contribute limited partnership capital totaling up to $21 million.
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND ASSETS OF SUBSIDIARIES Payments of
dividends, loans and advances by AFC's subsidiaries are subject to various
state laws, federal regulations and debt covenants which limit the amount
of dividends, loans and advances that can be paid. Under applicable
restrictions, the maximum amount of dividends available to AFC in 2002
from its insurance subsidiaries without seeking regulatory clearance is
approximately $92 million. Total "restrictions" on intercompany transfers
from AFC's subsidiaries cannot be quantified due to the discretionary
nature of the restrictions.
BENEFIT PLANS AFC expensed approximately $19 million in 2001, $22 million
in 2000 and $13 million in 1999 for its retirement and employee savings
plans.
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AFC purchased a $3.7 million minority
interest in a residential homebuilding company from an unrelated party in
1995. At that same time, a brother of AFC's chairman purchased a minority
interest in the company for $825,000. In 2000, that brother and another
brother of AFC's chairman acquired the remaining shares from the third
parties. GAFRI has extended a line of credit to this company under which
the homebuilder may borrow up to $8 million at 13%. At December 31, 2001
and 2000, $6.4 million and $8 million, respectively, was due under the
credit line.
In 2001, an AFG subsidiary purchased a 29% interest in an aircraft for
$1.6 million (fair value as determined by independent third party) from a
company owned by a brother of AFG's chairman. The remaining interests in
the aircraft are owned by AFG's chairman and his two brothers. Costs of
operating the aircraft are being borne proportionately.
In September 2000, GAFRI's minority ownership in a company engaged in the
production of ethanol was repurchased by that company for $7.5 million in
cash and $21.9 million liquidation value of non-voting redeemable
preferred stock. Following the repurchase, AFC's Chairman beneficially
owns 100% of the ethanol company. In December 2000, the ethanol company
retired $3 million of the preferred stock at liquidation value plus
accrued dividends and issued an $18.9 million subordinated note in
exchange for the remaining preferred stock. The subordinated note bears
interest at 12-1/4% with scheduled repayments through 2005. During 2001,
$6 million of this note was repaid. The ethanol company also owes GAFRI
$4.0 million under a subordinated note bearing interest at 14%. In
addition, Great American has extended a $10 million line of credit to this
company; no amounts have been borrowed under the credit line.
Q. SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED) On March 14, 2002, GAFRI reached an agreement
to acquire Manhattan National Life Insurance company ("MNL") from Conseco,
Inc. for $48.5 million in cash. GAFRI expects to close on this transaction
in the second quarter of 2002 and to fund this acquisition with cash on
hand and through reinsurance of up to 90% of the business in force. While
MNL is not currently writing new policies, the company reported over $43
million of statutory renewal premiums in 2001. MNL has approximately
90,000 policies in force (primarily term life) representing over $12
billion in face amount of insurance, statutory assets of $297.8 million
and statutory capital and surplus of $23.1 million.
F-37
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
One East Fourth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Proxy for Annual Meeting
Registration Name and Address
The undersigned hereby appoints James C. Kennedy and Karl J. Grafe, and either
of them, attorneys and proxies, with the power of substitution to each, to vote
all shares of Common Stock or Series J Preferred Stock (collectively, "Voting
Stock")of the Company that the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on November 20, 2002 at 10:30
A.M., in the election of directors (and at their discretion to cumulate votes if
cumulative voting is invoked by a shareholder through proper notice to the
Company) and on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournment thereof.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the
following Proposal(s):
1. Proposal to Elect Directors
/ / FOR AUTHORITY to elect the / / WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to
nominees listed below (except vote for every nominee
those whose names have been listed below
crossed out)
Carl H. Lindner Carl H. Lindner III S. Craig Lindner
Keith E. Lindner Theodore H. Emmerich James E. Evans
William R. Martin William W. Verity
DATE: ___________________, 2002 SIGNATURE:
-----------------------------
SIGNATURE:
-----------------------------
(if held jointly) Important:
Please sign exactly as name
appears hereon indicating,
where proper, official
position or representative
capacity. In case of joint
holders, all should sign.
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR VOTE ON THE PROPOSAL(S) BY MARKING THE APPROPRIATE BOX(ES)
ON THE VOTE CARD AT RIGHT. PLEASE SIGN, DATE, DETACH AND RETURN.
This proxy form is designed to enable the shareholder to detach and mail the
vote card without a return envelope. This is intended to reduce processing
costs, to maintain confidentiality, and to provide added shareholder
convenience.
Information pertaining to shareholder registration (account number and shares
held) appears only on this section of the card, which you retain. Information on
the part of the card mailed is encoded and is used solely to enable vote
tabulation.
If you have any questions about voting your shares with this form,
please call 1-800-368-3417 or 513-579-2414
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The named proxy holders will vote the shares represented by this proxy in the
manner indicated. Unless a contrary direction is indicated, the proxy holders
will, except to the extent they exercise their discretion to cumulate votes in
the election of directors, vote such shares "FOR" the proposal(s). If
cumulative voting is invoked by a shareholder through proper notice to the
Company, unless a contrary direction is indicated, this proxy will give the
proxy holders authority, in their discretion, to cumulate all votes to which
the undersigned is entitled in respect of the shares represented by this proxy
and allocate them in favor of any one or more of the nominees for director if
any situation arises which, in the opinion of the proxy holders, makes such
action necessary or desirable. If any further matters properly come before the
meeting, such shares shall be voted on such matters in accordance with the best
judgment of the proxy holders.