10-Q 1 afc9-02q.txt AFC 9-02 10-Q -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended Commission File September 30, 2002 No. 1-7361 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION Incorporated under IRS Employer I.D. the Laws of Ohio No. 31-0624874 One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 579-2121 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 As of November 1, 2002, there were 10,593,000 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding, all of which were owned by American Financial Group, Inc. Page 1 of 30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Dollars In Thousands)
September 30, December 31, 2002 2001 ------------ ----------- ASSETS: Cash and short-term investments $ 869,544 $ 543,644 Investments: Fixed maturities - at market (amortized cost - $11,314,846 and $10,593,205) 11,777,646 10,748,605 Other stocks - at market (cost - $172,290 and $187,810) 278,390 313,710 Policy loans 215,003 211,288 Real estate and other investments 244,531 262,801 ----------- ----------- Total investments 12,515,570 11,536,404 Recoverables from reinsurers and prepaid reinsurance premiums 2,678,900 2,286,509 Agents' balances and premiums receivable 790,144 666,171 Deferred acquisition costs 902,114 818,323 Other receivables 288,386 254,137 Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) 437,000 529,590 Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other assets 476,482 451,362 Goodwill 312,594 312,134 ----------- ----------- $19,270,734 $17,398,274 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL: Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 5,006,795 $ 4,777,580 Unearned premiums 1,908,904 1,640,955 Annuity benefits accumulated 6,233,334 5,832,120 Life, accident and health reserves 939,878 638,522 Payable to reinsurers 465,449 296,462 Payable to American Financial Group, Inc. 318,400 356,689 Long-term debt: Holding companies 162,143 228,252 Subsidiaries 270,723 270,752 Variable annuity liabilities (separate accounts) 437,000 529,590 Amounts due brokers for securities purchased 249,151 31,417 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,060,649 857,267 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 17,052,426 15,459,606 Minority interest 495,047 460,737 Shareholders' Equity: Preferred Stock - at liquidation value 72,154 72,154 Common Stock, no par value - 20,000,000 shares authorized - 10,593,000 shares outstanding 9,625 9,625 Capital surplus 988,981 984,125 Retained earnings 338,901 255,127 Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net 313,600 156,900 ----------- ----------- Total shareholders' equity 1,723,261 1,477,931 ----------- ----------- $19,270,734 $17,398,274 =========== ===========
2 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (In Thousands)
Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, ----------------------- ------------------------- 2002 2001 2002 2001 ---- ---- ---- ---- INCOME: Property and casualty insurance premiums $605,012 $ 664,381 $1,827,855 $1,988,667 Life, accident and health premiums 80,972 69,116 224,616 208,807 Investment income 216,874 219,137 651,351 643,301 Realized gains (losses) on: Securities (23,096) (22) (88,386) (33,328) Subsidiaries (10,769) 7,065 (10,769) 5,479 Other income 66,451 56,759 176,468 171,966 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 935,444 1,016,436 2,781,135 2,984,892 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Property and casualty insurance: Losses and loss adjustment expenses 443,625 626,642 1,345,575 1,649,269 Commissions and other underwriting expenses 158,848 189,327 495,803 567,203 Annuity benefits 68,685 74,016 215,226 213,996 Life, accident and health benefits 69,579 53,952 184,891 160,246 Interest charges on borrowed money 12,296 14,236 34,944 47,886 Other operating and general expenses 133,614 116,345 368,525 338,721 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 886,647 1,074,518 2,644,964 2,977,321 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating earnings (loss) before income taxes 48,797 (58,082) 136,171 7,571 Provision (credit) for income taxes 14,555 (20,581) 22,943 (1,282) -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net operating earnings (loss) 34,242 (37,501) 113,228 8,853 Minority interest expense, net of tax (7,356) (7,984) (18,735) (19,091) Equity in net losses of investees, net of tax (2,746) (6,395) (7,833) (12,042) -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change 24,140 (51,880) 86,660 (22,280) Cumulative effect of accounting change - - - (10,040) -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $ 24,140 ($ 51,880) $ 86,660 ($ 32,320) ======== ========== ========== ==========
3 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dollars in Thousands) Common Stock Unrealized Preferred and Capital Retained Gain on Stock Surplus Earnings Securities Total --------- ------------ -------- ---------- ---------- BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2002 $72,154 $993,750 $255,127 $156,900 $1,477,931 Net earnings - - 86,660 - 86,660 Change in unrealized - - - 156,700 156,700 ---------- Comprehensive income 243,360 Capital contribution from parent 4,600 4,600 Dividends on Preferred Stock - - (2,886) - (2,886) Other - 256 - - 256 ------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 $72,154 $998,606 $338,901 $313,600 $1,723,261 ======= ======== ======== ======== ========== BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2001 $72,154 $984,413 $258,349 $139,200 $1,454,116 Net loss - - (32,320) - (32,320) Change in unrealized - - - 114,600 114,600 ---------- Comprehensive income 82,280 Capital contribution from parent 9,200 9,200 Dividends on Preferred Stock - - (2,886) - (2,886) Other - (1,326) - - (1,326) ------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 $72,154 $992,287 $223,143 $253,800 $1,541,384 ======= ======== ======== ======== ==========
4 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) Nine months ended September 30, -------------------------- 2002 2001 ---- ---- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings (loss) $ 86,660 ($ 32,320) Adjustments: Cumulative effect of accounting change - 10,040 Equity in net losses of investees 7,833 12,042 Depreciation and amortization 150,492 111,343 Annuity benefits 215,226 213,996 Realized losses on investing activities 91,315 1,106 Deferred annuity and life policy acquisition costs (121,160) (111,377) Increase in reinsurance and other receivables (513,806) (383,034) Increase in other assets (75,286) (32,298) Increase in insurance claims and reserves 561,134 589,761 Increase in payable to reinsurers 168,987 120,443 Increase in other liabilities 92,924 58,820 Increase in minority interest 12,210 9,788 Other, net (2,342) 4,398 ---------- ---------- 674,187 572,708 ---------- ---------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of and additional investments in: Fixed maturity investments (3,718,410) (1,609,151) Equity securities (9,217) (5,556) Subsidiary (48,500) - Real estate, property and equipment (37,870) (43,660) Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturity investments 1,256,037 579,916 Sales of: Fixed maturity investments 2,057,781 666,593 Equity securities 20,144 11,978 Subsidiaries - 40,395 Real estate, property and equipment 12,731 46,683 Cash and short-term investments of acquired (former) subsidiaries, net 4,392 (134,237) Decrease (increase) in other investments 13,435 (4,711) ---------- ---------- (449,477) (451,750) ---------- ---------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Fixed annuity receipts 599,174 454,189 Annuity surrenders, benefits and withdrawals (410,561) (482,997) Net transfers from variable annuity assets 12,318 3,252 Additional long-term borrowings 79,000 185,668 Reductions of long-term debt (145,655) (102,067) Borrowings from AFG 10,800 14,077 Payments to AFG (48,000) (77,500) Capital contribution 7,000 14,000 Repurchase of trust preferred securities - (75,000) Cash dividends paid (2,886) (2,886) ---------- ---------- 101,190 (69,264) ---------- ---------- NET INCREASE IN CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 325,900 51,694 Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period 543,644 437,263 ---------- ---------- Cash and short-term investments at end of period $ 869,544 $ 488,957 ========== ==========
5 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying consolidated financial statements for American Financial Corporation ("AFC") and subsidiaries are unaudited; however, management believes that all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals unless otherwise disclosed herein) necessary for fair presentation have been made. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 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 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 and adjusted to reflect actual payments. 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 on 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. GOODWILL Goodwill represents the excess of cost of subsidiaries over AFC'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, AFC 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, AFC will complete the transitional test for goodwill impairment (as of January 1, 2002) by the end of 2002. Any resulting write-down will be reported by restating first quarter 2002 results for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. 6 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED INSURANCE As discussed under "Reinsurance" below, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums have not been reduced for reinsurance recoverable. REINSURANCE In the normal course of business, AFC's insurance subsidiaries cede reinsurance to other companies to diversify risk and limit maximum loss arising from large claims. To the extent that any reinsuring companies are unable to meet obligations under agreements covering reinsurance ceded, AFC's insurance subsidiaries would remain liable. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. AFC's insurance subsidiaries report as assets (a) the estimated reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, including an estimate for losses incurred but not reported, and (b) amounts paid to reinsurers applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. Payable to reinsurers includes ceded premiums retained by AFC's insurance subsidiaries under contracts to fund ceded losses as they become due. AFC's insurance subsidiaries also assume reinsurance from other companies. Income on reinsurance assumed is recognized based on reports received from ceding companies. DEFERRED 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. DPAC related to traditional life and health insurance is amortized over the expected premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES The net liabilities stated for unpaid claims and for expenses of investigation and adjustment of unpaid claims are based upon (a) the accumulation of case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period on direct business written; (b) estimates received from ceding reinsurers and insurance pools and associations; (c) estimates of unreported losses based on past experience; (d) estimates based on experience of expenses for investigating and adjusting claims and (e) the current state of the law and coverage litigation. 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 7 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED 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. Accordingly, GAFRI's liability for these accounts equals the value of the account assets. PREMIUM RECOGNITION Property and casualty premiums are earned over the terms of the policies on a pro rata basis. Unearned premiums represent that portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. On reinsurance assumed from other insurance companies or written through various underwriting organizations, unearned premiums are based on reports received from such companies and organizations. For traditional life, accident and health products, premiums are recognized as revenue when legally collectible from policyholders. For interest-sensitive life and universal life products, premiums are recorded in a policyholder account which is reflected as a liability. Revenue is recognized as amounts are assessed against the policyholder account for mortality coverage and contract expenses. POLICYHOLDER DIVIDENDS Dividends payable to policyholders are included in "Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" and represent estimates of amounts payable on participating policies which share in favorable underwriting results. Estimates are accrued during the period in which premiums are earned. Changes in estimates are included in income in the period determined. Policyholder dividends do not become legal liabilities unless and until declared by the boards of directors of the insurance companies. MINORITY INTEREST For balance sheet purposes, minority interest represents (i) the interests of noncontrolling shareholders in AFC subsidiaries, including preferred securities issued by trust subsidiaries of GAFRI and (ii) American Financial Group, Inc.'s ("AFG") direct ownership interest in American Premier Underwriters, Inc. ("American Premier" or "APU") and American Financial Enterprises, Inc. For income statement purposes, minority interest expense represents those shareholders' interest in the earnings of AFC subsidiaries as well as accrued distributions on the trust preferred securities. INCOME TAXES AFC files consolidated federal income tax returns which include all 80%-owned U.S. subsidiaries, except for certain life insurance subsidiaries and their subsidiaries. Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are 8 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED 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. BENEFIT PLANS AFC provides retirement benefits to qualified employees of participating companies through contributory and noncontributory defined contribution plans contained in AFG's Retirement and Savings Plan. The Company makes all contributions to the retirement fund and matches a portion 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 are being afforded the flexibility to 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 September 30, 2002, the Plan owned 12% of AFG's outstanding common stock. Company contributions are charged against earnings in the year for which they are declared. AFC and many of its subsidiaries provide health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees. AFC also provides postemployment benefits to former or inactive employees (primarily those on disability) who were not deemed retired under other company plans. The projected future cost of providing these benefits is expensed over the period employees earn such benefits. DERIVATIVES Derivatives included in AFC's Balance Sheet consist primarily of investments in common stock warrants (included in other stocks), the equity-based component of certain annuity products (included in annuity benefits accumulated) and call options (included in other investments) used to mitigate the risk embedded in the equity-indexed annuity products. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are included in current earnings. 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. 9 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED B. ACQUISITIONS AND SALES OF SUBSIDIARIES NEW JERSEY PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE BUSINESS In September 2002, an AFC subsidiary entered into an agreement under which Palisades Safety and Insurance Association and Palisades Insurance Company will assume the subsidiary's obligations to renew its private passenger automobile insurance business written in New Jersey. AFC recognized a $10.8 million pretax loss on the transaction. As of September 9, 2002, AFC 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 June 30, 2002, MNL had approximately $290 million of assets and statutory capital and surplus of $27.5 million. SEVEN HILLS INSURANCE COMPANY In July 2001, AFC sold Seven Hills Insurance Company for $18.4 million, realizing a pretax gain of $7.1 million. As a part of the sale, AFC assumed all liability for Seven Hills' business prior to the date of the sale. JAPANESE DIVISION In December 2000, AFC agreed to sell its Japanese property and casualty division to Mitsui Marine & Fire Insurance Company of America for $22 million in cash and recorded an estimated $10.7 million pretax loss. Upon completion of the sale in March 2001, AFC realized an additional pretax loss of $1.6 million 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. 10 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED C. SEGMENTS OF OPERATIONS AFC's property and casualty group is engaged primarily in specialty and private passenger automobile insurance businesses. The Specialty group includes a highly diversified group of specialty business units. Some of the more significant areas are inland and ocean marine, California workers' compensation, agricultural-related coverages, executive and professional liability, fidelity and surety bonds, collateral protection, and umbrella and excess coverages. The Personal group writes nonstandard and preferred/standard private passenger auto and other personal insurance coverage. AFC's annuity, life and health business markets primarily retirement products as well as life and supplemental health insurance. The following table (in thousands) shows AFC's revenues and operating profit (loss) by significant business segment. Operating profit (loss) represents total revenues less operating expenses.
Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, ----------------------- ------------------------- 2002 2001 2002 2001 ---- ---- ---- ---- REVENUES (a) Property and casualty insurance: Premiums earned: Specialty $403,738 $ 390,254 $1,130,439 $1,062,749 Personal 201,290 273,905 697,110 924,166 Other lines (16) 222 306 1,752 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 605,012 664,381 1,827,855 1,988,667 Investment and other income 99,196 117,233 275,133 331,008 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 704,208 781,614 2,102,988 2,319,675 Annuities, life and health (b) 225,787 228,044 650,829 647,636 Other 5,449 6,778 27,318 17,581 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $935,444 $1,016,436 $2,781,135 $2,984,892 ======== ========== ========== ========== OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) Property and casualty insurance: Underwriting: Specialty $ 4,706 ($ 32,119) $ 17,377 ($ 38,958) Personal (2,223) (21,104) (10,116) (84,681) Other lines (c) 56 (98,365) (20,784) (104,166) -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2,539 (151,588) (13,523) (227,805) Investment and other income 45,259 73,115 141,433 217,464 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 47,798 (78,473) 127,910 (10,341) Annuities, life and health 7,387 36,959 40,476 84,417 Other (d) (6,388) (16,568) (32,215) (66,505) -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $ 48,797 ($ 58,082) $ 136,171 $ 7,571 ======== ========== ========== ==========
(a) Revenues include sales of products and services as well as other income earned by the respective segments. (b) Represents primarily investment income. (c) Represents development of lines in "run-off"; AFC has ceased underwriting new business in these operations. (d) Includes holding company expenses. 11 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED D. GOODWILL 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 broken down into reporting units and compared to their fair value. 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. AFC has completed the first step of its transitional impairment test and has 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, that will measure the amount of impairment loss, will be completed by the end of the year with any resulting impairment charge reported by restating first quarter 2002 results for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Management believes that while an impairment charge may be as much as 15% of the carrying value of goodwill at September 30, 2002, it may be as little as half of that amount. If the goodwill amortization of $3.5 million in the third quarter and $10.4 million in the first nine months of 2001 had not been expensed, net losses for the periods would have been $48.4 million and $22.0 million, respectively. E. PAYABLE TO AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP AFC has a reciprocal Master Credit Agreement with various AFG holding companies under which these companies make funds available to each other for general corporate purposes. F. LONG-TERM DEBT The carrying value of long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30, December 31, 2002 2001 ------------ ----------- HOLDING COMPANIES: AFC notes payable under bank line $140,000 $203,000 APU 10-7/8% Subordinated Notes due May 2011 11,512 11,557 Other 10,631 13,695 -------- -------- $162,143 $228,252 ======== ======== SUBSIDIARIES: GAFRI 6-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2008 $100,000 $100,000 GAFRI notes payable under bank line 121,100 121,100 Notes payable secured by real estate 35,779 36,253 Other 13,844 13,399 -------- -------- $270,723 $270,752 ======== ========
At September 30, 2002, scheduled principal payments on debt for the balance of 2002 and the subsequent five years were as follows (in millions): Holding Companies Subsidiaries Total --------- ------------ ------ 2002 $147.6 $ 1.4 $149.0 2003 - 2.1 2.1 2004 - 123.3 123.3 2005 - 11.3 11.3 2006 - 19.6 19.6 2007 .1 .2 .3 AFC and GAFRI each have an unsecured credit agreement with a group of banks under which they can borrow up to $300 million and $155 million, respectively. Borrowings bear interest at floating rates based on prime or Eurodollar rates. Loans mature in December 2002 under the AFC credit agreement and in December 12 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED 2004 under the GAFRI credit agreement. AFC's management expects to complete a replacement bank agreement by the end of November. G. MINORITY INTEREST Minority interest in AFC's balance sheet is comprised of the following (in thousands):
September 30, December 31, 2002 2001 ------------ ----------- Interest of AFG (parent) and noncontrolling shareholders in subsidiaries' common stock $352,134 $317,824 Preferred securities issued by subsidiary trusts 142,913 142,913 -------- -------- $495,047 $460,737 ======== ========
PREFERRED SECURITIES Wholly-owned subsidiary trusts of GAFRI have issued preferred securities and, in turn, purchased a like amount of subordinated debt which provides interest and principal payments to fund the respective trusts' obligations. The preferred securities must be redeemed upon maturity or redemption of the subordinated debt. GAFRI effectively provides unconditional guarantees of its trusts' obligations. The preferred securities consisted of the following (in thousands):
Date of September 30, December 31, Optional Issuance Issue (Maturity Date) 2002 2001 Redemption Dates ------------- ------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------------- November 1996 GAFRI 9-1/4% TOPrS (2026) $72,913 $72,913 Currently redeemable March 1997 GAFRI 8-7/8% Pfd (2027) 70,000 70,000 On or after 3/1/2007
MINORITY INTEREST EXPENSE Minority interest expense is comprised of (in thousands): Nine months ended September 30, ------------------- 2002 2001 Interest of AFG (parent) and noncontrolling ---- ---- shareholders in earnings of subsidiaries $14,934 $10,122 Effect of basis difference in realized gains (losses) of subsidiaries (2,517) - Accrued distributions by subsidiaries on trust issued securities, net of tax 6,318 8,969 ------- ------- $18,735 $19,091 ======= ======= H. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY At September 30, 2002, and December 31, 2001, American Financial Group beneficially owned all of the outstanding shares of AFC's Common Stock. PREFERRED STOCK Under provisions of both the Nonvoting (4.0 million shares authorized) and Voting (4.0 million shares authorized) Cumulative Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors may divide the authorized stock into series and set specific terms and conditions of each series. At September 30, 2002, and December 31, 2001, the outstanding voting shares of AFC's Preferred Stock consisted of the following: SERIES J, no par value; $25.00 liquidating value per share; annual dividends per share $2.00; redeemable at AFC's option at $25.75 per share beginning December 2005 declining to $25.00 at December 2007 and thereafter; 2,886,161 shares (stated value $72.2 million) outstanding at September 30, 2002, and December 31, 2001. 13 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED The change in unrealized gain on marketable securities for the nine months ended September 30 included the following (in millions):
Minority Pretax Taxes Interest Net ------ ----- -------- ------ 2002 -------------------------------------- Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period $183.7 ($62.5) ($13.9) $107.3 Realized losses included in net income 88.4 (30.8) (8.2) 49.4 ------ ----- ----- ------ Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities, net $272.1 ($93.3) ($22.1) $156.7 ====== ===== ===== ====== 2001 --------------------------------------- Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period $158.5 ($54.9) ($18.3) $ 85.3 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 33.1 (11.6) (2.2) 19.3 ------ ----- ----- ------ Change in unrealized gain on marketable securities, net $208.5 ($72.5) ($21.4) $114.6 ====== ===== ===== ======
I. EQUITY IN LOSSES OF INVESTEES Since 1998, AFC subsidiaries have made loans to two start-up manufacturing businesses which were previously owned by unrelated third-parties. During 2000, the former owners chose to forfeit their equity interests to AFC rather than invest additional capital. During the fourth quarter of 2000, AFC sold the equity interests to a group of employees for nominal cash consideration plus warrants to repurchase a significant ownership interest. Due to the absence of significant financial investment by the buyers relative to the amount of loans ($61.5 million at December 31, 2000) owed to AFC subsidiaries, the sale was not recognized as a divestiture for accounting purposes. Assets of the businesses transferred ($53.5 million at September 30, 2002 and $57.1 million at December 31, 2001) are included in other assets; liabilities of the businesses transferred ($9.9 million at September 30, 2002 and $11.8 million at December 31, 2001, after consolidation and elimination of loans from AFC subsidiaries) are included in other liabilities. Investee losses in the Statement of Operations represents AFC's equity in the losses of these two companies. One of the businesses is involved in litigation impacting its operations; see "Investee Corporations" in Management's Discussion and Analysis. J. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES There have been no significant changes to the matters discussed and referred to in AFC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for June 30, 2002 and in Note M "Commitments and Contingencies" of AFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2001. K. SUBSEQUENT EVENT In October 2002, AFC's newly-formed subsidiary, Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation ("Infinity"), filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to an initial public offering of its common stock. All of the offered shares would be sold by AFC which will own approximately 30% of Infinity after the offering. Prior to the offering, AFC will transfer to Infinity 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. In addition, Great American Insurance Company, an AFC subsidiary, will transfer to Infinity its personal insurance business written through independent agents. The businesses being transferred generated aggregate net written premiums of approximately $550 million and $710 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and 14 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED $900 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. AFC expects to realize a gain on the sale, depending on the pricing of the shares being offered. The proceeds will be used primarily to reduce outstanding bank debt and to provide additional capital to AFC's remaining subsidiaries. 15 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL 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. Therefore, certain analyses are best done on a parent only basis while others are best done on a total enterprise basis. In addition, since most of its businesses are financial in nature, AFC does not prepare its consolidated financial statements using a current-noncurrent format. Consequently, certain traditional ratios and financial analysis tests are not meaningful. IT INITIATIVE In 1999, AFC initiated an enterprise-wide project to study its information technology ("IT") resources, needs and opportunities. The initiative, involving improvements in physical infrastructure and business support systems, entails extensive effort and costs over a period of several years. While the costs precede the expected savings, management believes the benefits will exceed the costs incurred, all of which have been and will be funded through available working capital. INDEPENDENT RATINGS In October 2002, the independent ratings of AFC's property and casualty subsidiaries were affirmed (at A) by Standard & Poor's and (at A+) by Fitch. The ratings of AFC's life and annuity subsidiaries were affirmed (at A+) by Fitch, but downgraded (from A to A-) by Standard & Poor's. Management of AFC's subsidiaries which market annuity products believes that a rating in the "A" category by at least one rating agency is necessary to successfully compete in certain annuity markets. Management intends to maintain the capital of its significant subsidiaries at levels currently indicated by the rating agencies as appropriate for their current ratings. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believes", "could", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "seeks", "intends", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates" or the negative version of those words or other comparable terminology. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements relating to: expectations concerning market and other conditions and their effect on future premiums, revenues, earnings and investment activities; 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; 16 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED o adequacy of insurance reserves; o availability of reinsurance and ability of reinsurers to pay their obligations; o trends in mortality and morbidity; 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. AFC assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES RATIOS AFC's debt to total capital ratio at the parent holding company level (excluding amounts due AFG) was approximately 9% at September 30, 2002, and 13% at December 31, 2001. Including amounts due AFG, the ratio was 22% at September 30, 2002, and 28% at December 31, 2001. SOURCES OF FUNDS Management believes the parent holding companies have sufficient resources to meet their liquidity requirements, primarily through funds generated by their subsidiaries' operations. If funds provided by subsidiaries through dividends and tax payments are insufficient to meet fixed charges in any period, the holding companies would be required to generate cash through borrowings, sales of securities or other assets, or similar transactions. AFC has a revolving credit agreement with several banks under which it can borrow up to $300 million until December 31, 2002. At September 30, 2002, $140 million of the credit line had been used. On November 13, 2002, AFC borrowed an additional $55 million on the credit line. These funds were used to provide additional capital to AFC's insurance subsidiaries. Management expects to complete a replacement bank agreement by the end of November. The new agreement will run for three years and be similar in size and terms to the old agreement. The interest rate on borrowings will be about 1% higher than under the old line. INVESTMENTS AFC's investment portfolio at September 30, 2002, contained $11.8 billion in "Fixed maturities" and $278.4 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 September 30, 2002, AFC had pretax net unrealized gains of $462.8 million on fixed maturities and $106.1 million on other stocks. Approximately 94% of the fixed maturities held by AFC at September 30, 2002, were rated "investment grade" (credit rating of AAA to BBB) by nationally recognized rating agencies. Investment grade securities generally bear lower yields and lower degrees of risk than those that are unrated and noninvestment grade. Management believes that a high quality investment portfolio is more likely to generate a stable and predictable investment return. Individual portfolio securities are sold creating gains or losses as market opportunities exist. Since all of these securities are carried at market value in the balance sheet, there is virtually no effect on liquidity or financial condition upon the sale and ultimate realization of unrealized gains and losses. 17 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED Summarized information for the unrealized gains and losses recorded in AFC's balance sheet at September 30, 2002, is shown in the following table (dollars in millions). Approximately $329 million of "Fixed maturities" and $30 million of "Other stocks" had no unrealized gains or losses at September 30, 2002. Securities Securities with With Unrealized Unrealized Gains Losses ---------- ---------- Fixed Maturities ---------------- Market value of securities $10,162 $1,287 Amortized cost of securities $ 9,525 $1,461 Gross unrealized gain or loss $ 637 $ 174 Market value as % of amortized cost 107% 88% Number of security positions 1,719 374 Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss 37 26 Concentration of gains or losses by type or industry (exceeding 5% of unrealized): Mortgage-backed securities $ 175.9 $ 8.4 U.S. government and government agencies 58.7 .9 Banks 53.7 - State and municipal 46.0 3.8 Electric services 34.2 12.9 Asset-backed securities 19.9 9.6 Telephone communications 6.4 10.0 Air transportation 6.0 54.5 Cable television 2.3 9.2 Percentage rated investment grade 98% 68% Other Stocks ------------ Market value of securities $ 226 $ 22 Cost of securities $ 108 $ 34 Gross unrealized gain or loss $ 118 $ 12 Market value as % of cost 209% 65% Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss 3 1 AFC's investment in equity securities of Provident Financial Group, a Cincinnati-based commercial banking and financial services company, represents $110 million of the $118 million in unrealized gains on other stocks at September 30, 2002. The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2002, based on their market values. Securities Securities with With Unrealized Unrealized Maturity Gains Losses -------- ---------- ---------- One year or less 6% 3% After one year through five years 16 30 After five years through ten years 27 38 After ten years 14 15 --- --- 63 86 Mortgage-backed securities 37 14 --- --- 100% 100% === === 18 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED AFC realized aggregate losses of $9.2 million during the third quarter of 2002 on $59.6 million in sales of fixed maturity securities (12 issues; 11 issuers) that had unrealized losses at June 30, 2002. Market values of five of the issues increased an aggregate of $804,000 from June 30 to date of sale. Two of the securities were AAA-rated interest-only mortgage-backed securities ("IOs") that decreased in value by $3.8 million from June 30 to the date of sale due to the decline in market interest rates. Market values of the remaining five securities decreased an aggregate of $1.4 million from June 30 to the sale date. Four of the twelve issues had unrealized losses greater than $500,000 at June 30. Actual losses on sale of these four securities were $131,000 less than the unrealized loss at June 30. Although AFC had the ability to continue holding these investments, its intent to hold them changed due primarily to deterioration in the issuer's credit, 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 September 30, 2002.
Market Aggregate Aggregate Value as Market Unrealized % of Cost Value Gain (Loss) Basis --------- ----------- --------- FIXED MATURITIES ---------------------------------------------- SECURITIES WITH UNREALIZED GAINS: Exceeding $500,000 at 9/30/02 and for: Less than one year (380 issues) $ 4,679 $359 108.3% More than one year (74 issues) 912 105 113.0 Less than $500,000 at 9/30/02 (1,265 issues) 4,571 173 103.9 ------- ---- $10,162 $637 106.7 ======= ==== SECURITIES WITH UNREALIZED LOSSES: Exceeding $500,000 at 9/30/02 and for: Less than one year (71 issues) $ 474 ($108) 81.4% More than one year (15 issues) 99 (35) 73.8 Less than $500,000 at 9/30/02 (288 issues) 714 (31) 96.1 ------- ---- $ 1,287 ($174) 88.1 ======= ==== OTHER STOCKS ---------------------------------------------- SECURITIES WITH UNREALIZED GAINS: Exceeding $500,000 at 9/30/02 and for: Less than one year (1 issue) $ 6 $ 1 120.0% More than one year (4 issues) 201 115 233.7 Less than $500,000 at 9/30/02 (56 issues) 19 2 111.8 ------- ---- $ 226 $118 209.3 ======= ==== SECURITIES WITH UNREALIZED LOSSES: Exceeding $500,000 at 9/30/02 and for: Less than one year (3 issues) $ 4 $ (7) 36.4% More than one year (0 issues) - - - Less than $500,000 at 9/30/02 (78 issues) 18 (5) 78.3 ------- ---- $ 22 ($ 12) 64.7 ======= ====
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. A listing of factors considered and resources used is contained in the discussion of "Investments" under Management's Discussion and Analysis in AFC's 2001 Form 10-K. 19 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED Based on its analysis, management believes (i) AFC will recover its cost basis in the securities with unrealized losses and (ii) that AFC has the ability and intent to hold the securities until they mature or recover in value. Should either of these beliefs change with regard to a particular security, a charge for impairment would likely be required. 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 AFC's liquidity. 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 Future costs of claims are projected based on historical trends adjusted for changes in underwriting standards, policy provisions, product mix and other factors. Estimating the liability for unpaid losses and LAE is inherently judgmental and is influenced by factors which are subject to significant variation. Through the use of analytical reserve development techniques, management monitors items such as the effect of inflation on medical, hospitalization, material, repair and replacement costs, general economic trends and the legal environment. ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL-RELATED ("A&E") RESERVES Establishing reserves for A&E claims is subject to uncertainties that are significantly greater than those presented by other types of claims. Estimating ultimate liability for asbestos claims presents unique and difficult challenges to the insurance industry due to, among other things, inconsistent court decisions, an increase in bankruptcy filings as a result of asbestos-related liabilities, novel theories of coverage, and judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the scope of coverage. The casualty insurance industry is engaged, as is AFC, 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 AFC's reserves for A&E claims are a reasonable estimate of ultimate liability for such claims, actual results may vary materially from the amount currently recorded due to outstanding issues and uncertainties such as whether coverage exists, whether claims are to be allocated among triggered policies and implicated years, whether claimants who exhibit no signs of illness will be successful in pursuing their claims, predicting the number of future claims, and the impact of recent bankruptcy filings. Further, certain policyholders assert that each bodily injury claim should be treated as a separate occurrence under the policy, and that their claims are not subject to aggregate limits on coverage because either their policies did not contain aggregate limits with respect to products liability coverage or, faced with exhaustion of products coverage limits, their asbestos claims fall within non-products liability coverage which is not subject to any aggregate limit. These claims are now being contested in insurance coverage litigation in various jurisdictions. In rejecting the claims that are the basis of this litigation, AFC believes its coverage defenses are substantial and intends to continue to vigorously defend its position. Nonetheless, the outcome of disputes related to asbestos and environmental matters, whether through litigation or negotiation, may result in liabilities exceeding current related reserves by amounts that 20 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED could have a material adverse effect upon AFC's results of operations and financial condition. For further discussion of uncertainties and litigation involving AFC, see "Legal Proceedings" in AFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2001 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for June 30, 2002. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL Pretax operating earnings for the third quarter and nine months of 2002 were $48.8 million and $136.2 million compared to a pretax loss of $58.1 million and pretax earnings of $7.6 million for the comparable 2001 periods. Results for the third quarter of 2001 include a $100 million special asbestos and environmental charge and losses of $25 million from the World Trade Center terrorist attack. Excluding these items, the improvement in the comparable third quarter and nine months was due primarily to significantly improved property and casualty underwriting results. PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE - UNDERWRITING AFC's property and casualty group consists of two major business groups: Specialty and Personal. The Specialty group includes a highly diversified group of business lines. Some of the more significant areas are inland and ocean marine, California workers' compensation, agricultural-related coverages, executive and professional liability, fidelity and surety bonds, collateral protection, and umbrella and excess coverages. The Personal group sells nonstandard and preferred/standard private passenger auto insurance and, to a lesser extent, homeowners' insurance. Nonstandard automobile insurance covers risk not typically accepted for standard automobile coverage because of an applicant's driving record, type of vehicle, age or other criteria. 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. 21 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED Premiums and combined ratios for AFC's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries were as follows (dollars in millions):
Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, -------------------- ---------------------- 2002 2001 2002 2001 ---- ---- ---- ---- Gross Written Premiums (GAAP) ----------------------------- Specialty $ 839.5 $653.3 $2,050.8 $1,663.9 Personal 280.7 295.9 956.6 975.8 Other lines - - .3 .2 -------- ------ -------- -------- $1,120.2 $949.2 $3,007.7 $2,639.9 ======== ====== ======== ======== Net Written Premiums (GAAP) --------------------------- Specialty $ 474.2 $417.3 $1,254.7 $1,167.7 Personal (a) 150.9 190.6 652.2 813.1 Other lines - - .3 - -------- ------ -------- -------- $ 625.1 $607.9 $1,907.2 $1,980.8 ======== ====== ======== ======== Combined Ratios (GAAP) ---------------------- Specialty (b) 98.8% 108.3% 98.4% 103.7% Personal 101.2 107.7 101.5 109.2 Aggregate (including discontinued lines)(c) 99.6 122.8 100.8 111.4
(a) Reflects the ceding of $127 million and $298 million in premiums in the third quarter and nine months of 2002 compared to $98 million and $148 million in the comparable 2001 periods under a reinsurance agreement (effective April 1, 2001). (b) Includes 6.5% and 2.3% for the three and nine month periods of 2001 relating to the attack on the World Trade Center. (c) Includes an aggregate of 18.8% and 6.2% for the three and nine month periods of 2001 relating to the A&E charge and the attack on the World Trade Center. SPECIAL A&E CHARGE During the third quarter of 2001, AFC recorded an A&E charge of $100 million after experiencing an increase in the number and severity of asbestos claims and observing the developments of adverse trends in the property and casualty insurance industry concerning asbestos losses. This charge, accompanied by a transfer of $36 million from excess reserves for other environmental claims, resulted in an increase of $136 million in asbestos reserves. For a discussion of the uncertainties relative to asbestos and environmental claims, see MD&A - "Uncertainties - Asbestos and Environmental-related Reserves." SPECIALTY The Specialty group's gross written premiums increased 28% for the third quarter and 23% for the nine months of 2002 over the comparable 2001 periods. These increases reflect the impact of rate increases and the realization of growth opportunities in certain commercial markets, partially offset by the decision to discontinue certain lines of business (during 2001) that were not achieving adequate returns. Specialty rate increases averaged over 30% during the first nine months of 2002 and are expected to be in excess of 30% for the year. Net written premiums increased 14% for the third quarter and 7% for the nine months over the comparable 2001 periods. Strong growth in gross written premiums was offset by increased reinsurance coverage in certain lines. Excluding the effect of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Specialty group's combined ratio improved 3 points for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2002. The improvement reflects strategic changes in the mix of specialty businesses and the impact of rate increases. 22 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED PERSONAL The Personal group's gross written premiums for the third quarter decreased 5% compared to the third quarter of 2001 due primarily to intentional reductions in new business volume in certain markets and through the direct channel, partially offset by the effect of continuing rate increases. Rate increases implemented in the first nine months of 2002 were 10% and are expected to be slightly above 10% for the year. Effective April 1, 2001, AFC began reinsuring 80% of the automobile physical damage business written by three of its insurance subsidiaries. In July 2001, the agreement was amended to increase the level of reinsurance to 90% and to add an additional insurance subsidiary. In September 2002, our use of the existing agreement was expanded to include physical damage business written by agents of Great American Insurance pool companies. This agreement enables AFC to reallocate some of its capital to the more profitable specialty operations. The decline in net written premiums for the third quarter and nine months reflects the impact of this reinsurance agreement. As a result of rate increases implemented over the last year, the Personal group's combined ratio improved by 6.5 points for the third quarter and 7.7 points for the nine months compared to the 2001 periods. Nearly 90% of the Personal group's business is written through independent agents. Business written through this distribution channel achieved an underwriting profit for the fourth consecutive quarter with a combined ratio of about 98% for the first nine months of 2002. This business comprises the insurance operations to be included in the recently announced proposed public offering of Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation. LIFE, ACCIDENT AND HEALTH PREMIUMS AND BENEFITS Life, accident and health premiums increased for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 compared to the 2001 periods due primarily to the acquisition of Manhattan National Life in June 2002 and growth in GAFRI's existing operations. In addition to this growth, life, accident and health benefits for the 2002 periods reflect the effects of adverse mortality in GAFRI's life insurance operations. REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS AFC's subsidiaries are engaged in a variety of real estate operations including hotels, apartments, office buildings and recreational facilities; they also own several parcels of land. Revenues and expenses of these operations, including gains and losses on disposal, are included in AFC's Statement of Operations as shown below (in millions).
Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, ------------------ ----------------- 2002 2001 2002 2001 ---- ---- ---- ---- Other income $26.0 $24.3 $70.9 $85.7 Other operating and general expenses 19.8 17.9 52.0 49.5 Interest charges on borrowed money .6 .3 1.9 1.6 Minority interest expense, net .5 .5 1.0 3.8
Other income includes net pretax gains on the sale of real estate assets of $87,000 in the third quarter and $7.7 million in the first nine months of 2002 compared to $2.0 million and $26.6 million for the 2001 periods. OTHER INCOME Excluding gains on sales of real estate assets (discussed above), other income increased $11.6 million (21%) for the third quarter and $23.4 million (16%) for the first nine months of 2002 compared to 2001 due primarily to higher income from real estate operations (including the effect of a hotel acquired in May 2002), fees earned by the Specialty group's new warranty business and higher fee income in certain other specialty insurance operations. 23 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED REALIZED GAINS Realized capital gains have been an important part of the return on investments. Individual assets are sold creating gains and losses as market opportunities exist. LOSSES ON SECURITIES Realized losses on securities include provisions for other than temporary impairment of securities still held as follows: third quarter of 2002 and 2001 - $49.8 million and $22.9 million; nine months of 2002 and 2001 - $138.2 million and $60.1 million, respectively. Increased impairment charges in recent years reflect a rise in corporate defaults in the marketplace. The increase in impairment charges in 2002 reflects primarily the downturn in the communications and airline industries and writedowns of certain asset-backed securities. Warrants to purchase common stock of publicly traded companies are generally considered derivatives and marked to market through current earnings as realized gains and losses. Realized losses on securities include losses of $7.5 million in the third quarter of 2002 and $6.9 million for the first nine months of 2002 compared to gains of $60,000 and $2.4 million in the 2001 periods to adjust the carrying value of AFC's investment in warrants to market value ($18.8 million at September 30, 2002). GAINS (LOSSES) ON SUBSIDIARIES In September 2002, AFC recognized a $10.8 million pretax loss on the disposal of its New Jersey private passenger auto business. In 2001, AFC recognized a third quarter pretax gain of $7.1 million on the sale of Seven Hills Insurance Company and a first quarter $1.6 million pretax loss in connection with the sale of the Japanese division. ANNUITY BENEFITS Annuity benefits reflect amounts accrued on annuity policyholders' funds accumulated. The majority of GAFRI's fixed rate annuity products permit GAFRI to change the crediting rate at any time (subject to minimum interest rate guarantees of 3% or 4% per annum). 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 through 2003. INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2002 decreased compared to 2001 as lower average interest rates on AFC's variable rate debt (including AFC's payable to AFG) more than offset the effect of higher average indebtedness and a higher average payable to reinsurers balances. OTHER OPERATING AND GENERAL EXPENSES Other operating and general expenses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 include goodwill amortization of $3.5 million and $10.4 million, respectively. 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 $20.7 million (18%) for the third quarter and $40.2 million (12%) for the first nine months compared to 2001. 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), higher expenses related to growth in certain other Specialty operations and increased amortization of annuity and life deferred policy acquisition costs ("DPAC") were partially offset by lower IT-related expenses. The increase in amortization of annuity and life DPAC in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2002 compared to the same periods in 2001 reflects (i) the accelerated write-off of variable annuity DPAC due to the 24 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED effect of the decline in the stock market and (ii) higher average DPAC balances due to internal growth and acquisitions. INCOME TAXES The 2002 provision for income taxes includes a $16 million first quarter tax benefit for the reduction of previously accrued amounts due to the resolution of certain tax matters. INVESTEE CORPORATIONS Equity in losses of investee corporations represents losses of two start-up manufacturing businesses (see Note I). In November 2001, an injunction was issued against one of the companies which would prohibit it from using equipment subject to litigation alleging the misappropriation of a trade secret and would effectively close the plant. The injunction was subsequently modified to permit operations to continue and require certain escrow payments. Since the injunction was imposed, the investee manufactured and has installed equipment that it believes does not misappropriate a trade secret; the equipment subject to the injunction was destroyed. As a result, the injunction no longer affects plant operations and escrow payments are no longer required. Even so, if the investee's operating results fail to improve, a substantial portion of AFC's investment ($30.4 million as of September 30, 2002), may be written off. CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE The cumulative effect of accounting change represents the implementation of a new accounting standard (EITF 99-20) which resulted in a write down of $16.9 million ($10.0 million after tax and minority interest) of the carrying value of certain collateralized debt obligations as of April 1, 2001. 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 September 30, 2002, and December 31, 2001, the aggregate GMDB values (assuming every policyholder died on those dates) exceeded the market value of the underlying variable annuities by $253 million and $136 million, respectively. 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 between 2% and 4% of the aggregate difference) would be accounted for as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles. ------------------------------------ ITEM 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE OF MARKET RISK ------------------------------------------------------ As of September 30, 2002, there were no material changes to the information provided in AFC's Form 10-K for 2001 under the caption "Exposure to Market Risk" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 25 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q ITEM 4 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES ----------------------- AFC's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, with assistance from management, have evaluated AFC'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 AFC's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation. ---------------------------------------- PART II OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 6 EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K -------------------------------- (a) Exhibit 99 - Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (b) Reports on Form 8-K: none 26 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q SIGNATURE --------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, American Financial Corporation has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned duly authorized. American Financial Corporation November 13, 2002 BY: Fred J. Runk ----------------------------------- Fred J. Runk Senior Vice President and Treasurer 27 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 302(a) CERTIFICATIONS I, Carl H. Lindner, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Financial Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and 6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. November 13, 2002 BY: /s/Carl H. Lindner ------------------------------- Carl H. Lindner Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) 28 AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-Q SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 302(a) CERTIFICATIONS - CONTINUED I, Fred J. Runk, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Financial Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and 6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. November 13, 2002 BY: /s/Fred J. Runk ----------------------------------- Fred J. Runk Senior Vice President and Treasurer (principal financial officer) 29