10-K/A 1 afg10k02amend2.txt AFG 2002 10-K AMENDMENT #2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K/A Amendment No. 2 to Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended Commission File December 31, 2002 No. 1-13653 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Incorporated under IRS Employer I.D. the Laws of Ohio No. 31-1544320 One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 579-2121 Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of Each Exchange Title of Each Class on which Registered ------------------- ------------------- American Financial Group, Inc.: Common Stock New York Stock Exchange 7-1/8% Senior Debentures due December 15, 2007 New York Stock Exchange 7-1/8% Senior Debentures due April 15, 2009 New York Stock Exchange American Financial Capital Trust I (Guaranteed by Registrant): 9-1/8% Trust Originated Preferred Securities New York Stock Exchange Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Other securities for which reports are submitted pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and need not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes X No The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by nonaffiliates as of the Registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2002) was approximately $960 million (based upon nonaffiliate holdings of 40,224,462 shares and a market price of $23.90 per share). As of March 1, 2003, there were 69,244,854 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding, excluding 18,666,614 shares owned by subsidiaries. ------------- Documents Incorporated by Reference: None -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K Page PART I ---- Item 1 - Business: Introduction 1 Property and Casualty Insurance Operations 2 Annuity and Life Operations 15 Other Companies 19 Investment Portfolio 19 Foreign Operations 20 Regulation 20 Item 2 - Properties 21 Item 3 - Legal Proceedings 22 Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders (a) PART II Item 5 - Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 24 Item 6 - Selected Financial Data 25 Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 26 Item 7A - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 43 Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 44 Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure (a) PART III Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 45 Item 11 - Executive Compensation 47 Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 53 Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 57 Item 14 - Controls and Procedures 57 PART IV Item 15 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K S-1 (a) The response to this Item is "none". -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPLANATORY NOTE This Amendment to Form 10-K includes the text of the Form 10-K in its entirety and is being filed to: (i) add additional disclosure in the last paragraph on page 4 regarding performance measures in Item 1 - Business, (ii) disclose the expiration of two reinsurance agreements in the paragraph following the table on page 12 in Item 1 - Business, (iii) provide comparative investment performance results under "Investment Portfolio - General" in Item 1 - Business, (iv) add additional disclosure under "Uncertainties - Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves" and delete the reference to "core earnings" under "Results of Operations - Three Years Ended December 31, 2002 - General" in Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, (v) delete the calculation of earnings to fixed charges excluding interest on annuities in Exhibit 12, and (vi) correct the date of the certification in Exhibit 99(currently Exhibit 32). There are no changes to the audited financial statements. This filing amends only the items specified above and does not otherwise update the disclosures in the Form 10-K or Amendment No. 1 as originally filed and does not reflect events occurring after the original filing of the Form 10-K or Amendment No. 1. AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Form 10-K, chiefly in Items 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8, 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 "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "could", "may", "should", "will" 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; recoverability of asset values; 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 natural catastrophes, terrorist events, incidents of war and other major losses; o the ultimate amount of liabilities associated with certain asbestos and environmental-related claims; o the unpredictability of possible future litigation if certain settlements do not become effective; o adequacy of insurance reserves; o trends in mortality and morbidity; o availability of reinsurance and ability of reinsurers to pay their obligations; o competitive pressures, including the ability to obtain rate increases; and o changes in debt and claims paying ratings. 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. PART I ITEM 1 BUSINESS -------- Please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" following the Index in front of this Form 10-K. INTRODUCTION American Financial Group, Inc. ("AFG") is a holding company which, through subsidiaries, is engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialized commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of retirement annuities, life, and supplemental health insurance products. AFG was incorporated as an Ohio corporation in 1997 for the purpose of merging predecessor holding companies which had originated in 1955. Its insurance subsidiaries have been operating as far back as the 1800's. Its address is One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; its phone number is (513) 579-2121. SEC filings, news releases and other information may be accessed free of charge through AFG's Internet site at: www.amfnl.com. AFG's predecessor had been formed in 1994 for the purpose of acquiring American Financial Corporation ("AFC") and American Premier Underwriters, Inc. ("American Premier" or "APU") in merger transactions completed in 1995. At December 31, 2002, Carl H. Lindner, members of his immediate family and trusts for their benefit (collectively the "Lindner Family") beneficially owned approximately 44% of AFG's outstanding voting Common Stock. Over the years, AFG and its predecessors have owned, operated, and invested in businesses in a variety of industries and geographic areas, culminating in today's group of insurance companies. Generally, AFG's interests have been in the following areas: insurance, savings and loan, leasing, banking, real estate, communications/entertainment and food distribution. A small number of opportunistic investments have been made in troubled and other undervalued assets. RECENT TRANSACTIONS Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation ("Infinity") was incorporated in September 2002 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFG. On December 31, 2002, AFG transferred to Infinity the following subsidiaries: Atlanta Casualty Company, Infinity Insurance Company, Leader Insurance Company and Windsor Insurance Company. In exchange, AFG received all of the issued and outstanding shares of Infinity common stock and a $55 million 10-year promissory note. In addition, effective January 1, 2003, Great American Insurance Company ("GAI"), an AFG subsidiary, transferred to Infinity its personal insurance business written through independent agents. In 2002, 2001 and 2000, these businesses represented 28%, 35% and 46%, respectively, of AFG's property and casualty group's net written premiums. In a February 2003 public offering, AFG sold 61% (12.5 million shares) of Infinity for net proceeds of approximately $186 million, realizing a pretax loss of approximately $40 million. In January 2003, GAI entered into an agreement to sell its direct-to-consumer auto business. In March 2001, GAI sold its Japanese property and casualty division to Mitsui Marine & Fire Insurance Company of America for $22 million in cash. At the same time, a reinsurance agreement under which GAI 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 GAI while GAI ceded approximately $45 million per year to Mitsui. In connection with the sale of the Japanese division, GAI continues to write certain business for, and fully reinsures it to, Mitsui. When GAI sold its commercial lines division in 1998, it had a similar arrangement which lasted through early 2001. Such business does not appear in the net written premiums or net earned premiums information herein. 1 In September 2000, AFG sold Stonewall Insurance Company for approximately $31 million. Stonewall was a non-operating property and casualty subsidiary engaged primarily in the run-off of approximately $170 million in asbestos and environmental liabilities associated with policies written through 1991. The businesses discussed above are included in the tables and financial statements herein through their respective disposal dates. PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS AFG's property and casualty group has been engaged primarily in specialty and private passenger automobile insurance businesses which have been managed as two major business groups: Specialty and Personal. Each group has reported to an individual senior executive and is comprised of multiple business units which operate autonomously but with certain strong central controls and full accountability. Decentralized control allows each unit the autonomy necessary to respond to local and specialty market conditions while capitalizing on the efficiencies of centralized investment and administrative support functions. Approximately 40% of the 7,100 people employed by AFG's property and casualty insurance operations at December 31, 2002 work for the businesses transferred to Infinity. The property and casualty group operates in a highly competitive industry that is affected by many factors which can cause significant fluctuations in its results of operations. The industry has historically been subject to pricing cycles characterized by periods of intense competition and lower premium rates (a "downcycle") followed by periods of reduced competition, reduced underwriting capacity due to lower policyholders' surplus and higher premium rates (an "upcycle"). After being in an extended downcycle for over a decade, the property and casualty insurance industry is experiencing significant market firming and price increases in certain specialty markets and in the private passenger automobile market. The primary objective of AFG's property and casualty insurance operations is to achieve solid underwriting profitability while providing excellent service to its policyholders. Underwriting profitability is measured by the combined ratio which is a sum of the ratios of underwriting losses, loss adjustment expenses ("LAE"), 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. While many costs included in underwriting may be readily determined (commissions, administrative expenses, many of the losses on claims reported), the process of determining overall underwriting results is also highly dependent upon the use of estimates in the case of losses incurred or expected but not yet reported or developed. Actuarial procedures and projections are used to obtain "best estimates" which are then included in the overall results. While the process is imprecise and develops amounts which are subject to change over time, AFG's projections, excluding asbestos and environmental ("A&E") claims, have been close to the developed ultimate results, as can be seen in the "reserve development triangles" on page 13. AFG's property and casualty group, like many others in the industry, has A&E claims arising in most cases from general liability policies written in years before 1987. The establishment of reserves for such A&E claims presents unique and difficult challenges and is subject to uncertainties significantly greater than those presented by other types of claims. In February 2003, GAI entered into an agreement for the settlement of asbestos-related coverage litigation from insurance policies issued in the 1970's and 1980's. Management believes that the $123.5 million settlement (GAI has the option to pay in cash or over time with 5.25% interest) with parties related to and known as A.P. Green Industries, Inc. will enhance financial certainty and provide resolution to litigation that represents AFG's largest known asbestos-related claim and the only such claim that management believes to be material. For a discussion of 2 uncertainties related to A&E claims, see Management's Discussion and Analysis - "Asbestos and Environmental-related Reserves." Management's focus on underwriting performance has resulted in a statutory combined ratio averaging 107.2% for the period 1998 to 2002 (or 104.4% excluding special charges in 2002, 2001 and 1998 related to asbestos and other environmental matters), as compared to 109.1% for the property and casualty industry over the same period (Source: "Best's Review/Preview - Property/Casualty" - January 2003 Edition). AFG believes that its product line diversification and underwriting discipline have contributed to the Company's ability to consistently outperform the industry's underwriting results. Management's philosophy is to refrain from writing business that is not expected to produce an underwriting profit even if it is necessary to limit premium growth to do so. Generally, while financial data is reported on a statutory basis for insurance regulatory purposes, it is reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for shareholder and other investment purposes. In general, statutory accounting results in lower capital and surplus and lower net earnings than result from application of GAAP. Major differences include charging policy acquisition costs to expense as incurred rather than spreading the costs over the periods covered by the policies; reporting investment-grade bonds and redeemable preferred stocks at amortized cost; netting of reinsurance recoverables and prepaid reinsurance premiums against the corresponding liability; requiring additional loss reserves; and charging to surplus certain assets, such as furniture and fixtures and agents' balances over 90 days old. Unless indicated otherwise, the financial information presented for the property and casualty insurance operations herein is presented based on GAAP. The following table shows (in millions) certain information of AFG's property and casualty insurance operations. 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- STATUTORY BASIS --------------- Premiums Earned $ 2,372 $ 2,566 $2,484 Admitted Assets 7,233 6,736 6,472 Unearned Premiums 1,168 1,158 1,154 Loss and LAE Reserves (net) 3,607 3,539 3,445 Capital and Surplus 1,742 1,669 1,763 GAAP BASIS ---------- Premiums Earned $ 2,403 $ 2,594 $2,495 Total Assets 10,927 10,007 9,458 Unearned Premiums 1,848 1,641 1,414 Loss and LAE Reserves (gross)(*) 5,204 4,778 4,516 Shareholder's Equity 3,241 3,288 3,360 (*) GAAP loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance recoverable were $3.4 billion at December 31, 2002, $3.3 billion at December 31, 2001, and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2000. 3 The following table shows the segment, independent ratings, and size (in millions) of AFG's major property and casualty insurance subsidiaries. AFG continues to focus on growth opportunities in what it believes to be more profitable specialty businesses. Net Written Premiums --------------------- Company (Ratings - AM Best/S&P) Personal Specialty --------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- Great American Pool(a): A A Written through independent agents $ 80(b) $ 929 Written directly with customers 108(c) - Mid-Continent A A 19 215 Republic Indemnity A- A 2 219 National Interstate A- - - 92 American Empire Surplus Lines A A - 116 Infinity Property and Casualty: Infinity A A 233(b) - Windsor A A 145(b) - Atlanta Casualty A A 142(b) - Leader A A 93(b) - Other 14 6 ---- ------ $836 $1,577 ==== ====== (a) The Great American Pool represents approximately 15 subsidiaries. (b) Business transferred to Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation except for $6 million in assigned risk business retained by GAI. In February 2003, AFG sold 61% of Infinity in a public offering. (c) The direct-to-consumer business which GAI agreed to sell in 2003 produced $79 million of the 2002 premiums. PERFORMANCE MEASURES SUCH AS SEGMENT UNDERWRITING PROFIT OR LOSS AND RELATED COMBINED RATIOS ARE OFTEN USED BY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURERS TO HELP USERS OF THEIR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BETTER UNDERSTAND THE COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE. SEE NOTE C - "SEGMENT OF OPERATIONS" TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE RECONCILIATION OF AFG'S OPERATING PROFIT BY SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS SEGMENT TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS. 4 The following table shows the performance of AFG's property and casualty insurance operations (dollars in millions): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Gross written premiums (a) $3,935 $3,520 $3,231 Ceded reinsurance (a) (1,521) (938) (593) ------ ------ ------ Net written premiums $2,414 $2,582(b) $2,638 ====== ====== ====== Net earned premiums $2,403 $2,594 $2,495 Loss and LAE 1,785 1,980 1,962 Asbestos litigation settlement 30 - - Special A&E charge - 100 - Underwriting expenses 606 737 732 Policyholder dividends 8 5 3 ------ ------ ------ Underwriting loss ($ 26) ($ 228) ($ 202) ====== ====== ====== GAAP ratios: Loss and LAE ratio 75.5% 80.2% 78.6% Underwriting expense ratio 25.3 28.4 29.3 Policyholder dividend ratio .3 .2 .1 ------ ------ ------ Combined ratio (c) 101.1% 108.8% 108.0% ====== ====== ====== Statutory ratios: Loss and LAE ratio 76.4% 81.1% 80.1% Underwriting expense ratio 25.0 28.3 28.4 Policyholder dividend ratio .2 .3 .3 ------ ------ ------ Combined ratio (c) 101.6% 109.7% 108.8% ====== ====== ====== Industry statutory combined ratio(d) 105.7% 116.0% 110.1% (a) Excludes the following premiums that were written on behalf of, and fully reinsured to, the purchasers of the Commercial lines and Japanese divisions: 2002 - $173 million; 2001 - $143 million; and 2000 - $213 million. (b) Before a reduction of $29.7 million for unearned premium transfer related to the sale of the Japanese division. (c) The 2002 combined ratios include 1.2 percentage points (GAAP) and 1.3 points (statutory) related to the A.P. Green asbestos litigation settlement. The 2001 combined ratios include 3.9 percentage points for the third quarter strengthening of insurance reserves relating to A&E matters and 1 percentage point attributable to the attack on the World Trade Center. The 2000 combined ratios include 1.4 percentage points for reserve strengthening in AFG's California workers' compensation business. (d) Ratios are derived from "Best's Review/Preview - Property/Casualty" (January 2003 Edition). As with other property and casualty insurers, AFG's operating results can be adversely affected by unpredictable catastrophe losses. Certain natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, forest fires, etc.) and other incidents of major loss (explosions, civil disorder, fires, etc.) are classified as catastrophes by industry associations. Losses from these incidents are usually tracked separately from other business of insurers because of their sizable effects on overall operations. AFG generally seeks to reduce its exposure to such events through individual risk selection and the purchase of reinsurance. Total net losses to AFG's insurance operations from catastrophes were $7 million in 2002; $42 million in 2001 and $8 million in 2000. These amounts are included in the tables herein. AFG's catastrophe losses in 2001 included $25 million related to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 ("TRIA") is to be in effect until the end of 2005 and establishes a temporary Terrorism Risk Insurance Program which requires commercial insurers to offer virtually all policyholders coverage for certain "acts of terrorism" as defined by TRIA. This federal legislation provides that coverage may not materially differ from the terms, amounts, and other coverage limitations applicable to losses arising from occurrences other than terrorism. The federal government provides some stop loss insurance to insurers after an act has 5 been certified by the government as an act of terrorism and after an insurer has paid losses in excess of a deductible. The deductible progresses from 7% to 15% of direct earned premium in each of the three program years. TRIA supersedes state insurance law to the extent that such law is inconsistent with its terms. For 2003, AFG would have to sustain losses in excess of $128 million to be eligible for the reinsurance under TRIA. AFG believes that it is unlikely that its losses in the event of a terrorist act would be so significant as to exceed the deductible necessary to participate in the federal reinsurance. AFG generally seeks to limit its exposure to catastrophe losses including those arising from terrorist acts. AFG is complying with the obligations of TRIA to offer coverage but continues to review its business with consideration of the price it charges for such coverage, as well as through management of individual risk selection. SPECIALTY GENERAL The Specialty group emphasizes the writing of specialized insurance coverage where AFG personnel are experts in particular lines of business or customer groups. The following are examples of such specialty businesses: Inland and Ocean Marine Provides coverage primarily for marine cargo, boat dealers, marina operators/dealers, excursion vessels, builder's risk, contractor's equipment, excess property and motor truck cargo. Workers' Compensation Writes coverage for prescribed benefits payable to employees (principally in California) who are injured on the job. Agricultural-related Provides federally reinsured multi-peril crop (allied lines) insurance covering most perils as well as crop hail, equine mortality and other coverages for full-time operating farms/ranches and agribusiness operations on a nationwide basis. Executive and Professional Markets coverage for attorneys, architects and Liability engineers, and for directors and officers of businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Fidelity and Surety Bonds Provides surety coverage for various types of contractors and public and private corporations and fidelity and crime coverage for government, mercantile and financial institutions. Collateral Protection Provides coverage for insurance risk management programs for lending and leasing institutions. Umbrella and Excess Provides higher layer liability coverage in Liability excess of primary layers. Excess and Surplus Specially designed insurance products offered to those that can't find coverage in standard markets. Commercial Automobile Markets customized insurance programs for public transportation operations (such as busses and limousines), and a specialized physical damage product for the trucking industry. Specialization is the key element to the underwriting success of these business units. Each unit has independent management with significant operating autonomy to oversee the important operational functions of its business such as underwriting, pricing, marketing, policy processing and claims service. These specialty businesses are opportunistic and their premium volume will vary based on prevailing market conditions. AFG continually evaluates expansion in existing markets and opportunities in new specialty markets that meet its profitability objectives. 6 The U.S. geographic distribution of the Specialty group's statutory direct written premiums in 2002 (excluding business written on behalf of, and fully reinsured to, the purchaser of the Japanese division) compared to 1998 is shown below. 2002 1998 2002 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- California 21.4% 22.1% Pennsylvania 2.7% 2.6% Texas 9.9 7.1 New Jersey 2.6 3.8 New York 5.7 6.6 Michigan 2.1 2.4 Florida 5.5 4.1 Missouri 2.0 * Illinois 4.3 3.7 Massachusetts * 4.8 Georgia 3.0 2.2 North Carolina * 3.0 Ohio 2.9 2.3 Connecticut * 2.2 Oklahoma 2.8 3.0 Other 35.1 30.1 ----- ----- 100.0% 100.0% ===== ===== (*) less than 2% The following table sets forth a distribution of statutory net written premiums for AFG's Specialty group by NAIC annual statement line for 2002 compared to 1998. 2002 1998 ---- ---- Other liability 30.1% 19.7% Workers' compensation 16.2 23.5 Auto liability 8.7 9.0 Commercial multi-peril 8.6 10.7 Inland marine 7.2 10.1 Fidelity and surety 5.8 4.5 Collateral protection 5.3 * Auto physical damage 4.8 4.5 Ocean marine 3.7 3.2 Product Liability 2.7 * Allied lines 2.5 4.7 Aircraft * 4.0 Other 4.4 6.1 ----- ----- 100.0% 100.0% ------------------ ===== ===== (*) less than 2% 7 The following table shows the performance of AFG's Specialty group insurance operations (dollars in millions): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Gross written premiums (a) $2,713 $2,236 $1,889 Ceded reinsurance (a) (1,136) (694) (565) ------ ------ ------ Net written premiums $1,577 $1,542(b) $1,324 ====== ====== ====== Net earned premiums $1,497 $1,409 $1,223 Loss and LAE 1,009 997 902 Underwriting expenses 455 430 413 Policyholder dividends 8 5 3 ------ ------ ------ Underwriting profit (loss) $ 25 ($ 23) ($ 95) ====== ====== ====== GAAP ratios: Loss and LAE ratio 67.5% 70.7% 73.8% Underwriting expense ratio 30.4 30.6 33.8 Policyholder dividend ratio .5 .4 .3 ------ ------ ------ Combined ratio (c) 98.4% 101.7% 107.9% ====== ====== ====== Statutory ratios: Loss and LAE ratio 68.7% 73.6% 76.5% Underwriting expense ratio 31.1 30.5 31.4 Policyholder dividend ratio .3 .5 .5 ------ ------ ------ Combined ratio (c) 100.1% 104.6% 108.4% ====== ====== ====== Industry statutory combined ratio (d) 103.4% 117.1% 108.2% (a) Excludes the following premiums that were written on behalf of, and fully reinsured to, the purchasers of the Commercial lines and Japanese divisions: 2002 - $173 million; 2001 - $143 million; and 2000 - 213 million. (b) Before a reduction of $29.7 million for unearned premium transfer related to the sale of the Japanese division. (c) The 2001 combined ratios include 1.8 percentage points attributable to the attack on the World Trade Center. The 2000 combined ratios include 2.9 percentage points for reserve strengthening in AFG's California workers' compensation business. Because the combined ratio is calculated based on premiums, the impact of these two items is greater for the Specialty segment alone than it is for the overall company. (d) Represents the commercial industry statutory combined ratio derived from "Best's Review/Preview - Property/Casualty" (January 2003 Edition). MARKETING The Specialty group operations direct their sales efforts primarily through independent property and casualty insurance agents and brokers, although portions are written through employee agents. These businesses write insurance through several thousand agents and brokers and have approximately 440,000 policies in force. COMPETITION These businesses compete with other individual insurers, state funds and insurance groups of varying sizes, some of which are mutual insurance companies possessing competitive advantages in that all their profits inure to their policyholders. They also compete with self-insurance plans, captive programs and risk retention groups. Because of the specialty nature of these coverages, competition is based primarily on service to policyholders and agents, specific characteristics of products offered and reputation for claims handling. Price, commissions and profit sharing terms are also important factors. Management believes that sophisticated data analysis for refinement of risk profiles, extensive specialized knowledge and loss prevention service have helped AFG's Specialty group compete successfully. 8 PERSONAL GENERAL The Personal group wrote primarily private passenger automobile liability and physical damage insurance, and to a lesser extent, homeowners' insurance. In February 2003, AFG sold 61% of Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation in a public offering. The businesses sold in the Infinity transaction represented 82% of the Personal group's 2002 net written premiums. In January 2003, GAI entered into an agreement to sell its direct-to-consumer auto business. As a result of these transactions, AFG's future interest in personal lines insurance will be limited to two subsidiaries that generated less than $35 million in net written premiums in 2002, certain direct-to-consumer business in run-off that had approximately $28 million in net written premiums in 2002 and its 39% continuing interest in Infinity. Historically, the majority of the Personal group's auto premiums was from sales in the nonstandard market covering drivers unable to obtain insurance through standard market carriers due to factors such as age, record of prior accidents, driving violations, particular occupation or type of vehicle. The Personal group's approach to its auto business was to develop tailored rates for its personal automobile customers based on a variety of factors, including the driving record of the insureds, the number of and type of vehicles covered, credit history, and other factors. Management believes this approach enabled the Personal group to rate each risk appropriately and provided a means to serve a broad spectrum of customers. The Personal group's approach to homeowners business was to limit exposure in locations which have significant catastrophic potential (such as windstorms, earthquakes and hurricanes). Since 1997, the Personal group ceded the majority of its homeowners' business through reinsurance agreements; in 2002, it ceded 80% of this business. The Personal group held licenses to write policies in all states and the District of Columbia. The U.S. geographic distribution of the Personal group's statutory direct written premiums in 2002 compared to 1998, was as follows: 2002 1998 2002 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- California 28.7% 14.8% New Jersey 2.8% 3.3% New York 10.0 6.2 Oklahoma 2.2 * Florida 10.0 9.4 South Carolina 2.0 * Connecticut 8.3 10.0 North Carolina * 2.8 Pennsylvania 7.2 5.5 Arizona * 2.6 Georgia 6.0 10.1 Missouri * 2.0 Texas 4.0 5.0 Other 18.8 28.3 ----- ----- 100.0% 100.0% ---------------- ===== ===== (*) less than 2% The Personal group's underwriting strategy was to sell its products through independent agents in the states that management believed offer the greatest opportunity for profitable growth based on market size and legal and regulatory environments. Management was focused on obtaining adequate rates to achieve underwriting profitability and was willing to forego volume to meet its profit objectives. Since April 1, 2001, the Personal group ceded 90% of the automobile physical damage business written by certain subsidiaries under reinsurance agreements. 9 The following table shows the performance of AFG's Personal group insurance operations (dollars in millions): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Gross written premiums $1,221 $1,284 $1,339 Ceded reinsurance (385) (244) (28) ------ ------ ------ Net written premiums $ 836 $1,040 $1,311 ====== ====== ====== Net earned premiums $ 905 $1,183 $1,270 Loss and LAE 753 970 1,061 Underwriting expenses (a) 151 306 317 ------ ------ ------ Underwriting profit (loss) $ 1 ($ 93) ($ 108) ====== ====== ====== GAAP ratios: Loss and LAE ratio 83.1% 82.1% 83.6% Underwriting expense ratio (a) 16.7 25.8 25.0 ------ ------ ------ Combined ratio 99.8% 107.9% 108.6% ====== ====== ====== Statutory ratios: Loss and LAE ratio 83.4% 82.3% 83.9% Underwriting expense ratio (a) 13.3 25.0 25.2 ------ ------ ------ Combined ratio 96.7% 107.3% 109.1% ====== ====== ====== Industry statutory combined ratio (b) 105.6% 111.6% 110.3% (a) The Personal group recorded commissions of $159 million in 2002 and $47 million in 2001 on business ceded to reinsurers. Commissions on ceded business are recorded as a reduction of underwriting expenses. (b) Represents the personal lines industry statutory combined ratio derived from "Best's Review/Preview - Property/Casualty" (January 2003 Edition). The Personal group had approximately 790,000 auto policies in force at December 31, 2002, over 75% of which had policy limits of $50,000 or less per occurrence. 10 REINSURANCE Consistent with standard practice of most insurance companies, AFG reinsures a portion of its business with other insurance companies and assumes a relatively small amount of business from other insurers. Ceding reinsurance permits diversification of risks and limits the maximum loss arising from large or unusually hazardous risks or catastrophic events. The availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market conditions which may affect the volume and profitability of business that is written. AFG is subject to credit risk with respect to its reinsurers, as the ceding of risk to reinsurers generally does not relieve AFG of its liability to its insureds until claims are fully settled. AFG regularly monitors the financial strength of its reinsurers. This process periodically results in the transfer of risks to more financially secure reinsurers. Substantially all reinsurance is ceded to reinsurers having more than $100 million in capital and A.M. Best ratings of "A-" or better. AFG further minimizes the credit risk of certain ceding arrangements, including the 90% automobile physical damage quota share, by entering into the contracts on a "funds withheld" basis. Under "funds withheld" arrangements, AFG retains ceded premiums, in exchange for a fee, to fund ceded losses as they become due from the reinsurer. As an alternative method to reduce credit risk, AFG has, on occasion, required reinsurers to secure financial guarantees or establish lines of credit to support recoverables under reinsurance agreements. Excluding Mitsui and Ohio Casualty (discussed below), approximately half of AFG's total reinsurance recoverable (net of funds withheld) at December 31, 2002, was with the following companies: American Re-Insurance Company, Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation, General Reinsurance Corporation, X.L. Reinsurance America, Inc., Converium Reinsurance North America, Inc., Employers Reinsurance Corporation, Inter-Ocean Reinsurance (Ireland) Ltd., Continental Casualty Company, Everest Reinsurance Company, Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Berkley Insurance Company and Folksamerica Reinsurance Company. At December 31, 2002, less than 1% of AFG's reinsurance recoverable balance was with companies affiliated with reinsurer Gerling Global Re., a European reinsurer which has been the subject of recent news articles. Reinsurance is provided on one of two bases, facultative or treaty. Facultative reinsurance is generally provided on a risk by risk basis. Individual risks are ceded and assumed based on an offer and acceptance of risk by each party to the transaction. Treaty reinsurance provides for risks meeting prescribed criteria to be automatically ceded and assumed according to contract provisions. The following table presents (by type of coverage) the amount of each loss above the specified retention maximum generally covered by treaty reinsurance programs (in millions): Retention Reinsurance Coverage Maximum Coverage(a) -------- --------- ----------- California Workers' Compensation $ 1.0 $99.0 Other Workers' Compensation 2.0 48.0 Commercial Umbrella 3.6 46.4 Other Casualty 5.0 25.0 Property - General 2.0 28.0 (b) Property - Catastrophe 10.0 65.0 (a) Reinsurance covers substantial portions of losses in excess of retention. However, in general, losses resulting from terrorism are not covered. (b) Since 1997, AFG has ceded at least 80% of its homeowners insurance coverage through reinsurance agreements. Since April 1, 2001, AFG has ceded 90% of the automobile physical damage business written by certain subsidiaries. In July 2002, AFG added certain specialty businesses to the 90% reinsurance agreement. AFG also purchases facultative reinsurance providing coverage on a risk by risk basis, both pro rata and excess of loss, depending on the risk and available reinsurance markets. Included in the balance sheet caption "recoverables from reinsurers and prepaid reinsurance premiums" were approximately $226 million on paid losses and LAE and $1.8 billion on unpaid losses and LAE at December 31, 2002. The collectibility of a reinsurance balance is based upon the financial condition of a reinsurer as well as 11 individual claim considerations. At December 31, 2002, AFG's insurance subsidiaries had allowances of approximately $38 million for doubtful collection of reinsurance recoverables. Premiums written for reinsurance ceded and assumed are presented in the following table (in millions): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Reinsurance ceded $1,693 $1,114 $803 Reinsurance assumed - including involuntary pools and associations 80 94 76 In connection with the sales of the Japanese division to Mitsui in 2001 and the Commercial lines division to Ohio Casualty in 1998, Great American agreed to issue and renew policies related to the businesses transferred until each purchaser received the required approvals and licensing to begin writing business on their own behalf. The Ohio Casualty agreement expired December 1, 2000, and the Mitsui agreement expires December 31, 2003. Under these agreements, Great American cedes 100% of these premiums to the respective purchaser. In 2002, 2001, and 2000, premiums of $173 million, $143 million, and $213 million, respectively, were ceded under these agreements. LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES The consolidated financial statements include the estimated liability for unpaid losses and LAE of AFG's insurance subsidiaries. This liability represents estimates of the ultimate net cost of all unpaid losses and LAE and is determined by using case-basis evaluations and actuarial projections. These estimates are subject to the effects of changes in claim amounts and frequency and are periodically reviewed and adjusted as additional information becomes known. In accordance with industry practices, such adjustments are reflected in current year operations. Generally, reserves for reinsurance and involuntary pools and associations are reflected in AFG's results at the amounts reported by those entities. 12 The following discussion of insurance reserves includes the reserves of American Premier's subsidiaries for only those periods following its acquisition in 1995. See Note M to the Financial Statements for an analysis of changes in AFG's estimated liability for losses and LAE, net and gross of reinsurance, over the past three years on a GAAP basis. The following table presents the development of AFG's liability for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, on a GAAP basis for the last ten years, excluding reserves of American Premier subsidiaries prior to 1995. The top line of the table shows the estimated liability (in millions) for unpaid losses and LAE recorded at the balance sheet date for the indicated years. The second line shows the re-estimated liability as of December 31, 2002. The remainder of the table presents intervening development as percentages of the initially estimated liability. The development results from additional information and experience in subsequent years. The middle line shows a cumulative deficiency (redundancy) which represents the aggregate percentage increase (decrease) in the liability initially estimated. The lower portion of the table indicates the cumulative amounts paid as of successive periods as a percentage of the original loss reserve liability. For purposes of this table, reserves of businesses sold are considered paid at the date of sale. For example, the percentage of the December 31, 1997 reserve liability paid in 1998 includes approximately 10 percentage points for reserves ceded in connection with the sale of the Commercial lines division.
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses: ---------------------------- As originally estimated $2,123 $2,113 $2,187 $3,393 $3,404 $3,489 $3,305 $3,224 $3,192 $3,253 $3,400 As re-estimated at December 31, 2002 2,551 2,464 2,545 3,654 3,667 3,687 3,172 3,194 3,355 3,424 N/A Liability re-estimated: ---------------------- One year later 99.9% 98.1% 95.9% 98.7% 100.9% 104.5% 97.8% 98.1% 105.1% 105.2% Two years later 98.2% 94.1% 99.3% 98.5% 105.9% 104.6% 96.3% 100.1% 105.1% Three years later 95.2% 97.4% 99.9% 103.9% 105.2% 102.9% 97.4% 99.0% Four years later 100.3% 98.9% 109.4% 103.1% 103.6% 105.4% 96.0% Five years later 102.6% 109.7% 109.0% 102.9% 106.9% 105.7% Six years later 113.6% 108.8% 108.5% 106.8% 107.7% Seven years later 112.3% 108.5% 115.3% 107.7% Eight years later 112.2% 115.5% 116.4% Nine years later 119.1% 116.6% Ten years later 120.2% Cumulative deficiency (redundancy): Aggregate 20.2% 16.6% 16.4% 7.7% 7.7% 5.7% ( 4.0%) ( 1.0%) 5.1% 5.2% N/A ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== === Excluding the 2002 A.P. Green settlement charge and special A&E charges and reallocations in 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2001 ( 0.9%) ( 3.5%) ( 3.0%) ( 4.8%) ( 2.4%) ( 4.2%) ( 8.0%) ( 5.0%) 1.0% 4.3% N/A ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== === Cumulative paid as of: --------------------- One year later 26.7% 25.2% 26.8% 33.1% 33.8% 41.7% 28.3% 34.8% 38.3% 33.6% Two years later 43.7% 40.6% 42.5% 51.6% 58.0% 56.6% 51.7% 52.7% 52.2% Three years later 54.2% 50.9% 54.4% 67.2% 66.7% 70.8% 62.4% 60.0% Four years later 60.8% 59.1% 66.3% 72.0% 77.3% 78.6% 65.6% Five years later 67.0% 68.0% 69.8% 80.4% 82.8% 81.1% Six years later 74.0% 70.8% 80.0% 84.7% 84.6% Seven years later 76.3% 80.6% 84.9% 86.0% Eight years later 85.9% 85.1% 86.1% Nine years later 89.5% 86.3% Ten years later 90.7%
The following is a reconciliation of the net liability to the gross liability for unpaid losses and LAE.
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- As originally estimated: Net liability shown above $2,113 $2,187 $3,393 $3,404 $3,489 $3,305 $3,224 $3,192 $3,253 $3,400 Add reinsurance recoverables 611 730 704 720 736 1,468 1,571 1,324 1,525 1,804 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Gross liability $2,724 $2,917 $4,097 $4,124 $4,225 $4,773 $4,795 $4,516 $4,778 $5,204 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== As re-estimated at December 31, 2002: Net liability shown above $2,464 $2,545 $3,654 $3,667 $3,687 $3,172 $3,194 $3,355 $3,424 Add reinsurance recoverables 956 885 1,126 1,142 1,219 1,841 1,942 1,569 1,681 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Gross liability $3,420 $3,430 $4,780 $4,809 $4,906 $5,013 $5,136 $4,924 $5,105 N/A ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== === Gross cumulative deficiency (redundancy) 25.5% 17.7% 16.7% 16.6% 16.1% 5.0% 7.1% 9.0% 6.8% N/A ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ===
13 These tables do not present accident or policy year development data. Furthermore, in evaluating the re-estimated liability and cumulative deficiency (redundancy), it should be noted that each percentage includes the effects of changes in amounts for prior periods. For example, AFG's $100 million special charge for A&E claims related to losses recorded in 2001, but incurred before 1992, is included in the re-estimated liability and cumulative deficiency (redundancy) percentage for each of the previous years shown. Conditions and trends that have affected development of the liability in the past may not necessarily exist in the future. Accordingly, it may not be appropriate to extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based on this table. The adverse development in the tables is due primarily to A&E exposures for which AFG has been held liable under general liability policies written years ago where such coverage was not intended. Other factors affecting development included higher than projected inflation on medical, hospitalization, material, repair and replacement costs. Additionally, changes in the legal environment have influenced the development patterns over the past ten years. For example, changes in the California workers' compensation law in 1993 and subsequent court decisions, primarily in late 1996, greatly limited the ability of insurers to challenge medical assessments and treatments. These limitations, together with changes in work force characteristics and medical delivery costs, are contributing to an increase in claims severity. The differences between the liability for losses and LAE reported in the annual statements filed with the state insurance departments in accordance with statutory accounting principles ("SAP") and that reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP at December 31, 2002 are as follows (in millions): Liability reported on a SAP basis, net of $238 million of retroactive reinsurance $3,368 Additional discounting of GAAP reserves in excess of the statutory limitation for SAP reserves (13) Reserves of foreign operations 7 Reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance 1,804 Reclassification of allowance for uncollectible Reinsurance 38 ------ Liability reported on a GAAP basis $5,204 ====== ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES ("A&E") In addressing asbestos and environmental reserves, the insurance industry typically includes claims relating to polluted waste sites and asbestos as well as other mass tort claims such as those relating to breast implants, repetitive stress on keyboards, DES (a drug used in pregnancies years ago alleged to cause cancer and birth defects) and other latent injuries. 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 these uncertainties, see Management's Discussion and Analysis -"Uncertainties - Asbestos and Environmental-related Reserves", and "Special A&E Charge" and Note K - "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Financial Statements. The survival ratio, which is an industry measure of A&E claim reserves, is derived by dividing reserves for A&E exposures by annual paid losses. At December 31, 2002, AFG's three year survival ratio (after adjusting for the sale of Stonewall and excluding amounts associated with the A.P. Green settlement) is approximately 22.4 times paid losses for the remaining asbestos reserves and 11.6 times paid losses for total A&E reserves. In October 2002, A.M. Best reported its estimate that the property and casualty insurance industry's three year survival ratio for A&E reserves was approximately 7.2 times paid losses at December 31, 2001. 14 The following table (in millions) is a progression of A&E reserves. 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Reserves at beginning of year $446.8 $357.7 $576.7 Incurred losses and LAE (a) 48.6 108.0 (1.9) Paid losses and LAE (28.7) (28.1) (48.7) Reserves not classified as A&E prior to 2001: Reserves - 1.4 - Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance applicable to ceded A&E reserves - 7.8 - Reserves transferred with sale of Stonewall - - (168.4) ------ ------ ------ Reserves at end of year, net of reinsurance recoverable 466.7 446.8 357.7 Reinsurance recoverable, net of allowance 105.1 101.4 105.7 ------ ----- ------ Gross reserves at end of year $571.8 $548.2 $463.4 ====== ====== ====== (a) Includes $30 million in 2002 related to the settlement of the A.P. Green asbestos litigation and a special charge of $100 million in 2001. ANNUITY AND LIFE OPERATIONS GENERAL AFG's annuity and life operations are conducted through Great American Financial Resources, Inc. ("GAFRI"), a holding company which markets retirement products, primarily fixed and variable annuities, and various forms of life and supplemental health insurance through the following subsidiaries which were acquired in the years shown. GAFRI and its subsidiaries employ approximately 1,600 persons. Great American Life Insurance Company ("GALIC") - 1992(*) Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company ("AILIC") - 1994 Loyal American Life Insurance Company ("Loyal") - 1995 Great American Life Assurance Company of Puerto Rico ("GAPR") - 1997 United Teacher Associates Insurance Company ("UTA") - 1999 Manhattan National Life Insurance Company ("MNL") - 2002 (*) Acquired from Great American Insurance. Acquisitions in recent years have supplemented GAFRI's internal growth as the assets of the holding company and its operating subsidiaries have increased from $4.5 billion at the end of 1992 to $9.3 billion at the end of 2002. Premiums over the last three years were as follows (in millions): Insurance Product(*) 2002 2001 2000 ----------------- ---- ---- ---- Annuities $1,001 $ 751 $ 747 Life and supplemental health 313 310 261 ------ ------ ------ $1,314 $1,061 $1,008 ====== ====== ====== ----------------- (*) Table does not include premiums of subsidiaries or divisions until their first full year following acquisition or formation. ANNUITIES GAFRI's principal retirement products are Flexible Premium Deferred Annuities ("FPDAs") and Single Premium Deferred Annuities ("SPDAs"). Annuities are long-term retirement saving instruments that benefit from income accruing on a tax-deferred basis. The issuer of the annuity collects premiums, credits interest or earnings on the policy and pays out a benefit upon death, surrender or annuitization. FPDAs are characterized by premium payments that are flexible in both amount and timing as determined by the policyholder. SPDAs are issued in exchange for a one-time lump-sum premium payment. 15 The following table (in millions) presents combined financial information of GAFRI's principal annuity operations. 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- GAAP Basis Total Assets $8,014 $7,456 $7,052 Fixed Annuity Reserves 6,111 5,632 5,365 Variable Annuity Reserves 455 530 534 Stockholder's Equity 1,139 1,023 915 Statutory Basis Total Assets $7,319 $6,896 $6,620 Fixed Annuity Reserves 6,192 5,729 5,536 Variable Annuity Reserves 455 530 534 Capital and Surplus 419 388 363 Asset Valuation Reserve (a) 63 79 77 Interest Maintenance Reserve (a) 27 11 3 Annuity Receipts: Flexible Premium: First Year $ 60 $ 67 $ 71 Renewal 191 176 157 ------ ------ ------ 251 243 228 Single Premium 750 508 519 ------ ------ ------ Total Annuity Receipts $1,001 $ 751 $ 747 ====== ====== ====== (a) Allocation of surplus. Sales of annuities are affected by many factors, including: (i) competitive annuity products and rates; (ii) the general level of interest rates; (iii) the favorable tax treatment of annuities; (iv) commissions paid to agents; (v) services offered; (vi) ratings from independent insurance rating agencies; (vii) other alternative investments; (viii) performance of the equity markets and (ix) general economic conditions. At December 31, 2002, GAFRI had over 300,000 annuity policies in force. Annuity contracts are generally classified as either fixed rate (including equity-indexed) or variable. The following table presents premiums by classification: 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Premiums -------- Traditional fixed 77% 68% 50% Variable 18 27 43 Equity-indexed 5 5 7 --- --- --- 100% 100% 100% === === === With a traditional fixed rate annuity, the interest crediting rate is initially set by the issuer and thereafter may be changed from time to time by the issuer subject to any guaranteed minimum interest crediting rates or any guaranteed term in the policy. GAFRI seeks to maintain a desired spread between the yield on its investment portfolio and the rate it credits to its fixed rate annuities. GAFRI accomplishes this by: (i) offering crediting rates which it has the option to change after any initial guarantee period; (ii) designing annuity products that encourage persistency and (iii) maintaining an appropriate matching of assets and liabilities. GAFRI designs its products with certain provisions to encourage policyholders to maintain their funds with GAFRI for at least five to ten years. Virtually all of GAFRI's traditional fixed rate annuities offer a minimum interest rate guarantee of 3% or 4% (as determined by applicable law); the majority permit GAFRI to change the crediting rate at any time (subject to the minimum guaranteed interest rates). In determining the frequency and extent of changes in the crediting rate, GAFRI takes into account the economic environment and the relative competitive position of its products. Historically, management has been able to react to changes in market interest rates and maintain a desired interest 16 rate spread. The recent interest rate environment has resulted in a compression of the spread, which could continue at least through 2003. Sales of GAFRI's fixed rate annuities have increased over the past three years, due to the weak stock market environment, as well as the development of new products. In addition to traditional fixed rate annuities, GAFRI offers variable and equity-indexed annuities. Industry sales of such annuities increased substantially in the 1990's as investors sought to obtain the returns available in the equity markets while enjoying the tax-deferred status of annuities. With a variable annuity, the earnings credited to the policy vary based on the investment results of the underlying investment options chosen by the policyholder, generally without any guarantee of principal except in the case of death of the insured annuitant. Premiums directed to the variable options in policies issued by GAFRI are invested in funds maintained in separate accounts managed by various independent investment managers. GAFRI earns a fee on amounts deposited into variable accounts. Policyholders may also choose to direct all or a portion of their premiums to various fixed rate options, in which case GAFRI earns a spread on amounts deposited. With the downturn in the stock market during the past three years, industry wide sales of variable annuities, including GAFRI's sales, have decreased substantially. An equity-indexed fixed annuity provides policyholders with a crediting rate tied, in part, to the performance of an existing stock market index while protecting them against the related downside risk through a guarantee of principal. GAFRI purchases call options designed to offset substantially all of the increase in the liabilities associated with equity-indexed annuities. In 2002, GAFRI chose to suspend new sales of equity-indexed annuities due primarily to a lack of volume. No individual state accounted for more than 10% of GAFRI's annuity premiums in the past three years except as follows: 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- California 16% 17% 24% Washington 10 - - Ohio - 13 - GAFRI's FPDAs are sold primarily to employees of not-for-profit and commercial organizations who are eligible to save for retirement through contributions made on a before-tax or after-tax basis. Contributions are made at the discretion of the participants through payroll deductions or through tax-free "rollovers" of funds from other qualified investments. Federal income taxes are not payable on pretax contributions or earnings until amounts are withdrawn. GAFRI distributes its fixed rate products primarily through a network of 130 managing general agents ("MGAs") who, in turn, direct more than 1,300 actively producing independent agents. The top 15 MGAs accounted for nearly two-thirds of GAFRI's fixed annuity premiums in 2002. No one MGA represented more than 9% of total fixed annuity premiums in 2002. In addition, GAFRI offers all of its annuity product lines through financial institutions. Sales of annuities through financial institutions were approximately 6% of total annuity premiums in 2002. In 2002, GAFRI exited the highly competitive single premium, non-qualified segment of the variable annuity market due primarily to insufficient returns and a lack of critical mass. GAFRI intends to redesign its variable product and offer it as an ancillary product solely through its fixed annuity sales channels. Approximately one-third of GAFRI's variable annuity sales in 2002 were made through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Great American Advisors, Inc. ("GAA"). GAA is a broker/dealer licensed in all 50 states to sell stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds and variable insurance contracts through independent representatives and financial institutions. GAA also acts as the principal underwriter and distributor for GAFRI's variable annuity products. 17 LIFE AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE GAFRI offers a variety of life and supplemental health products through GALIC's life operations, MNL, Loyal, GAPR and UTA. This group produced $313 million of statutory premiums in 2002. GALIC offers traditional term, universal and whole life insurance products through national marketing organizations. In 2002, GAFRI issued over $8.0 billion gross ($1.9 billion net) face amount of insurance through its life operations; at year-end 2002, this operation had approximately 228,000 policies and $39 billion gross ($12 billion net) face amount of insurance in force. UTA, provides supplemental health products and annuities through independent agents. UTA's principal health products include coverage for Medicare supplement, cancer and long-term care. In 2000, UTA purchased a block of approximately 50,000 Medicare supplement and cancer policies. Loyal offers a variety of supplemental health and life products. The principal products sold by Loyal include cancer, accidental injury, short-term disability, hospital indemnity, universal life and traditional whole life. In 2001, Loyal reinsured a substantial portion of its life insurance business, reduced its operating expenses, and redirected its marketing efforts in that line of business. In 2002, Loyal's operations were consolidated with UTA's operations. At year-end 2002, GAFRI's operating units writing supplemental insurance products had assets of nearly $800 million and approximately 354,000 policies with annualized health premiums in force of $185 million and gross life insurance in force of $1.4 billion. GAPR sells in-home service life and supplemental health products through a network of company-employed agents. Ordinary life, cancer, credit and group life products are sold through independent agents. INDEPENDENT RATINGS GAFRI's principal insurance subsidiaries are rated by A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. In addition, GALIC is rated A+ (strong) by Fitch and A3 (good financial security) by Moody's. Such ratings are generally based on concerns of policyholders and agents and are not directed toward the protection of investors. Following are the ratings as of March 1, 2003: Standard A.M. Best & Poor's ------------- --------- GALIC A (Excellent) A-(Strong) AILIC A (Excellent) A-(Strong) Loyal A (Excellent) Not rated UTA A-(Excellent) Not rated GAPR A (Excellent) Not rated GAFRI believes that the ratings assigned by independent insurance rating agencies are important because potential policyholders often use a company's rating as an initial screening device in considering annuity products. GAFRI believes that (i) a rating of "A" by A.M. Best (its third highest rating) is necessary to successfully market tax-deferred annuities to public education employees and other not-for-profit groups and (ii) a rating in the "A" category by at least one rating agency is necessary to successfully compete in other annuity markets. GAFRI's insurance ratings were recently affirmed by Fitch (with a stable outlook), and affirmed by Moody's (with a negative outlook); its ratings were downgraded by Standard & Poor's (with a negative outlook). GAFRI's operations could be materially and adversely affected by additional downgrades. In connection with recent reviews by independent rating agencies, management indicated that it intends to maintain the capital of its significant insurance subsidiaries at levels currently indicated by the rating agencies as appropriate for the current ratings. Items which could adversely affect capital levels include (i) a sustained decrease in the stock market in 2003 or beyond; (ii) a significant period of low interest rates and a resulting significant narrowing of annuity "spread"; (iii) investment impairments; (iv) a change in statutory reserving requirements for guaranteed 18 minimum death benefits on variable annuities, (v) adverse mortality, and (vi) higher than planned dividends paid due to liquidity needs by GAFRI's holding companies. COMPETITION GAFRI's insurance companies operate in highly competitive markets. They compete with other insurers and financial institutions based on many factors, including: (i) ratings; (ii) financial strength; (iii) reputation; (iv) service to policyholders and agents; (v) product design (including interest rates credited and premium rates charged); and (vi) commissions. Since policies are marketed and distributed primarily through independent agents (except at GAPR), the insurance companies must also compete for agents. No single insurer dominates the markets in which GAFRI's insurance companies compete. Competitors include (i) individual insurers and insurance groups, (ii) mutual funds and (iii) other financial institutions. In a broader sense, GAFRI's insurance companies compete for retirement savings with a variety of financial institutions offering a full range of financial services. Financial institutions have demonstrated a growing interest in marketing investment and savings products other than traditional deposit accounts. OTHER COMPANIES Through subsidiaries, AFG is engaged in a variety of other operations, including The Golf Center at Kings Island in the Greater Cincinnati area; commercial real estate operations in Cincinnati (office buildings and The Cincinnatian Hotel), New Orleans (Le Pavillon Hotel), Cape Cod (Chatham Bars Inn), Austin (Driskill Hotel), Chesapeake Bay (Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort), Charleston (Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina) and apartments in Louisville, Pittsburgh, St. Paul and Tampa Bay. These operations employ approximately 800 full-time employees. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO GENERAL The following tables present the percentage distribution and yields of AFG's investment portfolio (excluding investment in equity securities of investee corporations) as reflected in its financial statements.
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Cash and Short-term Investments 6.4% 4.5% 3.8% 3.5% 2.6% Fixed Maturities: U.S. Government and Agencies 9.9 8.3 4.7 4.9 4.4 State and Municipal 4.3 3.4 3.6 2.7 1.2 Public Utilities 7.6 6.4 5.5 5.1 6.0 Mortgage-Backed Securities 22.8 21.8 22.7 22.0 20.8 Corporate and Other 39.6 47.3 51.4 55.3 53.0 Redeemable Preferred Stocks .4 .5 .5 .6 .5 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 84.6 87.7 88.4 90.6 85.9 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 3.3 1.3 .1 (2.1) 3.5 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 87.9 89.0 88.5 88.5 89.4 Other Stocks, Options and Warrants 2.2 2.6 3.4 3.7 3.7 Policy Loans 1.6 1.7 1.9 1.9 1.9 Real Estate and Other Investments 1.9 2.2 2.4 2.4 2.4 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== Yield on Fixed Income Securities (a): Excluding realized gains and losses 7.2% 7.6% 7.7% 7.7% 7.8% Including realized gains and losses 6.6% 7.5% 7.4% 7.6% 8.0% Yield on Stocks (a): Excluding realized gains and losses 5.4% 4.5% 5.0% 5.9% 5.4% Including realized gains and losses (4.6%) (.3%) 3.9% 20.7% (5.3%) Yield on Investments (a)(b): Excluding realized gains and losses 7.1% 7.6% 7.6% 7.7% 7.8% Including realized gains and losses 6.5% 7.4% 7.4% 7.9% 7.8%
(a) Excludes effects of changes in unrealized gains. (b) Excludes "Real Estate and Other Investments". The table below compares total returns on AFG's fixed income and equity securities to comparable public indices. While there are no directly comparable indices to AFG's portfolio, the two shown below are widely used benchmarks in the industry. Both AFG's performance and the indices include changes in unrealized gains and losses.
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Yield on fixed income securities 9.2% 8.8% 9.8% 1.6% 8.1% Lehman Universal Bond Index 9.8% 8.1% 10.8% 0.2% 7.3% Yield on equity securities (4.6%) (46.3%) 18.1% 1.8% (43.4%) Standard & Poors 500 Index (22.1%) (11.9%) (9.1%) 21.0% 28.6%
19 FIXED MATURITY INVESTMENTS AFG's bond portfolio is invested primarily in taxable bonds. The NAIC assigns quality ratings which range from Class 1 (highest quality) to Class 6 (lowest quality). The following table shows AFG's bonds and redeemable preferred stocks, by NAIC designation (and comparable Standard & Poor's Corporation rating) as of December 31, 2002 (dollars in millions). Market Value NAIC Amortized ------------------ Rating Comparable S&P Rating Cost Amount % ------ --------------------- --------- --------- --- 1 AAA, AA, A $ 8,335 $ 8,772 73% 2 BBB 2,304 2,395 20 ------- ------- --- Total investment grade 10,639 11,167 93 ------- ------- --- 3 BB 495 435 4 4 B 299 292 2 5 CCC, CC, C 76 74 1 6 D 41 39 * ------- ------- --- Total noninvestment grade 911 840 7 ------- ------- --- Total $11,550 $12,007 100% ======= ======= === ----------------- (*) Less than 1% Risks inherent in connection with fixed income securities include loss upon default and market price volatility. Factors which can affect the market price of securities include: creditworthiness, changes in interest rates, the number of market makers and investors and defaults by major issuers of securities. AFG's primary investment objective for fixed maturities is to earn interest and dividend income rather than to realize capital gains. AFG invests in bonds and redeemable preferred stocks that have primarily intermediate-term maturities. This practice allows flexibility in reacting to fluctuations of interest rates. EQUITY INVESTMENTS At December 31, 2002, AFG held $300 million in stocks and warrants; approximately 63% represents an investment in Provident Financial Group, Inc., a Cincinnati-based commercial banking and financial services company; another 12% consists of three investments of more than $8 million each. Such equity investments, because of their size, may not be as readily marketable as the typical small investment position. Alternatively, a large equity position may be attractive to persons seeking to control or influence the policies of a company. FOREIGN OPERATIONS AFG sells life and supplemental health products in Puerto Rico and property and casualty products in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Europe and Asia. In addition, GAFRI has an office in India where employees perform computer programming and certain back office functions. Less than 3% of AFG's revenues and costs and expenses are derived from sources outside of the United States. REGULATION AFG's insurance company subsidiaries are subject to regulation in the jurisdictions where they do business. In general, the insurance laws of the various states establish regulatory agencies with broad administrative powers governing, among other things, premium rates, solvency standards, licensing of insurers, agents and brokers, trade practices, forms of policies, maintenance of specified reserves and capital for the protection of policyholders, deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders, investment activities and relationships between insurance subsidiaries and their parents and affiliates. Material transactions between insurance subsidiaries and their parents and affiliates generally must be disclosed and prior approval of the applicable insurance regulatory authorities generally is required for any such transaction which may be deemed to be material or extraordinary. In addition, while differing from state to state, these regulations typically restrict the maximum amount of dividends that may be paid by an insurer to its shareholders in 20 any twelve-month period without advance regulatory approval. Such limitations are generally based on net earnings or statutory surplus. Under applicable restrictions, the maximum amount of dividends available to AFG in 2003 from its insurance subsidiaries without seeking regulatory clearance is approximately $24 million. During 2002, those companies received approval and paid $92 million in dividends in excess of the applicable limitation. Changes in state insurance laws and regulations have the potential to materially affect the revenues and expenses of the insurance operations. For example, between July 1993 and January 1995, the California Commissioner ordered reductions in workers' compensation insurance premium rates totaling more than 30% and subsequently replaced the workers' compensation insurance minimum rate law with an "open rating" policy. The Company is unable to predict whether or when other state insurance laws or regulations may be adopted or enacted or what the impact of such developments would be on the future operations and revenues of its insurance businesses. Most states have created insurance guaranty associations to provide for the payment of claims of insurance companies that become insolvent. Annual assessments for AFG's insurance companies have not been material. In addition, many states have created "assigned risk" plans or similar arrangements to provide state mandated minimum levels of automobile liability coverage to drivers whose driving records or other relevant characteristics make it difficult for them to obtain insurance otherwise. Automobile insurers in those states are required to provide such coverage to a proportionate number of those drivers applying as assigned risks. Premium rates for assigned risk business are established by the regulators of the particular state plan and are frequently inadequate in relation to the risks insured, resulting in underwriting losses. Assigned risks accounted for less than one percent of AFG's net written premiums in 2002. The NAIC is an organization which is comprised of the chief insurance regulator for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The NAIC model law for Risk Based Capital applies to both life and property and casualty companies. The risk-based capital formulas determine the amount of capital that an insurance company needs to ensure that it has an acceptably low expectation of becoming financially impaired. The model law provides for increasing levels of regulatory intervention as the ratio of an insurer's total adjusted capital and surplus decreases relative to its risk-based capital, culminating with mandatory control of the operations of the insurer by the domiciliary insurance department at the so-called "mandatory control level". At December 31, 2002, the capital ratios of all AFG insurance companies substantially exceeded the risk-based capital requirements. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM 2 PROPERTIES ---------- Subsidiaries of AFG own several buildings in downtown Cincinnati. AFG and its affiliates occupy about three-fourths of the aggregate 660,000 square feet of commercial and office space. AFG's insurance subsidiaries lease the majority of their office and storage facilities in numerous cities throughout the United States, including Great American's and GAFRI's home offices in Cincinnati. A GAFRI subsidiary owns a 40,000 square foot office building in Austin, Texas, most of which is used by the company for its operations. AFG subsidiaries own transferable rights to develop approximately 1.3 million square feet of floor space in the Grand Central Terminal area in New York City. The development rights were derived from ownership of the land upon which the terminal is constructed. Since the beginning of 1999, AFG has sold approximately 420,000 square feet of such air rights for total consideration of $22.2 million. 21 ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ----------------- Please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" following the Index in front of this Form 10-K. AFG and its subsidiaries are involved in various litigation, most of which arose in the ordinary course of business, including litigation alleging bad faith in dealing with policyholders and challenging certain business practices of insurance subsidiaries. Except for the following, management believes that none of the litigation meets the threshold for disclosure under this Item. AFG's insurance company subsidiaries and American Premier are parties to litigation and receive claims asserting alleged injuries and damages from asbestos, environmental and other substances and workplace hazards and have established loss accruals for such potential liabilities. The ultimate loss for these claims may vary materially from amounts currently recorded as the conditions surrounding resolution of these claims continue to change. American Premier is a party or named as a potentially responsible party in a number of proceedings and claims by regulatory agencies and private parties under various environmental protection laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), seeking to impose responsibility on American Premier for hazardous waste remediation costs at certain railroad sites formerly owned by its predecessor, Penn Central Transportation Company ("PCTC"), and at certain other sites where hazardous waste allegedly generated by PCTC's railroad operations and APU's former manufacturing operations is present. It is difficult to estimate American Premier's liability for remediation costs at these sites for a number of reasons, including the number and financial resources of other potentially responsible parties involved at a given site, the varying availability of evidence by which to allocate responsibility among such parties, the wide range of costs for possible remediation alternatives, changing technology and the period of time over which these matters develop. Nevertheless, American Premier believes that its accruals for potential environmental liabilities are adequate to cover the probable amount of such liabilities, based on American Premier's estimates of remediation costs and related expenses and its estimates of the portions of such costs that will be borne by other parties. Such estimates are based on information currently available to American Premier and are subject to future change as additional information becomes available. American Premier seeks reimbursement from certain insurers for portions of whatever remediation costs it incurs. As previously reported, Great American Insurance Company and certain other insurers have been parties to asbestos-related coverage litigation under insurance policies issued during the 1970's and 1980's to Bigelow-Liptak Corporation and related companies, subsequently known as A.P. Green Industries, Inc. ("A.P. Green"). These claims (some of which are direct actions against Great American) allege that the refractory materials manufactured, sold or installed by A.P. Green contained asbestos and resulted in bodily injury from exposure to asbestos. A.P. Green has sought to recover defense and indemnity expenses related to those claims from a number of insurers, including Great American, and in an effort to maximize coverage has asserted that Great American's policies are not subject to aggregate limits on liability, and that each insurer is liable for all sums that A.P. Green becomes legally obliged to pay. In February 2002, A.P. Green filed petitions for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (In Re Global Industrial Technologies, Inc., et al, filed February 14, 2002). Prior to the bankruptcy filing, Great American sought to have these coverage issues decided as part of the contribution and declaratory judgment action that it brought several years earlier (Great American Insurance Company, et al v. The Royal Insurance Company, et al, United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, filed January 29, 1998) (the "District Court Action"). The bankruptcy filing, however, stayed the District Court action. In March 2002, Great American and other insurers filed a motion in the Bankruptcy Court to modify the stay so as to permit the District Court action to 22 proceed. During the same month, A.P. Green filed adversary proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court to decide the coverage issues. In June of 2002, the Bankruptcy Court entered orders continuing proceedings on both the stay motion and the adversary proceeding and referred the insurance coverage dispute to non-binding mediation. The mediation resulted in the negotiated settlement discussed below. On February 19, 2003, AFG announced that Great American Insurance Company has entered into an agreement for the settlement of the A.P. Green litigation. The settlement is for $123.5 million (Great American has the option to pay in cash or over time with 5.25% interest), all but $30 million of which will be covered by reserves established prior to September 30, 2002, and anticipated reinsurance recoverables. The remaining $30 million has been recorded as of December 31, 2002. The agreement allows up to 10% of the settlement to be paid in AFG Common Stock. The settlement, however, is subject to a number of contingencies, including approval of the Bankruptcy Court supervising the reorganization of A.P. Green and subsequent confirmation of a plan of reorganization that includes an injunction prohibiting the assertion against Great American of any present or future asbestos personal injury claims under policies issued to A.P. Green and related companies. This process could take a year or more and no assurance can be made that all of these consents and approvals will be obtained; no payments are required until completion of the process. If not obtained, the outcome of this litigation will again be subject to the complexities and uncertainties associated with a Chapter 11 proceeding and asbestos coverage litigation. UTA was named a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit. (Peggy Berry, et al. v. United Teacher Associates Insurance Company, Travis County District Court, Case No. GN100461, filed February 11, 2001). The complaint sought unspecified damages based on the alleged misleading disclosure of UTA's interest crediting practices on its fixed rate annuities. UTA has entered into an agreement to resolve this matter. The settlement is subject to approval of the trial court. The resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material impact on UTA. 23 PART II ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS --------------------------------------------------------------------- Please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" following the Index in front of this Form 10-K. AFG Common Stock has been listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFG. The information presented in the table below represents the high and low sales prices per share reported on the NYSE Composite Tape. 2002 2001 -------------------- --------------------- High Low High Low ------ ------ ------ ------ First Quarter $28.81 $22.85 $29.00 $21.80 Second Quarter 30.30 22.51 30.30 23.30 Third Quarter 26.30 17.90 30.75 18.35 Fourth Quarter 24.80 20.82 25.33 20.20 There were approximately 13,200 shareholders of record of AFG Common Stock at March 1, 2003. In 2002 and 2001, AFG declared and paid quarterly dividends of $.125 and $.25 per share, respectively. AFG reduced the annual dividends on its Common Stock from $1.00 to $.50 per share beginning in 2002 in order to retain available capital to grow its profitable insurance operations and build long-term value. The ability of AFG to pay dividends will be dependent upon, among other things, the availability of dividends and payments under intercompany tax allocation agreements from its insurance company subsidiaries. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION The following reflects certain information about shares of AFG Common Stock authorized for issuance (at December 31, 2002) under compensation plans.
Number of securities available for future Number of securities issuance under equity to be issued upon Weighted-average compensation plans exercise of exercise price of (excluding securities Equity Compensation Plans outstanding options outstanding options reflected in column (a)) ------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------------ (a) (b) (c) Approved by shareholders 6,982,562 $27.58 5,007,936 (1) Not approved by shareholders none n/a 497,860 (2)
(1) Includes options exercisable into 2.7 million shares available for issuance under AFG's Stock Option Plan, 2.2 million shares issuable under AFG's Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 79,265 shares issuable under AFG's Nonemployee Directors' Compensation Plan. (2) Represents shares issuable under AFG's Deferred Compensation Plan. Under this Plan, certain highly compensated employees of AFG and its subsidiaries may defer up to 80% of their annual salary and/or bonus. Participants may elect to have the value of deferrals (i) earn a fixed rate of interest, set annually by the Board of Directors, or (ii) fluctuate based on the market value of AFG Common Stock, as adjusted to reflect stock splits, distributions, dividends, and a 7-1/2% match to participant deferrals. 24 ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth certain data for the periods indicated (dollars in millions, except per share data).
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Earnings Statement Data: ----------------------- Total Revenues $3,750 $3,924 $3,817 $3,360 $4,082 Operating Earnings Before Income Taxes 178 56 110 302 274 Earnings (Loss) Before Extraordinary Items and Accounting Changes 125 (5) (47) 147 125 Extraordinary Items - - - (2) (1) Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes (a) (40) (10) (9) (4) - Net Earnings (Loss) 85 (15) (56) 141 124 Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share: Earnings (Loss) Before Extraordinary Items and Accounting Changes $1.82 ($.07) ($.80) $2.46 $2.04 Net Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shares 1.23 (.22) (.95) 2.37 2.03 Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share: Earnings (Loss) Before Extraordinary Items and Accounting Changes $1.81 ($.07) ($.80) $2.44 $2.01 Net Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shares 1.22 (.22) (.95) 2.35 2.00 Cash Dividends Paid Per Share of Common Stock $.50 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (b): Including Annuity Benefits 1.37 1.06 1.18 1.71 1.65 Excluding Annuity Benefits 2.42 1.21 1.63 3.36 3.22 Balance Sheet Data: ------------------ Total Assets $19,505 $17,402 $16,416 $16,054 $15,845 Long-term Debt: Holding Companies 648 609 585 493 415 Subsidiaries 297 271 195 240 177 Minority Interest 471 455 508 489 522 Shareholders' Equity 1,726 1,498 1,549 1,340 1,716
(a) Reflects the implementation in the following years of accounting changes mandated by recently enacted accounting standards: 2002 - SFAS #142 (Goodwill and Other Intangibles) 2001 - EITF 99-20 (Asset-backed Securities) 2000 - SFAS #133 (Derivatives) 1999 - SOP 98-5 (Start-up Costs) (b) 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 (including or excluding interest credited to annuity policyholders' accounts as indicated), 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. Although the ratio of earnings to fixed charges excluding interest on annuities is not required or encouraged to be disclosed under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, some investors and lenders may not consider interest credited to annuity policyholders' accounts a borrowing cost for an insurance company, and accordingly, believe this ratio is meaningful. 25 ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ------------------------------------------------ Please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" following the Index in front of this Form 10-K. GENERAL Following is a discussion and analysis of the financial statements and other statistical data that management believes will enhance the understanding of AFG's financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements beginning on page F-1. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant accounting policies are summarized in Note A to the financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that can have a significant effect on amounts reported in the financial statements. As more information becomes known, these estimates and assumptions could change and thus impact amounts reported in the future. Management believes that the establishment of insurance reserves, especially asbestos and environmental-related reserves, and the determination of "other than temporary" impairment on investments are the two areas where the degree of judgment required to determine amounts recorded in the financial statements make the accounting policies critical. For further discussion of these policies, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Investments" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Uncertainties." LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES RATIOS AFG's debt to total capital ratio (at the parent holding company level) was approximately 25% at December 31, 2002, compared to 27% at December 31, 2001. AFG used a portion of the proceeds from the Infinity sale in February 2003 to repay parent debt. Adjusting to reflect this repayment reduces the ratio to 21% at December 31, 2002. AFG's ratio of earnings to fixed charges, including annuity benefits as a fixed charge, was 1.37 for the year ended December 31, 2002. Excluding annuity benefits, this ratio was 2.42 for 2002. Although not required to be disclosed, the ratio excluding interest on annuities is presented because interest credited to annuity policyholder accounts is not always considered a borrowing cost for an insurance company. 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, 2002, the capital ratios of all AFG insurance companies substantially exceeded the RBC requirements (the lowest capital ratio of any AFG subsidiary was 2.3 times its authorized control level RBC; weighted average of all AFG subsidiaries was 5.0 times). SOURCES OF FUNDS AFG, 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. 26 The parent holding companies have a reciprocal Master Credit Agreement under which these companies make funds available to each other for general corporate purposes. In November 2002, AFC replaced its $300 million bank credit line with a new bank credit agreement. Currently, AFC may borrow up to $280 million under the new agreement; the line may be expanded to $300 million through the end of 2003. The new line consists of two facilities: a 364-day revolving facility, extendable annually, for one-third of the total line and a three-year revolving facility for the remaining two-thirds. Amounts borrowed bear interest at rates ranging from 1.25% to 2.25% over LIBOR based on AFG's credit rating. This credit agreement provides ample liquidity and can be used to obtain funds for operating subsidiaries or, if necessary, for the parent companies. At December 31, 2002, there was $248 million borrowed under the agreement. At March 14, 2003, there was $95 million borrowed under the line. In December 2000, AFG issued 8.3 million shares of Common Stock, using the $155 million in net cash proceeds to make capital contributions to its property and casualty operations. All debentures issued by the parent holding companies and GAFRI are rated investment grade by three nationally recognized rating agencies. Under a currently effective shelf registration statement, AFG can issue up to an aggregate of approximately $340 million in additional Common Stock, debt or trust securities. The shelf registration provides AFG with greater flexibility to access the capital markets from time to time as market and other conditions permit. For statutory accounting purposes, equity securities of non-affiliates are generally carried at market value. At December 31, 2002, AFG's insurance companies owned publicly traded equity securities with a market value of $297 million. In addition, Great American owns GAFRI common stock with a market value of $603 million and a carrying value of $422 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 AFG's consolidated assets are invested in marketable securities. AFG's investment portfolio at December 31, 2002, contained $12 billion in "Fixed maturities" and $300 million in "Other stocks", all carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity on an after-tax basis. At December 31, 2002, AFG had pretax net unrealized gains of $457.2 million on fixed maturities and $125.8 million on other stocks. AFG attempts to optimize investment income while building the value of its portfolio, placing emphasis upon long-term performance. AFG'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 intermediate-term maturities with an objective of optimizing total return while allowing flexibility to react to changes in market conditions. At December 31, 2002, the average life of AFG's fixed maturities was about six years. Approximately 93% of the fixed maturities held by AFG were rated "investment grade" (credit rating of AAA to BBB) by nationally recognized rating agencies at December 31, 2002. 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 mortgage backed securities ("MBSs") represented approximately one-fourth of AFG's fixed maturities at December 31, 2002. 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 27 higher rate mortgages to take advantage of lower rates. Due to the significant decline in the general level of interest rates in 2002, AFG has experienced an increase in the level of prepayments on its MBSs; these prepayments have not been reinvested at interest rates comparable to the rates earned on the prepaid MBSs. Substantially all of AFG's MBSs are investment grade quality, with over 95% rated "AAA" at December 31, 2002. Summarized information for the unrealized gains and losses recorded in AFG's balance sheet at December 31, 2002, is shown in the following table (dollars in millions). Approximately $170 million of "Fixed maturities" and $21 million of "Other stocks" had no unrealized gains or losses at December 31, 2002. Securities Securities With With Unrealized Unrealized Gains Losses ---------- ---------- FIXED MATURITIES ---------------- Market value of securities $10,458 $1,379 Amortized cost of securities $ 9,868 $1,512 Gross unrealized gain (loss) $ 590 ($ 133) Market value as % of amortized cost 106% 91% Number of security positions 1,725 328 Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss 23 18 Concentration of gains (losses) by type or industry (exceeding 5% of unrealized): Mortgage-backed securities $ 134.6 ($ 9.1) Banks and savings institutions 55.2 (1.3) U.S. government and government agencies 49.5 (1.1) State and municipal 36.4 (5.6) Electric services 31.6 (15.2) Asset-backed securities 14.4 (10.6) Air transportation (generally collateralized) 5.3 (47.7) Percentage rated investment grade 97% 65% OTHER STOCKS ------------ Market value of securities $ 261 $ 18 Cost of securities $ 130 $ 23 Gross unrealized gain (loss) $ 131 ($ 5) Market value as % of cost 201% 78% Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss 3 1 AFG's investment in equity securities of Provident Financial Group, a Cincinnati-based commercial banking and financial services company, represents $117 million of the $131 million in unrealized gains on other stocks at December 31, 2002. At March 14, 2003, the unrealized gain on Provident was approximately $86 million. The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2002, based on their market values. Asset backed securities and other securities with sinking funds are reported at average maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers. Securities Securities with With Unrealized Unrealized MATURITY Gains Losses -------- ---------- ---------- One year or less 6% 5% After one year through five years 22 27 After five years through ten years 33 39 After ten years 10 17 --- --- 71 88 Mortgage-backed securities 29 12 --- --- 100% 100% === === 28 AFG realized aggregate losses of $11.1 million during 2002 on $72.9 million in sales of fixed maturity securities (14 issues; 12 issuers) that had individual unrealized losses greater than $500,000 at December 31, 2001. Market values of eleven of the securities increased an aggregate of $8 million from year-end 2001 to date of sale. The market value of one of the securities did not change from year-end 2001 to the date of sale. One of the securities was a Conseco bond that decreased in value by $5 million from year-end 2001 to the date of sale due to the continued decline in Conseco's financial condition. The market value of the remaining security decreased $920,000 from year-end 2001 to the sale date. Although AFG had the ability to continue holding these investments, its intent to hold them changed due primarily to deterioration in the issuers' creditworthiness, decisions to lessen exposure to a particular credit or industry, or to modify asset allocation within the portfolio. The table below (dollars in millions) summarizes the length of time securities have been in an unrealized gain or loss position at December 31, 2002.
Market Aggregate Aggregate Value as Market Unrealized % of Cost Value Gain (Loss) Basis ---------- ----------- --------- FIXED MATURITIES ---------------------------------------------- SECURITIES WITH UNREALIZED GAINS: Exceeding $500,000 at 12/31/02 and for: Less than one year (354 issues) $ 4,561 $327 108% More than one year (64 issues) 762 83 112 Less than $500,000 at 12/31/02 (1,307 issues) 5,135 180 104 ------- ---- $10,458 $590 106% ======= ==== SECURITIES WITH UNREALIZED LOSSES: Exceeding $500,000 at 12/31/02 and for: Less than one year (50 issues) $ 379 ($ 75) 84% More than one year (17 issues) 118 (35) 77 Less than $500,000 at 12/31/02 (261 issues) 882 (23) 98 ------- ---- $ 1,379 ($133) 91% ======= ==== OTHER STOCKS ----------------------------------------------- SECURITIES WITH UNREALIZED GAINS: Exceeding $500,000 at 12/31/02 and for: Less than one year (5 issues) $ 27 $ 7 135% More than one year (4 issues) 207 121 241 Less than $500,000 at 12/31/02 (66 issues) 27 3 113 ------- ---- $ 261 $131 201% ======= ==== SECURITIES WITH UNREALIZED LOSSES: Exceeding $500,000 at 12/31/02 and for: Less than one year (1 issue) $ 2 ($ 1) 67% More than one year (none) - - - Less than $500,000 at 12/31/02 (75 issues) 16 (4) 80 ------- ---- $ 18 ($ 5) 78% ======= ====
29 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. Based on its analysis of the factors enumerated above, management believes (i) AFG will recover its cost basis in the securities with unrealized losses and (ii) that AFG 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. While it is not possible to accurately predict if or when a specific security will become impaired, charges for other than temporary impairment could be material to results of operations in a future period. Management believes it is not likely that future impairment charges will have a significant effect on AFG's liquidity. 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 -------------- ----------- ----- ------ 2002 $112.7 ($179.4) ($12.4) ($79.1) 2001 89.8 (125.5) (b) 11.6 (24.1) 2000 (1.7) (27.5) 2.6 (26.6) 1999 37.5 (19.4) 2.1 20.2 1998 42.6 (34.6) (1.7) 6.3 (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 As more fully explained in the following paragraphs, management believes that the areas posing the greatest risk of material loss are the adequacy of its insurance reserves and American Premier's contingencies arising out of its former operations. PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE RESERVES The liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses was as follows (in millions): December 31, ------------------ 2002 2001 ---- ---- Specialty $3,712 $3,295 Personal 838 843 Other lines (including asbestos and environmental) 654 640 ------ ------ $5,204 $4,778 ====== ====== 30 The liabilities 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 periods 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 expense for investigating and adjusting claims; and (e) the current state of law and coverage litigation. Using these items as well as historical trends adjusted for changes in underwriting standards, policy provisions, product mix and other factors, company actuaries determine a single or "point" estimate which management utilizes in recording its best estimate of the liabilities. Ranges of loss reserves are not developed by company actuaries. 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 techniques, management utilizes items such as the effect of inflation on medical, hospitalization, material, repair and replacement costs, general economic trends and the legal environment. While current factors and reasonably likely changes in variable factors are considered in estimating the liability for unpaid losses, there is no method or system which can eliminate the risk of actual ultimate results differing from such estimates. Reserve development in recent years is quantified and discussed for major areas of AFG's property and casualty insurance operations in the pages that follow under "Results of Operations - Property and Casualty Insurance - Underwriting." Quarterly reviews of unpaid loss and LAE reserves are prepared using standard actuarial techniques. These may include: Case Incurred Development Method; Paid Development Method; Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method; and Incremental Paid LAE to Paid Loss Methods. Generally, data is segmented by major product or coverage within product using countrywide data; however, in some situations data may be reviewed by state for large volume states. ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL-RELATED ("A&E") RESERVES Establishing reserves for A&E claims relating to policies and participations in reinsurance treaties and former operations is subject to uncertainties that are significantly greater than those presented by other types of claims. For this group of claims, traditional actuarial techniques that rely on historical loss development trends cannot be used and a meaningful range of loss cannot be estimated. Case reserves and expense reserves are established by the claims department as specific policies are identified. In addition to the case reserves established for known claims, management establishes additional reserves for claims not yet known or reported and for possible development on known claims. These additional reserves are management's best estimate based on its review of industry trends and other industry information about such claims, with due consideration to individual claim situations like A.P. Green. Estimating ultimate liability for asbestos claims presents a unique and difficult challenge 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. While management believes that AFG's reserves for A&E claims are a reasonable estimate of ultimate liability for such claims, actual results may vary materially from the amounts currently recorded due to the difficulty in predicting the number of future claims and the impact of recent bankruptcy filings, and unresolved issues such as whether coverage exists, whether policies are subject to aggregate limits on coverage, whether claims are to be allocated among triggered policies and implicated years, and whether claimants who exhibit no signs of illness will be successful in pursuing their claims. In February 2003, Great American Insurance Company entered into an agreement for the settlement of asbestos related coverage litigation under insurance polices issued during the 1970's and 1980's to Bigelow-Liptak Corporation and related companies, subsequently known as A.P. Green Industries, Inc. ("A.P. Green"). Management believes that this settlement will enhance financial certainty and provides resolution to litigation that represents AFG's largest known asbestos-related claim and the only such claim that management believes to be material. The settlement is for $123.5 million (Great American has the option to pay in cash or over time with 5.25% interest), all but $30 million of which will be covered by reserves established prior to September 30, 2002, and anticipated reinsurance recoverables for this matter. As a result, AFG recorded a $30 million pretax charge ($19.5 million after tax) in the fourth quarter of 2002. The agreement allows up to 10% of the settlement to be paid in AFG Common Stock. 31 The settlement is subject to a number of contingencies, including the approval of the bankruptcy court supervising the reorganization of A.P. Green and subsequent confirmation of a plan of reorganization that includes an injunction prohibiting the assertion against Great American of any present or future asbestos personal injury claims under policies issued to A.P. Green and related companies. This process could take a year or more and no assurance can be made that all of these consents and approvals will be obtained; no payments are required until completion of the process. If not obtained, the outcome of this litigation will again be subject to the complexities and uncertainties associated with a Chapter 11 proceeding and asbestos coverage litigation. The payments, reserve balances and policy count information for asbestos, environmental and other mass torts were as follows (dollars in millions):
Net Net Amounts Reserve Policyholder Counts Paid in Balance (Direct and Assumed) ----------------------------------------- 2002 12/31/02 12/31/01 New Closed 12/31/02 ------- -------- -------- --- ------ -------- Asbestos $16.8 $302.3 429 82 39 472 Environmental 9.6 139.4 715 95 152 658 Other Mass Tort 2.3 25.0 109 23 28 104 ----- ------ ----- --- --- ----- Total $28.7 $466.7 1,253 200 219 1,234 ===== ====== ===== === === =====
Of the open asbestos accounts, approximately 270 are holders of policies written by AFG subsidiaries and approximately 200 represent assumed reinsurance business. The direct policyholders with asbestos claims consist of limited exposures, dominated by small to mid-sized commercial entities that are mostly regional policyholders with few national target defendants. With respect to non-products exposures, there are few accounts with potentially significant exposure, none of which is considered to be material to the Company. The assumed reinsurance business includes exposures for the periods 1954 to 1983. The asbestos and environmental assumed claims are ceded by various insurance companies under reinsurance treaties. A majority of the individual assumed claims have exposures of less than $100,000 to AFG. Asbestos losses assumed include some of the industry known manufacturers, distributors and installers. Pollution losses include industry known insured names and sites. Other mass tort losses include Agent Orange, breast implants, DES, Dalkon Shield, lead, silicon and various chemical exposures. EXPOSURE TO MARKET RISK Market risk represents the potential economic loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. AFG'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, AFG's long-term debt is also exposed to interest rate risk. 32 FIXED MATURITY PORTFOLIO The fair value of AFG's fixed maturity portfolio is directly impacted by changes in market interest rates. AFG's fixed maturity portfolio is comprised of substantially all fixed rate investments with primarily intermediate-term maturities. This practice allows flexibility in reacting to fluctuations of interest rates. The portfolios of AFG's insurance operations are managed with an attempt to achieve an adequate risk-adjusted return while maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet policyholder obligations. AFG'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 AFG's fixed maturity investments at December 31, 2002 and 2001, 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, 2002 December 31, 2001 ----------------- ----------------- Principal Principal Cash Flows Rate Cash Flows Rate ---------- ----- ---------- ---- 2003 $ 1,301 10.09% 2002 $ 956 8.62% 2004 848 8.31 2003 1,407 7.84 2005 1,035 7.05 2004 860 8.56 2006 1,135 6.69 2005 1,082 7.50 2007 1,158 6.12 2006 1,110 6.89 Thereafter 5,939 6.13 Thereafter 5,263 7.08 ------- ------- Total $11,416 6.88% $10,678 7.46% ======= ======= Fair Value $12,007 $10,749 ======= ======= EQUITY PRICE RISK Equity price risk is the potential economic loss from adverse changes in equity security prices. Although AFG's investment in "Other stocks" is less than 3% of total investments, two-thirds of "Other stocks" is invested in Provident Financial Group which exposes AFG to the risk of price declines in a single position. Included in "Other stocks" at December 31, 2002 were warrants (valued at $13.8 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 as determined by applicable law) enabling management to react to changes in market interest rates and maintain an adequate spread. Nonetheless, due to the sharp drop in interest rates in 2002, GAFRI's spreads have narrowed and will likely continue to narrow through at least 2003. Actuarial assumptions used to estimate DPAC and Annuity Benefits, as well as GAFRI's ability to maintain spread, could be impacted if the current interest rate environment continues for an extended period and causes policyholder behavior to be altered. 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 ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ---------- ------ ------ 2002 $550 $610 $740 $810 $700 $3,044 $6,454 $6,284 2001 750 680 650 630 610 2,512 5,832 5,659 33 Nearly half of GAFRI's fixed annuity liabilities at December 31, 2002, 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. At December 31, 2002, the average crediting rate on GAFRI's principal fixed annuity products was approximately 4.3% and current stated crediting rates (excluding bonus interest) on GAFRI's active products generally range from 3.0% to 3.6%. GAFRI estimates that its effective weighted-average crediting rate over the next five years will approximate 4.3%. This rate reflects actuarial assumptions as to (i) expected investment spread, (ii) deaths, (iii) annuitizations, (iv) surrenders and (v) renewal premiums. 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% of annuity benefits in 2002 and 2001. In 2002, GAFRI chose to suspend new sales of equity-indexed annuities due primarily to lack of volume. DEBT AND PREFERRED SECURITIES The following table shows scheduled principal payments (in millions) on fixed-rate long-term debt of AFG and its subsidiaries and related weighted average interest rates for each of the subsequent five years and for all years thereafter. December 31, 2002 December 31, 2001 ----------------- ----------------- Scheduled Scheduled Principal Principal Payments Rate Payments Rate ---------- ----- --------- ----- 2003 * 2002 $ 4.3 7.02% 2004 * 2003 * 2005 $ 10.1 9.09% 2004 * 2006 18.7 6.74 2005 10.1 9.07 2007 79.9 7.13 2006 18.7 6.73 Thereafter 429.4 7.14 Thereafter 509.3 7.14 ------ ------ Total $539.8 7.16% $544.1 7.16% ====== ====== Fair Value $504.2 $514.7 ====== ====== (*) Less than $2 million. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, AFG and its subsidiaries had $406 million and $337 million in variable-rate debt maturing primarily in 2003 through 2005. The weighted average interest rate on AFG's variable-rate debt was 2.84% at December 31, 2002 compared to 2.67% at December 31, 2001. There were $242 million of subsidiary trust preferred securities with a weighted average interest rate of 9.09% outstanding at December 31, 2002 and 2001, none of which is scheduled for maturity or mandatory redemption during the next five years. 34 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 GENERAL The following table shows AFG's net earnings and diluted earnings per share as stated in the Statement of Operations as well as the after-tax effect of other items included in these GAAP measures that are listed below to assist investors in analyzing their impact on the trend in operating results (in millions, except per share amounts): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $84.6 ($14.8) ($56.0) After tax income (expense) items included in net earnings: Asbestos litigation settlement (19.5) - - Tax resolution benefits 31.0 - - A&E charge and WTC losses - (81.3) - Net losses from investee corporations (9.0) (16.5) (91.4) Realized investment gains (losses) (44.7) (12.7) 2.2 Cumulative effect of accounting changes (40.4) (10.0) (9.1) DILUTED PER SHARE AMOUNTS: NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $1.22 ($ .22) ($ .95) Asbestos litigation settlement (.28) - - Tax resolution benefits .44 - - A&E charge and WTC losses - (1.19) - Net losses from investee corporations (.13) (.24) (1.55) Realized investment gains (losses) (.64) (.19) .04 Cumulative effect of accounting changes (.59) (.15) (.15) In addition to the effects of items shown in the table above, net earnings increased in 2002 primarily due to significantly improved underwriting results and income from the sale of real estate, partially offset by reduced earnings in the annuity and life operations. Net earnings for 2001 and 2000 include goodwill amortization expense of $13.7 million ($.20 per share) and $16.4 million ($.28 per share), respectively. Aside from the asbestos charges and losses from the World Trade Center, underwriting results improved in 2001 but were partially offset by a $15 million charge to increase reserves for environmental costs related to certain former operations. PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE - UNDERWRITING AFG's property and casualty operations have consisted of two major business groups: Specialty and Personal. See Note O, "Subsequent Events", to the Financial Statements for a discussion of the sale of nearly all of the Personal group. 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. 35 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 many of 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 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 AFG desires and seeks to earn an underwriting profit on all of its business, it is not always possible to do so. As a result, AFG attempts to expand in the most profitable areas and control growth or even reduce its involvement in the least profitable ones. Since mid-2000, AFG 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 believes these efforts have been successful and expects further improvement in underwriting profitability in 2003 resulting from these strategic actions. AFG's combined ratio has been better than the industry average for sixteen of the last seventeen years and excluding AFG's special A&E charges, for all seventeen years. AFG's insurance operations have performed better than the industry by focusing on growth opportunities in the more profitable areas of its specialty and nonstandard auto businesses. Net written premiums and combined ratios for AFG's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries were as follows (dollars in millions): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Gross Written Premiums (GAAP) ----------------------------- Specialty $2,713 $2,236 $1,889 Personal 1,221 1,284 1,339 Other Lines 1 - 3 ------ ------ ------ $3,935 $3,520 $3,231 ====== ====== ====== Net Written Premiums (GAAP) --------------------------- Specialty $1,577 $1,542 $1,324 Personal 836 (a) 1,040 (a) 1,311 Other Lines 1 - 3 ------ ------ ------ $2,414 $2,582 $2,638 ====== ====== ====== Combined Ratios (GAAP) ---------------------- Specialty 98.4% 101.7%(b) 107.9% Personal 99.8 107.9 108.6 Aggregate (including discontinued lines) 101.1%(c) 108.8%(c) 108.0% (a) Reflects the ceding of $375 million and $220 million in premiums in 2002 and 2001, respectively under a reinsurance agreement (effective April 1, 2001). (b) Includes 1.8% for 2001 relating to the attack on the World Trade Center. (c) Includes 1.2% for 2002 relating to the A.P. Green asbestos litigation charge and 4.8% for 2001 relating to the A&E charge and the attack on the World Trade Center. 36 As shown in Note M under "Insurance Reserves," AFG's property and casualty operations recorded loss development of $171 million in 2002 and $163 million in 2001 related to prior accident years. Major areas of adverse development were as follows (in millions): 2002 2001 ---- ---- Asbestos $ 49 $108 Executive liability 26 26 Other liability 21 * Personal lines 15 * Other discontinued specialty businesses 41 32 Other 19 (3) ---- ---- $171 $163 ==== ==== (*) Amounts are immaterial and included in Other "Asbestos" development was due primarily to charges for settlement of litigation (2002) and the special $100 million A&E charge (2001), both of which are discussed below. See "Uncertainties - Asbestos and Environmental-related Reserves" for additional information about these claims. "Executive liability" development resulted primarily from claim severity on policy coverages for 1999 and 2000. Both settlement costs and defense costs related to shareholder lawsuits have increased beyond estimates. "Other liability" development was the result of an unexpected shift of the judicial climate in some previously relatively conservative states. Verdicts, judgments, and settlements have increased and reserves were adjusted accordingly. In the "Personal lines," personal injury and uninsured motorist claims have experienced increased severity. During 2002, claims remained open longer and settlement amounts have been higher than in previous years. Development in the "Other discontinued specialty businesses" related primarily to excess casualty and homebuilders' product liability. During 2002, both experienced higher frequency of claims, primarily related to the 1999 and 2000 accident years for the excess casualty line, and 1993 through 2001 for the homebuilders' liability. Development in 2001, and to a lesser extent in 2002, was affected by increased severity in excess casualty resulting from a rigorous claims review of case reserves established by former management. "Other" development represents an aggregation of all other lines. While both increases and decreases occurred in these individual lines, none experienced development greater than the smallest listed in the table above. Aggregate adverse development in the "Other" lines was approximately $44 million in 2002, and $25 million in 2001. Aggregate positive development was $25 million in 2002 and $28 million in 2001. ASBESTOS LITIGATION SETTLEMENT CHARGE As more fully discussed under "Uncertainties -Asbestos and Environmental-related Reserves," AFG recorded a fourth quarter 2002 pretax charge of $30 million related to the settlement of asbestos-related coverage litigation. 2001 SPECIAL A&E CHARGE During the third quarter of 2001, AFG 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. For a discussion of uncertainties relative to asbestos and environmental claims, see "Uncertainties - Asbestos and Environmental-related Reserves". 37 SPECIALTY The Specialty group's gross written premiums increased 21% in 2002 compared to 2001, reflecting the effect of rate increases and the volume growth in certain businesses, partially offset by planned reductions in less profitable lines of business. Specialty rate increases averaged about 27% during 2002 and are targeted to be 25% or more going into 2003. Net written premiums increased 2% in 2002 compared to 2001. Strong growth in gross written premiums was offset by the impact of expanding the Personal group automobile physical damage reinsurance agreement discussed below to include several Specialty business lines as well as increased reinsurance coverage in certain other lines. Excluding the effect of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Specialty group's combined ratio improved 1.5 points for 2002. The improvement reflects strategic changes in the mix of specialty businesses and the impact of rate increases, partially offset by the effects of prior year loss development. The Specialty group's increase in gross and 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. The improvement in the combined ratio compared to 2000 reflects the impact of rate increases and unusually strong results in several businesses. Due primarily to adverse development in prior year losses, AFG recorded a $35 million pretax charge in 2000 to strengthen loss reserves in its California workers' compensation business (a combined ratio effect of 2.9 points). 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. PERSONAL The Personal group's gross written premiums for 2002 decreased about 5% compared to 2001 due primarily to intentional reductions in new business volume in certain non-core markets and through the direct channel, partially offset by the effect of continuing rate increases and volume growth in target markets. Rate increases implemented in 2002 were approximately 10%. Since April 2001, AFG has reinsured 90% of the automobile physical damage business written by certain of its insurance subsidiaries. In September 2002, AFG's use of the existing agreement was expanded to include physical damage business written through the agency channel of Great American Insurance pool companies. This agreement enables AFG to reallocate some of its capital to the more profitable specialty operations. The decline in net written premiums in 2001 and 2002 reflects the impact of this reinsurance agreement. Due primarily to rate increases and a $12.6 million reduction in marketing and media cost of the direct business, the Personal group's combined ratio improved by 8.1 points compared to 2001. More than 80% of the Personal group's business is written by the insurance operations included in the recent public offering of Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation. Business written through these operations achieved an underwriting profit with a combined ratio of 96.1% for 2002. The Personal group's gross written premiums declined about 4% in 2001 compared to 2000 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. As a result of rate increases in 2001 and 2000, the combined ratio improved to 107.9% for 2001. LIFE, ACCIDENT AND HEALTH PREMIUMS AND BENEFITS Life, accident and health premiums and benefits increased in 2002 due primarily to the acquisition of Manhattan National Life ("MNL") in June 2002 and increased in 2001 due primarily to the acquisition of a block of supplemental health insurance business in November 2000. In addition to these acquisitions, life, accident and health benefits for 2002 reflect the effects of adverse mortality in GAFRI's life insurance operations. INVESTMENT INCOME Changes in investment income reflect fluctuations in market rates and changes in average invested assets. Investment income increased in 2002 and 2001 due primarily to higher average investment in fixed maturity securities, partially offset by lower average yields on those investments. 38 GAINS (LOSSES) ON SECURITIES Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities include provisions for other than temporary impairment of securities still held of $179.4 million in 2002, $125.5 million in 2001 and $27.5 million in 2000. The provision for 2001 includes $8 million for the writedown of AFG's investment in Chiquita from $1.00 per share to $.67 per share. Realized gains (losses) on securities include losses of $11.9 million in 2002, and gains of $5.2 million in 2001 and $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 to adjust the carrying value of AFG's investment in warrants to market value under SFAS No. 133. GAINS ON SALES OF SUBSIDIARIES See Note O, to the financial statements for a discussion of the anticipated loss in connection with the 2003 public offering of Infinity. In 2002, AFG recognized a $10.8 million pretax loss on the disposal of its New Jersey private passenger auto business. In 2001, AFG 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, AFG 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, AFG 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). GAIN ON SALE OF OTHER INVESTMENTS In September 2002, AFG realized a $9.3 million pretax gain on the sale of its minority ownership in a residential homebuilding company. 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 AFG's Chairman. REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS AFG'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 AFG's statement of operations as shown below (in millions). 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Other income $115.0 $102.6 $95.9 Other operating and general expenses 71.7 64.9 65.6 Interest charges on borrowed money 2.6 2.3 2.6 Minority interest expense, net 1.1 3.7 1.5 Other income includes net pretax gains on the sale of real estate assets of $31.0 million in 2002, $27.2 million in 2001 and $12.4 million in 2000. OTHER INCOME 2002 COMPARED TO 2001 Other income increased $39.4 million (18%) in 2002 due primarily to higher income from real estate operations (including the effect of property sales and a hotel acquired in May 2002), increased fees earned by the Specialty group's new warranty business and higher fee income in certain other specialty insurance operations. 2001 COMPARED TO 2000 Other income declined in 2001 compared to 2000 due primarily to the absence of income from the sale of lease rights, lease residuals and other operating assets. 39 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. Historically, management has been able to react to changes in market interest rates and maintain a desired interest rate spread. The recent interest rate environment has resulted in spread compression which could continue at least through 2003. In 2000, annuity benefits also includes a second quarter charge of $14.2 million related to the settlement of a policyholder class action lawsuit. On its deferred annuities (annuities in the accumulation phase), GAFRI generally credits interest to policyholders' accounts at their current stated "surrender" interest rates. Furthermore, for "two-tier" deferred annuities (annuities under which a higher interest amount can be earned if a policy is annuitized rather than surrendered), GAFRI accrues an additional liability to provide for expected deaths and annuitizations. Changes in crediting rates, actual surrender, death and annuitization experience or modifications in actuarial assumptions can affect this accrual. In 2002, this accrual was reduced by approximately $2 million due to decreases in crediting rates on certain fixed annuity products, partially offset by a modification in projected investment yields. Significant changes in projected investment yields could result in additional benefits or charges to earnings. ANNUITY AND LIFE ACQUISITION EXPENSES Annuity and life acquisition expenses include amortization of annuity and life, accident and health deferred policy acquisition costs ("DPAC") as well as a portion of commissions on sales of insurance products. Annuity and life acquisition expenses also include amortization of the present value of future profits of businesses acquired. 2002 COMPARED TO 2001 The increase in annuity and life acquisition expenses in 2002 compared to 2001 reflects (i) a writeoff of DPAC; (ii) the amortization costs associated with GAFRI's purchase of MNL in June 2002 and (iii) higher commission expense due to GAFRI's growth in premiums. Included in 2002 and 2001 were DPAC writeoffs related to variable annuities of $13.5 million and $3.0million, respectively, resulting from the actual performance of the equity markets and a reduction of assumed future returns. Poor performance in the equity markets could lead to additional DPAC writeoffs or a charge to earnings in order to accrue for guaranteed minimum death benefits included in the variable products. (See "Proposed Accounting Standard"). Included in 2002 is a DPAC writeoff of $4 million related primarily to adverse mortality in GAFRI's life operations. Partially offsetting the DPAC writeoffs in 2002 was a reduction of approximately $7 million in DPAC amortization on fixed annuities relating to decreases in crediting rates on certain fixed annuity products. Continued adverse mortality could lead to additional DPAC writeoffs. Significant changes in projected investment yields could result in additional benefits or charges to earnings. 2001 COMPARED TO 2000 The increase in annuity and life acquisition expenses resulted primarily from (i) increased lapses and increased sales of traditional life insurance and (ii) the effect of the equity markets on variable annuity DPAC. INTEREST ON BORROWED MONEY Changes in interest expense result from fluctuations in market rates as well as changes in borrowings. AFG has generally financed its borrowings on a long-term basis which has resulted in higher current costs. 2002 COMPARED TO 2001 Interest expense was virtually unchanged in 2002 as lower average rates on AFG's variable rate debt were substantially offset by higher average indebtedness and higher average payable to reinsurers balances. 2001 COMPARED TO 2000 Interest expense decreased in 2001 as lower average interest rates on AFG's variable rate debt and lower average subsidiary indebtedness more than offset higher average borrowings under the AFC bank line. 40 OTHER OPERATING AND GENERAL EXPENSES 2002 COMPARED TO 2001 Other operating and general expenses for 2001 include goodwill amortization of $13.7 million. Under SFAS No. 142, which was implemented January 1, 2002, goodwill is no longer amortized. Excluding 2001 goodwill amortization, other operating and general expenses increased $36.6 million (10%) in 2002. Expenses of the Specialty group's new warranty business, higher expenses in real estate operations (due primarily to the acquisition of a new hotel in May 2002) and higher expenses related to growth in certain other Specialty operations were partially offset by lower charges for environmental reserves related to former operations and lower IT-related expenses. 2001 COMPARED TO 2000 Excluding the 2000 litigation charges discussed below, other operating and general expenses increased $13.2 million (3%) due primarily to a $14.8 million increase in environmental reserves related to former operations. 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 AFG property and casualty subsidiary. INCOME TAXES The 2002 provision for income taxes includes $31 million in tax benefits for the reduction of previously accrued amounts due to the resolution of certain tax matters. See Note I to the Financial Statements for an analysis of items affecting AFG's effective tax rate. INVESTEE CORPORATIONS START-UP MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES AFG'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. AFG 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. 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 AFG subsidiaries, AFG retained the financial risk in these businesses and continued accounting for their operations under the equity method as investees. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2000, AFG's equity in the results of operations of these businesses is included in investee earnings. In 2002, 2001 and 2000, equity in net losses of investee corporations includes $9.0 million, $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 these companies. In December 2002, this company sold its fixed assets, ceased operations and transferred approximately $30 million in cash and other assets to AFG. The amount transferred approximated AFG's carrying value of loans to this business. Amounts included in equity in net losses of investee corporations for this business were $5.4 million in 2002, $13.7 million in 2001 and $3.1 million in 2000. CHIQUITA Equity in net losses of investee corporations for 2000 includes AFG's proportionate share of the results of Chiquita Brands International. Chiquita reported net losses attributable to common shareholders of $112 million in 2000. Equity in net losses of investees for 2000 includes a $95.7 million pretax charge to writedown AFG's investment in Chiquita to a market value of approximately $1 per share. In 2001, AFG suspended accounting for Chiquita under the equity method due to Chiquita's pending restructuring. In March 2002, Chiquita completed its reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. As a result of the restructuring, AFG's ownership percentage of Chiquita was reduced to less than one-half of 1%. 41 CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGES Effective January 1, 2002, AFG implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", under which goodwill is no longer amortized, but is subject to an impairment test at least annually. The initial impairment testing resulted in a charge of $40.4 million (net of minority interest and taxes) for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. 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 $10.0 million (net of minority interest and taxes) of the carrying value of certain collateralized debt obligations as of April 1, 2001. In October 2000, AFG 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, AFG 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. RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS The following accounting standards have been or may be implemented by AFG. 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 ---------- -------------------------------------- --------- 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" SFAS #148 Stock-based Compensation (2002) "Stock-based Compensation" Other standards issued in recent years did not apply to AFG or had only negligible effects on AFG. In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No.46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("FIN 46"). This interpretation will require companies to consolidate entities without sufficient equity based on ownership of expected gains and losses. FIN 46 is effective immediately to variable interest entities acquired after January 31, 2003. For entities acquired before that date, the guidance becomes effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2003. AFG is currently assessing the application of FIN 46 as it relates to its investments in two collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), for which AFG also acts as investment manager. Under the CDOs, securities were issued in various senior and subordinate classes and the proceeds were invested primarily in bank loans, and to a lesser extent, high yield bonds, all of which serve as collateral for the securities issued by the CDOs. None of the collateral was purchased from AFG. The market value of the collateral at December 31, 2002 was approximately $800 million. AFG's investments in the two CDOs are subordinate to the senior classes (approximately 92% of the total securities) issued by the CDOs. To the extent there are defaults and unrecoverable losses on the underlying collateral resulting in reduced cash flows, AFG's class would bear losses first. Holders of the CDO debt securities have no recourse against AFG for the liabilities of the CDOs; accordingly, AFG's exposure to loss on these investments is limited to its investment. AFG's investments in the CDOs are carried at estimated market value of $13.7 million at December 31, 2002 and are included in fixed maturities in AFG's balance sheet. PROPOSED ACCOUNTING STANDARD GAFRI's variable annuity contracts contain a guaranteed minimum death benefit ("GMDB") (which may exceed the value of the policyholder's account) to be paid if the annuityholder dies before the annuity payout period commences. At December 31, 2002, the aggregate GMDB values (assuming every policyholder died on that date) exceeded the market value of the underlying variable 42 annuities by $233 million. Industry practice varies, but GAFRI does not establish GAAP reserves for this mortality risk. If a proposed accounting standard becomes effective, GAFRI would be required to record a liability for the present value of expected GMDB payments. Initial recognition of a GAAP liability (estimated to be less than 4% of the difference between the underlying market value of thevariable annuities and GMDB value) would be accounted for as the cumulativeeffect of a change in accounting principles. Death benefits paid in excess of the variable annuity account balances were $1.1 million in 2002. ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK ---------------------------------------------------------- The information required by Item 7A is included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 43 ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ------------------------------------------- Page ---- Report of Independent Auditors F-1 Consolidated Balance Sheet: December 31, 2002 and 2001 F-2 Consolidated Statement of Operations: Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 F-3 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 F-4 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows: Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 F-5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6 "Selected Quarterly Financial Data" has been included in Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" following the Index in front of this Form 10-K. 44 PART III ITEM 10 DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT -------------------------------------------------- The directors and executive officers of American Financial Group, Inc. ("AFG") at April 15, 2003, were as follows:
Director or Age (a) Position Executive Since ------- ------------------------------------------------- --------------- Carl H. Lindner 83 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 1959 S. Craig Lindner 48 Co-President and a Director 1979 Keith E. Lindner (b) 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 57 Senior Vice President and General Counsel and a Director 1976 Terry S. Jacobs (c) 60 Nominee - William R. Martin 74 Director 1994 William A. Shutzer (c) 56 Nominee - William W. Verity 44 Director 2002 Keith A. Jensen 52 Senior Vice President 1999 Thomas E. Mischell 55 Senior Vice President - Taxes 1985 Fred J. Runk 60 Senior Vice President and Treasurer 1978
--------------------- (a) As of March 31, 2003. (b) Keith E. Lindner has informed AFG that he will not stand for reelection to AFG's Board of Directors in 2003 at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in June (the "2003 Meeting") and that he does not wish to be re-elected as a Co-President. (c) Messrs. Jacobs and Shutzer are Nominees for election as directors at the 2003 Meeting. CARL H. LINDNER (Chairman of the Executive Committee) Mr. Lindner is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AFG and American Financial Corporation ("AFC"). He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Great American Financial Resources, Inc., an 83%-owned subsidiary of AFG that markets tax-deferred annuities principally to employees of educational institutions and offers life and health insurance products. KEITH E. LINDNER (Member of the Executive Committee) For more than five years, Mr. Lindner has served as Co-President and a director of AFG and AFC. From March 1997 until March 2002, Mr. Lindner was Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chiquita Brands International, Inc., a worldwide marketer and producer of bananas and other food products. Mr. Lindner has informed AFG that he will not stand for reelection to the Board of Directors of AFG and AFC in 2003 and he does not wish to be re-elected as a Co-President. 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 AFG and AFC. For over ten years, Mr. Lindner has been principally responsible for AFG's property and casualty insurance operations. S. CRAIG LINDNER (Member of the Executive Committee) For more than five years, Mr. Lindner has served as Co-President and a director of AFG and AFC. 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 AFG and its affiliated companies. 45 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 AFC 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 AFG and AFC. Mr. Evans is also a director of AFC. TERRY S. JACOBS Mr. Jacobs has been Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and a director of Regent Communications, Inc. since its incorporation in November 1996. Mr. Jacobs served as president and chief executive officer of a privately-held radio broadcast company, which he co-founded in 1993 and which acquired and operated 23 radio stations until its merger into Jacor Communications, Inc. in February 1997. Prior to 1993, Mr. Jacobs was chairman and chief executive officer of Jacor Communications, Inc., a radio broadcast company. Mr. Jacobs currently serves as a director of Capital Title Group, Inc. and National Grange Mutual Insurance Company ("National Grange"), but has informed AFG that he is leaving the National Grange Board in June 2003. 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 AFC. WILLIAM A. SHUTZER Mr. Shutzer is a Managing Director of Lehman Brothers. He served as a Partner in Thomas Weisel Partners LLC, a merchant banking firm, from 1999 through 2000, as Executive Vice President of ING Baring Furman Selz LLC from 1998 through 1999, President of Furman Selz Inc. from 1995 through 1997 and as a Managing Director of Lehman Brothers and its predecessors from 1978 through 1994. AFG has done business with each of these firms from time to time over the past 20 years. Mr. Shutzer is also a member of the Boards of Directors of Tiffany & Co., Jupiter Media Corp., Blount International, Inc., Practice Works, Inc., and RSI Holding Corp. WILLIAM W. VERITY (Member of the Audit Committee; Member of the Compensation Committee) Mr. Verity has been President of Veritas Asset Management, LLC, an investment management company, since January 1, 2002, and prior to that, 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. KEITH A. JENSEN Mr. Jensen was named a Senior Vice President of AFG and AFC in February 1999. He served as a Senior Vice President of Great American Financial Resources from February 1997 until he was named Executive Vice President of that company in May 1999. THOMAS E. MISCHELL Mr. Mischell has served as Senior Vice President - Taxes of AFG and AFC for over five years. FRED J. RUNK Mr. Runk has served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of AFG and AFC for more than five years. Carl H. Lindner is the father of Carl H. Lindner III, S. Craig Lindner and Keith E. Lindner. SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires AFG's executive officers, directors and persons who own more than ten percent of AFG's Common Stock to file reports of ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to furnish AFG with copies of these reports. AFG believes that all filing requirements were met during 2002. 46 ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ---------------------- The following table summarizes the aggregate compensation for 2002, 2001 and 2000 of AFG's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and its four other most highly compensated executive officers during 2002 (the "Named Executive Officers"). Such compensation includes amounts paid by AFG and its subsidiaries and certain affiliates for the years indicated. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term Annual Compensation Compensation ---------------------------------------- ----------------- Securities Name Other Annual Underlying All Other And Compensation Options Granted Compensation Principal Position Year Salary (a) Bonus (b) (c) (# of Shares) (d) (e) ----------------------------- ---- ---------- --------- ------------ ----------------- ------------ Carl H. Lindner 2002 $990,000 $950,000 $ 39,000 --- $41,000 Chairman of the Board and 2001 950,000 415,600 47,000 --- 48,000 Chief Executive Officer 2000 950,500 0 54,000 --- 44,000 ----------------------------- 2002 990,000 950,000 41,000 55,000 30,000 Keith E. Lindner 2001 950,000 415,600 26,000 --- 29,400 Co-President 2000 950,500 0 35,000 110,000 34,000 ----------------------------- 2002 990,000 950,000 88,000 55,000 31,000 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 ----------------------------- 2002 990,000 950,000 112,000 55,000 31,000 S. Craig Lindner 2001 950,000 415,600 106,000 --- 30,400 Co-President 2000 950,500 0 98,000 110,000 28,000 ----------------------------- James E. Evans 2002 990,000 750,000 200 50,000 34,000 Senior Vice President and 2001 950,000 400,000 4,000 --- 33,400 General Counsel 2000 950,500 290,000 500 100,000 30,000
(a) This column includes salaries paid by Chiquita to Keith E. Lindner of $8,500 in 2002, $55,000 in 2001, and $47,500 in 2000, and to Carl H. Lindner of $12,000 in 2002, $70,000 in 2001, and $62,500 in 2000. (b) Bonuses are for the year shown, regardless of when paid. 47 (c) This column includes amounts for personal homeowners and automobile insurance coverage, and the use of corporate aircraft and automobile service as follows. Aircraft & Name Year Insurance Automobile -------------------- ---- --------- ---------- Carl H. Lindner 2002 $19,000 $20,000 2001 24,000 23,000 2000 25,000 29,000 Keith E. Lindner 2002 26,000 15,000 2001 21,000 5,000 2000 21,000 14,000 Carl H. Lindner III 2002 40,000 48,000 2001 37,000 47,000 2000 32,000 47,000 S. Craig Lindner 2002 52,000 60,000 2001 43,000 63,000 2000 44,000 54,000 James E. Evans 2002 -- 200 2001 -- 4,000 2000 -- 500 (d) The number of options shown as granted during 2000 includes the 2001 grant, which was made in late December 2000. (e) Includes AFG 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 a benefit equalization plan which generally makes up certain reductions caused by Internal Revenue Code limitations in contributions to certain retirement plans) and AFG paid group life insurance as set forth below.
AFG Auxiliary Retirement Name Year RASP Plan Savings Plan Term Life ------------------------ ---- --------- ---------- ------------ --------- Carl H. Lindner 2002 $15,000 $10,000 -- $16,000 2001 16,500 8,500 -- 23,000 2000 16,500 8,500 -- 19,000 Keith E. Lindner 2002 15,000 10,000 $4,000 1,000 2001 16,500 8,500 3,400 1,000 2000 16,500 8,500 8,000 1,000 Carl H. Lindner III 2002 15,000 10,000 4,000 2,000 2001 16,500 8,500 3,400 2,000 2000 16,500 8,500 2,000 2,000 S. Craig Lindner 2002 15,000 10,000 4,000 2,000 2001 16,500 8,500 3,400 2,000 2000 16,500 8,500 2,000 1,000 James E. Evans 2002 15,000 10,000 4,000 5,000 2001 16,500 8,500 3,400 5,000 2000 16,500 8,500 2,000 3,000
48 STOCK OPTIONS The tables set forth below disclose stock options granted to, or exercised by, the Named Executive Officers during 2002, and the number and value of unexercised options held by them at December 31, 2002. OPTION GRANTS IN 2002
Individual Grants ---------------------------------------------------------------- Potential Realizable Number of Percent of Exercise Value at Assumed Annual Rates Securities Total Price per of Stock Price Underlying Options Options Share Appreciation for Option Granted to (fair market Term(b) Granted (a) Employees value at date Expiration ---------------------------- Name (# of shares) in 1999 of grant) Date 5% 10% ------------------- ------------------ ---------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------- Carl H. Lindner - - - - - - - Keith E. Lindner AFG 55,000 5.2% $25.78 2/25/12 $891,710 $2,259,767 S. Craig Lindner AFG 55,000 5.2% $25.78 2/25/12 $891,710 $2,259,767 Carl H. Lindner III AFG 55,000 5.2% $25.78 2/25/12 $891,710 $2,259,767 James E. Evans AFG 50,000 4.7% $25.78 2/25/12 $810,645 $2,054,334
(a) The options were granted under AFG's Stock Option Plan and cover AFG Common Stock. They vest (become exercisable) to the extent of 20% per year, beginning one year from the respective dates of grant, and become fully exercisable in the event of death or disability or in the event of involuntary termination of employment without cause within one year after a change of control of AFG. (b) Represents the hypothetical future values that would be realizable if all the options were exercised immediately prior to their expiration in 2012 and assuming that the market price of AFG's Common Stock had appreciated in value through the year 2012 at the annual rate of 5% (to $41.99 per share) or 10% (to $66.87 per share). Such hypothetical future values have not been discounted to their respective present values, which are lower. AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 2002 AND 2002 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 - $ - 547,272 149,000 $144,100 $216,150 S. Craig Lindner AFG - $ - 547,272 149,000 $149,017 $216,150 Keith E. Lindner AFG - $ - 547,272 149,000 $144,100 $216,150 James E. Evans AFG - $ - 276,000 135,000 $131,000 $196,500
(a) The value of unexercised in-the-money options is calculated based on the New York Stock Exchange closing market price of AFG's Common Stock at year-end 2002. This price was $23.07 per share. 49 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of three directors, none of whom is an employee of AFG 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 AFG'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 AFG's Stock Option Plan to employees of AFG and its subsidiaries, including senior executive officers. COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AFG's compensation policy for all executive officers of AFG has three principal components: annual base salary, annual incentive bonuses and stock option grants. Before decisions were made regarding 2002 compensation for the senior executives, the Committee had discussions with AFG executives to solicit their thoughts regarding compensation. Based in part on such discussions as well as the Committee's review of AFG'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 the senior executive officers that were appropriate, in the Committee's subjective judgment, for their respective positions and levels of responsibilities. The Committee approved the 2002 salaries of the CEO and the Co-Presidents, noting that such salaries represented an approximately 4% increase over the salary that had been in effect in 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998 and the latter part of 1997. ANNUAL BONUSES As was the case for the past five years, the Committee, working with management, developed an annual bonus plan for 2002 for the CEO and the Co-Presidents that would make a substantial portion of their total compensation dependent on AFG's performance, including achievement of pre-established earnings per share targets. Other executive officers of AFG were included in the annual bonus plan for 2002 by action of the Executive Committee. The annual bonus plan for 2002 made 50% of each participant's annual bonus dependent on AFG attaining certain earnings per share targets. The other 50% is based on AFG's overall performance, as subjectively determined by the Committee. Under the 2002 annual bonus plan, the bonus target amount for the CEO and each of the Co-Presidents was $990,000 with 0% to 175% of $495,000 (50% of $990,000) to be paid depending on AFG achieving certain 2002 earnings per share allocable to insurance operations (the "EPS Component") and 0% to 175% of $495,000 to be paid based on AFG's overall performance, as subjectively determined by the Committee (the "AFG 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 $2.35. In recommending the 2002 annual bonus plan to the Board for adoption, the Committee noted that no bonus should be paid under the plan if 2002 earnings per share from insurance operations are less than $1.76 (75% of the 2002 EPS target). The Committee noted that the annual bonus plan provides that unusual or non-recurring items are not to be included in determining earnings allocable to insurance operations. Not including an increase in reserves in connection with asbestos related litigation and tax resolution benefits, AFG reported earnings per share from insurance operations of $2.42. The annual bonus plan provided that in the event earnings per share from insurance operations exceed $2.35, more than 100% of the EPS Component bonus could be paid, such excess to be subjectively determined. The Committee considered the factors discussed below to determine if any amount over 100% should be paid under the EPS Component and any amount that may have been earned under the AFG Performance Component. The Committee concurred with the senior executives that the amount of bonus to be paid under the EPS Component to the CEO and each of the Co-Presidents would be $495,000, and no amount over 100% of the target of the EPS Component would be paid. 50 The Committee considered a number of factors in discussions of AFG's performance with senior executives. The Committee viewed the following factors positively: (i) the fact that earnings per share from insurance operations exceeded published analyst expectations; (ii) the two segments of AFG's property and casualty insurance operations achieved underwriting profits and were able to increase rates more than planned; (iii) AFG raised capital through the sale of common stock of Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation (the positive view of this consideration was somewhat offset by the stock offering resulting in a loss to the Company); (iv) the return on equity of earnings from insurance operations; (v) resolution of certain tax matters; and (vi) investment portfolio performance including the sale of an investee. The Committee viewed negatively these factors: (i) the decline in stock price from December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2002, although it noted that the percentage decline in the stock price was less than that of the Standard & Poors 500 Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the Standard & Poors 500 Property and Casualty Stock Index, the Standard & Poors Mid-Cap Insurance Index and the Standard and Poors 500 Life & Health Insurance Index; (ii) the fact that AFG's and certain subsidiaries' credit and financial strength ratings were given a negative outlook or, in one instance, due to a rating agency policy as opposed to AFG performance, a downgrade; and (iii) the only asbestos-related claim known to be material to AFG was settled for an amount in excess of existing reserves (the negative view was somewhat offset by the fact that the settlement enhances financial certainty). The Committee agreed with management's recommendation that a bonus of $455,000 (approximately 90% of the AFG Performance Component) under the AFG Performance Component would be appropriate. The annual base salary and bonus target amounts of the CEO and the Co-Presidents are virtually identical because the Committee views them as a management team whose skills and areas of expertise complement each other. STOCK OPTION GRANTS Stock options represent an important part of AFG's performance-based compensation system. The Committee believes that AFG shareholders' interests are well served by aligning AFG'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 AFG'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 AFG in February 2002. No options were granted to such persons in 2001. No options were granted to the CEO in 2001 or 2002. Members of the Compensation Committee: William R. Martin, Chairman Theodore H. Emmerich William W. Verity COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION One of the adult sons of William R. Martin was an employee of the Registrant's technology group through August 2002. He received compensation of approximately $65,000 from AFG during 2002. 51 PERFORMANCE GRAPH The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on AFG's common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's ("S&P") 400 Midcap Index and the S&P 500 Property-Casualty Insurance Index. (Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 1997 in AFG's Common Stock and the two indexes, including reinvestment of dividends.) [Graph omitted] PERFORMANCE GRAPH INDEX December 31, --------------------------------------- 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- AFG Common Stock 100 112 69 73 70 67 S&P 400 Midcap Index 100 119 136 160 159 136 S&P Property-Casualty Insurance Index 100 93 70 108 99 89 DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION Pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors' Compensation Plan (the "Directors' Plan"), all directors who are not officers or employees of AFG 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 AFG'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. The Board of Directors has a program under which a retiring AFG director (other than an officer or employee of AFG 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 an AFG director or not being nominated for reelection by shareholders as an AFG director. To be eligible for the retirement benefit, a person must have served as an AFG director for at least four years while not an officer or employee of AFG or any of its subsidiaries. In addition, an AFG 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 AFG 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 an AFG 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 AFG 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 AFG. During 2002, each non-employee director was granted an option under the foregoing provisions of the Stock Option Plan to purchase 2,500 shares at an exercise price of $26.86 per share on June 1, 2002, the exercise price being the fair market value of AFG's Common Stock on the date of grant. 52 ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS The following shareholders are the only persons known by AFG to own beneficially 5% or more of its outstanding Common Stock as of March 31, 2003:
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership ------------------------------------------------- Name and Address Obtainable Of Common Stock upon Exercise Beneficial Owner Held (a) of Options (b) Total Percent of Class ------------------------ -------------- -------------- --------- ---------------- Carl H. Lindner One East Fourth Street 8,646,204 (d) - 8,646,204 12.7% Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Carl H. Lindner III One East Fourth Street 5,896,684 (e) 587,272 6,483,956 9.4%(c) Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 S. Craig Lindner One East Fourth Street 5,896,684 (f) 587,272 6,483,956 9.4%(c) Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Keith E. Lindner 250 East Fifth Street 5,896,684 (g) 587,272 6,483,956 9.4%(c) Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 The American Financial Group, Inc. Retirement 8,149,940 - 8,149,940 12.0% and Savings Plan (h) One East Fourth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(a) Unless otherwise noted, the holder has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares listed. (b) Represents shares of Common Stock that may be acquired within 60 days of March 31, 2003 through the exercise of options granted under AFG's Stock Option Plan. The Lindner family members listed above hold options (both vested and unvested) to purchase the following numbers of shares of Common Stock: Carl H. Lindner - Keith E. Lindner 751,272 Carl H. Lindner III 751,272 S. Craig Lindner 751,272 (c) The percentages of outstanding shares of Common Stock beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) by Carl H. Lindner III, S. Craig Lindner and Keith E. Lindner are 8.5%, 8.3% and 11.5%, respectively, after attributing the shares held in various trusts for the benefit of the minor children of S. Craig Lindner and Carl H. Lindner III (for which Keith E. Lindner acts as trustee with voting and dispositive power) to Keith E. Lindner. (d) Includes 4,123,443 shares held by his spouse and 252,378 shares held in a charitable foundation over which Mr. Lindner has sole voting and dispositive power but no pecuniary interest. Excludes 2,682,361 shares held in a trust for the benefit of his family for which a third party acts as trustee with voting and dispositive power. (e) Includes 19,826 shares held by his spouse in a trust over which she has voting and dispositive power, 19,847 shares held by one of his children, 1,000,000 shares held by a limited liability company over which shares he holds dispositive but not voting power, and 650,633 shares which are held in various trusts for the benefit of his children for which Keith E. Lindner acts as trustee with voting and dispositive power. 53 (f) Includes 74,054 shares held by his spouse as custodian for their minor children or in a trust over which she has voting and dispositive power, 24,054 shares held by two of his children, 1,000,000 shares held by a limited liability company over which shares he holds dispositive but not voting power, 1,381,501 shares held in a trust for the benefit of his children over which shares his spouse has dispositive but not voting power, and 776,910 shares which are held in various trusts for the benefit of his children for which Keith E. Lindner acts as trustee with voting and dispositive power. (g) Includes 341 shares held in a trust over which his spouse shares voting and dispositive power with an individual not affiliated with AFG, 2,226 shares held in a trust over which he shares voting and dispositive power with an individual not affiliated with AFG, 1,500,000 shares held by a limited liability company over which shares he holds dispositive but not voting power, and 2,076,807 shares held in a trust for the benefit of his children over which shares his spouse has dispositive but not voting power, but excludes 1,427,543 shares (described in footnotes (e) and (f) above) which are held in various trusts for the benefit of the minor children of his brothers, Carl H. Lindner III and S. Craig Lindner, over which Keith E. Lindner has sole voting and dispositive power but no pecuniary interest. (h) The members of the Administrative Plan Committee of the American Financial Group, Inc. Retirement and Savings Plan (the "RASP"), Sandra W. Heimann and Thomas E. Mischell, direct the voting of the securities held by the RASP. Both of the members of such Committee are executives of AFG. 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 43.7% of AFG's Common Stock at March 31, 2003. The Lindner Family may be deemed to be controlling persons of AFG. 54 SECURITIES OWNERSHIP The following table sets forth information, as of March 31, 2003, concerning the beneficial ownership of equity securities of AFG and its subsidiaries by each director, nominee for director, the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (see "Compensation" below) and by all of these individuals 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 AFG or any of its subsidiaries outstanding at March 31, 2003. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named have sole voting and dispositive power over the shares reported.
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (a) --------------------------------------------- Shares of Common Stock Name of Shares of Common Obtainable on Exercise Beneficial Owner Stock Held of Options (b) ------------------------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- Carl H. Lindner (c) 8,646,204 (d) - Carl H. Lindner III (c) 5,896,684 (e) 587,272 S. Craig Lindner (c) 5,896,684 (f) 587,272 Keith E. Lindner (c) 5,896,684 (g) 587,272 Theodore H. Emmerich 16,944 13,000 James E. Evans 119,675 312,000 William R. Martin 41,096 16,000 William W. Verity 745 5,000 William A. Shutzer - - Terry S. Jacobs 1,000 - All directors, nominees and executive officers as a group (13 persons)(c) 26,860,504 2,616,816
(a) Does not include the following ownership interests in subsidiaries of AFG: Messrs. Emmerich, Evans, C. H. Lindner, S.C. Lindner and Martin, and all directors and executive officers as a group beneficially own 1,561; 11,138; 6,100; 120,873; 29,275 and 302,851 shares, respectively, of the common stock of Great American Financial Resources. Mr. Martin and all directors and executive officers as a group beneficially own 40,126 (1.4%) and 63,494 shares (2.1%), respectively, of the preferred stock of AFC. (b) Consists of shares of Common Stock purchasable within 60 days of March 31, 2003 through the exercise of the vested portion of stock options granted under AFG's Stock Option Plan. (c) The shares set forth for Carl H. Lindner, Carl H. Lindner III, S. Craig Lindner and Keith E. Lindner and all directors and officers as a group constituted 12.7%, 9.4%, 9.4%, 9.4% and 43.2%, respectively, of the Common Stock outstanding at March 31, 2003. For information as to the percentage of outstanding shares beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) by such Lindner Family members, see "Principal Shareholders." (d) Includes 4,123,443 shares held by his spouse and 252,378 shares held in a charitable foundation over which Mr. Lindner has sole voting and dispositive power but no pecuniary interest. Excludes 2,682,361 shares held in a trust for the benefit of his family for which a third party acts as trustee with voting and dispositive power. (e) Includes 19,826 shares held by his spouse in a trust over which she has voting and dispositive power, 19,847 shares held by one of his children, 1,000,000 shares held by a limited liability company over which shares he holds dispositive but not voting power, and 650,633 shares which are held in various trusts for the benefit of his minor children for which Keith E. Lindner acts as trustee with voting and dispositive power. 55 (f) Includes 74,054 shares held by his spouse as custodian for their minor children or in a trust over which she has voting and dispositive power, 24,054 shares held by two of his children, 1,000,000 shares held by a limited liability company over which shares he holds dispositive but not voting power, 1,381,501 shares held in a trust for the benefit of his children over which shares his spouse has dispositive but not voting power, and 776,910 shares which are held in various trusts for the benefit of his minor children for which Keith E. Lindner acts as trustee with voting and dispositive power. (g) Includes 341 shares held in a trust over which his spouse shares voting and dispositive power with an individual not affiliated with AFG, 2,226 shares held in a trust over which he shares voting and dispositive power with an individual not affiliated with AFG, 1,500,000 shares held by a limited liability company over which shares he holds dispositive but not voting power, and 2,076,807 shares held in a trust for the benefit of his children over which shares his spouse has dispositive but not voting power, but excludes 1,427,543 shares (described in footnotes (e) and (f) above) which are held in various trusts for the benefit of the minor children of his brothers, Carl H. Lindner III and S. Craig Lindner, over which Keith E. Lindner has sole voting and dispositive power but no pecuniary interest. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION See Item 5 for equity compensation plan information. 56 ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTION --------------------------------------------- Various business has been transacted between AFG and certain affiliates, including rentals, investment management services, insurance and sales of assets. The financial terms (costs, interest rates, collateral, risks of collectibility and other) of these transactions are comparable to those prevailing at the time of consummation which would apply to unrelated parties, unless noted otherwise. An AFG subsidiary owns a 29% interest in an aircraft, the remaining interests in which are owned by Carl H. Lindner and his two brothers. Each owner is committed to use and pay for a minimum number of flight hours. Capital costs and fixed operating costs are allocated generally in proportion to ownership; variable operating costs are allocated generally in proportion to usage. Mr. Lindner has assigned his hours to the AFG subsidiary along with the obligation to pay for operating costs allocated; Mr. Lindner continues to pay allocated capital costs. Total charges paid by AFG during 2002 were $959,000. 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 highest balance owed on the subordinated debenture during 2002 was $12.9 million and interest received during the year was $1.6 million; the balance outstanding on March 1, 2003, was $10.9 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 2002. 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. Interest received on this loan during 2002 was $568,000. An AFG subsidiary had a loan outstanding during part of 2002 to a Florida-based homebuilder which was 49% owned by AFG and 51% owned by brothers of Carl H. Lindner. The highest outstanding balance owed to the AFG subsidiary during 2002 was $8.0 million and interest paid during the year was $693,000. The loan was repaid and terminated in 2002 when AFG sold its investment to an unrelated party. Members of the Lindner Family are the principal owners of Provident Financial Group, Inc. ("Provident"). Provident leases its main banking and corporate offices, which are located in the same buildings as AFG's headquarters, from AFG. Provident paid rent of $3,778,000 for this office space in 2002. In 2002, AFG paid Provident $150,000 in connection with an expense sharing arrangement for a cafeteria operated by Provident for the employees of both companies. AFG provides security guard and surveillance services at the main office of Provident for which Provident paid $100,000 in 2002. Provident paid AFG subsidiaries $612,000 for insurance coverage and $114,000 for record retention services in 2002. During 2002, AFG paid the Cincinnati Reds $162,000 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, AFG's principal insurance company subsidiary, Great American Insurance Company, entered into a thirty-two-year agreement with the Reds, pursuant to which the Reds' home stadium was named "Great American Ball Park". Although no payments were required to be made in 2002, payments to the Reds average approximately $2.3 million annually over the term of the agreement. For these payments, Great American also receives approximately $1.3 million annually of premium seating, marketing credits, and related sponsorship rights. A brother-in-law of S. Craig Lindner is employed by GAFRI in a sales and marketing position. During 2002, he was paid approximately $95,000 by GAFRI. ITEM 14 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES ----------------------- AFG's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, with assistance from management, have evaluated AFG's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(c)) as of a date within 90 days prior to filing this report. Based on that evaluation, they concluded that the controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in AFG's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation. 57 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, 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, 2002. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules 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 Group, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. As discussed in Notes A and E to the consolidated financial statements, in 2002, the Company implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, which required a change in the method of accounting for goodwill. ERNST & YOUNG LLP Cincinnati, Ohio February 19, 2003 F-1 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Dollars In Thousands)
December 31, --------------------------- 2002 2001 ---- ---- ASSETS: Cash and short-term investments $ 871,103 $ 544,173 Investments: Fixed maturities - at market (amortized cost - $11,549,710 and $10,593,305) 12,006,910 10,748,605 Other stocks - at market (cost - $174,645 and $187,810) 300,445 313,710 Policy loans 214,852 211,288 Real estate and other investments 257,731 266,545 ----------- ----------- Total investments 12,779,938 11,540,148 Recoverables from reinsurers and prepaid reinsurance premiums 2,866,780 2,286,509 Agents' balances and premiums receivable 708,327 666,171 Deferred acquisition costs 842,070 818,323 Other receivables 307,008 254,255 Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) 455,142 529,590 Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other assets 425,775 453,718 Goodwill 248,683 308,794 ----------- ----------- $19,504,826 $17,401,681 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL: Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 5,203,831 $ 4,777,580 Unearned premiums 1,847,924 1,640,955 Annuity benefits accumulated 6,453,881 5,832,120 Life, accident and health reserves 902,393 638,522 Payable to reinsurers 508,718 296,462 Long-term debt: Holding companies 648,410 608,960 Subsidiaries 296,771 270,752 Variable annuity liabilities (separate accounts) 455,142 529,590 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 990,884 853,631 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 17,307,954 15,448,572 Minority interest 471,024 454,730 Shareholders' Equity: Common Stock, no par value - 200,000,000 shares authorized - 69,129,352 and 68,491,610 shares outstanding 69,129 68,492 Capital surplus 923,042 911,074 Retained earnings 409,777 359,513 Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net 323,900 159,300 ----------- ----------- Total shareholders' equity 1,725,848 1,498,379 ----------- ----------- $19,504,826 $17,401,681 =========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-2 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Year ended December 31, -------------------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- INCOME: Property and casualty insurance premiums $2,402,600 $2,593,938 $2,494,892 Life, accident and health premiums 305,647 280,122 230,441 Investment income 862,650 853,673 834,288 Realized gains (losses) on: Securities (79,079) (24,140) (26,581) Subsidiaries (10,769) 170 4,032 Other investments 9,253 - 27,230 Other income 259,266 219,869 253,025 ---------- ---------- ---------- 3,749,568 3,923,632 3,817,327 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Property and casualty insurance: Losses and loss adjustment expenses 1,814,699 2,080,057 1,961,538 Commissions and other underwriting expenses 614,225 741,396 735,241 Annuity benefits 300,966 294,654 293,171 Life, accident and health benefits 245,271 213,022 175,174 Annuity and life acquisition expenses 114,507 79,297 62,259 Interest charges on borrowed money 60,407 60,744 67,642 Other operating and general expenses 421,474 398,564 412,409 ---------- ---------- ---------- 3,571,549 3,867,734 3,707,434 ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating earnings before income taxes 178,019 55,898 109,893 Provision for income taxes 17,880 10,078 29,041 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net operating earnings 160,139 45,820 80,852 Minority interest expense, net of tax (26,149) (34,070) (35,366) Equity in net losses of investees, net of tax (8,990) (16,550) (92,449) ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting changes 125,000 (4,800) (46,963) Cumulative effect of accounting changes (40,360) (10,040) (9,072) ---------- ---------- ---------- NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $ 84,640 ($ 14,840) ($ 56,035) ========== ========== ========== BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Before accounting changes $1.82 ($.07) ($.80) Cumulative effect of accounting changes (.59) (.15) (.15) ----- ---- ---- Net earnings (loss) available to Common Shares $1.23 ($.22) ($.95) ===== ==== ==== DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Before accounting changes $1.81 ($.07) ($.80) Cumulative effect of accounting changes (.59) (.15) (.15) ----- ---- ---- Net earnings (loss) available to Common Shares $1.22 ($.22) ($.95) ===== ==== ==== Average number of Common Shares: Basic 68,800 67,928 58,905 Diluted 69,203 68,368 59,074 Cash dividends per Common Share $.50 $1.00 $1.00
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-3 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dollars In Thousands)
Common Stock Unrealized Common And Capital Retained Gain (Loss) Shares Surplus Earnings on Securities Total ---------- ------------ -------- ------------- ---------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1999 58,419,952 $800,640 $557,538 ($ 18,200) $1,339,978 Net earnings (loss) - - (56,035) - (56,035) Change in unrealized - - - 158,800 158,800 ---------- Comprehensive income 102,765 Dividends on Common Stock - - (58,571) - (58,571) Shares issued: Public offering 8,337,500 154,783 - - 154,783 Exercise of stock options 68,523 1,376 - - 1,376 Dividend reinvestment plan 285,694 5,731 - - 5,731 Employee stock purchase plan 70,621 1,694 - - 1,694 Retirement plan contributions 274,716 6,242 - - 6,242 Directors fees paid in stock 3,813 96 - - 96 Shares acquired and retired (50,728) (695) (656) - (1,351) Tax effect of intercompany dividends - (6,400) - - (6,400) Capital transactions of subsidiaries - 178 - - 178 Other - 2,009 - - 2,009 ---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2000 67,410,091 $965,654 $442,276 $140,600 $1,548,530 ========== ======== ======== ======== ========== Net earnings (loss) - $ - ($ 14,840) $ - ($ 14,840) Change in unrealized - - - 18,700 18,700 ---------- Comprehensive income 3,860 Dividends on Common Stock - - (67,874) - (67,874) Shares issued: Exercise of stock options 65,335 1,522 - - 1,522 Dividend reinvestment plan 85,105 1,806 - - 1,806 Employee stock purchase plan 53,370 1,365 - - 1,365 Retirement plan contributions 876,877 20,970 - - 20,970 Deferred compensation distributions 331 9 - - 9 Directors fees paid in stock 4,044 96 - - 96 Shares acquired and retired (3,543) (51) (49) - (100) Tax effect of intercompany dividends - (6,400) - - (6,400) Capital transactions of subsidiaries - (4,215) - - (4,215) Other - (1,190) - - (1,190) ---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001 68,491,610 $979,566 $359,513 $159,300 $1,498,379 ========== ======== ======== ======== ========== Net earnings - $ - $ 84,640 $ - $ 84,640 Change in unrealized - - - 164,600 164,600 ---------- Comprehensive income 249,240 Dividends on Common Stock - - (34,367) - (34,367) Shares issued: Exercise of stock options 28,837 656 - - 656 Dividend reinvestment plan 298,076 6,616 - - 6,616 Employee stock purchase plan 45,869 1,143 - - 1,143 Retirement plan contributions 260,040 6,589 - - 6,589 Deferred compensation distributions 1,809 45 - - 45 Directors fees paid in stock 3,904 96 - - 96 Shares acquired and retired (793) (12) (9) - (21) Tax effect of intercompany dividends - (3,200) - - (3,200) Other - 672 - - 672 ---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2002 69,129,352 $992,171 $409,777 $323,900 $1,725,848 ========== ======== ======== ======== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-4 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands)
Year ended December 31, -------------------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings (loss) $ 84,640 ($ 14,840) ($ 56,035) Adjustments: Cumulative effect of accounting changes 40,360 10,040 9,072 Equity in net losses of investees 8,990 16,550 92,449 Depreciation and amortization 174,990 126,167 100,192 Annuity benefits 300,966 294,654 293,171 Realized (gains) losses on investing activities 49,093 (2,604) (25,173) Deferred annuity and life policy acquisition costs (170,194) (137,724) (146,686) Decrease (increase) in reinsurance and other receivables (669,776) (298,995) 74,228 Decrease (increase) in other assets 30,978 (20,682) (70,305) Increase in insurance claims and reserves 703,244 546,522 189,587 Increase in payable to reinsurers 212,256 154,384 14,270 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 39,449 4,558 (43,118) Increase in minority interest 3,462 15,156 4,957 Other, net 113 28,730 4,856 ---------- ---------- ---------- 808,571 721,916 441,465 ---------- ---------- ---------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of and additional investments in: Fixed maturity investments (6,199,022) (3,827,768) (1,635,578) Equity securities (16,583) (9,071) (45,800) Subsidiary (48,447) - - Real estate, property and equipment (53,639) (90,111) (88,371) Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturity investments 1,807,482 902,820 689,691 Sales of: Fixed maturity investments 3,566,812 2,468,492 810,942 Equity securities 23,669 15,814 84,147 Investees and subsidiaries - 40,395 30,694 Real estate, property and equipment 22,417 71,002 30,150 Cash and short-term investments of acquired (former) subsidiaries, net 4,684 (134,237) (132,163) Decrease (increase) in other investments 27,220 (7,827) 5,637 ---------- ---------- ---------- (865,407) (570,491) (250,651) ---------- ---------- ---------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Fixed annuity receipts 874,470 616,628 496,742 Annuity surrenders, benefits and withdrawals (549,919) (622,474) (731,856) Net transfers from (to) variable annuity assets 20,807 (363) (50,475) Additional long-term borrowings 224,560 242,613 182,462 Reductions of long-term debt (159,926) (143,840) (141,577) Issuances of Common Stock 1,608 2,582 157,295 Repurchases of trust preferred securities - (75,000) (2,479) Cash dividends paid (27,834) (66,068) (52,886) ---------- ---------- ---------- 383,766 (45,922) (142,774) ---------- ---------- ---------- NET INCREASE IN CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 326,930 105,503 48,040 Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period 544,173 438,670 390,630 ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash and short-term investments at end of period $ 871,103 $ 544,173 $ 438,670 ========== ========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INDEX TO NOTES -------------- A. Accounting Policies H. Shareholders' Equity B. Acquisitions and Sales of I. Income Taxes Subsidiaries and Investees J. Equity in Losses of Investees C. Segments of Operations K. Commitments and Contingencies D. Investments L. Quarterly Operating Results E. Goodwill and Other Intangibles M. Insurance F. Long-Term Debt N. Additional Information G. Minority Interest O. Subsequent Events -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of American Financial Group, Inc. ("AFG") 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 payments, including prepayments. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. The most significant determinants of prepayments are the difference between interest rates on the underlying mortgages and current mortgage loan rates and the structure of the security. Other factors affecting prepayments include the size, type and age of underlying mortgages, the geographic location of the mortgaged properties and the credit worthiness of the borrowers. Variations from anticipated prepayments will affect the life and yield of these securities. 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 recognizing interest income and impairment on certain asset-backed investments. Interest income on these investments is recorded at a yield based on projected cash flows. The yield is adjusted prospectively to reflect actual cash flows and changes in projected amounts. 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. F-6 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN INVESTEE CORPORATIONS Investments in securities of 20%- to 50%-owned companies are generally carried at cost, adjusted for AFG's proportionate share of their undistributed earnings or losses. Due to Chiquita's announced intention to pursue a plan to restructure its public debt, AFG wrote down its investment in Chiquita common stock to market value at December 31, 2000. In 2001, AFG suspended accounting for the investment under the equity method due to the expected restructuring, and reclassified the investment to "Other stocks." In a 2002 reorganization of Chiquita, AFG's ownership was reduced to less than one-half of 1%. GOODWILL Goodwill represents the excess of cost of subsidiaries over AFG's equity in their underlying net assets. Through December 31, 2001, goodwill was being amortized over periods of 20 to 40 years. Effective January 1, 2002, AFG implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, under which goodwill is no longer amortized but is subject to an impairment test at least annually. As required under SFAS No. 142, AFG completed the transitional test for goodwill impairment (as of January 1, 2002) in the fourth quarter of 2002. The resulting write-down was reported by restating first quarter 2002 results for the 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 Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. AFG'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. Payable to reinsurers includes ceded premiums retained by AFG's insurance subsidiaries under contracts to fund ceded losses as they become due. AFG'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 deferred to the extent deemed recoverable and 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, net" in the shareholders' equity section of the Balance Sheet. 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. ANNUITY AND LIFE ACQUISITION EXPENSES Annuity and life acquisition expenses on the Statement of Operations consists primarily of amortization of DPAC related to the annuity and life, accident and health businesses. This line item also includes certain marketing and commission costs that are expensed as paid. F-7 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED 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. Establishing reserves for asbestos and environmental claims involves considerably more judgment than other types of claims 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. Loss reserve 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. 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 the original projections of investment yields, 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. 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. F-8 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED MINORITY INTEREST For balance sheet purposes, minority interest represents the interests of noncontrolling shareholders in AFG subsidiaries, including American Financial Corporation ("AFC") preferred stock and preferred securities issued by trust subsidiaries of AFG. For income statement purposes, minority interest expense represents those shareholders' interest in the earnings of AFG subsidiaries as well as AFC preferred dividends and 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. Because holders of AFC Preferred Stock hold in excess of 20% of AFC's voting rights, AFG (parent) and its direct subsidiary, AFC Holding Company ("AFC Holding" or "AFCH"), are not eligible to file consolidated returns with AFC, and therefore, file separately. 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. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION As permitted under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," AFG accounts for stock options and other stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value based method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Under AFG's stock option plan, options are granted to officers, directors and key employees at exercise prices equal to the fair value of the shares at the dates of grant. No compensation expense is recognized for stock option grants. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and earnings per share had compensation cost been recognized and determined based on the fair values at grant dates consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123. See Note H "Shareholders' Equity" for further information on stock options, including assumptions made in the calculation of pro forma stock option expense. 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Net earnings (loss), as reported $84,640 ($14,840) ($56,035) Pro forma stock option expense, net of tax (5,639) (5,436) (7,007) ------- ------- ------- Adjusted net earnings (loss) $79,001 ($20,276) ($63,042) ======= ======= ======= Earnings per share (as reported): Basic $1.23 ($0.22) ($0.95) Diluted $1.22 ($0.22) ($0.95) Earnings per share (adjusted): Basic $1.15 ($0.30) ($1.07) Diluted $1.14 ($0.30) ($1.07) BENEFIT PLANS AFG provides retirement benefits to qualified employees of participating companies through the AFG Retirement and Savings Plan, a defined contribution plan. The Company makes all contributions to the retirement fund portion of the Plan and matches a percentage of employee contributions to the savings fund. Employees have been permitted to direct the investment of their contributions to independently managed investment funds, while Company contributions have been invested primarily in securities of AFG and affiliates. Employees may direct the investment of a portion of their vested retirement fund account balances (increasing from 12.5% in July 2002 to 100% in April 2004) from securities of AFG and its affiliates to independently managed investment funds. As of December 31, 2002, the Plan owned 12% of AFG's outstanding Common Stock. Company contributions are expensed in the year for which they are declared. F-9 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED AFG and many of its subsidiaries provide health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees. AFG 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, AFG implemented SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which established 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 AFG's derivatives at fair value, was a loss of $9.1 million (net of minority interest and taxes) or $.15 per diluted share. Derivatives are included in AFG's Balance Sheet and consist primarily of investments in common stock warrants (valued at $13.8 million at December 31, 2002; included in other stocks), the equity-based component of certain annuity products (included in annuity benefits accumulated) and related call options (included in other investments) designed to be consistent with the characteristics of the liabilities and used to mitigate the risk embedded in those annuity products. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the following dilutive effects of common stock options: 2002 - 403,000 shares; 2001 - 440,000 shares and 2000 - 169,000 shares. 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. B. ACQUISITIONS AND SALES OF SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTEES See Note O, "Subsequent Events" for information on the 2003 sales of Infinity and the direct-to-consumer auto business. NEW JERSEY PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE BUSINESS In September 2002, an AFG subsidiary entered into an agreement under which an unrelated insurer will assume the subsidiary's obligations to renew its private passenger automobile insurance business written in New Jersey. AFG recognized a $10.8 million pretax loss on the transaction. As of September 9, 2002, AFG no longer accepts any new private passenger automobile insurance in that state. MANHATTAN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE On June 28, 2002, GAFRI acquired Manhattan National Life Insurance Company ("MNL") from Conseco, Inc. for $48.5 million in cash. At December 31, 2002, MNL reinsured 90% of its in force business. F-10 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED SEVEN HILLS INSURANCE COMPANY In July 2001, AFG sold Seven Hills Insurance Company for $18.4 million, realizing a pretax gain of $7.1 million. AFG retained all liability for Seven Hills' business related to the period AFG owned the company. JAPANESE DIVISION In December 2000, AFG 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, AFG 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, AFG 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, AFG sold its Commercial lines division to Ohio Casualty Corporation for $300 million cash plus warrants to purchase shares of Ohio Casualty common stock. AFG 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, AFG 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 AFG 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, AFG 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 AFG subsidiaries, the sale was not recognized as a divestiture for accounting purposes and AFG continued accounting for their operations under the equity method as investees. In December 2002, one of the businesses sold substantially all of its assets for $29.5 million, which proceeds and approximately $675,000 in receivables and other assets were transferred to AFG. The amount transferred approximated AFG's carrying value of loans to this business. At December 31, 2001, $41.6 million in assets of this business were included in other assets and $9.8 million in liabilities of this business (after consolidation and elimination of loans from AFG subsidiaries) were included in other liabilities in AFG's consolidated balance sheet. Assets of the remaining start-up business ($15.3 million at December 31, 2002, and $15.5 million at December 31, 2001) are included in other assets; liabilities of the business ($2.0 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, after consolidation and elimination of loans from AFG subsidiaries) are included in other liabilities. AFG's equity in the losses of these two companies during 2002, 2001 and the fourth quarter of 2000 was $9.0 million, $16.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively, and is included in investee losses in the Statement of Operations. F-11 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED C. SEGMENTS OF OPERATIONS AFG's property and casualty group has been engaged primarily in specialty commercial insurance and private passenger automobile insurance business. 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. In 2003, AFG sold a substantial portion of its Personal segment; see Note O - "Subsequent Events." The Personal group wrote nonstandard and preferred/standard private passenger auto and other personal insurance coverage. AFG's annuity, life and health business markets primarily retirement products as well as life and supplemental health insurance. AFG's businesses operate throughout the United States. In 2002, 2001, and 2000, AFG 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 AFG's assets, revenues and operating profit (loss) by significant business segment. Operating profit (loss) represents total revenues less operating expenses.
2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- ASSETS Property and casualty insurance (a) $ 9,960,769 $ 8,796,909 $ 8,200,683 Annuities and life 9,349,280 8,370,904 7,934,851 Other 194,777 233,868 256,011 ----------- ----------- ----------- 19,504,826 17,401,681 16,391,545 Investment in investees - - 23,996 ----------- ----------- ----------- $19,504,826 $17,401,681 $16,415,541 =========== =========== =========== REVENUES (b) Property and casualty insurance: Premiums earned: Specialty $ 1,497,088 $ 1,409,497 $ 1,223,435 Personal 905,246 1,182,651 1,270,328 Other lines (c) 266 1,790 1,129 ----------- ----------- ----------- 2,402,600 2,593,938 2,494,892 Investment and other income 410,947 458,410 450,537 ----------- ----------- ----------- 2,813,547 3,052,348 2,945,429 Annuities and life (d) 897,365 855,733 823,586 Other 38,656 15,551 48,312 ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 3,749,568 $ 3,923,632 $ 3,817,327 =========== =========== =========== OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) Property and casualty insurance: Underwriting: Specialty $ 24,544 ($ 23,274) ($ 94,857) Personal 1,339 (93,254) (108,372) Other lines (c)(e) (52,207) (110,987) 1,342 ----------- ----------- ----------- (26,324) (227,515) (201,887) Investment and other income 211,424 296,725 289,549 ----------- ----------- ----------- 185,100 69,210 87,662 Annuities and life 61,553 100,864 96,211 Other (f) (68,634) (114,176) (73,980) ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 178,019 $ 55,898 $ 109,893 =========== =========== ===========
(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 development of lines in "run-off"; AFG has ceased underwriting new business in these operations. (d) Represents primarily investment income. (e) Includes a special charge of $100 million in 2001 related to asbestos and other environmental matters ("A&E"). (f) Includes holding company expenses. F-12 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED D. INVESTMENTS Fixed maturities and other stocks at December 31 consisted of the following (in millions):
2002 2001 ------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- 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 $ 1,353.6 $ 1,402.0 $ 49.5 ($ 1.1) $ 1,000.1 $ 1,017.8 $ 21.7 ($ 4.0) States, municipalities and political subdivisions 584.4 615.2 36.4 (5.6) 405.6 414.9 16.2 (6.9) Foreign government 163.3 169.9 6.6 - 105.5 108.8 3.5 (.2) Public utilities 1,038.9 1,058.3 43.4 (24.0) 772.0 778.8 14.4 (7.6) Mortgage-backed securities 3,106.6 3,232.1 134.6 (9.1) 2,632.9 2,702.5 89.5 (19.9) All other corporate 5,241.8 5,462.7 312.0 (91.1) 5,616.7 5,673.5 160.1 (103.3) Redeemable preferred stocks 61.1 66.7 7.8 (2.2) 60.5 52.3 .8 (9.0) --------- --------- ------ ------ --------- --------- ------ ------ $11,549.7 $12,006.9 $590.3 ($133.1) $10,593.3 $10,748.6 $306.2 ($150.9) ========= ========= ====== ====== ========= ========= ====== ====== Other stocks $ 174.6 $ 300.4 $130.5 ($ 4.7) $ 187.8 $ 313.7 $135.7 ($ 9.8) ========= ========= ====== ====== ========= ========= ====== ======
The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of fixed maturities based on market value as of December 31, 2002. Asset-backed securities and other securities with sinking funds are reported at average maturity. Data based on amortized cost is generally the same. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers. Mortgage-backed securities had an average life of approximately five years at December 31, 2002. MATURITY ----------------------- One year or less 6% After one year through five years 23 After five years through ten years 33 After ten years 11 --- 73 Mortgage-backed securities 27 --- 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 $189 million and $191 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on fixed maturity and equity security investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fixed Equity Tax Maturities Securities Effects Total ---------- ---------- --------- --------- 2002 ---- Realized ($ 61,225) ($17,854) $ 27,633 ($ 51,446) Change in Unrealized 301,900 (100) (103,800) 198,000 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
F-13 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 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): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Gross Gains $155.3 $108.9 $15.9 Gross Losses ($216.5) ($124.2) ($40.1) E. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES Effective January 1, 2002, goodwill is no longer amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing under a two step process. Under the first step, an entity's net assets are classified by reporting units and compared to their fair value. Fair value was estimated based primarily on the present value of expected future cash flows. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In the second quarter of 2002, AFG completed the first step of its transitional impairment test and identified potential impairment of goodwill in its annuities and life insurance segment and the personal lines segment of its property and casualty insurance business. The second step of the impairment test, measuring the amount of impairment loss, was completed in the fourth quarter with a resulting $40.4 million ($.59 per share, basic and diluted) impairment charge reported by restating first quarter 2002 results for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The impairment charge for the annuities and life insurance segment was related to a decrease in estimated future earnings based upon lower forecasted new business sales over the next few years. The impairment charge for the personal lines segment related primarily to planned future reductions in new business volume written through the direct channel. If the goodwill amortization of $13.7 million ($.20 per share, basic and diluted) and $16.4 million ($.28 per share, basic and diluted) in the years 2001 and 2000, respectively, had not been expensed, net losses for the periods would have been $1.2 million ($.02 per share) and $39.7 million ($.67 per share). Changes in the carrying value of goodwill during 2002, by reporting segment, are presented in the following table (in thousands):
Property and Casualty Annuities ---------------------- Specialty Personal and Life Total --------- -------- --------- -------- Balance December 31, 2001 $150,999 $117,391 $40,404 $308,794 Goodwill from acquisitions - - 1,461 1,461 Transitional impairment charge - (39,600) (21,184) (60,784) Other (788) - - (788) -------- -------- ------- -------- Balance December 31, 2002 $150,211 $ 77,791 $20,681 $248,683 ======== ======== ======= ========
Included in deferred acquisition costs in AFG's Balance Sheet are $66.8 million and $71.2 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, representing the present value of future profits ("PVFP") related to acquisitions by AFG's annuity and life business. The PVFP amounts are net of $57.3 million and $45.5 million of accumulated amortization. Amortization of the PVFP was $11.8 million in 2002, $9.2 million in 2001 and $10.7 million in 2000. During each of the next five years, the PVFP is expected to decrease at a rate of approximately 13% of the balance at the beginning of each respective year. F-14 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED F. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, (in thousands): 2002 2001 ---- ---- HOLDING COMPANIES: AFG 7-1/8% Senior Debentures due April 2009, less discount of $1,552 and $1,742 (imputed rate - 7.2%) $301,298 $301,108 AFG 7-1/8% Senior Debentures due December 2007 79,600 79,600 AFC notes payable under bank line 248,000 203,000 American Premier Underwriters, Inc. ("APU") 10-7/8% Subordinated Notes due May 2011, including premium of $777 and $836 (imputed rate - 9.6%) 11,498 11,557 Other 8,014 13,695 -------- -------- $648,410 $608,960 ======== ======== SUBSIDIARIES: GAFRI 6-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2008 $100,000 $100,000 GAFRI notes payable under bank line 148,600 121,100 Notes payable secured by real estate 35,610 36,253 Other 12,561 13,399 -------- -------- $296,771 $270,752 ======== ======== At December 31, 2002, sinking fund and other scheduled principal payments on debt for the subsequent five years were as follows (in millions): Holding Companies Subsidiaries Total --------- ------------ ------ 2003 $ 78.0 $ 2.1 $ 80.1 2004 - 150.8 150.8 2005 170.0 11.3 181.3 2006 - 19.6 19.6 2007 84.7 .2 84.9 In November 2002, AFC replaced its $300 million bank credit line with a new bank credit agreement. Currently, AFC may borrow up to $280 million under the new agreement; the line may be expanded to $300 million through the end of 2003. The new line consists of two facilities: a 364-day revolving facility, extendable annually, for one-third of the total line and a three-year revolving facility for the remaining two-thirds. Amounts borrowed bear interest at rates ranging from 1.25% to 2.25% over LIBOR based on AFG's credit rating. In addition, GAFRI has an unsecured credit agreement under which it can borrow up to $155 million at floating rates based on prime or Eurodollar rates through December 2004. Cash interest payments of $47 million, $51 million and $56 million were made on long-term debt in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Interest expense in the Statement of Operations includes interest credited on funds held by AFG's insurance subsidiaries under reinsurance contracts and other similar agreements as follows: 2002 - $11.7 million; 2001 - $7.1 million; and 2000 - $9.5 million. F-15 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED G. MINORITY INTEREST Minority interest in AFG's balance sheet is comprised of the following (in thousands): 2002 2001 ---- ---- Interest of noncontrolling shareholders in subsidiaries' common stock $157,207 $140,913 Preferred securities issued by subsidiary trusts 241,663 241,663 AFC preferred stock 72,154 72,154 -------- -------- $471,024 $454,730 ======== ======== PREFERRED SECURITIES Wholly-owned subsidiary trusts of AFG and 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. AFG and GAFRI effectively provide unconditional guarantees of their respective trusts' obligations. The preferred securities consisted of the following (in thousands):
Date of Optional Issuance Issue (Maturity Date) 2002 2001 Redemption Dates ------------- ------------------------ ---- ---- -------------------- October 1996 AFCH 9-1/8% TOPrS (2026) $98,750 $98,750 Currently redeemable 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
AFC PREFERRED STOCK AFC's Preferred Stock is voting, cumulative, and consists 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, 2002 and 2001. MINORITY INTEREST EXPENSE Minority interest expense is comprised of (in thousands): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Interest of noncontrolling shareholders in earnings of subsidiaries $ 6,096 $11,366 $11,775 Accrued distributions by subsidiaries on preferred securities: Trust issued securities, net of tax 14,281 16,932 17,819 AFC preferred stock 5,772 5,772 5,772 ------- ------- ------- $26,149 $34,070 $35,366 ======= ======= ======= F-16 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED H. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY At December 31, 2002, there were 69,129,352 shares of AFG Common Stock outstanding, including 1,361,867 shares held by American Premier for possible distribution to certain creditors and other claimants upon proper claim presentation and settlement pursuant to the 1978 plan of reorganization of American Premier's predecessor, The Penn Central Corporation. Shares being held for distribution are not eligible to vote but otherwise are accounted for as issued and outstanding. In December 2000, AFG issued 8.3 million Common Shares at $19.625 per share in a public offering. AFG is authorized to issue 12.5 million shares of Voting Preferred Stock and 12.5 million shares of Nonvoting Preferred Stock, each without par value. STOCK OPTIONS At December 31, 2002, there were 9.7 million shares of AFG Common Stock reserved for issuance under AFG's Stock Option Plan. Options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of AFG Common Stock at the date of grant. Options generally become exercisable at the rate of 20% per year commencing one year after grant; those granted to nonemployee directors of AFG are fully exercisable upon grant. Options generally expire ten years after the date of grant. Data for AFG's Stock Option Plan is presented below:
2002 2001 2000 ----------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- Average Average Average Exercise Exercise Exercise Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Outstanding at beginning of year 6,089,131 $27.91 6,452,496 $27.86 4,664,108 $31.28 Granted 1,056,750 $25.78 20,500 $26.22 1,997,000 $19.81 Exercised (28,837) $20.80 (65,335) $21.39 (68,523) $18.22 Forfeited (134,482) $29.41 (318,530) $28.16 (140,089) $31.65 --------- --------- --------- Outstanding at end of year 6,982,562 $27.58 6,089,131 $27.91 6,452,496 $27.86 ========= ========= ========= Options exercisable at year-end 4,560,210 $29.01 3,818,305 $29.23 3,226,294 $29.38 ========= ========= ========= Options available for grant at year-end 2,710,975 3,633,243 335,213 ========= ========= =======
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2002:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ------------------------------------ ---------------------- Average Average Average Exercise Remaining Exercise Shares Price Life Shares Price --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- $18.56 - $20.00 1,781,491 $19.79 7.6 years 751,591 $19.79 $20.01 - $25.00 1,177,725 $23.97 2.3 " 1,177,725 $23.97 $25.01 - $30.00 1,359,520 $26.06 7.6 " 328,770 $26.84 $30.01 - $35.00 916,750 $30.36 3.1 " 912,000 $30.34 $35.01 - $40.00 1,468,576 $36.81 5.3 " 1,165,024 $37.04 $40.01 - $45.19 278,500 $42.41 5.2 " 225,100 $42.43
No compensation cost has been recognized for stock option grants. The weighted-average fair value per option granted was $8.52, $8.18 and $5.38 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. For SFAS No. 123 purposes, calculations were determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted-average assumptions: dividend yield of 2% for 2002 and 2001 and 3% for 2000; expected volatility of 30% for 2002, 27% for 2001 and 24% for 2000; weighted average risk-free interest rate of 4.9% for 2002, 5.3% for 2001 and 6% for 2000; and expected life of 7.4 years for 2002, 2001 and 2000. F-17 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 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 ------ ------- -------- ----- 2002 ------------------------------------------ Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period $195.7 ($66.6) ($11.8) $117.3 Realized losses included in net income 79.1 (27.7) (4.1) 47.3 ------ ----- ----- ------ Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities, net $274.8 ($94.3) ($15.9) $164.6 ====== ===== ===== ====== 2001 ------------------------------------------ Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the period $ 0.8 ($ 0.3) ($ 4.1) ($ 3.6) 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) (3.0) 12.3 ------ ----- ----- ------ Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities, net $ 41.3 ($14.6) ($ 8.0) $ 18.7 ====== ===== ===== ====== 2000 ------------------------------------------ Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period $221.1 ($75.8) ($14.5) $130.8 Adoption of SFAS No. 133 15.0 (5.3) - 9.7 Realized gains included in net income and unrealized losses of subsidiary sold 31.3 (10.9) (2.1) 18.3 ------ ----- ----- ------ Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities, net $267.4 ($92.0) ($16.6) $158.8 ====== ===== ===== ======
I. 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):
2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Earnings (loss) before income taxes: Operating $178,019 $55,898 $109,893 Minority interest expense (33,839) (43,187) (44,961) Equity in net losses of investees (13,830) (25,462) (142,230) Accounting changes (57,716) (15,948) (13,882) -------- ------- -------- Total $ 72,634 ($28,699) ($ 91,180) ======== ======= ======== Income taxes at statutory rate $ 25,422 ($10,045) ($ 31,913) Effect of: Adjustment to prior year taxes (33,192) (6,317) - Effect of foreign operations (4,212) (3,421) 951 Amortization and writeoff of intangibles 3,711 4,526 5,495 Losses utilized (3,300) (1,245) (7,000) Minority interest 3,058 5,672 6,187 Dividends received deduction (2,313) (2,317) (2,378) Tax exempt interest (1,367) (1,233) (1,571) Nondeductible meals, etc. 992 1,381 1,300 State income taxes 153 781 298 Tax credits - (1,243) (5,757) Other (958) (398) (757) -------- ------- ------- Total Provision (Credit) (12,006) (13,859) (35,145) Amounts applicable to: Minority interest expense 7,690 9,117 9,595 Equity in net losses of investees 4,840 8,912 49,781 Accounting changes 17,356 5,908 4,810 -------- ------- -------- Provision for income taxes as shown on the Statement of Operations $ 17,880 $10,078 $ 29,041 ======== ======= ========
F-18 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED Total earnings before income taxes include income subject to tax in foreign jurisdictions of $17.8 million in 2002, $8.3 million in 2001 and $10.6 million in 2000. The total income tax provision (credit) consists of (in thousands): 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Current taxes: Federal $17,535 $44,715 $13,880 Foreign 2,293 - 1,106 State 236 1,201 459 Deferred taxes: Federal (33,762) (59,042) (50,070) Foreign 1,692 (733) (520) ------- ------- ------- ($12,006) ($13,859) ($35,145) ======= ======= ======= For income tax purposes, AFG and certain members of the AFC consolidated tax group had the following carryforwards available at December 31, 2002 (in millions): Expiring Amount ----------- ------ { 2003 - 2007 $ 11 Operating Loss { 2008 - 2017 - { 2018 - 2022 189 Other - Tax Credits 11 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): 2002 2001 ---- ---- Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 70.4 $ 94.2 Insurance claims and reserves 278.6 268.2 Other, net 108.8 96.4 ------ ------ 457.8 458.8 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (34.9) (40.9) ------ ------ 422.9 417.9 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs (242.6) (231.5) Investment securities (188.3) (109.0) ------ ------ (430.9) (340.5) ------ ------ Net deferred tax asset (liability) ($ 8.0) $ 77.4 ====== ====== 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 $30.0 million, $6.6 million and $27.8 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. F-19 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED J. EQUITY IN LOSSES OF INVESTEES In addition to the start-up manufacturing operations discussed in Note B, and prior to Chiquita's March 2002 restructuring, AFG owned 24 million shares (31% as of December 31, 2001) of Chiquita common stock. Chiquita is a leading international marketer, producer and distributor of quality fresh fruits and vegetables and processed foods. 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, AFG 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, AFG suspended accounting for the investment under the equity method and reclassified the investment to "Other stocks". In the third quarter of 2001, AFG wrote down its investment in Chiquita by an additional $8 million (to $.67 per share). In March 2002, the court approved Chiquita's plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Under the plan, over $700 million in principal and accrued interest related to Chiquita's public debt was converted into common equity. As a result of the restructuring, AFG received 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. All of the shares and approximately 4% of the warrants have been sold. For the year ended December 31, 2000, Chiquita reported net sales of $2.25 billion, operating income of $27 million, a net loss of $95 million, and a net loss attributable to common shares of $112 million. K. 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, 2002, American Premier had liabilities for environmental and personal injury claims aggregating $66.4 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, 2002, American Premier had $46.4 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. AFG has accrued approximately $7 million at December 31, 2002, for environmental costs and certain other matters associated with the sales of former operations. AFG'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, 2002 and 2001, respectively, was $572 million and $548 million; related recoverables from reinsurers (net of allowances for doubtful accounts) at those dates were $105 million and $101 million, respectively. F-20 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED While management believes AFG has recorded adequate reserves for the items discussed in this note, the outcome is uncertain and could result in liabilities exceeding amounts AFG has currently recorded. Additional amounts could have a material adverse effect on AFG's future results of operations and financial condition. L. QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED) The operations of certain of AFG'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 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, 2002 (in millions, except per share amounts).
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- 2002 ------------------------------------------------ Revenues $925.1 $918.7 $943.4 $962.4 $3,749.6 Earnings (loss) before accounting change 41.8 12.1 26.9 44.2 125.0 Cumulative effect of accounting change (40.4) - - - (40.4) Net earnings (loss) 1.4 12.1 26.9 44.2 84.6 Basic earnings (loss) per common share: Before accounting change $.61 $.18 $.39 $.64 $1.82 Cumulative effect of accounting change (.59) - - - (.59) Net earnings (loss) available to Common Shares $.02 $.18 $.39 $.64 $1.23 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Before accounting change $.61 $.17 $.39 $.64 $1.81 Cumulative effect of accounting change (.59) - - - (.59) Net earnings (loss) available to Common Shares $.02 $.17 $.39 $.64 $1.22 Average number of Common Shares: Basic 68.6 68.7 68.9 69.0 68.8 Diluted 69.0 69.4 69.2 69.3 69.2 2001 ------------------------------------------------ Revenues $972.3 $993.2 $1,014.8 $943.3 $3,923.6 Earnings (loss) before accounting change 13.1 6.3 (55.7) 31.5 (4.8) Cumulative effect of accounting change - (10.0) - - (10.0) Net earnings (loss) 13.1 (3.7) (55.7) 31.5 (14.8) Basic earnings (loss) per common share: Before accounting change $.19 $.09 ($.82) $.46 ($.07) Cumulative effect of accounting change - (.15) - - (.15) Net earnings (loss) available to Common Shares $.19 ($.06) ($.82) $.46 ($.22) Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Before accounting change $.19 $.09 ($.81) $.46 ($.07) Cumulative effect of accounting change - (.15) - - (.15) Net earnings (loss) available to Common Shares $.19 ($.06) ($.81) $.46 ($.22) Average number of Common Shares: Basic 67.5 67.9 68.0 68.3 67.9 Diluted 67.9 68.5 68.5 68.6 68.4
Quarterly earnings per share do not add to year-to-date amounts due to changes in shares outstanding. Results for 2002 include a $16 million tax benefit in the first quarter and a $15 million tax benefit in the fourth quarter resulting from the reduction of previously accrued amounts due to the resolution of certain tax matters. Fourth quarter 2002 results also include a $30 million charge related to the settlement of asbestos-related litigation. F-21 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED The results for 2001 include goodwill amortization of approximately $3.4 million per quarter. 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. AFG 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 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ 2002 ($17.8) ($47.6) ($24.6) $9.4 ($80.6) 2001 (8.5) (26.4) 7.0 3.9 (24.0) M. INSURANCE Securities owned by insurance subsidiaries having a carrying value of just over $1 billion at December 31, 2002, 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, 2002, has been reduced by $25 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). Adverse development recorded in 2002 and 2001 in prior year reserves related primarily to charges for asbestos and certain Specialty lines in run-off.
2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Balance at beginning of period $3,253 $3,192 $3,224 Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current year 1,664 1,950 2,056 Net increase (decrease) in provision for claims of prior years 171 163 (60) ------ ------ ------ Total losses and LAE incurred (*) 1,835 2,113 1,996 Payments for losses and LAE of: Current year (594) (831) (905) Prior years (1,094) (1,036) (936) ------ ------ ------ Total payments (1,688) (1,867) (1,841) Reserves of businesses sold - (120) (187) Reclass to unearned premiums - (65) - ------ ------ ------ Balance at end of period $3,400 $3,253 $3,192 ====== ====== ====== Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance 1,804 1,525 1,324 ------ ------ ------ Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the Balance Sheet $5,204 $4,778 $4,516 ====== ====== ======
(*) Before amortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance of $20 million in 2002, $33 million in 2001 and $34 million in 2000. F-22 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED NET INVESTMENT INCOME The following table shows (in millions) investment income earned and investment expenses incurred by AFG's insurance companies. 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Insurance group investment income: Fixed maturities $850.9 $841.0 $815.5 Equity securities 9.6 8.1 10.4 Other .6 1.1 4.3 ------ ------ ------ 861.1 850.2 830.2 Insurance group investment expenses (*) (40.4) (36.8) (41.4) ------ ------ ------ $820.7 $813.4 $788.8 ====== ====== ====== (*) Included primarily in "Other operating and general expenses" in the Statement of Operations. STATUTORY INFORMATION AFG'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 (Loss) Surplus --------------------------- ------------------- 2002 2001 2000 2002 2001 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Property and casualty companies $116 $34 $10 $1,742 $1,669 Life insurance companies (24) (25) 40 445 414
REINSURANCE In the normal course of business, AFG'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, AFG's insurance subsidiaries would remain liable. 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. 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- Direct premiums written $4,027 $3,573 $3,365 Reinsurance assumed 80 94 76 Reinsurance ceded (1,693) (1,114) (803) ------ ------ -- ---- Net written premiums $2,414 $2,553 (*) $2,638 ====== ====== ====== Direct premiums earned $3,798 $3,393 $3,306 Reinsurance assumed 91 92 45 Reinsurance ceded (1,486) (891) (856) ------ ------ ------ Net earned premiums $2,403 $2,594 $2,495 ====== ====== ====== Reinsurance recoveries $1,142 $ 773 $ 567 ====== ====== ====== (*) Net of $29.7 million unearned premium transfer related to the sale of the Japanese division. F-23 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED N. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Total rental expense for various leases of office space and equipment was $52 million, $53 million and $44 million for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Sublease rental income related to these leases totaled $612,000 in 2002, $2.4 million in 2001 and $2.5 million in 2000. 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, 2002, were as follows: 2003 - $57 million; 2004 - $50 million; 2005 - $35 million; 2006 - $26 million; 2007 - $17 million and $33 million thereafter. In addition, AFG has 99-year land leases (approximately 94 years remaining) at one of its real estate properties. Minimum lease payments under these leases are expected to be approximately $180,000 in 2003 and are adjusted annually for inflation. Other operating and general expenses included charges for possible losses on agents' balances, other receivables and other assets in the following amounts: 2002 - $2.7 million; 2001 - $3.5 million; and 2000 - $9.7 million. Losses and loss adjustment expenses included charges for possible losses on reinsurance recoverables of $6.6 million in 2002 and $11 million in 2001. The aggregate allowance for all such losses amounted to approximately $72 million and $67 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 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) ----------- --------- ----------- 2002 ---- Fixed maturities $11,549.7 $457.2 $12,006.9 Other stocks 174.6 125.8 300.4 Deferred acquisition costs 873.1 (31.0) 842.1 Annuity benefits accumulated (6,444.7) (9.2) (6,453.9) ------ Pretax unrealized 542.8 Deferred taxes 179.5 (187.5) (8.0) Minority interest (439.6) (31.4) (471.0) ------ Unrealized gain $323.9 ====== 2001 ---- Fixed maturities $10,593.3 $155.3 $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 268.0 Deferred taxes 170.6 (93.2) 77.4 Minority interest (439.2) (15.5) (454.7) ------ Unrealized gain $159.3 ====== F-24 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The following table presents (in millions) the carrying value and estimated fair value of AFG's financial instruments at December 31.
2002 2001 ---------------------- ------------------------ Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value -------- ------- -------- ------- ASSETS: Fixed maturities $12,007 $12,007 $10,749 $10,749 Other stocks 300 300 314 314 LIABILITIES: Annuity benefits accumulated $ 6,454 $ 6,284 $ 5,832 $ 5,659 Long-term debt: Holding companies 648 624 609 587 Subsidiaries 297 287 271 264 MINORITY INTEREST: Trust preferred securities $ 242 $ 238 $ 242 $ 242 AFC preferred stock 72 54 72 61 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 1,726 $ 1,595 $ 1,498 $ 1,681
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 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 AFG's Common Stock. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK On occasion, AFG 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, 2002, AFG and its subsidiaries had commitments to fund credit facilities and contribute limited partnership capital totaling up to $18 million. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND ASSETS OF SUBSIDIARIES Payments of dividends, loans and advances by AFG'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 AFG in 2003 from its insurance subsidiaries without seeking regulatory clearance is approximately $24 million. Additional amounts of dividends, loans and advances require regulatory approval. BENEFIT PLANS AFG expensed approximately $20 million in 2002, $19 million in 2001 and $22 million in 2000 for its retirement and employee savings plans. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AFG 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 AFG's chairman purchased a minority interest in the company for $825,000. In 2000, that brother and another brother of AFG's chairman acquired the remaining shares from the third parties. In addition, GAFRI had extended a line of credit to this company under which the homebuilder could borrow up to $8 million at 13%. At December 31, 2001, $6.4 million was due under the credit line. In September 2002, the homebuilding company was sold to an unrelated party for a gain of $9.3 million (included in realized gains on other investments) and GAFRI's line of credit was repaid and terminated. F-25 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED 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, AFG'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 2002 and 2001, respectively, $1 million and $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. O. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED) INFINITY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY CORPORATION On December 31, 2002, AFG transferred to Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation ("Infinity", a newly formed subsidiary) the following subsidiaries involved primarily in the issuance of nonstandard auto policies: Atlanta Casualty Company, Infinity Insurance Company, Leader Insurance Company and Windsor Insurance Company. Effective January 1, 2003, Great American Insurance Company, an AFG subsidiary, transferred to Infinity its personal insurance business written through independent agents. In February 2003, AFG sold 61% of Infinity in a public offering. The businesses transferred generated aggregate net written premiums of approximately $690 million, $900 million and $1.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively. AFG expects to realize a pretax loss of about $40 million on the sale in the first quarter of 2003. In addition, a substantial tax benefit related to AFG's book versus tax basis in Infinity stock may be available. DIRECT AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE BUSINESS In January 2003, AFG reached an agreement to sell two of its subsidiaries that market automobile insurance directly to customers. The transaction will include the transfer of Great American Insurance's right to renew certain of its personal automobile insurance business written on a direct basis in selected markets. Premiums generated by the businesses being sold were approximately $79 million in 2002. AFG does not expect to report a significant gain or loss on the sale. F-26 PART IV ITEM 15 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K --------------------------------------------------------------- (a) Documents filed as part of this Report: 1. Financial Statements are included in Part II, Item 8. 2. Financial Statement Schedules: A. Selected Quarterly Financial Data is included in Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements. B. Schedules filed herewith for 2002, 2001 and 2000: Page ---- I - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant S-2 V - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations S-4 All other schedules for which provisions are made in the applicable regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted as they are not applicable, not required, or the information required thereby is set forth in the Financial Statements or the notes thereto. 3. Exhibits - see Exhibit Index on page E-1. (b) Report on Form 8-K: Date of Report Item Reported -------------- ------------- October 9, 2002 Registration Statement filed - Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation (new subsidiary) February 19, 2003 Press Release - Fourth quarter and full year 2002 results; asbestos litigation settlement S-1 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. - PARENT ONLY (*) SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (In Thousands) CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET ----------------------- December 31 --------------------------- 2002 2001 ---- ---- ASSETS: Cash and short-term investments $ 306 $ 529 Receivables from affiliates 308,563 359,582 Investment in subsidiaries 1,835,079 1,562,550 Investment in securities 1,312 - Other investments 32,500 36,244 Other assets 37,758 28,970 ---------- ---------- $2,215,518 $1,987,875 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 4,967 $ 4,983 Payables to affiliates 103,805 103,805 Long-term debt 380,898 380,708 Shareholders' equity 1,725,848 1,498,379 ---------- ---------- $2,215,518 $1,987,875 ========== ========== CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS --------------------------------- Year Ended December 31, -------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- INCOME: Dividends from subsidiaries $ 282 $ 282 $ 282 Equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries 156,598 10,863 (57,796) Realized gains on investments 9,109 - - Investment and other income 15,232 27,650 27,563 ------- ------- ------- 181,221 38,795 (29,951) COSTS AND EXPENSES: Interest charges on borrowed money 41,729 42,958 39,912 Other operating and general expenses 9,142 8,588 7,435 ------- ------- ------- 50,871 51,546 47,347 ------- ------- ------- Earnings (loss) before income taxes and accounting changes 130,350 (12,751) (77,298) Provision (credit) for income taxes 5,350 (7,951) (30,335) ------- ------- ------- Earnings (loss) before accounting changes 125,000 (4,800) (46,963) Cumulative effect of accounting changes (40,360) (10,040) (9,072) ------- ------- ------- NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $ 84,640 ($14,840) ($56,035) ======== ======= ======= (*)The Parent Only Financial Statements include the accounts of AFG and its predecessor, AFC Holding Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary. S-2 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. - PARENT ONLY (*) SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT - CONTINUED (In Thousands) CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS ---------------------------------
Year Ended December 31, ------------------------------------- 2002 2001 2000 ---- ---- ---- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings (loss) $ 84,640 ($14,840) ($ 56,035) Adjustments: Cumulative effect of accounting changes 40,360 10,040 9,072 Equity in losses (earnings) of subsidiaries (142,260) (10,613) 34,225 Realized gains on investments (9,109) - - Change in balances with affiliates 48,044 83,189 (64,511) Increase in other assets (9,257) (4,126) (10,987) Dividends from subsidiaries 282 282 282 Other (40) 256 792 -------- ------- ------- 12,660 64,188 (87,162) -------- ------- ------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Sales of investments 12,997 - - -------- ------- -------- 12,997 - - -------- ------- -------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Issuances of Common Stock 11,287 19,669 159,562 Repurchases of trust preferred securities - - (1,052) Cash dividends paid (37,167) (84,735) (71,553) -------- ------- -------- (25,880) (65,066) 86,957 -------- ------- -------- NET DECREASE IN CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (223) (878) (205) Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period 529 1,407 1,612 -------- ------- -------- Cash and short-term investments at end of period $ 306 $ 529 $ 1,407 ======== ======= ========
(*) The Parent Only Financial Statements include the accounts of AFG and its predecessor, AFC Holding Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary. S-3 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE V - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 (IN MILLIONS) --------------- ---------------- --------------- ------------- ----------- COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E --------------- ---------------- --------------- ------------- ----------- (a) RESERVES FOR DEFERRED UNPAID CLAIMS (b) AFFILIATION POLICY AND CLAIMS DISCOUNT (c) WITH ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENT DEDUCTED IN UNEARNED REGISTRANT COSTS EXPENSES COLUMN C PREMIUMS --------------- ---------------- --------------- ------------- ----------- CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY-CASUALTY ENTITIES --------------------------------------- 2002 $251 $5,204 $25 $1,848 ==== ====== === ====== 2001 $262 $4,778 $24 $1,641 ==== ====== === ======
---------------- ------------------- --------------------- --------------- --------------- ----------- COLUMN F COLUMN G COLUMN H COLUMN I COLUMN J COLUMN K ---------------- ------------------- --------------------- --------------- --------------- ----------- CLAIMS AND CLAIM ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES AMORTIZATION PAID INCURRED RELATED TO OF DEFERRED CLAIMS NET --------------------- POLICY AND CLAIM EARNED INVESTMENT CURRENT PRIOR ACQUISITION ADJUSTMENT PREMIUMS PREMIUMS INCOME YEARS YEARS COSTS EXPENSES WRITTEN ---------------- ------------------- ----------- --------- --------------- --------------- ----------- 2002 $2,403 $294 $1,664 $171 $429 $1,688 $2,414 ====== ==== ====== ==== ==== ====== ====== 2001 $2,594 $309 $1,950 $163 $556 $1,867 $2,553 ====== ==== ====== ==== ==== ====== ====== 2000 $2,495 $297 $2,056 ($ 60) $560 $1,841 $2,638 ====== ==== ====== ==== ==== ====== ======
(a) Grossed up for reinsurance recoverables of $1,804 and $1,525 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. (b) Discounted at approximately 8%. (c) Grossed up for prepaid reinsurance premiums of $679 and $477 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. S-4 SIGNATURE ---------- Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, American Financial Group, Inc. has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized. American Financial Group, Inc. Signed: September 10, 2003 BY:s/FRED J. RUNK --------------------------------- Fred J. Runk Senior Vice President and Treasurer INDEX TO EXHIBITS AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Number Exhibit Description ------ ------------------- 3(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 3(a) to AFG's Form 10-K for 1997 (*) 3(b) Code of Regulations, filed as Exhibit 3(b) to AFG's Form 10-K for 1997. (*) 4 Instruments defining the rights of Registrant has no security holders. outstanding debt issues exceeding 10% of the assets of Registrant and consolidated subsidiaries. Management Contracts: 10(a) Stock Option Plan, filed as Exhibit 10(a) to AFG's Form 10-K for 1998. (*) 10(b) Form of stock option agreements, filed as Exhibit 10(b) to AFG's Form 10-K for 1998. (*) 10(c) 2002 Annual Bonus Plan, filed as Exhibit 10 to AFG's March 31, 2002 Form 10-Q. (*) 10(d) Nonqualified Auxiliary RASP, filed as Exhibit 10(d) to AFG's Form 10-K for 1998. (*) 10(e) Retirement program for outside directors, filed as Exhibit 10(e) to AFG's Form 10-K for 1995. (*) 10(f) Directors' Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10(f) to AFG's Form 10-K for 1995. (*) 10(g) Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10 to AFG's Registration Statement on Form S-8 on December 2, 1999. (*) 10(h) Credit Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2002, among American Financial Group, Inc., as Guarantor, AFC Holding Company, as Guarantor, American Financial Corporation, as Borrower, Fleet National Bank, Bank of America, N.A. and KeyBank National Association filed as Exhibit 10 to AFG's Registration Statement on Form S-3 on February 4, 2003. (*) 12 Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges. 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant, filed as Exhibit 21 to AFG's Form 10-K for 2002. (*) 23 Consent of independent auditors, filed as Exhibit 23 to AFG's Form 10-K for 2002. (*) 31(a) Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer 31(b) Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer 32 Sarbanes-Oxley Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (*) Incorporated herein by reference. E-1