Item 1. Business
Summary Description of The National Security Group, Inc.
The National Security Group, Inc. (the Company), an insurance holding company, was incorporated in Delaware on March 20, 1990. The Company, through its property and casualty subsidiaries, writes primarily dwelling fire and windstorm, homeowners, mobile homeowners, and personal non-standard automobile lines of insurance. The Company, through its life insurance subsidiary, offers a basic line of life, and health and accident insurance products. Property-casualty insurance is the most significant segment, accounting for 88% of total premium revenues.
Industry Segment and Geographical Area Information
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment
The Company’s property and casualty insurance business is conducted through National Security Fire & Casualty Company (NSFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company organized in 1959, and Omega One Insurance Company (Omega), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Security Fire & Casualty Company organized in 1992. NSFC is licensed to write insurance in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and operates on a surplus lines basis in the states of Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. Omega is licensed to write insurance in Alabama and Louisiana. The following table indicates those states, which accounted for more than five percent of direct written premium during 2003:
State Percent of direct written premium
Alabama 37.71
Arkansas 8.49
Georgia 6.83
Louisiana 5.85
Mississippi 21.93
South Carolina 8.06
In general, the property-casualty insurance business involves the transfer by the insured, to an insurance company of all or a portion of certain risks for the payment, by the insured, of a premium to the insurance company. A portion of such risks is often retained by the insured in the form of deductibles, which may vary greatly from policy to policy.
The premiums or payments to be made by the insured for direct products of the property-casualty subsidiaries are based upon expected cost of providing benefits, writing, and administering the policies. In determining the premium to be charged, the property-casualty subsidiaries utilize data from past claims experience and anticipated claims estimates along with commissions and general expenses. Historically, there has been more price competition among property-casualty insurers than other types of insurers.
The operating results of the property-casualty insurance industry are subject to significant fluctuations from quarter to quarter and from year to year due to the effect of competition on pricing, the frequency and severity of losses incurred in connection with weather-related and other catastrophic events, general economic conditions, and other factors such as changes in tax laws and the regulatory environment.
The following table sets forth the premiums earned and income during the periods reported:
Life Insurance Segment
National Security Insurance Company (NSIC), a wholly owned subsidiary organized in 1947, conducts the Company’s life insurance business. NSIC is licensed to write insurance in six states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. The following table indicates NSIC direct premiums collected by state in 2003:
NSIC has two primary methods of distribution of insurance products, home service agents and independent agents. The home service distribution method of life insurance products accounts for 53% of total premium revenues in the life insurance segment. Home service life products consist of products marketed directly at the home or other premises of the insured by an employee agent of the Company. The independent agent distribution method accounts for 39% of total premium revenue in the life insurance segment. Since NSIC began marketing life, accident and health products through independent agents in 1999 the distribution channel has become the fastest growing method of distribution. The products offered by NSIC primarily consist of term and whole life insurance and supplemental accident and health insurance. NSIC does not sell annuities.
Term life insurance policies provide death benefits if the insured’s death occurs during the specific premium paying term of the policy and generally do not include a savings or investment element in the policy premium. Whole-life insurance policies demand a higher premium than term life, but provide death benefits which are payable under effective policies regardless of the time of the insured’s death and have a savings and investment element which may result in the accumulation of a cash surrender value.
The sale of accident and health insurance products through the independent agent method of distribution have increased significantly over the past three years and is now the primary method of distribution of accident and health products. NSIC also sells accident policies through schools, however this product now accounts for less than 10% of total accident and health insurance premium revenue. Accident and health insurance provides coverage for losses sustained through sickness or accident and includes individual hospitalization and accident policies, group supplementary health policies and specialty products, such as cancer policies. These policies generally provide a stated benefit and have not experienced the escalating health care costs, which many health and accident insurance policies have experienced in recent years.
The following table sets forth certain information respecting the development of the Life Company’s business:
Selected Segment Financial Information
The Company’s operating segments are organized by line of business: property and casualty insurance, life insurance, and noninsurance operations. Presented below is the summarized financial information for the Company’s three business segments as of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:
Investments
The insurance subsidiaries are regulated as to the types of investments that they may make and the amount of funds they may maintain in any one type of investment. Through its investment policy, the Company seeks to conserve its capital resources and assets, meet the investment requirements of its reserves and provide a reasonable return on investments.
The following table sets forth certain information respecting the Company’s investments at the date shown:
The results with respect to the foregoing investments are as follows:
As of December 31, 2003, the maturity schedule for all bonds and notes held by the Company, stated at amortized cost, was as follows:
Maturity Schedule (Amounts in thousands)
Investments in affiliate:
In the fourth quarter of 2001 The Company entered into a joint investment with a local manufacturing firm, Cash Brothers Leasing, Inc and formed a new company, The Mobile Attic, Inc. The Mobile Attic, Inc, through a network of dealers, leases portable storage units. The primary customers of The Mobile Attic are building contractors, retail establishments, and residential consumers.
At 12/31/2003 the Company held a 50% equity investment in The Mobile Attic. The investment was accounted for in the financial statements on the equity basis. Further details of the financial results of The Mobile Attic, Inc. are discussed in the Management Discussion and Analysis Section of Form 10-K.
Certain Information Regarding Insurance Activities
Marketing and Distribution
NSIC products are marketed through a field force of agents and service representatives who are employees of the Life Company and through a network of independent agents. The independent agent method of distribution is expected to be more cost effective in the long term and has become the fastest growing method of distribution. NSFC’s products are marketed through a network of independent agents and brokers, who are independent contractors and who generally maintain relationships with one or more competing insurance companies.
Agents receive compensation for their sales efforts. In the case of life insurance agents, compensation is paid in the form of sales commissions plus a servicing commission. Commissions paid by NSIC in 2003 averaged approximately 41% of premiums. Commissions paid by the NSFC in 2002 averaged approximately 22% of premiums and ranged from 12.5% to 25% depending on the type and amount of insurance sold. During 2003, no one independent agent accounted for more than 10% of total net earned premium of the property-casualty insurance subsidiaries.
At December 31, 2003 NSIC employed 17 home service agents and two managers. NSIC also had approximately 350 independent agents actively producing new business.
At December 31, 2003 NSFC had contracts with approximately 1,300 independent agents in twelve states.
Reinsurance
Both insurance subsidiaries customarily reinsure with other insurers certain portions of the insurance risk. The primary purpose of such reinsurance arrangements is to enable the Company to limit its risk on individual policies, and in the case of property insurance, limit its risk in the event of a catastrophe in various geographic areas. A reinsurance arrangement does not discharge the issuing company from primary liability to the insured, and the issuing company is required to discharge its liability to the insured even if the reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations under the reinsurance arrangements. Reinsurance, however, does make the reinsurer liable to the issuing company to the extent of any reinsurance in force at the time of the loss. Reinsurance arrangements also decrease premiums retained by the issuing company since that company pays the reinsuring company a portion of total premiums based upon the amount of liability reinsured.
NSIC generally reinsures all risks in excess of $50,000 with respect to any one insured. NSFC and Omega generally reinsure with third parties any liability in excess of $125,000 on any single policy. In addition, the property-casualty subsidiaries have catastrophe excess reinsurance, which protects it in part with respect to aggregate property losses arising out of a single catastrophe, such as a hurricane. In 2003, the property-casualty subsidiaries had catastrophe protection up to a $27.5 million loss. On a 1 in 200 year loss, that is a loss that has only a ½ of 1% chance of occurring in any given year, the property and casualty subsidiaries would pay $2.7 million in losses and reinsurers would pay $17.9 million.
In addition to catastrophe reinsurance, NSFC also had a 50% quota share reinsurance agreement on ocean marine exposure with additional excess of loss coverage.
Reserve liabilities
NSIC maintains life insurance reserves for future policy benefits to meet future obligations under outstanding policies. These reserves are calculated to be sufficient to meet policy and contract obligations as they arise. Liabilities for future policy benefits are calculated using assumptions for interest, mortality, morbidity, expense, and withdrawals determined at the time the policies were issued. As of December 31, 2003, the total reserves of NSIC (including the reserves for accident and health insurance) were approximately $24 million. NSIC believes that such reserves for future policy benefits were calculated in accordance with generally accepted actuarial methods and that such reserves are adequate to provide for future policy benefits. Wakely & Associates, consulting actuaries, provided actuarial services in calculating reserves.
The property-casualty subsidiaries are also required to maintain loss reserves (claim liabilities) for all lines of insurance. Such reserves are intended to cover the probable ultimate cost of settling all claims, including those incurred but not yet reported. The reserves of the property-casualty subsidiaries reflect estimates of the liability with respect to incurred claims and are determined by evaluating reported claims on an ongoing basis and by estimating liabilities for incurred but not reported claims. Such reserves include adjustment expenses to cover the cost of investigating losses and defending lawsuits. The establishment of accurate reserves is complicated by the fact that claims in some lines of insurance are settled many years after the policies have been issued, thus raising the possibility that inflation may have a significant effect on the amount of ultimate loss payment, especially when compared to initial loss estimates. The subsidiaries, however, attempt to restrict their writing to risks that settle within one to four years of issuance of the policy. As of December 31, 2003, the property-casualty subsidiaries had reserves for unpaid claims of approximately $11.3 million before subtracting unpaid claims which will be due from reinsurers of $1.23 million leaving net unpaid claims of $10.07 million. The reserves are not discounted for the time value of money. No changes were made in the assumptions used in estimating the reserves during the years ending December 31, 2003, 2002 or 2001. The Company believes such reserves are adequate to provide for settlement of claims. Employees of the Company calculate NSFC and Omega loss reserves. Milliman & Robertson, an independent actuarial consulting firm, issues a Statement of Actuarial Opinion regarding the adequacy of reserves.
Underwriting Activities
The insurance subsidiaries maintain underwriting departments that seek to evaluate the risks associated with the issuance of an insurance policy. NSIC accepts standard risks and, to an extent, substandard risks and engages medical doctors who review certain applications for insurance.
In the case of the property-casualty subsidiaries, the underwriting staff attempts to assess, in light of the type of insurance sought by an applicant, the risks associated with a prospective insured or insurance situation. Depending upon the type of insurance involved, the process by which the risks are assessed will vary. In the case of automobile liability insurance, the underwriting staff assesses the risks involved in insuring a particular driver, and in the case of fire insurance, the underwriting staff assesses the risks involved in insuring a particular dwelling. Where possible, the underwriting staff of the property-casualty insurance subsidiary utilizes standard procedures as guides that quantify the hazards associated with a particular occupancy. In general, the property-casualty subsidiaries specialize in writing nonstandard risks.
The nonstandard market in which the property-casualty subsidiaries operate reacts to general economic conditions in much the same way as the standard market. When insurers’ profits and equity are strong, companies generally cut rates or do not seek increases. Also, underwriting rules are less restrictive. As profit and/or capital fall, companies tighten underwriting rules, and seek rate increases. Premiums in the nonstandard market are higher than the standard market because of the increased risk of the insured, which generally comprises more frequent claims. Drivers of autos who have prior traffic convictions are one such increased risk that warrants higher premiums. Lower valued dwellings and mobile homes also warrant higher premiums because of the nature of the risk. The costs of placing such nonstandard policies and making risk determinations are similar to those of the standard market. The added costs due to more frequent claims servicing is reflected in the generally higher premiums that are charged.
Regulation
The insurance subsidiaries are each subject to regulation by the insurance departments of those states in which they are licensed to conduct business. Although the extent of regulation varies from state to state, the insurance laws of the various states generally establish supervisory departments having broad administrative powers with respect to, among other matters, the granting and revocation of licenses to transact business; the licensing of agents; the establishment of standards of financial solvency, including reserves to be maintained, the nature of investments and, in most cases premium rates; the approval of forms and policies; and the form and content of financial statements. These regulations have as their primary purpose the protection of policyholders and do not necessarily confer a benefit upon stockholders.
Many states in which the insurance subsidiaries operate, including Alabama, have laws which require that insurers become members of guaranty associations. These associations guarantee that benefits due policyholders of insurance companies will continue to be provided even if the insurance company which wrote the business is financially unable to fulfill its obligations. To provide these benefits, the associations assess the insurance companies licensed in a state that write the line of insurance for which coverage is guaranteed. The amount of an insurer´s assessment is generally based on the relationship between that company´s premium volume in the state and the premium volume of all companies writing the particular line of insurance in the state. The Company has paid no material amounts to guaranty associations over the past three years. These payments, when made, are principally related to association costs incurred due to the insolvency of various insurance companies. Future assessments depend on the number and magnitude of insurance company insolvencies and such assessments are therefore difficult to predict.
Most states have enacted legislation or adopted administrative rules and regulations covering such matters as the acquisition of control of insurance companies, transactions between insurance companies and the persons controlling them. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has recommended model legislation on these subjects and all states where the Company’s subsidiaries transact business have adopted, with some modifications, that model legislation. Among the matters regulated by such statutes are the payments of dividends. These regulations have a direct impact on the Company since its cash flow is substantially derived from dividends from its subsidiaries. However, the Company has not had nor does it foresee a problem obtaining the necessary funds to operate because of the regulation.
Competition
The insurance subsidiaries are engaged in a highly competitive business and compete with many insurance companies of substantially greater financial resources, including stock and mutual insurance companies. Mutual insurance companies return profits, if any, to policyholders rather than stockholders; therefore, mutual insurance companies may be able to charge lower net premiums than those charged by stock insurers. Accordingly, stock insurers must attempt to achieve competitive premium rates through greater volume, efficiency of operations and control of expenses.
NSIC primarily markets its life and health insurance products through the home service system and independent producers. Direct competition comes from other home service companies and other insurance companies that utilize independent producers to sell insurance products, of which there are many. NSIC’s life and health products also compete with products sold by ordinary life companies. NSIC writes policies primarily in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. The market share of the total life and health premiums written is small because of the number of insurers in this highly competitive field. The primary methods of competition in the field are service and price.
Because of the increased costs associated with a home service company, premium rates are generally higher than ordinary products, so competition from these ordinary insurers must be met through service. Initial costs of distribution through independent agents are generally more than through home service distribution methods, but lower commissions are paid in years subsequent to the first year of the policy so costs decline rapidly as policies renew after the first year. The primary factor in controlling cost under the independent agents distribution method is maintaining a high persistency rate. The persistency rate is the rate at which new business is maintained in renewal periods subsequent to the first year. The higher the persistency percentage that can be maintained, the lower overall distribution costs become due to lower commission rate payments on policies in force subsequent to the first year.
The property-casualty subsidiaries market their products through independent agents and brokers, concentrating on dwelling fire, homeowners and nonstandard auto coverage. NSFC, though one of the larger writers of lower value dwelling fire insurance in Alabama, nevertheless faces a number of competitors in this niche. Moreover, larger general line insurers also compete with NSFC. The market share in states other than Alabama is small. Price is the primary method of competition. Due to the method of marketing through independent agents, commission rates and service to the agent are also important factors in whether the independent agent agrees to offer NSFC products over its competitors.
Inflation
The Company shares the same risks from inflation as other companies. Inflation causes operating expenses to increase and erodes the purchasing power of the Company’s assets. A large portion of the Company’s assets is invested in fixed maturity investments. The purchasing power of these investments will be less at maturity because of inflation. This is generally offset by the reserves that are a fixed liability and will be paid with cheaper dollars. Also, inflation tends to increase investment yields, which may reduce the impact of the increased operating expenses caused by inflation.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The Company owns no property. The Life insurance subsidiary owns its principal executive offices located at 661 East Davis Street, Elba, Alabama. The executive offices are shared by the insurance subsidiaries. The building was constructed in 1977 and consists of approximately 26,000 square feet. The Company believes this space to be adequate for its foreseeable future needs. The Company’s subsidiaries own certain real estate properties, including approximately 2,700 acres of timberland in Alabama.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries are named as parties to litigation related to the conduct of their insurance operations. Further information regarding details of pending suits can be found in Note O to the consolidated financial statements.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a vote of Security Holders
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the three months ended December 31, 2003.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The capital stock of the Company is traded in the NASDAQ national market. Quotations are furnished by the National Association of Security Dealers Automated Quotations System (NASDAQ). The trade symbol is NSEC.
The number of shareholders of the Company’s capital stock as of January 31, 2004, was approximately 1,100.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
(Amounts in thousands, except per share)
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following analysis of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Selected Financial Data and Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere herein.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations:
Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002
Premium revenue reached a record high of $47.5 million in 2003, an increase of 45.3% over 2002 premium revenue of $32.6 million, a previous Company record. Continued strong growth in the property and casualty insurance segment was the primary catalyst contributing to the increase in premium revenue. Property and casualty premium revenue totaled $41.7 million in 2003 compared to $27.2 million in 2002. Strong growth in dwelling property lines of business, particularly homeowners type products, were the major contributor to the increase in property and casualty premium revenue. The life, accident and health segment continued to increase premium revenue at a healthy pace with a 7.5% increase over 2002.
Consolidated net income for The National Security Group (The Company) was $4.09 million in 2003 compared to $908,000 in 2002. On a per share basis earnings were $1.66 in 2003 compared to $.37 in 2002. Realized capital gains in 2003 were $1.42 million compared to $1.17 million in 2002. Pre-tax earnings were $5.7 million in 2003 compared to $1.2 million in 2002, a tenfold increase. A much improved property and casualty combined ratio in the property and casualty subsidiaries was the primary factor contributing to the significant increase in the segments pre-tax earnings. The improvement in the property and casualty combined ratio is discussed further in the segment information presented below. The life, accident and health insurance segment experienced a 50% decline in pre-tax earnings primarily due to litigation related cost, which is discussed further in Note O to the consolidated financial statements.
A 50% owned subsidiary contributed negatively to net income in the amount $29,000 in 2003. This subsidiary, The Mobile Attic, Inc., is in the business of leasing portable storage containers through independent dealers in Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.
The operating results of the subsidiaries are discussed in further detail in the sections that follow.
Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001
Consolidated net income for The National Security Group (The Company) was $908,000 in 2002 compared to $4.130 million in 2001. On a per share basis earnings were $.37 in 2002 compared to $1.67 in 2001. Adverse underwriting results in the property/casualty insurance segment were the primary factor contributing to the decline in earnings for 2002 compared to 2001. Information related to the adverse underwriting results is discussed further in the property and casualty insurance segment in the paragraphs that follow. Realized capital gains in 2002 were $1.168 million and $1.64 million in 2001. Consolidated revenues were $39.1 million in 2002 compared to $32.8 million in 2001.
Industry Segment Data
Certain financial information for The National Security Group’s three segments (life and accident and health insurance, property and casualty insurance, and other) is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
Premium revenues:
Income before taxes and equity in income of affilitate:
Life and Accident and Health Insurance Operations:
The Company’s life, accident and health insurance business is conducted through National Security Insurance Company (NSIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company organized in 1947.
Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002:
Income before income taxes in 2003 was $563,000 compared to $1,118,000 in 2002. Litigation related expenses decreased pretax earnings by nearly $300,000 and was the primary factor contributing to the 50% decline in pre-tax earnings. Pending litigation against NSIC is discussed further in Note O to the consolidated financial statements.
Premium revenue increased to $5,799,000 in 2003 compared to $5,396,000 in 2002, an increase of 7.5%. Insurance sales through independent agent distribution channels increased over 32% in 2003 over prior year; while sales through NSIC’s traditional home service distribution channel declined by 7%. While management is pleased with new business production from the independent agents distribution channel, an increased focus is now being placed on increasing retention of new business. Increased retention and persistency will not only further increase premium growth in the independent agent distribution channel, but also reduce commission expense as a percent of premium because most commission paid on an insurance contract sold through independent agents is paid in the first two years the policy is in force.
Commission expense increased 5.7% in 2003 compared to 2002. The continuing increases in new sales through independent agents and a change in the home service agents commission contract were the primary factors contributing to the increase in commission. Independent agents typically receive much higher commission rates in the early years of a policy compared to employee agents in the home service market, which typically receive a lower and more level commission over a longer number of years. With premium growth generated exclusively through independent agents, commission expense will rise at a faster rate than premium growth until a more significant block of insurance business rolls into subsequent years at lower commission rates.
Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001:
Income before income taxes in 2002 was $1,118,000 compared to $586,000 in 2001. A decrease in litigation related expenses boosted income before income tax by over $200,000 during 2002. A decline in general expenses is the other significant item contributing to the increase in income before income taxes in 2002 compared to 2001.
NSIC increased premium income 4.6% to $ 5,396,000 in 2002 compared to $5,161,000 in 2001. Life insurance premium income increased 10.5% in 2002, and accident and health insurance also had an increase of 20.5% in 2002. The life insurance sales through independent agents were the source of premium growth in NSIC in 2002.
Commission expenses increased due to the continued increase in new business production. Life insurance commissions are front loaded, meaning that significantly higher commission rates are paid in the early years of a policy and decrease significantly particularly after the first two years of the policy.
Property & Casualty Operations:
The Company’s property and casualty insurance business is conducted through National Security Fire & Casualty Company (NSFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company organized in 1959, and Omega One Insurance Company (Omega), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Security Fire & Casualty Company organized in 1992.
Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002:
Property and casualty premium revenues increased $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the same period in 2002, an increase of over 53%. The acquisition of a book of business contributed nearly $3.0 million to the total increase in premium revenue. Increased production in the homeowners line of business added nearly $5.0 million in increased premium revenue. NSFC’s traditional dwelling fire line of business grew over 32% during the year and added nearly $5.0 million in premium revenue.
Net income before income tax was $5.72 million in 2003 compared to $ 518,000 in 2002. Pre-tax income increased significantly over 2002. Results for 2002 were negatively impacted by adverse claims experience from hurricane losses in the fourth quarter of 2002 and an increased severity of losses on new business issued were the primary reasons for the significant decrease in income. Results for 2003 were much improved due to decreases in both severity and frequency of losses. Prior year growth also helped 2003 results as a larger book of renewal business helped significantly reduce NSFC loss ratios.
Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001:
Net income before income tax was $518,000 in 2002 compared to $5,440,000 in 2001. Adverse claims experience from hurricane losses in the fourth quarter of 2002 and an increased severity of losses on new business issued were the primary reasons for the significant decrease in income. In October of 2002 Hurricane Lili swept across Louisiana causing over $1,300,000 in insured losses in NSFC and Omega. However, the most significant impact on property/casualty net income for the year was poor underwriting results on new business issued. Historically, new property insurance business issued has carried a higher loss ratio than renewal business. In 2002 the property/casualty subsidiaries issued more new business than has been issued in recent history with an increase in premium revenue of over 35%. NSFC incurred numerous total losses on business in force less than one year during 2002, mostly fire losses. 33% of all dwelling property losses incurred in 2002 were attributable to fire losses of over $25,000 per occurrence. Historically, fire losses are more numerous in the winter months of December and January, but a higher frequency of fire losses was experienced throughout the year. It is difficult to prove that these higher frequency losses were connected to any single cause, such as a colder than normal winter or lightning strikes. However, with the overall economy in a downturn and personal bankruptcy at record highs in some of the states in which NSFC and Omega writes business, management believes that at least some of the losses could be attributable to arson, which in most cases is virtually impossible to prove. In an effort to stem the frequency of total fire losses, we have instituted additional underwriting standards in some states, such as providing proof of prior insurance coverage and closer evaluation of prior claims history.
Property & Casualty Combined Ratio:
A measure used to analyze a property/casualty insurer’s underwriting performance is the statutory combined ratio. It is the sum of two ratios:
a. The loss and loss expense ratio, which measures losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred as a percentage of premiums earned.
b. The underwriting expense ratio, which measures underwriting expenses incurred (e.g., agents’ commissions, premium taxes, and other administrative underwriting expenses) as a percentage of premiums written during the year.
The results of these ratios for the past three years were:
Loss and LAE Ratio
60.0%
75.5%
54.3%
Underwriting Expense Ratio 30.8% 31.9% 36.1%
Combined Ratio 90.8% 107.4% 90.4%
Maintaining a combined ratio below 100%, which indicates that the company is making an underwriting profit, depends upon many factors including hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic coast, strict underwriting of risks, and adequate and timely premium rates. A major hurricane hitting the coast of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas could cause the combined ratio to fluctuate materially from prior years. The property and casualty subsidiaries maintain catastrophe reinsurance to minimize the effect of a major catastrophe.
The combined ratio for 2003 compared to 2002 decreased 16.6 percentage points. The loss and LAE component of the combined ratio decreased 15.5 percentage points. The lack of any major catastrophes during 2003 resulted in the decrease in the combined ratio. The expense ratio declined 1.1 percentage points during 2003. The 2003 combined ratio of the property and casualty subsidiaries was much improved due to an absence of significant catastrophe related losses and a significant decrease in frequency and severity of fire related losses. As discussed last year a primary objective for us in 2004 was to focus on maintaining a manageable level of growth while reducing the loss and LAE ratio. We will continue to be proactive in managing our books of business with a primary focus on underwriting profitability.
Leasing operations:
The Company’s leasing operations are conducted through its 50% owned subsidiary, Mobile Attic, Inc. The investment in Mobile Attic is accounted for under the Equity Method in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. Mobile Attic was incorporated in August of 2001 and is a joint venture with a manufacturing partner, Cash Brothers Leasing of Elba, Alabama.
Mobile Attic is in the business of leasing portable storage containers to individual and commercial customers through an independent dealer network primarily in Alabama, but also operating in Florida and Tennessee. At December 31, 2003 Mobile Attic had available approximately 3,000 storage containers for lease and thirteen independent dealers. The portable storage containers are eight feet wide and eight feet tall and are available in lengths of 8, 16, 20, and 40 feet. Independent dealers market these portable storage containers primarily to household customers in need of a convenient alternative to fixed location mini-storage, commercial customers in need of secure storage facilities at job sites, and retail customers for storage of seasonal inventory.
Mobile Attic began the steps to franchise its business model during 2003. Expansion through this new avenue will allow Mobile Attic to venture more rapidly into new areas and expand into larger cities while significantly reducing future capital requirements. Mobile Attic will begin selling franchised locations in the first quarter of 2004.
In 2003 Mobile Attic generated a $29,000 net loss. The business generated positive cash flow for the year, but a decrease in revenues from dealer fees and utilization fees below expected ultimate levels generated a small operating loss for the year. Mobile Attic completed the construction of company owned storage units in late 2003 and as the utilization rates on these units increase, cash flow and profits will improve significantly. Net income in 2002 was $136,000 and primarily driven by the addition of several dealers during the year, thus increasing dealer fee revenue. In 2001, the year in which operations began, gross rental revenues were $87,000. In 2003 gross rental revenues were just under $1.5 million. It is anticipated that Mobile Attic will produce rental revenue of over $2.0 million in 2004 with over 3400 storage containers available for lease by year-end 2004. Mobile Attic expects to add 20 to 25 franchised locations during 2004.
Asset Portfolio Review:
The life insurance and property/casualty subsidiaries primarily invest in highly liquid investment grade debt and equity securities. At December 31, 2003, the company’s holdings in debt securities amounted to 73.7% of total investments and 64.1% of total assets. The following is a breakdown of the bond portfolio quality according to National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Securities Valuation Office (SVO) rating standards, and the nationally recognized rating organization equivalents of Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s:
As of January 1, 1994, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 115 and reclassified a portion of its fixed maturity securities portfolio as “available-for-sale,” with the remainder being classified as “held-to-maturity.” With that reclassification, the fixed maturity securities classified as “available-for-sale” are carried at fair value and changes in fair values, net of related income taxes, are charged or credited to shareholders’ equity (see Note E to the consolidated financial statements).
The insurance subsidiaries’ fixed maturity securities include mortgage-backed bonds, primarily collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO’s), of $7.8 million and $5.4 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively. The mortgage-backed bonds are subject to risks associated with variable prepayments of the underlying mortgage loans. Prepayments cause those securities to have different actual maturities than that expected at the time of purchase. Securities that are purchased at a premium to par value and prepay faster than expected will incur a reduction in yield or loss. Securities that are purchased at a discount to par value and prepay faster than expected will generate an increase in yield or gain. The degree to which a security is susceptible to either gains or losses is influenced by the difference between amortized cost and par value, the relative sensitivity of the underlying mortgages backing the assets to prepayments in a changing interest rate environment and the repayment priority of the securities in the overall securitization structure.
Liquidity and Capital Resources: Due to regulatory restrictions, the majority of the Company’s cash is required to be invested in investment-grade securities to provide ample protection for policyholders. The liabilities of the insurance subsidiaries are of various terms and, therefore, those subsidiaries invest in securities with various maturities spread over periods usually not exceeding 10 years.
The liquidity requirements for the Company are primarily met by funds generated from operations of the life insurance and property/casualty insurance subsidiaries. Premium and investment income as well as maturities and sales of invested assets provide the primary sources of cash for both the life and property/casualty businesses, while applications of cash are applied by both businesses to the payment of policy benefits, the cost of acquiring new business (principally commissions), operating expenses, purchases of new investment, and in the case of life insurance, policy loans.
The National Security Group’s consolidated statement of cash flows indicate that operating activities provided cash of $10.7 million, $4.3 million, $2.9 million in 2003, 2002, and 2001 respectively. Those statements also classify the other sources and uses of cash by investing activities, and financing activities and disclose the amount of cash available at the end of the year to meet the Company’s obligations.
The Company has standby letters of credit of less than $25,000. These letters are used to guarantee obligations of the property/casualty subsidiary under assumed reinsurance contracts. Certain invested assets of the Company secure the letters of credit. The Company also routinely incurs liability for declared but unpaid dividends. Long-term liquidity needs of the Company constitute only those items, which are directly related to the principal business operations of the Company.
The Company has notes payable of $3.1 million at December 31, 2003. The notes payable are to be repaid in quarterly installments over five years.
The ability of the Company to meet its commitments for timely payment of claims and other expenses depends, in addition to current cash flow, on the liquidity of its investments. On December 31, 2003, the Company had no known impairments of assets or changes in operation, which would have a material adverse effect upon liquidity. Approximately 85% of the Company’s assets are invested in cash; investment grade fixed income securities, short-term investments and broadly traded equity securities, which are highly liquid. The values of these investments are subject to the conditions of the markets in which they are traded. Past fluctuations in these markets have had little effect on the liquidity of the Company. The Company has relatively little exposure to lower grade fixed income investments which might be especially subject to liquidity problems due to thinly traded markets.
Except as discussed in Note O to the consolidated financial statements, the Company is aware of no known trends, events, or uncertainties reasonably likely to have a material effect on its liquidity, capital resources, or operations. Additionally, the Company has not been made aware of any recommendations of regulatory authorities, which if implemented, would have such an effect.
As disclosed in note L to the consolidated financial statements, in 2003, the amount that The National Security Group’s insurance subsidiaries can transfer in the form of dividends to the parent company is limited to $1.1 million in the life insurance subsidiary and $2.0 million in the property/casualty insurance subsidiary. However, that condition poses no short-term or long-term liquidity concerns for the parent company.
Statutory Risk-Based Capital of Insurance Subsidiaries: The NAIC has adopted Risk-Based Capital (RBC) requirements for life/health and property/casualty insurance companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks such as asset quality, mortality and morbidity, asset and liability matching, benefit and loss reserve adequacy, and other business factors. State insurance regulators will use the RBC formula as an early warning tool to identify, for the purpose of initiating regulatory action, insurance companies that potentially are inadequately capitalized. In addition, the formula defines new minimum capital standards that will supplement the current system of low fixed minimum capital and surplus requirements on a state-by-state basis. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of the company’s regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within levels, each of which requires corrective action.
The levels and ratios are as follows:
Regulatory Event Ratio of Total Adjusted Capital to
Authorized Control Level RBC
(Less Than or Equal to)
Company action level 2.0
Regulatory action level 1.5
Authorized control level 1.0
Mandatory control level 0.7
The ratios of Total Adjusted Capital to Authorized Control Level RBC for The National Security Group’s life/health and property/casualty insurance subsidiaries are all in excess of four to one at December 31, 2003.
National Security Insurance Company (life insurer) has regulatory adjusted capital of $11.37 million and $11.47 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and a ratio of regulatory total adjusted capital to authorized control level RBC of 16.0 and 17.1 at December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively. Accordingly, National Security Insurance Company meets the minimum RBC requirements.
National Security Fire & Casualty Company (property/casualty insurer) has regulatory adjusted capital of $23.1 million and $20.2 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and a ratio of regulatory total adjusted capital to authorized control level RBC of 4.0 and 5.3 at December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively. Accordingly, National Security Fire & Casualty Company meets the minimum RBC requirements.
Omega One Insurance Company (property/casualty insurer), which began writing business in late 1995, has regulatory adjusted capital of $6.7 million and $5.7 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and a ratio of regulatory total adjusted capital to authorized control level RBC of 9.3 and 8.7 at December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively. Accordingly, Omega One Insurance Company meets the minimum RBC requirements.
Information about Forward-Looking Statements
Any statement contained in this report which is not a historical fact, or which might otherwise be considered an opinion or projection concerning the Company or its business, whether expressed or implied, is meant as and should be considered a forward-looking statement as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and opinions concerning a variety of known and unknown risks, including but not limited to changes in market conditions, natural disasters and other catastrophic events, increased competition, changes in availability and cost of reinsurance, changes in governmental regulations, technological changes, political and legal contingencies and general economic conditions, as well as other risks and uncertainties more completely described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these assumptions or opinions proves incorrect, any forward-looking statements made on the basis of such assumptions or opinions may also prove materially incorrect in one or more respects and may cause future results to differ materially from those contemplated, projected, estimated or budgeted in such forward-looking statements.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company’s primary objectives in managing its investment portfolio are to maximize investment income and total investment returns while minimizing overall credit risk. Investment strategies are developed based on many factors including changes in interest rates, overall market conditions, underwriting results, regulatory requirements, and tax position. Investment decisions are made by management and reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. Market risk represents the potential for loss due to adverse changes in fair value of securities. The three potential risks related to the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio are interest rate risk, prepayment risk, and default risk. The primary risk related to the Company’s equity portfolio is equity price risk
Since the Company’s assets and liabilities are largely monetary in nature, the Company’s financial position and earnings are subject to risks resulting from changes in interest rates at varying maturities, changes in spreads over U.S. Treasuries on new investment opportunities, changes in the yield curve and equity pricing risks.
The Company is exposed to equity price risk on its equity securities. The Company holds common stock with a fair value of $18.9 million. If the market value of the S & P 500 Index decreased 10% from its December 31, 2003 value, the fair value of the Company’s common stock would decrease by approximately $1.9 million.
Certain fixed interest rate market risk sensitive instruments may not give rise to incremental income or loss during the period illustrated but may be subject to changes in fair values. Note A in the consolidated financial statements presents additional disclosures concerning fair values of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, and is incorporated by reference herein.
The Company limits the extent of its market risk by purchasing securities that are backed by stable collateral, the majority of the assets are issued by U.S. government sponsored entities. Also, the majority of all of the subsidiaries’ CMO’s are Planned Amortization Class (PAC) bonds. PAC bonds are typically the lowest risk CMO’s, and provide greater cash flow predictability. Such securities with reduced risk typically have a lower yield, but higher liquidity, than higher-risk mortgage backed bonds. To reduce the risk of loss of principal should prepayments exceed expectations, the Company does not purchase mortgage backed securities at significant premiums over par value.
The Company’s investment approach in the equity markets is based primarily on a fundamental analysis of value. This approach requires the investment committee to invest in well managed, primarily dividend paying companies, which have a low debt to capital ratio, above average return on net worth for a sustained period of time, and low price to book value or low volatility rating (beta) relative to the market. The dividends provide a steady cash flow to help pay current claim liabilities, and it has been the Company’s experience that by following this investment strategy, long term investment results have been superior to those offered by bonds, while keeping the risk of loss of capital to a minimum relative to the overall equity market.
Item 8.
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
Consolidated Statements of Income -
Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001
Consolidated Balance Sheets -
December 31, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity -
Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -
December 31, 2003
Financial Statement Schedules:
Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants
on Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule I. Summary of Investments -
December 31, 2003 and 2002
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant -
December 31, 2003 and 2002
Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information -
December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001
Schedule IV. Reinsurance -
Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001
All other Schedules are not required under related instructions or are
inapplicable and therefore have been omitted
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Board of Directorsand
Shareholders of
The National Security Group, Inc.Elba,
Alabama
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The National Security Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The National Security Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Birmingham, Alabama
February 26, 2004
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
The National Security Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'Equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The National Security Group, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: National Security Insurance Company (NSIC), National Security Fire and Casualty Company (NSFC) and NATSCO, Inc. (NATSCO). NSFC includes a wholly-owned subsidiary - Omega One Insurance Company (Omega). Omega included a wholly-owned subsidiary - Liberty Southern Insurance Company (LSIC) through September 30, 2001. LSIC was liquidated on September 30, 2001. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
Investment in Affiliate
The company’s investment in affiliate consists of a 50% interest in Mobile Attic, Inc., a portable storage leasing company. The company accounts for this investment using the equity method (see Notes B, O and Q).
Description of Major Products
NSIC is licensed in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, South Carolina and Florida and was organized in 1947 to provide life and burial insurance policies to the home service market. Premiums sold and serviced by company agents primarily include industrial life, larger ordinary life, accident and health, limited hospital, cancer and low valued life insurance. NSFC operates in various property and casualty lines, the most significant of which are low valued dwelling property, home service fire, nonstandard automobile physical damage and liability, nonstandard commercial, ocean marine and inland marine. Omega operates in property and casualty lines, the most significant of which is commercial auto liability.
Basis of Presentation
The significant accounting policies followed by The National Security Group, Inc. and subsidiaries that materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which, as to the subsidiary insurance companies, differ from statutory accounting practices permitted by regulatory authorities.
Investments
The Company’s securities are classified in two categories and accounted for as follows:
o
Securities Held-to-Maturity. Bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stock for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts which are recognized in interest income using methods which approximate level yields over the period to maturity.
o
Securities Available-for-Sale. Bonds, notes, common stock and non-redeemable preferred stock not classified as either held-to-maturity, or trading are reported at fair value, adjusted for other-than-temporary declines in fair value.
The Company and its subsidiaries have no trading securities.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Investments - continued
Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on securities available-for-sale are reported as a net amount in a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.
Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities available-for-sale are determined using the specific-identification method.
Mortgage loans and policy loans are stated at the unpaid principal balance of such loans. Investment real estate is reported at cost, less allowances for depreciation computed on the straight-line basis. Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value. Investments with other than temporary impairment in value are written down to estimated realizable values.
Receivable from Agents
Agent balances are reported at unpaid balances, less a provision for credit losses.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and includes expenditures that substantially increase the useful lives of existing property and equipment. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renovations are charged to expense as incurred. Upon sale or retirement of property and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the respective account and the resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations. The Company provides for depreciation of property and equipment using the straight-line method designed to amortize costs over estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives range up to 40 years for buildings and from 3-20 years for electronic data processing equipment and furniture and fixtures.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The table below presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, as defined in accordance with applicable requirements. Fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are estimated by reference to quoted prices from market sources and financial institutions, as well as other valuation techniques. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using present value or other valuation techniques. The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, such as estimates of timing and amount of expected future cash flows. Such estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.
Certain financial instruments, particularly insurance liabilities other than financial guarantees and investment contracts, leases and affiliate investments, are excluded from the disclosures. In evaluating the Company’s management of interest rate and liquidity risk, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - continued
The fair values of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and balances due on accounts from agents, reinsurers and others approximate their carrying amounts as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets due to their short-term availability or maturity.
Statement of Cash Flows
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash includes cash-on-hand and demand deposits with banks.
Premium Revenues
Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenues when due. Property and casualty insurance premiums, less amounts ceded to reinsurers, are recognized on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies. Reinsurance premiums assumed are recognized as reported by the ceding company.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The costs of acquiring new insurance business are deferred and amortized over the lives of the policies. Deferred costs include commissions, other agency compensation and expenses, and other underwriting expenses directly related to the level of new business produced.
Acquisition costs relating to life contracts are amortized over the premium paying period of the contracts, or the first renewal period of term policies, if earlier. Assumptions utilized in amortization are consistent with those utilized in computing policy liabilities.
The method of computing the deferred policy acquisition costs for property and casualty policies limits the amount deferred to a percentage of related unearned premiums.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Policy Liabilities
The liability for future life insurance policy benefits is computed using a net level premium method including the following assumptions:
Mortality assumptions include various percentages of the 1955-60 and 1965-70 Select and Ultimate Basic Male Mortality Table. Withdrawal assumptions are based on the Company’s experience.
Claim Liabilities
The liability for unpaid claims represents the estimated liability for claims reported to the Company and its subsidiaries plus claims incurred but not yet reported and the related adjustment expenses. The liabilities for claims and related adjustment expenses are determined using case-basis evaluations and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate net cost of all losses incurred through December 31 of each year. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liabilities for unpaid claims and related adjustment expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary; such adjustments are included in current operations.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. The adjusted weighted average shares outstanding were 2,466,600 (2,466,600 in 2002 and 2001).
Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, NSFC seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy. Amounts paid for prospective reinsurance contracts are reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and amortized over the remaining contract period.
In the normal course of business, NSIC seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under excess coverage contracts. NSIC retains a maximum of $30,000 of coverage per individual life. The cost of reinsurance is amortized over the contract period of the reinsurance.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial statements to make the prior year amounts comparable to those of the current year. Such reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net income or shareholders’ equity.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Advertising
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were $89,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 ($101,000 and $110,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively).
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash depository accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. These amounts represent actual account balances held by financial institutions at the end of the period, and unlike the balance reported in the financial statements, the account balances do not reflect timing delays inherent in reconciling items such as outstanding checks and deposits in transit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2003, the Company’s uninsured cash balances totaled $289,000.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities, and must be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 149 was effective for certain contracts entered into or modified by the company after June 30, 2003. The Company adopted SFAS No. 149 effective July 1, 2003 with no material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Financial instruments that are within the scope of the statement, which previously were often classified as equity, must now be classified as liabilities. This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise generally effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. FIN 45 expands the disclosures required by guarantors for obligations under certain types of guarantees. It also requires initial recognition at fair value of a liability for such guarantees. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of FIN 45 for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 and the liability recognition requirements to all guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The adoption of these requirements did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities-an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. FIN No. 46 addresses consolidation by business enterprises where equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. The underlying principle behind FIN 46 is that if a business enterprise has the majority financial interest in an entity, which is defined in FIN 46 as a variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities and results of the activities of the variable interest entity should be included in the consolidated financial statements with those of the business enterprise. In December 2003, the FASB issued Revised FIN 46 (FIN 46R) to clarify certain aspects of FIN 46 including the determination of who is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. FIN 46R postponed the effective date as to when companies are required to apply the provisions prospectively for all variable interest entities in existence prior to January 31, 2003 until the first financial reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004. However, for entities that are considered to be special purpose entities, the effective date of FIN 46R is financial reporting periods after December 15, 2003. The Company does not have an interest in any special purpose entities. The Company expects to consolidate its affiliate, Mobile Attic, Inc., upon adoption of FIN 46R in the first quarter 2004. The consolidation of Mobile Attic is expected to increase total assets by approximately $15 million, total liabilities by approximately $13 million and total shareholders’ equity by approximately $1 million. The consolidation of Mobile Attic is not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations as the Company is currently accounting for the investment under the equity method. See Notes B, O and Q for additional information related to the VIE.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE B - INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE
Summarized financial information for the Company's investment in Mobile Attic, Inc., accounted for by the equity method, follows:
NOTE C - STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which vary in certain respects from reporting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities. The significant differences for statutory reporting include: (a) acquisition costs of acquiring new business are charged to operations as incurred, (b) life policy liabilities are established utilizing interest and mortality factors specified by regulatory authorities, (c) the Asset Valuation Reserve (AVR) and the Interest Maintenance Reserve (IMR) are recorded as liabilities, and (d) non-admitted assets (furniture and equipment, agents’ debit balances and prepaid expenses) are charged directly to surplus.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Statutory net gains from operations and capital and surplus, excluding intercompany transactions, are summarized as follows:
The above amounts exclude allocation of overhead from the Company. NSIC, NSFC and Omega are in compliance with statutory restrictions with regard to minimum amounts of surplus and capital.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE D - INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The amortized cost and aggregate fair values of investments in securities are as follows:
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE D - INVESTMENT SECURITIES - CONTINUED
The amortized cost and aggregate fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity, are as follows. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
For 2003, gross gains of $2,266,000 ($1,412,000 for 2002 and $1,785,000 for 2001) and gross losses of $858,000 ($318,000 for 2002 and $324,000 for 2001) were realized on sales of available-for-sale-securities.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE E - INVESTMENT SECURITIES - CONTINUED
During the first quarter of 2003 the Company transferred certain corporate bonds from the SFAS 115 classification of held-to-maturity to available-for -sale. This decision was made due to circumstances considered by the Company to be both unusual and nonrecurring, which could not have been reasonably anticipated. With interest rates at four decade lows and corporate bond spreads extremely tight relative to Treasuries, the Company intends to sell certain (primarily corporate) bonds which were previously held in the SFAS 115 classification of held-to-maturity. The proceeds of these bonds will be reinvested primarily in agency securities and in the process raise the overall credit quality of the portfolio. The net carrying amount of the securities transferred was $9,833,000 and unrealized gains (net of tax) on these securities totaled $467,000 at the transfer date.
The gross unrealized investment losses and related fair value for securities available for sale at December 31, 2003 were as follow:
All unrealized losses are reviewed to determine whether the losses are other than temporary. Factors considered include whether the securities are backed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and concerns surrounding the recovery of full principal. Management believes the unrealized losses are market driven and no ultimate loss will occur.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE E - NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Major categories of investment income are summarized as follows:
An analysis of the net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale securities follows:
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE F - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
At December 31, property and equipment consisted of the following:
Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $419,000 ($206,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 and $197,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001).
NOTE H - INCOME TAXES
Total income tax expense varies from amounts computed by applying current federal income tax rates to income before income taxes. The reason for these differences and the approximate tax effects are as follows:
Net deferred tax liabilities are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax laws.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE G - INCOME TAXES - CONTINUED
The tax effect of significant differences representing deferred assets and liabilities are as follows:
The appropriate income tax effects of changes in temporary differences are as follows:
Under pre-1984 life insurance company tax laws, a portion of NSIC’s gain from operations was not subject to current income taxation, but was accumulated for tax purposes in a memorandum account designated “policyholders’ surplus”. The aggregate balance in this account, $3,720,000 at December 31, 2003, would be taxed at current rates only if distributed to shareholders or if the account exceeded a prescribed minimum. The Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 eliminated additions to policyholders’ surplus for 1984 and thereafter. Deferred taxes have not been provided on amounts designated as policyholders’ surplus. The deferred income tax liability not recognized is approximately $1,270,000 at December 31, 2003.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE H - LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following as of December 31:
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the four years subsequent to December 31, 2003 are as follows (dollars in thousands): 2004-$339; 2005-$351; 2006-$365; 2007-$2,004.
NOTE I - POLICY AND CLAIM RESERVES
At December 31, policy and claim reserves consisted of the following:
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE I - POLICY AND CLAIM RESERVES - CONTINUED
The following table is a reconciliation of beginning and ending property and casualty reserve balances for claims and claim adjustment expense for the years ended December 31:
As a result of changes in estimates of insured events in prior years, the provision for claims and claim adjustment expenses (net of reinsurance recoveries) decreased in 2003, 2002 and 2001 because of lower-than-anticipated losses in commercial and private passenger automobile lines of business.
The Company has a geographic exposure to catastrophe losses in certain areas of the country. Catastrophes can be caused by various events including hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail, severe winter weather, explosions and fires, and the incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Most catastrophe losses are restricted to small geographic areas; however, hurricanes and earthquakes may produce significant damage in large, heavily populated areas. The Company generally seeks to reduce its exposure to catastrophes through individual risk selection and the purchase of catastrophe reinsurance.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE J - REINSURANCE
The Company’s insurance operations participate in reinsurance in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to large risks, provide additional capacity for future growth and effect business-sharing arrangements. Life reinsurance is accomplished through yearly renewable term. Property and casualty reinsurance is placed on both a quota-share and excess of loss basis. Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not discharge the insurance subsidiaries as the primary insurer, except for cases involving a novation. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the insurance subsidiaries. The insurance subsidiaries evaluate the financial conditions of their reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities, or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize their exposure to significant losses from reinsurance insolvencies. At December 31, 2003, reinsurance receivables with a carrying value of $765,000 ($220,000 at December 31, 2002) and prepaid reinsurance premiums of $496,000 ($343,000 at December 31, 2002) were associated with a single reinsurer. The amounts of recoveries pertaining to reinsurance contracts that were deducted from losses incurred during 2003, 2002 and 2001 were approximately $580,000, $374,000, and $989,000, respectively
The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned was as follows:
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE K - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
In 1989, the Company and its subsidiaries established a retirement savings plan and transferred the assets from the defined contribution profit sharing plan into the new plan. All full-time employees who have completed one year of service at January 1 or July 1 are eligible to participate and all employee contributions are fully vested for employees who have completed 1,000 hours of service in the year of contribution. Contributions for 2003, 2002, and 2001 amounted to $228,000, $177,000, and $130,000, respectively. Contributions are at the Board of Directors’ discretion subject to governmental limitations.
In 1987, the Company established a deferred compensation plan for its Board of Directors. The Board members have an option of deferring their fees to a cash account or to a stock account and all share deferrals are recorded at the fair market value on the date of the award. Costs of the deferred compensation plan for 2003, 2002, and 2001 amounted to approximately $421,000, $19,000, and $35,000, respectively.
NOTE L - REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
The amount of dividends paid from NSIC to the Company in any year may not exceed, without prior approval of regulatory authorities, the greater of 10% of statutory surplus as of the end of the preceding year, or the statutory net gain from operations for the preceding year. At December 31, 2003, NSIC’s retained earnings unrestricted for the payment of dividends in 2004 amounted to $1,019,000.
NSFC is similarly restricted in the amount of dividends payable to the Company; dividends may not exceed the greater of 10% of statutory surplus as of the end of the preceding year, or net income for the preceding year. As a result, dividends from NSFC to the Company are limited to $2,526,000 in 2004.
At December 31, 2003, securities with market values of $3,606,000 ($3,564,000 at December 31, 2002) were deposited with various states pursuant to statutory requirements.
Under applicable Alabama insurance laws and regulations, NSFC is required to maintain a minimum total surplus (to include both paid-in and contributed and unassigned surplus) of $100,000.
Under applicable Alabama insurance laws and regulations, NSIC is required to maintain a minimum total surplus (to include both paid-in and contributed and unassigned surplus) of $200,000.
Under applicable Alabama insurance laws and regulations, Omega is required to maintain a minimum total surplus (to include both paid-in and contributed and unassigned surplus) of $600,000.
NOTE M - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock
The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series as shall from time to time be determined and authorized by the Board of Directors. The directors may make specific provisions regarding (a) the voting rights, if any (b) whether such dividends are to be cumulative or noncumulative (c) the redemption provisions, if any (d) participating rights, if any (e) any sinking fund or other retirement provisions (f) dividend rates (g) the number of shares of such series and (h) liquidation preference.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE M - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
The holders of the Class A Common Stock will have one-twentieth of one vote per share, and the holders of the common stock will have one vote per share.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or distribution of the assets of the Company remaining after the payments to the holders of the Preferred Stock of the full preferential amounts to which they may be entitled as provided in the resolution or resolutions creating any series thereof, the remaining assets of the Company shall be divided and distributed among the holders of both classes of common stock, except as may otherwise be provided in any such resolution or resolutions.
NOTE N - INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
The Company and its subsidiaries operate primarily in the insurance industry. Premium revenues and operating income by industry segment for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are summarized below:
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE N - INDUSTRY SEGMENTS - CONTINUED
Capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2003, were $645,000 for the individual life and accident and health insurance segment, $118,000 for the property and casualty insurance segment and $88,000 for other segments.
NOTE O - CONTINGENCIES
Financial Guarantee
At December 31, 2003, the Company guaranteed the $13 million lines of credit of its affiliate, Mobile Attic, Inc. The Company is paid a guaranty fee based on the average balance of the line of credit. In 2003, the Company received $114,000 ($15,000 in 2002) in guaranty fees. The term of the guarantee is two years. Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if Mobile Attic, Inc. failed to perform completely as contracted. The credit risk of $13 million assumes that no amounts could be recovered from other parties.
Litigation
The Company and its subsidiaries continue to be named as parties to litigation related to the conduct of their insurance operations. These suits involve alleged breaches of contracts, torts, including bad faith and fraud claims based on alleged wrongful or fraudulent acts of agents of the Company’s subsidiaries, and miscellaneous other causes of action. Most of these lawsuits include claims for punitive damages in addition to other specified relief.
In two separate actions, NSIC is named as a defendant in purported class actions relating to the past sale of industrial burial insurance. The actions address whether the premiums charged were “excessive” relative to the benefit provided and whether the premiums charged were in any manner discriminatory relative to the race of the person insured. In addition, several individual actions on behalf of specifically named persons have been filed with similar allegations. No class has been certified in either of the purported class actions although a Motion for Class Certification has been filed in one of the actions. While NSIC did at one time sell industrial burial insurance, no such plans have been sold for several decades.
NSFC was named a defendant in a Washington County, Alabama action alleging fraud and bad faith in connection with a claim for wind damage to a mobile home. This action was settled in January 2004 under terms which required that the amount be kept confidential. The amount of this settlement has been reflected in the financial statements for the period ending December 31, 2003.
The company establishes and maintains reserves on contingent liabilities. In many instances, however, it is not feasible to predict the ultimate outcome with any degree of accuracy. While a resolution of these matters may significantly impact consolidated earnings and the Company’s consolidated financial position, it remains management’s opinion, based on information presently available, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position. However, it should be noted that instances of class action lawsuits against insurance companies appear to be increasing in several states in which insurance subsidiaries of the company operate.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
NOTE P - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest during 2003 was $204,000 ($261,000 in 2002 and $241,000 in 2001). Cash paid for income taxes in 2003 was $400,000 ($76,000 in 2002 and $800,000 in 2001). In 2002, noncash investing activity consisted of the conversion of a $725,000 note receivable to an equity investment.
NOTE Q - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
At December 31, notes receivable from affiliate consisted of the following:
During 2003, the company advance a total of $3,074,000 to its affiliate, Mobile Attic, Inc., under various short-term notes payable. All advances were fully repaid in 2003. The company received $25,000 in interest on the advances.
During 2002, the balance on the convertible line of credit was increased to $1 million and, under the terms of the line of credit, $725,000 of the balance was converted to common equity of the affiliate. The remaining $275,000 was converted to the long-term note described above.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
The National Security Group, Inc.
Elba, Alabama
Under the date of February 26, 2004, we reported on the balance sheets of The National Security Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2003, which are included in this Form 10-K. In connection with our audit of the aforementioned financial statements, we also audited the related financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statement schedules based on our audit.
In our opinion, such 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.
Birmingham, Alabama
February 26, 2004
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE I. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (CONSOLIDATED)
(Amounts in thousands)
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands)
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Note 1-Basis of Presentation
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant does not include all of the information and notes normally included with financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It is, therefore, suggested that this Condensed Financial Information be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Registrant’s Annual Report as referenced in Form 10-K, Part II, Item 8, page 22.
Note 2-Cash Dividends from Subsidiaries
Dividends of $2.3 million in 2003, $2.7 million in 2002 and $2.55 million in 2001 were paid to the Registrant by its subsidiaries.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (CONSOLIDATED)
(Amounts in thousands)
Note: Investment income and other operating expenses are reported separately by segment and not allocated.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE IV. REINSURANCE (CONSOLIDATED)
(Amounts in thousands)
None.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information contained on pages 3-5 of The National Security Group’s Proxy Statement dated March 15, 2004, with respect to directors and executive officers of the Company, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
The Company's Code of Ethics for Senoir Financial Officers is available at www.nationalsecuritygroup.com. The Company intends to disclose any amendments or waivers with respect to its Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers on its website at www.nationalsecuritygroup.com.The Board of Directors has determined that Walter P. Wilkerson, CPA, qualifies as a financial expert on the Audit Committee within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information contained on pages 9 and 10 of The National Security Group’s Proxy Statement dated March 15, 2004, with respect to executive compensation and transactions, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information contained on page 7 of The National Security Group’s Proxy Statement dated March 15, 2004, with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, is incorporated herein by reference to this item.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information contained on page 8 of The National Security Group’s Proxy Statement dated March 15, 2004, with respect to certain relationships and related transactions, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
Item 14.
Item 14. Controls and Procedures
Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion. There have been no significant changes in internal controls, or in factors that could significantly affect internal controls, subsequent to the date the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer completed their evaluation.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, financial statement schedules, and reports on Form 8-K
a. The following documents are filed as part of this report: Page #
Page #
Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants
Consolidated Statements of Income--Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 2002 and 2001
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders´ Equity--Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, 2001
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements--December 31, 2003
Schedule I. Summary Of Investments--December 31, 2003 and 2002
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant--December 31, 2003 and 2002
Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information-December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001
Schedule IV. Reinsurance--Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, 2001
Exhibit 99.1.ãCertification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 99.2.ãCertification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 99.3. Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 99.4. Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
All other Schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
b. Reports on Form 8-K
None
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE NATIONAL SECURITY GROUP, INC.
/s/ Brian R. McLeod /s/ William L. Brunson, Jr.
Brian R. McLeod
Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer William L. Brunson, Jr.
President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Date: March 31, 2004
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in their capacity as a Director of The National Security Group, Inc. on March 31, 2004.
SIGNATURE
/s/ Winfield Baird /s/ Mickey L. Murdock
/s/ Carolyn Brunson /s/ Donald Pittman
/s/ Jack R. Brunson /s/ James B. Saxon
/s/ Jack E. Brunson /s/ Paul C. Wesch
/s/ William L. Brunson, Jr. /s/ L. Brunson White
/s/ Fred D. Clark, Jr. /s/ Walter P. Wilkerson
The National Security Group, Inc.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF
I, William L. Brunson, Jr. certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The National Security Group, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statement made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers 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 annual 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 annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and c) presented in this annual 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 officers 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 weakness 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 officers and I have indicated in this annual 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 weakness.
Date: March 30, 2004
/s/ W L Brunson Jr.
William L. Brunson, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
The National Security Group, Inc.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF
I, Brian R. McLeod certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The National Security Group, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statement made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers 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 annual 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 annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and c) presented in this annual 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 officers 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 weakness 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 officers and I have indicated in this annual 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 weakness.
Date: March 30, 2004
/s/ Brian R McLeod
Brian R. McLeod, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
The National Security Group, Inc.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF
I, William L. Brunson, Jr. certify that:
1. The periodic report containing the financial statements fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and 2. Information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the issuer.
Date: March 30, 2004
/s/ W L Brunson Jr.
William L. Brunson, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
The National Security Group, Inc.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF
I, Brian R. McLeod certify that:
1. The periodic report containing the financial statements fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and 2. Information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the issuer.
Date: March 30, 2004
/s/ Brian R McLeod
Brian R. McLeod, CPA
Chief Financial Officer